CHAPTER 1 KIM SOYOON
Annyeonghaseyo, let me introduce myself, I'm Kim Soyoon. I may be an ordinary 11 year old girl, but my family is extraordinary. Do you like magic? Or have you ever heard of magic? Ah, I'm sure you've heard of the very famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? But I won't tell you about Hogwarts. But have you ever thought that almost every country has at least one magic school? Yes, that's right, Appa once told me that the population of magicians is increasing now and the limited number of students in magic schools which are standardized at 40 students at each grade means that sometimes one country has more than one magic school. Just like in South Korea, we have two magic schools. One magic school in Busan is called the Jaeran School of witchcraft and wizardry and this school was only opened about two hundred years ago, so I don't remember the exact year. However, the first magic school to open in South Korea was the Yoora School of witchcraft and wizardry in Seoul which has existed since 1756, one of whose graduates was my appa. Why am I suddenly telling you about the magic school? Yes, because I said my appa is a wizard, automatically 80% of my family members are wizards. Come on, let me tell you about my extraordinary family.
My Appa, Kim Haewook, is now 38 years and a half years old, he is a Mediwizard who works at Hyunjung Wizard Hospital, the only wizard hospital in Seoul, precisely in Jishik, the wizard district in Seoul which is hidden in Hongdae. So long story short, Mediwizard is easier to explain if this profession is the same as a muggle nurse. He was very busy and sometimes did not come home for several days. Two years ago, Appa was even one of the Health staff who took part with the Korean Quidditch team for the Quidditch World Cup held in Spain (our family also watched). It was said that he would be promoted, but we have been waiting for that for several years and he still hasn't been promoted. But it didn't matter, the Mediwizard wages for the fifth year was very high, so we lived in a luxury apartment in the Itaewon area.
Next, I want to tell you about my three siblings. How many? Three? Yes, I am the fourth of Kim's four children. I have two oppas and one eonni. And what's interesting, they are all wizards!
Firstly, my oldest oppa is Kim Daejung, he will soon be 15 years old and attends Yoora School of witchcraft and wizardry (it should be noted that all my siblings attend school there). My Oppa is humorous, so wherever he is he always brings laughter; Apart from that, he is also friendly and caring, he never disagrees with us brothers and sisters, and he especially often pampers me, many people say I am lucky to have an oppa like him; but what makes him proudest is of course his brain. This year oppa will start his O.W.L year (re: Ordinary Wizarding Level, a year which is said to be a deadly year for all 5th grade students at magic schools throughout the world), but it looks like oppa won't have any problems because last year, oppa got an O grade (re: Outstanding) in all the lessons he took. Kim Daejung is the pride of our family – yes, only if we can be proud of anyone else.
My oppa who is a year younger than Daejung oppa is Kim Jungeun. He was just about to advance to fourth grade this year. Academically, Jungeun oppa doesn't get a perfect O in all subjects, even though since first grade his grades have always been perfect in Astronomy (oppa has been crazy about the night sky since he was little, so he was bought a Star binoculars containing magic for his birthday. the seventh), his final third grade report showed a perfect score for the extraordinarily complicated Arithmancy (muggle would understand it as a math-like subject). And with confidence, Jungeun oppa will continue to study Arithmancy this year too. Jungeun oppa is someone who is empathetic and sensitive (sometimes appa says he is a bit sensitive and cries easily) and he is the main owner of our cat Hyun (whose fur can change colors, cute, right?) because Hyun really listens to him. So Jungeun oppa took him to school. Apart from that, Jungeun oppa has been the Beater since last year on the Chaeksong house Quidditch team (all my siblings are also in this house, and according to Appa, he was also from this house before). I really want to see my oppa, who is said to cry easily, actually become fierce and can hit the bludger hard and precisely (said Daejung oppa). I'm jealous because I can't watch it.
