Blackthorn Academy - 1 - In progress

1 - The Noble House Of The Lost

3 loud knocks on the door of the orphanage woke up the skinny, tan and brunette Australian who awoke with a start, rubbing her blue eyes groggily. The cherry red alarm clock patterned with white daisies shone through the dark, reading 7:30 AM. There was barely any light seeping through the cracks in the blinds, as the wind rattled against the windows. A braided silver mirror signed CRW and JCM in a looped font stood in the corner of the tiny room.

Charlotte Rose Walker and James Chase Moody.

One murdered, one missing.

And that left the 10-year-old girl in the room, Aurora, all by herself, alone. 

Another set of knocks, more aggressive this time rapped on the door, and Aurora groaned. She quickly felt around for her glasses and pressed them up her face, grabbing her black hoodie an kicking a few more things under the bed as she opened her bedroom door, greeted by the Headmistress of The Noble House Of The Lost.

Headmistress Meredith glared down her long nose at Aurora, a displeased looked painted across her face.

"Good morning. The Noble House Of The Lost was sent a letter last night, addressed to you. I would like you to open the letter here in my presence, deal with it, and continue with the day." Meredith spoke with her coldaccent. Aurora glanced at the letter in the headmistresses hand, wondering what it could be about.

The headmistress passed the letter to Aurora, sniffing, as she gingerly held the letter in her hands, scowling at her name. She opened the cream coloured envelope sealed with a black printed wax. Inside was a letter, which she then looked up at the Mistress, who impatiently nodded for her to read it out loud.

Blackthorn Academy
125 Elmbridge Crescent
London, N1 8HW
United Kingdom

Dear Miss Aurora Grace Rose Moody-Walker,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.

I am Professor Marlene Morrison, the Deputy Headmistress of Blackthorn Academy. Blackthorn is not merely a school; it is a place where the brightest minds gather to pursue knowledge, hone their skills, and partake in the honoured traditions that make our institution unique. Our students engage in a myriad of pursuits, from rigorous academic studies to diverse extracurricular activities, all under the guidance of our esteemed faculty.

At Blackthorn, we maintain a system of houses, each with its own history and character. However, let it be clear that every student is granted equal access to the Academy's wealth of opportunities—our doors are open to all who seek to explore their potential.

You may or may not be aware, Miss Moody-Walker, but your parents, Mrs. Charlotte Walker and Mr. James Moody, were both esteemed members of our Academy. Their presence left an indelible mark upon Blackthorn, and their departure was felt deeply by staff and students alike.

It is known to us that from the moment of your birth, your parents ensured your place at Blackthorn Academy was secured. Now, the time has come for you to decide. Should you wish to take up the mantle and continue the legacy that your parents began, we would be honoured to welcome you. Fee's have been paid by your parents when you were enrolled. Please respond at your earliest convenience. If you choose to accept and enjoy the Academy, kindly respond with your height, weight and foot size, as these are needed for your school uniform. Stationary will be sent with the package each student will receive if they accept. 

With all due respect and anticipation,

Professor Marlene Morrison
Deputy Headmistress
Blackthorn Academy

Aurora struggled through reading this, pushing up her glasses often and misreading words, getting distracted during the paragraphs. The Headmistress pursed her lips, then looked down at Aurora.

"You may go if you wish, however there will be no turning back, other than for the academy holidays if you are required to return to home." Aurora scowled at the fact that Meredith thought the treacherous Noble House Of The Lost could be anyones home. The older girls sneaked out with the older boys, and the younger kids whined all the time. Everyone was either too happy and delighted, or moaning about how the sheets were crusty or that they were cold.

Meredith continued on. "I expect you to not make a massive deal about this to the other House members" Aurora scoffed at this, as if she would even talk to anyone else. "And remember that all and each of your every actions will have consequences."

The Headmistress paused, then looked satisfied as Aurora nodded, careful not to let any of her emotions strike across her face. An angry shade of navy blue flashed across her eyes, unknowingly.

"Very well. You shall reply to Professor Morrison now, then get ready and see me at my office. Remember to knock. I shall bring you to the escort to take you to the post office. When writing your reply, remember to use your best handwriting, not that scribble you often write with." 

Aurora rolled her eyes at this.

 "No smudging, spell everything correct. Tidy up your dorm once you are done." And with that, the headmistress turned on her heel, her footsteps echoing down the corridor as she turned out of sight.

Aurora closed her door and opened her blinds, letting the light enter the messy room. Sitting down on her desk, she pulled out some white parchment and a quill, then started to write the letter, careful with her handwriting. She dipped the quill into the ink, and cleared the desk top. Aurora lifted up her sleeves, careful not to smudge any letters. 

Dear Professor Morrison,

Thank you very much for your warm and thoughtful letter. I'm genuinely honored by the invitation to join Blackthorn Academy and to continue the legacy of my parents, Mrs. Charlotte Walker and Mr. James Moody. I am excited about the opportunity to become part of such a distinguished institution and to explore the many academic and extracurricular pursuits that Blackthorn has to offer. I'm also looking forward to contributing to the Academy's vibrant community in my own way.

Here are the requirements you asked for: 4'4 or 135 centimetres, 25 kilograms and my shoe size is a Junior 5.

Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. I am eagerly anticipating the start of this new chapter and will follow up with any additional steps needed for my enrollment.

Best regards,

Aurora Moody-Walker

Aurora spent a while on spell checks, and avoiding any smudges from her arm or sleeve. Her handwriting seemed neat enough, and she headed down to the Headmistresses office to send the letter.