Owen McElroy stepped over the threshold of the main entrance of Blackthorne Academy, the smooth flagstones of the entrance hall a marked contrast to the soft earth he was accustomed to having underfoot.<br/><br/>He paused, taking a moment to comb his fingers through his hair, pushing the blonde strands out of his eyes so he could get an unobstructed to look around. His eyes moved across the room; dark wood beams rising from the grey flagstones, to vaulted ceilings above, the walls adorned with paintings and other relics.<br/><br/>All was quiet, the air still. Was he the first to arrive? He was used to being late, fashionably or otherwise; at least he would be able to explore the academy grounds in solitude. “Hello?” He spoke, letting the greeting disrupt the still quiet. It was long past time for a shower, and he headed for the large staircase at one end of the entrance hall, hoping to find the dormitories.