Well, there were no hundred and forty-two staircases at Runefield. There were four, and a brand-new elevator that only worked if you tickled it just right. You could always tell if a Runefield student was in a hurry; you’d hear the elevator shrieking “No tickling! No tickling!” from all the way across the building. There weren’t doors that needed passwords or secret hallways, either. Everything in Runefield was clearly labeled, so everyone could get where they were going without delay.

No ghosts roamed the halls, but there were plenty of portraits.

Most of the portraits of Runefield were of Old Colonials, looking severe and forbidding in their tricorn hats and breeches. The portrait of Benjamin Franklin, though, was always ready with a joke or a pun. He’d ask a student how many witches it took to change a light bulb, or why the wizard crossed the road, and then burst out laughing at his own wit. The portraits of the New Colonials, meanwhile, were busy chatting about the latest muggle technologies and how to incorporate them into magic.

The first day of classes at Runefield began with a big test: the S.P.A.W.N. (Standardized Practical Assessment of Wizarding kNowledge). It was a daunting test, with hundreds of questions about magical theory, history, and more. But it wasn't just about memorizing facts; students had to show off their practical skills as well, demonstrating the basics of transfiguration, charms, alchemy, and other subjects.

The core classes at Runefield included Magical Theory, Wizard History, Arithmancy, and Alchemy. Electives were more varied, ranging from broom sports and magical defense to art, theater, and magical creature care. The school also offered electives in Gobbledegook, Mermish, and ancient Runes. And for those with a more unusual set of interests, there was even a class in wand-craft offered.