Crystal Potential

Miruna woke early on her eleventh birthday, the sunlight filtering through the high windows of her tower room. The air was crisp with the promise of something new, a fresh start, perhaps. She sat up, stretching her arms and looking around her room. Her gaze fell on the tapestry that concealed the hidden room—a secret sanctuary she had discovered only recently. The excitement of yesterday’s revelation still hummed in her veins.

Today’s the day, she thought, the day everything changes.

Her eyes caught sight of something on the desk beside her bed—a pale blue envelope, tied with a shimmering golden ribbon. It hadn’t been there when she went to sleep. Her heart skipped a beat as she reached for it, fingers trembling slightly. Untying the ribbon, she carefully unfolded the crisp parchment inside.

Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery
Letter of Acceptance and Agreement
Dear Prospective Student,
We are pleased to extend an invitation for you to join the prestigious Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery. Please read the following agreement carefully. By signing below, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of admission.
Terms of Admission:
1. Acceptance and Enrollment:
By signing this letter, you agree to enroll in Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery for the upcoming academic year. This agreement signifies your commitment to participate fully in the school’s academic programs and abide by all school rules and regulations.
2. School Fees:
The annual tuition fee is 3,000 Galleons, which includes all provided materials, uniforms, and access to school facilities. This fee is due by the first day of the academic year.
3. Back Out Fee:
Should you decide to withdraw your acceptance after signing this agreement, a back-out fee of 500 Galleons will be charged to cover administrative costs and the preparation of provided materials.
4. Signature and Confirmation:
To confirm your acceptance, please sign below. Once signed, the letter will glow gold, indicating your official admission into Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery.
Agreement:
I, __________________________________, hereby accept the invitation to attend Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery and agree to the terms outlined above.
Signature of Prospective Student: _______________________________________
Date: _______________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________________
Date: _______________________________________
Upon receipt of your signed agreement, you will receive a welcome package containing further information about your enrollment, including travel arrangements, orientation details, and additional materials.
We eagerly anticipate your arrival and look forward to the magical journey ahead.
Sincerely,
The Admissions Office
Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery

Miruna’s breath caught as she finished reading the letter. The dream was real. This was her chance to escape, to learn, to become something more. But just as the excitement began to build, she heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching her door. Quickly, she slipped the letter back into its envelope and tucked it under her pillow, trying to appear nonchalant.

The heavy wooden door creaked open, and her mother, Lily, stepped inside, followed by her father, James, and Harry, who had a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

“Happy birthday,” Lily said, holding out an envelope. “Your Hogwarts letter has arrived.”

Miruna felt her stomach tighten. She had known this was coming, but the idea of attending Hogwarts, where she would be under her family’s watchful eye all year, tasked with expectations, filled her with dread.

“But we don’t think Hogwarts is the right place for you,” James added, his tone flat and final. “We’ve decided you won’t be going.”

Miruna’s heart dropped, but she managed to keep her expression neutral. She nodded, her mind racing. They’ve decided for me, as usual. But this time… Her thoughts trailed off as Harry, who had been circling her room like a hawk, suddenly stopped. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the corner of the blue envelope peeking out from under her pillow.

“What’s this?” Harry sneered, reaching down and yanking the letter from its hiding place. He unfolded it with a flourish, his eyes scanning the contents quickly. “Crystalline Peak? Never heard of it.”

Her parents exchanged a glance, their interest piqued by Harry’s words.

“Give it here, Harry,” James ordered, holding out his hand. Harry handed the letter to his father, who read it swiftly before passing it to Lily.

“Three thousand Galleons,” Lily murmured, her lips curling into a smile. “And they want a back-out fee? This school must be desperate.”

James shrugged. “If they’re willing to take her, let them. It’ll get her out of our way.”

Miruna felt a pang in her chest, but she remained still, watching as her mother signed the letter without a second thought. James followed suit, adding his signature with a careless flick of his wrist.

“There,” James said, handing the letter back to Miruna. “We’ll arrange the tuition. You’ll be off to Crystalline Peak by the end of the summer.”

As they turned to leave, Harry threw her one last taunting look. The door closed with a resounding thud, leaving Miruna alone in the room, her heart pounding in her chest.

*They didn’t even care where you were going*, Aero’s voice resonated in her mind as he emerged from the shadows of the hidden room. *As long as you’re out of their way.*

*I know*, Miruna replied, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and relief. *But maybe that’s for the best. They don’t care, and I finally have a chance to get away.*

*Crystalline Peak could be exactly what you need*, Aero said, settling on her shoulder. *A place where you can learn and grow, away from them.*

Miruna nodded, a sense of determination solidifying within her. She picked up the letter and, with a steady hand, signed her name at the bottom. The moment she lifted the quill, the parchment glowed with a soft golden light, and then, to her amazement, it began to change.

