Connor didn ’ t care . He was there . He was going to learn magic . Besides , he only cared about the dueling stadium ; school was a means to that end .
They pulled into a line of cars waiting in front of the main entrance , each a bustle of activity between families unloading their things and saying goodbyes , and the teachers and older students helping register kids and move bags . Connor ’ s heart fluttered at the realization that each of those kids knew about the existence of magic , just as he did . Each of them grew up holding onto the same burning secret he had , unable to share it with their friends and neighbors . Magic was real , and he didn ’ t have to keep it a secret anymore . The car pulled up in front of the school and he leaped out . He made it halfway to the school entrance before his mom cleared her throat and he stopped dead in his tracks . She opened up the back seat and gestured to all the luggage he ’ d already forgotten .
An older orc girl left one of the departing cars and jogged in their direction . She wore gym shorts and a loose shirt , and sweat glistened on her gray skin . She offered a lopsided smile with a single , stubby tusk sticking out from her lower lip and asked for his name .
“ Connor McTaggart ? You ’ re in room 107 . I ’ ll send your stuff in , but you should head to your room to double check before orientation , okay ?” She looked perky despite being out of breath . She rolled her shoulders and stretched out her arms , placed her hands on Connor ’ s trunk and her muscles tensed up ; Connor ’ s luggage glowed softly , then started to fade . It lost substance and looked foggy , before turning completely transparent , and finally disappearing with a soft “ pop .” The girl gave Connor a friendly punch on the shoulder and was off to the next car .