The University of Avalon
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Chapter 3
The shuttle to the dorms was the same large purple bus that brought them from Majesty Station. When the doors swung open Sasporilla was surprised to see the driver was different. An older woman with frizzy blue hair, wearing a white uniform and cap with a name tag that read Carmalita smiled, "Good morning. If I could have everyone one in the Alexis tower on first please, then the Avon tower... thank you. Next the Avonshire Tower? Lovely!"
This went on for some time until everyone was arranged by drop off. This made it so much easier for Carmalita and this way she knew if someone wasn't getting off, they weren't far from where they belonged.
The bus drove through the campus and turned down the curved street of dorm towers that circled the university campus, known as "The Henge."
Each tower had its own unique architectural style but much to Sasporilla's surprise they weren't alphabetically placed to arrive at.
"Mordridium Dorm," Carmalita called out, "First stop!"
There were at least half a dozen students getting off at each dorm. They disembarked with both the excitement and trepidation that a new place brings.
"Next stop Avonshire Tower." Carmalita called out as the bus pulled away.
Sasporilla gulped trepidaciously as she saw the tower they approached. Some how she pictured the Avonshire tower, being much like the town of the same name in which she grew up, Small and under stated. This tower was everything but. The Avonshire tower was perhaps the tallest of the tower dorms. It's walls looked to be carved from one single piece of polished ivory, but from what?
"Did you know," Kathleen smiled, "that the ivory used in the construction of the Avonshire tower was actually donated from the leg bone of a giant Drodakorn!"
"A what?" Christin asked.
"Drodakorn's, or Drodakornum Gigantus, are extremely rare creatures akin to flying fire griffins. They have ten legs and four wings and can travel amongst the stars." Kathleen said proudly.
"That's incredible!" Sasporilla said. "And it donated this bone?"
"Legend says the poor creature had an infection and the leg needed amputation." Kathleen frowned. "Magi took the leg and healed the wound then grew the creature a new leg. From the bone they built this tower. It's actually one of the most ancient structures in Avalon."
"Brilliant." Sasporilla smiled as the bus pulled up in front.
"Avonshire tower." Carmalita called. "All out who's going."
"You know I grew up in a small town called Avonshire near Essex." Sasporilla said.
"That's a weird coincidence." Christine mused.
"Perhaps the university felt you'd feel at home here? Kathleen smiled. "Was it a nice place."
"Small, but it was home." Sassy sighed. "But then home is where you make it. Shall we?"
The young witches headed up small carved steps through the big intricately carved golden doors that swung open as if as light as paper. Above The lobby of the towers entry hall hung a grand vaulted ceiling covered with paintings.
"Look at the art!" Christin gasped. "These were painted by various masters over time. Castora VanBeek! Mandragora Thorne! Haordrag The Red, during his blue period! All depicting great moments in the history of the Magi, but more specifically, Magi that have lived in the Avonshire Tower!"
Sasporilla drew her wand and posed next to Kathleen. "Then it's a good thing we met you Christin. You can start painting us now! You'll just have to paint yourself in!"
"Oh my no!" Christin said humbly. "I am no where near there level of mastery."
"Perhaps they are no where near yours?" Sasporilla mused. "Beauty is on they eye of the beholder."
Steps circled their way up the sides of the towers round walls and disappeared far above.
"Looks like we've got quite a climb ahead of us." Sasporilla said.
"En con trear." A voice said.
The young witches looked around to see that it was a wizard, dressed in bright yellow robes and a floppy pointy hat, in a painting that hung at the base of the steps that addressed them.
"Our dorm room is quite a way up." Sasporilla said. "Do you know of a quicker way up than the stairs?"
"Well you can of course always take a broom up if you have a private landing." The wizard in the painting said. "You can't apperate in and out of course. That sort of thing is blocked to stop all sorts of nefarious activities. No my stairs are still the best way up and down."
"Your stairs?" Kathleen asked. "Are you Cranston Marsters? The architect of the Avonshire tower?"
"And many more of the grand buildings of Avalon, my young witch." The old wizard bowed, losing his floppy hat which fell out of frame. Cranston Marsters chased after it with some choice words. He reappeared replacing the hat back on his head. "Now, where were we? Ah yes! The steps! Who wants to have the first go?"
Sasporilla looked at Christin, who looked at Kathleen, who looked at Sasporilla. Sassy stepped forward with a nervous sigh. "I guess I'll volunteer."
"Wonderful!" The wizard in the painting smiled. "All you need to do is step up onto the first step. Take out your ID card and touch it to the crystal on the banister and hang on to the rail..."
