5. Intermezzo

As Peter and I worked together in Chemistry, he offered some advice with a smile. "Chess isn't too popular here, you know. If you want to fit in, maybe pick a sport. There's a hockey tryout coming up. What do you think about hockey?"

"Hockey?" I mulled. "Back home in the south, it's not really a thing, but I'm intrigued. Perhaps it is precisely the challenge I am looking for. "

Peter's expression darkened. "Just be careful. Those guys can be pretty ruthless on the ice. Trust me, I know firsthand how cruel they can be."

His words hit me hard, the bullying incident in the bathroom flashing through my mind. The thought of what might occur on the ice, where aggression is common, was a little more daunting when I thought of it with yesterday's incident clouding my decision. 

The rest of the day was a blur. My other classes, including a seemingly pointless cooking class and AP Geometry, only frustrated me further. 

I was growing anxious – this wasn't what I had signed up for. I needed to access the more obscure, advanced courses this academy was quietly known for. Those classes would give me what I needed, not these filler courses. I had to find a way to alter this, otherwise I would back myself into a stalemate quickly. 

Wandering the corridors lined with sports trophies and banners, I was summoned by the stern admin lady I'd encountered before. "James, my office, please," she called out.

Sitting nervously in her office, I braced for bad news about my missing documents. But to my surprise, her attitude was completely different. She was warm and welcoming. "We've received your recommendation letter and transcripts, personally delivered by Professor Marlen Cooper himself. His endorsement is quite significant. We were unaware of your connection to him. We're thrilled to have someone like you here."

Professor Cooper? The name was unfamiliar. Who had arranged this for me?

She continued, "However, we're still waiting for your original birth certificate and ID. I've reached out to your guardian but haven't heard back. Could you follow up for us whenever possible?"

"Of course," I replied, relieved yet puzzled.

"Now that you're officially enrolled, do you have any concerns you want to address? How are you settling in?" she asked.

I took a deep breath, realizing this was my moment to steer my academic path toward what I truly wanted. "Actually, I was hoping to explore some more advanced courses," I began cautiously, not wanting to reveal my full hand yet. The knowledge of those unlisted, specialized classes that weren't advertised in the official pamphlets lingered in my mind. But I knew I couldn't just blurt that out.

I mentally shuffled my approach, like rearranging chess pieces in a complex game. This Professor Cooper's unexpected involvement had thrown an intermezzo into my plans, and I had no choice but to improvise. "I can handle more challenging material," I continued, trying to sound confident yet measured. "It's important for me to make the most of my time here."

The opportunity before me was too crucial to let slip. I needed those advanced classes, the hidden curriculum I knew this academy offered. But I had to play it smart and move carefully.

She considered my request, then nodded. "You can apply for some senior-level courses. Follow me. Let's talk to the dean."

I remained outside as she exchanged words with Dean Carrigan before returning to me with a smile. "Professor Cooper’s endorsement makes it clear where you belong. He approved your request, as do I. Come with me."

I followed her, feeling a sense of accomplishment and extreme gratitude. Whoever Professor Cooper was, he had indeed done me a huge favor.

She led me to a new classroom far away from the others. It was less crowded and filled with familiar faces – Julien, Kris, Alec, Nick, Adrien, and unfortunately Cam plus his associates. Their reactions varied, some surprised, others curious.

"Starting today, you'll join this program," she announced, gesturing to a distinguished middle-aged man with sharp eyes and grey hair. "Meet Professor Tobias Sherman. He will guide you from here."

Professor Sherman's eyes followed me as I took my seat, "Welcome to Werewolf Hunting 101, son. What is your name?"

I managed to hold it together as I stood back up and proudly declared, "James, sir." 

I couldn't help but feel enthusiastic – this was precisely what I needed. Why I was here in the first place.

I made it, and far faster than I'd anticipated.