“A Tour, Robes and More....”

The group followed the professors and the pukwudgies into the Great Hall. Arielluma gestured to a small alcove off the side. “Put your belongings there. The Pukwudgies will help take them to your House dorms for you. Meanwhile, we have a few preliminary things to get out of the way. And then…”

“And then, you’ll be sorted into your house!” exclaimed Rbratt06, clasping her hands excitedly. “But first, a tour! And you’ll need school robes!”

_____________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 2
by Dapperwulf

“The Guardians of Greylock (aka Let's Get This Party Started!)”

“Now then,” Professor Arielluma said, stopping in front of a large set of ornately carved wooden doors that rivaled those at the front entrance. “The only things we haven’t shown you on your tour are the dorms and the Statuary. We’ve saved that for last.”

The Headmistress stepped forward. “While we are all one family here at Ilvermorny, a family is made up of different branches. You will be sorted into a house. These are the people who will be your more immediate family while you are at the school.”

Belleprincesselle raised her hand. “Pardon ma’am, but will you be sorting us? And if so, how will you decide?”

“No, I won’t be choosing,” laughed Saeraphine. “If only because I’d probably chose everyone for my own house. The Guardians of Greylock will look inside you - body, heart, mind and soul - and make their choice.”

Professor Rbratt06 glanced out the window at the swiftly setting sun. “Headmistress, it’s time.”

Saeraphine nodded and turned, striding towards the doors. The massive oaken slabs opened of their on accord, revealing the room within. And such a room it was. The two stories of luminous gray stone were intricately carved from floor to ceiling to show the stories of the Guardians drawn from the stories of the local native tribes up to the founding of the school itself. On the second story, a balcony with a twisted chestnut railing encircled the room completely. The returning students, those that had already been sorted, stood gathered at the railing, looking down at the first years in eager anticipation.

“Oh my….” gasped Momof4jems, staring at the sight in front of them. A large stone pedestal rested in the center of the room. At each of the cardinal points, stood a statue. All were at least seven feet tall and carved from precious stones. To the East, sat Thunderbird - a great raptor whose feathers were of an opaque golden beryl, polished to a high shine. To the West, rose the Horned Serpent in marbled teal Chrysocolla. It had horns like an antelope and an opalescent, spherical jewel embedded in its forehead. To the North, was the Great Pukwudgie, ready with his bow and poisoned arrows. To the South, crouched the Wampus, a strong proud panther-like creature with six legs carved in a deep purple hackmanite.

As the Headmistress stepped onto the platform, the statues moved as one - Thunderbird opened his wings with the booming sound of thunder, Pukwudgie drew his arrow and pointed it at the sky, the coils of the Horned Serpent rolled like the ocean in a storm as the sphere embedded in its head threw off a blazing light, and the Wampus threw her head back and screamed til the very walls of the castle shook. Saeraphine raised her arms and the statues quieted. “Students of Ilvermorny, may I present the Guardians of Greylock. One by one, you will step onto the platform and the statues will make their decision. Let us begin.”

_____________________________________________________________________

“Home away from Sweet Home”

After the Sorting, the first years were welcomed enthusiastically by their new housemates and began to file out of the Statuary. There was a slight bottleneck for a moment as a couple of Thunderbirds got caught up in reenacting their Guardian’s wing movements and fell into one another in a fit of laughter. “Thunderbirds are a go!” fussed lilsweetiepie1992 with a grin. Valqis stuck out his tongue and laughed. “Hush Pukwudgie! We’re going, we’re going!”

Following the professors, the students made their way through the halls to the main entrance where they broke off into groups, heading to each House’s dormitories. The Pukwudgies split off to the left, while the others headed to the right.

Wampus House:
Professor Dapperwulf led the Wampus students down the stairs to the lower level. As they reached the bottom of the staircase, Ches18 squealed in delight. “The Dueling Room is finished!” As they craned their necks to see where she was looking, they could just make out around the corner a large open room with the edge of a dueling platform peeking out. Dapperwulf winked. “Yep, there’s still a bit more to add onto the school, but we did get quite a bit accomplished.”

He turned and walked towards a large stone wall, lined with torches. Suddenly, he vanished. 220Dani stopped dead. “Ummmm….”

Vatrilla13 laughed. “Can you find it?” The first years leaned closer, eyes searching. Just then, their Head of House stepped back into view. He smiled at their expressions.

“Just to the right of the torch, the wall is an illusion. There is no actual door into Wampus, though that doesn’t mean anyone can just walk in. Wards are in place to keep out unwanted guests. If fellow students simply wished to try and wander in, they would find a solid wall and no entry at all. Were someone to try and pass the entry with the intent to do harm to those within, the walls of the castle will slam shut on them, crushing them. Only those with the password may enter. Our password is Imperium. Now then, follow me.

