I blew out a breath and closed my eyes. A blur of classes ran through my head and landed on a bright smile that occupied two of them. Thankfully Imogene had claimed the seat next to Rylan in Divination class, giving my heart a break from all its pitter-pattering.
“It’s gonna be good.” I said aloud and rose onto my elbows to grab the bag of goodies given to everyone during the lunch break. A pamphlet for the Witch’s Fair was first to fall out of the bag. Various vendors from Nathuria would set up tents for us to look through their goods. Wands, animal familiars, herbs, tonics, stationery, and more.
The next brochure was a list of groups and student body elections. “Goodness, they are trying hard to make this just like any other school.”
Remy piped up from her bed. “I’m going to be president.”
Even though I barely knew Remy, I knew without doubt if she wanted to be president, she would be.
“I’ll vote for you if you somehow turn those stairs into escalators,” I slightly joked but mostly meant it. Those stairshadto go.
I peered at the calendar printed on the back of the paper. Magical clubs and times would be decided later on. Scheduled breaks were scattered over the next few months when we could stay on the premises or go home.
Perhaps Piper could come visit. We’d share a bed again like when she was little.
As my finger slid down the dates, I hoped to see a field trip to Nathuria on the agenda. But I knew it was a long shot. Both realms decided to let the staff come to the school, and a few ambassadors from our side could go over there. That was it, though.
Everyone was cautious, and travel was restricted for the time being.
The professors had talked about our new gifts, and every word had filled me with awe and eagerness for my own powers to grow. Magic changed my life, and instead of dreading that sense of unknown, I felt curious to how I would use it. How would it evolve our world for the better?
I scanned the rest of the calendar and stopped when I noticed a Halloween mixer and a winter solstice ball. I wasn’t sure I’d go. I didn’t possess any fancy ball gowns to wear to such an event. But I vowed to keep an open mind on the subjects.
The rest of the papers touched on rules of magic use in dorm rooms, a list of resource administrators to help ease our stay, and meal plans for each day of the month.
After reading each bullet point of information given, I set the papers on the desk. Tingles danced beneath my skin like an invitation to play. With my palm stretched out, I practiced letting my magic come out. So far, I’d only manifested flowers. But I did try for a slice of cake and managed to grow a miniature carrot. I’d call that a win even if it wasn’t actually carrot cake.
Thinking happy thoughts, I remembered being invited to Magic School. I’d been so nervous about my powers, and while I was open to the online courses that’d been set up, learning in a castle sounded more fun.
“Nice,” Remy complimented from her side of the room.
I smiled and opened my eyes to see a sunflower. I managed to practice three more times before my phone alerted me that the dining hall was open.
“Dinner time.” I yawned and peeled myself off my bed. Food sounded delightful. Maybe I’d even sit in the dining hall instead of grabbing dinner to go. You know, soak up the first day experience.
I slipped on my shoes, then faced my roommate. “I’m heading down. Want me to grab you anything?”
“Nah, I’ll be down in a few.” She leaned closer to her tablet, her eyes focused on the screen.
“See you there.” I gave her a mock salute and left for the dining hall.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t as crowded as I thought it would be. If anything, there seemed to be a certain age group dominating the hall. I liked to eat early. What could I say?
“Imogene, stop hogging the shrimp kabobs again!” someone hollered from a table further into the room.
I laughed, remembering Rylan’s face when Imogene had sat beside him in class and talked about how the school needed a magical sex dungeon in the basement. He had smirked and shook his head. She’d been completely serious. It was hard to keep the laughter in at the time.
Suddenly, a boom echoed across the vaulted room, and everyone jumped to see what exploded.
A group of younger looking men sat in front of three shattered plates with charred food on top. Everyone seemed okay, but the staff quickly rushed over to assist the group. The room settled once again, and I realized this would be my new life. Chaos.
Shaking my head, I looked for the table with the least amount of people nearby. I wanted to keep practicing my magic, and the less people distracting me the better.
The farthest table from the dining entrance only had two people sitting at the end. Perfect!
I sat in front of the large bowl with chicken alfredo pasta inside and scooped a large helping onto my plate.
In a matter of minutes, the loud conversations around the room quieted as everyone started eating. That meant the voices of the couple a few seats over stood out more.
