The sun was already high on the horizon, casting a golden hue across the vast open grounds of Ravenwood Academy.
Hundreds of first-year students, dressed in their freshly pressed uniforms, stood in neat rows, murmuring softly among themselves as they waited for the morning's assembly to begin.
It was a Monday, the start of a new week, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
Professor Sharon Albright, the senior advisor to the academy, stepped forward onto the elevated platform in front of the students.
Her presence commanded attention, and the students quieted down, their eyes fixed on her. Sharon's long, orange hair shimmered in the morning light, a striking contrast to her dark professor's robes.
She had a reputation for being firm but fair, and today, there was a sense of gravity about her as she approached the podium.
"Good morning, students," Professor Sharon began, her voice clear and strong, reaching across the wide parade grounds.
