The Headmaster’s Daughter.

There weren’t always dragons in the Valley. There used to be rows of lilacs, and tall stunning crape myrtle trees; from what I’ve heard.

Keiran who’s a year above me, described it. I never believed him, since that scene he spoke about, is one I’ve never seen or heard of. After weeks of trying to make me believe him, he showed me proof with a painting an instructor created.

There it was.

A small painted canvas, enclosed in a gold ornate frame. The snow-blanketed mountains, tall and proud in the far distance. Hills stretching out for miles, hiding the existence of any plain; with vibrant notes of enchanting purple hues from the lilac blossoms. Rows of crape myrtle trees, sprouting ghostly iridescent white flower buds.

The details surreal as if staring out a window to the scenery; the first time my breath was taken in awe. Unfortunately, the painting is hung in the faculty housing. Unable to adore it for long, we left after catching a moments glimpse at it.

I would give anything to experience that scenery; the curiosity to know what the flowers would smell like, what the scent of its fresh dew-covered grass is like, and how the breeze in the meadows would feel against my skin.

However, that land no longer exists.

Once the blazing summer soltice began, they appeared. Precautions were taken to ensure the citizens were safe, but they couldn’t rid ‘The Valley’ of the havoc-wreaking dragons.

The Valley, once a haven where those enchanting flowers and plants resided; now riddled with ferocious dragons, who’ve reduced it to a land of scorching fire, finely-grained obsidian black ash, and thick toxic smoke that leisurely corrodes your skin and flesh.

I’ve been warned many times about The Valley; most of the warnings from the headmaster. A cold distant man, exuding a pressence of command; nobody can ignore. All the department leaders, instructors, and students are unable to hide their nervousness from that overwhelming pressence of his. Even soldiers tremble in their boots from being a mere few feet from him.

I find it the most difficult though. The others can escape his harsh chilling aura, but I can’t.

He’s my father after all.

My father, the greatest wizard; known for bringing our country to victory in the Ogre Wars. Among his deeds and titles, there is only one title that gains respect and obedience faster than all else, Headmaster Gautier Harringston.

Though he’s my father, I’ve always addressed him as Headmaster. Unlike myself, my brother’s the only one allowed to call him Father. I’m sure it’s because he’s ashamed of me.

‘No, why would your father be ashamed? He’s your father!’

I’ve heard that lie so many times from the servants, that I’ve now lost count. He is—without a doubt—ashamed of me. Frankly, I’m ashamed of myself too.

The great Headmaster Harringston, given a daughter who can’t even use a spell; to kill a pest like a screeching roach. The daughter of a great wizard, who can barely use a child level spell, only brings shame to the family name.

However, that’s not the reason why my father’s cold to me.

I killed my mother.

Not deliberately, but I did.

She was weak and frail throughout her life, and after giving birth to me, her health was irreversible. All the enchanted items meant to prolong someones life; even return a life, none of them would work on her.

My father’s cold to me, but he has every right to be. She was his true love. I’ve heard stories from the servants, tutors, and nannies. After my mother passed, his smile was extinguished. It’s rumoured that he was always seen with a gentle smile whenever he was beside mother.

It stung whenever he would adamantly force the distance between us, but I’m old enough now to know about love. If Father loved Mother like the rumours state, he has every right to grieve the loss of his beloved. All I can do is respect what he wants—even if it’s being hated or disowned.

Aside from wanting no contact with me; what Father wanted the most, was for me to be banished from the academy. Even if I went to an academy for marine life or an academy for sprites, he wouldn’t care; just as long as I never attended his academy.

The Pollax Academy; a renown academy for those talented with wizardry. The first academy ever built and founded after the Immortal War; the grand academy teaching ‘Adept’ to ‘Advanced’ wizardry. Adept lessons meant for wizards the age of sixteen to eighteen; Advanced made for those above. The younger students are separated of course, since the Advanced wizards need to focus on what future they want; whether it’s joining the king’s army, being consultants, or the thousands of other jobs an Advanced wizard can pursue.

To award Fathers accomplishments, the king had bestowed the seat of headmaster to him; in the hopes that Fathers intelligence, will guide the new generations, into an age of the most powerful refined wizards.