Sassy did as she was instructed. She stepped up on the solidly carved Ivory step. She pulled out her ID card and touched it to the finely carved crystal globe on the banisters end. It Glowed with a bright golden light. The steps jerked forward as Sasporilla grabbed for the railing and her balance. The steps carried her up along the wall like a muggle escalator, but at a very high rate of speed. She saw the door ways and landings to floor two, three, four, five, six, ten, twenty, thirty go past. As Sasporilla gained her balance she really began to enjoy the ride. She looked down to see Kathleen and Christin coming up not far and fast behind her.
Level one hundred and twenty three Sasporilla found herself rerouted from the steps and pulled onto a slowing platform which ended at a large wooden door. The numbers one two three hung in gold in the center of the door. A crystal latch was the obvious point of entry for the door. Sassy took up her key card as Kathleen arrived in behind her followed closely by Christin.
Sasporilla touched her key card to the latch and the door opened. Much to Sasporilla's surprise latin music poured out loudly onto the landing.
"Oh no." Sasporilla gasped rushing in fearing the worst.
Sassy, Kathleen and Christin stood shocked in the foyer of the large dorm common room. The open semi-circular sunken living room was lined with couches. A very pretty and tall Eurasian girl tipped her head back over the headrest of the couch and waved. The stereo boomed the next track, "Do the Conga".
"That's my song!" Jorge squawked from the kitchen! "Dance party!"
The raised area was the kitchen and dinning area. Pots bubbled on the stove, spoons floating above mixing. A pretty, rubenesque Latina witch danced with Jorge joyfully.
"Woohoo!" The witch laughed as she danced.
"Jorge!" Sasporilla yelled casting, "Silencia!"
The stereo went quiet.
"Hey!" The dancing witch protested. "That was my jam! Is this your flamingo?"
"Yes sorry about him." Sasporilla said. "His name is Jorge. He's my mail bird. He really likes music and loves to dance. I'm sorry if he was any trouble."
"Trouble?" The rubenesque witch with lightly curled brown hair, cherubic face and beautiful smile said. "He's a hoot! I love him! We're going to be the best of dance buddies!"
"What?" Sassy asked surprised.
"Sure." The witch smiled. "I'm Corina. I'm a third year Natural major, Herbology. I love to cook so I pretty much am always in the kitchen. If you're a cooking major, I'll gladly share."
"No I'm arts, wands." Sassy stammered and laughed. "Umm Hi I'm Sasporilla Bucket."
"Pleased to meet you." Corina smiled looking at Sassy's out stretched hand with a coy smile. "Nope, bring it in girl!"
Corina shot in quickly, much to Sasporilla's surprise, for a welcoming hug. Sasporilla had to admit she liked this young witch, and felt welcomed. Kathleen and Christin felt very much at home with Corina's warm welcome to them.
The tall witch came up from the living room with flow and grace. Her long black hair flowed at the sides of her face, framing her beauty like an ancient master piece. The rather large text book in her hands was entitled "Principals of Advanced Herbology in Modern Organic Medicinal Potions… Volume Seven".
"Pleased to meet you." The young witch held out her free hand . "I'm your other room mate, Jessica. Thank you for silencing the din."
"Party pooper!" Corina smiled sticking out her tongue playfully. "Pay her no mind Jorge. Jess is lots of fun. She just likes to seems dark and dower."
"I'm here to learn first." Jessic said with a side wink. "Play second. You ladies had best check out your rooms and check out when your interviews are with the heads of your departments."
"Interviews?" Kathleen asked.
"Oh ya!" Corina smiled. "The head of your department majors want to have personal one on one meet and greets with all new students."
"They want to get a feel for you." Jessica smiled. "Want to see how much you think you know? What your level of passion and commitment is? That sort of thing."
"Also they want to see how compatible you are with them." Corina said rushing in to check on her cooking. "They may change your course schedule based on your personality. Thinking you may respond better to some professors than others."
"That sounds sensible." Christin agreed.
"Are our things already in our rooms?" Kathleen asked.
"Yes." Jessica said. "Your Key will let you in."
"I'm going to guess my room is the one with the door that's open Jorge?" Sasporilla asked.
"I heard music." Jorge said hanging his head. "I couldn't help myself. I'm sorry."
"Ah, it's ok you knuckle head." Sasporilla laughed. "Come on. Let's go check out the room."
"Ok!" Jorge agreed just happy he wasn't in trouble.
