Chapter 3-NOOOOOOO!

The three had only gotten off the train when somebody called "Halo there! It has been a while!" and they all inwardly sighed, barely able to stop their eyes from rolling in their sockets. "Here we go again." Casper muttered bitterly, earning low replies of "got that right".

Squeezing through the crowd appeared a boy with fluffy brown hair and brown almost black eyes. His face was a nice peachy colour, dotted with pale brown freckles. Whilst most would be considered to be odd with freckles it fit this boy perfectly, adding to his youthful and cheeky charm that somehow always made people smile. However to the three teenagers, it was just plain annoying and obnoxious.

With a bright smile on his face he came to a stop before the three, drinking in their appearances before embracing them all in one massive hug. It was most certainly not appreciated, especially by Casper and Elias that seemed both ashamed and tried to hide their faces from the gathering of students. Most people wouldn't have noticed it anyway; if you were close enough or had impeccable eyesight you could see that their normally ivory white cheeks had this warm, pink hue to them: as if somebody had sprinkled them with some pink dust.

"I'm so glad to see you again!" the freckled boy exclaimed as the four of them walked up to the school that towered above the rest of the town, standing tall and proud on the top of the mountain. "We don't live that far." Casper countered, for once not aggressive in his reply. "Yes you do! If you need to take the school train which starts all the way in King's Cross, London, that is far!"the freckled boy whined, earning a chuckle from Ashley. "Oh stop laughing!"but Ashley just shook her head at the young boy's antics.

As the four gradually climbed the mountainous terrain, it never ceased to amaze the group. The valley's beauty was unprecedented: remote yet buzzing with life that seemed only possible in fairy tales and legends.

Birds were bursting into song, the trees murmured and muttered as the wind gently brushed against their evergreen leaves. Rays of the sun shone down on the remote valley where the school was situated, bouncing off the massive glass windows so it seemed the school was made of nothing but glass; glimmering in the warm afternoon sunlight.

Down the winding path you could see the gradual growth of houses, expanding so it was a cosy mountain town, just able to catch the morning and afternoon sunlight. People were still out and about, chittering and chattering to one another, some even greeting the onslaught of students which in turn shouted a cheery "halo" accompanied with a wave before they continued on their way. It was a slow climb up to the top but it was always worth it: anything was worth it if it meant just seeing the most prestigious school in the world.

When the sun was once again hidden by the looming mountains all the students finally filed into the castle of a school, heading straight to the dining room regardless of school uniform or not. It was incredible! There were so many students all around, some dressed in their school uniform whilst others were maybe still in pyjamas. It was a chaotic mess yet still had this slight tint of order as they sat down at the four great tables of the great hall; it was the first thing you saw and always left visitors awestruck. Even the students forgot that they saw this every year and just stood there, mouths hanging wide open as they took in the sheer size of it.

Massive chandeliers were hanging down from the arched ceiling, the tip reaching at least 12 metres if not more. Torches and tapestries decorated the cold stone walls whilst windows let the silvery light of the moon sweep in. At the very back of the room was this one extremely long table made out of wood, intricate designs carved into it whilst there were many decorative chairs placed behind, teachers in all sorts of getups; laughing, drinking, eating and conversing together as they forgot all the formalities for once. Out in front was a golden lectern, an eagle that seemed to be taking off to soar around. Four massive tables were lined down the length of the hall, filled to the brim with students seated on the simple yet elegant benches. There were at least 20 different dishes on each table, students criss crossing the hall to try and get something different. It never ceased to disappoint; the feasts only getting grander and grander each year.

Joyous music was played in the music-music from the seeming medieval times. It was light and happy, bringing smiles to the people's faces as some got up to dance and sing wondrously out of tune but it did not matter. Today was the day when everybody was welcomed back. Today was the day where these students and teachers alike celebrated the end of the summer holidays with one exotic feast and the beginning of a new, eventful school year.

If only this could last-the crowd drunk on the happiness of others. If only this could last and remain timeless, just like the academy.

***

The evening was drawing to a close, many of the students having already gone to find their allocated dormitories by passing the office of the school grounds keeper. Ashley, Samuel, Casper and Elias knew this man well, often having polite but friendly conversations with this man. Even though he was quite tall and intimidating due to having a prosthetic leg he was a kind soul, always looking out for the well being of the students.

The four trudged their way to this office, still laughing and singing in their drunken stupor of happiness. Elias and Casper were evening making jokes together-not the usual sarcastic remarks or snide comments, just normal jokes like "Knock Knock, who's there?" or "How do you prevent violin theft?....Put it in a viola case"! It was hilarious to see them zig zag their way but eventually they arrived at their destination.

"Good to see ye." the caretaker said fondly, ruffling the hair of the four. "How ya'll been?" the tall man asked as he rummaged around his office drawers to try and find the dorm keys. "Quite"-hic-"good." Samuel replied, voice high and shrill as he tried to stop hiccuping from laughing too much. "Oh not this again?" Ashley inquired, voice having a hint of exasperation in it. "What about you Casper, Elias? Getting along now or has that still not changed"? The boys shook their heads slightly guiltily, not daring to meet the tall man's eyes. "Don't you two worry too much. It ain't always easy getting along." he murmured, giving the two ashamed boys a warm and encouraging smile. "Now here are ye dorm keys. Don't lose em alright?" and the four nodded in understanding, taking the keys in their hands-they were quite small compared to this giant of a man. "Now off you scoundrels go to bed. It's a busy day tomorrow as i am sure you know. Good night." and the small group of four mumbled a sleepy "goodnight" before stumbling their way to their rooms.

"Which number do you have?" Elias yawned, stretching his arms and letting out a satisfied sigh when he heard a loud "POP". "Uh...room 1412B." Ashley replied followed by her brother saying "Same room as her".

"Hey! I am not a 'her'." Ashley retorted.

"And why not? You're a girl aren't you"?

"Yes but..." and on and on it went.

"What about you Casper"?

"M-Me?" he stammered. Elias didn't miss it. Casper Turgenev never stuttered. Not once had Casper ever stuttered in the 13 years he knew him. "Who else idiot?" and Casper grumbled. "Hmm"?

"212B." Casper murmured before stomping away like a child. "Strange one that is." Elias mused before jogging after Casper, leaving Ashley and Samuel to squabble amongst themselves as they made their way to their rooms.

The walk to 212B wasn't a very long one: just down the corridor in a straight line. So, it was easy for Elias to catch up to Casper who was found just standing at the door. "What's up?"Elias asked as he arrived, breathing slightly unrhythmic from that jog. "Casper?" but the black haired boy didn't reply, only slightly nod his head at the door.

Elias rose to the tips of his toes, looking over Casper's shoulder only to be greeted with the dark brown oak from the dormitory door. "What?" but again, Casper remained silent. With a trembling arm he brought it upwards so that it was Elias' eye level, pointing to what at first seemed the door but then Elias realised it was to the small plaque next to it. Every room door had a small plaque next to it, stating the names of the three people that would be sharing the room and so, boys with boys and girls with girls.

"What...oh"."Yes, oh"."....""...""NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"!

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For the few that read this story, i am sorry with the slow update. Things happened and i was busy so i couldn't update sooner. I hope this satisfies the ones that read this story and enjoy it. I am so sorry once again!

~Nasheng