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Harrison's POV

For being in a new place he slept surprisingly well. The bed while smaller than his one at home was comfortable. Waking up had been much easier than he thought. There was no panic brought out by not recognizing where he was.

He changed into a button-down shirt and black slacks. He chose a lightweight robe. Unlike when he left home yesterday all his robes now held a white trim and the crest of the House of Lupus. Pride filled him when he looked at it. Today would be the first day of classes and he was going to make the most of them.

Once he went down the stairs into the common he found about half of the first years already there. The Deputy Headmaster stood in the middle of the room with the first years circled around him. The man's magic circled around him lazily. Even without seeing his face Harrison could tell the man was bored.

Several older students went up the stairs after a few moments of silence. When they returned they had the rest of the first years in tow. Hunter was with them looking put out having been dragged from his bed.

The man said once they were all circled around him, "Now that you are all here I will introduce myself. I am Deputy Headmaster Matthew Keller. I am also your Head of House during your time in this Academy. There are a few things that you need to know. The unwritten rules of this Academy set out by the King and enforced by his Guard. First the King should not be approached for any reason. If you have a problem go to one of the upper years of your house. As first years you should avoid conflict whenever possible. Especially you Gardes."

Both Harrison and XIII stiffened at being called out. They were the only Gardes of the first years for this house. Magically the Garde were more powerful than the average student. That also meant they had to learn to control the power.

Keller continued coolly, "Until you have your Oraculi partner or have more control over your power you will be in danger. Your professors will only step in if your lives are in danger. Otherwise you can only rely on yourself and your housemates."

The first years looked at each other gaging each person's potential. If they got into trouble they needed to know who they could rely on.

Keller growled making their attention return to him, "The House Rankings not only affect what classes you have with other houses. But it also affects who will take you on as apprentice. Masters choose from the cream of the crop first. I suggest you picking a basic apprenticeship to at least get you through the first of the year. Then to choose something that interests you. Otherwise you might not get ome in time and you will be expelled."

The advice was sound but it didnt sit well with Harrison. Apprenticeships should be based on talent. Not based on what house they belonged to. As if reading his thoughts hazel eyes snapped sharply over to meet his green ones. It was as if the man was judging his very soul.

When Keller looked away Harrison could not honestly say whether he passed or not. A girl he didnt recognize questioned quietly, "What about you Professor Keller? Could we not have an apprenticeship with yourself."

Keller's lips twitched up in a sardonic smile as he replied, "There is not a single student here that knows my masteries. You cannot ask for an apprenticeship if you do not know the mastery. No one has ever been accepted as my apprentice."

Harrison frowned. Just because no one had ever been accepted didnt mean he wouldnt. As disappointed whispers crossed the room realization hit him. It was a test to see if anyone was serious about the apprenticeship. Keller didn't just want anyone. He wanted someone who truly would put in the work.

Harrison made note to go to the library first chance he got. There had to be records in there somewhere. Around him the others were discussing possible apprenticeships while the timetables were being passed out.

Harrison noticed how full his timetable was compared to the others.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

6-8 am breakfast

8:15-10:15am Charms

10:30-12:30- Mind Magicks

12:45-1:15- Lunch

1:30-3:30 Battle Magic (Mixed)

3:45-5:45 Ancient Runes (Mixed)

6-7:30 Dinner

Schedule Tuesday, Thursday

6-8 am breakfast

8:15-10:15am Potions

10:30-12:30- Transfiguration

12:45-1:15- Lunch

1:30-3:30 Etiquette

3:45-5:45 Herbology

6-7:30 Dinner

Saturdays and Sundays were for any clubs he chose to be apart of and apprenticeships. He had no interest in joining a club until he was sure in his apprenticeship. Then he could look at joining one later.

Once all the timetables were handed out they were given second and third years to follow. They would show them where everything was for the first three days. After that they were on their own.

Breakfast was simple unlike the feast from the night before. Despite that it was delicious. They were then taken to the east wing first floor where the charms class was held. Depending on the year and mastery level depended on the floor. Year 1-4 were on the first floor. Year 5-7 were on the second floors. Third floor held the mastery levels.

In the east wing classes for summoning, healing, charms and etiquette were held. West wing held ancient runes, transfiguration, mind magicks. The basement held the more dangerous classrooms so not destroy the rest of the castle.

Charms class passed quickly as they were taught wand lighting and feather light charm. When he proved his mastery of both charms their professor a stout man in his fifties allow Harrison to begin on homework.

Mind magicks did not come so easily to Harrison. It took concentration and being able to clear one's mind of anything and everything. It would take practice for him to achieve a meditative state.

Part of him instinctively did not want to be vulnerable to those around him. That was something he didnt understand. In class unless they were in battle tactics no one would attack him. Not for fear of retaliation but because classrooms were deemed neutral zones. It would be something to look into later.

Before he left for lunch his professor gave him a book on meditation. She said it would help him more than the others. As his professor he trusted her word. As a person Harrison wasnt sure yet. It would be a matter of earning it. Until then he would give the book a chance.

Lunch was next and then it was off to Battle Magic. Now that was something he was truly looking forward to.