My only eonni is Kim Jungsook who is only one year older than me, so eonni is now in her second year at Yoora. Eonni is someone who is very determined and tends to get sad easily if she doesn't get her wishes (I think Eonni cries more often than Jungeun oppa). Sometimes we give in a lot so Eonni can get what she wants, but Eonni really loves me. Honestly, I've been very lonely since Eonni joined Yoora last year. She is my roommate and I often looked at her empty bed, like my heart was empty when I missed her distinctive laugh. Unlike the oppas, Eonni doesn't have a strong determination to study (her determination is diverted to other things that are not academic), but throughout this holiday she told me that her favorite lesson was Charms and said she couldn't wait to use spells as much as she can when she turns 17 – well, that's still a long time, that's still 5 years away.
That's the story about my family. Why did I say earlier that only 80% of us are wizards? The remaining 20% is me and my mom.
Yes, that's right, Eomma is a muggle who accidentally met Appa at Seoul University Hospital (before Appa worked at the wizarding hospital, he actually worked as a muggle medical team with a wizard diploma to gain experience and learn - the existence of wizards is now an open secret knowing by several top muggle officials in the world, including the director of Seoul University Hospital). The two fell in love and eventually married. My Eomma Gok Daehwa, who is seven months older than Appa (which makes her birth year one year older), almost fainted when she found out who Appa really was and what kind of offspring he would likely give birth to. However, the crisis was overcome and their eighteen-year marriage has survived to this day. Eomma is the principal of Junghee International School in Seoul, specifically the elementary school department, where I currently attend.
Yes, I, Kim Soyoon, went to a muggle school. In fact, it would be bittersweet to say that of the four siblings, I was the one who showed no talent for magic at all. Daejung oppa accidentally flew a fork and almost stuck it into Jungeun oppa's hand when he was angry because his English grade in second grade was 92; Jungeun oppa could magically get out of a locked bathroom door (because the door handle was broken) when appa wasn't home to get him out easily when he was in 1st grade; Jungsook eonni started having the strange ability to turn off the lights in the house just by staring for a few seconds at an innocent light bulb since she was in 2nd grade. But until I entered the 5th grade of elementary school, I didn't show any talent for magic. I was so jealous to see my brother going to Yoora with Appa while I had to go to school with Eomma on March 1st. I want to have a magic wand. I want to have a flying broomstick (Jungeun oppa has been buying a broomstick since last year because he is a member of the Quidditch team and Daejung oppa, who doesn't demand anything, finally bought a flying broomstick two weeks ago, with the latest expensive model). I want to wear Yoora's uniform: a white long-sleeved shirt covered with a vest and a black knee-length skirt, the bottom edge of the skirt is decorated with gold ribbons, a red ribbon-shaped tie and covered with a pink robe with gold threads all over the edges and a little black at the hem. The sleeves are equipped with several gold bands, there is a Yoora symbol on both upper arms and the robe is equipped with one golden button. Jungsook eonni looked very beautiful when trying on the uniform. It's possible that I'm just a muggle, or maybe I'm a squib (re: a wizard who has no magical abilities). The answer will be revealed in a few days.
***
Since the last few days, our family has started talking about when they will go to Jishik (re: this is the wizard shopping area that I said is hidden in a busy Hongdae area) to start shopping for their needs. Eomma couldn't go there because she was a muggle, so every year Appa always took my siblings and I shopping there every February 21 (the day after the letter from Yoora arrived - usually containing announcements of school supplies for the coming year). But I'm not sure this year I want to go there because it will only make me sad and jealous.
I heard a knock on my bedroom door.
"Soyoon-ah, can I come in?"
Apparently, it’s Daejung oppa. I immediately sat upright on the edge of my bed while straightening my long hair which was a bit messy because I had been lying down.
"Yes oppa."
I was alone in the room because Jungsook eonni was at the supermarket with eomma. They invited me but I was in a really bad mood. Daejung oppa smiled and sat on Jungsook eonni's bed across from mine.
“Why are you here alone? Don't want to spend time with oppa? In eleven days we will part ways and meet again in the summer holidays. Don't you miss oppa?"
I answered quickly, "no, oppa, of course I miss you, even though my holiday is shorter than oppa's school holiday."