Yet the great Headmaster—leading a prestigious academy—was given a powerless daughter; he begrudgingly allowed to enrol. The only reason I was enrolled is due to my brother, Leonard. Leonard’s the perfect child; respected and loved by his peers, and even by Father. Out of respect, Father accepted Leonards request to let me enrol. Leonard told him it would be good to ‘strengthen my powers’, but what really pushed Father, was how clearly no other academy would accept me.

I’ve been enroled into Pollox Academy; from what I only imagine is pity. However, Father took a while deciding and time passed until it was too late. I should have been a year lower than Leonard, but I’m now two years lower—thanks to Father.

Quite frankly though, I have no talent to be in Adept. Instead, here I am; a basically-powerless wizard, in the most honoured sorcery academy.

It was probably out of good intentions, but Leonard didn’t seem to think about how badly I’d be isolated. Not that I mind, I’ve been practically isolated my entire life. All my life of Father never calling me for dinner, scowling whenever I tried to attend dinner, and practically ordering the nannies and servants to keep me on the East wing. Raised isolated, I never got to roam or leave the academy; let alone leave the East wing.

The academy built as if a giant hive, where everything is placed accordingly.

The ‘hive’ so grand, the academy size on par with the king’s palace. The buildings created using enchanted cream quartz bricks, bronze accenting, and the roof shingles a shade of juniper green. The elegant academy surrounded by a towering defence wall; created with the highest grade of white obsidian, and ornate gates forged from bronze titanium.

The main palace-like building where dining halls, lesson auditoriums, and subject departments reside; named ‘Central’, described as the heart of the academy. Hallways are wide, and elegantly designed; allowing easy access to-and-from Central. Bridges resembling the sophisticated hallways are joined to Central, connecting to two smaller buildings; surrounding the East and West side of Central. The East, housing for the Adept; the West, housing for the Advanced.

Standing proudly to overlook the academy, towers a ten story castle; reserving the most space; North of Central. The pristine building—better known as ‘The Eye’—built for the headmaster’s family. The Eye too large for a family, Father decided to use it as housing for the ‘Higher Six’, and faculty. While students must live on campus grounds, the faculty doesn’t share the same rule. The faculty are able to live in the town, but when free housing accommodations are offered to faculty, it’s a given a majority of them would live on campus.

The Eye’s the home for the hiearchy of the academy. Of course, my father’s at the top.

The headmaster’s the most important, followed by the Higher Six; they oversee all decisions, and provide the king with support. After that would be the department leaders who oversee and control each department, and then it would be the instructors.

Inside The Eye, a large portion of the building is blocked where no faculty or student can enter. The only ones allowed to enter is the headmaster, servants, and the headmaster’s family of course—unlucky for the headmaster, that includes me.

When I could begin to crawl, Father decided on restrictions for me. The East side of the house has been restricted since I could remember. I’m not even allowed to enter or leave through the main house doors. Surrounded with a stone garden, a broken tire swing, and framed with disgusting viburnum hedges; resides a crusty old door. That’s the only door I’m permitted to enter and exit my residence. Aside from the indoors, I’ve been allowed to roam the small stone garden; not that I’d want to—especially since it’s riddled with that awful, pungent scented viburnum.

Father doesn’t try to hide that he’s ashamed of me; especially since he can’t fathom the thought of me using the same doors as him, but when I spent seventeen years living like that, it doesn’t phase me anymore. I’m sure I was lonely at times, but when I never had a chance to be with others, how can I be sure what loneliness even is?

Isolation from my school peers didn’t affect me either. Raised by a father as cold as mine, isolation from others is child’s-play.

Even during my school days, the isolation from Father continues.

I’m not allowed to enter the academy through any main door, only using the door in the back that faces the East wing of my residence; I’m not allowed to eat outside or in the dining halls, only in the libraries or resting areas. The rules Father set doesn’t bother me, but when it makes getting lunch difficult, I do have to raise a bit of a fuss. The only silver-lining is, not eating in the dining hall, gave me a new experience.

Alone in the emptied library, I sat in the back corner opening my lunch. The library was deserted, filled with only the gentle sound of the librarian flipping the pages of her book. Suddenly, he appeared.

