It was exactly 10:30 AM when all students at Blackthorn Academy got a knock on their door, and a package right on their doorstep.
A soon-to-be 11 year-old boy with messy brown hair and jade coloured eyes ran down the stairs, his dog following him with anticipation. The boy opened up the door, hand behind his neck, and looked out, blocking the dog from escaping. No one was by the door, only a black package left on the door mat. The boy picked it up, hungry to know what would be inside. He'd heard many stories about this mystery package, and the legacies within, however no such information on the containments.
He ran back into the lounge, his mini schnauzer following him excitedly. Hurriedly undoing the grey ribbon and ripping open the package, he found a box inside. Finley Chapman didn't exactly know what he would expect, only that he was dying to know more. His curiosity was eating him, eager to open something he'd been told about, just never properly.
He unwrapped the package's black layers on the floor, feeling a thick amount of fabric and a few harder lumps.
Finley held up the set of hooded black robes, turning the material over his fingers. It was thick, but the top layer felt soft and silky, whereas the inside part had a warmer layer. There was a chest pocket on the left side, a grey threaded shield, inside a silver embroidered outline of a rose with thorns. Lining the hood, sleeves, ends and sides was a 1cm thick line of gold. The robes ended at Finley's feet. The mix of gold and black material swirled together. Almost like an ice cream, he thought, his stomach rumbling at the thought of food. The boy put down the robes and pulled out his new black trainers, grinning. The next items were a mix of stationery, sets of quills, piles of parchment, pots of various coloured inks, a set of white and grey chalk, a thick slab of black and another of grey seals, a set of envelopes and a collection of sticky-notes. A stack of thick dark-cherry-coloured hard-covered leather notebooks were set neatly in a pile tied by another grey ribbon. There was the thickest book from the lot underneath, with the boy's name engraved into the cherry leather. A small figurine of a fiery red dragon was placed inside a small, clear box. Next to it was a wooden hourglass, with the same shade of red as the notebooks. Silver book straps were attached next to the pile, as well as some thinner books of the same colour with silver bindings. A matte black satchel with a cherry red strap lay smoothed out beneath all the other items. The Blackthorn Academy logo was place in the right top corner. Sewn in cursive across the side in gold was Finley Chapmen.
Finley smiled to himself at that small detail, yet it seemed so much. His eye caught the envelope that he hadn't seen at the start. He opened the seal, gently pulling out the contents. He looked over the letters reading them as he ran his hand through his already messed up chocolate hair.
Dear Mr. Finley Chapmen,
Welcome to Blackthorn Academy, where the ordinary blends seamlessly with the extraordinary. As you embark on this new chapter of your life, prepare yourself for an experience like no other.Here, the walls have ears, the halls have whispers, and the shadows seem to dance just beyond your sight. You may find yourself drawn into unexpected adventures, and secrets hidden in plain sight. Embrace the unknown, for it is in the mystery that you will discover the essence of Blackthorn.Our faculty and staff are here to guide you, though they may appear enigmatic at times. They understand that the most profound lessons are often found in the most unusual places. Trust them, but remain ever-curious.As you navigate through your studies and the labyrinthine corridors of our grand estate, remember: not everything is as it seems. Be vigilant, be inquisitive, and above all, be prepared for the unexpected. We look forward to seeing what unfolds in your journey at Blackthorn Academy. Welcome to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Yours in anticipation,The Blackthorn Academy
That must be the Welcome letter, Finley thought, moving onto the next bit of parchment.
White Ankle Socks (All year)
Grey Trousers (Winter)
Grey, beige or black Oxford VestsWhite Dress Shirts (Long Sleeve)
House Tie House Scarf/Gloves (If wanted)
House Hoodie
Black Blazer (Academy Logo In House Colour)
Sweater (Name in House Colour)
House Tie
Grey Knee Length Shorts (Summer)T Shirt White Polo Shirt
House Baseball JacketFitted Black House Sports Short SleeveFitted Black House Sports Long SleeveGrey Trackpants (House logo featured at hip)Black Shorts (House logo featured at hip)House Coloured Swimming Shorts
Black Rain Coat (Length of choice)
*Robes are a MUST wear to formal events, gatherings, start/end of year events and any other important event*
The uniform, he recognised.
He didn't realise before, but the envelope where those letters were contained in had something heavy in it. Curiously, Finley shook it out, and heard something clink against the wooden floor. He bent down to pick it up, grasping it in his palm.
He felt the coolth of it against his fingers as they uncurled for him to see what it was. It's a badge! Finley thought excitedly, as he turned it over, revealing a small badge. It was cherry red, just like his stationary, and written in silver letters across the shield shape badge was Emberflame.
Finley had heard stories about the 5 houses and their meanings.
Emberflame.
Bravery.
He was now carrying on the tradition of the Chapman's.
Somewhere across England, Aurora opened a similar package, finding the same Emberflame badge and cherry-red items.
YOU ARE READING
Blackthorn Academy - 1 - In progress
Ficção AdolescenteBlackthorn Academy is no ordinary school-it's a place where secrets and mysteries are. Hidden deep within the country, the academy is divided into five powerful houses, each with its unique history, talents, and dark mysteries. But when a group of f...