As the students stepped through the walls, the Wampus Common Room opened up before them. The right wall was lined with tall windows that looked out over the mountain and forest outside. Two roaring fireplaces stood at each end of the room, casting long shadows on the dark crimson walls. The walls themselves were lined with various weapons, some familiar at least by sight, but others were fantastical in design and obviously from faraway lands. Below them, against the dark wooden paneling stood bookcases and desks. Deep, dark leather couches and chaises were gathered in various groups around the room.
“This is the Common Room. A place for you to relax, work on your studies and socialize. If you need a place to vent your frustrations, take it to the forge.” His eyes twinkled. “Slamming a hammer into heated iron is a great stress reliever. The doors on either side of the southern fireplace lead to two hallways, the dorms are down there. Now then, I see the Pukwudgies were kind enough to bring down your luggage - in typical Pukwudgie fashion.” All the luggage lay in a jumbled heap at the center of the room.

Pukwudgie House:
“Aren’t we going to follow the others?” asked _bunnytown worriedly, looking back over her shoulder to see all three of the other houses heading the opposite way.

“No, though there’s multiple ways to get around the school, this is the swiftest way to our dormitory.” Professor rbratt06 assured her.

“Is that….marshmallow I smell?” asked tahm42. “And…” she sniffed again. “Pepperup Potion?”

“Good nose!” laughed their Head of House. “Through those doors are the Mediwizard’s office and supply rooms. Just back that way is the infirmary. Our dorms are just overhead.”

They climbed the stairs to a large landing where the stones of the castle gave way to warm wood. The walls looked as though they were carved from living trees, with large graceful branches swooping in various directions until they touched the ground in some cases or soared to the ceiling in others. The Professor stepped forward and said a word. “Santitatum.” and one large limb shivered, then slowly arched from the floor to the ceiling, revealing a passage. She turned and smiled. “That is the password to our House. Come and be welcome.”

The sensation of being in a giant tree continued inside the common room. Decorated in a soft pale spring green and warm golden wood, the overall impression reminded one of a refreshing spring day, pleasant and comfortable. A warm fire crackled in two fireplaces at each end of the room - the only hint of stone in the place. Soft, cushiony chairs and couches were grouped in different areas and several desks were tucked in by the tall glass windows - providing ample light to study by. Plants grew in pots and containers everywhere, relishing the sunlight. The view outside looked over the opposite edge of the mountain and into the valley below.

“We Pukwudgies often assist the Mediwizard in stocking supplies and provide a helping hand when we can. Through those doors on either side of the fireplace on the south wall are two hallways. Those lead to your dorm rooms. Now then, I see our namesakes have been generous enough to bring up your luggage.” She smiled a bit mischievously. All of the luggage lay in a jumbled mess at the center of the room.

Horned Serpent House:
“See you at supper!” shouted Riverpond25 to one of the Thunderbirds, Momofamadhouse, as the Thunderbirds separated from the Horned Serpents on the stairs, continuing upward. The Serpents stopped at the second floor on a landing lined with stunning wall-to-ceiling tapestries.

One, on the right side of the landing, was monstrous in size. It showed a scene from the legend of Merlin and King Arthur, the two main characters of the story barely visible on the far side of a lake. The main focus of the tapestry was the Lady of the Lake, having just emerged from the depths of the water brandishing Excalibur. The Headmistress stepped up to the tapestry and said in a firm voice. “Flibbertijibbet.”

The threads of the hanging shimmered and twisted until they transformed from a tapestry into a small rounded door. She looked back at them and winked. “Remember, even in nonsense, there is knowledge to be found. All knowledge is worth having.”

Upon entering the common room, the smell of sage and citrus - scents that are said to be mood-boosters and to stimulate the mind - mixed with the pleasing scent of new books and floated out to envelope the students. Where there weren’t large windows sporting gauzy white window dressings, there were pale seafoam-colored walls that seemed to make the room brighter, even though the sunlight outside was dimming. The students looked up and discovered why.

Spaced evenly across the ceiling were three large crystal orbs, seemingly made of the same opalescent gemstone embedded into their Horned Serpent statue’s head. Each sphere gave off its own glow that was reflected off the walls, creating a tranquil light that diffused throughout the common room. The Horned Serpents would have light no matter what time they chose to study.

