Page 32 of The Holy Academy of Witches

“Very good. Well, I trust Miss Alva’s assessments, but be sure you’re proficient in all scrying types before the year’s end or there will be hell to pay, I can assure you.” She spun around then, agile despite her size, before barking at the class for their attention.

She strode to her desk, hitting a button that had a panel in the wall retracting to show a large screen. On it were various clips of obstacles, from what I presumed was the previous year’s Run.

“As you all know, we hold a yearly competition between the Veneficus campus and our own, known as The Run. Try-outs are not for the faint of heart as we will only have 12 slots available. Any student that wishes to watch the try outs will be welcome, although any magic to help or hinder your classmates is explicitly prohibited.” Her warning gaze swept across the classroom as if any schemers would confess their future plans under her gaze. To be fair, many shifted uncomfortably while averting their eyes. So maybe she wasn’t wrong.

“All obstacles will be crafted by the faculty. While none are intended to cause permanent harm, you may choose to team up with your classmates to ensure your safety with spells that are outside of your own abilities.” I wondered what qualified aspermanent harmwith the use of healing available. Did it stop at healing’s limits? And if so what would that be?

Gesturing to two paths that led to the edge of the lake on a campus map, she continued. “The finish line will be in the middle of the lake where a temporary island will be built. The first school who’s representative reaches the island and holds it till the final buzzer, wins the trophy for their school. Any questions?” She studied the room in a slightly less threatening way before dismissing the screen. “Very good. Mr Cillian Lynch has single-handedly won the title the last two years, so we’re looking for the very best. You have until the end of the week to decide if you’d like to participate. The sign ups will be on my office door.”

With that came the clang of the bell, signalling the end of Divination and the beginning of lunch. The class burst into an excited buzz as they made their exit. I gathered my runes slowly, wondering whether it would be worth the risk of entering a competition surrounded by other people with the possibility of needing my visions to win. It was, of course, the only thing that might make up for the gaps in my experience. Cillian’s self-assured voice in my mind cut through any worries I might have, “Prove it,” he’d challenged. Of course he’d be the one to beat… I bit the inside of my cheek, pushing the rising tide of anxiety down before lengthening my stride.

I crossed the grounds with determination, not stopping till I was outside Mrs. Biggle’s office. My hand was steady as I signed my name on the sheet. I might not be able to use my gifts to shut up my peers, but if I could find a way to use them discreetly in this then I could prove to everyone and myself that I was more than the ‘witch-in-training.’ Get ready Mr. Lynch, I’m coming for you.

* * *

Professor Allard could give Narcissus a run for his money. His classroom was certainly filled with enough reflective surfaces. With the sterilised metal tools, tables, and mirrors, it was easily the most modern space on campus. The ghosts hated it here, apparently, though whether it was from the lack of soul in decor or the lack of personality of the owner, I had yet to ask. Either way, he prowled between desks silently. Most of us kept our head down, knowing if he made eye contact with you he’d launch into an overly doctored tale of his own accomplishments. As modern as this space was, he seemed to forget the internet made fact checking all too easy for his audience. Despite his many fabrications of his history, it did show he was an accomplished healer, winning several awards for integrating magic into mundane healing techniques. Maybe his inclination to embellish the facts played a part there too. Either way, outside of his coursework, he was intolerable.

Catching the eye of another student who’d braved looking around, they gestured toward the clock, class was meant to be over, which meant I was going to be late to my appointment with Counsellor Clarkson. Emptying my silver cauldron, I stood, Professor Allard’s attention predictably zoomed in on the movement.

“I’ve an appointment I need to get to.” I said, trying not to react to his approach. He glanced at the clock.

“Ah Oui, it would seem I let ze time run away.” He said, his posturing deepening his French accent.

With that admission I grabbed my bag, passing the girl who’d caught my eye.

“Thank you,” she whispered as she scrambled to grab her things too. I was only a few steps into the hall when she rushed by me like a bat out of hell. Yep, totally understood that.

Adeline stood slowly from the bench she’d summoned in the corridor. Her green eyes never left mine as I approached. My worry and anticipation over ‘The Bible’ came to the forefront of my mind.

“I’ve got to see Counsellor Clarkson, but I’ll head to the music room straight after.”

Adeline pursed her dark red lips, “How are your shields?” She tapped her head pointedly.

“Airtight,” I replied with a knock on my forehead. It was no exaggeration, my parents might not have taught us much, but we’d been meditating and shielding all my life. A practice I’d thought was mostly imaginary, until recently.

“May I?” She asked as we kept walking.

“You can try, but I don’t have time to stop.”

“No need.” She reached for my mind, and a whisper of shadow stirred the rose covered walls I’d constructed. A tribute to my uncle’s home,myhome now. I gave the shadows little thought as I continued through the halls. Adeline a silent companion, no outward sign of the task that most needed full focus to accomplish.

As we approached the exterior door Adeline stopped, withdrawing her shadows with a nod.

“She knows you have tutoring with me, but feel free to remind her should she try to keep you too late.”

“Thank you, I will. Would you like ‘The Bible’ to study with until then?”

Adeline squinted against the sun. Its rays illuminated the otherwise well-concealed dark circles under her eyes. Looking closer, I realised her shoulders were slightly slumped, her skin a few shades paler. I filed those observations away for later, my mind already full. “No,” she replied, “It’s best kept with you for now.” She paused as she turned away, “Oh and Sage?” I looked back, “Don’t be late, it’s extremely improper.” I nodded sheepishly.

Making my way to the hall containing the administration offices from my first day, I looked toward the iron gate in the distance.Sancta Academia Magarumwas now visible in victorious rolling script along the top. My breath left me as awe sank into my bones, bubbly belonging fizzing through my veins. Magic-soaked air filled my lungs as I took a shaky breath in, unexpectedly emotional. I’d been attending Stanford, a beautiful and prestigious college in its own right, yet nothing could compare to the layers of enchantment and mystery that cloaked this campus. It was a Godsend to know I was just behind, and not as stupid as my peers openly hoped, although how much of that had to do with Adeline’s tutelage versus my own skill was impossible to say.

Before knocking on her door, I allowed myself a moment to enjoy the second story view as the last of those euphoric bubbles fizzled away into a contented warmth. The arched windows were marvellous, the warped panes blurring the landscaping into an abstract painting.

The door swung open, “Come on in love!” A voice inside called.

Trying not to drag my feet, I reluctantly left the window to enter her office, only to let out a sound of surprised delight at the calming forest-like haven. Her walls were painted a calming shade of green, a complimentary emerald velvet couch on the back wall and matching velvet armchairs sat on either side of her oak desk. The gauzy curtains were a train of clouds that filtered the early evening sun. Sitting in the oversized armchair, I found I had space to sit any way I liked, and when I met her eyes she smiled.

“As long as you don’t mind taking off your shoes, feel free.”

---