Jaimine took her sleeping mask off her head and stood, finally, she was there. She took her carry on from the over head compartment and looked around to see if any other hogwarts students were around. Shrugging she put her L.V. tote bag into the crook of her elbow and walked off the plane and into the airport. Smiling she walked out of the airport, she'd need a cab.

Qaz got off the plane at the gate and remembered the one thing that she really hated about flying. Big Terminals! This was one time when a broom would come in very handy. She didn’t have time to waste before she had to be at the theatre.

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Qaz started following the ground transportation signs. A taxi would be the easiest, but a shuttle would be cheaper. Mentally, she went through her money situation. She started with $500 and she’d spent $305. That left her with $195. She’d need food and souveniers, plus, she wanted to visit a few spots before the movie.

Qaz found a bench, sat down and pulled out her map. There were many places that she’d like to see, but with time and funds limited, she’d have to choose wisely. After looking at her map, she notice that the airport was very close to Marina Del Rey and Venice Beach. Definitely her first stop. With her time limited, she opted to take a taxi, at least for the first leg of her sight seeing.

After trudging out to the Taxi Stand at the Ground Transportation Area, Qaz put her hand out to hail a cab. When the cab came to a stop in front of her, she opened the back door and quickly got in. She immediately told the driver, ‘Hi!, I’d like the Starbucks at Pacific Avenue and Washington Boulevard in Marina Del Rey.’ Then she leaned back to enjoy the ride.

Qaz enjoyed the sunshine and looking at the California scenery. Of course, it was green. Unless there was a drought, LA was always green, or so she heard. The palm trees were funny looking, at least for a Northerner. At least the cabbie had the good sense not to ramble on and on. He’d merely asked if Qaz was here on vacation, to which she replied, I’m doing a bit of quick sight-seeing, then off to the Premiere of a new movie. Hope I see some stars.’ The trip wasn’t very long, only about 15 minutes.

When the taxi arrived at the Starbucks, Qaz gave the Driver $25, which covered the tip. She quickly got out of the cab and headed for the beach. It was fantastic. Even in April, the sun was warm and she was a bit over dressed. Qaz quickly took off her sandels and stashed them in her bag, then she rolled up her jeans. She started walking north towards Venice Beach. She stopped at the first stand that hand nachos and bought a small order, along with a Pepsi. Geez, $8 was a bit much for a drink and chips, but it had been so long that it was really worth it. Mental note: $162 left.

Bag on her back, and juggling her chips and drink, Qaz kept walking north. It wasn’t that far toward Venice, so she didn’t have to rush. She watched the people, some with pets, some with children. LA sure attracted a variety. Hippie types, Biker Types, she even saw a guy in a suit on roller skates up on the boardwalk. She passed a couple of volleyball games, gee that looked like fun. Several kids were flying kites. She wished that she had the time to play, too. Perhaps another trip.

Qaz was beginning to be thankful that she was wearing her blouse instead of her usual tank top. The sun was warm enough and direct enough, even this early in Spring, that she could get a nasty sunburn if she wasn’t careful. The curse of her northern blood.

Finally making it up to Venice Beach Boardwalk, Qaz found a bench and sat down. She finish the few chips that were left and just sat and watched the ocean. So calm, so peaceful. The birds seemed to match the rythem of the waves.

Unfortunately, she had to leave. Qaz found a trash receptacle, then headed up the boardwalk in search of a taxi. It didn’t take long for her to flag one down. She hopped in the back and said, ‘Hi, there. I need to get toHollywood and North Highland, but I’d like you to take Santa Monica Boulevard, please. I know it’s a bit out of the way, but I’d like to see a few sights. If you know a better way, I’m open to suggestions. I’ve gotta get to Graumans for the Big Premiere, tonight, so I can’t go too far out of the way.’

The driver seemed to understand what Qaz wanted. Obviously an intelligent woman. She pulled away from the curb and said, ‘I’ll swing by a few of the hottest spots, it shouldn’t add too much time or money to the trip, okay’ Qaz was delighted and said ‘Fantastic. A mini Hollywood tour all of my own. Thank You!’

Qaz watched the ocean as long as she could. Somehow, the ocean out here looked so much different. Must be all that sand. The neaded north towards Santa Monica and it wasn’t long before they took a right on to the Santa Monica Boulevard. Yikes! The traffic. After about 10 minutes, they drove past Century City, where they made movies. It looked huge! They exited and drove north on North Beverly Drive up to Sunset Boulevard, where they turned East. Oh, she loved that song! Sunset Boulevard There was the Beverly Hills Hotel! Many starts have stayed there over the years.

The driver then took some side streets and pointed out homes belonging to celebrities. Some she’d heard of, others, she hadn’t. She was really enjoying this. The driver was going to get a big tip!