"You feel free to come out and dance any time boi!" Corina pointed.
"You know it girl!" Jorge squawked.
Sasporilla walked anxiously across the hall between kitchen and sunken living area. The smell of whatever Corina was cooking made Sasporilla's mouth water and stomach rumble. She hadn't smelled such good home cooking since her before her mom had passed. Her best friend Karry Curtis always tried so hard on their Sunday suppers, but she was just no match for Sassy’s mom..
As Sasporilla approached the door to her dorm room it seemed to sense her approach and the door swung shut. Sassy sighed at the futility of a security measure that kept out it's own occupant as she reached into her bag for her key.
The key leapt into her hand as if it knew she was searching for it. Perhaps it was as anxious to be used as she was to use it? Sassy pulled the key from her bag and inserted it in the doors lock. She turned it smoothly and the door unlatched and swung open.
The room was well lit from sun streaming in windows on the far end. The curtains having been drawn wide open.
"I thought the room could use a bit of sun when I arrived." Jorge said.
The room was larger than Sasporilla had imagined. It was at least eight meters long by eight meters wide. It had a small sitting area with a small plush couch and rocking chair, a large desk and study area as well as a work bench and work shop area. A set of steps lead upstairs to a loft bedroom with a queen sized bed and huge private bathroom! She had her own tub and shower! No more sharing the loo with the girls of the Hufflepuff dorms!
Back down stairs, by the windows, was a sliding door that led out onto a huge wrap around terrace. The terrace was more than big enough to set up Jorge's pool and even a nesting area for him to sleep in with enough room left over to land her broom and set up her caravan and still hold a barbecue for twenty or so friends.
"This is so spacious." Sasporilla said. "No wonder it's so expensive. I'm not sure anyone needs all this room?"
Sassy looked out across the city of Avalon. How it sparkled in the height of the noon day sun. Noon! Was it getting that late already? She had best check her schedule.
Inside, on her desk, sat her full course schedule. Beside sat her invitation letter to her meeting with the head of the Arts and design department in the main Arts building. Professor Dina Splatterpallete requests your presence Today at one P.M!
"Oh bugger!" Sasporilla sighed.
The shuttle to the dorms was the same large purple bus that brought them from Majesty Station. When the doors swung open Sasporilla was surprised to see the driver was different. An older woman with frizzy blue hair, wearing a white uniform and cap with a name tag that read Carmalita smiled, "Good morning. If I could have everyone one in the Alexis tower on first please, then the Avon tower... thank you. Next the Avonshire Tower? Lovely!"
This went on for some time until everyone was arranged by drop off. This made it so much easier for Carmalita and this way she knew if someone wasn't getting off, they weren't far from where they belonged.
The bus drove through the campus and turned down the curved street of dorm towers that circled the university campus, known as "The Henge."
Each tower had its own unique architectural style but much to Sasporilla's surprise they weren't alphabetically placed to arrive at.
"Mordridium Dorm," Carmalita called out, "First stop!"
There were at least half a dozen students getting off at each dorm. They disembarked with both the excitement and trepidation that a new place brings.
"Next stop Avonshire Tower." Carmalita called out as the bus pulled away.
Sasporilla gulped trepidaciously as she saw the tower they approached. Some how she pictured the Avonshire tower, being much like the town of the same name in which she grew up, Small and under stated. This tower was everything but. The Avonshire tower was perhaps the tallest of the tower dorms. It's walls looked to be carved from one single piece of polished ivory, but from what?
"Did you know," Kathleen smiled, "that the ivory used in the construction of the Avonshire tower was actually donated from the leg bone of a giant Drodakorn!"
"A what?" Christin asked.
"Drodakorn's, or Drodakornum Gigantus, are extremely rare creatures akin to flying fire griffins. They have ten legs and four wings and can travel amongst the stars." Kathleen said proudly.
"That's incredible!" Sasporilla said. "And it donated this bone?"
"Legend says the poor creature had an infection and the leg needed amputation." Kathleen frowned. "Magi took the leg and healed the wound then grew the creature a new leg. From the bone they built this tower. It's actually one of the most ancient structures in Avalon."
"Brilliant." Sasporilla smiled as the bus pulled up in front.
"Avonshire tower." Carmalita called. "All out who's going."
"You know I grew up in a small town called Avonshire near Essex." Sasporilla said.
"That's a weird coincidence." Christine mused.
"Perhaps the university felt you'd feel at home here? Kathleen smiled. "Was it a nice place."
