The Girl with the Tail

Chapter One

I sit in the back of our shiny, black Mercedes as it drives up the long and curving gravel driveway. I clutch my satchel closely to my chest, feeling the rough leather straps. It was the only thing I have left of my father. The only thing that was saved in the fire. "This be your stop." The chauffeur says as he beckons me to hop out of the car. He hands me my luggage before hopping back in and driving away. I look up at the white marble steps. My mother really wasn't over exaggerating when she said this was the best school in the country. I am dressed in my new uniform, navy blue slacks, with a plain white button-up shirt on top. My new dark navy blazer is neatly folded over my arm. I take one more look at the black Mercedes as it reached the tall iron gates. My last chance of freedom, gone.

I take my first steps up the marble staircase, my freshly polished school shoes making a light tap with every step. When I reach the wooden door I take a moment to observe its beauty. It is carved with animals. Two foxes running up either side, a tiger lounging at the bottom and eagle soaring high at the very top of the doors. But the thing the caught my eye the most was the howling wolf in the centre. Before I could further inspect it the doors opened revealing a small lady. She was wearing a black tube skirt with a frilly white shirt on top. "You must be Jack," she said, her voice high and squeaky "Follow me."

I followed her down two long corridors before we reached a similar-looking door, but instead of multiple animals, it had one cat sitting with its tail swirling behind its head. The lady knocks before a strong, rough voice answer that we could enter. The lady opened the door, extended her arm, gesturing for me to enter first. Inside is a small office space, with a large window behind the desk. Sitting in his chair is who I assume to be the headmaster. He has his elbows on the desk and his hands clutched together. "Jack, please take a seat." I sit down on an old chair with a disgusting green fabric. I place my bags down, but I keep my satchel close. "So Jack, seeing as you've been enrolled mid-semester you will be behind in some of your classes, but not to worry I'm sure you will catch up no?" his voice old but still deep and rough.

"Yes sir," I say, my voice low. He gets up from his desk and walks around, he is old and grabs a crane to steady himself. "There are many who believe this school to be enchanted, did you know that," he turns his body towards me. "Enchanted?" I ask not sure where he was going with this.

"Yes, yes enchanted. People use to believe that this was a magical school, for magical people, and it is in way. I find it quite magical how one student can accomplish so much in just one year." He says as he comes closer to me, one frail shaking hand reaches out to the strap of my satchel where a howling wolf is embroidered. "My, where did you get this boy?" The headmaster says as he looks at me with serious eyes. "It was the only thing they could save from the fire," I say "The only thing I have of my father."

"I suppose you saw the door on your way in, yes?" He let go of my satchel before turning to look out the window.

"Yes, sir."

"Quite a coincidence, don't you think?" He turns back to me, with mischief in his eyes,

"Yes, sir."

His stare is so intense I feel as though I'm nothing but a piece of dirt, thankfully a knock on the door interrupts us. "Come in." I turn my head to see a girl walk in. She is rather tall, with light brown hair and hazel eyes. I would be lying if I said she wasn't beautiful. "Ah yes Miss May, I would like you to meet Mr Rivers here." I extend my hand for which she takes with a firm grip. "Miss May will be showing you around." and with that, the headmaster gets up and herds us out of the office.

"So, Miss May, where to first," I look at her with curious eyes, giving her my 'famous' flirtatious wink.

"Keep it in your pants, and don't call Miss May," She says, her voice is angelic.