Chapter 9 : first steps into magic

I walked into the room to discover Mrs. Lapis seated at the desk.

" Good day, miss. James pogger "

" Yeah, I've remembered you . Come in , go to the center of the room . Stand across from the board " 

I positioned myself as instructed, and she came closer. " your task is to create a simple magical glyph in the air. "

She's making it sound so easy ..." Are you ready, James? "

I replied " maybe you can give me a good luck kiss " 

She placed her hand on her head " I'll assume that's just your stress talking. Mister pogger. Stop this childish behavior , are you ready? " 

Alright, let's focus on something I fell passionate about! It's been so long since I was with a girl . Maybe that waitress, after the cup match last March? , no , I can barely remember her face .. maybe ...nah ....oh snap, I can't remember anything . Guess I'm gonna have a hard time .

Miss lapis start explaining " once you've starting casting a spell ... Concentrate and try to form a magic glyph . Channel your magic powers into this glyph . Your goal is to be as accurate as you can . This way your spell is the strongest.

You'll have three tries to prove, that your magic source has potential. Got it ? "

" Yes ma'am, I'm ready! " 

" Then show us What you got Mr pogger "

I focused briefly, closed my eyes, and upon reopening them, a circle appeared before me. She then began to radiate a soft glow.

I turned towards Miss Lapis and witnessed her in a state of astonishment. " Your score is 100% . Pleasant surprise, mr. pogger . I can see you have good potential "

Hell yes I do , that was too easy 

" Let's see if you can do even better " 

"Bring it on, I'm ready now," I declared. After a moment of concentration, I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, a sinuous tail materialized before me, emanating a radiant glow.

Then miss lapis said " Another 100% . Great Mr. Pogger . It is clear that you have potential. " 

Hell yeah , this is easy. 

" Let's see how good you can use it right now , your last try , go! " 

And for the third time in a row. I scored 100% 

" Great result , James , you are definitely accepted! You have a great future ahead of you .

And I will do my best to help you reach your potential! "

That's great. Thanks god" thank you,miss lapis. That's an honor to hear this! "

" Alright . Congratulations, you're now officially part of the nortale academy "

I Did it, fuck yeah " thank you, Victoria " 

Oh, oh her facial expression changed " mr. Pogger . I understand that you're happy. But mind your language! I'm miss lapis for you .

You have to be much better at magic to call me Victoria..." She said this and winked at me . Whoa , was that a clue, or was I imagine it 

" All accepted students are invited to our annual welcoming feast . Go back to the inner garden...and find the door opposite to the front hall . That's all. Dismissed " 

" All right . Have a good one " 

Upon leaving the room, I saw Haley patiently waiting for me . As she spotted me, she leaped towards me in excitement." James, did you pass too? I'm so glad. If not for you . I never would have succeeded ! "

" It's alright. I wouldn't leave you in trouble. "

She took my hand and pulled me along. " let's go to the main hall to get better seats . I've heard the headmaster will be giving the opening speech "

" Cool , let's go " 

We entered , wow this place is huge . Magnificent view . They can make a fortune just by selling guided tours here . 

" James , let's take seats near the teacher's desk , shall we ? " 

" Sure why not ? "

We sat down " So Haley , were you nervous during exam ? "

She replied" are you kidding me? I'm so excited to be here . When I've started casting a spell .. that felt so good ! I've never felt better "

" Really! I was worried I'd fail..." 

" You? Stop it with your jokes " 

" I'm serious Haley ...."

" I don't know James . You seem to be that type of guy who does not like to lose . So I was sure you wouldn't "

" Aha_ha . I wish I had your confidence in my persona . "

She laughed" we'll work in this later , don't worry " 

We kept talking until Haley turned my head and said " look, look . It's miss lapis on the stage . "

Victoria stood beside an elderly man adorned in a peculiar costume." who's that old dude beside here? "

She replied " maybe the headmaster? "

" I think we'll find out soon enough . Seems like something's about to start "

Then miss lapis said " attention! Students . Let's welcome the headmaster of the academy, sir Arthur domré IV . "

Then the headmaster began to speak" thank you, miss lapis. As the headmaster and curator of this academy... I am delighted to welcome everyone to nortale! 

Many of you have been here for years and already know our rules and customs. I hope you'll continue to show zeal and passion for learning this year . 

First year students, this is a special night for you ! Joining nortale will divide your life into 'before' and 'after'. But remember! To become a part of the world of magic and master it . You need to study really hard .

Now if you do not wish to meet the most terrible death I strongly advise you to avoid the right corridor on the third floor.

 Also, try not to wander around the castle after midnight without a teacher. The wizarding world is fascinating, but at the same time it can be very dangerous. 

And one more thing . Tonight you'll preform the rite to decide Wich house you'll join . Miss lapis will guide you through the details .

Victoria, darling, I yield the floor "

" Thank you Arthur " then Miss Victoria stand near a book " students ! It's time to start the rite . I need your utter attention. 

Now , we will commit the eldest tradition of nortale . The book you see in front of you is the oldest artifact of nortale. This is sorting foliant . It was created by four founders of the academy. Each of them sealed part of her soul inside this book. "

The explanation interrupted by lily question" I'm sorry... You said they sealed their souls ? "

" Well, parts of their souls " 

" Define ' parts ' please "

And Haley also asked " how is this even possible to divide your soul ? " 

She answered" it's magical arithmetics. You'll have this lesson later. Just believe me that there parts of it ! 

Now , let's get back to the ritual shall we ? This book will define your future at this academy. Your friends, teachers . Future opportunities. Everyone in the world of wizardry revolve around their connections . Made inside this walls . There are four houses named after four founders of nortale. Each follows the vision of it's founder. And you'll know them now..." She opened the book and...