《the Muggle-Born of Austramore》


 Chapter 1: A Letter of Wonders

    Soya Vareen had always thought of himself as exceptionally ordinary. He lived in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Sydney, tucked into a modest two-bedroom house with faded shutters and a garden of stubborn daisies that refused to bloom. His father, Malcolm, was an accountant whose evenings were spent grumbling over spreadsheets. His mother, Eliza, worked part-time at a library and devoted the rest of her time to tending the hydrangeas by their porch.


    For Soya, life was predictable, maybe even a little dull. He was small for his age, with dark brown hair that always seemed to fall in front of his hazel eyes and thick glasses that constantly slipped down his nose. Quiet and shy, he often preferred the company of books or sketching fantastical creatures in his notebook. His classmates teased him for being ¡°different,¡± though they could never quite explain how. Soya felt it too¡ªa peculiar sort of loneliness, as though he belonged somewhere he had yet to find.


    On this particular morning, the middle of July, winter¡¯s chill seeped through the windows. Soya sat at the kitchen table, nibbling on toast and flipping through a battered wildlife encyclopedia. His favorite page was dog-eared: a faded photograph of a Tasmanian Tiger, its sharp, knowing eyes staring back at him. He traced the outline with his finger and sighed.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be late for school if you dawdle, Soya,¡± his mother called from the sink, where she was scrubbing a coffee mug.


    ¡°Not today, Mum,¡± Soya replied. It was Saturday, and for once, there were no looming assignments or playground taunts to face. But still, an odd restlessness clung to him, as if something was about to change.


    At precisely 8:17 AM, the doorbell rang.


    Soya startled, nearly knocking over his glass of milk. They rarely had visitors this early. His mother paused, dish towel in hand, and glanced at him with a puzzled expression before walking to the door. Soya strained to listen, hearing only a brief exchange of muffled voices.


    When Eliza returned, she was holding an envelope¡ªa thick, yellowed thing sealed with a curious green wax emblem. She set it on the table in front of him with a wary smile.


    ¡°This is for you,¡± she said, her tone as uncertain as her expression.


    Soya frowned. ¡°For me?¡± He never got mail. His birthday cards from relatives usually arrived through his parents, and the postman certainly didn¡¯t deliver anything so unusual. He stared at the envelope, his name written in elegant green ink:


    Mr. Soya Vareen


    Second Bedroom, 14 Lavender Street


    Sydney, NSW


    He hesitated, then carefully broke the wax seal. The letter inside was written on parchment that felt almost alive in his hands, shimmering faintly in the light. Heart pounding, he began to read aloud:


    Dear Mr. Vareen,


    We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Austramore School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Term begins on the 1st of August. Please find enclosed a list of required books and equipment. Your orientation will take place at Fernwick, the magical village near the school, on the 28th of July. Further instructions are detailed below.


    Yours sincerely,


    Boromus Spellchecker


    Headmaster


    Soya¡¯s voice wavered. He glanced at his mother, whose mouth was slightly open, her hands frozen in mid-wipe. ¡°It¡­ it says I¡¯ve been accepted to a school for wizards,¡± he said.


    At first, they thought it had to be a prank. But enclosed with the letter was a detailed guide for ¡°first-time wizarding families.¡± It explained that Soya was what the magical world called a Muggle-born¡ªa wizard born to non-magical parents. His odd experiences as a child¡ªthe time a shattered lamp had mended itself when he panicked, or when a drawing of a bird in his sketchbook had flapped its wings before settling back to ink¡ªsuddenly made sense.


    ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t understand,¡± Eliza murmured, rereading the parchment for the third time. ¡°Magic? Wizards? This isn¡¯t real, is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s real,¡± Malcolm said quietly, holding the parchment up to the light. ¡°Look at this paper¡ªit¡¯s like nothing I¡¯ve ever seen. And this seal¡­ it¡¯s moving.¡±


    Soya¡¯s world tilted on its axis. For the first time, the strange feeling that he didn¡¯t belong started to fade. Maybe he did belong¡ªjust somewhere he never knew existed.


    The next day, the Vareens followed the letter¡¯s instructions to a narrow, cobbled street called Bennelong Lane, hidden behind the Sydney Opera House. At first glance, it seemed like any other alley, but as they stepped through, the air shimmered, and the mundane world seemed to fall away.


