The First Day

Reginald Morris thrust open the curtains in his office with one fluid motion, letting light stream into the room. The newly risen sun bathed him in the dawn of promise and excitement as he stood there, gazing out. Today was an important day, perhaps the most important of Reginald’s life up to this point. Today the Academy for Fairy Tale Children opened its doors for the first time, and Reginald would be sitting in the headmaster’s chair.

Reginald stretched his long arms, soaking in the gentle sunshine. Then he polished his glasses and set them firmly on his nose. The students would soon arrive, and Reginald was due in the conservatory.

He exited his office, carefully locking the door behind him, and set off down the corridor, his long legs making short work of the distance.

Along the way Reginald admired the charming beauty of the school. Soft brown granite floors gleamed under his feet, while marble walls ran seamlessly from floor to vaulted ceiling. Only the best fairy sculptors had worked on the school, and the quality craftsmanship showed with every curve and corner.

Elegantly carved lockers blended flawlessly with the swirled white marble, each boasting a fairy-made copper nameplate that would alter every year with each new student assignment. It was Reginald’s idea, and one that he was particularly proud of.

Rows of glass doors lined either side of the spacious corridor, their brass handles winking in the sunlight. This was the main entrance, and because of the innovative design was the most well-lit area of the school, apart from the conservatory and the greenhouse.

The glass door in the far right corner had a nameplate above it that said Conservatory in flowing script. Reginald chose this door and strode out into the open. A gently curved cobblestone path led the way to his destination, a large glass dome with two levels. He opened the door and entered, softly closing it behind him. The bottom level of the conservatory contained the typical fairy tale spread: flowers that sparkled like jewels, vines that curled like a princess’ hair, and shrubs that would give good advice if tended well.

Reginald surveyed all of this fondly as he tripped up the stairs to the second level. This level served as the teacher’s lounge, and it was beautiful. Everything was clear glass, but the floor had been designed so that students on the bottom floor couldn’t see any teachers on the top floor.

All of Reginald’s staff was assembled and beaming at him brightly. Reginald had dismissed the practice of only having young governesses and creaky old tutors in his employment and instead had a wide range of ages, genders, and species. In fact, many of his employees were animals, though Reginald knew better than to call them that out loud.  

“Good morning, everyone!” he addressed the group.

They chorused back a greeting, some ending in neighs or growls.

“Today is the first day of what I hope will be a long, enjoyable, and fruitful journey. I hope that each of you is as excited about this as I am.”

Reginald pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket. “Due to the diverse nature of the students that will be attending the academy, I have drawn up a list of reminders that I would like to quickly cover. Item one,” he began, adjusting his glasses, “please try not to prefer royal or wealthy students above others. I know that this is tempting to do, but if you must have a select group, a favorite student should be based on personal academics or good character. Item two, be as patient and forbearing with the parents as you can, especially in these first few weeks.

“Item three, under no circumstances should you allow anyone to browbeat you into changing a student’s grade. If we are to be a successful and efficient school, then we must be exactingly honest when it comes to the progress of a student.”

A few of the teachers shifted uncomfortably at this. Many parents would be powerful people (or creatures) and no one liked the idea of getting on their bad side.

“Item four, please do not exhibit unnecessary demonstrations of personal ability or skill during school hours unless specifically given permission to do so by myself. This includes but is not limited to: fire breathing, manipulation of the weather, excessive plant growth, and flying races. For those of you with wings, please use the specially designed runways for coming to and going from the school. This is to try and prevent students from imitating you unsupervised. All experiments and demonstrations must be pre-approved by me.”

Reginald refolded the list and tucked it back into his pocket. “I have posted a copy of this in each office. As you know, I am the only possessor of the school’s master key. You need not fear my snooping into your office; I should only do so under extreme circumstances and with your full knowledge and supervision. This is merely a precaution.  