Keiran Smitt, my one and only friend. He‘s a bit odd but I like being with him. He makes silly jokes, and always shows me funny small pranks or tricks.

He ran around the corner of a bookcase, checking his scratched pocket-watch. Looking for a clock, his eyes met mine.

He approached, wondering what I was eating, and I told him I made my own lunch; a jackrabbit stew with a simple carrot salad. He made a joke about how it was cruel to eat the jackrabbits food and eat the jackrabbit with it, and I remember laughing for the first time.

It wasn‘t a loud, stomach aching laugh I’ve seen other students do, but it was one that was a small chuckle and a puff of air escaping from my lips. I’m sure it was a scoff, but that was the first time I’ve laughed unintentionally.

I offered him some, and he liked it. Since then I’ve always made lunch for two, and we met everyday after that. I’m sure in the beginning it was just because he needed a place to hide, but it allowed a friendship to form. The reason he needed to hide most days, would be to hide from Ferris and Argo.

Keiran’s unbelievably sweet, but he’s always picked on—I’m sure they began to pick on him more since he became my friend—but without fail, he’ll always reassure me that he likes being my friend.

Ferris and Argo always go out of their way to bully Keiran, and it infuriates me, but Keiran tells me not to get involved even if I try to. Ferris and Argo always did the bullying on their own accord, but there’s a puppet master, Alkaid Castor.

Alkaid’s never cared to make a point to bully anyone, he just does mean things that encourages his friends. If Ferris or Argo wanted to pick on some poor victim, he would fan the flames to see what his friends would do. Just like Father and Leonard, he gives off an aura of command. Alkaid’s aura is different than my father or brother’s. His is sharp; almost taking your breath away from anxiousness. He‘s known for his temper, but also his strength. Overhearing Leonard talk to Father, apparently a phoenix broke into the school grounds.

Dragons are the worst things to enter the school grounds, but before they appeared, phoenixes were on the top.

The destructive phoenix exuding scalding fire; anything in their path would be set ablaze. The immortal being’s eyes, contrastingly ethereal, compared to its calamitous power. If it was reborn to take on the body of a winged beast; a flap of its wings would cause a gust of wind so hot, it’d scorch mere mountains; if reborn with the body of a serpent, it would incinerate the stones it slithers on. However Alkaid subdued the phoenix.

After the news spread of his bravery and strength, Alkaid was awarded a ‘Constellation‘.

Not an actual constellation in our sky, but the academy awards ‘Constellation’ medals to students who are remarkable. Earning fifteen of them gets you a chance to be on the Higher Six.

The Higher Six is the student council of the school. To join the Higher Six is an honour impossible to achieve. Students who gain fifteen awards are thrown into a competitive race for who gets a seat. Aside from the amount of Constellations one has, their academic records must be outstanding too; in order to qualify for a seat in the Higher Six.

Behind the award, comes a reward. Given one Constellation gives you the power to alter, only within reason, anything that has to do with academics; like given more overnight passes to sleep at their family homes, given less homework, or even better lunch. The more Constellations one has, the more grand the reward. Alkaid of course chose to abuse it, and found a loophole so that his absent marks are never recorded; allowing him to constantly miss class.

Father knew he was trying to abuse it, but since Alkaid asked in a way that sounded innocent;

‘If I’m late to lessons, I would like my absents to be forgiven. I’ve been training hard to gain another Constellation, and my body’s been too fatigued to make it on time.‘

The king—barely knowing who Alkaid is—was tricked and saw in that moment, a devoted young boy with lots of potential. The king accepted his request; only because the king is too busy a man to read between the lines. Due to the kings approval, Father had to accept as well and feign ignorance.

The first rank of the Higher Six however, is someone who would never abuse their Constellations. The most impeccable wizard in all the academy, and I have the displeasure of knowing him; Leonard, the great first rank. I should be proud of my older brother, but constantly living in his shadow is never fun; it only makes me come pale in comparison more.

Nonetheless I have Keiran who thinks I’m a gem. He always knows what to say when I’m feeling down.

“Listen, Leon’s just being himself. He isn’t doing any of this to ‘overshadow’ you.” Keiran honestly speaks, petting my head.

