Hecate's Way

What tHE FUUUU-

Continued in Isabella's POV

"She was adopted by my parents when I was 11. She was 3. But I've always considered her as part of the family-even if she wasn't born into it." Madame Demor paused for a breathe before continuing, "Of course she never knew about magic, she was a no-mag. But I guess she found out anyway, through Wren." Wren. I bet 10 dollars that that's the kid. Ça craint.

"Speaking of Wren, where is he?" Samantha said looking around. She seemed like an okay sort of person. Nice enough, with her sparkling eyes and wide grin. I could see where Wren got his character from. However in terms of looks, I was putting it mildly that they looked absolutely nothing alike. But now wasn't the time to be making comparisons. Now was the time to make up a lie-fast.

"He went to the bathroom." The lie fell smoothly off my tongue. I could only hope I didn't look as guilty as I felt.

"Oh." She only looked mildly concerned, "I hope he knows where the bathroom is. At least I know he'll be able to find his way back if he has too." Wow. She actually believed it. If it were my parents they would have never let me go wandering off into a crowd - but it was clear that our families had wildly different parenting techniques. Well if his sister isn't wondered about him, maybe I shouldn't be either.

Wren's POV

I was lost. I mean, I remember the way back. I just had no idea how to go back without shoving myself through a bunch of people. And I had no intention of going back to that girl. Sure, I could have handled the situation in a more professional way. But did I want to? No. So I had insulted her, and now that I have built my bed, I must lie on it. And suffer. I sighed. Well whatever. It's not like I'm going to see her again. I just jinxed myself didn't I.

Out of nowhere, the chandeliers dimmed and smoke started to fill the hall. Dramatic music started to play from god knows where, by what sounded like an entire orchestra. Suddenly a loud "BAM" came from the back of the room, and the music stopped. When we looked back to the front of the hall, there was a lady standing there. There were screams. I contributed generously. What can I say, I've never liked jump scares.

The lady started to talk, her voice booming unnaturally.

"Hello there ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between." I think I like her already. "If you are here, it's because you either possess magical talent, or a family member possess magical talent. Here at Briar there are three different paths, Witch, Sorcerer, or Mage. While there may be other paths, we only teach those three. If you possess a talent that a different path, other than the ones we provide, would be better suited for, you will be moved to a school that provides those paths. After the sorting, there will be a feast. Tomorrow, your teachers will tell you about the specifics of each path. Now, about the sorting. All of you will go in through the doors to the side," There two humongous mahogany doors towards the right of me, "which will take you to another circular room. From there, choose one of the doors in front of you, which will take you to another room with three doors, which will take you to the sorting room." WHY DO THEY NEED SO MANY ROOMS??? Unfortunately the lady continued, not noticing my extreme confusion, "In there, there will be a stone. Depending on your ability, the stone will do stuff." Very specific. "Then the judges will give you a paper with all the necessary information on it. Okay, now that I've wasted enough of your time, please proceed through the doors." Ok then. Wait. We were going to be judged??? I was still hung up on it as I walked through the double doors.

Once inside, just like Headmistress Diana has said, there were 10 doors, in a semicircle. It was weird. 9 of the doors were tan, and rather boring, while one of the 10 doors was...different. I couldn't describe how it was different. It just was. I moved through the crowd so that I was in front of the door. As I neared it, it swung open for me. I had a vague feeling that none of the other doors would have opened for me. Once I was inside, the daze I was in before left almost as quickly as it came. Three doors faced me. One was extremely tall, a dark blue and filled with numerous constellations. The stars seemed to actually shine from inside the wood. In fact, you could have told me that there were actual stars trapped inside and I would believe you. The middle door was rather stout, a pastel yellow with cravings all over it. I could see rabbits, flowers, and other creatures I didn't know the name of. The final door was moderately tall, a shade of cherry red, and covered in polka dots. I reconsidered my options. The first door was high vaulted and uniquely shaped in a way that curved but ended in sharp points. It seemed to offer knowledge. On the other hand, the pastel door gave off a happy sort of vibe. The carvings seemed to symbolize creativity and passion. It offered stability. The last door made me feel inside out and all about. I felt wonky and rather silly. It made me think of the fun in everything, and promised to take me on adventures.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Which one appealed to me the most? I had no idea. I hesitated. Or did I? I've had enough stability. That's why I accepted the letter right? When I heard that a school of magic had reached out to me, to let tell me that I could attend a school for magic, I was overjoyed. Magic wasn't about stability to me. It was about taking risks. The red door was too weird. Once I had attempted to watch 'Alice in Wonderland' but I stopped halfway through because it gave me a headache with all the nonsense. So, only one door left I guess. Taking another deep breath I walked towards the blue door. I've always thought knowledge was important.

Another circular room. Three people faced me, supposedly judges. A stone sat in the center of the room. I waited for a couple of minutes before I realized that they were waiting on me to do something.

"Um so, should I touch the stone?" Nobody said anything. I laughed nervously. "Ok so, um, I'm going to touch the stone now."  I tried to ignore the burning in my face, hating how my blush would stand out against my pale skin. I bent down and grabbed the stone. Nothing happened. Headmistress Diana said that the stone was supposed to do stuff right??? Nothing was happening??? What if it was all a big mistake? What if I wasn't supposed to be here? Suddenly, sparks started to shoot out of the stone, popping and fizzing, and generally going haywire.

"Aaahhh!!!" I frantically shook my hand trying to get it off, but the stone stick to my skin like a burr. I heard a sigh. "Ava, go help the boy, will you?" A tall girl who I didn't notice before appeared from beside the judges. She gave me a pitying look before pulling to stone off of my hand. Then she handed me a paper, which apparently contained, 'the necessary information'. She pointed to a door behind the judges. Then I ran out the room. So much for first impressions. I could almost feel their judging (irony) stares at my back.

-time skip because this chapter is long enough-

After a long period of time while other people were sorted, I spent my time 10% reading, 90% eating, and 1000000% remembering my literal trash-set-on-fire sorting.

We were supposed to pick our roommates after getting sorted, but I didn't know anybody (except Rude Girl™) would go up to somebody and ask them if they wanted to be roommates, but between Rude Girl™ and my sorting, my self esteem was in the negatives. I went back to the HUGE table filled with every food I had ever seen and some that I doubted even belonged to this universe. At least my tiramisu won't judge me. Tap. Tap. Huh? I turned around. A kid taller than me (I mean, who isn't?) was tapping on my shoulder.

"Hey do you what to be roommates?" I have never been so thankful for extroverts.

"Sur-" I began.

"Nope, he's with me." What tHE FUUUU-

Sorry it's so long it's just that I wanted to get to a certain spot in the story. Since I'm on winter break I will hopefully be able to publish another chapter before it ends. Unlikely, but I can hope can't I? Bye guys, gals, and non-binary pals!