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Kat and Angie walked the long, winding road from the bus stop to the small area of North Carolina that housed the academies.
Kat giggled as she hurried past a huge, white building with a sign reading Bolt’s Academy for Wizard’s engraved onto a large stone by the white gates.
“It’s huge,” Kat exclaimed and looked up at the silver clock centered on the front of the white building. Surrounding Bolt’s was the infamous Willow Woods which ran all the way around the lake up to Willow Woods Academy for Witches.
“I can’t believe we’re here,” Angie said. She reapplied her lipstick and smiled, showing of her pearly whites. “I’m going to try and be a part of the Sparks.”
Kat rolled her eyes. “I’ve heard about them,” she said. “Really, Angie. Cheerleaders? The academy doesn’t even have a sports team.”
Angie grinned. “They hold cheerleading competitions and besides, when Wandor’s Academy does have a big sports event they invite the Sparks to go and cheer for them.”
Angie was referring to the half of Willow Woods Academy, Wandor’s, who teach the boys of the Harvest Moon Coven.
“They’re all the way in South Carolina.”
Angie shrugged. “I like taking trips. Besides, have you heard about the boys on the Wandor’s Warriors Team?” She fanned her face with her hand.
Kat nudged Angie’s side and giggled. “Well, rather you than me.”
Angie waved her dismissively. “I know, I know. You’d rather be off reading books and stuff.”
Kat smirked. “One of us has to be the smart one,” Kat said, Earning a look from Angie.
“Do we cross here?” Kat asked, looking down at the huge lake that stretched for miles either way.
Angie hesitated and let go of Kat’s hand. “We don’t have a boat.”
“There!” Kat pointed at a rope curling out from the edge of the lake. “I think we’re supposed to pull it.”
Angie raised an eyebrow but followed behind Kat and over to the thick rope. They both grabbed the end and pulled, but the damn thing didn’t budge. “Magick?” They both said in unison and let go of the rope.
“Need a hand?” a voice asked from behind them.
Katarina turned and smiled goofily at two boys. They both wore crisp white shirts with the sleeves rolled up, blue pants, and blue-and-purple ties.
Angie flicked back her luscious blonde hair and gave them a prize-winning smile. “I think we’re having some trouble here,” she said in a softer voice than what she used with Kat. “Think you strong boys can help us?”
Sebastian jumped out of Kat’s book bag and meowed.
“Sorry!” Kat spluttered and bent down to scoop him into her arms. “Come on, baby!”
Sebastian looked at the lake alarmed. “It’s okay,” Kat cooed. “We’re taking a trip away from home.”
She smoothed down his thick fur and he relaxed, purring as Kat turned back to the two wizards. “We’re new here.”
The boy with platinum-blond hair like Angie’s stepped forward. He seemed cockier than the other one. “Welcome,” he said and lifted Angie’s hand to his lips. “It’s good to see some new, pretty faces around here.”
Angie blushed, but Kat crossed her arms. He didn’t even glance her way until she cleared her throat to get their attention. “The rope?”
He pulled back and let go of Angie’s hand, but their gazes remained locked. The second wizard rolled his eyes at his brother and walked over to the rope, brushing his arm against Kat’s. “Ashan Forez Mori.”
The rope leaped out of the water, and on the end of it, a small boat was attached.
Angie clasped her hands together and grinned. “Yay!” She turned to the blond wizard. “I guess we should get going. I’m Angie, by the way, and this is my partner in crime, Kat.”
“I’m Jake Perizi,” he replied and gestured to his brother. “And that’s Doug, my brother.”
“Well, thanks for the help, boys.”
Jake grinned. “See you around...I hope.”
Angie waved her fingers seductively and bit her lip. Jake almost tripped as he walked away with his brother in tow.
Angie turned back and was met with Kat’s hard stare. “We haven’t even enrolled yet and you’re already getting the attention from all the boys.” She laughed. “It’s middle school all over again.”
