Welcome

With a groan, Professor Michael rubbed his nose with a slight frown before looking at me again. I couldn't help but smile apologetically, I didn't mean to go that far. It was like a sort of reflex. I wasn't lying when I say I don't take kindly to people attacking me out of nowhere. The dude had nobody to blame but himself.

"It's fine, it was my fault for taking it upon myself to sneak attack you in the first place. Let's leave it all in the past since… no damage was done." He said after a slight pause near the end as he touched his nose again.

"Good enough with me. What I'm wondering, is what you're going to do with the other students." I said casually as I helped the still dazed Percival up. The kid was still looking at me as if I had just committed a cardinal sin.

"Naturally, they will be unfrozen and checked up on by the staff to make sure they are fine before proceeding to the sorting. After all, it's a whole school event. What I'm curious about, is what house you'll be sorted into." He said.

I shrugged, "Probably the horned serpent or the wampus cat. Hopefully the former, I'm a bit tired of dealing with muscle heads with nothing but stupid bravery and recklessness in their heads." I said as I remembered the faces of those two ridiculous idiots who love to get in trouble.

"That doesn't accurately depict the students in the wampus house. As a matter of fact, they are actually quite smart, although not the most dedicated. They excel at duelling. Something I think you would perfectly relate with." he said with an arched brow.

"Nope, I'm much more inclined towards studying in a much quieter environment with lots of books and lots of spells to learn thank you very much," I said with a shake of my head. I really did want a break from the Gryffindor stereotype. Spending time with studious individuals will be much more productive.

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see what the four statues think won't we? As for now, please head down the stone path and through the official school gates. There, you will find a desk where you can collect your points. since you weren't here last year, you can collect a card there as well. That will store your points. Please do not lose it." he said somewhat sternly before proceeding down the long flight of stairs. When I turned around, he was already gone.

"T-T-Tom… YOU UTTER LUNATIC!!" Percival bellowed when the professor left. He grabbed my robe and shook me with an angry expression on his still pale face.

"You could have gotten expelled for that stunt you pulled! Do you understand? I don't know how things run at Hogwarts, but Ilvermorny does not accept any such behaviour. I suggest you rein it in before you end up on your ass outside the castle gates," he warned seriously.

I nodded, "Ok, I understand. I was wrong. But nothing ended badly so it's fine. I'll be more careful next time. now come on, I want to go get my points." I said as I walked off towards the gates with my hands in my pockets.

"Ah… what a troublesome fellow," he mumbled, I could still hear him but simply smiled. I couldn't exactly disagree with him on that one. But who cares?

I suddenly remembered that I could simply release all the students by undoing my spell. But why would I want to ruin their little bath time? that would just be cruel of me. With a smile, I strolled forward alongside Percival who wouldn't stop yapping on about random topics and whether we would be punished.

About 5 minutes later we arrived at the grand castle gates under the perfectly placed grey bricks that made up the path, a row of thick tree's accompanied us the entire way as if acting as a natural barrier. Soon, a gate came into view, made out of gold with black adorning the letters at the top.

'Welcome. You will discover yourself and what you can do at this school. Learn, grow, and spread your wings.' It was a wonderful welcome. I sighed again at the tragic comparison between this and Hogwarts. It really did need a makeover.

The gate, as if sentient, sprang open with a slight creaking noise and through it, a small wooden desk could be seen off to the side of the same brick path. Jade like grass adorned the sides which contrasted to the dark grey brick, further showcasing its beauty.

The grass wrapped around as massive hedges of flowers and plants could be seen. Small animals and weird magical creatures that looked like pixies floated around playing happily amongst the ocean of colour. In front of me, eight tall square towers, firm and strong for a great defensive line and are connected by reinforced, massive walls made of light grey stone.

The stones looked chipped and aged, yet it didn't hinder its majestic allure for even a moment. The almost church-like windows, arched frames and mosaic designs with different animals on them gave off a feeling of artistry.

The massive wooden gates, framed in iron brackets gave it an impenetrable look, the strong wind picked up, directing my gaze at the dancing flags upon each of the towers. Proud and joyful as if grateful for being able to show off.

Trees littered the background with their dark leaves and the massive expanse of shade they provided. The plains they were on stretched as far as my eye could see, illogical considering we were on a mountain top. The roar of creatures could be heard from the forest beyond the rolling hills to my left and the screech of birds as they soared through the air.

The sound of a river could be heard that run underneath the drawbridge connected to the study castle walls by massive chains. Fish could be seen hopping atop the water's surface as if saying hello. The sun's shine on the water's surface mixed in with the sound of running water brought a sense of tranquillity to the entire place.

And the last touch to frame this masterpiece, the clouds, made of fluff, hanging in the background with a slightly orange tint from the slowly lowering sun.

"Simply… beautiful"