“Then why do you look gloomy? You didn't even eat the chocolate frog that oppa bought you on the ship when you came back here. The chocolate will melt later because it's been almost a month. The box is a special edition that is very hard to get.”
I lowered my head, "Sorry oppa, I just... I just..."
My eyes were hot and felt wet, but I didn't want to cry. How could I tell oppa that I envy those who are magicians? Wouldn't I seem selfish?
“You are not who you think you are.”
I raised my head, and with my eyes still watery because my tears were still pooling there, I saw Daejung oppa still smiling calmly.
"You're not a muggle or a squib."
Looks like Daejung oppa just read my mind.
“But oppa... I'm not like oppa and eonni. I'm not special. Why can you confidently say that?"
“Oppa has feelings. And usually it's always right. You're a witch, Soyoon.”
"But oppa..."
"Can you promise oppa one thing?"
I blinked, "what is that oppa?"
“Would you like to eat this chocolate now so that your mind can calm down and go to sleep? Tomorrow is February 20th. We will know everything tomorrow, and oppa feels very good about tomorrow.”
I rolled my eyes: that's right, tomorrow is February 20th. Why is that date so special? That's because every February 20 at 8 am, Yoora School will send owls carrying letters to all corners of the country to deliver letters about the start of the new school year (March 1), ship tickets, letters containing student needs and book lists, and so on. Most importantly, an invitation letter for accepting new students. Is it possible that tomorrow 4 owls will come to our house to deliver letters? Well, maybe 5 because there are usually owls that bring the newspapers that Appa subscribes to. Is it possible? Can I hope?
"Now, eat this chocolate first, okay?"
Daejung oppa opened the golden chocolate frog wrapper and with lightning speed, the big brown frog jumped out of the wrapper without being caught by him.
“Soyoon, window!”
There was a commotion and loud banging when I closed my bedroom window and Daejung oppa fell to the carpet while trying to catch the very agile frog. Suddenly the door to my room burst open (making us both surprised) and Jungeun oppa appeared.
"What is it? Are you guys fighting?” he asked casually.
Meanwhile, from between his legs, Hyun had darted into my room and started chasing the frog too and made its feathers fall out onto Jungsook eonni's bed.
“Jungeun, close the door, catch the frog!”
The trail of jumping frogs leaves chocolate marks everywhere (Jungsook eonni will go berserk when she sees chocolate marks on her favorite teddy bear) and of course it will invite ants into my room. Jungeun oppa was alert and closed the bedroom door, while me, Daejung oppa and Hyun still hadn't succeeded in catching the frog. A moment later, the door opened again and Jungeun oppa held a short, oval wooden stick in both hands and took a stance.
“Hyung, catch the frog!”
Before I understood what was happening, Jungeun oppa hit the frog that was trying to get out of my room, there was a loud sound that was like the sound of a large jelly falling to the floor - but the frog wasn't crushed - because I saw it fly into the arms of Daejung oppa who caught it with a goalkeeper style guarding the goal, kneeling on the carpet. The frog was helpless in Daejung oppa's arms and his black t-shirt had brown spots on his chest and around his arms. He bravely took a frog that was slightly crushed at the head and stuffed it into my open mouth because I was still shocked by the scene I saw. The frog was huge and barely fit in my mouth, but Daejung oppa put it in with a little force and I closed my mouth afterward. The chocolate was delicious, but our struggle was extraordinary.
“What a hit, Beater of Chaeksong. Maybe we'll win the Quidditch cup again this year?” Daejung oppa asked while grinning.
“Only if I always play in all the games, hyung.”
Jungeun oppa grinned too, the exact same grin as Daejung oppa. But a second later, we could hear screams that could probably be heard from the apartment neighbors next door, above and below us.
“WHAT HAPPENED TO MY ROOM? WITH MY BED?”
Jungsook eonni stood behind Jungeun oppa placing both hands on the sides of her head, looking frustrated at the chaos that was happening.
"I... I will take responsibility, Jungsook," Daejung oppa stammered.
