We're Spiraling, But I Don't Mind

Farewell Spiral

Ravenwood School of Magical Arts was home to students from all walks of life and every corner of the Spiral. Seven of these students stood waiting at the mouth of Bartelby, each one varying degrees of exasperated. Despite each one of them being told to be ready to leave for their destination by 11 o'clock sharp, it was well past noon and yet none of their professors or the headmaster had arrived. Even when asking other students that passed by the group, no one had seen any of the esteemed wizards all day.

A month prior, Headmaster Ambrose had announced that he would be hand-picking one student from each school to participate in a unique program where the selected students, along with their professors, would study in a new world for a whole year. A week later those specially chosen received letters depicting what they would be required to bring with them, when and where they were to meet before departure, even what they were to wear for the trip.

"Do we have the right day?" Garret Crowstalker asked.

Artur Frogcatcher scowled as his hazel eyes scanned over the letter in his hands, "We should, it says students shall meet at 11 o'clock on September 1st and not to be late."

The seven wizards all looked around them hoping to see at least one professor headed their way, unfortunately, the Ravenwood courtyard was looking rather empty now. More than once the group of students thought of leaving in search of their professors but chose against it. For of course the moment they leave their professors would arrive and most likely end up leaving the missing students behind.

"Does anyone even know where we're all going, and where in the Spiral is it?" asked Elijah Silverglen, scowling underneath his violet and gold brimmed hat.

"We were all told that we would be studying abroad for a year at a boarding school, Hogwarts I believe its name was. As for its location, I have no idea, perhaps it's in Avalon. I don't believe any of us have traveled there before so who's to say really." Saffron Dawnglade mused, gazing up at the expansive canopy that was the Grandfather Tree.

"Maybe it's a school like Pigswick Academy in Wisteria." mumbled the usually quiet Death student, Kenneth Ogrewraith, as he pulled his black and white hood even farther over his blond head.

"I fucking hope not! Those Pigswick students are total slackers and only know how to cheat!" exclaimed Calamity Wildheart.

Without a sound, Gamma swooped down and perched on the lemon yellow-clad shoulder of Roslyn Goldriver. Seven sets of eyes blinked in bewilderment at the sudden appearance of the Headmaster's companion.

"Good evening students, please forgive Headmaster Ambrose and the other professors for being late. They were having trouble arranging for their substitutes." the snowy owl chimed.

That was right, all professors except for the Balance School's instructor Arthur Wethersfield, would be going along with the group of students. It made sense that they would need to find someone to continue teaching their classes in their absents.

"How much longer do you think they will take?" Elijah asked impatiently.

"Oh not long at all, they are just finishing up and sent me to make sure that you had all the belongings you'll be needing for your trip. None of you will be returning to the Spiral before the year is over. If you are to have forgotten something, unfortunately, you will have to do without it for the year."

The group of wizards gave each other confused looks, unsure if they should ask about the "returning to the Spiral" part. What was Gamma talking about? Weren't they using the Spiral to travel like always?

Soon the students' esteemed headmaster and professors walked through the entrance to Ravenwood from the Commons. Upon Ambrose's arrival, Gamma left the shoulder of Roslyn to occupy his master's staff instead.