“His name’s Leonard… I know… But it doesn’t mean it hurts less.” I mumble, trying to calm the unsettling feeling in my chest.

Keiran gives a small understanding smile.

We sit in one of the hallway resting areas. The hallway deserted due to lunch; we have the whole area to ourselves. The bronze window sills wide enough to make a bench; lined with a tufted cream cushions.

”Listen, you’re doing the best you can... You just need focus on continuing to improve.” Keiran raises his hand.

His hand glistens with a small light as he makes a vibrant yellow freesia, with a bow on the stem appear. He holds it out to me.

”Thanks Keiran…” I give a small smile, taking the fragile flower that warms my heart.

“Just remember that Leon’s not doing this out of spite.”

”It’s just difficult to remind myself, I mean it’s his twenty-third Constellation!” I can’t help but raise my voice, jumping up as I pace the hallway.

”I know, I know, but he didn’t jump into the acid lake out of spite.”

”I know he did it to save the kids, but I could have done that!” I whine slightly.

Keiran raises his brow, giving a sly dubious look.

”Oh really? You can cast a spell to shield your whole body, and cast one for breathing? All while putting ten others in the same spells, trying not to drown in corrosive acid?“ Keiran sarcastically responds, giving me a funny look.

“Well… Maybe I could…” I pause in my steps, mumbling as I look down at my feet.

”Really?”

“No…” I mumble more quietly, “But I mean, come on! Why are they even taking a field trip to that dumb lake! They should just get rid of it so this doesn’t happen again!”

“It’s literally nature. They can’t get rid of it, it just comes back.”

”I swear, if I was allowed in town, I could do heroic things too!”

”Sweetie, I say this with all the love I have for you, but you literally have no powers. The townspeople even have more powers than you.”

”I know…” I sigh, slightly pouting.

”It’s going to be okay. You should try being happy for him. I mean Leon didn’t even tell you about it.”

”His name’s Leonard.”

“Yeah, but Leonard’s too long to say. Leon sounds better, don’tcha think?”

I roll my eyes, scoffing slightly.

“He didn’t rub it in my face, but hearing it from other students is still painful. Father’s just going to use it as another reason to dismiss me further.”

”Don’t worry about that. The point is, it’s been a week since that incident, and Leon hasn’t said a word about it to you. I’m sure it’s because he doesn’t want you feeling bad.”

”Yes, or he doesn’t care about me enough to tell me.”

”I mean, it could be that too, but at least he doesn’t despise you.”

”I guess… I just want to prove myself to Father too-“

I’m cut off as a solid build hits me in the back, sending me to the floor.

“H-Hey!” Keiran shouts.

I look back to see Ferris and Argo appear from around the corner. Infront of them stands Alkaid; coldly staring down at me. His dark slick-back blonde hair, glistening from the sunlight that seeps into the windows. His heterochromia sapphire blue and grey eyes watchfully glaring down at me.

A lot of girls would say he’s handsome, but given how repulsive his personality is, I don’t see any appeal.

”Watch where you’re going.” Alkaid coldly speaks.

“I-I was just standing here. I didn’t mean to bump into you...” I speak up, matching his glare.

Keiran runs to me, helping me up.

”Woah! Who in their right mind would give you a flower!” Argo laughs, ripping the flower from my hand.

“Hey! Give it back!” I shout.

Ferris pushes me back. Keiran luckily catches me.

“Don’t be a dick! Give it back! I gave it to her!” Keiran shouts.

“Awe isn’t that adorable? The outcasts are friends.” Ferris mocks, taking the flower.

”Seriously, give it back!” I shout, trying to grab it.

“Or what? Are you gonna tell your dad?- Oh wait… He wouldn’t bat an eye, would he?” Argo mockingly pouts.

I clench my jaw; trying to suppress the uncomfortable ache appearing in my heart.

”Don’t listen to them. They’re just being assholes.” Keiran steps in front of me, “Listen, just give it back or I’ll tell an instructor.”

”Ooh, an instructor? I’m so scared.” Ferris snickers.

“Try to get it then.” Argo flies past us, catching the flower as Ferris throws it.

“H-Hey!” I shout, beginning to run after them.