Cheerful magical blue fires burned in two floor braziers completely enclosed in glass that were strategically placed on opposite sides of the room to generate a cozy warmth throughout. The light from the braziers gleamed off the well-oiled leather spines of the hundreds of books that were housed... everywhere. Plush armchairs and chaises were gathered in groups around the room with small, portable side-tables that could be easily maneuvered in front of the chairs or extend over the chaises to create a comfortable workspace. Huge, soft pillows even occupied the floor in some corners, providing yet another place to flop down with a mug of tea, ready for a good read or talk.

“Through those doors are two hallways. Those lead to your dorm rooms. Now then, I see Urthbert and his family have been polite enough to bring up your luggage.” Saeraphine laughed. All of the luggage lay in a jumbled mess at the center of the room.

Thunderbird:
“Of course we’d be all the way in the highest room in the tallest tower!” smirked Bcuda.
Sinnybri laughed. “Actually, the tallest tower here is Stella’s Stele, named in memory of William’s late wife who died at the hands of Gaunt. It contains the Ravenry and the astronomy platforms. Trust me - you think this climb is a haul, just wait until we have astronomy class!” This produced several chuckles and groans from the group.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Professor Arielluma stopped in the middle of the landing. “Further down the hall is the Astronomy Library and the stairs to Stella’s Stele. And this is the entrance to our common room.” She motioned towards a simple wooden door.

“Awww, that’s sort of unexciting, now isn’t it?” murmured leah757. Arielluma grinned wickedly.
“You think so? Then step through, but as you do, be sure to say ‘hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia’ or you might get a nasty surprise.”

6andromeda9 stepped boldly forward and pulled open the door. It opened to the outside, three stories and several thousand feet over the cliffs outside the back of the school. In front of them, the valley and mountains in the distance were growing steadily darker as the sun set behind them. The wind whipped strongly through her hair as she took a step back. “Trust me. And trust yourself. One step starts an adventure.” she heard the Head of House whisper.

Gathering herself, 6andromeda9 said the word and stepped off the ledge. And disappeared. The others rushed to follow her and found themselves stepping into a golden room lined on three walls with floor to ceiling windows, draped in gauzy golden curtains. Desks and bookcases in a whitish wood were placed near the windows and large recessed circles lined with fat, fluffy pillows were scattered about for lounging. One fireplace in a white marble, large enough for a grown man to stand in stood against one wall and opposite, was a circular room with stairs leading upward and a polished wooden pole in the center.

“Your dorms are up those stairs. The pole is for those who prefer a most exciting, or quicker way down.” She laughed. “Now then, I see that the luggage has been delivered, more or less.” All the luggage lay in a tangled heap at the center of the room.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Settling In”

The dorm rooms were cozy, each with it’s own small fireplace and several individual beds with soft mattresses and covered in multiple hand-quilted covers and furs. Thick curtains hung on each bed to better help keep out the cold during winter and at the foot of each, stood a heavy wooden chest with iron bands for storing one’s supplies and bits and bobs. Beside each bed, stood a small wardrobe for clothing and against one wall, was a door leading to the bathroom. After choosing beds, the students began to unpack and settle in.

_____________________________________________________________________

“The Great Hall”

The doors of the Great Hall stood wide when the students came back down the stairs, allowing for the illumination of hundreds of floating candles to spill out into the corridor. Large round tables, each with seating for ten were scattered throughout the Hall, encouraging interhouse unity with none being designated for a specific house. One long table did stand at the end of the Hall on a raised dais for the faculty and another, lower table just below it for the Pukwudgies. The ceiling, well lit from the candles, was draped in swaths of fabric in each house’s colors, each complementing the others nicely. The students hurried to find seats with their friends, the room becoming loud and lively with the sound of their chatter. Urthbert made some remark that caused his Grandmam to bap him upside the head with a spoon, to which several other of the pukwudgies laughed.

The Headmistress stood from her chair at the faculty table and the room quieted. The students, their bellies grumbling after the long day, settled in for a long speech. Saeraphine breathed deeply and began speaking.

“Let’s eat!”

… And that was all the Headmistress had to say. She made a sweeping motion outstretching her arms, and with that, enormous platters of all kinds of food appeared on the tables. The students dug in with gusto.

“What is that?!” stared Teetertatertango at the odd-looking orange vegetable that Yumesoraki was munching.

“Sweet potato!” said Yumesoraki happily.

_____________________________________________________________________

“The Wand Ceremony”

With full bellies and sleepy eyes, the students made their way back to their dorms, ready for a good night’s sleep. However, the night wasn’t over quite yet.

A Raven lands on your windowsill....

