Tia looked up to the massive wooden doors and saw both a middle-aged man and a middle-aged woman in posh clothes standing at the entrance. They exuded an air of authority and refinement, their presence commanding attention from all the students gathered outside.
"Welcome to Rosewood Academy," they both boomed in unison, their voices resonating through the courtyard. "I hope you will all have an excellent experience."
The middle-aged man, with a distinguished gray beard and sharp eyes, stepped forward first. "My name is Mr. Harrison, the headmaster of Rosewood Academy. This is Ms. Wellesley, the deputy headmistress. We are thrilled to welcome you to our esteemed institution."
Ms. Wellesley, a tall woman with striking features and an elegant demeanor, smiled warmly. "Rosewood Academy has a rich history dating back over two centuries. It was founded on principles of excellence, integrity, and dedication to nurturing the brightest minds."
Mr. Harrison continued, his voice filled with pride. "Our school boasts a long list of famous alumni who have gone on to achieve great things in various fields. From Nobel laureates to celebrated artists, top athletes to influential leaders, Rosewood graduates have left an indelible mark on the world."
Ms. Wellesley nodded. "We are also proud of our unique house system, which fosters a sense of community and healthy competition. Each student will be assigned to one of our four houses, where you will build lifelong friendships and develop a strong sense of belonging."
Tia listened intently, captivated by the grandeur of the place and the promise of an enriching experience. The rain had stopped, leaving the courtyard glistening under the soft, overcast light. The other students around her were equally absorbed in the headmaster and deputy headmistress's words.
Mr. Harrison then spoke about the school's academic excellence. "Rosewood Academy is renowned for its rigorous academics. We offer an extensive curriculum that caters to a wide range of interests and abilities. Our teachers are among the best in their fields, and they are committed to helping you achieve your full potential."
Ms. Wellesley added, "In addition to academics, we place a strong emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities. Our sports teams are some of the best in the world, and we offer a variety of clubs and societies to suit every interest. Whether you are passionate about science, literature, art, or athletics, there is something for everyone at Rosewood."
Mr. Harrison smiled. "One of the unique aspects of Rosewood Academy is our specialization program. As you progress through your studies, you will have the opportunity to choose a niche or field that you are passionate about. Whether it's the arts, sciences, sports, or another area, you will spend a significant portion of your time focusing on this speciality. This allows you to develop expertise and pursue your interests in depth."
Ms. Wellesley concluded, "This is what sets Rosewood apart from other schools. Our goal is to help you become not only well-rounded individuals but also specialists in your chosen fields. We believe that by nurturing your passions and talents, we can prepare you for success in the top universities and beyond."
The headmaster and deputy headmistress exchanged a satisfied glance before addressing the students once more. "Now, we would like you to come in a single-file line to the entrance," Mr. Harrison instructed. "There, you will be met by your assigned buddies, who will guide you to your dorm rooms and show you around the campus. After you have settled in, you will all proceed to the main hall for the first assembly of the year, where you will meet the rest of the student body and faculty."
As the massive wooden doors slowly creaked open, Tia found herself moving forward in the line, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The anticipation of what lay ahead was palpable. She glanced at Riley, who gave her an encouraging nod. The prospect of exploring the historic campus and beginning this new chapter filled Tia with a sense of wonder and possibility.
As Tia made her way towards the grand entrance of Rosewood Academy, her heart raced with a blend of excitement and trepidation. The grandeur of the academy's entrance loomed before her, a formidable reminder of the new chapter she was about to begin. She glanced over her shoulder to catch Riley's encouraging smile.
The entrance to Rosewood was nothing short of breathtaking. The massive wooden doors were a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings that told the story of the academy's long and storied history. The rich, dark wood was polished to a high sheen, and the elaborate patterns seemed to come alive in the golden afternoon light. The grandiosity of the entrance felt almost overwhelming, as if the doors were guarding secrets and stories from generations of students who had passed through.
"Wow, this place is huge," Tia remarked, her voice barely masking her nervousness.
"It really is," Riley agreed, her tone filled with a mix of awe and reassurance. "And it's beautiful, too."
As they reached the front of the line, the imposing doors came into even sharper focus. Standing at the entrance were the headmistress and headmaster, both dressed in impeccably tailored attire that exuded an air of authority and formality. The headmistress wore an elegant, high-necked dress with a delicate pattern, her poise and grace conveying a sense of refined leadership. The headmaster's dark suit was perfectly fitted, his demeanor exuding both control and warmth.
"Welcome," they said in unison, their voices resonating with a blend of formality and warmth.
Tia's heart skipped a beat as she stepped forward, feeling conspicuous in her casual attire.
Ms. Wellesley, the deputy headmistress, looked at Tia with a mixture of surprise and concern. "Why are you not in uniform?"
Tia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she stammered, "I didn't know we had to be."
Mr. Harrison, the headmaster, frowned, clearly taken aback. "This is not acceptable. You need to be in uniform before the assembly begins."