Finally they came out on Sunset Boulevard again. Qaz checked her watch and noticed that she still had plenty of time. ‘How about letting me off at Sunset and Vine. I can do a little window shopping on my way to the Theatre.’ The gal replied, ‘Sure thing. Just be careful with your bag. You never know who’s out and about these days.’ Qaz nodded her head in solemn agreement. A few minutes later, the driver pulled over to the curb. ‘Okay, that’ll be $62.50.’ Qaz handed her four $20s and said, ‘Thanks for a great ride. Have a nice night!’ She climbed out, shut the taxi door and waved the driver off.

The Heart of Hollywood. $82 left. She made sure that her bag was secure and started strolling up Vine. Their were many beautiful things in shop windows and a few bizarre ones, too. Qaz didn’t really plan on buying anything, but you never knew. It was only a couple blocks up to Hollywood Boulevard, where she turned West. She was looking forward to checking out all the Stars on the sidewalk. Maybe she’d even recognize somebody famous. Qaz was starting to get a stiff neck, looking this way and that. She need to find a place to sit down and maybe find a bite to eat.

OMG! Johnny Rockets! Her wish was going to be fulfilled. A huge Cheeseburger and Fries and a Chocolate Shake.

Qaz hurried in side. She was in luck. It wasn’t too crowded and she was able to find a seat. How retro! This was even retro for retro. Really old style. Chrome and stuff. Wow! When the waitress came over, Qaz ordered her burger, fries and shake. She gazed around the room while she waited. She really liked the simplicity of the clothing back in the day. Jeans, T-Shirts, shorts, tennies, sandels….all were in her wardrobe.

Where she was sitting, Qaz could see the sun setting to the west. It would be getting dark soon and then it wouldn’t be too much longer before the stars started arriving at the Theatre. The waitress brought her food. It was FANTASTIC. The food at Hogwarts was great, too. But there was something about a good old-fashioned American Cheeseburger. Qaz carefully ate, not wanting to spill on the blouse she got to play her part. When she had finished, she was stuffed. It was a good thing that she was going to be on her feet for a while. If she was sitting, the full tummy would probably lull her to sleep. Qaz left a tip and then paid for her meal at the cashier. $12 total, so she was now down to $70. She knew just watch she wanted to spend some of it on and had a pretty good idea where to find it.

Qaz headed into the Hollywood and Highland Center and checked the store map. Virgin Megastore was where she wanted to be, so she made a beeline for the store. Once inside, she looked around until she found the portable music players. Yes, CD players. How quaint. She found a small one for under $20 and it came with headphones. Super! Now over to the CDs. Something retro…what else was there. She found Il Divo CDs and grabbed one, the a John Barrowman…now for something a little more serious. A collection of Piano Concertos. She searched through until she had found one that had the Warsaw and Greigs in A Minor. The CDs came to $38. Good thing the concertos were fairly cheap. Off to the cashier. As she stood in line, Qaz listened to the other customers discussing the events of the day. Things didn’t seem to change that much in close to half a century. Same worries, same gossip. She happened to notice a display of batteries. After checking her CD player, she found the correct size and grabbed a package of batteriesWhen it was her turn, the clerk scanned her merchandise and announced that it was $65.25. Qaz handed over $66 dollars and then pocketed her change. After leaving the store, she she put her new prize possessions in her bag.

Qaz was down to $4.25. Good thing she had just eaten a big meal. But she was thirsty. She was in luck, there was a little shop that sold bottled water. There went another $1.84. Now she was down to $2.41, but she didn’t think that she’d need anything else. If she did, there was always her secret stash of $40 that she always had with her. Mom said mad money was a girls secret weapon.

When she left the building, it was dark. Qaz made her way toward the entrance of the theatre. It was rather qaudy for her tastes, even though she was rather fond of Oriental Decor.

The crowd was huge! She shouldn’t have waited until the last minute. Qaz grabbed her camera out of her bag and slung her bag on her back. Now she looked just like all the other Paparosters, or what ever they were called. She edged her way through the crowd, closer and closer to the front. She really hoped that she’d get some good pictures. Everybody was still standing around, which must mean that the big starts hadn’t arrived yet. Now she waited. She didn’t care if she got inside to see the movie. She just wanted to see famous people. Famous people that were most likely dead in her day.

After a while, she heard the crowd get excited. A shiny, long, black automobile pulled up. Some fancy-suited dude ran and opened the door and cameras started flashing. Must be somebody famous. Qaz waited until they was in range and she took a couple pictures. She’d researched the movie and she thought the guy was Matthew Perry. No clue who the woman was…probably his wife. Then it got dull again, but not for long. Another shiny, long car pulled up, but this one was white. Out comes the fancy-duds dude again. More camera flashs. Now this guy was georgeous and young. Must be Zac Efron. Qaz took several pictures of him. There were several more cars and lots more pictures, but Qaz didn’t really recognize anyone else, although, one did look rather like that Jennifer Anystone.