    Shops lined the lane, their windows filled with enchanted objects: cauldrons that stirred themselves, quills writing in midair, and brooms hovering just above the floor. A group of witches haggled over glowing gemstones, and a man with a long beard walked past carrying a cage of squawking, two-headed parrots.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    They found Eucalypt Enchantments, a cozy bookshop with shelves that reached the ceiling. A smiling wizard greeted them, explaining the basics of the magical world and helping them prepare for Soya¡¯s journey. He handed Soya a temporary wand for practice and gave them a map to Fernwick, a hidden town where they could buy his supplies.


    A week later, the Vareens arrived in Fernwick via Portkey¡ªa rusty old tin can that whisked them through a whirlwind of color and sound. When they landed, they were in the middle of a bustling village filled with laughter, magic, and charm. Witches and wizards bartered in markets, children zoomed past on toy broomsticks, and colorful banners fluttered from enchanted lamp posts.


    Soya¡¯s list of school supplies was long but exciting. They visited:


    Feylight Robes, where Soya was measured for his uniform by enchanted measuring tapes.


    Wandwright¡¯s Atelier, where he received his first wand: sakura wood, 12 inches, kitsune tail hair core.


    The Cauldron Corner, where they picked out a sturdy bronze cauldron and a set of potion-making tools.


    His parents marveled at everything they saw, though Eliza occasionally muttered about the sheer oddness of it all. By the time they left, Soya was equipped with robes, books, a wand, and a shiny black trunk embossed with the Austramore crest.


    The morning of August 1st arrived too soon. At Sydney¡¯s Central Station, the Vareens stood awkwardly near Platform 8, waiting for the enchanted barrier to open.


    ¡°This is¡­ goodbye for now,¡± Eliza said, her voice trembling as she adjusted Soya¡¯s scarf. ¡°Be safe, Soya. Write to us as soon as you can.¡±


    ¡°I will, Mum,¡± Soya promised, trying to sound braver than he felt.


    Malcolm gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re going to be great, son. Make us proud.¡±


    When the barrier shimmered open, revealing the sleek bronze train that would take him to Austramore, Soya took a deep breath, waved to his parents, and stepped through.


    The journey to the Blue Mountains was mesmerizing. The train wove through valleys and over cliffs, past sparkling rivers and forests that seemed alive with magic. Soya sat by the window, staring in awe as the scenery unfolded.


    When they arrived, the school stood in the distance, its sandstone towers glowing faintly under the evening sky. Professor Boromus Spellchecker, the headmaster, stood at the gates¡ªa tall, wiry man with a wild mane of silver hair and robes patched with colorful stitching. He held a staff that crackled faintly with energy.


    ¡°Welcome, new students!¡± Boromus announced, his voice a booming mix of enthusiasm and eccentricity. ¡°Here, you¡¯ll learn to conjure wonders, tame chaos, and maybe even understand why your socks always disappear in the wash! Now, onward!¡±


    Soya couldn¡¯t help but smile at the man¡¯s oddness, feeling a strange sense of comfort. The students were led into the Great Hall, a cavernous space filled with floating lanterns and enchanted murals depicting Australian landscapes.


    ¡°Before we begin the Sorting Ceremony,¡± Boromus said, twirling his staff dramatically, ¡°let me welcome you to Austramore, where the ordinary ends and the extraordinary begins!¡±


    Soya¡¯s heart pounded as he joined the line of first-years waiting to be sorted. For the first time in his life, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.


    The Great Hall of Austramore was alive with magic. Lanterns floated above long tables, casting a warm glow over the enchanted murals on the sandstone walls. The ceiling, enchanted to mirror the sky outside, displayed a twilight sky with a scattering of stars. Soya Vareen stood among a sea of first-year students, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced nervously at the line ahead of him as names were called, one by one, for the Sorting Ceremony.


    At the front of the hall, an ancient pedestal held a shimmering silver staff¡ªthe Arboris Scepter. Headmaster Boromus Spellchecker, a wiry man with wild silver hair and patched robes, stood beside it. His kind yet eccentric demeanor was as captivating as the crackling staff he leaned on.


    ¡°Students, the moment you¡¯ve all been waiting for!¡± Boromus announced, his voice a mix of enthusiasm and mystery. ¡°This scepter is no ordinary stick! It knows your hearts, your strengths, your quirks¡­ and even your favorite snacks, though it promises not to tell! Now, let¡¯s see where you belong.¡±


    The students murmured nervously. Soya tightened his grip on the strap of his bag, his eyes darting toward the Scepter.


