My Nocturnal Serenade

Chapter 1

The drive over wasn't bad, and to be frank I hardly remember any of it. I just remember pulling into the long, winding driveway until I came up to this beautiful Victorian era giant. It looked like something out of a fairy tale, gilded archways and all. I looked around for some sort or sign that could show me where the student parking is, but had no such luck. I shrugged and parked out front. 

This was it. Years of studying finally paying off. Winthrop Manor was the most prestigious school in all of Europe, students coming from all around the world to study a wide range of subjects from theatre to physics. They have one program that almost nobody seemed to apply for, which worked out more for me: Historical Writing. Something about taking these events and putting them onto paper, possibly even putting a spin on them, was just so intriguing to me.

I gathered my bags from the trunk, making sure to lock the car behind me. I didn't have anything really valuable in there, but it was just a reflex, I guess. One of the perks of growing up in the city.

Approaching the large double doors to the front of the school, you could definitely tell someone back in the day had some major money. There was more detailing just on this front wall than there was in my entire apartment. The retaining wall came together to form a gate, smaller than the one to enter the grounds. Past the gate there was lush, yet carefully trimmed shrubs and landscaping on either sides of the walkway. Wow, I thought to myself. It's like something out of a dream.

I kept walking on, admiring the scenery. I could get used to this view, the field that seems to go on for miles and mi-

My thought process was interrupted by something, or more accurately someone, in my path. I jolted and looked in front of me to see a woman about my height with stark grey hair and wrinkles that seemed to come from years of scowling. "I'm sorry ma'am," I said quietly. "I wasn't paying attention."

"Yes, that you were," She looked at my bags, then at me. "You are one of the new students this year, are you not?" I nodded quietly. "Very well. Come with me," She turned on her heel and lead me into the Manor.