"Small, but it was home." Sassy sighed. "But then home is where you make it. Shall we?"
The young witches headed up small carved steps through the big intricately carved golden doors that swung open as if as light as paper. Above The lobby of the towers entry hall hung a grand vaulted ceiling covered with paintings.
"Look at the art!" Christin gasped. "These were painted by various masters over time. Castora VanBeek! Mandragora Thorne! Haordrag The Red, during his blue period! All depicting great moments in the history of the Magi, but more specifically, Magi that have lived in the Avonshire Tower!"
Sasporilla drew her wand and posed next to Kathleen. "Then it's a good thing we met you Christin. You can start painting us now! You'll just have to paint yourself in!"
"Oh my no!" Christin said humbly. "I am no where near there level of mastery."
"Perhaps they are no where near yours?" Sasporilla mused. "Beauty is on they eye of the beholder."
Steps circled their way up the sides of the towers round walls and disappeared far above.
"Looks like we've got quite a climb ahead of us." Sasporilla said.
"En con trear." A voice said.
The young witches looked around to see that it was a wizard, dressed in bright yellow robes and a floppy pointy hat, in a painting that hung at the base of the steps that addressed them.
"Our dorm room is quite a way up." Sasporilla said. "Do you know of a quicker way up than the stairs?"
"Well you can of course always take a broom up if you have a private landing." The wizard in the painting said. "You can't apperate in and out of course. That sort of thing is blocked to stop all sorts of nefarious activities. No my stairs are still the best way up and down."
"Your stairs?" Kathleen asked. "Are you Cranston Marsters? The architect of the Avonshire tower?"
"And many more of the grand buildings of Avalon, my young witch." The old wizard bowed, losing his floppy hat which fell out of frame. Cranston Marsters chased after it with some choice words. He reappeared replacing the hat back on his head. "Now, where were we? Ah yes! The steps! Who wants to have the first go?"
Sasporilla looked at Christin, who looked at Kathleen, who looked at Sasporilla. Sassy stepped forward with a nervous sigh. "I guess I'll volunteer."
"Wonderful!" The wizard in the painting smiled. "All you need to do is step up onto the first step. Take out your ID card and touch it to the crystal on the banister and hang on to the rail..."
Sassy did as she was instructed. She stepped up on the solidly carved Ivory step. She pulled out her ID card and touched it to the finely carved crystal globe on the banisters end. It Glowed with a bright golden light. The steps jerked forward as Sasporilla grabbed for the railing and her balance. The steps carried her up along the wall like a muggle escalator, but at a very high rate of speed. She saw the door ways and landings to floor two, three, four, five, six, ten, twenty, thirty go past. As Sasporilla gained her balance she really began to enjoy the ride. She looked down to see Kathleen and Christin coming up not far and fast behind her.
Level one hundred and twenty three Sasporilla found herself rerouted from the steps and pulled onto a slowing platform which ended at a large wooden door. The numbers one two three hung in gold in the center of the door. A crystal latch was the obvious point of entry for the door. Sassy took up her key card as Kathleen arrived in behind her followed closely by Christin.
Sasporilla touched her key card to the latch and the door opened. Much to Sasporilla's surprise latin music poured out loudly onto the landing.
"Oh no." Sasporilla gasped rushing in fearing the worst.
Sassy, Kathleen and Christin stood shocked in the foyer of the large dorm common room. The open semi-circular sunken living room was lined with couches. A very pretty and tall Eurasian girl tipped her head back over the headrest of the couch and waved. The stereo boomed the next track, "Do the Conga".
"That's my song!" Jorge squawked from the kitchen! "Dance party!"
The raised area was the kitchen and dinning area. Pots bubbled on the stove, spoons floating above mixing. A pretty, rubenesque Latina witch danced with Jorge joyfully.
"Woohoo!" The witch laughed as she danced.
"Jorge!" Sasporilla yelled casting, "Silencia!"
The stereo went quiet.
"Hey!" The dancing witch protested. "That was my jam! Is this your flamingo?"
"Yes sorry about him." Sasporilla said. "His name is Jorge. He's my mail bird. He really likes music and loves to dance. I'm sorry if he was any trouble."
"Trouble?" The rubenesque witch with lightly curled brown hair, cherubic face and beautiful smile said. "He's a hoot! I love him! We're going to be the best of dance buddies!"
"What?" Sassy asked surprised.
"Sure." The witch smiled. "I'm Corina. I'm a third year Natural major, Herbology. I love to cook so I pretty much am always in the kitchen. If you're a cooking major, I'll gladly share."