    ¡°Sevrin Verelle!¡±


    A tall boy with piercing green eyes and shoulder-length black hair stepped forward. His scowl deepened as the staff lit up with a brilliant crimson glow.


    ¡°Yarramundi!¡± Boromus declared with a dramatic wave of his arm.


    The Yarramundi table erupted in cheers as Sevrin strode toward them, his expression indifferent but his steps deliberate.


    ¡°Manaya Moon!¡±


    A short girl with long, messy brown hair and hazel eyes stepped up next. Three scars stretched from her cheek to her neck, but her gentle demeanor softened her appearance. The staff glowed a serene blue.


    ¡°Ningaloo!¡±


    Manaya smiled shyly and hurried to join her new house, greeted warmly by her cheering peers.


    ¡°Sage Blackthorn!¡±


    A pale boy with calculating dark eyes and short black hair approached the pedestal. His expression was unreadable as the staff flickered crimson.


    ¡°Yarramundi!¡±


    The same table cheered again, their members already growing confident with their new additions.


    ¡°Salem Blackthorn!¡±


    Sage¡¯s twin brother stepped forward, his pale complexion and nervous gaze contrasting sharply with his sibling¡¯s calm demeanor. The staff glowed green.


    ¡°Bunjil!¡±


    Salem let out a visible sigh of relief as he joined the Bunjil table, receiving gentle applause.


    ¡°Soya Vareen!¡±


    The sound of his name made Soya¡¯s heart leap into his throat. He shuffled forward, feeling every eye in the room on him. His hands trembled as he stood before the Scepter. It seemed to hum with energy, responding to his presence.


    Boromus leaned closer, whispering theatrically, ¡°Ah, a curious one, this Scepter says. Shy but creative, quiet yet determined. What a delightful puzzle!¡±


    The staff pulsed with golden light before shifting to a vibrant orange.


    ¡°Thylacea!¡± Boromus announced, clapping his hands. ¡°Welcome to the house of resourcefulness and ingenuity!¡±


    Relief and excitement washed over Soya as he joined the Thylacea table, greeted by enthusiastic cheers. Among them, a tall boy with mousey brown hair and silver eyes gave him a welcoming nod.


    ¡°Saunak Carswell!¡±


    A boy with short white hair and blue eyes stepped forward confidently. His warm smile never wavered as the staff glowed green.


    ¡°Bunjil!¡±


    Saunak grinned and made his way to the table, clapping Salem on the back as he sat down.


    ¡°Davonte Evander!¡±


    A tall, athletic boy with flawless skin and silver eyes stepped forward next. The staff barely hesitated before glowing orange.


    ¡°Thylacea!¡±


    The Thylacea table welcomed him with cheers, and Soya found himself sitting beside him. Davonte smiled down at him. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll be housemates.¡±


    As the final student was sorted, Boromus stepped forward again, raising his crackling staff dramatically. ¡°And thus, the Sorting is complete! Remember, my dear students, that your house is not just where you¡¯ll sleep and eat¡ªit¡¯s your family, your team, your partners in adventure and mischief!¡±


    The hall erupted in applause as the students began to settle in with their new housemates. Soya glanced around the Thylacea table, feeling a warmth he hadn¡¯t expected. For the first time in his life, he felt like he was home.

 Chapter 2: Settling in

    The Great Hall of Austramore School of Witchcraft and Wizardry buzzed with the energy of new beginnings. The students, both new and returning, sat at long stone tables arranged by house. The Thylacea table was nearest to the wall, draped in vibrant orange and black. At the center of the room, the Arboris Scepter stood gleaming atop a carved sandstone pedestal, its intricate design a testament to the school''s history.


    Headmaster Boromus Spellchecker, his patched robes swirling around his wiry frame, raised his crackling staff high into the air. The room fell silent, save for the occasional crackle of the enchanted lanterns overhead.


    ¡°Ah, my dear students, both new and returning!¡± Boromus began, his voice a curious mix of booming authority and whimsical charm. ¡°Tonight marks the start of another grand year at Austramore, where your minds will be sharpened, your spells honed, and¡ªif you¡¯re lucky¡ªyour eyebrows kept intact.¡± A ripple of laughter swept through the hall. Boromus grinned, his eyes twinkling like he was sharing a secret joke.


