The crisp air of New England that day let Theodore Duschamps know that summer was, once and for all, coming to an end.

He much preferred autumn; fall, as the Americans called it; not only because it meant the shedding of tee shirts in favour of jumpers or a proper suit, but because the sun was too strong and therefore harsh on his skin. Life seemed much calmer when one could smell the petrichor and commute to work with the landscape of endless suburban trees shedding their ocre leaves. It was a sight he would never tire of.

Of course, work in the office was the same, but at least he had received the letter from the Bloodravens, and now it seemed he could finally make his father happy by taking on the family legacy. He would have to go through the trials just like every other applicant, yes, but with his wits and magic, he would have no issue.

For now, the office was quiet, which was enough to not break the tranquillity of the day.

“Morning.”

Theo said to Ben, the only man in the office worth saying hello to. And, honestly, his only friend here in Boston.

“Morning.”

Ben looked up from the coffee machine. Six AM and the man was probably drinking his second coffee; incredible. He smiled, however, which he always did, and Theo smiled back.

“I heard that {{user}} received a letter as well.”

Ben said, sipping on his coffee.