The rest of the spring passed by quite fast. Before he knew it, Evergreen finished the fifth grade and started his summer. The temperature went up, and his overall sense of urgency went down. He spent plenty of time with Dad and with Seta, who was slowly warming up to him. Seta still seemed guarded around him, but Evergreen figured that, with time, he would be more at ease.

Evergreen also spent quite a bit of time with his friends, Lynne and Bucky. One day he had gone with Lynne to a water park, and, as he watched her laughing and playing, he realized with shock that Lynne was becoming a beautiful woman. What a discovery! Another day that summer, he was invited along on a waterfall and trail hike with Bucky's family. Bucky's little brother always got on everyone's nerves, so he and Bucky had been trying to avoid him like the plague. Evergreen had never had a younger sibling, so he didn't understand their strange sibling politics.

He tried telling Bucky about magic, but it seemed like Bucky just thought it was some kind of game. So, he just told him about his trip to Seattle and Victoria, mentioning the new 'pet' he had gotten while there, and that his Dad would be sending him to a private boarding school in the fall.

He couldn't bring himself to tell Lynne about his magical secret, because he worried that she wouldn't understand. They had always been close, but if Bucky couldn't get it, she probably wouldn't even hear of it.

Just after Independence Day, Evergreen and Dad drafted a letter indicating Evergreen's acceptance of the Ilvermorny invitation. Since they didn't have an owl or any access to one, Seta offered to help get the letter where it needed to go. This meant that he was gone the entire afternoon of July fifth. After that point, the rest of the summer was fairly uneventful… except for one very significant day.

August came suddenly, like lightning in a summer storm, and, on the first day of that month, an interesting visitor arrived. Evergreen had received a letter the previous day announcing that they should prepare to receive a visitor the following day. This visitor was described only as "a representative from the school." When this representative arrived, they did so bright and early, just as the Quandarys and Seta had started breakfast.

The doorbell was heard just as Dad was sitting down at the table. "Allow me." Seta said, holding up his paw for Dad to stay seated for the moment. The bunny leaped down the hallway separating the living room and the entryway and then peered into the window near the door. He squinted his eyes in the bright morning sunlight and saw a tall woman wearing a very interesting outfit.

"It's the representative," Seta began. "Should I open the door?"

"Let me," Dad replied, getting to his feet.

As soon as Dad turned the door handle, the door burst open, pushing both him and the bunny back a little way. In the doorway stood a tall woman with a flowing, forest green cloak matching, knee-high boots, and a matching pointed classic witch hat. Beneath, she was wearing a simple, navy-colored dress that looked very Renaissance festival-esque. To Evergreen, she looked right out of Hocus Pocus. If she had said "I am the fourth Sanderson", he would have believed it.

The witch appeared to be close to Dad's age, only her otherwise attractive face wore a hard expression and she bore several curious scars on her forehead, left cheek, and leading down from her left ear. Evergreen wondered if the scarring went all the way to her foot, but there was no way to tell.

The formidable woman looked around the entrance with mild curiosity, but a slight smile graced her lips for a moment when she saw Evergreen shyly gazing at her from the far end of the short hallway. She strode quickly down the hallway and offered her hand to him, which he took. Looking into his eyes, she smiled even brighter.

"So, this is the son of the Quadling witch? I must say, it is a real pleasure to meet you. Not many witches can do the things your mother could. You have the same stormy look in your eyes as she did."

"You knew her?" Dad asked, closing the door and walking towards them.

"Knew her? Glinda was in my graduating class at school. My, what a witch she was! Always experimenting. Always looking for a better way to do something. Her knowledge in wand lore alone was staggering."

The witch stood up straight and fixed her hat. She then let out a strange laugh and turned to Dad.

"Please accept my apologies, we didn't even get the chance to get introduced. My name is Professor Tempest Woods. I am a teacher at Ilvermorny, school of magic."

