Hi Monica!
Ismeralda sat down on the edge of the shifted feather bed and, breathing heavily, looked at my tear-stained face in surprise.
Monica glanced sideways at Ismeraldas wand and said, putting her hand on my shoulder:
«Dont think about Jamel and her henchmen. You cant cope with them. So try to forget this incident. And you shouldnt start a war either.
I rubbed my eyes. I felt grateful to Monica for helping me with the suitcase. I myself was now unable to conjure anything. Nodding to her, I noticed to myself that I would not give up so easily. There will be revenge for the insult. Monica turned to leave, but then Suzanne burst into the room, and Monica had to step aside.
Rosalina! Shouted Suzanne and jumped to me. She plopped down heavily next to the bed so that I almost jumped to the floor. Suzanne put her arms around me and began stroking my hair.
Oh my God! I just found out what happened. Im sorry! Lily found me and said that the new girl rushed to fight Jamely! Of course, I know Jamely. And Im sure she did something bad again!
They rummaged in my things! They threw my pajamas in the fireplace!
Oh, poor thing! Did you get hit?
She touched my cheek. Pain stung the right side of my face.
Oh! I shuddered. The face was still burning. There may even be a bruise on the cheek.
Sorry, I didnt mean to. Susanna was alarmed and ran out of the room. You need to put something cold on your cheek.
Monica barely had time to press against the door so as not to be swept out of the way, and then sadly shook her head and left.
Ismeralda said softly:
This is a bad girl, Jamely. I always forget her name. Zha-me-li. It even sounds strange.
Ismeralda pointed her wand at her eye and, squinting, began to examine its end. Only now did I notice that Ismeraldas magic wand was broken off. Ismeralda struggled to see the core of her magical item.
Suzanne returned. She handed me a tube of cream.
Apply to injury. It will get easier.
Hes cold. Even icy! I exclaimed.
Yes. It was I who bewitched him with a chilling spell. Is that great? Suzanne, flattered by my surprise, smiled.
After a minute I felt better. The hands stopped shaking.
This Zhamely. What do you advise me to do with her? Who can be informed that she
Not! What are you? Suzanne threw up her hands. Do not tell anyone!
«What?» I couldnt believe my ears. She must be punished!
I agree, but now you will not change anything, and you will only receive punishment.
What?
Listen to me! Its better not to tell the older ones. Teachers, that is. And Suzanne began to quickly explain her argument: If they find out, they will punish all of us, all the girls, that is! Here are the rules. Do you understand? Were going to have to sit all Saturday writing on Noble Conduct or something like that. If were lucky, well get Mrs. Fossil. And if Mrs. Bennetti takes over our «education», then all Sunday will have to sit at work. She will arrange for us such «Rules of the correct tone for a real lady» that you will climb the wall! And an apology wont help.
This is unfair! Why should everyone be punished? Cant I complain about them? I looked at Ismeralda, seeking her understanding or advice. I knew from her face that she was frightened. It seems that the threat to sit out on the day off for additional exercises was real.
Yes, I remember how on New Years Eve I rewrote «One Hundred Rules of Lady Conduct.» Its a pity I dont remember them. Or was it for Christmas?
I, as the headman, in turn will talk with Jamely and Matilda. I will forbid them to come near you. Good? Did you agree?
I nodded. What can you do about it. I was new to this learning environment and could be wrong. And I also didnt want to spoil my relationship with my headman, Suzanne. She calmed me down, took my side, brought an ice cream tube. In a word, I tried to help everyone I could.
Good. I said so softly that I myself barely heard my own voice. And then all the weight of the resentment fell from my shoulders. I rubbed my eyes and noticed that the room was more welcoming and nicer than a minute ago.
I think it was Christmas. Thought aloud Ismeralda. Susie, dont you remember, huh?
Ismerald, I dont like being called that. You know.
Yes, sorry. I forgot. You are half French.
Right, half. And Im proud of my French roots. And this «Susie» of yours sounds like a commoner from the English countryside. As if I were a laundress or some kind of cook!
I laughed. Suzannes business tone and her comparison with the washerwoman struck me as funny. Suzanne turned to me and smiled too.
Hmmm. And I like that name. Its so kind.
Ismerald!
I understand you. I will try to remember.
