DISCLAIMER: I am not a canon author.

Chapter 11

Eventually August rolled around and as it drew to a close the three of them packed up their new clothes for the trip to Whateley.

"Any last minute advice Sally?" Fred said as they headed towards the airport in the limo.

"Unless it's an emergency don't show any powers until you get to Whateley," Sally said. "And even then only on Green flag days."

"Try not to drool on any of the hot exemplar babes," Brita said. "Unless it's me of course."

"Don't stare too much in the showers at Poe," Sally said. "And don't get upset if other girls are looking at you."

"I just wish I could have one of you for a roommate," Fred said. "But I understand why not and just hope I can get along with whatever changeling is my roommate."

"I think we have everything we need but the campus store will have anything we forgot," Sally added. "Also, let us handle any TSA or MCO jerks at either airport."

"I'll gladly do that last," Fred said.

"Oh, and get a cart or dolly for your luggage," Brita said. "I know you can carry four suitcases easily but it would stand out so do it the easy way."

Sally smirked, "And at least try not to glare at boys who flirt with Brita. She's not going to fall for any of their lines and your glaring will make your orientation clearer than you'd like most of the time."

"I promise I'm not running off with any boy, or girl for that matter," Brita said. "Unless you get too possessive or clingy. So play it cool and we can enjoy each other's company. I also promise not to get too jealous of you with other girls. According to my spirit we're all going to live at least a few centuries so we should agree to stay friendly even if we don't stay together."

"I can't imagine being with anyone else," Fred said. "But I promise not to be that crazy ex if you break up with me."

"I believe you," Brita said. "You're pretty mature for your age. Hopefully we'll remain a happy couple, or threesome, but if not I'll always be your friend."

Sally said, "That was just the one time! I'm not planning on making a habit of joining you!"

"I understand and respect that," Fred said. "But you have an open invitation if you ever change your mind."

Brita nodded, "Yes, from both of us."

Sally blushed, "Thank you."

At the airport they put all their suitcases in a cart and went to check in. They each kept a carryon but checked everything else through. They were flying into New Hampshire then taking the train to Dunwich to await the bus to Whateley. They showed their MID cards to the DPA agent at the TSA checkpoint and put their carry-on luggage through the xray machine then stepped through the scanner without incident.

They flew into Berlin airport then picked up a limo to the train station.

"Why are we taking the train to Dunwich rather than driving?" Fred asked.

"The Miskatonic shuttle is the standard way for all students to arrive," Sally said. "The station is where the Dean will collect everyone. Arriving at the station by limo would give a bad first impression. If you want to fit in then taking the train at least part of the way is the way to do it."

"We should try to make friends on the way," Brita said. "You don't want us to be your only friends at school and with a bit of luck you might meet someone you want as a roommate. Everyone arriving today will be going to Poe so if there are any other changelings starting this semester they should be on the train too."

"How can we tell the students from regular travelers?" Fred asked. "I can't just ask."

"Nope," Sally said. A little observation should help."

"We can make a game of it," Brita said. "Even if you don't mention the name of the school or anything secret you can still indicate who you think is going to the same place as we are."

Fred smiled, "Okay, I'll see if I can make like Sherlock holmes."

At the next stop a girl got on with two suitcases who looked about Fred's age. Spotting her Fred waved and called out, "Over here!"

Sally rolled her eyes and Brita snickered and whispered, "That was easy."

The girl looked surprised then walked over to sit near them, "Hi, I'm J-Jennifer." Her pause before saying her name was just noticeable. "Are you going to uh, Dunwich too?"

"Yes," Fred said. "We all are. I figured you were so I waved you over. If we're going to be in school together we might as well make friends early right?"

Jennifer smiled, "Yeah."

"I'm Frederica," Fred said. "This is Brita, and this is Sally."

"Hi," Sally said. "We've been making a game of trying to spot fellow students. Would you like to join in?"

