Samson

When I woke up this morning, I was shocked to find out Father had sent out an application for me to attend Raven's School of Magic. I read it over and over to see if there was some sort of mistake but it had my name on it alright.

Dear Professor Moonfall,

I wish to congratulate you on Samson's acceptance into Raven's School of Magic. We look forward to getting to know him and teaching him in the years to come. Please bring him to the front gate by 7:00am on July 20th. Attached is a list of several supplies that will be required for all first-year students. Books will change into the appropriate text for whatever school he is chosen for.

We look forward to seeing you for these next six years and we hope your son will enjoy his time here learning the wonders of magic. We expect great things from him.

Sincerely,
Professor Sophia Magnolia
Headmaster of Raven's School of Magic

Mother stands in the living room staring at the letter for a long moment before speaking up. "Why did you even send an application for him? What's the point when he's just a big disappointment?" I flinch at the cold tone and her glare before watching her walk off. So she isn't happy for me. What did I expect? Mother never shows me any love like Simon's mother shows him.

I had been rather excited to go out to Raven Square. My brother Simon had to get his supplies for his fourth year at Raven's anyway so Father made me come with them. However, the trip there made me panicked and nauseated neither Father nor Simon warned me about the trip and the use of magic at all. Simon snickers a bit. "Oops! My bad! I should have told you you'd feel that way." I swallow hard and stay silent.

What I didn't realize was the number of people that would be in Raven Square. I feel myself get cold and her hands clammy. I don't have time to get used to everything as Father and Simon are already moving forward. I quickly follow after them grabbing onto Father's cape for security.

We first go to a pet store where I watch in awe at the cute animals. I love the little kittens and frogs. However, Simon decides to put a lizard on my head making me scream and try to get it off. I hate lizards, one bit me when I was smaller and it left a scar. Father rolls his eyes and takes it out. "Such an annoying drama queen." He mutters in disgust making me flinch and go to a corner where I remain until Simon picks out a mean-looking black owl for letter sending. I open my mouth to ask if I can get a pet but then close it seeing how impatient Father looked. I decide I'm not old enough and we're off again.

We walk to a bookstore which is where everyone seems to be. I pale and shake especially after we walk inside and all eyes are on us. I reach for Father's cape again but flinch away when he shoots me a cold glare. Oh, what I wouldn't give to just disappear into the background...

Father walks over to the front desk ignoring the line. "Trisha! Get me Simon's fourth-year books and a set of first-year books!" He calls to a short and round lady with a friendly look to her. The lady pauses and nods before disappearing into the back. She had been tending to a father-daughter pair when we came in

I notice the girl giving me a small wave, so I offer the best smile I can muster. "Samson, ignore them! The Rose's are just pathetic and disgusting bugs." I tense and look away quickly. I feel tears burning in my eyes but I do my best to hold it in.

Mr. Rose glares at Father. "Excuse me?" He asks lowly and clenches his fist. I tense more as he reminds me of Father or Mother when they're getting ready to hit me for doing something stupid.

Father looks at him and smirks. "It's the truth. Two men shouldn't be together nor should they be able to produce children whether one is a freak or not. It's disgusting." He says in a firm tone. The word freak strikes a nerve with me and I look down at the ground.

"Take that back! You're nothing but a big bully anyway!" The girl snaps at Father making me tense even more. I look up again as Father looks down at the blonde girl like she is nothing more than a bug.

"Control your child, Rose. Otherwise, I fear something bad might happen to her one day." He says in a dark tone that I know all too well. Was he about to hit her?

I wince and act without thinking. "F-father please... please don't cause a scene..." I whisper faintly. I realize my mistake but it is too late as father slaps me so hard that I fall back on my rump. I flinch at the cold words that follow.

"Do NOT talk back to me and tell me what to do. So I make myself clear?" I whimper softly and nod slowly getting back on my feet. Yet another mistake as Father grabs my hair. "I didn't hear you..." Father glares at me and yanks hard.

I can't stop the tears from falling this time. It hurts too much to bear. "Yes, Father yes! Very clear! I will never do it again! Father please!" I struggle trying to grab his hand to get it to release its grip. Why can't I do anything right? Why didn't I keep my mouth shut?

Father finally lets me go and watches me with a sneer. "You're pathetic. Stop crying and suck it up!" I whimper at his harsh tone and cry to stop crying.

Mr. Rose had been watching the whole time with mouth agape as if he couldn't believe it. Even Trisha was staring in shock after coming out with their books. "Don't treat your son like that are you mad?! He's just a boy!" Mr. Rose snaps and glares at Father.

Father only looks at him with a dismissive stare. "Don't tell me how to raise my children." He puts some money on the desk and takes the books. "Let's go. Simon make sure the brat doesn't get lost." He glares at me while I sniffle and tremble. My face hurts where I was hit and I have the worst headache now.

Simon smirks down at me. "Come on. Don't get lost or you might get left with the sewer rats." He crows mockingly. I tense and start to shake violently. I know he'll keep his word too. I stumble after them not wanting to be left behind.

Why can't Father be like Mr. Rose? He seems so nice even defending me when I'm not even his kid. I sniffle again and follow after them. After getting some more capes for Simon we go home. If I had anything in my system I would have thrown it all up but luckily I didn't. Father would get mad if I made a mess and embarrassed myself.

I stumble up the stairs struggling with my school books. Because Simon easily took his up to his room, Father told me to take mine up myself. It takes me a long time but I manage to get them to my room. I stumble and fall on my rug sending the books falling with a loud bang. I wince and scramble to pick them up but the noise makes Mother come to my room.

"Can you do anything right?! All you do is embarrass me over and over!" Mother snaps and glares down at me. I feel tears sting the corners of my eyes. "I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Mot..." Mother interrupts me. "Do NOT call me that! It disgusts me." With that, she slams my door shut and storms off.

I flinch and whimper softly tears falling onto the rug. Why? Why does Mother hate me so much? I've tried my best to be the best son I can be so why? I shake a bit. At least she didn't take me back to the punishment room...

I put my books in a neat pile and curl up on my bed. I take a deep breath and think of the future. With that, I find some determination. I will become the best student at Raven's ever. I'm a Moonfall so I must learn the dark arts. It doesn't matter if it sounds scary. It's my destiny! It's only obvious. If I do well then Mother will love me. Father will be proud of me. All I have to do is work hard and be the best dark wizard ever! With that on my mind, I fall into a light sleep.

Unknown POV

I make my way back home after observing the first years gather their school supplies. This year would be something! I just know it. My master will be thrilled to hear his report too. With any luck, I'll be allowed to attend Raven's this year. I was only a year behind and can pass off as a twelve-year-old.

There was one thing for certain though. That Rose girl didn't seem too interesting at all, but that Moonfall boy... he was hiding something. I don't know what yet but I can't wait to find out.

"See you at Raven's, Samson... I hope to get really close." I purr as I make my way home. "Master!" I call out and look around sensing that strong presence. "I think you'll be interested to hear my report." I see a pair of mismatched eyes looking back at me from the shadows, one the color of dark crimson and the other a pale crystal blue. "Wanna hear it?" I grin.