"EOMMA LOOK AT MY ROOM!"
Daejung oppa is right, I should wait patiently for tomorrow. And the chocolate is so delicious and comforting. I will be able to sleep well tonight.
***
The next day arrived and I always had trouble waking up unless there was a loud noise or my roommate (in this case Jungsook eonni) woke up. Eonni seemed to get up in a hurry and made the sound of hurried footsteps. I couldn't help but open my eyes and see our digital wall clock showing ten minutes to eight. I sat down immediately because I knew what was making her rush. I ran out of the room and saw my family gathered on the living room sofa. Daejung oppa stood near the window and opened it. Of course, we all hope that Yoora's special owls will come at eight o'clock. I sat in the only place between Jungeun oppa and Jungsook eonni while appa and eomma occupied two single sofas each. Jungeun oppa put his arm around my shoulder.
"Don't worry, dongsaeng, the owl will come for you," he said with a nod, making him seem wiser than usual.
"Appa is sure of that too," said Appa with a smile.
"Even though I show no talent for magic?" I asked while blinking my eyes.
"Even I believe that you are a witch," said Eomma, laughing briefly, "it looks like you won't be going back to school in fifth grade."
Before I could answer anything, Daejung oppa's voice interrupted our conversation, "I saw the owls! One... oh yes the big brown one carries Ilson Sinmun, appa's regular, and the black owl with a pink necklace and a big pink letter. .. one two three..."
"Four!" shouted Jungsook eonni, who was so excited she had already jumped to join Daejung oppa, "Soyoon, it's definitely coming for you!"
Daejung oppa and Jungsook eonni stepped aside a little so that the owl feathers wouldn't fall on their heads when they flew in looking for the owner of the letter. There were snowflakes on their thick fur, it seemed like they had traveled quite a distance. The big brown owl dropped the newspaper into Appa's lap and held out his paw in a small leather pouch to ask for payment (Appa promptly put two bronze coins in the pouch) and haughtily as if he was very busy, the owl had flown out before Yoora's owl had finished with their task. Daejung oppa and Jungeun oppa stretched out their hands and two black owls dropped their letters into the outstretched hands; Jungsook eonni reached her hand up but the letter fell on her head; and the last owl landed softly in my lap holding out his letter in front of me. I can read the letter: Kim Soyoon, Chulki Apartment 502, Itaewon, Seoul and apart from the letter envelope being striking because it is pink, there is a symbol of two shields (the larger one is golden while the smaller one is blue, green and orange with a pink outer list) there are two chimera heads on each side of the smaller shield. Yes, chimera is the symbol of the Yoora School of witchcraft and wizardry. This letter is really for me. Trembling, I took the letter. Appa and eomma sat flanking me (after Jungeun oppa joined Daejung oppa and Jungsook eonni on the carpet to open their letters). Eomma stroked my hair gently.
"Look, what eomma said is true, right? Tomorrow eomma will be busy taking care of the process for getting permission for you to leave school."
"It won't be too difficult now that it's the fourth time, right?" said Appa while laughing.
I tore the edge of the letter carefully and pulled out its contents: a large folded piece of parchment appeared and a ticket fell into my lap. The ticket is also made of parchment with its characteristic brownish color, on one side of the ticket there is a picture of an ancient medieval ship (you won't be able to see ships like this anymore now in the 2000s, even if yes, I'm sure you won't want to ride it for reasons security, the ship looks fragile and will be defeated by a storm easily) with its three large sails (which have the Yoora School emblem on the sails). So far, I have never seen this ship or accompanied my brother because I also started school on the same day. The ship is specifically for carrying Yoora School students and it is said that the size of the ship has been enlarged with magic. I turned the small ticket over and read the words:
Kim Soyoon
Yoora School of witchcraft and wizardry
1st year
Departure on March 1 at 9 am
Reading the twisting writing made me even more excited. I opened the large parchment and apparently there were two pieces of parchment there. I read the top parchment:
To Kim Soyoon
In respected place
Through this letter, we are pleased to declare that you have been accepted into the Yoora School of witchcraft and wizardry. On the next sheet of paper, you will receive a list of supplies needed to get started
“-your fourth year,” Jungeun oppa read loudly.
