A girl, oddly tall for her age, stands in front of a big door. She has to open it, but hesitates, for a moment longer, listening to the new sounds that await her. The noice of small feet tapping on stone floor is a noise she soon will be used to, the loud chatter of the other girls will, to this day echoe in her ears some days. Pushing on the silver handle of the dark door it swings open and she walks briskly down the hall. It's her first day of the new school, she had missed a few days because she had been sick, so no one waits for her or tells her where she needs to go. „Find the principals office", her mother had told her, just before she left, so the dark haired girl starts looking for the door. A group of girls linger in a corner, laughing. They seem to be about her age so she approaches the group. As she walks up to them they loose the circle formation and form a line, standing shoulder to shoulder. „What do you want?, the leader asks, her face torn in disgust. „Excuse me, do you know where the headmasters office is?", she knows this had been the wrong decision, she shouldn't have asked. „Yes. Yes we know.", the blonde pushes her, „but why would we tell you that, stupid? How dare you even talk to me.", she pulls her hair, a few pieces are torn from her head, still she does not move. She has learned to never show pain, pain is a weakness and she is not supposed to be weak. From a young age she had been strong. „Get lost, looser." they kick her. First the leader then the others, until she stumbles away into another hallway. „Oh dear.", an elderly women takes her with her, pushing her into the office. „Sit down, don't move.", she places a cup of tea in her hands. „Are you Hecate Hardbroom? We've been waiting for your arrival." Hecate nods. „I am.", the Words are too silent, not strong enough, she pinches herself. „Get a grip of you.", her fathers voice rings in her ears. The tea is warm and slightly bitter. „I hope you are alright, they probably meant no harm. You are most welcome here at Cackles. I'll bring you to your dorm in a minute." The headmistress starts writing down a few words before taking her into her room. „You'll have your own room, because you are later then the other students. At least you will have some peace and a quiet space. I have a feeling you will like that." Hecate agrees silently. „Here is a map of the campus, there is the study room, here the book storage, you may take a few books each week, no food in your room, your timetable is in there." The old women hands her an envelope. „And I'll see you down in a few minutes for dinner. You'll find your way?"
„Yes.", finally her voice is strong again, no tremor or hitching. So she's left alone in the small chamber, standing in the middle, feeling lost. There's a bed and a small desk, as well as small window and a closet, that's it. She starts unpacking her clothes, pulling out one after one uniform as well as all black underwear and socks. „Color does not suit you Hecate.", her mother always says. A small wooden raven is left in the luggage. The dark wood is warm against her fingers. The raven has been given to her at her birth by her aunt, and since her passing she had it always with her. The bell startles her, the shrill noice unexpected and loud. Taking the map, she starts looking for the dining hall, finding it after a few minutes downstairs. It's nearly empty when she opens the door so she sits on the long table waiting for the teachers and girls. After a while the hall fills with girls and laughter, no one talks to her, no one bothers to ask her name or why she is late for the school year and Hecate is glad that it's that way. In quiet she eats her soup, trying not to think about the girls, sitting behind her, whispering. She had spottet the girl group from before, right as they walked in and as soon as they had sat down they'd start to talk about her. „I mean, look at her hair, it's ridiculous. Who wears braids anymore.", she tries to block it out, tries to ignore the shouting, and howling. Soon the table behind her starts calling for her. „Stupid! Show us your face, we want to see those ugly eyes!", of course she does not turn around. „No, Hecate, you won't be pretty. But you will be smart, that worth much more.", her mother had said, and afterwards she had not cared about her looks anymore. Something slaps her back. It's the mashed potatoes, sticking to her new school uniform. „Now she's dirty as well." The table howls. Standing up with shaking legs she leaves the dining hall. One last glance behind her looking at the bullies. Two oft hem have dar hair like her, but soft and wavy, leader, a redhead, crying from laughter has a long sleek ponytail. And then there is the last of the four, staring right at her, not laughing, not even smiling. „Oh come on pippa." the leader says. „It's funny. Did you see her face." they start laughing again, this time the blonde, named pippa, is laughing with them. Hecate turns around and leaves for her room. In bed she cries, wishing to be home, safe, not here with those girls in that cold castle. „At least I don't have to share a room." ,she thinks, drifting off to a restless sleep.