“As far as today goes,” he continued, “We will be having an orientation once the students have checked in and found their lockers. Each student will be given a map of the school and a copy of the academy rules. Every class will contain a variety of sexes, species, and social backgrounds. You may find a few unexpected recruits, but rest assured that I have screened these particular children and have approved their attendance. I will give the welcome speech in the auditorium, and I would like each of you present on stage before the students enter. Thank you, and good luck.”

The teachers began to murmur amongst themselves as they rose, filled with excitement and anticipation for the coming day. The back wall opened and the winged teachers took flight with a rush of air, making the others gasp nervously. It would take a long time for all of the different teachers to become used to one another.

Reginald checked his pocket watch carefully. Only twenty minutes before the school opened. He tucked the watch back into his vest pocket and tripped back down the stairs.

The main entrance had been set up with four long tables in the middle of the atrium. Four of Reginald’s sisters manned them, clipboards at the ready. Reginald waved a hello. His oldest sister sat at the nearest table, straight as a board and every gray hair tucked neatly into her bun. “Good morning, Reginald,” she replied primly.

“Esther,” he said politely.  

“Hiya, Reg!” his youngest sister, Belladonna, called out. Her feet rested on the table and her pink and purple hair was short and spiky. Their mother’s last husband had been a fairy, giving Belladonna crazy hair and a personality to match.

The twins smiled warmly at their brother. They were born between Esther and Reginald, but their matching long golden hair belied their age. They seemed to do everything in perfect sync, one knowing the needs of the other almost innately. Anna handed over a quill just as Marie held out her hand, neither of them looking up from their clipboards.

Reginald left them to their work and returned to his office for a few final moments of peace before the students arrived. He could already see the first of the school wagons approaching.

Showtime.

He left his office and made his way to the auditorium. The first wave of children had burst through the doors and were grouped around the tables. Each one sported a crimson blazer and khaki pants or a navy blue skirt. They clutched book bags and satchels excitedly as they jockeyed for a turn at a table.

"Please be aware of smaller classmates!" Esther called out. Several dwarf children formed a squadron that made its way through the crush. An Enting barely caught himself from flattening a fairy child and righted his glasses.

This is going to be the biggest venture of my life, Reginald thought to himself.

Reginald circumvented the masses and strode on to the auditorium.

The other teachers were already assembled onstage, much to Reginald's relief. The organized chaos in the atrium could be faintly heard as students began the trek to the auditorium.

Reginald took his place, front and center, and the doors opened. The students filed in quickly, chattering away as they found seats. The whole process took about fifteen minutes, and finally over four hundred students were seated.

Reginald made his way to the podium, raising his hands for quiet. The noise died down as the children saw their new headmaster for the first time.

"Welcome children," Reginald began. "You have made history today in becoming the first students of Damaris Academy."

Many of the children cheered. Reginald held up his hand. "Some of you are royalty, while others are not. Some of you are human, fairy, dwarf, and a smattering of unique kinds. My hope and aim for this academy is for each of you to learn in peace and harmony. In order for this to become possible, we have a few rules that we expect each of you to follow. First, there will be no teasing or cruelty of any kind. This is a diverse school, and we welcome everyone. Second, the dress code is to be strictly adhered to unless otherwise instructed. Tiaras, crowns, and other paraphernalia are not permitted."

A few children grumbled at this.

"Third, you are to listen to and obey your teachers. They are here to teach, guide, and nurture you. Proper respect is to be shown at all times.

"There are some other rules listed in your orientation packet that you need to memorize. Obeying these rules will lead to a pleasant and fulfilling term: disobedience will lead to punishment and, if necessary, expulsion."

Reginald gestured to the teachers sitting behind him. "These are your teachers and my staff.  You will meet each of them in time and will get along grandly, I’m sure. You are now dismissed to locate your lockers and find your first class."

The children filed out of the auditorium, buzzing with anticipation.  Reginald turned to his staff. “I wish you all good luck, today and every day after. Please join your students.”

The teachers exited the stage and dispersed among the crowd. Reginald climbed down from the podium and made his way back to his office.  

Once the oaken door was firmly shut behind him, he settled into his chair and checked his watch again. Everything is happening right on schedule, he thought blissfully, snapping his watch shut.