Chapter 2 - First Day of School (3)

The leaves were just beginning to change color on the huge sugar maples outside an old Victorian Romanesque building that had been turned into a fancy dormitory. The air was brisk, but most of the windows were wide open letting the fresh breeze flow throughout the building.

“Is this your dorm?” Steve’s mom asked as she slowed to a stop and quickly scanned the map.

Through a window Steve saw a tall, attractive woman with burning black eyes. Her young daughter expertly instructed some fancy suitcases and tightly packed boxes to unpack themselves. Although busy, both of them glared with distain while a wardrobe, already stuffed with clothes, struggled to get its doors closed.

Chapter 2 - First Day of School (2)

The driveway opens up onto a grand pond with walkways and sitting areas already crowded with returning students. There was also an eclectic collection of building scattered around, some were tiny, like a little mushroom-shaped structure tucked under a weeping willow. Other buildings were on a much larger scale, some were ancient and classic looking, whereas others were modern, there were still others that defied gravity or reason. The winding road forked and looped leading into the immense woods that surrounded everything.

“I had no idea the campus was this big.” Steven said in a whisper.

Chapter 2 - First Day of School (1)

A big, old car with a crooked bumper drove down a tree-covered road. A thin, plain woman sat in the driver’s seat with her equally ordinary son of about ten years old, sitting solemnly in the back seat, tightly packed with old suitcases and plastic bags.
"Now Steven, I want you to behave like a proper wizard. Everyone there comes from magical families, so don't feel ashamed about using your magic. You are a very gifted young wizard and you should act like one."

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (5)

“So you are telling me that poor professor Funkly actually caused the ruckus by attempting to protect Miss Ronnie?” The headmaster laughed thinking how lucky they were to have Doug at the school.

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (4)

With the danger averted, Headmaster Lombardi calmly turned to Professor Wishford “Professor, please ensure these first-years are returned safely to the main hall for lunch.”

“Yes, Headmaster Lombardi,” Professor Wishford answered.

“Also, please be sure Professor Funkly gets to the infirmary for a good once-over with nurse Pritts.” He placed his hand on the trembling professor recalling a similar incident that happened to him when he was a young professor. “Now don’t you worry, we all learned something today,” and with a reassuring smile placed him in the care of professor Wishford.

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (3)

Molly heard Doug approaching and spun around, ready to face a new adversary. “Easy now, Molly, it’s just me,” Doug purred with a calm few would have had with a two-thousand pound pissed-off mother staring down at them. He moved fluidly between the mare and her quarry. “Come on now big momma, it’s time for you to back off.” His voice was firm and familiar and his posture was commanding without being threatening. Molly seemed to accept Doug would protect her colt, so she went back to grazing with the family. “Good girl.”

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (2)

Down by the lake a boy sat quietly at the edge of the water. He was surrounded by tiny maidens, not even six inches tall, half hidden behind tree stumps and stones. Each one was snuggly wrapped in a beautiful gown made of seaweed and bright fall leaves.

“Oh, thank heavens!” Gretchen screamed when she spotted him.

But before he was able to get out of the way, the frantic girl had crashed through the bushes knocking Doug back to the ground and sending the whole gaggle of water nymphs scurrying in every direction.

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (1)

A young Native American girl with bright green eyes and jet-black hair, walked down a gravel path through the cool fall air. She lagged behind a small group of students who intently listened to a young professor with blonde spiky hair and a bright dragon tattoo that slithered from one arm to the other.  Her fellow students marched along like ducks in a row, but all the amazing sights and sounds that surrounded them too easily distracted Ronnie.

As the professor rambled, Ronnie became mesmerized by a sleek silky hippogriff – a creature she had heard stories about, but until now, had never seen. At first glance it looked like a large horse, but its eagle head, enormous claws, and massive wings captivated the girl. The creature raised its head and started walking towards them.