AFTER SUNSET

PROLOGUE

We walked side by side-- our shiny black shoes mildly hitting the polished marble floor of the cold hallway. A very spacious and quiet hallway without metal lockers by the walls, I subtly observed; Dame Luna had well furnished student lodges on campus, it would've made no sense to provide lockers in the hallway.

"I'm quite certain you're really pleased to be here, Miss Manuel."

Inhaling sharply, I stopped my eyes from scanning the hallway and kept it straight ahead, as I walked beside the most respected Chancellor in the whole of Oakwood, Mr Velho. He had an intimidating stature-- nothing below six feet two inches, and could be described as 'devilishly handsome'; dressed neatly in a black turtleneck,and black trousers-- rumor had it that he rarely wore colored clothing-- which complimented his fair skin, white eyebrows and well-trimmed white hair quite well. And, though he was a lower-ranked wizard, he was equally feared and commanded a great deal of respect.

"Yes I am," I responded as we halted beside the white door of what I assumed was a lecture room.

He turned to me, releasing a warm smile, and lifted his index finger, "that's good. I can assure you that your time at this school will be worth it," he said, and whisked his finger swiftly.

My eyes went wide as the door dramatically flew open with a rush of air, and the hall fell into a sudden hush as the Chancellor and I stepped into, what I would call the biggest lecture room I had ever seen in my entire life!

"Lovely afternoon, class!" Mr Velho greeted with a smile.

"Lovely afternoon,Mr Velho," the entire class, including the lecturer, responded like soldiers in the military.

"I apologise for interrupting, but it was for an important reason," Mr Velho gave me a quick glance. "Standing by my side, is the record-breaker from our scholarship examination. . ."

Mr Velho went on about how I had impressed the examination council with my astounding results, and why my admission into Dame Luna was unquestionable, because I had worked for the spot and earned my way there. But, my mind wasn't registering any of that; Mr Velho's voice faded into the background, and my eyes slowly scanned the entire room; every face, and every single detail I could observe. And the more faces I scanned, the more I made up my mind to be as invisible as I could until I completed my sessions at Dame Luna; this school had almost everyone that I could've only dreamed of meeting- children of governor's, and the most powerful witches,wizards, and guardians. It wasn't a place for children of lower-ranked guardians, like me.

"and I am pleased to inform you all that she is now a member of this class. . ." Mr Velho announced proudly, and my attention was drawn to a certain group of students occupying the backseats.

"Treat her well. Remember, she belongs here just like the rest of you."

"Excuse me, Chancellor," someone spoke up rather loudly, causing light chuckles to ring amongst the students. And, surprisingly, one of the boys seated at the back rose from his seat, and locked gazes with mine as he addressed Mr Velho, "how could we possibly treat her like one of us when she doesn't even have a name?"

Mr Velho chuckled softly, "My apologies, Master Rowan, I must have slipped that important detail. But, I'd rather that she introduces herself. My time here is done." Mr Velho gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder, probably sensing my sudden panic-- even as I defiantly held the gaze of this 'Master Rowan' that had put me in this tight fix. "It's okay, Miss Manuel. Go ahead, they won't bite."

I nodded and, with my fingers twitching nervously, I stepped forward,

"Hi everyone. My name is. . ." My mind went blank for a couple of seconds, and I blinked multiple times, staring at the entire class, while they stared at me.

How stupid, I forgot my own name.

"Urrrh. . . My name is Bambina. Bambina Manuel."