Page 5 of The Holy Academy of Witches

“Okay.”

“Okay?” She asked, warily.

“Okay. You’re not completely incompetent, I understand. But do not show any kind of weakness here. If they think you’re some clueless, naive mundane they will eat you alive. We have a library, use it.” She straightened at my words, a look of determination crossing her face as she nodded. “This one-” I began, pointing to the closest oil painting, “shows The Horned God. He represents just one of two deities that we as witches and warlocksserve,for want of a better word. The painting to the right, you will see, depicts the triple Goddess - his counterpart. You will find that most witches believe in and dedicate their magic to the triple Goddess. Though, much like mortal beliefs, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But for simplicity it is worth noting that this Academy pledges itself to the Triple Goddess and the Warlock’s Academy to the Horned God.”

As we made our way to the rear of the Academy, I pointed out tapestries and art of particular significance. Clove soaked it all in with wide eyes. As we stepped outside, the late summer sun warmed our faces. We descended the stone steps onto a large lawned area, gravel paths of varying colours spiralled off into multiple directions across the campus. I drew her attention to the hedged gardens which lay ahead, pointing out the large glass greenhouses interspersed amongst the foliage.

I kept up a steady pace, not wanting this tour to take up any more of my time than it needed to, as we walked along the path. Clover was silent beside me as she took everything in. I wondered what it was like where she’d come from on seeing the permanent awe etched on her face. We passed the large, creamy stone building with its domed roof which housed the spa and I nudged her to look towards it.

“That’s the spa,” her eyes widened. “You can pre-book pretty much any treatment you like but we also have an open slot well-being session in there at least once a week to ensure we have clear minds.” She nodded at this, seeming pleased, which was a blessing. If she could see the value in keeping a clear head then she would likely be sound of mind and capable of the focus needed to perform magic to our standards. With the ongoing turmoil in Europe between practitioners of dark and light magics, our Academy was the pinnacle of academic excellence and somewhat of a safe haven for students. We had to train harder and learn more than any student before us. The survival of our kind depended on it.

Taking a left, I led us along the edges of the forest along a silvery stone path which navigated us towards the dormitories.

“The dorms are all located along this path, if you follow the silver path it will take you across the campus from one dorm building to the next.” I explained. She followed what I was saying with apparent ease, nodding along where necessary.

“This one up ahead is known as the West dormitory…” I paused as a paper aeroplane flew towards us and hovered at eye level. I reached out and felt the familiar tingle of my mother’s magic as I opened it. Quickly scanning the contents, I screwed it up in a ball with irritation, throwing it over my shoulder. The American opened her mouth as if to object to my littering but quickly closed it when I incinerated the paper ball and continued to my… *sigh*ourbuilding.

I walked up the steps to the large wooden doors and with a flick of my wrist, the doors swung open to allow our entry. Not stopping to let her look around, I ventured up the spiral staircase to the floor just below my own. She could look around in her own time. I stopped outside number five and faced the door, Clover almost walking into the back of me.

“This will be your room,” I said, pointing at the door. She looked at it uncertainly, what was her problem?

“Do I… need a key?”

Frowning, I sighed, “Have you already exhausted your magic?”

“No?”

“Well go on in then,” I motioned for her to go ahead and she stepped forward nervously. As she touched the door handle the words:‘Welcome Home, Miss Williams’ appeared. As the door opened, I noted with a smug satisfaction that she was in a normal 5-bed dorm with less privacy than my own.

“Each of them has an en-suite so pick whichever you please. This dorm will have five room mates to three bedrooms, so only one of you will have privacy.”

She went inside, tripping over her luggage and I took that as my opportunity to leave, walking back along the corridor and up the stairs to my own room.

Four

Sage

Looking back I found the hall empty, I guess Adeline wasn’t much of a goodbye person… made sense as she wasn’t much of a hello person either.

The interior was surprisingly up to date considering its almost castle-like exterior. The appliances and furnishings seamlessly bringing the old stone into the modern era. Grabbing my luggage I paused, wondering which room I should claim. The first door to the right was close to the entrance, I could sneak in and out easier if I chose that one… but I’d also be the first to die in a break in… That felt like a no. The second room on the right was next to the armchairs which would mean I’d hear any late night gossip, but also possibly be kept up by said late night gossip… Okay, okay. Interesting. The last door was on the opposite wall, in-between the kitchenette and the living area, which would mean more and less of both noises… and probably hardest to sneak back into, but last to be murdered.

Entering the first, I reassured myself that sneaking was more important, how often do people get murdered at magic school anyways?

* * *

I woke from a very necessary nap with a terrible stomach ache. Maybe the cheesecake was a bit much, but how could I resist a magically stocked fridge? When I saw all my favourite foods lined up, I declared that it might be the best bit of magic to exist. Next to my bed was a folder with the school’s crest. Opening it, I saw my name stamped in gold above my schedule and a list of rules. Glancing through my schedule I saw:

Breakfast

‘Rituals’ with Professor Lydia Hershaw

‘Divination’ with Professor Beatrice Biggle

Lunch

‘Curses and Casting’ with Professor Khalid Qadir

‘Potions and Healing’with Professor Andre Allard

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