Hurnorth: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Chapter XXIII: Philia

We sat huddled in the dormitory lobby, the flickering light from the television casting an eerie glow on our faces. Ronald Vane's voice echoed through the room, the Wizard News broadcasting tales of chaos and unrest. His words painted a grim picture of the world outside our school's walls.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Ronald Vane bringing you the latest news from the wizarding world." his voice, usually composed, carried an undertone of urgency. "The Nightbrook wizard's jail continues to face breaches, leading to a surge in criminals and illegal magic practitioners on the loose."

The tension in the room grew palpable as we listened intently, Ronald Vane's words slicing through the air. "Reports of missing and deceased witches and wizards are on the rise, leaving communities gripped with fear and uncertainty," he continued, his tone weighted with solemnity.

As the news unfolded, a sense of foreboding settled among us. We exchanged worried glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The chaos outside seemed to encroach upon our sanctuary, and the once-familiar world now felt tinged with danger and uncertainty. Ronald Vane's words lingered in the air, painting a stark reality that left us feeling vulnerable and apprehensive about what the future held for us as young wizards and witches.

"Please, someone wake me up from this terrifying nightmare." Morgan's trembling voice conveyed fear. She leaned her head on my shoulder.

It's been weeks since the tragic events in Oakenvale. In the past few days, all we've heard are recurring pieces of bad news. It's frightening to feel complacent amidst the chaos spreading across the entire Nexus.

"Everything was fine. Why is this happening now?"

Triple ang higpit ng seguridad nang eskwelahan ngayon. Wala pang alas-7 ay kinakailangan nang nasa dormitory ang lahat. Bawal kaming umalis dito at hindi rin pinapayagan ang pagpasok ng kahit na sinong bisita sa school. Pumayag ang mga magulang ng mga mag-aaral sa set-up na ganito. Bagaman, hindi maaalis sa mga naririto ang pag-aalala sa mga mahal nilang nasa labas.

Ikadalawang linggo na ng Disyembre kaya't halos balot na balot ang aming buong katawan ng makakapal na kasuotan upang labanan ang malamig na klima. Sa isang linggo ay anim na araw kaming pumapasok. Ganito rito sa Hurnorth mula pa noon.

Umakyat kami sa kanya-kanya naming room upang magsimula nang mag-ayos ng aming mga sarili.

Opting for practicality, I wore a cozy knit sweater adorned with intricate patterns, providing warmth without compromising style. Paired with dark, high-waisted jeans, the ensemble offered comfort and flexibility for movement.

On my feet, I chose sturdy, knee-high boots lined with faux fur, shielding me from the icy winds while allowing me to navigate the snow-covered paths effortlessly. To complement the outfit, I wrapped a soft, oversized scarf around my neck, its rich hues adding a touch of elegance.

For a final touch, I donned a woolen, wide-brimmed hat adorned with a simple ribbon, adding a hint of whimsy to the ensemble while keeping my head shielded from the winter elements. Practical yet chic, my witchy winter outfit was ready to brave the cold with style and warmth.

Katulad nang napagkasunduan ay tutungo kami sa Inferno Lake ngayong wala kaming pasok. Binitbit ko ang malaking paper bag na nakapatong sa ibabaw ng aking kama bago lumabas ng aking room. Sa lobby ay natagpuan ko sina Morgan at Penelope na handa na rin. Ako na lamang ang kanilang hinihintay.

As we approached the shimmering, ethereal lake, the air carried a serene aura, tinged with an otherworldly calmness. The water mirrored the sky's vibrant hues, a symphony of blues and purples dancing upon its surface. Wisps of mist lazily drifted above the tranquil waters, adding an enchanting mystique to the scenery.