    "A word on safety,¡± he continued, raising a finger. ¡°Avoid the East Wing on Tuesdays¡ªexperiments tend to escape. Also, the lake is home to a rather grumpy bunyip who dislikes loud noises, so kindly refrain from cannonballs. And, most importantly, respect your professors. They are here not just to teach, but to ensure you don¡¯t accidentally transfigure yourselves into toads¡­ permanently.¡±


    He paced slowly in front of the Arboris Scepter, his bright eyes scanning the crowd. ¡°This school was built on the principles of balance, adaptability, and respect¡ªfor each other, for the land, and for the magic that binds us all. Whether you are a Yarramundi leader, a Ningaloo protector, a Thylacea strategist, or a Bunjil thinker, your house is not just your home¡ªit is your family.¡±


    The hall was so quiet that Soya Vareen could hear his own heartbeat. He sat at the Thylacea table, dwarfed by older students and trying to avoid drawing attention to himself.


    "Now," the headmaster continued, pacing slowly in front of the Scepter, "you have been sorted into your houses¡ªThylacea, Ningaloo, Bunjil, and Yarramundi. Each house is a reflection of your strengths, your potential, and yes, your quirks. Embrace them, for they are your family within these walls."


    He stopped, turning to look at the students with a mischievous glint in his eye. "But let us not forget that learning is hard work! And hard work requires energy, and energy requires food! So, without further ado..."


    With a dramatic tap of his staff against the pedestal, the Arboris Scepter flared brightly, and the tables sprang to life. Platters of roasted kangaroo, steaming bowls of bush tomato stew, crusty loaves of damper bread, and fresh lamingtons appeared in abundance. Jugs of sparkling water, pineapple juice, and a luminescent green drink sat in the center of each table.


    Soya¡¯s eyes widened as he stared at the feast before him. He reached tentatively for a bread roll, feeling overwhelmed.


    ¡°Go on,¡± said Davonte Evander, the tall boy from Thylacea who had been sorted just after him. ¡°It¡¯s all real. The chicken¡¯s amazing, by the way.¡±


    Soya chuckled nervously and placed the bread on his plate. Around him, the Thylacea table was alive with chatter.


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± one student said, poking at a slice of roast lamb. ¡°My mum can¡¯t even cook this well, and she¡¯s got a magical oven!¡±


    A red-haired girl near the end of the table added, ¡°I bet the pudding¡¯s enchanted to taste like whatever you¡¯re craving.¡±


    A girl across the table, her curly auburn hair glowing in the lantern light, grinned. ¡°What¡¯s this green drink?¡± she asked, lifting a jug of the mysterious liquid.


    ¡°Glowleaf cordial,¡± an older boy replied. ¡°Tastes like mint and citrus. Careful, though¡ªit glows for hours after you drink it.¡±


    The girl giggled and poured herself a glass. Soya watched the easy interactions around him, feeling slightly out of place. But as he bit into the tender fish, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of excitement.


    ¡°You¡¯re quiet,¡± Davonte remarked, breaking Soya¡¯s train of thought. ¡°What¡¯s your story?¡±


    Soya hesitated, unsure how much to share. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ new to all of this,¡± he said finally. ¡°My parents aren¡¯t wizards. I didn¡¯t even know magic was real until a few weeks ago.¡±


    Davonte raised his eyebrows. ¡°Muggle-born, huh? Well, don¡¯t worry. Thylacea¡¯s good at making people feel at home. You¡¯ll fit right in.¡±


    Soya managed a small smile. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    After the feast, Boromus Spellchecker stood once more, tapping his staff lightly to regain the room¡¯s attention. ¡°Now that your bellies are full, it¡¯s time to head to your dormitories. Prefects, the floor is yours!¡±


    At the Thylacea table, a tall boy with sandy hair and a confident stride stood. ¡°First-years, follow me!¡± he called, gesturing for the newcomers to gather. ¡°I¡¯m Jasper, your prefect. Stick close¡ªthis castle¡¯s got a habit of shifting around if you¡¯re not paying attention.¡±


    The first-years shuffled together, and Soya found himself in the middle of the group as they filed out of the hall. The corridors of Austramore were unlike anything he had ever seen. The sandstone walls seemed to pulse faintly with magic, and the floor occasionally shimmered as if made of liquid light.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wander,¡± Jasper said over his shoulder. ¡°The hallways like to test new students. Stick with the group, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    The group passed several older students chatting by a staircase and a portrait of a grumpy-looking Tasmanian Devil that muttered complaints as they walked by. Soya glanced nervously at the shifting shadows, half expecting something to jump out.


    Eventually, Jasper stopped in front of a tall wooden door carved with an intricate image of a Tasmanian Tiger surrounded by eucalyptus leaves.


