Chapter 5

                                    

                                          
"Excited for your first day at Yancy, Percy?" Sally's voice interrupted the morning tranquility as she began washing the breakfast dishes.
"Yeah, I guess," I replied, my mind partly elsewhere. With a flick of my wrist, I conjured a small bubble of water, watching it dance between states—liquid, mist, and ice. "Corvus has been keeping me up all night, eager to start studying at Yancy."
Sally chuckled at the idea of a mythical bird studying. My mom quickly learned that I had known about who I was and she surprisingly took it well. She loves Corvus and Lucifer, always spoiling the two of them. "He can't go to school; he's a bird. Where is Lucifer by the way?"
"Yeah, try telling him that," I sighed, banishing the swirling mist around my hand. I rose from the table and stretched. "Lucifer went out to hunt some monsters in Tartarus. Anyway, I should get going. Can't be late for the orientation."
"You sure you don't want me to drive you?" Sally asked, drying her hands.
"Mother, I can walk; it's fine. Besides, I wouldn't want you to be late for your hospital appointment," I replied, looking at her pregnant belly. "Speaking of which, where is Paul?"
Sally thought for a moment before answering, "I don't know he made breakfast then left to go to the store to get some things. He said to tell you good luck in school."
"Okay, okay. I better head out before I am late." I laughed.
"Okay, sweetie, just be careful, and make sure you stay out of sight," Sally said as she handed me my backpack. "I still don't know why you wanted to go to Yancy, with how smart you are you could go to any Jr. High. Yancy is a school for troubled kids."
"Thanks, Mom, you're the best," I said, slipping on my backpack and grabbing my luggage. "Don't worry; I'll be careful. Besides, you can say that I am a troubled kid. Bye!"
"Bye, Percy," Sally replied, giving me a final hug and a kiss on the forehead before I left the apartment.
As I closed the door behind me, I heard my mother's quiet sigh. "He's growing up so fast."
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"Welcome, new students, to Yancy Academy. My name is Karma Umbridge, and I am your principal here at this prestigious institution," the tall and tan-skinned woman introduced herself with authority. Her stern, black eyes, prominent nose, and softly shaped jaw gave her an imposing presence. She sported curly brown hair layered with amethyst dye, subtle eyeshadow, metallic lipstick, and a natural-looking foundation.
"You young scholars should consider yourselves honored to have been chosen to study at this Academy. For this week, you won't have to concern yourselves much with classes; our focus will be on getting you situated in your dorms and prepared for your upcoming studies. But before we proceed, do any of you have any questions?" Principal Umbridge inquired, her hands clasped together. A solitary hand shot up, and she pointed to the girl who sought answers. "Yes, what is your question?"
"I'm Megan Winters, and I was wondering about how the dorm pairings will work," the girl asked.
"Well, Miss Winters, the dorm situation has undergone some changes this year as we're experimenting with a new approach. If it proves successful, it will continue. This time, one boy and one girl will be selected to share a dorm room." Murmurs rippled through the assembly. "A list will be posted at the office, indicating your assigned dorm and your roommate for the year. Make sure to check it so you know where you'll be staying."
"Excuse me, Principal," I spoke up when the commotion subsided. Mrs. Umbridge raised an eyebrow and turned her gaze to me.
"Yes, Mr...."