The School of Magic

Chapter 1: the school

 I woke up to a knock on my door. 

“Alex! You’re going to be late for school!”

I practically fell out of bed at the thought. Most kids hated school, but I loved it…well, the thought of it. I’m Alex, a 13 year old boy who LOVES anything to do with magic. A couple of weeks ago, on my birthday to be precise, I got a letter. Now, I don’t normally get mail, so I was confused, and definitely curious. As it turns out, the letter was from a school that’s deeply into the studies of magic. In fact, EVERYTHING is done with magic, from homework to getting dressed to preparing meals…about the only thing not magically done is exercise, which is mandatory so students don’t become dependent on magic, and normal day-to-day functions like eating or going to the bathroom.

The school has 2 levels, each with sub-levels of their own. One level is adulthood, where teachers are trained or continue to learn more. This is usually paid off through working at the school, but otherwise it becomes VERY expensive, and then there are several precocious measures so the kids aren’t affected by them. There’s more to it, but that’s all I know.

The second level is teens, where students ages 13 through 18 work, and occasionally a 12 or 11 year old that was magic-born can get in. this is where I was going to study. From what I knew, there were MANY levels, but I was only told about a few of them. The final level was usually achieved by 17 or 18 year olds, but a magic born could achieve it earlier. This was the final level, where students started working with adults as they transferred. Some even became assistants to teachers.

The first level consisted of beginners, people who needed to learn magic, or were being tested on how much they knew. Most magic-born people were transferred to the next level within a week, most non-magic born were transferred the next year. Anyone who didn’t transfer within 2 years was kicked out of the school.

The second level consisted of people who were familiar with magic, but not good at it. This was where you learned to use magic in your day-to-day life. After that level, you learned some not-so-common magic, which I wasn’t told about.

Oh, forgot about something! Magic-born kids are born into a family of magic, if they don’t posses the skill themselves. Most magic-born kids were put into magic training schools, so they can learn to control their unusual ability. meanwhile, non-magic-born kids, like me, are required to either submit a “request for entrance” form, or get invited…I was invited for my love of magic.

Anyways! On with the events! I got up and threw on a plain T-shirt and shorts, both black. I was told magic reflects off of dark colors…which pretty much means the more color something has the better a magic reflection device. It also reflects off of anything light reflects off of…which includes mirrors.

Speaking of mirrors… I looked into my mirror, adjusting my short, yet somehow messy, dark brown hair. In case you’re wondering, no, I don’t have a scar on my head, I’m not Harry potter. I quickly grabbed my book: “Spells and Stuff” (the writer had a sense of humor), put on my backpack, and I quickly ran out. My mom drove me since it was my first day there.

When we arrived, I jumped out of the car after saying bye, then ran into the school. The first thing I noticed was almost everyone had their wands out, and each of them seemed different. A teacher walked over to me.

“you must be Alex” she said “I am vice principal Cassandra caput adiutorem, you can call me miss adiutorem”

“nice to meet you miss adiutorem” I said hesitantly. She was an older woman with a black dress on, and blond hair that was cut shoulder length. She seemed almost to analyze me, as if judging how successful I’d be.

“a pleasure I’m sure” she replied. She had a stern tone, as if I did something wrong already “here’s your training wand” she gave me a wand that looked like a straightened stick.

“I thought I had to buy or make one” I said. At least, that’s what the letter had said.

“that’s after the first level” miss Adiutorem said “the principal enchants the wands himself if you’re good enough”

My eyes lit up. The principal was well known for being one of the best wizards in existence. It’s said he has made up several strong spells that actually work, and no one knows how. “when can I start?” I asked.

“you start right now, actually” she replied “the principal is giving a starter class on how to preform spells, it’s in the auditorium”

“thank you” I said, then I ran off to the big building.

The doors were shutting just as I got there. The room was like a standard theater, with rows of chairs filling the room. There was a stage at the far end, where a man was standing. Students filled the seats, though there was one in the back which I sat in.

“ah, it looks like our last student has arrived” the man said. He sounded firm, but gentle at the same time. Kind of like a father. Surprisingly, I could see him fine even though I was in the back. He was about average height, with a black Tuxedo, though all of it was pure black. He seemed young, even though he’s been rumored to have lived for several hundred years.

“s-sorry I’m late” I said, barely raising my voice out of embarrassment.

He nodded “it’s fine, there’s always one late student” he turned to adress the rest of the students “I am James venefici, though you can call me principal Venefici. In fact, better would be principalis venefici.”

He started talking about the basics of magic, most of which I already knew. Apparently, the girl next to me did to.

“you aren’t magic-born, are you?” she asked quietly. Her voice was soft, kind of soothing.

I shook my head “no, I got invited because I know a lot about magic”

She smiled “you’re Alex, aren’t you?” she asked. I nodded “well, I’m Mary, nice to meet you”

“same to you” I said, smiling.

I was already feeling at home, and I was loving every second of it.