    ¡°This is us,¡± Jasper said, tapping the door with his wand. ¡°Courage through adaptability.¡±


    The door creaked open, revealing a cozy circular room with warm orange and black accents. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and a crackling fire burned in a stone hearth. Plush chairs and beanbags were scattered around, and the ceiling shimmered faintly like a clear night sky.


    As the first-years entered the common room, Jasper clapped his hands. ¡°All right, grab a seat and make yourselves comfortable. Before we head to the dormitories, let¡¯s do a quick introduction. Name, where you¡¯re from, and something you¡¯re looking forward to this year.¡±


    The group settled into the chairs, some looking more at ease than others. A girl with a bright smile went first. ¡°I¡¯m Eliza Gorman. From Brisbane. I¡¯m excited to learn about magical creatures.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Davonte Evander,¡± Davonte said. ¡°Mum and Dad work for the Ministry of Magic. I¡¯ve always been interested in magical creatures, so I¡¯m hoping to study them here.¡±


    One by one, the students introduced themselves. When it was Soya¡¯s turn, he swallowed nervously. ¡°I¡¯m Soya Vareen. I¡¯m from Sydney. And, uh¡­ I guess I¡¯m looking forward to learning more about magic.¡±


    Jasper gave him an encouraging nod. ¡°Good answer. You¡¯ll do great here, Soya.¡±


    The introductions continued until everyone had spoken. The atmosphere grew warmer as the students chatted, sharing their excitement and nerves. Soya found himself laughing at a story about a kangaroo stealing someone¡¯s lunch, feeling a little less like an outsider.


    When the introductions wrapped up, Jasper led the boys up a spiral staircase to their dormitory. The room was spacious, with four-poster beds draped in orange and black curtains. Each bed had a trunk at the foot and a small shelf for personal items.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°This is you,¡± Jasper said, pointing to a bed near the window with a calico kitten curled up asleep on the pillow. Soya set his bag down, feeling a rush of relief. The mattress was soft, and the view outside showed the twinkling lights of Fernwick in the distance.


    ¡°Not bad, huh?¡± Davonte said, plopping onto the bed across from him. ¡°Bet you didn¡¯t have this in Sydney.¡±


    Soya laughed softly. ¡°Not even close.¡±


    As the boys settled in, the room filled with the sounds of quiet conversation and the rustle of unpacking. For the first time since receiving his letter, Soya felt a sense of calm. He lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling, and let the soft hum of magic lull him to sleep.


    The sunlight streaming through the enchanted windows of the Thylacea dormitory seemed brighter than usual, the morning carrying an air of promise and curiosity. Soya Vareen woke slowly, the unfamiliar warmth of the room and the soft hum of magic reminding him that he wasn¡¯t home anymore. Around him, the other boys stirred¡ªDavonte Evander was already stretching, his silver eyes bright with anticipation.


    ¡°Morning, Soya,¡± Davonte said, swinging his legs off the side of his bed. ¡°Ready to meet the professors?¡±


    Soya pushed himself upright, adjusting his glasses. ¡°I think so. Do you know much about them?¡±


    Davonte grinned. ¡°Not really, but I hear they¡¯re impressive. One of them is half-ghost, apparently.¡±


    Soya¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Half-ghost?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, teaches History of Magic, I think. You¡¯ll see.¡± Davonte stood, pulling on his uniform robes. ¡°Better get moving. Jasper¡¯s probably waiting to drag us off somewhere.¡±


    By the time the Thylacea first-years gathered in the Great Hall, the tables were laden with breakfast: platters of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, slices of fresh damper bread, and bowls of tropical fruits. Soya filled his plate carefully, still marveling at the sheer abundance of food. Around him, his housemates were chatting about the day ahead.


    ¡°What do you reckon we¡¯ll learn first?¡± asked Eliza Gorman, a bubbly girl with auburn curls. ¡°I hope it¡¯s something flashy, like spell casting.¡±


    Davonte leaned closer to Soya. ¡°Bet it¡¯s something dull like history. They always start with history.¡±


    Jasper, the Thylacea prefect, clapped his hands, silencing the chatter. ¡°All right, first-years! Finish up and gather in the entrance hall. Today¡¯s all about exploring the school, meeting your professors, and getting a taste of what life at Austramore is like. Keep your eyes open¡ªyou don¡¯t want to miss anything.¡±


    The first stop on their tour was the Transfiguration classroom. The room was filled with sunlight, the walls lined with shelves holding intricate sculptures and small animal figurines. At the center of the room stood a tall, sharp-featured woman with piercing eyes. Her presence was commanding, and the students fell silent as she regarded them.


