The morning sunlight streamed through the enchanted windows of the Thylacea dormitory, casting soft, golden light over the stone walls. Soya stretched as he sat up in bed, the faint purring of his kitten at his feet reminding him of the calm start to a new week. Monday mornings felt different now—less dreary and more... curious. There was always something new to learn in the magical world, and today promised more surprises.


    Davonte was already up, tying his robes as he grinned at Soya. "Ready for another round of magical mayhem?" he asked, tossing a piece of fruit to his ferret familiar.


    "Not really," Soya admitted, sliding out of bed. "But I’ll manage."


    By the time the first-years gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast, the chatter was lively with talk of upcoming classes and lingering excitement from the Tideball match. Eliza was already plotting her day, her auburn curls bouncing as she rattled off a list of spells she wanted to practice in free time.


    "What’s first today?" Soya asked, taking a bite of toast.


    "Elemental Magic," Eliza replied, her eyes lighting up. "It’s supposed to be intense. We’re going to start with basic fire spells."


    "Just try not to burn the classroom down," Davonte said, smirking as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.


    The Elemental Magic classroom was located in the eastern wing of the castle, a large, open space with high ceilings and walls lined with protective runes. The air felt charged, as if it hummed with dormant energy. At the front of the room stood Professor Enara Kalden, a tall woman with sharp features and a no-nonsense demeanor. Her robes were deep crimson, and her wand was tucked neatly into her belt.


    "Welcome to Elemental Magic," she began, her voice clear. "Magic is not just about control—it’s about understanding the forces of nature. Today, we’ll begin with fire. Fire can be a tool, a weapon, or a source of light and warmth. Misuse it, and it can destroy everything in its path. Use it wisely, and it will serve you well."


    She waved her wand, and a series of small, enchanted flames appeared, hovering just above the desks. "Your first task is simple: extinguish these flames using the basic water charm, Aqua Depello. The incantation is short, but precision is key. Watch carefully."


    Professor Kalden raised her wand and flicked it in a precise motion. "Aqua Depello!" she called, and a jet of water shot from her wand, dousing the flame in front of her.


    "Now, your turn," she said, gesturing for the students to begin.


    Soya picked up his wand, his grip firm but his nerves jittery. He pointed it at the flame on his desk, imagining the stream of water he wanted to create. "Aqua Depello!" he said, his voice steady.


    A faint stream of water sputtered from his wand, but it wasn’t enough to extinguish the flame. The fire flickered but remained defiantly alight.


    "Focus on the source," Professor Kalden advised, walking past his desk. "Water is everywhere—in the air, in the ground. Call it forth, don’t force it."


    Taking a deep breath, Soya tried again. This time, the water shot out in a clean arc, hitting the flame directly and snuffing it out. He exhaled in relief as Professor Kalden nodded approvingly.


    "Not bad for your first try," she said. "Keep practicing. Consistency is as important as power."


    Around him, other students were having mixed results. Eliza managed to douse her flame on the first attempt, grinning proudly, while Davonte accidentally sprayed himself with water, much to the amusement of their classmates.


    The lesson progressed to creating controlled sparks of fire with the spell Ignis Minor. Professor Kalden demonstrated, producing a small, steady flame that floated just above her palm. "The key here is restraint," she explained. "Too much power, and you’ll scorch everything around you. Too little, and the spell won’t activate."


    Soya found the fire spell harder to control. His first attempt produced a tiny flicker that vanished almost instantly. On his second try, the flame burst forth too strongly, earning a warning look from Professor Kalden.


    "Focus, Vareen," she said. "Control the flow of your magic, or it will control you."


    By the end of the lesson, Soya had managed to create a small, steady flame, though he still felt unsure about his ability to control it. The class ended with a stern reminder from Professor Kalden about the dangers of fire magic and the importance of continued practice.


    After the intensity of Elemental Magic, the students made their way to the outdoor paddocks for their next class: Magical Beasts. The anticipation was high as first-years whispered excitedly about what creatures they might encounter.


    When they arrived, however, they were met by a different professor—a middle-aged man in simple robes who appeared more administrative than academic.