"No I'm arts, wands." Sassy stammered and laughed. "Umm Hi I'm Sasporilla Bucket."
"Pleased to meet you." Corina smiled looking at Sassy's out stretched hand with a coy smile. "Nope, bring it in girl!"
Corina shot in quickly, much to Sasporilla's surprise, for a welcoming hug. Sasporilla had to admit she liked this young witch, and felt welcomed. Kathleen and Christin felt very much at home with Corina's warm welcome to them.
The tall witch came up from the living room with flow and grace. Her long black hair flowed at the sides of her face, framing her beauty like an ancient master piece. The rather large text book in her hands was entitled "Principals of Advanced Herbology in Modern Organic Medicinal Potions… Volume Seven".
"Pleased to meet you." The young witch held out her free hand . "I'm your other room mate, Jessica. Thank you for silencing the din."
"Party pooper!" Corina smiled sticking out her tongue playfully. "Pay her no mind Jorge. Jess is lots of fun. She just likes to seems dark and dower."
"I'm here to learn first." Jessic said with a side wink. "Play second. You ladies had best check out your rooms and check out when your interviews are with the heads of your departments."
"Interviews?" Kathleen asked.
"Oh ya!" Corina smiled. "The head of your department majors want to have personal one on one meet and greets with all new students."
"They want to get a feel for you." Jessica smiled. "Want to see how much you think you know? What your level of passion and commitment is? That sort of thing."
"Also they want to see how compatible you are with them." Corina said rushing in to check on her cooking. "They may change your course schedule based on your personality. Thinking you may respond better to some professors than others."
"That sounds sensible." Christin agreed.
"Are our things already in our rooms?" Kathleen asked.
"Yes." Jessica said. "Your Key will let you in."
"I'm going to guess my room is the one with the door that's open Jorge?" Sasporilla asked.
"I heard music." Jorge said hanging his head. "I couldn't help myself. I'm sorry."
"Ah, it's ok you knuckle head." Sasporilla laughed. "Come on. Let's go check out the room."
"Ok!" Jorge agreed just happy he wasn't in trouble.
"You feel free to come out and dance any time boi!" Corina pointed.
"You know it girl!" Jorge squawked.
Sasporilla walked anxiously across the hall between kitchen and sunken living area. The smell of whatever Corina was cooking made Sasporilla's mouth water and stomach rumble. She hadn't smelled such good home cooking since her before her mom had passed. Her best friend Karry Curtis always tried so hard on their Sunday suppers, but she was just no match for Sassy’s mom..
As Sasporilla approached the door to her dorm room it seemed to sense her approach and the door swung shut. Sassy sighed at the futility of a security measure that kept out it's own occupant as she reached into her bag for her key.
The key leapt into her hand as if it knew she was searching for it. Perhaps it was as anxious to be used as she was to use it? Sassy pulled the key from her bag and inserted it in the doors lock. She turned it smoothly and the door unlatched and swung open.
The room was well lit from sun streaming in windows on the far end. The curtains having been drawn wide open.
"I thought the room could use a bit of sun when I arrived." Jorge said.
The room was larger than Sasporilla had imagined. It was at least eight meters long by eight meters wide. It had a small sitting area with a small plush couch and rocking chair, a large desk and study area as well as a work bench and work shop area. A set of steps lead upstairs to a loft bedroom with a queen sized bed and huge private bathroom! She had her own tub and shower! No more sharing the loo with the girls of the Hufflepuff dorms!
Back down stairs, by the windows, was a sliding door that led out onto a huge wrap around terrace. The terrace was more than big enough to set up Jorge's pool and even a nesting area for him to sleep in with enough room left over to land her broom and set up her caravan and still hold a barbecue for twenty or so friends.
"This is so spacious." Sasporilla said. "No wonder it's so expensive. I'm not sure anyone needs all this room?"
Sassy looked out across the city of Avalon. How it sparkled in the height of the noon day sun. Noon! Was it getting that late already? She had best check her schedule.
Inside, on her desk, sat her full course schedule. Beside sat her invitation letter to her meeting with the head of the Arts and design department in the main Arts building. Professor Dina Splatterpallete requests your presence Today at one P.M!
"Oh bugger!" Sasporilla sighed.
PLEASE REMEMBER
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, donate to J.K.Rowling's charitable foundation LUMOS! Link below! ( https://www.wearelumos.org/ )
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, donate to J.K.Rowling's charitable foundation LUMOS! Link below! ( https://www.wearelumos.org/ )