As soon as they were all dressed in their robes, it was time to get off the train. They were amazed when they saw the beautiful castle in the distance. A castle that looked like it belonged to a royal family. Not like a castle that was hidden in a remote location like Northern Ohio. Surrounded by a large beautiful lake, it awed all of the students, even Maria herself. Maria had seen this marvelous building many times, and had in fact lived in it, but this time, it was different. She would be here as a student, not as the child of one of the teachers. The older students went to the carriages that seemed to pull themselves, amazing all the students, especially Alan, who had never seen anything like this in his life. Miles appeared in front of the first years and led them to several small boats in the lake.
"First years, two in a boat, please." Alan went with another muggle born he met in the line, and Maria and Izzie traveled together. After all the first years were loaded, Miles tapped his wand on the leading boat and all the boats began to travel slowly toward the castle. As the students looked around in wonder, they heard loud screeching. They turned to see two eagles flying around in the sky and gliding toward the castle. Many of them laughed and made comments wondering what the eagles were doing. After the amazing ride, the boats stopped near the shore of the lake. Miles was nowhere in sight but instead, Addison had taken his place. She led all the first years through the large front doors. She led them to the giant staircase where Miles was waiting for them. They all stopped before Miles, Addison gave her husband a small smile before heading into the Great Hall. Miles smiled back at Addison before addressing the first years.
"Welcome to Veneficus, as you all know, this school is respected as one of the finest wizarding schools in the world. We will not have that reputation ruined, if you think you can get away with trouble in this school-think again. You will all have a personal record on file, good behaviors will help you, and bad behaviors will hurt you. Every example of bad behavior will result in an unacceptable mark. If you receive 15 unacceptable marks, you shall be expelled and sent home. Every example of good behaviors will result in honorable remarks. If you receive so many honorable marks, you will receive various rewards. Please wait patiently and quietly before I lead you into the Start of Term feast." Miles said as he walked into the great hall. Many students appeared nervous during his speech as he narrowed his eyes and spoke sternly.
"Something tells me you don't want to cross him." Izzie whispered to Maria.
"He's very strict but he's very nice once you get to know him." Maria replied.
"Ah, so it's true, Maria Waksma is now in Veneficus." A cold voice said coming from the right. Maria looked to see a beautiful, red haired girl step forward. She sighed annoyed as she walked in front of her.
"Allow me to introduce myself, Monteu, Rachelle Monteu, daughter of Jeffery and Susan Monteu, one of the most famous pure-bloods familes of all time." She smiled at Maria. Maria looked at her strangely colored grey eyes. Rachelle smiled then stared at Izzie.
"Who are you?" She asked.
"Isabella Yewmen." Izzie replied.
"Ah, you're a Yewmen?" The girl replied, a hint of disgust in her tone.
"Yeah, got a problem with it?" Izzie said stepping up trying to appear tougher. The girl simply snickered and stared at Alan.
"And who are you?" She asked him.
"Alan Ettiene" Alan replied nervously.
"I don't recognize that name, are you a muggle born?" She asked surprised. Alan nodded fearfully. Rachelle shook her head and scoffed before going toward Maria.
"Trust me Maria, the wizarding world is a dog eat dog world. You'll want to be friends with the good people. I'll help you there." She extended her hand toward Maria. Maria took her hand and pushed Rachelle's hand to her chest.
"I think I can choose my own friends, thank you very much." She replied sarcastically. Rachelle stared at her in anger until Miles returned. He cleared his throat loudly behind Rachelle; she jumped back in surprise, and then went back with her friends, while Miles stared at her, sternly. Many people began to laugh quietly until they caught the look in Miles eyes. After they had stopped, Miles smiled.
"Follow me," He told them as he led them through the large doors.