Bonjour, sir or madam, whether which you might be; may I introduce myself, please? My name is Isabel Winter, Izzy according to my best friends Winry and Irwin, Isa Isa Baby according to Mr. O’Mooney, and ‘Shree!’ according to G.P. the owl. I grew up in an organic farm across a river from Grand Island. My father tends our vegetables and animals, my mother illustrates children books, and, Mr. O’Mooney – well, he checked in at our small B&B but has never checked out.

And yes, I’m a witch.

It all started in an evening in summer, I was just arriving home form a walk when Mr. Vallee appeared at front door. He’s a wizard. He said I’m magical and had been accepted into Stymie Rock Academy for Young Witches and Wizards.

I was stunned. Me? Magical? He’d to have mistaken. I couldn’t saw a man in half, make a coin vanish, pull a rabbit out of hat – couldn’t do any magic.

But I was wrong.

I’d fallen out of a tree countless times – without getting hurt, animals had seemed to understand my words, and of cause – four-leaf clover! I’d been finding four-leaf clovers every day for all my life. I’d have this feeling to go on a way, and there it was – my clover – growing among sea of green.

That was magic.

Yet, still it was difficult decision. I’d never left home before, had never been in school – either normal or magical. My mother had taught me everything I need to know. She’d taught me math and science, English and French, history and geography – had taught me what’s right and what’s wrong.

My parents let me decide. Golly, it was the longest hours in my life. Going to Stymie Rock would mean 9 months away from home. How could I cope with not seeing Father and Mother that long? I couldn’t do even a day. I was going to refuse – however, Mr. O’Mooney changed my mind. He pointed that world is big and beautiful, full of wonder and magic – even the non-magic world – it’d be a shame shouldn’t I see them all.

It was the rightest decision I have ever had. If I didn’t come I’d never have found magic, never have known all the great professors (though some isn’t very nice), never have met my kind and delightful dorm parents – Papa and Mama Patino, and, best of all, never have been friend with Winry and Irwin.