    "Apologies, students," he announced, holding up a hand to quiet the murmurs. "Professor Byrah has been called away on urgent business and won’t be conducting today’s lesson. You’re free to use this time for independent study or other productive activities."


    A wave of disappointment rippled through the group, but the announcement didn’t come as much of a surprise. Professor Byrah’s role as the resident expert on magical creatures often took her outside the castle for important assignments.


    Davonte stretched his arms wide, grinning. "Finally, a break. I’m hitting the common room—might see if anyone’s up for a game of Wizard’s Chess."


    Eliza smirked, clutching her notes from Elemental Magic. "Not me. I’m heading to the practice rooms. Those fire spells aren’t going to perfect themselves."


    Soya hesitated, then adjusted the strap of his satchel. "I think I’ll check out the library. I wanted to find more books on magical creatures."


    "Classic Soya," Davonte teased with a laugh. "Burying himself in books. Have fun, mate."


    "Don’t get lost in there," Eliza called as she turned toward the practice wing. "The library’s massive."Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Soya gave them a small smile before heading off. The castle’s library was located on the second floor, its tall, arched entrance flanked by stone statues of owls. The heavy wooden doors creaked softly as he pushed them open, revealing a vast hall filled with towering shelves, each packed with tomes of various sizes and colors.


    The air inside was cool and carried the faint scent of parchment and ink. A few students were scattered throughout the space, some hunched over desks piled with books, others browsing the shelves. The librarian, an elderly witch with keen eyes and a strict demeanor, gave Soya a nod as he entered.


    Soya made his way to the section labeled Magical Creatures and Beasts, his kitten padding silently at his heels. The shelves were filled with titles that ranged from detailed encyclopedias to personal accounts of magical encounters. He picked up a book titled The Habitats and Habits of Australian Magical Fauna and settled into a nearby chair.


    The illustrations in the book were vivid, each page showing creatures he’d never seen before. There was a section on bunyips, with a drawing of their hulking forms lurking in swamps. Another page featured glimmering sprites called Glowfish, whose bioluminescence was used in various potions.


    As Soya read, he pulled out his sketchbook, feeling inspired to draw some of the creatures. His pencil moved quickly, capturing the sinewy body of a bunyip with exaggerated claws and sharp, glowing eyes. His kitten watched from the table, occasionally batting at the edge of the sketchbook.


    He flipped to another page in the book, this one showing a sleek, dragon-like creature called a Skyrunner. It was described as a rare species that hunted among mountain peaks and glided through clouds with effortless grace. As Soya sketched its curved wings and predatory stance, he felt the familiar pull of focus that often overtook him while drawing.


    His pencil seemed to take on a life of its own, and for a moment, the lines on the page appeared to shimmer faintly. He paused, staring at the image, but the effect was gone before he could fully process it.


    After a short while, Soya left the library and headed to the courtyard, where most of the first-years had gravitated to. The open space buzzed with life as students from various houses lounged, chatted, or caught up on assignments. The warmth of the sun and the light chatter created a calm yet lively atmosphere.


    Soya found a spot on a low stone bench near a group of older students practicing spells. His kitten leaped onto his lap, purring contentedly as he absentmindedly scratched its ears. Nearby, Davonte and Eliza debated the merits of skipping spell practice in favor of a quick trip to the kitchens for snacks.


    "Come on, Eliza," Davonte argued. "You can practice anytime. But fresh pastries? Those are limited."


    "You’re incorrigible," Eliza replied with a laugh, rolling her eyes. "Fine. Let’s find the kitchens. But Soya’s coming too—he needs a proper introduction to house-elf cooking."


    "I’m not that hungry," Soya said, shaking his head. "I think I’ll stay here."


    Eliza looked at him curiously but didn’t press the matter. "Suit yourself. We’ll bring you back something if we can."


    As the pair left, Soya pulled out his sketchbook, flipping to a blank page. He considered sketching the dolphin sprite from Tideball practice again but decided instead to draw a thestral he’d seen in a book. His pencil moved swiftly as he worked, the shadowy, skeletal creature taking form on the page.


