3 Welcome to Nevermore

Ezra followed Enid and Wednesday through the halls of Nevermore Academy as Enid continued the tour. He was fascinated by the unique classes and facilities designed for supernatural students. Their next stop was the botanical sciences classroom taught in the greenhouse. Ezra marveled at the exotic carnivorous plants and dangerous floral specimens. He noticed Wednesday eyeing them keenly, likely making mental notes for her own horticultural interests.

The group moved on to observe a werewolf reproduction classroom, where Enid explained the intricacies of wolf pack dynamics and mating rituals, a necessity for young werewolves. Ezra could tell the bubbly wolf girl was slightly embarrassed discussing such matters. Wednesday seemed nonplussed, though Ezra suspected little could faze the gloomy girl's composure.

Afterward, they passed by a gorgon anatomy classroom and the room where they held fencing lessons.

Finally, Enid concluded the tour, asking Ezra and Wednesday if they had any social media accounts. Neither did. Ezra admitted he didn't even own a mobile phone currently, which seemed to pique Wednesday's interest. The British boy explained he had lost most of his belongings and proposed they go into town to purchase some essentials. Wednesday declined, but Ezra noticed her eyes narrow slightly. The goth girl was clearly suspicious about gaps in his story.

Enid, however, was enthusiastic about the idea. "That sounds fun! I'd love to show you around town," she said with an eager smile.

Ezra grinned. "Then it's a date," he declared casually before heading towards Principal Weems' office, leaving behind a suddenly flustered Enid. Despite their brief acquaintance, he found her cheerful demeanor and cute mannerisms quite endearing.

He briefly passed by a student wearing a beanie on his head with a small snake peeking out. He assumed that this was one of those gorgon students aka 'stoners'.

Ezra knocked on the heavy wooden door leading to Principal Larissa Weems' office. "Come in," called out a melodious voice from within.

Ezra entered to find the statuesque blonde seated regally behind an antique mahogany desk. Her ice-blue eyes studied him with an intensity that was both unnerving and alluring.

"Mr. Bishop" Principal Weems greeted him formally. Her gaze drifted down to the green and silver colored robes he wore, having arrived with only the things that were on his person.

"Let's get you outfitted properly, shall we?" She opened a closet and retrieved one of the school's signature navy blazers, handing it to Ezra along with a tie, vest, and crisp white shirt.

"Thank you, ma'am," Ezra said politely as he accepted the bundle.

Principal Weems smiled, her red lips parting to reveal flawless white teeth. "And I have good news. We've just had a room open up in Hawthorne Hall. You'll have it all to yourself - no need for a roommate."

Ezra was relieved not to have to share quarters with a stranger. "That's very kind of you," he replied gratefully.

"Think nothing of it," Weems said, waving her hand airily. "We aim to make all our students feel welcome here at Nevermore."

She fixed him with those penetrating ice-blue eyes once more. "Because here, we embrace the outcasts. The misunderstood. Those who don't fit into normal society." Her voice took on a fervent tone.

Ezra nodded. "I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to stay here…

Ezra blinked in surprise as Principal Weems handed him a sleek black credit card.

"This card is linked to Nevermore Academy's expense account," she explained. "Use it to purchase any essentials or casual clothes you may need during your stay here. Consider it our welcome gift."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly—" Ezra began, but Weems cut him off.

"I insist," she said firmly. "We take care of our own here at Nevermore. You're one of us now, Mr. Bishop."

Ezra studied the card, turning it over in his hands. It felt strange accepting such generosity from virtual strangers, but he had to admit he desperately needed new clothes and basic supplies. The robes and school uniform could only get him so far.

"Thank you," he said finally, looking up to meet Weems' piercing gaze. "I really appreciate you doing this for me. It means a lot."

She gave him a thin smile. "Of course. Now run along and get yourself sorted."

As Ezra turned to leave, Weems called after him, "And Mr. Bishop?"

He glanced back over his shoulder.

"Do try to blend in while you're in town," she said pointedly. "The outside world is not always kind to those who are...different."

Ezra nodded. "I understand. Don't worry, I know how to keep a low profile."

Weems regarded him shrewdly for a moment as if trying to ascertain his true nature. Then she smiled once more.

"Well, I'll let you get settled in. If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask." She extended a slender hand.

Ezra shook it. Her grip was firmer than he expected.

"Welcome to Nevermore, Mr. Bishop. I have a feeling you're going to fit right in."

With an enigmatic smile, Principal Weems withdrew her hand and returned to her paperwork, tacitly indicating the meeting was over.

With that, he exited the office, new uniform, and mysterious black card in hand. His new living quarters awaited.

…

As Ezra entered his assigned dorm room, he pondered his new surroundings. Nevermore Academy was beyond anything he could have imagined back in England. So many supernatural creatures coexisting, mostly peacefully. His main worry was the lack of magic in this world it still put him on edge. Ezra wondered if he would ever uncover a means to return home, his mind briefly drifted to those he had left behind his family and friends but he quickly shook those thoughts away there was nothing he could do for now so he decided not to dwell on it, he was determined to make the most of this 'opportunity'. He began to think of all the people he met today, the the suspicious Sheriff, the surprisingly understanding Principal, the bubbly girl Enid Sinclair.

Most perplexing of all was his fellow transfer student, Wednesday Addams. The girl was an enigma, her face an unreadable mask and voice devoid of intonation. And yet Ezra sensed she was highly intelligent and observant behind that empty facade. He would have to be cautious around someone so shrewd. Still, he hoped in time to befriend the unlikely goth girl. Perhaps they could help each other adapt to these peculiar surroundings.