Jericho

Ezra sighed as he picked up the indigo-striped blazer and muted purple sweater vest that made up his new Nevermore Academy uniform. Though the colors were rich, he couldn't help but miss the emerald green and silver that had defined his house at Hogwarts. This uniform marked yet another reminder that he was far from home.

Running his hands over the unfamiliar fabrics, Ezra carefully removed his own robes. As the black wizarding robes slipped off his shoulders, a sudden rustling sounded from within their folds. Ezra paused, eyes widening in surprise as a small, scarlet head poked out from the robes, letting out a soft cry.

"Ash!" Ezra exclaimed with a chuckle. "I'd almost forgotten you were sleeping in there."

The brilliant red and gold phoenix fluttered its wings, emerging fully from the discarded robes. Ash glided in a circle around the modest dorm room, stretching his wings after being bundled up for so long.

Ezra smiled as he watched the magical bird fly about freely for the first time since they'd arrived in this strange new world. Ash's melodic cries filled the room, momentarily easing the knot of homesickness in Ezra's chest. At least he had one familiar companion by his side in this peculiar place.

"Come on now, no need to show off," Ezra teased affectionately as Ash swooped low over his head. "I know you've been cooped up, but we can't draw too much attention to ourselves just yet."

Ash chirped in protest but obediently glided down to perch on Ezra's shoulder. His sharp talons gripped the fabric gently as he ruffled his scarlet plumage.

"There's a good boy," Ezra murmured, reaching up to stroke the phoenix's lustrous feathers. "I promise we'll find some time to stretch your wings soon. But for now, try to keep out of sight. The students here have never seen a phoenix before."

Ash nuzzled against Ezra's hand in understanding. As Ezra finished changing into his new uniform, Ash returned to nesting in the discarded robes, watching through half-lidded obsidian eyes. His scarlet feathers continued to glow softly, keeping the shadows at bay.

Ezra studied his reflection critically in the mirror. The uniform fit well enough, but it would take some getting used to. He ran a hand through his dark curls, mussing them artfully.

"Right then," he said, turning to the bird with a brave smile. "I'll see you later Ash"

The small phoenix let out an encouraging cry in response hopping into the inside of his uniform. With Ash's support bolstering his spirit, Ezra squared his shoulders and headed out the door to embrace whatever adventures awaited him in this strange new world.

 ...

Ezra stepped out of his dorm room, closing the door behind him as Ash settled back into the nest of robes. He walked down the hallway of the dormitory, looking around curiously at the gothic architecture and decor that differed so starkly from Hogwarts.

As he turned a corner, he almost collided with Enid. "Oh, Ezra!" she said, startled. "I was just coming to see if you wanted to go into town with me."

Ezra smiled, glad for the invitation. "I'd love to see Jericho. Lead the way!"

The two of them made their way out of the dorms towards the front gate. As they passed by the administrative building, Ezra caught sight of Wednesday standing with two adults and young boy he presumed must be her parents and brother.

Wednesday's face was impassive as always as the three said their goodbyes.

Enid waved and called out, "Hey, Wednesday! Ezra and I are going into town. Want to come with us?"

Wednesday glanced over as Enid called out, her dark eyes betraying nothing as they flicked between Enid's smiling face and Ezra. Though her expression remained impassive, her mind churned with thoughts. This trip into town presented an opportunity to scope out her new surroundings and see what Jericho had to offer. More importantly, it would allow her to observe Ezra Bishop more closely. There was something about the British transfer student that piqued Wednesday's interest, an air of mystery surrounding him that she was determined to uncover.

She thought back to their first meeting, how he had tried engaging her in conversation she had even recognized the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote he threw out, something no ordinary teenager would likely know. His gaps in knowledge about common things like cell phones also struck her as odd. Wednesday prided herself on being highly perceptive, and her instincts told her there was more to Ezra's story. This trip into town would let her analyze him further when he wasn't expecting it. Perhaps she could catch him off guard and pick up on some new clue to explain the incongruities.

Wednesday also had to admit part of her curiosity about Ezra was that he had not yet been put off by her. Even Enid, bubbly as she was, seemed unsure how to take Wednesday's dark comments and humor. But Ezra had matched her in their verbal sparring, seeming more amused than alarmed. And the way he looked at her, his gray eyes glinting with interest instead of the wariness or judgement she was accustomed to, intrigued her. It was a novelty, someone neither cowed by or dismissive of her. She found herself wanting to peel back his layers in turn, to go beyond the charming, witty exterior and find what lay beneath.

So when Enid extended the invitation, Wednesday saw it for the opportunity it was. Keeping her face carefully blank, she replied, "Very well. I'll join you." As she walked towards Enid and Ezra, she pondered what she might be able to deduce about this unusual new classmate of hers. Perhaps he possessed some interesting secrets of his own. The trip into Jericho would be informative, one way or another.

…

Ezra and Enid exchanged surprised looks. Neither had expected the aloof girl to agree.

"Great!" Enid said brightly. "It's just a short walk from here."

The unlikely trio made their way down the tree-lined path leading away from the academy grounds. Ezra walked alongside Wednesday, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. There was something about this strange, intense girl that intrigued him, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what.

Wednesday seemed deep in thought, no doubt taking the opportunity to analyze her new surroundings and companions. Ezra wondered what she made of him - did she find him as puzzling as he found her?

He was shaken from his musings as Enid exclaimed, "There it is - Jericho!"