Yeah, try! Suzanne snapped and in turn answered: And buy yourself a new wand. This one is broken.
I like this. Ismeralda tossed her wand and deftly caught it. At the same time, she had to flop down on the feather bed.
«This is how I feel the magic inside the wand. And I understand her better. Do you want to try?
Ismeralda handed her wand to Suzanne. She pulled away:
Thank you, I am not eager. I have to go. I have a lesson in five minutes. I dont want to be late. Suzanne fluttered out the door. Before she had time to close, Suzannes head stuck back into the room.
Check your schedule. Suddenly you too have a lesson now.
It was already meant for me. I hastily unrolled the sheet I received from Madame Brutilde and frowned. Numbers, a bunch of incomprehensible words. It takes time to figure out the schedule.
Ismeralda, tell me what lessons I have today.
So-ak. Ismeralda dropped her wand and took the leaf. Look, right here. Today is the second day of the school week. The first one has already ended. He was yesterday. So-ak. At ten oclock you have the Wizards Water Course, the first Grant.
Thank! I was delighted. My first lesson at a magic school. Great.
Its time for you to go. Graduated from Ismeralda.
I looked at my watch on my left wrist. Twelve twenty, arrows pointed.
Lesson in fifty minutes.
It can not be. Look. Ismeralda slipped into her pocket.
What time is it now? I turned to Ismeralda, fearing that I was in the wrong time zone. What if here time goes an hour ahead?
An hour of the day and five minutes. Ismeralda glanced at the small gold dial and before hiding the watch back in her pocket, bent her left ear towards them.
What about? Is it already 1 pm? I didnt believe it.
And five minutes. Ismeralda repeated slowly.
You take it wrong.
Not. Today, after breakfast, I put them on the big clock in the main hall.
Clock in the hall! I completely forgot. Madame Director, Brutilde, told me about this watch. The Nordlig school lives by the time set by this clock.
I began to quickly take off my clothes. I had to change into school uniforms as soon as I came.
Chapter 8. Introductory course of the wizard
I never thought that I dont know so much yet. My grandmother studied with me at home, I read books, and then I felt like a complete beginner.
My first lesson
I jumped out of my room onto the stairs and almost rolled head over heels down. I managed to grab hold of the window opening in the wall in time. So I just stretched out on the sharp steps and whined. My school bag flew further. It contained my new stick, my old grandmother told me to leave at home, notebooks and writing utensils. Plus a schedule sheet.
My first lesson
I jumped out of my room onto the stairs and almost rolled head over heels down. I managed to grab hold of the window opening in the wall in time. So I just stretched out on the sharp steps and whined. My school bag flew further. It contained my new stick, my old grandmother told me to leave at home, notebooks and writing utensils. Plus a schedule sheet.
I rose gently and cautiously walked down to the common room. An alarmed girl was waiting for me near the door from the tower. She knew my name and babbled quickly:
«Suzanne asked me to wait for you. We ran quickly, otherwise we wont have time! And the girl immediately jumped out the door.
I thanked Susanna in my mind and hurried after the girl. Her white hair was pulled back into a neat, short ponytail that bounced up and down with every step.
Wait! I cant keep up with you! I croaked, feeling pain in my knee after falling on the stairs. The girl stopped at the end of the corridor and shook her fists.
My leg hurts. I complained, fearing that the girl would run forward again and this time leave me.
Hurry! Begged the girl. Cornelie and Bridget are probably already in class! And because of you, Ill be late!
Do you know where we have a lesson? I clarified, remembering the entry in the schedule.
I know. Come on!
And the girl ran again. I hobbled along as fast as I could. And fortunately, the pain in my knee suddenly disappeared.
In turn, I tried to strike up a conversation, make friends with my guide and somehow distract myself from fear, appear at the door in front of the full class and explain why I came later.
My name is Rosealynn. But you can also Rose. Breathing heavily into the back of my guide, I whispered.
I know, I know! Suddenly whispered plaintively «my guide» and slowly trudged off, listening to the sounds in the empty corridor. I took a step, realizing that my steps are loudly echoing throughout the school. There was no one in front of the class. And now a solemn, strict silence reigned around.
To my deep relief, the door to the classroom was open. Perhaps we still made it?
