The Eclipse Society

Chapter 1: "The Missing Thunderbird"

Ethan Thorne stood at the entrance to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the grand castle looming before him on the slopes of Mount Greylock. The cool breeze carried the familiar scent of pine and earth, evoking memories of his own school days. But this was no nostalgic visit; he was here on official MACUSA business.

His partner, Auror Marcus Kane, walked beside him, his eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced vigilance. "So, this is where you learned all your tricks, huh?" Marcus quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

Ethan managed a small smile. "Yeah, but it's different coming back as an Auror. There's something off here, Marcus. I can feel it."

They were greeted at the entrance by Headmistress Eleanor Whitlock, her stern expression softening only slightly in acknowledgment of Ethan's presence. "Auror Thorne, Auror Kane, welcome to Ilvermorny. I wish your visit were under better circumstances."

"Thank you, Headmistress," Ethan replied. "We're here to investigate the disappearance of your Thunderbird. What can you tell us?"

Whitlock led them through the grand hallways of Ilvermorny, her tone grave. "The Thunderbird disappeared two nights ago from its sanctuary. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle. It's as if it simply vanished into thin air."

Ethan and Marcus exchanged a concerned glance. Thunderbirds were powerful magical creatures, known for their ability to create storms and sense danger. Their disappearance was no small matter.

As they walked, Ethan's eyes were drawn to the portraits lining the walls. One, in particular, caught his attention - a portrait of Isolt Sayre, the founder of Ilvermorny. The stern but kind eyes seemed to follow him, almost as if urging him to uncover the truth.

They arrived at the Thunderbird sanctuary, a large open space filled with towering trees and cascading waterfalls. The absence of the majestic creature was palpable. Professor Selene Winters, the head of magical creatures, was waiting for them, her face lined with worry.

"Ethan, Marcus, thank you for coming," she greeted them. "I've been working with Thunderbirds for years, and I've never seen anything like this. It's as if the magic protecting the sanctuary was nullified."

Ethan nodded, noting the faint traces of a powerful spell in the air. "We'll need to examine the area closely. There might be clues left behind."

As they began their investigation, Ethan's mind wandered to his sister, Lyra. It had been years since her mysterious disappearance, and he couldn't shake the feeling that her fate was somehow tied to the dark events unfolding now.

Marcus's voice brought him back to the present. "Ethan, over here. I found something."

Ethan hurried over to where Marcus was crouched, examining a patch of disturbed earth. There, partially buried, was a small amulet, its surface etched with unfamiliar runes. Ethan's heart raced as he recognized the symbol - it was the same as the one in Lyra's journal.

"This is no ordinary disappearance," Ethan said quietly. "We're dealing with dark magic. And I think it's connected to something much bigger."

Selene looked at him, her eyes filled with determination. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. For the sake of Ilvermorny and everyone within its walls."

Ethan nodded, his resolve hardening. The investigation was just beginning, and he knew it would lead him down a path fraught with danger and hidden truths. But he was ready. For Ilvermorny, for his sister, and for the magical world he had sworn to protect.