Suddenly, I trip and fall to the ground. I look back at Alkaid who gives a slight snicker as he trips me.

Ferris begins levitating, flying up to match Argo’s level.

“C’mon! Or can you not do a simple thing like levitate?” Ferris shouts.

”Guys! Levitating isn’t allowed in the halls!” Keiran shouts.

”What a wimp.” Argo snickers, soon soaring down the hall with Ferris.

It’s only a flower.

It’s only a flower, but it’s the only gift I’ve ever gotten.

It’s the first gift a friend gave me.

I clear my mind, focusing solely on the spell. My body grows light as I shakily levitate.

“H-Hey! Stop it’s nothing to break the rules over! It’s only a flower!” Keiran shouts.

Ignoring his words, I take off down the hall to chase the two.

My levitation a bit jumpy, I narrowly pass through the open window where the two flew out of; trying my best to control the spell.

Levitation is the easiest spell that should take no effort, but when you’re one of the weakest wizards ever, it’s exhausting.

”Idiot! We’re going to get in trouble!” Keiran flies next to me, pulling at my arm.

“I-I don’t care! It’s a gift you gave me!“ I turn back to him.

The look in Keiran’s eyes change. I’m sure he heard the emotions in my voice or noticed the tears welling up in my eyes, but whatever it was, a look of resolve crosses his expression.

“Fine… I’ll get it for you.“ Keiran nods.

He bolts through the air, flying ahead of me; high above the school grounds. I try to catch up until someone bumps into me.

Alkaid pushes me, making me stumble as I lose my concentration. I fall slightly, quickly grabbing onto the roof ledge to catch myself.

“She can’t even fly properly!“ Argo cackles.

My cheeks begin burning red, growing embarrassed and angry. I glare at Alkaid as he snickers, flying to his friends. Keiran’s caught between them; stuck in a game of monkey in the middle. I try to swiftly fly up to reach them, until my eyes widen.

Ferris kicks Keiran, making him stumble. Ferris catches the flower, until Keiran bodychecks him.

The flower shoots high up into the air.

My focus stays on the flower as I concentrate on the spell more.

In an instant, my body soars effortlessly up to the freesia. I knock into Alkaid and Argo’s bodies; pushing them back as I reach for the flower. The flower almost pausing in the air, it gently falls down; closer to my reach.

SCREECH

In an instant the five of us pause.

The flower lands in my hand as I hold my breath. A heat suddenly radiates through the air, making me look to see vibrant waves of flames, abruptly heading towards me. My breath caught in my throat, I freeze as the fear hits me. I’m instantly dragged out of my daze, feeling someone grab my arm, pulling me down.

I look to see Alkaid pulling me out of the flames way. Roughly bumping into him, his grip on my arm disappears as his hand slips.

“Ah!” I scream, unable to concentrate on levitating.

My eyes widen as I catch sight of the vibrant, emerald green body soaring through the air, heading for the boys. However, as I continue falling, the dragon soars past the others, aiming for me.

Its jaws wide open, the flames growing in its throat, and its dagger-sharp teeth closing in on me.

In a second, a spell flies past me; gusts of freezing air releasing from it, hitting the dragons mouth to extinguish the flames in its throat. A solid built body hits my back. A gold lined, cream stole flutters from behind me; giving a sense of relief as I recognize it’s a Higher Six’s uniform. A strong arm wraps around my stomach, holding me close.

We roughly land on the ground, the arm tightly holding me. The dragon’s body hits the ground too, causing grass and dirt to fly everywhere. The field soon covered in a cloud of dust.

I look behind me, my eyes widening from surprise as I see Leonard. His eyes fierce as they focus on the cloud of dirt surronding us, with a low hiss echoing through the field.

“L-Leonard?” I call out, instantly he covers my mouth with his hand.

”Don’t speak. Don’t breathe.“ He whispers.

Holding my breath, my heartbeat increases as the adrenaline kicks in. The ground rumbling; a claw flies through the cloud. It hits us, swatting us into the air. Soon, a tight pressure wraps around my body.

I gasp, my breath being squeezed from my lungs as my body’s constricted under the dragons grip.

In front of me, stands the emerald green dragon, its silver eyes analyzing me. A low roar bellowing in its throat. In a blink of an eye, a spell hits the dragons body. It releases me, throwing me high into the air.