It caws and sticks out its leg, where a small scroll is attached. Taking it and giving the bird a pet, you stare at the indigo seal of Ilvermorny's Wand Maester. This is it, time for you to claim your wand! With hands shaking in excitement, you carefully break the seal and begin to read...


Dearest student,

May I offer my sincere congratulations on joining us here at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft & Wizardry and on your being sorted into the most Noble House of XX. It is time for you to embark on the next set of rituals here at Ilvermorny, that of finding a wand that matches your Mind, Heart, Body and Spirit.

You will embark on a small journey in the woods beyond the school. Here, you will be tested to determine which wand will be yours. Please meet me at the edge of the woods tonight after the supper hour.


Yours in Magic,


Professor Dapperwulf
Wand Maester
Head of House Wampus
Professor of Charms
Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

_____________________________________________________________________

“Class! (after last night, are you kidding me? Nope!)”

“You have got to be joking! First he keeps us up all freaking night for that wand ceremony and yet he still has us up for a Charms lesson this early in the morning?! I barely had time to eat any breakfast!” moaned stormflower to Kisame29. “Your Head of House is brutal!” Her friend laughed and pulled an apple out of the pocket of her robes and handed it over as they and several others made their way down to the basement level to the Charms classroom.

Dapperwulf stood in the center of the class, waiting as the students took their seats. Each desk had a soft white feather lying on it. “We’ll begin with the basics. Even though some of you may have already learned it, it is never a bad thing to practice the fundamentals. Today’s lesson is on Wingardium Leviosa.”

_____________________________________________________________________

“FLYING LESSONS!!!!!!”

“Well, that went well.” said Westpancake, as she pulled a charred feather from Supercatie80’s hair as the class left the basement and headed outside to the grounds.

“Are those brooms??!!!” Squealed someone in the back of the group. Everyone looked up to see Professor Rbratt06 standing in front of several broomsticks lying on the ground in neat rows. Excited about the prospect of flying, the students rushed over to stand beside a broom.

Rbratt06 smiled. “We’ll review the basics today, as I’m aware some of you may never have flown before. Besides, you’re going to need to practice if you hope to get a spot on the House Quidditch teams!”

_____________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 4
by Dapperwulf

“We Have a Visitor”

After many warm embraces, gestures of friendship and further assurances that students would stay away from sacred sites, the group from Ilvermorny took their leave of the Pocumtuck. They split into two groups, the majority heading back to the school under the watchful eye of the Headmistress and Rbratt06 and a second, smaller, contingent led by Dapperwulf and Arielluma escorted a small delegation of Pocumtuck to Williamstown to discuss trade.

They arrived to find the town in a state of excitement. An extremely extravagant carriage pulled by four prancing bays stood in front of the Star’s Rest Inn. “Well….someone has atrocious taste.” murmured aeiks84.

“Be ni...actually, you know what? Never mind. You’re right.” said Arielluma, trying not to smirk as a man with an enormous black curled wig stepped out onto the porch. He wore a bright orange velvet doublet with slashed sleeves, the shocking pink silk under layer puffed out underneath, and stood stroking his waxed beard as William stepped out of the inn behind him. The newcomer pulled out a golden snuff box and with exaggerated daintiness, sniffed a pinch up each nostril of his overly large, beak-like nose. William spied the group and seemed like he wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or more stressed.

“Speaking of, Master Brandifew, here comes a group from the school now….with friends, it appears.”

The man turned to look disinterested at them, his jaw dropping and taking a step back when he saw the Pocumtuck standing with them. “What!” he sputtered. “What are those dirty savages doing with students?”

“Why that pompous, overstuffed….” benaddict stepped forward, her hand going to her wand inside her robe. Stormflower grabbed her arm and quickly pulled her back behind the professors. The two professors side-eyed one another, then stepped forward in unison.

“William...” started Dapperwulf with an elegant bow.

“...we’ve brought you a delegation from Sachem Wawanotewat of the Pocumtuck to discuss trade.” finished Arielluma, dipping into a refined curtsy. The newcomer’s eyebrows raised slightly at the polished manners. “As always, Ilvermorny stands to serve and ensure the continued success of Williamstown.” Both professors smiled disarmingly.

The Pocumtuck calmly watched the scene unfold: The stranger, nose in the air, prancing down the steps in his absurdly high heels (only to almost fall flat on his face, being saved at the last possible second by William and causing his wig to nearly tumble from his head) to meet the group. The honey-dipped, though clipped words of the professors. The nervous shuffling of William and the tightly clenched, though hidden, wands of several students.

The warrior Atian leaned close to his brother, Chaske. “I’m having misgivings about this. It is a foolish man that makes his bed with vipers.”

