Chapter 1 The Banyan Tree Gate
The morning began like every other-heavy bags, unfinished homework, and the quiet pressure of being late. Mappe ran through the school grounds of Central Academy, rain soaking into socks, breath uneven , heart racing not just from running but from the strange feeling that today was different.
The banyan tree near the playground stood darker than usal . Its roots curled out of the ground like ancient serpents, and its leaves whispered though there was no wind. Students passed it everyday, yet no one ever looked at it .
Except Mappe did.
Asudden crack of thunder spilt the sky. Lighting struck so close that the air burned white. The world tilted.
Mappe tripped.
Instead of hitting mud or stone, the ground vanished.
There was no falling-only drifting through warmth and light , like sinking into a dream while still awake . Voices echoed, distant and layered, speaking languages Mappe did not understand but somehow felt.
Then-solid ground.
Mappe staggered upright.
Central Academy stood before them, yet it was unmistakably changed. The buildings shimmered faintly, as though outlined in moonlight. Staircases shifted when no one walked on them. The school bell rang, but no rope pulled it. Even the air felt alive, humming softly.
Students walked past, laughing and chatting, seemingly unaware -but some carried books that fluttered like birds, and others whispered spells under their breath.
Panic rose in Mappe's chest.
"This isn't possible," Mappe whispered.
"Actually", said a calm voice behind them, "it is. Just highly inconvenient the first time".
Mappe turned.
A boy stood there, about the same age , with untidy black hair and round glasses slightly slipping down his nose. There was something familiar about him-something brave and tired and kind all at once.
"I'm Harry Potter,"he said, offering a small smile. "And you've just crossed one of the oldest magical gates still standing."
Before Mappe could reply, another boy appeared, tall and red-haired, holding a snack that smelled suspiciously spicy.
"Ron Weasley," he said cheerfully. "Don't worry , no one's ever stayed stuck between worlds permanently. Well...almost no one".
A girl hurried over, ayes shrp, arms full of books that rearranged themselves.
"Hermione Granger", she said briskly. "Honestly , Harry, you shouldn'tjoke at a time like this. Mappe , do you feel dizzy ?Tingly?Existentially confused?"
Mappe nodded slowly.
Hermione sighed. "Textbook reaction".
Harry looked at Mappe seriously now. "Central Academy hides itself from the non-magical world. Most people never see this side. You weren't supposed to-unless the academy chose you".
The words settled heavily.
Chose you.
The banyan tree behind them shimmered once more, then faded-ordinary again.
Mappe swallowed.
"So",Ron said brightly, "first day of magic school. Fancy surviving it together?"
Mappe looked at the glowing halls, the moving stairs, the impossible reality unfolding.
And for the first time, fear mixed with wonder.
"Yes",Mappe said softly. "I think I do".
