Page 11 of Bearly Bewitched

“Three times?” Vail blinked in surprise.

“And was passed over each time,” Madame Zephyrine added. “She has knowledge, certainly, but lacks the vision to lead the academy forward. Instead of growing from the experience, she’s allowed rejection to warp her perspective.”

“She practically radiates disapproval every time I suggest changes,” Vail admitted. “Earlier today, she cornered me to explain why the traditional ward alignment ‘must never be altered.’” She mimicked Felicity’s precise, clipped tones.

Neve chuckled. “The wards haven’t been traditionally aligned since the Great Magical Convergence of 1987 rearranged them. But Felicity prefers her version of history.”

“Your best approach,” Madame Zephyrine said, “is to acknowledge her experience while remaining firm in your authority. She responds to strength—show her you won’t be intimidated.”

“And perhaps,” Neve added, “remind her that as former teachers ourselves, we’re always happy to provide historical context when memories get... selective.”

Vail laughed, some of her tension easing. “You’re both so badass, you know that? I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Probably set fewer things on fire,” Madame Zephyrine teased. “Remember when you first discovered your fire magic? Three curtains and your father’s favorite armchair didn’t fair well.”

“I was five!” Vail protested. “And Dad said the chair looked better with the scorch marks.”

The conversation flowed easily after that, filled with laughter and family stories. By the time Vail headed home, she felt centered and ready for whatever challenges tomorrow might bring.

NINE

Morning sunlight streamed through the grand windows of the academy’s circular staff room, casting golden patterns across the polished oak table where Vail arranged her presentation materials. Her fingers traced the ancient runes carved into the table’s edge—protection symbols that had witnessed countless meetings before this one. The familiar touch steadied her nerves as she watched her staff file in.

Felicity Hawthorne swept through the door first, her academy robes adorned with an impressive array of service pins that caught the light like tiny accusations. She chose a seat directly across from the head of the table, her spine ruler-straight, lips pursed as though she’d bitten into something sour.

Other teachers followed: Professor Changly clutching a stack of research notes, the librarian Ms. Thistle juggling several floating tomes that threatened to escape their magical tethers. The room hummed with low conversations and the subtle crackle of various auras mixing in close proximity.

“Good morning, everyone.” Vail’s voice carried clearly across the room as the last few stragglers found their seats. She stood, drawing herself to her full height, and summoned her preparedagenda to hover beside her. “Thank you all for being here bright and early. I know change can be challenging, but I believe the academy is ready for some careful evolution.”

A murmur of interest rippled through the assembled staff. Behind wire-rimmed glasses, Ms. Thistle’s eyes squinted with curiosity. Even Felicity’s perfectly composed expression couldn’t quite mask her attention.

“First, let’s address some housekeeping matters—“ Vail began, but a commotion from the adjacent staff lounge interrupted her carefully planned opening.

A high-pitched whistle pierced the air, followed by the distinctive aroma of over-brewed coffee. Before anyone could react, the lounge door burst open, releasing a caffeinated tempest. Coffee cups, saucers, and one very alarmed sugar bowl whirled through the air in a rapidly expanding tornado of breakfast beverages.

“Oh dear, not again,” Ms. Thistle sighed, ducking as a creamer sailed past her head. “That new brewing charm?—“

“I’ve got it.” Vail raised both hands, her fire magic responding instantly. Golden energy flowed from her fingers, forming a containment bubble around the coffee tornado. With a practiced twist of her wrist, she guided the whirling liquid back into its proper vessels. The sugar bowl landed with an indignant clink.

“Impressive control,” Professor Changly commented, retrieving her now-safely-grounded mug.

“Really?” Felicity’s voice could have frozen the recently rescued coffee. “In my twenty years here, we’ve never had such... theatrical disruptions during staff meetings.”

“Sometimes a little chaos leads to innovation.” Vail smiled, refusing to let Felicity dampen her enthusiasm. “Speaking of which, let’s discuss the curriculum changes I’m proposing.”

She waved her hand, and her color-coded charts shimmered to life in the air above the table. “The academy has always excelled at teaching traditional witch magic. Now it’s time to broaden our scope.” The charts rearranged themselves, showing how bear-shifter aura studies could enhance protection spells, and how tigress stealth practices might revolutionize illusion magic.

“This is exactly what we need,” Professor Changly leaned forward eagerly. “My research already suggests that combining magical traditions could unlock unprecedented potential.”

“Or unprecedented disasters,” Felicity interjected, each word sharp as icicles. “The logistics alone—scheduling, training staff for cross-species instruction, not to mention the inherent risks of mixing magical disciplines that were never meant to?—“

“All valid concerns,” Vail cut in smoothly, remembering her aunts’ advice. “Which is why we’ll implement these changes gradually with careful monitoring and adjustment. I’d love your input on the process, Professor Hawthorne. Your years here are invaluable.”

Felicity’s lips pressed into such a thin line they nearly disappeared, but she nodded stiffly. Around the table, other teachers began offering suggestions and volunteering for pilot programs. The energy in the room shifted from uncertainty to cautious excitement.

As the meeting concluded, staff members crowded around Vail with questions. She caught glimpses of Clover and Sabine through the throng, their encouraging smiles bolstering her confidence. Finally, as the room cleared, she gathered her materials and headed for her next task: the library reorganization.

The academy library sprawled across three floors, its towering shelves disappearing into shadows despite the enchanted chandeliers floating overhead. Vail inhaled deeply,savoring the familiar scent of old books and magical residue. Here, among centuries of accumulated knowledge, she felt the most at home.

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