I am not thrilled that I'm a witch. Seriously. Annoying, evil, terrible women are often referred to as witches.

I live in America… and I'm a witch. Ever heard of people burning witches at the stake? In America? Yeah, I don't want to be a witch. I have my own life, friends at my school, family, a dog, a life. And I know it seems pretty fascinating to read books about going to a famous witchcraft and wizardry school, then imagine that you go there. But I'll tell you right now, I don't get neglected by my parents, and I've never dreamed of the moment I will be sent to boarding school, away from everything I know.

I live by Ilvermorny. Like, really close. I go to the no-maj school a town or two away from Mount Greylock, the mountain Ilvermorny rests on. Yes, we're not a famous school, or a big school, but a good school.

Even though my school has kids who puke in the hallway and vape in the bathroom, I will never give up my no-maj life. Our school actually looks good on the outside. We're one of the top schools in the top academic state. Despite our flaws, we have great teachers, and awesome learning experiences. I will never give my life up.

So, as you can see, I'm pretty upset I'm going to have to be isolated on top of a cold mountain for over half the year away from everyone I know.

I look over the envelope. Yes, It's addressed to Emily G. Scott, and contains a list of supplies I will need. I need magic books, duh. And pens and paper and shampoo and basically everything I need to live. "Please remember to bring a year's supply of toilet paper," It comments, "Ilvermorny has a very low supply and you may end up using leaves!" It also says I need a uniform. That, I can do without. I like my comfortable no-maj clothes. My no-maj clothes are the only thing that I definitely want in Ilvermorny. I want to be colorful on some days, goth on others. I want to look at my outfit each morning and question whether it's warm enough. Pants can be short, long, tight, and baggy. I can wear tank tops, sweatshirts, and blouses. I don't want to wear a robe all my days in Ilvermorny.

I run my hands over the paper. It's coarse, with rough corners. I fold it into a ninja star. I'll make sure to throw that when I get up there.

My parents are both no-maj. My older sister is also a no-maj. My brother, on the other hand, was the first person in my family to have magic skills. He's very successful. Jason is one of the top wizards of fifth year. Jason, however, will not continue to pursue his magical career once he graduates. For us witches and wizards, it is mandatory for us to learn how to control our magic. Nevertheless, Jason hates witches and wizards. Once he knows how to control his power, he will go back to high school, even though he's a little old for that.

Like Jason, I can't stand witches and wizards. I've met his friends. They're obnoxious, with too much power in their hands. I watched them kill a bird with magic once.

I knew I've had a chance of being a witch since I was little, because Jason was accepted into the only witchcraft and wizardry school in the country. The people who came to pick him up and take him to Ilvermorny adored me. I hated them. They lifted me into a swing without touching me! If they wanted something from me, they could get it! That creeps me out!

The letter that I got said that I would be picked up at 8:00 in the morning tomorrow. The teachers at Ilvermorny will be happy that I, a mediocre student, will not be picked up tomorrow. Tomorrow, I will go to my normal no-maj school, as we have been in session a week already. I'm not going to turn into one of those powerful, forceful witches who can get their way.