Chaske was silent for a moment, then leaned back. “They are the Chosen of the Guardians. Besides, who is the bigger fool? The one who sleeps among them when invited? Or the one that angers them?”

Peter Brandifew, Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Surveyor General to the Royal Governor. Well…...he seems….nice. So we should be nice. Right?

_____________________________________________________________________

“Normal is Overrated”

The next day dawned to find Ilvermorny in a complete state of upheaval and chaos. The assistant to the deputy assistant of the assistant to the ….oh, for the love of… Peter Brandifew had made clear his intent to visit the school that evening. As an obvious No-Maj that clearly did not know of - nor NEEDED to know of - the existence of the wizarding world, the situation left the students and faculty exactly until suppertime to rid the school of EVERYTHING that even hinted at magic.

“But, but….” cried Chipidies. “I NEED my Self-inking Quill! Otherwise I’ll miss something during Rbratt06’s lectures!”

“Sorry sweetness,” assured Kisame29. “You’re going to have to dip like everyone else today.”

The pukwudgies assisted in removing or hiding everything - as well as the preparation of a suitable welcome meal - before going into hiding themselves. Finally, everything was as “normal” as they could possibly make it and everyone rushed to their rooms to bathe and change into clean robes before their guest’s arrival.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Beg Pardon?”

Just as the sun began to settle on the horizon, the students gathered in the courtyard on either side of the main doors to the castle, each dressed smartly in their uniforms. The faculty stepped out and walked a bit ahead, facing the road. They too, had dressed for the occasion. The Headmistress, in a velvet gown of sapphire, the bodice gleaming with opals. Arielluma stood beside her in a silken gown of gold, twinkling with citrine. She was whispering urgently to Saeraphine, a look of concern on her face. Dapperwulf escorted Rbratt06 down the steps, her gown of pale green brocade with seed pearls almost glowing in contrast to his black doublet and breeches. The crimson cloak thrown over his shoulder looked like a splash of blood against the unrelieved black.

The Headmistress placed a hand on Arielluma’s, stilling her for a moment, as she looked back at the assembled students. “Tonight, we act as No-Maj. Remember, Master Brandifew is our guest and we do this to assist our friend William. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. Those who are Pureblood and have never lived amongst No-Maj, look to your Muggleborn and Half-blood friends for guidance should you need it. Most importantly, under no circumstances, is anyone to…”

She was interrupted as the excessively gaudy carriage came thundering down the road. It pulled to a stop, the horses lathered and blowing.

“That’s no way to treat horses,” growled Grasshopper33. “Or any animal for that matter!” The others shifted nervously as the footman jumped down and opened the door and extended the steps.

Peter Brandifew stepped out, pausing on the first rung to survey the gathered students, his great beak nose wrinkled in distaste. His eyes widened at the sight of the castle and everyone could easily see the greedy gleam that sparkled there. Swiftly, taking off his gloves, he puffed out his chest and strode over to Dapperwulf. “Well now, Headmaster, I must say..”

“I’m not the Headmaster.” The professor interrupted quietly.

“I beg pardon?” Brandifew looked vaguely scandalized at having been cut short.

“I am not the Headmaster. As I told you when we first met, Mistress Saeraphine is in charge of the school.” Dapperwulf bowed in the direction of the Headmistress, who raised her head proudly.

“Yes, well, really, a woman. I simply assumed you were joking..” muttered Brandifew.

“Welcome to The Ilvermorny School, Master Brandifew.” Saeraphine announced boldly.

Brandifew sneered for a moment, but then flounced forward and grabbed her hand up to give it a rather loud kiss. “Indeed. Thank you, my dear.”

“He’s a dead man,” whispered RedDragon09.

“Mhmm,” nodded Talhonjik.

The Headmistress controlled herself long enough not to snatch her hand away, though those student behind her saw as she surreptitiously wiped it on her skirts a moment later. She smiled pleasantly. “If you will follow me, dinner is about to be served in the Great Hall.”

_____________________________________________________________________

“Dissenting Opinions”

Kaynagel crossed her arms and stared, frowning as she and several others watched as the faculty gave Brandifew a tour of the castle. “I don’t trust him.”

Campiare leaned against the castle wall and bit into the apple she’d been carrying. “That’s because you’re an intelligent witch.”

Lightcvt tiptoed down the hall and peeped around the corner as the tour passed by on their way to see Brandifew off. “They seem to be having an argument.” she whispered. “Sounds like he’s not very happy about us being friends with the Natives. The professors don’t look happy either...oh! Rbratt06 has her hand on Dapperwulf’s arm, holding him back!!! …ok, Brandifew’s leaving now. That was close, but…” she turned back to the others. “Don’t you think we should follow him?”