    ¡°I am Professor Wickham,¡± she said, her voice crisp and precise. ¡°Transfiguration is the art of change. To master it, you must understand not only what an object is but what it can become.¡±


    She held up a small wooden bird and tapped it lightly with her wand. In an instant, the bird sprang to life, its wings fluttering as it soared across the room. The first-years gasped as the bird landed on a desk and transformed back into wood.


    ¡°This is what you will learn,¡± she continued. ¡°But do not mistake this for simple magic. Transfiguration requires discipline and focus. Without those, you will fail.¡±


    Soya exchanged a glance with Davonte, who looked equally intrigued and intimidated. As they left the room, whispers of excitement rippled through the group.


    Their next stop was the Charms classroom, a lively space filled with colorful banners and floating candles. A cheerful man with a wide smile greeted them at the door. He had an energetic presence that immediately put the students at ease.


    ¡°Welcome, first-years!¡± he said, clapping his hands together. ¡°I¡¯m Professor Coorong, and this is Charms. If you¡¯ve ever wondered how magic can make life more interesting, this is the class for you.¡±


    He raised his wand and waved it toward the ceiling. A moment later, dozens of glowing orbs appeared, floating gently down to the students. Soya reached out, touching one, and felt a warm sensation spread through his fingers.


    ¡°These are called Orb Luminas,¡± Coorong explained. ¡°A simple charm, but effective. By the end of the term, you¡¯ll be able to cast this spell and many more. Charms are the foundation of magical practicality.¡±


    The students left the classroom buzzing with enthusiasm. Soya felt a flicker of confidence¡ªmaybe magic wouldn¡¯t be as overwhelming as he¡¯d feared.


    The Defense classroom was entirely different. Large and shadowy, the room was dominated by moving targets shaped like small shadowy creatures. A tall woman with an athletic build and a faint scar across her cheek stood near the front, her arms crossed.


    ¡°I¡¯m Professor Marilla,¡± she said, her voice firm but not unkind. ¡°Defense Against the Dark Arts is about preparation. You¡¯ll face challenges in life¡ªsome magical, some not¡ªbut this class will teach you to handle them with skill and courage.¡±


    She raised her wand and aimed it at one of the shadowy targets. ¡°Expulsum!¡± she called, and a burst of light shot from her wand, shattering the target into harmless wisps.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she added, lowering her wand. ¡°We won¡¯t start with anything this advanced. You¡¯ll begin with minor jinxes and counterspells.¡±


    Soya felt a chill of both fear and excitement as they filed out of the room. Davonte nudged him. ¡°I think I like her. She means business.¡±


    The Herbology greenhouses were warm and humid, filled with the scents of earth and growing things. Professor Greenbark greeted them with a bright smile, her apron streaked with dirt and her hair tied back with a vine.


    ¡°Welcome, first-years! I¡¯m Professor Greenbark, and you¡¯re about to learn how magical plants can help¡ªor hinder¡ªyour magical journey.¡±


    She gestured to a nearby table where glowing vines pulsed faintly with light. ¡°This is a Glowvine. Its leaves can be used in potions, but mishandle it, and you might end up glowing for days.¡±


    The students laughed nervously as Greenbark demonstrated how to handle the plant carefully. Soya leaned closer, fascinated by the vine¡¯s gentle luminescence.


    ¡°Remember,¡± she said, her voice gentle but firm, ¡°plants are alive. Treat them with respect, and they¡¯ll reward you.¡±


    Jasper lead them out of the greenhouse and down a stone spiral staircase to the lower floors of the castle.


    The Potions classroom was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of herbs and bubbling concoctions. A pale man with shoulder-length black hair and an intense gaze stood behind a large cauldron, his hands folded neatly in front of him.


    ¡°I am Professor Blackthorn,¡± he said, his voice low and deliberate. ¡°Potions is not for the impatient or the careless. Every ingredient, every movement, every moment matters.¡±


    He gestured to the cauldron, which was filled with a shimmering green liquid. ¡°This is a simple potion for calming nerves. One misstep, and it becomes a toxin.¡±


    The students watched as he stirred the potion with precision, his movements almost hypnotic. Soya felt a mix of awe and trepidation¡ªPotions seemed as fascinating as it was dangerous.


    Further down the corridor they stopped outside another room, the hum and pressure building in Soya''s ears before Jasper swung the door open.