    "You’re quite good," a voice said, breaking Soya’s concentration.


    Soya looked up to see a third-year Yarramundi student leaning against a nearby pillar, arms crossed. His sharp brown eyes flicked from Soya’s drawing to the kitten in his lap. "That’s a thestral, isn’t it? Morbid choice."


    "It’s interesting," Soya replied, unsure of how to interpret the older student’s tone.


    The boy smirked. "Fair enough. I’m Marcus, by the way. I’ve seen you around—Soya, right? The Muggle-born?"


    "Yeah," Soya said cautiously. "That’s me."


    Marcus nodded, his expression unreadable. "You’re braver than I thought, coming here. Not many like you make it this far. Watch your back, though. Not everyone wants you here."


    Before Soya could respond, Marcus pushed off the pillar and walked away, his robes trailing behind him. Soya frowned, unsure what to make of the exchange. His kitten mewed softly, grounding him in the present.


    The third class of the day took the first-years deep into the west wing of the castle, where the walls seemed to hum faintly with ancient energy. The Rune Studies classroom was quiet and solemn, with walls lined with stone tablets carved with glowing runes. Each rune seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive. At the front of the room, Professor Wirruna waited, her arms crossed and her expression calm but firm. Her intricate tattoos, resembling runes themselves, seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the room.


    "Good morning, students," she began. "I trust you’ve all kept your assigned runes from the first day. They are not mere trinkets. Today, we will begin to understand the power and purpose of these ancient symbols."


    Soya retrieved the small, smooth tablet from his bag. The rune etched into its surface glowed faintly under his touch, a strange warmth emanating from it. He glanced around the room and saw his classmates doing the same, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease.


    "Runes are not simply tools of magic," Professor Wirruna continued. "They are the language of the universe itself. Each rune carries a meaning, a power, and a connection to the world around us. The rune you hold was not chosen randomly. It resonates with your magical core."


    She gestured to the blackboard, where a large rune appeared, glowing faintly. "This is Fehu, a rune of abundance and prosperity. Its power can guide or hinder, depending on the intent of the caster. Runes are not cast lightly—they require understanding and respect."


    Wirruna walked among the students, observing their runes. When she reached Soya, she studied his rune carefully. "Ansuz," she said, her tone thoughtful. "A rune of communication and insight. It is often drawn to those who seek knowledge or carry a hidden gift. Have you felt anything unusual when holding it?"


    Soya hesitated, remembering the strange sensation he’d felt when he first touched the tablet. "It feels... warm. And sometimes, I think it glows brighter when I’m focused on something."


    Professor Wirruna nodded. "Pay attention to those sensations. The rune is reacting to your intent. Let us see if you can activate its power."


    She stepped back, gesturing for Soya to hold the tablet in one hand and his wand in the other. "The incantation is Runica Aperio. Focus on the meaning of the rune and channel your magic through it."


    Soya took a deep breath, holding the tablet steady. He focused on the rune’s meaning—communication, insight—and raised his wand. "Runica Aperio!" he said clearly.


    The rune flared to life, its glow brightening until it was almost blinding. For a fleeting moment, the air around Soya seemed to ripple, and images from his imagination burst into existence. A vivid phoenix made of fire swept through the room, its wings blazing. A ship with sails billowing appeared, its form translucent but unmistakably real. Then came a parade of fantastical creatures, each one a figment of his mind brought to life. The images shimmered and moved as though alive, but within seconds, they dissolved into wisps of light and vanished.


    Gasps filled the room. The spectacle had been brief, but its intensity left everyone stunned. Soya staggered slightly, the tablet in his hand still warm and pulsing faintly.


    Professor Wirruna’s eyes widened for a fraction of a second before her calm demeanor returned. "Fascinating," she murmured. "It seems your connection to Ansuz is... unique. That was no ordinary activation."


    Soya’s cheeks flushed. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—"


    "There is nothing to apologize for," Wirruna interrupted, her tone sharp but not unkind. "What we witnessed was extraordinary. I have never seen a manifestation like that in my years of teaching. This..." She paused, her gaze intense. "This is worth studying further. For now, I advise caution."


