She brushed her teeth, threw on her outfit — a black skirt, soft white blouse, and her newly gifted wand clipped to her side — and hurried downstairs
"Mom, I'm ready!" she called out.
Amanda chuckled warmly, handing her a small satchel.
"Then let's not keep destiny waiting."
They walked in near silence, anticipation thick in the air, until they reached an empty-looking spot near the old stone bridge.
"This is it?" Vanessa asked, eyebrows raised. "There's no bus stop here."
Amanda smiled knowingly. "Wait for it."
Just as the town bell struck 4 o'clock, a shimmer of light tore through the air. A large, sleek, silver-and-black bus shimmered into view — as if ripping through the fabric of space itself — and gently rolled to a stop in front of them.
"Whoa…" Vanessa whispered.
"Go on, sweetheart. Time to start your story," said Amanda, gently nudging her forward.
Vanessa nodded and stepped onto the bus, immediately struck by the vibrant chatter and flickering glows of magic everywhere. The bus was packed — young witches and wizards with enchanted bags, floating familiars, and one kid even had a mini storm cloud above his head.
"To Roswaltz Magic Academy, right miss?" the bus driver asked without looking.
"Yes!" she replied, her voice bright with excitement.
"Then strap in. It's gonna be a bumpy ride."
Vanessa scanned for a seat — every one was full… except one.
It was next to a strikingly handsome boy. He looked about her age, with golden hair, piercing amber eyes, and a cold expression that made her hesitate.
Still, she had no choice.
"Well… curse it," she muttered under her breath as she sat beside him.
As soon as she clicked her seatbelt, the driver shouted,
"Tighten up, kids! Next stop, Roswaltz!"
The bus lurched violently and shot into the sky, tearing through the clouds. Vanessa's eyes widened in amazement as she looked out the window.
"So this is magic…" she whispered.
The boy next to her let out an exaggerated sigh.
"What, never seen basic transport magic before?"
Vanessa blinked. "No, actually. This is my first time."
He snorted. "Figures. You look like someone from a backwater village."
Vanessa frowned. "And you sound like someone who's never heard of being polite."
He didn't even glance at her. "I'm not here to babysit some village girls, so try not to get in my way."
"I'll try not to. And I'll try not to sit next to you ever again," Vanessa said, turning sharply toward the window.
The boy muttered something under his breath probably a smug remark but Vanessa didn't care. She was too focused on the clouds rushing past and the enormous castle beginning to appear in the distance.
It had been an awkward five minutes on the bus when Vanessa finally saw it —
The Academy.
It loomed in the distance, an enormous castle-like structure, with spires that reached into the clouds. Her jaw dropped.
"We're here, kiddos!" the bus driver shouted.
With a hiss, the doors slid open. Students poured out, and the moment the last one stepped off, the bus vanished into thin air.
A high-pitched, cheerful voice called out,
"Follow me, everyone!"
They turned to see a woman with bright pink hair, round glasses, and two unusual markings — one on each cheek. She had a dazzling smile but sharp eyes that hinted she meant business.
"My name is Tina, and you will all refer to me as Ms. Tina. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Ms. Tina!" the students answered in unison.
"Good. Since you're all first-years, I'll give you a basic tour. Stay close and try not to get lost."
Everyone followed her, looking around in awe.
Just past the towering black gates, they entered a wide courtyard. In the center stood a large fountain shaped like a phoenix, spraying sparkling water into the air. All around, students lounged or hurried by, practicing spells or laughing with friends.
"This is the Main Yard," Ms. Tina explained.
"You'll spend most of your breaks here, and probably a good chunk of your social life too."
Vanessa's eyes sparkled. She could already picture herself sitting by the fountain with friends… maybe even dueling someone under the shade of that big tree.
Next, they entered the castle. The doors were huge, etched with runes that shimmered faintly as they passed.
Inside, the castle was grand — almost royal. Marble floors gleamed under chandeliers that floated midair. Statues of majestic dragons lined the halls, and enchanted portraits moved subtly on the walls, watching students pass.
"This is the Main Hall," said Ms. Tina.
"This is where assemblies, announcements, and special events will take place. But that's enough for now. I'll show you the way to your dorms."
She paused, then added seriously,
"In one hour, everyone must return to the Main Hall. Latecomers will be expelled immediately. No excuses."
Vanessa didn't worry — she was never late.
She followed the directions to her dorm and found herself in front of a door.
"Room 167…" she whispered.
"Room 165, 166… here it is."
She took out her student ID, pressed it against the crystal on the door, and it slid open with a soft chime.
The room was surprisingly spacious. Two beds, two desks, a wardrobe, and even a floating lamp between the beds. The walls were lined with magical wallpaper that shimmered faintly depending on the light.
"Wow," Vanessa breathed, stepping in.
Suddenly, a voice spoke behind her.
"Hello!"
Vanessa turned and saw a girl entering the room. She had striking white hair and icy-blue eyes that gave her a cool, almost ethereal look — but her wide smile melted any tension.
"My name's Amber! What's yours?" she asked eagerly.
"Vanessa. Nice to meet you," Vanessa replied, still a little startled.
Amber bounced on her heels.
"Nice to meet you too! You already seem like a good person let's be friends! Yes, yes, let's definitely be friends, Vanessa!"
Vanessa blinked, surprised by her energy.
"Uh… sure, let's be friends!"
Amber flopped dramatically onto her bed.
"Ughhh, we don't even have time to rest. Only thirty minutes left before we have to gather again. This year's going to be a pain!"
Vanessa smiled to herself. She had a feeling things were only just getting started.