Page 25 of Spellbound and Gagged

Principal Malachai's magically amplified voice boomed across the grounds, silencing the excited chatter of the crowd. "Before we get to the potion part of our show, this year's competition carries extra contests and challenges, as the winner will have a decided edge in the selection process for our new herbology department head."

He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Though I must say, in my years as Principal, I've come to value... unexpected solutions to traditional problems. Sometimes the most innovative answers come from looking beyond conventional wisdom."

Several professors exchanged curious glances at this cryptic remark. Professor Everhart caught Juno's eye and raised an eyebrow meaningfully.

Juno's grip tightened on her wand. This was it. Everything she'd worked for came down to this day.

"Our first challenge," Malachai continued, "is one that will test not only your knowledge of plants and herbs, but also your physical prowess. Professors, if you'll kindly make your way to the central arena..."

The crowd's gasps drew Juno's attention to the center of the arena, where a massive, writhing plant was materializing. It looked like a cross between a carnivorous vine and a wrestling octopus, its tendrils whipping through the air with alarming speed and strength.

"Your first task," Malachai announced, "is Magical Plant Wrestling. You must subdue this charming specimen using only herbology techniques. The first to successfully calm the plant will be declared the winner. Begin."

For a moment, everyone just stared at the plant in shock. Then, chaos erupted.

Professors scattered as vines lashed out, narrowly avoiding being caught. Juno ducked under a swinging tendril, her mind racing. How in the world was she supposed to subdue this monster with nurturing techniques?

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Thaddeus confidently striding towards the plant, his wand raised. Of course, his defensive approach would be perfect for this. Juno gritted her teeth, her resolve strengthening. She wasn't out of this yet.

As Thaddeus began casting shield charms and repelling hexes, Juno took a different approach. She closed her eyes, reaching out with her magical senses to connect with the plant's essence. Underneath the aggression, she sensed fear and confusion.

"It's all right," she said soothingly, taking a cautious step forward. "No one's going to hurt you. You're safe here."

A vine whipped towards her face. Juno stood her ground, continuing to project calm, soothing energy. At the last second, the vine stopped, hovering inches from her nose.

"That's it," Juno encouraged, slowly raising her hand. "See? I'm a friend."

The vine hesitantly brushed against her palm, like a curious cat. Juno smiled, gently stroking the surprisingly soft tendril. "There we go. That's much better than fighting, isn't it?"

Gradually, the plant's thrashing subsided. Vines that had been attacking other professors now curled harmlessly around Juno, almost protectively. She continued murmuring reassurances, marveling at how such a fearsome creature could become so docile with just a little understanding and kindness.

"Remarkable," Malachai's voice boomed, making Juno jump. She'd almost forgotten about the competition. "It appears we have a winner. Professor Runeheart has successfully subdued the plant using her nurturing techniques. Well done."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Juno blinked, stunned by her own success. As the plant was carefully levitated away, she caught sight of Thaddeus. To her surprise, he was smiling—not his usual competitive smirk, but a genuine smile of admiration.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, Juno felt a connection that went beyond rivalry or even attraction. It was a recognition of shared passion and mutual respect. Then Thaddeus gave her a small nod, mouthing 'well done,' and the moment passed.

Near the judges' table, she overheard Professor Nightbloom murmuring to Professor Everhart, "Look at those two. Her gentle approach calmed the beast, but his defensive spells kept the other contestants safe while she worked. If only they could see how perfectly they balance each other."

"Indeed," Everhart replied. "Imagine what they could accomplish if they stopped competing and started collaborating."

The next challenge was a potion obstacle course. Contestants had to brew a complex elixir while navigating a series of magical obstacles, from shifting platforms to spontaneously appearing walls to mischievous sprites intent on sabotaging their efforts.

Juno was doing well, her cauldron bubbling with a promising shade of purple, when disaster struck. A particularly determined sprite knocked into her elbow just as she was adding ground ivy, causing her to dump far too much into the mixture. The potion began to froth alarmingly, turning an ominous shade of green.

Panic flooded through her. If she couldn't salvage this, she'd be out of the running entirely. She frantically scanned her ingredients, trying to think of something—anything—that could counteract the excess ivy.

Suddenly, a small vial levitated through the air and landed neatly beside her cauldron. Juno looked up in surprise to see Thaddeus quickly turning away, pretending to be absorbed in his own potion.

Had he just helped her? Or was he sabotaging her?

There was no time to question it. Juno uncorked the vial, recognizing the contents as essence of nightshade—exactly what she needed to balance out the ivy. She added three drops to her potion, holding her breath as it simmered and then settled back into the correct shade of purple.

Relief washed over her, followed quickly by confusion. Why had Thaddeus helped her? Wasn't he trying to win too?

As they moved into the next phase of the obstacle course, Juno kept stealing glances at Thaddeus. He was focused on his own work, deftly avoiding the magical obstacles while stirring his cauldron. But there was a tension in his shoulders, a furrow in his brow that suggested he was struggling with something.

Without fully understanding why, Juno maneuvered closer to him as they navigated the course. When a wall suddenly sprang up between Thaddeus and his next ingredient, Juno acted on instinct. She scooped up a handful of the dried nettles he needed and tossed them over the wall, hearing Thaddeus's surprised intake of breath on the other side.

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