    The Rune classroom was lined with stone tablets covered in glowing symbols. Professor Wirruna, a quiet woman with intricate tattoos across her arms, stood at the front, her expression calm and focused.


    ¡°Runes are the foundation of ancient magic,¡± she said, tracing a glowing symbol in the air with her wand. ¡°Each one carries a meaning, a power. Together, they tell a story.¡±


    She handed out small tablets to each student, each engraved with a different rune. ¡°Your task is to study this rune and tell me what you feel. Runes are not just symbols¡ªthey are alive.¡±


    Soya stared at his tablet, the rune glowing faintly under his touch. He couldn¡¯t explain it, but he felt a faint hum of energy, as though the rune was trying to communicate.


    "Take your runes with you, and study them before your first class with me," Professor Wirruna announced. "Do not treat them as a toy. They are powerful and useful instruments that deserve respect."


    The final stop was the History of Magic lecture hall, where a half-transparent man floated near the chalkboard. His spectral glow and kind smile immediately caught their attention.


    The History of Magic classroom was unlike any other they had visited. The walls were lined with enchanted tapestries depicting pivotal moments in magical history¡ªwizarding duels, the discovery of ancient artifacts, and even serene scenes of magical harmony with nature. Each tapestry moved subtly, as if alive with the stories they told.


    At the front of the room was a wide, crescent-shaped desk made of polished eucalyptus wood, behind which floated a large chalkboard that seemed to sketch on its own, the chalk moving as though guided by invisible hands. Rows of comfortable wooden desks were arranged in a semi-circle, creating an intimate, almost storytelling atmosphere.


    Soft orbs of magical light floated near the ceiling, giving the room a warm and welcoming glow. It felt less like a lecture hall and more like stepping into the pages of a magical storybook, where history could come alive at any moment.


    ¡°Ah, first-years!¡± the professor said warmly. ¡°I am Professor Cairns, and I assure you, history is not as dull as you might think.¡±


    The chalkboard behind him came to life, sketching out animated scenes of magical events. ¡°History whispers in every spell, every wand movement. To understand magic, you must understand its past.¡±


    Soya watched, entranced, as the chalk figures moved across the board. For the first time, he realized how alive history could be.


    The day passed in a whirlwind of wonder and information, each classroom offering a glimpse into the magical world that lay ahead. By the time the first-years returned to the Thylacea common room, Soya felt both exhausted and exhilarated.


    This was his new reality, and he couldn¡¯t wait to see what came next.

 Chapter 3: Classes Begin

    The morning was brisk as the first-years filed into the Charms classroom, their wands tucked securely in their robes. The room was as lively as it had been the day before, with colorful banners fluttering gently in the breeze created by the enchanted windows. The sunlight danced off the walls, casting shifting patterns of light that added to the vibrant atmosphere.


    Professor Jasper Coorong stood at the front, leaning casually against his desk, his signature wide grin already in place. ¡°Ah, my enthusiastic first-years!¡± he greeted, his voice warm and welcoming. ¡°Welcome to your very first Charms class. Please, take your seats.¡±


    Soya Vareen chose a desk near the middle, beside Davonte Evander, who gave him a reassuring nod as they sat. Around them, their classmates settled in, some with quiet excitement, others with a nervous energy that was almost palpable.


    Once everyone was seated, Professor Coorong began. ¡°Charms,¡± he said, standing tall, ¡°is the art of enhancement and manipulation. It¡¯s about bringing magic to the everyday¡ªmaking life just a little more extraordinary. Whether it¡¯s lighting a dark path, summoning objects, or creating protective wards, charms are at the heart of practical magic.¡±


    He tapped his wand against the blackboard, and a glowing word appeared: Focus.


    ¡°The first step,¡± Coorong continued, ¡°is focus. Magic, my young wizards and witches, doesn¡¯t just happen because you wave a stick around. It begins here.¡± He tapped his temple. ¡°Your mind is the conduit, and your wand channels that magic into reality.¡±


    He paused, letting the words sink in before adding, ¡°Today, we¡¯ll begin with a foundational charm: Lumos. It¡¯s simple, but don¡¯t underestimate it. This charm can light your way, expose hidden dangers, or signal for help.¡±


    Coorong raised his wand and held it with practiced precision. ¡°Observe.¡± With a subtle flick of his wrist and a clear, firm voice, he said, ¡°Lumos.¡±


    The tip of his wand flared to life, casting a steady, warm glow that illuminated the room. The students leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the glowing light. With another flick and a whispered ¡°Nox,¡± the light vanished.


