writingcamp + Divination Academy

Chapter 1

“Lovinia, darling!”

I could hear Mrs Hollyoak calling for me, but I just had to finish this chapter. It’s the last book of the entire series and I’m on the last chapter. My favourite character has only just survived her fight by the skin of her teeth, and now she’s getting married to her mate, the prince. SO romantic!

“Lovinia, you’ll be late for school if you don’t leave soon,” Mr Hollyoak said sweetly as he bent down and handed me my travel mug with hot chocolate in it.

“Ok, ok. I’m finished,” I chuckle as I take my mug. “Thanks, Mr Hollyoak.”

I take a sip of the steaming liquid and smile as the smooth chocolatey sweetness covers my tongue. I could never get into tea or coffee like most people, so instead, I’m addicted to having a hot chocolate in the morning.

Where are my manners? I’m Lovinia and today is my 15th birthday. I live alone in an apartment I was given when I was 12. I was also given a bank account that never seems to be out of money, though I’m not sure how much is in there. Not that I need to use it all that much. Most of what I use just goes on food, bills, and books.

Before my 12th birthday came, I had lived in an orphanage since I was a baby. I was left on the steps, and never knew or found out who my real parents were.

“Alright, I’m off! Thanks, Mr and Mrs Hollyoak,” I called out as I rushed out of Hollyoak Books.

“Have a good day!” Mrs Hollyoak calls back as they both wave.

I waved back and continued to school. I’ve never been a social person. I tried making friends during my first year of high school and ended up being bullied by the entire school. Now no one knows I exist, and that’s just how I like it. I don’t bother anyone else, and no one bothers me. I’m a pretty shy person. I’m always either studying, out for a run or curled up with my nose in a book. As I mentioned, today is my birthday. I’m turning 15. I wanted to stay home today and relax, but I couldn’t skip school. Unfortunately,

I’m usually a pretty calm person, but today it feels like my entire body is vibrating. As usual, classes were a breeze for me and before I knew it, I was sitting cross-legged in my favourite corner of the school's library. There was no one else around and I got to the best part of one of my all-time favourite books. I heard the librarian come back and looked up to greet her, except what I saw freaked me out instead. I was hovering about 4 feet off the ground and Ms Jackson just stood there staring in bewilderment. Hey, I was just as shocked and confused, more so since I was currently FLOATING.

“Ahh!” I let out a short scream as I fell to the floor again. “What the hell? What just happened?!” I shouted, feeling terrified as I looked at where I was sitting, turning to face Ms Jackson. “Please don’t tell anyone, Ms,” I begged.

“Of course, sweetie. Your secret is safe with me,” She nods, giving me a comforting hug.

“You don’t seem all that shocked or confused, Ms Jackson. Have you seen that happen before?” I asked, curious if it could be fixed.

“I have, but I can’t tell you where. I’m bound from telling anyone what I saw. What I can tell you is, it’s not dangerous. You’ve always had the potential for it and you are in no way alone,” Ms Jackson explained with regret in her voice at not being able to tell me everything.

“I guess that’s better than not knowing anything. Thank you for telling me that. Could I have a leave slip please, Ms J? I’d like to go home,” I asked, dropping my head to look at my hands again before pulling my bag over my shoulder.

“Of course. I’ll go and let the principal know you went home because you were feeling ill. Here you go, sweetie. Make sure you get some rest, OK? And thank you for my parting gift,” Ms J smiled brightly.

“You’re welcome, Ms J. I’m going to miss you. I hope I see you again. Good luck, Ms Jackson, and thank you for everything,” I waved, turning to walk towards the doors.

I pulled my bag on my back and hurried through school to the exit. I didn’t want whatever happened in the library to happen again in the middle of the walkway.

I couldn’t stop staring at my hands as I walked home. Since I was so distracted, I didn’t realize a man was waiting at my front door for me, until I came to stand right in front of him. I looked up at the man standing in front of my door and I noticed something familiar about him. Maybe I’d seen him before or something, around town.

“Can I help you, Sir?” I asked politely, yet still drained and distracted.

“Are you Lovinia Devine?” The man asked, something familial hidden behind his mask of urgency.

“Yes, I am. Could we speak inside, I’d like to sit down,” I replied, unlocking my front door as the man stood aside.

“Of course. This information may shock you as well,” He added as I opened the door and stepped inside as he followed suit.

“What is it you wanted to speak to me about?” I asked, closing the door behind him before gesturing to him to have a seat.

“Thank you,” He nodded, sitting down in one of the armchairs in my lounge room. “My name is Jessop Delvine, I am the headmaster of a school that teaches supernatural teens. I was made aware of what happened at school earlier, and I decided it was time to come and offer you a place with us.”

I froze, unsure of what to say. “OK, uh. How did you find out about what happened at school? Only one person saw what happened,” I asked, confused.

“I’m aware, and I understand you are confused, but now is not the time to answer that question. One thing you must know, even if you decide not to come back with me, the power you exhibited today, was Levitation. It is a power that has not been seen in generations and is one of the most powerful to ever be recorded. No matter what happens today, you must be careful how you use it,” Mr Delvine informed me, concern woven through his features. “It is also the first instance of a female being born with a power of the body. In our world, only males are born with a power of the body, while females are born with a power of the mind. That is another reason I would like you to return to Divination Academy with me today.”

I had no idea what to say. I mean, Ms Jackson seemed like she had seen it before, or at least seen magic before. I don’t know what else to call it other than magic.

“Are you alright, Lovinia?” He asked, leaning forward.

“What am I?” I asked quietly, holding my hands in my lap.

“We are called the Divine. Our history is a long one that I would not be able to cover in one visit. Will you please come back with me? I’m not sure how much longer you will be safe out here in the open,” He pressed, seemingly more nervous by the minute.

“Is everything alright, Mr Delvine? You seem nervous,” I asked, starting to feel a bit nervous myself.

“All I can tell you right now is there was a reason you were sent away and hidden after you were born. It’s not safe to say anything about it right now, and if you want to stay alive as long as possible, you really should come with me right now,” He explained briefly, standing up as he quietly chanted something, moving his arm through the air in a circular motion.

Before I could say anything, a huge door-sized whirlpool opened up, spinning with blacks, purples, silvers, and darker shades of blue. It was incredible, but it had this sucking feel to it, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it.

“Could I die if I stay here, Mr Delvine?” I asked, scared beyond belief now.

“It is highly likely, yes,” He answered honestly. I was grateful for that.

“But I’d be safe at this Academy, right?”

“Yes.”

“Ok. I’ll come with you,” I resigned after a minute of silence.

Mr Delvine nodded his head as he held his hand out to me, “Everything you could possibly need, or want, will be provided to you by the Academy, or myself.”

I nodded and took his hand. He looked at me, confirming I was ready to go. I smiled, still obviously frightened of what was to come and let’s not forget the fact that someone wants to hurt me. But why? Why would someone want to hurt me? What could I have done, especially as a baby?