She gave a Dad a firm, professional handshake. When she whipped around to speak again with Evergreen, her eyes rested on Seta for a moment. She shook her head, apparently deciding not to mention their funny pet. The group moved over to the family room and took a seat. Dad and Evergreen took the couch, Professor Woods took the loveseat, and Seta plopped down on an opposing ottoman.

"I imagine, given the circumstances, that you have some questions." the professor began.

"I know all about Oz, my mother, and Elphie, if that's what you're r-referring to." Evergreen replied.

"So, you know about the darkness that was covering Oz?" When she saw his affirming nod, she continued. "Good. So, you need to be aware that the darkness is threatening to burst out of Oz and spill out into our world. Typically speaking, other students of Ilvermorny receive their letters in July, however, you received yours on your birthday because of how close you are to this crisis. You were wisely raised as a No-Maj, with occasional accidental magic use, but now that you are of age to begin your magic instruction, we have reason to believe that this darkness may target you, going forward."

Dad made no reaction, as he apparently had been expecting to hear something like that, but Evergreen stared at Professor Woods in shock. So, one moment, he was hearing about magic being real, and the next, apparently, the dark magic wanted to get to him for some reason?

"That is why it is of the utmost importance that you devote yourself to your magical study as if your life depended on it, because… honestly, it does."

Dad then spoke up, turning to face the professor. "I didn't realize that it was already this bad."

"Unfortunately, it is." she replied grievously. "I wish we could put off what's coming, but all we can really do is prepare."

Dad suddenly turned to Evergreen. "Your mom and I never wanted you to be in danger, or to live anything less than the happy life you deserve, but this danger you're in is the unfortunate result of some bad choices made by bad people, long before you were born. I'm so sorry, son. I thought that by keeping you away from the magic that you would be protected. I guess I was wrong."

Evergreen placed his hand on his dad's arm. The comforting gesture was for his dad's comfort as well as his own. This was a lot for the two of them to take in at once, but it was true; if the darkness was coming, no matter what, he had to be ready for it.

"So, today will be your first day in the magical world." Professor Woods began again. "Today, we are to travel to Underhill Market where you will pick up your school supplies. Sure, there are other wizard markets in the country, in places like the Dakotas, Texas, Salem Massachusetts, and Florida, but Underhill is the closest one to you. Consider today the very first day of your training. I, Professor Woods, am an ex-auror, a dark wizard catcher, and will be your Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor for the next seven years. Every class will be vital, but none quite as vital as mine, am I understood?"

"Yes, ma'am." Evergreen stated.

"You have a well-mannered kid, Peter Quandary. Lots of kids don't naturally understand basic respect." She said this, turning to Evergreen's dad, who gave her a humble nod in return.

"Thank you, Professor," Dad replied. "My family is from the South, where, if you don't learn to respect people, you get the paddle."

"Mine too." she said. "My hide was tanned quite a bit as a child. Then I entered MACUSA to do the tanning, of the dark wizards and witches who deserve it. But ー back to business. We must leave for Underhill Market immediately."

Dad went to the kitchen to clean up the table, however, Professor Woods beat him there and pulled what looked like a long, almost white stick from her cloak. This must be her magic wand, thought Evergreen. She waved this stick ーher wand ー in a circle, about half a dozen times. She did so without saying a word, keeping her eyes shut. Curious ー Evergreen would have thought that she would need some magic words.

As that went on, all the food flew through the air suddenly, packed itself up, and stored itself in the fridge. All the dishes cleaned themselves and put themselves away, and the counter became clean and shiny. Evergreen was almost as amazed as he had been that day the truck had repaired itself.

Speaking of the truck, once everyone was wearing shoes and jackets, Professor Woods announced that they would be driving to Underhill Market because her mode of transportation was technically illegal to use in the presence of a No-Maj… even if said No-Maj knew more about the magical world than even some wizards did. Professor Woods' description of "travel" sounded a whole lot like teleportation to Evergreen, reminding him of Nightcrawler from the X-Men. At Professor Woods' command, everyone piled into Dad's truck, with Professor Woods in the passenger seat and Evergreen in the back seat with Seta.

