Gideon Drake and the Fire Within (Harry Potter Sequel/Spinoff)

Chapter Ten: Orientation

As Gideon nervously stepped out of one of the fireplace lifts on his first day at Middling Academy, thoughts about the Diagon Alley incident couldn't be further from his mind. Although, the repulsive image of Anthony's rainbow-streaked, popping vomit seemed to have permanently scarred his brain.

He had, however, retained his sense of resolve. Gideon had channelled his anger and frustration into work and spent the last week tirelessly reading through his set books. He was sure he had read enough of each to be prepared for the first few weeks of school, if not the entire first term. His head was bursting with new information, he just hoped he would be able to recall it all when the time came.

He arrived at the lobby desk with some other lift users in Middling robes, and the same smiling receptionist from his tour visit signalled for them to head through the left-hand hidden corridor. They passed through the barrier and followed several chalkboard signs pointing them to the end.

The group arrived at the park-like room just as another set of students entered the corridor at the opposite end. Inside, they gathered in an area where folding chairs were set up. Luckily, it was a nice day out, though, Gideon wondered whether the bewitched ceiling would actually rain on people.

There didn't seem to be assigned seats, so Gideon headed for one at the far end of an empty row. He couldn't help noticing there weren't altogether that many chairs, a hundred at most. He was also surprised as he observed the student body around him. They weren't just different heights, many of them appeared to be older than the average secondary school student, some clearly much older.

A confused Gideon watched as students continued to fill the seats. A surprising number were wearing dark sunglasses, hats, hoods or even face coverings. The person who sat in the chair next to him was wearing a balaclava. People continued to file in for a few more minutes before Mr Middling appeared and made his way to the front of the seating area.

'Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,' he said brightly, bouncing on his heels, 'and welcome to a new school year, here at Middling Academy! I hope you've all had a wonderful summer. I also hope that you have been keeping up with the news of late. While this institution remains a safe space for those of low magical prowess, the world outside these walls is changing.

'More than ever, our needs and our rights are being acknowledged by our political leaders. While many of you are understandably still apprehensive about your place here, I believe in my heart that there will soon come a day, when you will all be as proud of having studied here, as the faculty and I are of teaching and supporting you all.

'As always, I have a few reminders. Firstly, students are not allowed off the grounds during school hours, including during breaks. Secondly, detentions will be handed out to any student in breach of school policies, including those regarding uniforms and prohibited items. And finally, please be wary of the time when using the Green Room—for first-years, that's what we call this space—if you wander too far and the bell rings, you'll surely be late for your next lesson.

'Now, your Heads of Year are waiting at the back of the room to issue your timetables, so in a moment, you'll split into your year groups and queue single file. Remember to pay attention and work hard! Off you go!'

Suddenly Gideon was lost adrift in a sea of bodies, as students got up and made their way to the back of the room where seven teachers were waiting. He deduced that the woman to the far left was his Head of Year because lines quickly formed in front of the others. Once the crowd cleared enough, he made his way towards her along with a few other hesitant-looking students.

'First-years over here, please,' she called out.

Gideon joined the queue in front of the middle-aged woman. Although there were ten to fifteen students in all, he noticed that there were still several very tall or else older people in the first-year line. This didn't help how Gideon felt about his stature as he realised, he was the shortest among them.