The letter shimmered and transformed, becoming an ornate pale blue box wrapped in a golden ribbon. Miruna’s eyes widened in wonder as she carefully opened the box. Inside, she found several items, including a smaller letter, another list, a handbook, and an intricately designed tape measure that emitted a faint, magical glow.

Curious, Miruna picked up the tape measure. The moment she touched it, the tape sprang to life, unraveling and circling around her. It gently urged her to stand, then whirled around, taking her measurements with precision and speed. Once finished, it zipped back into the box and disappeared with a soft pop. A note fluttered to the top of the box, explaining:

‘Measurements for your uniform have been recorded. Your tailored set will be ready upon your arrival at Crystalline Peak.’

Miruna smiled, her heart pounding with excitement. She reached for the smaller letter, which contained a list of recommended supplies:

Recommended Supplies for Prospective Students:
Dear Prospective Student,
As you prepare for the possibility of joining Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery, we encourage you to consider bringing the following items to ensure your comfort and success during your studies:

Quality quills and ink
Notebooks and parchment
Enchanted self-correcting quill (optional)
Personal wand (if already owned)
Crystal or gemstone for focusing spells
Enchanted compass or map
Comfortable clothing for weekends and casual wear
Pajamas and undergarments
Seasonal outerwear (coats, hats, gloves)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene items
Hairbrush or comb
Skincare products and cosmetics (if desired)
Magical reference books (if owned)
Portable cauldron for personal potion practice (optional)
Study planner or magical organizer
Books for leisure reading
Personal journal or diary
Musical instrument (if played)
Photographs or mementos from home
Personal protective charms or talismans
Small plant or familiar (if allowed)

These recommended supplies will help you settle in and make the most of your time at Crystalline Peak. We look forward to seeing you thrive in our magical community.
Sincerely,
The Admissions Office
Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery

The list was followed by another note detailing items that would be provided by the school itself, including uniforms, textbooks, and other essentials:

Items Provided by Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery:
Dear Prospective Student,
To ensure you are fully equipped for your academic journey at Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery, the following items will be provided upon your arrival:

Complete set of uniforms tailored to your measurements
Textbooks and essential reading materials for all core subjects
Enchanted backpack for carrying school supplies
Tool belt for easy access to magical tools and ingredients
Standard potion ingredients kit
Set of crystal phials for potion storage
Personal wand holster
Custom made staff or wand (if not already possessed)
Caplet in your house colors
Protective goggles for laboratory work
Writing materials, including quills, ink, and parchment
Set of enchanted cookware and utensils for magical culinary arts
Personalized pendant to indicate your level of study
Enchanted lantern for late-night reading
Room decorations and bedding (with options for customization)
Set of basic charms and protective wards for personal use
First-year orientation guidebook
Access to the school’s library and research facilities
Basic healing kit for minor injuries
Enchanted map of the school and surrounding grounds
Membership to student clubs and societies

These provisions are designed to support your academic and personal needs, ensuring you are well-prepared for your studies and life at Crystalline Peak.
Sincerely,
The Admissions Office
Crystalline Peak School of Arcane Mastery

Miruna’s excitement grew with each item she read about. The final piece in the box was a slim handbook, bound in soft leather. She opened it, her fingers running over the smooth pages as she scanned the contents. The handbook detailed everything about Crystalline Peak, including its unique semester system.

She discovered that the school operated on a three-semester schedule, with the Twilight Semester starting on September 8th. This semester was the third and final one of the school year, dedicated to orientation for first-years and an evaluation of their progress. She noted with a small thrill that there was no requirement to return home during the summer—the semesters allowed for continuous study, with only a brief holiday from December 21st to January 6th.

*You won’t have to come back here in the summer*, Aero commented, sensing her relief.

*It’s perfect*, Miruna thought, her mind already racing ahead. *I’ll get to stay there, learn everything I can, and I won’t have to deal with them.*

*It’s a fresh start*, Aero agreed. *You’ll be surrounded by magic, by people who understand.*

*And maybe*, Miruna added, *I’ll finally figure out what I’m really capable of.*

She continued to read through the handbook, devouring every detail about the classes, the houses, and the magical creatures that roamed the grounds of Crystalline Peak. Her pulse quickened as she imagined herself walking through the Glacier of Lumina Frost, exploring its icy corridors and uncovering its secrets.

This is the beginning, she thought, closing the handbook and setting it aside. The beginning of my real life.

*We need to start preparing*, Aero suggested, his voice soft in her mind.

*You’re right*, Miruna agreed, determination hardening within her. *I’ll make a list today—a list of everything I need to do before I leave. There’s no time to waste.*

Aero chirped in agreement, and Miruna felt a surge of resolve. She would make the most of this opportunity, and she wouldn’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way.

As she began drafting her list, the excitement and anticipation bubbled up within her. The future was uncertain, but for the first time, it was a future she could shape herself. And she would do so with all the strength and magic she had within her.