"So," Dad began, "where is this Underhill Market?"

"Why, it's inside the biggest mountain in the state of course."

Dad backed the truck out of their driveway and then started on the main avenue. So, they were Eastward bound. Evergreen had taken this road many times in his life and every time that they had been to Mount Hood, something strange always seemed to happen. Perhaps this was why ー because of the magic that was literally inside of the mountain itself. He buzzed with excitement.

Professor Woods insisted that they turn on some music to accompany them on their journey. Dad's and Evergreen's recommendations were utterly ignored, as she turned to a jazz station. Evergreen didn't really know much about jazz, but Dad loved it. Professor Woods said something to the effect of how all music possessed a certain kind of magic, but that jazz contained some of the most powerful. Evergreen wondered if he could eventually do incantations through song. With a start, he suddenly wondered whether that was what they had seen at the Experience Music Project. The multicolored lights, the drums beating with no drumsticks in sight, the saxophones crooning, apparently of their own accord… that had to have been magic. He wondered with a start if he had caused it.

Typically, the drive to Mount Hood took about two hours. Under Professor Woods' direction, however, they took the long way to the mountain, from Hood River in the Columbia Gorge. Funnily enough, however, the drive seemed to pass in just a few minutes. Evergreen glanced at his watch and, as he had expected, it had only been 32 minutes since they had left, and they were already in the Mount Hood National Forest. The only explanation that made sense to him was magic.

There was a small local access road that was just a short way from Pocket Creek Snow Park. They were instructed to enter the access road and they did so. It took them to the East side of the mountain. At the end of the road, they realized that they were pretty much up against the mountain. There was a small grove of trees, a dizzyingly tall and sheer rock wall, and a large, crystal glacier up against it at ground level. Considering it was nearly 70 degrees, the glacier was a curious sight. It must have been frozen solid.

"Follow me," Professor Woods said, walking toward the glacier and rock wall.

"How do we get to the market, ma'am?" Evergreen began. "I don't see a door."

She let out a bemused chuckle, a blithe twinkle in her eye. "True. I suppose we'll just have to make one."

The witch, the Quandarys, and the bunny all approached the end of the glacier. Other small rodents scurried around, avoiding them altogether. Professor Woods raised her wand at the rock wall. She muttered something quick and sharp under her breath, and four golden sparks shot out from the tip of her wand. Each of these sparks found purchase upon different places on the rock wall. The sparks then let out beams of light, all connecting into a large rectangle. Once the sparks connected, they disappeared. Then, the rectangle that had been traced into the wall fell away slowly, like a drawbridge, revealing a newly made cave. The cave was perhaps two dozen feet tall and a dozen feet wide, with torches on the walls and a path that quickly led to the right, out of view of the mouth of the cave.

"I'll need to c-come back here n-next year, right?" Evergreen asked.

"Every year, yes." Professor Woods replied.

"So, d-don't I need to know that spell?"

"Strictly speaking, students are not to use magic outside of school, but this is a case where it is necessary as I cannot accompany you every year. The spell is aperi ianuam. It is a simple door-opening spell. It cannot unlock a locked door, but it can open any hidden one, if you know it's there. You just need to point your wand at the corners of the door. Can you repeat the incantation back to me?"

"Aperi ianuam!" he gleefully replied without his stutter, committing it to memory.

Without further ado, the group stepped out onto the path in the cave which turned to the right and led to a flight of bright stairs. The stairs appeared to be made of polished marble and seemed out of place in such a dark, gray cave. The four of them climbed the stairs, and when they reached the top, the tunnel opened wider to reveal a room filled with people.