“One step ahead of you.” said Jgundz, coming up behind the group with an armful of brooms. “We’ll need to stay up high and hidden.”

Everyone quickly grabbed a broomstick and hurried out a side door.

_____________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 6
by Saeraphine

“Dying Will Result in Expulsion”

With a grave look, Professor Dapperwulf addressed the assembled students, who were looking around in nervous excitement. "Students, we have one task: preserve Williamstown's food sources. There are evil men doing evil deeds. You are not to engage them. You are not to land. Your safety is first." His customary grin returned then and he added, "Do not make us tell your parents that we had to expel you for dying when we specifically told you not to. Is that understood?"

There were a few chuckles, but Gawworthington looked at CaptainBoing and asked, "Wait, he's not serious is he? They wouldn't seriously expel us posthumously, would they? I can't have that on my record..."

There was no time for secrecy. With Brandifew threatening not only Williamstown's future but their actual lives, the professors led the students swirling into the sky, a veritable swarm of witches and wizards mounted on broomsticks. Breaking into four squads, each professor led their students away to focus on a particular area. The Horned Serpents to the granaries, the Pukwudgies to the millers, and the Thunderbirds and Wampus to the large fields.

Professor Arielluma and the Thunderbirds had just cleared the forest when they saw the bright flicker of flames illuminate the edge of the fields ahead. "No," a pained Jordyngulio breathed. "Professor! We're still too far away. They'll lose at least half the crop!"

Arielluma leaned low to her broom and shouted, "Follow my lead!"

_____________________________________________________________________

“Demons”

The Pukwudgies had reached the millers, and threw up their signal into the sky. But things were quiet. They didn't see anything amiss. Auzziecawth remarked, "Maybe the information was faulty? There's nothing going on here."

The Pukwudgies carefully flew around the perimeter of the mill. That's when _Bunnytown saw it. On the ground, a some yards away, a fuse was slowly burning its way down to the mill where a barrel of an accelerant was bound to be. Of course! Brandifew's men were hoping for the flour to combust, creating a dust explosion, causing much more destruction than a mere fire. "Professor! Over there! We have to stop that fuse!," _Bunnytown yelled out.

As the Thunderbirds sped towards the fields, Wampus not far behind, they saw the green signal sparks from the Pukwudgies indicating they'd reached their target. The flames had already quickly spread, and a sixth of the fields were ablaze. As Arielluma sent up yellow sparks of her own, she yelled out for the Thunderbirds to cast their wind spells, aiming to change the direction of the fire away from the food crops.

Dapperwulf, seeing the Thunderbirds strategy, sent up his signal and directed his Wampus to fly behind the Thunderbirds who were now spread out in a line, each Thunderbird valiantly struggling to stay in the air and not be propelled backwards by the wind spell recoil. "Aguamenti!" Dapper shouted over the gale. "You half - douse those flames!" He looked at the other half and shouted with urgency, "Defodio! Dig a perimeter! Deprive the fire of fuel! GO!"

Brandifew was ordering around one of the hired men when he saw sparks illuminating the sky from different locations. Green, then yellow, then purple. "What in heaven..." His sentenced trailed off as he saw what looked like a flock of large birds hurtling towards his location. The Horned Serpents had almost reached the granaries shortly after the signal from Wampus, and sent up teal sparks of their own. Brandifew, still confused, hurriedly indicated the pitch that had been spread and told the men in a hiss, "Light it! Light it now!"

The man to his left with the torch was suddenly doused in a bucket of water - without the bucket - as one of the "birds" (Chipidies) passed over. Looking up, Brandifew saw they weren't birds but people. People on broomsticks! In the air! FLYING!

He yelped, wide-eyed, and shouted in his high, strangled voice, "Demons! Run for your lives!" Attempting to flee, he pushed the man to his right down in his haste. Falling down with the man in a tumble as more robed figures passed overhead, Brandifew scrambled to get back up, his limbs flailing, and the man accidently rolling over onto part of Brandifew's wig. Finally up and moving again, Brandifew disappeared into the forest, his wig on backwards, Brandifew holding the curls parted to the sides like curtains.

The other torchbearers made to throw their torches at the waiting pitch as the Horned Serpents prepared their spells.

_____________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 8
by Saeraphine

“Magic Ritual”

It had been a rough week for all. The assignments for the Finals had been brutal, the professors merciless in their review. But with much determination, the students had completed their tasks with much aplomb, and Auzziecawth even heard Professor Arielluma talking about how the first-years (soon to be returning students) would be a credit to Ilvermorny.

