The door clicked shut behind him, shutting out the office and the angry face of Deputy Headmistress Morwenna. The air in the hallway was cooler, it smelt of old stone, wax polish and a faint tang of magic, like the air after a storm. It was a relief but not much. Liam's heart was still beating too fast, like a drum that wouldnt stop, and her words kept running round his head. Commoner. Peasant. Mud.
Elara, the older student who had been told to guide him, gave him a quick look. Her face didnt show much, not friendly, not unfriendly. It was like she had learned how to hide what she felt. Her grey robes were simple, but clean, and there was a silver pin at her collar, shaped like a quill and book.
"This way, registrar," she said, her voice quiet. Not mean, not kind. Just business. She didnt smile. She didnt sneer.