There were plenty of people dressed how Evergreen imagined witches and wizards would dress, with long robes, cloaks, and pointy hats. Some carried wands, others, enchanted walking sticks, as it would appear. There were also several strange creatures walking along with pointy ears, gray skin, and burlap clothes. With the pointy ears, Evergreen wondered whether they were related to elves, or perhaps even elves themselves. That couldn't be right, however, because they weren't as tall and beautiful as Tolkien had made them seem. If anything, Evergreen found them quite ugly.

"Is this Underhill Market?" he asked, unsteadily.

"No. Just the plaza. The market entrance is on the other side of this room." Replied the professor.

Looking up, there appeared to be no ceiling. For the first time, Evergreen noticed just how bright this room was. There were no torches, candles, lightbulbs, or anything. If Evergreen didn't know better, he would have thought that there was no ceiling at all, for where there should be one, he saw only a blue sky and rushing clouds. He asked Professor Woods about this.

"There is a ceiling, but it's enchanted to look like the sky, here and throughout the Market. Some magical beings would feel a bit claustrophobic, trapped inside a mountain. This helps them deal with that. Plus, using magic to light the Market is much more economical than using torches or something similar." She almost seemed to read Evergreen's mind.

"Is this the only wizarding community here?" Dad asked her.

"In the United States? No, and it is also not the only one in Oregon. There is also a small village near the Southern Coast of the state with only magical residents. There are only two such wizarding villages in the whole of the United Kingdom, but we have several."

"Lucky us." Dad replied. "It's a good thing that we have something so close, in case Evergreen needs anything magical while he's home."

"Lucky indeed." Professor Woods said with a smirk.

They wove through the crowd, with Seta seated comfortably in Evergreen's backpack, paws and head free. Dad insisted they bring the backpack because "you never know if you might need it!" At some point, Evergreen accidentally got separated from the rest of the group and ran into a very large man, even bigger than Dad. He fell on his rear end, looking up at the man frightfully.

"Watch where you're going!" The man yelled.

"S-sorry. I d-didn't see you."

"Obviously not."

Seta leaped from the backpack and held his short sword out, separating the big man and Evergreen. Professor Woods appeared suddenly, her face darkening slightly at the man towering over the boy and the bunny.

"Good morning, Capital." Said Professor Woods civilly.

"Woods. Hey." replied the man ー Capital ー coolly, running his fingers through his hair as if it would make him appear more attractive or something. "What brings you around the Market this time of year?"

Professor Woods rolled her eyes as she felt Capital's eyes scan her from top to bottom. "I am accompanying Mr. Quandary here to buy his school supplies if you please." She lifted Evergreen to his feet. "Don't you have something better to do than to show how much of a big man you are by knocking down 11-year-old boys and their fuzzy familiars?"

With that, the boy and the bunny were whisked away by the young witch and escorted to where Dad was standing near a large archway. Professor Woods explained that Swab Capital had gone to school with her and Evergreen's mom. There was some history, but, rather than going into more detail, she just left off by saying that he was a real creep, both then and now. Unfortunately, he also worked at Ilvermorny. Evergreen was not pleased to hear this news. When they found Dad, he had an odd look on his face and asked what happened and where Evergreen went off to.

"Professor Woods f-found me. I tripped over s-something and then she yelled at the guy I ran into."

"Good thing she did find you. For now, though, please try and stay with us. We don't know this place. We need to be careful." Said Dad, worriedly.

After that, the group moved on through the archway, which led to a long hallway. Fireplaces and doors were lining the walls of the hallway. Every so often, the fire of one of the fireplaces would turn green, and a person would come walking out of it. Evergreen was surprised at first, but Dad seemed unsurprised, telling him how, sometimes, people traveled by fireplace in the wizarding world. They walked all the way to the other end of the hallway, where a second archway waited. The archway read:

WELCOME WEARY TRAVELERS AND ALSO THOSE WITH TIME TO KILL

WE HAVE THAT WHICH YOU WANT AND NEED AT MARKET UNDERHILL