While my letter was written your first year. And the undersigned is Lee Seunghyeon, whose position is vice principal.
"Lee Seunghyeon..." I said slowly.
"Professor Lee is a cool vice principal," Jungsook Eonni interjected, "he teaches flying classes and is very patient with students who can't fly."
"One of them is you," said Jungeun oppa casually because he was busy reading the equipment he needed to bring.
"Yes, one of them is me," sneered Jungsook Eonni, "and he teaches extracurricular art classes too."
"You should start thinking about extra classes too, Soyoon," said Jungeun oppa, whose eyes were still fixed on the parchment in his hand.
I've read the second page.
Grade 1 book list:
Celestial Alchemy: Secrets of The Starry Night by Heng, Kong for Astronomy class
Whispers of the Enchanted Charms Grade 1 by Chungho, Sop for the Charms class
Shadows Unbound: Mastering the Art of Dark Defense by Carbry David for the Defense Against The Dark Arts class
The Enchanted Garden: Secrets of Magical Herbology by Olivier Desmarais for Herbology class
The Enchanted Scroll: Secrets of Ancient Sorcery by Bear Ridge for History of Magic class
Elixirs of Enchantment: Secrets from The Wizard's Brew by Slavomir Biery for Potions class
The Alchemist's Veil: Secret of Transfiguration for Beginners by Filipo Calballero for Transfiguration class
Grade 1 equipment list:
Ordinary telescope
Magic wand
Basic planting equipment (small shovel and gardening gloves)
Basic potion equipment (belladonna, minimum ten potion bottles, bronze scales, 26 and 31 size cauldrons, bronze spatula)
Sufficient stationery (quill pen, ink bottle, parchment)
Three sets of school robes and other necessary clothing
Students are also allowed to bring one non-dangerous pet such as a small dog (please contact school officials for a dog size check before March 1), cats, toads, turtles and owls.
"Looks like we will have a new potions teacher," said Jungsook eonni, "the books were changed. I was told to buy the same books as Soyoon."
I don't know since when Jungsook eonni was behind my shoulder and read my letter.
"That means we have quite a lot to buy. Bring all your letters here and let Appa summarize what new books we need to buy, with your help of course," said Appa, putting the newspaper aside and calling for paper (yes, calling, not taking, with magic, so the paper from his room flew towards the living room table) and a moment later a pen also shot quickly into his hand.
It's really cool to be able to do magic without a magic wand, especially since you don't cast any spells.
"Here appa, I'm going to need – ouch!"
Daejung oppa complained because in his haste to stand up, the envelope flipped and a badge came out of the envelope, and the pointed part fell to the back of his foot. All eyes were now on the badge. The badge is in the shape of a shield (like the shape of the small shield on the Yoora coat’s arms) the frame is silver and inside the frame is a picture of a green furry dog with three heads – Cerberus, and a large silver letter P in the middle. Cerberus is a mythological animal that is the symbol of the Chaeksong house. Jungeun oppa gasped while pointing at the badge.
"Hyung, you're a prefect!"
Now everyone is busy crowding around Daejung oppa who looks shy. Prefects are a kind of house leader (class president, if at a muggle school) and usually there are two prefects who will be chosen in each house from the fifth year students (Daejung oppa once told me about this last year). They have only one superior who is leading after them, namely the Head Boy and Head Girl or students leader, who are usually only two in the school and serve in their seventh year. We could say they are the Muggle Students Committee Leader, but the difference is that they are not alone but two.
"Who do you think the other prefect is?" asked Jungsook eonni.
"I'll bet it will be Jo Minji noona," Jungeun oppa guessed.
"What pet do you want to buy later, Soyoon?" Eomma asked softly.
"I don't know, eomma, I'll think about it tonight."
"Yeah, think about it. Just think of the pet as a gift from eomma, okay?"
"Thank you, eomma."
***
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