There were only three boys and three girls in the room. They sat at their desks and turned when we appeared. I counted, we only have eight students. I breathed a sigh of relief. I have never liked large groups. Sitting down at the desk right behind the black-haired boy, I noticed that my companion sat down in the empty seat on the left. And then I saw «her». Matilda, my co-abuser and friend of Jacqueline! She was sitting in the farthest row from me. I felt a surge of anger again. Matilda glared viciously in my direction. I remembered what Susanna said.
And then I noticed the teacher. In a blue, seemingly airy robe, she seemed to float through the classroom and stopped in the center, next to the piano. A small table with a high, thin leg stood on her other hand. There was nothing on it. And I wondered what awaits us for the lesson? This whole hall breathed with the subtle charms of music, something sublime, but in no way the «Introductory course of the wizard.»
Im glad to see you all. The lady in the blue dress spoke in a clear, not loud voice. I heard a slight accent that lent a melodic tone to her voice. It was pleasant to listen to.
My name is Frau Mendelssohn, and I will teach you the very first and most important course in your magical development. «Introductory Course» of the first Grant. And so when you know how to contact me, lets say hello! I say: Hello, young wizards! You answer: Hello, Frau-u, in the word of Frau and her name, I again heard notes of accent. I liked him. Definitely; Mendlson!
I coughed softly, preparing to greet my first teacher and
Glad to see you, young wizards!
together with all the students she loudly reported:
Hello, Frau Mendelssohn!
Well. Well done! The teacher praised. I smiled. While the lesson reminded me of a game.
And now lets get to know each other a little closer.
At this remark from the teacher, I was frightened. I didnt want to stand in front of the whole class and tell about myself, as it was in my old school on my first day. But to my relief, it wasnt necessary. Madame Mendelssohn simply read the list of names from her sheet, and the student got up for a second and immediately sat down.
Allan White, James Clarence and Edge Lawrence
I immediately got confused in these names. The last names of the last two guys seemed to me the same and difficult to remember, especially when you hear them one after another. There were not many guys in my class only three. Girls five:
Lily Leng! «That was the name of my savior guide.
Cornelia Snow, Bridget Oourd, Matilda Reinhart!
Matilda is that nasty and evil person, Jamelys friend. Ooh!
All the names were new to me, and I immediately forgot most of them. Hard-to-pronounce surnames thats for sure. But the name of Matilda is etched into my memory. Reinhart! It even sounds unpleasant!
Roselyn Burling!
I hurried to get up. And she sat down with joy. From a height above my desk, it was scary and a little uncomfortable when the whole class was looking at you.
Madame Mendelssohn put down the sheet of names on the table.
I said that this course will be on your first Grant. Grants are academic years at a school. When you successfully pass all the exams, you will be admitted to the lessons of the second Grant, and so on. Look at the emblem embroidered on the left side of your school uniform.
I already had time to make out her. A beautiful capital letter H with curls, placed in a golden circle, from which rays diverged in all directions. And under H was a small star. I touched the star on my chest.
Northern sun, and the first letter of our institution. Underneath you will find a star. This star is your pass to lessons. One star is the first Grant. In your second year of study, a new star will appear under the emblem. And then you will have two stars and a pass to the lessons of the second Grant. This is clear? Now lets get your magic wands, or artifacts, if anyone has them.
I took my wand out of my bag and looked at the other guys. They also had sticks similar to mine. The girl sitting next to me looked at my wand with interest. I noted that we have the same. Probably all the student sticks were similar.
Frau Mendelssohn walked between the desks, looking down at our chopsticks, but not touching them.
Great, great. She purred. After making a small circle around me, she returned to the piano and folded her palms across her chest.
Magic wands are your magic artifacts. They enhance the power of the wizard, direct it outward. With them, you will quickly gain confidence and develop a magic vein in yourself! Magic wands are very handy for young learners. They are not as powerful as artifacts. You yourself will understand why the wand is what you need now. Adult magicians have more expensive artifacts. These are already precious heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation. For example, wands, in the cores of which rare minerals are hidden, rings, watches. Any item can be an artifact. But with the magic in it!
From the first desk came a thin, uncertain voice. I didnt hear what he said, and I got up in my chair to see better.
Im sorry, what? Speak louder, young magician!
Frau leaned over to the boy at the first desk.