With the stress of the Finals over with, the students enjoyed playing with the new Wampus kittens Yumesoraki had located. After Professor Dapperwulf had placed a charm on their claws that dulled their scratches, the multitude of students being sent to Professor Rbratt06 in the infirmary lessened dramatically. And being adequately settled in their new section of the Care of Magical Creatures wing, they were no longer driving people temporarily mad with their adorable stares.

Soon, the students would descend Mount Greylock to Williamstown, leaving Ilvermorny behind, for a time, to visit home and be with their families. But for now, the professors had encouraged rest and relaxation before the long trips across the world. Headmistress Saeraphine’s final class of the term was actually on the rejuvenating healing powers of a long-standing magic ritual: the bath.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Packing Up”

In Horned Serpent, Chipidies reshelved her last borrowed book. The Common Room had been returned to its former, organized state (at the firm insistence of Grandmam Pukwudgie), so the chairs and pillows were neatly arranged in groupings around the room, the books put away, and the papers either filed or discarded. Momcasciotti set her things down next to Chipidies and asked, “Hard to put them back, isn’t it?”

Chipidies looked around the room with a sigh. “Yes. But at least the Headmistress has promised some new books for when we return.” She shouldered her own bags. “Let’s go, the school will be heading to Williamstown soon.”

Down in Wampus, Paulakro was mournfully flitting about. She didn’t want all of her new Wampus friends to leave. “It’s okay, Paula! We’ll be back soon enough!,” Ches18 assured her, straightening an errant shield on the wall. She looked at the assortment of weapons lining the common room. There were a few new additions, the students having added their first forge to the walls to mark their belonging in the Wampus house. She noticed one was suspiciously absent though.

At that moment, CaptainBoing’s bag opened with a crash as she was walking by, having been sliced open from the inside. She sheepishly looked around. “What? I made it, and it’s so pretty…”

With a sigh in Pukwudgie, Aeiks84 trimmed the potted crystaline flower with the ut amputem spell for the last time before break. She lovingly stroked the beautiful petals, which were capable of temporarily enhancing color perception, the flowers themselves being devoid of color, but reflecting the light around them with astonishing brilliance.

Urthbert came over, and in his gruff way tried to comfort her. “We’ll take care of it while you’re away. You’re more likely to shrivel up during break than it is.”

Tahm42, hearing his comments, laughed and delicately hugged him around his spines. “We’ll miss you while we’re away. I promise to bring you something interesting back.”

Urthbert shrugged her off, blustering about sappy witches, but you could see the blush in his cheeks. Finally he said, “Mayhaps… some special feathers for my arrows?”

Carrying her things, SusanMFindlay looked around the Thunderbird Common Room one last time. The fire pole down the center of the tower was unused, the students carrying their things by hand or directing with a leviosa charm.

Until My_Butt was ready to make her way down.

Pointing her wand at her luggage, she muttered, “Sequitur aer.” Taking a running jump, My_Butt launched herself at the pole. Sliding down in a fast spiral, she let out a cry of glee as her bags floated down behind her, spiraling down around the pole just like her, as if she had a string tied around her waist and connected to each bag. She reached the bottom and with a smile, looked at the other Thunderbirds. “I had to do that one more time!”

Sue_01 laughed, enjoying My_Butt’s glee and inquired, “How did you get them to trail behind you in the air like that without directing with your wand?”

“Oh, I bugged Professor Dapperwulf about that. I needed a hands-free way to bring my luggage while I travel over break, so he taught me this. Here, let me show you….”

_____________________________________________________________________

“Heading Out”

“Why do we leave via Williamstown?,” asked RaeBeeBaby as the students assembled outside of the castle front.

“Tradition,” Westpancake supplied with a smile. “It’s important to remember how far we’ve come. Every time we visit Williamstown, we’re progressing, and the journey is a time to reflect on the changes we’ve made over term.”

CaptainBoing had just walked up behind them, with a new bag in tow. “Huh, never knew,” she said with distracted interest. “Okay, let’s go!,” she added hurriedly, starting forward quickly.

She didn’t get very far though before a magical hand lifted her by the neck of her robes, suspending her while she tried to walk away in the air. Noticing she wasn’t getting anywhere, she strained to look behind her. There, standing motionless with his customary smirk, was Professor Dapperwulf.

CaptainBoing seemed to stammer a little when she said, “Oh, h-hello, Professor…”

“Hello, glad you could hang out with us for a bit longer, CaptainBoing,” he grinned.

“Yeah, well, you know. Love the school. Glad to be here, ready to help out with loading everyone’s stuff on the carts,” she squeaked.

