HILLSFRED ACADEMY;

Chapter 4:

[RENEE's POV]

Screeeeeeeeech!!!!!!

I woke up to the screeching sound of long iron gates that almost seemed like an entry gate to a haunted house. I soon realized that I unconsciously dozed off listening to Cave's garrulous talks. It was already dark by the time we reached. I sat back rubbing and blinking my eyes, to look through the dark.

"Look who's up!? Mornin', sleeping princess", Cave mocked me with a goofy grin.

"Morning blabbermouth!", I snapped back with a fake smile and he snorted.

From the little conversation that I could remember having with him I learnt that Cave is a complete show-off and equally annoying.

"Have we arrived?"

"Almost there."

Behind the gates was what I believe a dense forest, only a narrow road dividing it. We continued to drive ahead.

Only after a km or two, a giant wall came into view. Driving past it is the HILLSFRED ACADEMY... Woah!

It was stone and gothic, with cathedral-like buildings that looked medieval. The complete place gave me a Harry Potter feeling...This could be a good setup for a Witchcraft Academy. We stopped in front of the main building where a beautiful and elegant young lady stood as if she was waiting for our arrival. She had a gentle and pleasant smile on her face.

She is wearing a white sheath dress that has a gold chain covering the neck area like a necklace. The dress hugged her body, giving off her perfect body structure just like an hourglass. Her brownish black hair flowing freely behind. Her red plump lips and chocolatey eyes were enough to draw anyone into a daze.

"Belle!", Cave exclaimed as he hopped out and dashed towards her, while I kept behind him.

"Did you miss me honey?"

"Fuck off, Cave" the lady rolled her eyes.

"Love you too babe! ", he said grinning. A scowl formed on her beautiful face. Looking at them bantering, they seemed pretty... what do I say... childish!?

"Hi! I'm Isabelle. You can just call me Belle.", the lady turns towards me putting forth her hand.

"Uhm... Renee", I shake her hand hesitantly.

"..... I'm guessing Mr. Not-so-pretty face didn't give you any starters before you arrive here?... ", she says giving a sceptical look at Cave. Cave faked a hurt look to his title.

"Uh... Uhm... No!?", uncertainty in my voice as I glance back from Cave to Belle.

"Hey she dozed off before I could speak about it ", Cave reasoned out putting his hands in the air.

"Or... You just sang her to sleep with your blabbering?", she pointed out squinting her eyes at him. Cave let out a sheepish grin scratching the back of his head.

"*sigh* Guess I should start anew then!", Belle turns towards me with a polite smile "Hi Renee, I'm Isabelle Montclair, the principal of this Academy and you will be under my care from now on."

My eyes wide with shock. Did she just say principal!? Well... I was expecting someone slightly of an older age you know... Like Dumbledore, but she seems pretty young! Besides, aren't principals supposed to be stern looking, strict and disciplined... But she is... pretty cool, carefree and friendly.

"I-It's nice to meet you ma'am", I say not knowing what else to say.

"Oh no dear! No need for the formalities. Keep it casual, I like it that way " she says placing an arm around my shoulders and I nod back.

"And this here-" she points towards Cave " is Mr. Cave Paul, a psychiatrist, he'll be your personal counsellor and for the time being will be working in the Academy's infirmary." He waves his hand, grinning at me and I'm completely dumbfounded from what I heard just now. No waaay! Really!? This should be some kind of a joke. Tell me, it's a joke. But how can...

"Let's head to your room, shall we?", Belle snaps me back to reality and I slightly nod my head. I turn to get my luggage from the car but Belle stops me "Cave will get it for you. Don't worry let's keep going"

"But-" I try to speak.

"Come onnnn!", she pulls me along with her.

"Really woman!? Hey!!!", I could hear Cave shouting behind us, but Belle kept me tagging along with her.

I can see it's a really vast campus like really vast. We walk to the left from the main building. Even though the buildings look medieval, the place is well maintained. We come across a chapel and Belle points towards it and says," That's the prayer hall." I nod in understanding and walk further.

Likewise, she would point some areas on the way and describe them. Soon we come across a building which like the rest looks medieval and finally I spot some students walking in and out of it. I was starting to doubt if I were the only student here.

"This is the dormitory for students. Both boys and girls stay under the same roof. And you will be staying here as well", Belle stated as she leads me in. I could feel stares from around me but I didn't dare look up as I silently walked beside her.

Everyone wore uniforms nobody in their casuals. As they walk past by us, they would greet Belle casually before they peep a glance at me and she returns it in the same tone unaffected.

She fishes out a key from her pocket and says, "Let's see, your room number is 3F0; Which means third floor, right next to the stairs."

"Right now, half of the students are with their families enjoying their summer vacation. In a week or two they'll be back you can make some good friends then. "

Friends... Yeah right!

Soon we made it to our room. Belle pushed the key into the hole and turned it. The door opened with a click. She entered the room gesturing me to follow.

Cave brought up my luggage with some huffs and puffs, grumbling at Belle once he reached. But Belle just pushed it away saying, "It's good to give your body some exercise every now and then. "

"Sooo? Do you wanna come down and grab a bite or would you like to take some rest?" Belle asked me.

" I would like to take some rest. Thank you", I replied gently.

"Fine then get some good sleep. I'll come and pick you tomorrow", she said giving me a quick hug which I returned.

"I went through the medical reports your father sent me. Not much co-operative huh!?", he said with a raised eyebrow and I looked down not wanting to meet his eyes.

"For now, continue the same medication. I'll change the dose after I give you a small check -up." I nodded in approval and they left me be.

I closed the door behind them and rummaged through my small bag for meds. I found it at the very bottom. I popped open one from each sheet and stuffed them into my mouth. There was a jar of water on the table nearby, I took a big sip and downed them in one go. I took several more sips then placed the jar back on the table.

I turned around and plopped down on the bed, not in a mood to change whatever I'm wearing. With no energy left, I close my eyes and soon darkness covered me. I welcome the familiar feeling and drift away into a deep, deep sleep.