He glanced over his shoulder at the bustling courtyard behind the doors. Through the glass, Tia could see groups of students—some gathered in conversation, others lounging on benches or sprawling on the grass. The courtyard was alive with a sense of camaraderie and youthful energy, a stark contrast to the formality of the entrance.
Mr. Harrison turned to Ms. Wellesley. "I'll need to arrange for her to get a uniform right away."
Ms. Wellesley nodded, her gaze softening slightly. "Jackson, please come and show this young lady to Madame Dupont's office and around the school."
From the crowd in the courtyard emerged Jackson, a student who immediately caught Tia's attention. He was tall, with a lean, athletic build, and his tousled blond hair fell just short of his collar. His bright blue eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and friendliness, and his navy blue uniform was immaculate. He moved with a casual confidence that was both reassuring and commanding, his easy smile putting Tia somewhat at ease.
As Jackson approached, Tia turned back to Riley one last time. She offered a grateful smile, and Riley's supportive nod was a small but significant comfort in the sea of unfamiliar faces. Riley's gesture was a moment that helped Tia feel a bit less alone.
"Hey," Jackson said as he reached her. "I'm Jackson. I'll be your buddy for the day and show you around. Let's get you sorted with a uniform and then I'll give you a quick tour."
Tia shook Jackson's hand, noting his firm but friendly grip. "Hi, I'm Tia. Thanks for helping me out."
Jackson grinned warmly. "No problem at all. I'm a fourth-year. What year are you?"
"Third," Tia replied, feeling a mix of relief and curiosity.
"Great! You'll find that the school is pretty welcoming once you get used to it," Jackson said, leading the way down a corridor. "We're going to Madame Dupont's office to get you fitted for your uniform. After that, I'll give you a tour of the campus."
As they walked, Tia took in the details of the school's interior. The hallways were grand, with high ceilings supported by elegant archways. Large, arched windows let in streams of natural light, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors. The walls were adorned with portraits of past headmasters and prominent alumni, their stern faces adding a sense of historical gravitas to the surroundings. The air was filled with a subtle, musty scent that hinted at the academy's long and distinguished history.
Jackson chatted casually as they walked, helping to distract Tia from her nerves. "So, a bit about the school schedule. You'll spend half your day on core subjects like math, science, and literature. The other half will be dedicated to your speciality."
"Do you have an idea of what you want to specialise in?" He asked
"Drama maybe," Tia said, her curiosity piqued. "What about you?"
"I specialize in fencing," Jackson replied. "It's a lot of fun, but it can be pretty intense. The school is very competitive when it comes to specialities. You'll find that most of the focus is on excelling in your field, especially since that's how you contribute to your house's overall standing."
Tia nodded, absorbing the information. "How does the house system work here?"
Jackson's expression grew more serious. "The house system is a big deal at Rosewood. Everything revolves around it—your grades, your class rank, even your dorm assignment. There are four houses, each with its own identity and strengths. Your house determines a lot about your school experience. You'll take your core subjects with your housemates, and your speciality classes are mixed with students from other houses. That is why there is such a big competition in specialities, each house is in constant competition with the others."
As they continued their walk, they passed through the vibrant courtyard. The space was bustling with activity, a social hub where students congregated between classes. Some students were sitting on benches, engrossed in lively discussions, while others lounged on the lush green grass, enjoying the sunny weather. The courtyard was beautifully landscaped, with neatly trimmed hedges, flower beds, and tall trees providing a serene backdrop to the bustling scene. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and relaxation, with groups of friends catching up and new students like Tia trying to get their bearings.
Jackson pointed out various landmarks as they walked. "The courtyard is the heart of the school. It's where everyone hangs out, catches up with friends, or just relaxes between classes. It's a great place to meet people and get to know the school."
As they neared the main building, Jackson continued to explain the intricacies of the house system. "Each house has its strengths and characteristics. The house system is more than just a way to divide students; it's a core part of the school's culture. Your performance in both core subjects and specialities contributes to your house's standing. It's a lot of pressure, but it also makes things exciting."
Tia listened intently. "Why is there so much competition in specialities?"
"Doing well in your speciality can earn your house a lot of points," Jackson explained. "For instance, if you get a lead role in the drama production, that could significantly boost your house's score. The competition is fierce, and many specialities have just one house so there isn't much competition and they can maximize their points. Verdant House, for example, has a lot of students who focus on drama. Hopefully, you get Verdant."
"That sounds intense," Tia said, impressed by the system's complexity.
Jackson nodded as they approached a large, ornately carved door. "And here we are—Madame Dupont's office. She'll get you sorted with your uniform."
Tia took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anticipation and relief. "Thanks for showing me around, Jackson."
"No problem," Jackson said, giving her an encouraging smile. "Good luck with everything, Tia. I'm sure you'll do great. I will wait outside"
With a final nod, Tia pushed open the door to Madame Dupont's office.