Prepared to hit the ground, I close my eyes. Suddenly, someone grabs me, hugging me close to their chest. We hit the ground, the dust surrounding us; unable to even see what’s ahead of me.

I cough, gasping for air as I breathe through the pain in my side.

Looking up, I see another spell shoot through the fog, hitting the dragon. The dragon screeches, releasing an earpiercing cry. A loud crash follows—shaking the ground.

The field is silent, not even a footstep being heard.

I look down, taking rapid breaths as my ribs ache intensely. My eyes widen, unable to control my surprise.

“A-Alkaid?” I call out.

He groans, looking around. The dust beginning to settle. I look to where his eyes stare at. Ahead of us lies the beast.

The dragon turned to stone, crumbling slightly from where it impacted the ground.

“Iris Harringston.”

Chills rush down my spine as a deep, infuriated voice calls out. I turn my head.

The velvet black and gold robe, swaying against the dirt field; Father approaches with a chilling cold look in his eyes.

”H-Headmaster…” I stammer, trembling as he approaches closer.

“Both of you. Up, now.” His intimidating voice calls out.

I look back down, only to realize I’m still on top of Alkaid. Scrambling to my feet, I stumble getting up. The pain in my side now unnoticeable as the fear washes over me.

“How dare you. You disobeyed the rules?” Father’s voice echoes through the quiet field.

The clouds of dust dissipate as I see Argo, Ferris, and Keiran restrained by instructors.

“F-Father, I can explain!-”

“It’s Headmaster.” Father coldly speaks, his icy glare making me tremble.

“I… I apologize, Headmaster…” I bow my head.

”Father, Iris just experienced an abominable dragon. It’d be for the best if you didn‘t scold her.“ Leonard approaches, bowing as he speaks up.

Father continues glaring down at me, thinking to himself until turning; no longer acknowledging me.

“Take her to her room. She’s to be confined to her room for a week. The punishment of the others will be enforced after the investigation.” Father walks towards brother.

He rests his hand on Leonard’s shoulder; a tight sensation appearing in my chest as I watch them.

“You’ll make me proud by having this sorted out, right?” Father lowly speaks.

Leonard nods.

”Of course, Father.” He bows his head.

”Go to the infirmary, get checked on.” Father speaks up, leaving the scene; without ever glancing back.

“Those four will be confined to their rooms until further notice. Ensure they’re checked on by doctors first.” Leonard walks past me, speaking to the instructors.

My head grows fuzzy as I stand still, ashamed of myself. My fingers growing cold as a tingling sensation washes down my back. I stare at my feet, until realizing the ground’s painted with a thick vibrant maroon red.

Raising my hand, I press it to my ribs as the pain becomes noticeable again. Wincing in agony, I look at my hand. My palm covered in warm, vibrant red blood. My uniform sliced at my ribs, allowing my blood to drench the ground.

“I-Iris!” Keiran shouts.

I turn around, noticing Alkaid. His uniform soaked with blood from when he caught me.

All this blood pouring out of me, yet Father didn’t care. Father didn’t even bat an eye. He even told Leonard to get checked up, but he isn’t visibly injured. Yet when I stand in front of him, my blood dripping onto his shoes, he doesn’t show any worry.

A chuckle escapes my throat as I make eye contact with Leonard.

His eyes look down at my feet until widening.

‘What do I do to make Father care about me like you?… What do I do to have Father not hate me?… What do I do so that Father would cry a little if I die?’

The questions cross my mind.

Tears drip down my cheeks as I feel my body sway. My body falling back until hitting the ground. Tears slowly drip down my cheeks; the voices of those around me growing mumbled.

It sounds as though they’re calling out to me, but my only focus is on the fossilized dragon ahead of me.

Its pupil dilated as if staring in my direction.

‘You don’t belong here… You belong in the Valley… And I belong nowhere… I guess we’re going to die in a place neither of us belongs, right?…’

I speak to the dragon, staring back at the regal beast that lays frozen in stone. My vision blurs as I close my eyes, weakened as I ignore all the pain and thoughts.

’Father, can I belong in your heart too, even just for a moment?’