Dapperwulf moved in front of her with a feigned troubled look on his face. “Yes, I’m glad you’re here to help, because it seems one of our Wampus kittens…” he looked pointedly at her new bag, “... has wandered off.”

CaptainBoing swallowed visibly, her hand going to the bag at her side that had began… squirming? “That is terrible! I would be more than happy to volunteer my efforts in locating this errant kitten. I’m sure it’s close-by.”

Dapperwulf arched his eyebrow, grinning again. “I’m sure.”

Looking guiltily off to the side, CaptainBoing added. “Actually, I think I remember hearing a soft mewling when I was walking around the back of the castle. I’ll go check it out. I bet it will be back where it belongs in no time.”

The professor’s spell lowered her gently to the ground. “Would you be so kind? I would be much relieved knowing it was safe. If anything happened to it, I would be most… displeased,” he finished, an edge in his voice.

With a yelp, CaptainBoing took off, cradling her bag in her arms as she headed in the direction of the Care of Magical Creatures wing at an impressive speed.

Rbratt06, having seen this entire exchange, just laughed and shook her head as she carried some supplies tp the carts that she was bringing to Williamstown to help with the expedited crop regrowth. “What mischievous kittens you have, Professor Dapper.”

Seeing her laden arms, he went over and relieved her of her armful. “Indeed,” he agreed with a sigh. Then he smiled and winked. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As the students started down the path, lead by Headmistress Saeraphine who was laughing with Sharondjs and Zumbaforever, some of the students had stopped to take a last look at Ilvermorny before setting off. On the bright, crisp day, the white-grey stone shone as if the castle itself was glowing, and the windows acted as mirrors, reflecting the surroundings.

SoDamnHungry looked up to the astronomy tower, and her eyes focused on something behind it. With a gasp, she pointed. “Look! The house dragons!” Froliching in the sky, the house dragons could be seen swooping over the castle, scales gleaming in the sunlight.

Saeraphine’s head snapped up at that, and turned to follow SoDamnHungry’s pointing finger. “They’re not supposed to be out. Who…” but then she saw Grandpap smiling conspiratorially with Urthbert. It seemed they wanted to give their own little farewell to the students. With a resigned sigh, she shook her head, chuckling quietly at their hidden fondness for the students. “Come along, students. We want to get there before nightfall.”

_____________________________________________________________________

“What...”

Upon reaching Williamstown, it was noticeable that something was amiss. The streets were empty, the doors of the shops near the perimeter closed. With worry, the Ilvermornians pushed forward.

“You don’t think Brandifew and his men came back, do you?!,” Momofamadhouse asked urgently above the murmuring of the other students.

The group pushed around the corner towards the city center…

... and were greeted by the entire town, cheering! Taken back, the wizards froze in their tracks. There were tables set up with plates of food, reminiscent of the welcome feast that first night in Williamstown before the students set out for Ilvermorny. Brightly colored decorations were strewn about the buildings, and in the city center stood William and Violet, each at one end of a huge sign with the town name in clear lettering.

When the crowd quieted, William began to speak. “Witches and Wizards of Ilvermorny, before you leave for home, Williamstown would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your aid in not only getting us recognized, but also for making sure we are able to survive this upcoming winter.” He inclined his head towards Rbratt06 and her group of Pukwudgie students with that last remark, their aid having been instrumental in ensuring Williamstown’s provisions were well stocked.

“On behalf of the entire town, we would like to invite you to join us for this potluck dinner before you go. May you have great adventures during your break, and we look forward to welcoming you upon your return!”

The crowd began to cheer the Ilvermornians again, and moved forward to embrace them, escorting them to tables to sit with them and their families.

_____________________________________________________________________

“Term 2 Teaser”

The professors stood together, watching the No-Maj and wizardfolk intermingling.

“We have a good community here,” Arielluma said, crossing her arms and surveying the revelry.

Rbratt06 nodded. “That we do. But I’ve heard reports that it’s not like this everywhere.”

Dapperwulf took a deep breath, looking troubled. “I was going to wait, but… I received a Raven this morning from an acquaintance with one of those reports… and… other news. I think there’s something we need to discuss.” He turned towards Saeraphine. “Headmistress, there have been--”

But Saeraphine cut him off with a low whisper. “I know.” She turned to look at her colleagues, her fellow protectors of Ilvermorny. “I glimpsed something when I was scrying this morning.” Turning back to the celebrating people around her, observing their easy smiles and laughter, she forced a smile of her own and said, “But let us have this victory tonight with our charges, and tomorrow… tomorrow, we will discuss the future.”

_____________________________________________________________________