"Sure," Jennifer said. She had wavy brown hair and skin the color of milk chocolate. "I don't know how good I'll be but it will help pass the time."

"That's okay," Sally said. "We can keep our guesses quiet and not shout them out just in case we're wrong about one."

"So where are you from Jennifer?" Brita asked.

"Poughkeepsie, New York," Jennifer said. "It's a college town, mostly noted for having Vassar College where my mom went, but it's a nice place to live."

"We're from Miami, Florida," Fred said. "Or at least the suburban outskirts. I hope we adapt to the weather up here quickly."

"I'm not worried," Brita said.

"It's not that bad I'm sure," Jennifer said.

"I guess we'll find out," Fred said.

Soon the train pulled into Dunwich Station and they, along with a few other students, were directed to a waiting room.

Others trickled in until at three o'clock Elaine Claire appeared, "Hello, I'm Elaine Claire, Dean of Students. If you're here waiting for transport to Whateley Academy please follow me." She led them out onto a bus and there she checked off their names against a list before she nodded to the driver and he started them off.

Once on campus Ms. Claire gave them an overview of where the various buildings were, "You'll be split into groups by cottage and your Resident Advisors will give you the full tour. I would just like to welcome you all once again and wish you all a great stay."

Fred was happy when Jennifer was called over to join them on the way to Poe cottage. Once there they were met by three Resident Assistants. Sally and Brita left with a female senior and all the boys left with a male senior leaving just her and Jennifer standing confused in front of the third senior.

"Hello," she said in a British accent. "I know you must be a bit confused but before I explain let me confirm that you are Jennifer Suarez and Frederica Nilsen right?"

"Yes," the two girls answered.

"Good," the senior replied. "I'm Morgana Jones, codenamed Dragonsfyre. Follow me and I will explain as I give you the tour."

"Poe has three main groups of students," Morgana said. "Girls who like girls, boys who like boys and people who used to be the other gender. Well they are exceptions. Some are just very bisexual and some are both genders or neither but mainly those three groups so we have RAs for each of the three that is a member of their group." She stopped by a tree and cast a spell, "There, we're now private. No one will overhear us or be able to scry us. Would either of you like to make any guesses or should we proceed to introductions?"

"We met on the train," Jennifer said. She looked at Fred, "You mean you …"

Fred nodded, "Was drafted by the other side in the war between the sexes? Yes, I'm an avatar you see. All three of us are but I'm the only one who used to be male. I now look a lot like my avatar." She shrugged, "She's powerful as well as pretty so I can't complain. I even got a girlfriend out of it."

"Three Freshman avatars in Poe is a bit unusual but we have a few others," Morgana said. "I changed because of my BIT. How did you come to be on this side of the pink and blue divide Jennifer?"

"I'm an Exemplar too," Jennifer said. "I mean, as well. I'm a level three Exemplar and a Null. I started changing last May with my eyes changing first. Fortunately my parents are both supportive and well connected. They got me out of school before the changes became obvious and I was able to finish classes remotely. I also got tested and they found out what level Exemplar I am and that I'm immune to all mental powers. Well except psychokinesis, I can still be picked up and stuff but nobody can read my mind or sense my emotions."

"Well those are very useful powers," Morgana said. "Hey Fred, what abilities do you get from your spirit?"

"Well she's enhanced my body until I test out as an Exemplar three and I am now a wizard as well. They aren't sure what level of wizard I am yet but I'm sure they can figure it out here."

"That's true. If you have trouble in your magic classes you can ask me for help," Morgana said. "If I have time I'll help you as best I can." She stood up, "Now we should go see your room. Since you are the only two changelings so far you'll be rooming together. After seeing your room we'll do the full tour then get lunch. You can ask questions as we go or save them up to ask while we eat. After that you'll have time to relax, hit the campus store, or whatever you like. Tonight we're having a movie night in the basement but it's strictly optional."