    The rest of the lesson was spent exploring the meanings and uses of their assigned runes. Students practiced activating their runes and discussed their experiences with their classmates. By the end of the hour, Soya felt a deeper connection to the ancient symbol, though he knew there was still much to learn.


    The final class of the day brought the first-years to the top of a narrow spiral staircase, where the Divination classroom was housed in a circular tower room. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, and the light was dim, filtered through colorful drapes that hung over the windows. Crystal balls, tea sets, and stacks of tarot cards were arranged on small round tables, giving the room an otherworldly feel.


    Professor Selene Aster, a graceful woman with flowing robes and piercing gray eyes, greeted the students with a serene smile. "Welcome to Divination," she said, smiling fondly. "In this class, you will learn to interpret the threads of fate and uncover the mysteries of the future. But beware—Divination is as much art as it is magic. It requires intuition, focus, and an open mind."


    She gestured for the students to take seats at the tables, each of which was equipped with a crystal ball. "Today, we will begin with scrying. The crystal ball is a window, but it does not reveal its secrets easily. You must attune yourself to the energies around you and let your mind wander."


    Soya sat with Davonte and Eliza, their crystal ball resting in the center of their table. Eliza immediately leaned forward, peering into the glass with exaggerated intensity. "I see... nothing," she said, grinning.


    Professor Aster approached their table, her expression patient. "Do not force it, Miss Gorman. Relax your mind and let the images come to you."


    Soya focused on the crystal ball, letting his thoughts drift. At first, the surface of the glass remained blank, but slowly, faint shapes began to form. He saw swirling patterns of light and shadow, which coalesced into the faint outline of a phoenix rising from flames. The image disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving Soya wondering if he’d imagined it.


    "Did anyone see anything?" Aster asked, her gaze sweeping the room.


    "I think I saw a phoenix," Soya said hesitantly.


    Aster’s eyes lit up with interest. "A phoenix is a powerful symbol of rebirth and resilience. It may reflect something within you or a path you are destined to take. Very intriguing."


    The lesson continued with the students taking turns interpreting the vague shapes they saw in the crystal balls. Some claimed to see scenes of distant lands, while others saw nothing at all. By the end of the hour, most of the class was either fascinated or thoroughly confused by the experience.


    "What you did in there..." Davonte began, stepping beside Soya as they left the room, "was brilliant."


    Soya shrugged, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "It wasn’t exactly planned."


    Davonte chuckled. "Planned or not, you’ve got everyone talking. That was some next-level magic back there."


    As they reached the staircase, a classmate brushed past them, bumping into Soya with deliberate force. "If you didn’t feel special with the attention you get for being a Muggle-born, you will definitely get more attention now," the boy sneered with a smirk. "Attention’s not always a good thing."


    "Shove off, mate," Davonte snapped, stepping protectively in front of Soya and giving the other student a hard look. "Go find someone else to bother."


    The boy rolled his eyes. "Don''t worry, Evander," he quipped, giving Davonte a nasty look. "I have better things to do than waste my time on more words with you and your Muggle-born pet." He gave Soya a disgusted look and headed down the stairs away from them.


    "Who’s that guy?" Soya asked, frowning after him.


    "Orin Thorn," Davonte replied, the name dripping with disdain. "He thinks he’s the castle’s gift to wizardkind. He’s all bark and no bite."


    Soya gave a hesitant smile. "Thanks for standing up for me."


    Davonte grinned, his dark eyes lighting up with mischief. "Hey, I’ve got your back. Someone’s got to keep you out of trouble, right? Besides, I can’t let my best material go to waste."


    "Best material?" Soya asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Davonte struck a theatrical pose, his hand over his chest. "Davonte Evander, noble protector of hapless first-years and unofficial king of sarcastic retorts. It’s a full-time job."


    Soya laughed, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Well, your majesty, I’m glad to be under your protection."


    "Good," Davonte said with a wink. "Now let’s get moving before Orin decides to come back and bore us to death with his family tree. That’ll really take the fun out of your big day."