Magic at Midnight

1. The Morning

"Mom!" I screamed as I extended my arm out for her to grab.

"Marlee," mom said as she grabbed onto my hand. 

"I won't let go!" I said as tears started trickling down my cheeks. It was becoming harder and harder for me to hold on as the vortex's pull became stronger and stronger. "Mom! My hands hurt," I cried trying my best to keep a grip on her hand.

"It's okay baby," she said while tears started forming in her eyes. "You can let go."

"No! I can't lose you!" Tears started streaming down my face.

"I know, but you have to. I'll be fine. Let go of me. You'll find me soon. I promise." 

Before I could reply she let go of my hand and the vortex swallowed her as it started to close up. 

"No..." I fell to my knees and buried my face into my palms as I sobbed. It was just me in our potion room that was now destroyed. I was alone. I had no parents, no siblings, not even a pet goldfish to comfort me. I continued crying for hou-

"Marlee Marie Jones! Its 7:30! The train to The Academy for Young Witches and Wizards leaves at 8!" Aunt Suzane yelled up to my room.

Startled by her voice, I woke up sweating. I sat up in bed and stretched my arm out before I let out a long yawn. Why does school have to start so early. As I got out of bed, I felt the cold floor beneath my feet. I looked back at my messy bed. Should I make my bed today? Eh...no one besides me is up here anyways. 

I then made my way to a pile of clothes on the floor and started rummaging through them until I found my uniform. Why do we have to wear these stupid robes anyways? All they do is get in our way when we're flying or making potions. I started putting on the white button-down shirt and black trousers. Overtop I put my robe and tie. And then my favorite black converse. I don't care what the professors are gonna say. I am NOT wearing those uncomfy loafers on the first day when we don't even have any classes.

I do not miss having to wear these every day. Why do we even need to wear our uniforms on the first day?! All we're doing is being transported to the school and getting our new dorms. I grabbed my suitcase and a few other things and then lugged everything down the narrow staircase.

"Morning sleepy head," Aunt Suzane said as she grabbed my suitcase from the bottom of the stairs and brought it to the door. "Now you don't have any time to eat so take this and eat it on your walk to the station," She then shoved a breakfast sandwich into my hands.

"Okay. I gotta go now," I said as I walked to the door. "I'll be home for Christmas?"

"I'll send you letters updating you if you'll be able to come home for Christmas. Now go." She said as she practically shoved me and my things out the door. God it's almost like she doesn't even want me home. I grabbed my suitcase and started walking briskly to the train station. 

Once I was far enough from the house, I tossed the sandwich into a nearby garbage bin. She always makes the same stupid baloney, cheese and mayonnaise sandwich on the first day. She should know that I hate mayonnaise. Mom did. And I've lived with Aunt Suzane almost as long as I lived with Mom.

The rest of the walk was just as boring as it always was. Dull symmetrical houses lined the cracked streets. No color or differences from house to house. Nothing new. As soon as I reached the train station, I stopped to breathed in the exhaust coming from one of the trains that was getting ready to leave. 

"Ahh," I sighed "Feels nice to be back at the station where nothing is ever rushed." I looked down at my ticket to check what number train I'm on. I then looked back up at the train that was just about to pull out of the station. "Oh crap, that's my train!"

A/N: This is my first book/novel that I am actual writing for people to read. I know my writing skills aren't the greatest and I can promise that I will get better as this story goes on. Also considering the fact that I am fairly young, my schedule is a bit crowded so chapters may be spread a part. Otherwise thank you for reading all the way to the end of this first chapter. 

- amelia