Angie lifted an eyebrow. “But this is high school, Kat! I’m so excited....” She looked over the lake. “Now we just need to get there.”
Angie walked to the lake’s edge, lifted the skirt of her black dress, and waded through the water to the small boat—big enough to fit two.
Kat waved to them and waded over to the boat. “Ugh, I’m soaked.”
They oared their way along the lake’s glistening surface until they reached the other side.
“We’re idiots!” Angie exclaimed.
“Hey!” Kat snapped back. “Don’t put me in the same boat as you,” she joked, proud of her pun.
“No, seriously. Look.” She pointed to the far left, and Kat sighed as a massive bridge appeared in the distance.
Kat busted out laughing, shaking the boat. “Trust us not to see the bridge.”
Angie tried to keep a straight face, but her lips spread into a smile until they were both laughing.
“You’re late and wet!” a voice shouted as they toppled out of the boat and into the water.
Sebastian meowed loudly as he hit the water and jumped into Kat’s arms. They both looked up at the pointy-faced woman and attempted to ring out their hair, scampering from the boat to stand in front of her.
“I am Headmistress Lilith Krauss,” she stated and turned. “This way.” She looked back at the bridge. “The bridge is only made visible during the end and beginning of term, and holidays, for students to pass. It was cloaked this morning. I uncloaked it when I heard you were both by the lake, but I see now that it was unnecessary. The boats in the lake aren’t for use of students.”
“Sorry, Headmistress,” they said in unison.
Kat stroked Sebastian and carried him in her arms in hopes to dry him off a little. Angie tried to hold back her grin.
It was early afternoon by the time they made it to the grounds. The sun beat down on the graveled path that led up to the gates. They both felt the pulse of excitement as they approached the stone buildings. They towered over the tall trees surrounding them, and the arched windows were filled with faces of excited new students pointing at the scenery.
“Nervous?” Angie asked with a toothy smile.
Kat shook her head and looked back at the lake. “I wish we’d made a better entrance,” she whispered.
Headmistress Krauss walked ahead of them with a focus that neither of them had. They bumbled behind until they reached the wrought iron gates. She waved her hand and walked through the gate as if it were smoke.
“Welcome to Willow Woods Academy for Witches. Do you have the papers signed by your parents?”
Angie eyed Kat. “Uh, I’m not sure.”
Krauss turned and eyed them both with a suspicious gaze. “You need those papers.”
Kat looked back at the lake and horizon. They had come too far to be stopped now. “No, I think I have them.”
Angie looked at her wide-eyed but didn’t say anything.
Krauss nodded and walked ahead, leading them across the cobbled courtyard.
“Geez, Kat,” Angie said. “What’d you say that for?”
Kat hushed her. “It’s fine. I have a plan.”
Kat stroked Sebastian as they walked past a huge willow tree. The sky grew darker as they approached a large oak door.
“In here,” Krauss said and gestured for them to take a seat in front of the large, antique desk which was covered with stacks of papers and small trinkets given to Krauss from students from over the years.
She fumbled behind her, looking for enrolment papers in a small cabinet, and Kat saw her opportunity.
She saw a pile of forms on the headmistress’s desk and leaned over to get a better look. They were the parent or guardian letters.
She pulled two blank ones from the top of the pile, and a pen from the pot, and quickly hid them under the front of the desk as Krauss turned around.
“Ah, here they are,” Krauss said, holding two enrolment papers. “As soon as I see your permission slips, I’ll fill out your enrolment letters.”
Kat smiled. “Ours are here.” She passed the papers that she’d filled out under the desk. She’d done her best to make the signatures look different on each form.
Headmistress Krauss checked them and looked over to the top of the papers at the girls. “Your parents signed these?”
They both nodded.
“Okay.” She filled out their enrolment papers, waved her hands, and they vanished. “Now, you will be attending the ceremony tonight which will determine which witch you are.” She handed them both a map. “Here is where you will be sleeping”—she pointed to the rooms in the west wing—“and here are your schedules. The class at the top will change once we know what group you are in.”