Now that the hooplah had died down, she had to try to get inside. If for no other reason, some Junior Mints sounded really good.

Qaz finally made it inside the building. It looked like most everybody was seated and the line wasn’t too long at the concession stand, so she joined the queue. The popcorn smelled really good, but she had her heart set on Junior Mints. Finally, it was her turn. When she found out how much they were, she realized that she didn’t have enough money. Thems the breaks.

Not letting it get her down, she went to the door the the seating area. When she opened it, she found that it was packed. Luckily, an usher came and showed her to a seat. Of course, she had to climb over a few people to get to it. She very politely excused herself to each and every person she passed.

Once seated, she looked around. Didn’t recognize a soul. Not a very big surprise. Leaning back in the very comfortable seat, she shut her eyes, waiting for the feature to begin….which seemed to take forever.

Finally, the movie started. Old guy becomes young guy. Funny stuff happens. Pretty much sums it up.

Qaz waited until most everybody else had left. She was in no rush. $2.41 left of her starter money and $40 stashed in her bag. She certainly was hoping that the Professor came through and got her back safe and sound. Although, if she had to be stranded anywhere, LA was probably the best choice….and she did have her wand hidden in her umbrella….

Finally, Qaz exited the theatre. What now, I wonder? Maybe she had to find somewhere a bit secluded and stick out her wand arm. Do they have a Knight Bus in LA?

Sakura walked calmly into the LAX terminal, it was a place she had been before with her family when they lived in America. Walking through the airport she passed through customs with no hassle. All she could be grateful for was that she only had carry on luggage. After all that meant she could likely go shopping using some money she had in her bank account. Although she may not have the account in this time. Then again she could always go to a wizarding bank in LA and get money out. While considering that path Sakura walked out of the airport and quickly hailed a cab.

Getting in she said, "Hi can you please take me to Graumans for the movie premiere and fast?" the cab driver did just that, although she knew he had taken the scenic route so that he could get more money off her. Scheming Americans. Not only did they take longer so you had to pay more but they also insisted that you tip them. Grumbling slightly Sakura handed over the money she owed the guy and walked into the theatre.

The movie was amazing, what with the twists and turns it took. But there were some gross parts to it. Oh well this was America, what could one expect? However the highlight of her night was when Zac Efron the star of the movie gave her his signature. She was so happy she was almost squeeing. And not only did she get his signature but he also complimented her on her clothing. If she wasn't completely devoted to her Jack she could so fall for that Efron guy.

Looking through her money Sakura decided it was rather late and since she had enough it would be a waste not to have dinner. She found a nice secluded little restaurant not far from the theatre and ordered a traditional Japanese meal. It was heaven for Sakura to have a Japanese meal cooked by an actual Japanese person again. While magic was all well and good it couldn't beat the Japanese Chefs that were famous in this time period. While at the restaurant Sakura became involved in conversation with another girl that had been to the premiere. She was clearly an American Muggle but her insights into movie making were many and extremely useful. Sakura walked away from that encounter feeling like she had really learnt something useful on this journey. Walking back to the theatre Sakura spotted a girl she identified as a Hogwarts student. Walking up to her she smiled slightly and spoke softly. "Hi, what did you think of this little adventure?"

Antonio walked towards Graumanns Chinese Theatre, thankfully only a few students had shown up to this incorrect destination. "Hey Sakura, Jai and Qaz," he called out. "I hope you three enjoyed the premiere, but the correct destination is the Brittany Spears concert in San Jose. Grab onto the time turner I brought and we can still make it! And don't worry, the three of you did very well on this assignment."

Qaz smiled at the Professor as he walked up. 'Hi, Professor. I had a really great time. Went to the beach, ate well and bought a few souveniers. Thanks for the adventure. It was a blast!'

"I'm really glad you had such a good time," Antonio smiled. "I wanted to see how all of you could get on on your own in the muggle world and I must say, I was impressed! Even those of you who reached the wrong destinatioin did great and had a wonderful time, so I think it really proves something. Well done, well done indeed!"

"Hi Professor." Sakura said excitedly as she practically skipped over to him. "That movie was soooo great, and that guy really does look like Denton. Oh you know what would be fabulous, learning about how to make muggle movies. That would be like so greeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat." Sakura was practically sing songing. From the look in her eyes one could tell she was hyper, really really hyper. That idea was reinforced as she began giggling at nothing. Opening up her bag she pulled out a can of the best thing eva. It was Mother and Mother made her soooooooooooooooo happy and giggly and lightheaded.