    ¡°Now, who can tell me why the incantation and movement matter?¡± Coorong asked, scanning the room. Eliza Gorman, her hand shooting up immediately, answered, ¡°Because the wand movement and words guide the magic, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Coorong said, his grin widening. ¡°The wand directs, the words focus. But remember¡ªmagic is as much intent as it is technique. If your mind isn¡¯t in the right place, the spell won¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get started,¡± Coorong announced. ¡°Wands out!¡±


    Soya pulled out his wand¡ªa smooth, delicate piece of sakura wood, its grip familiar and comforting in his hand. He took a deep breath, listening carefully as Coorong repeated the instructions.


    ¡°Hold your wand steady, visualize the light you want to create, and say the incantation clearly: Lumos.¡±


    Around him, his classmates began to try. Eliza¡¯s wand lit up immediately, a bright and steady glow at the tip. ¡°Well done, Eliza!¡± Coorong called. ¡°A textbook example!¡±


    Soya hesitated, watching as Davonte whispered the incantation and managed a faint flicker of light. Encouraged by his friend¡¯s success, Soya focused on his own wand. He pictured a soft golden light, steady and warm, like the glow of a lantern on a quiet night. Flicking his wand upward, he whispered, ¡°Lumos.¡±


    A faint light appeared, flickered, and then vanished. Soya frowned but tried again, concentrating harder this time. ¡°Lumos.¡±


    This time, the light stayed, faint but steady. He stared at it in awe, his heart racing with excitement.


    ¡°Well done, Soya!¡± Coorong said, clapping his hands. ¡°A solid start. Now focus on sustaining it. Remember, the more vivid your visualization, the stronger your charm.¡±


    The classroom buzzed with activity as the students practiced. Some, like Sevrin Verelle, produced a blinding light almost immediately, while others, like Davonte, struggled to maintain a steady glow.


    ¡°Lumos!¡± Davonte muttered, his wand sparking faintly before fizzling out. He groaned, running a hand through his hair. ¡°This is harder than I thought.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it,¡± Soya said, surprising himself. ¡°Just picture the light. Don¡¯t try to force it.¡±


    Davonte gave him a skeptical look but nodded. On his next attempt, his wand lit up with a soft, steady glow. ¡°Ha!¡± he said, grinning. ¡°Told you I¡¯d get it.¡±


    As the lesson went on, Soya found himself growing more confident. By the end of the hour, his wand produced a bright, steady light that he could maintain for several seconds.


    Professor Coorong clapped his hands, signaling the end of the lesson. ¡°Excellent work, everyone! You¡¯ve taken your first steps into the world of Charms. For homework, I want you to practice Lumos and Nox¡ªyes, turning the light off is just as important as turning it on. Keep your movements steady and your focus clear.¡±


    The students began packing up their things, the room buzzing with chatter about the lesson. As Soya slipped his wand back into his robes, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He wasn¡¯t the best in the class, but he¡¯d done it. He¡¯d cast his first spell.


    Davonte clapped him on the shoulder as they left the classroom. ¡°Not bad for your first try, mate. You¡¯ll be a natural in no time.¡±


    After a quick stop at the courtyard to grab fresh air and calm their excitement from the first lesson, the first-years headed to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. The anticipation in the group was palpable¡ªthis was the class everyone had been talking about since they first received their letters.


    Soya followed Davonte down a wide, dimly lit hallway, the sandstone walls casting long shadows as they approached a pair of large, iron-banded doors. Above them hung a carved wooden plaque, its text shifting as if alive: Defense Against the Dark Arts¡ªPreparedness is Protection.


    The classroom itself was strikingly different from the bright and lively Charms room. It was a vast, shadowy space lit by floating sconces that glowed with a faint, silvery light. The walls were lined with shelves of strange, foreboding objects: jars filled with swirling smoke, dark feathers that shimmered faintly in the dim light, and jagged shards of obsidian that seemed to absorb the room¡¯s glow.


    At the front of the room stood Professor Elise Marilla. Tall and commanding, her athletic build and the faint scar that ran down her cheek gave her an air of experience. She wore deep green robes cinched at the waist with a belt of leather and iron, and her wand was tucked into a holster at her side.


    ¡°Take your seats,¡± Professor Marilla said, her voice firm but not unkind. The students obeyed immediately, the nervous energy in the room intensifying.


    When the class was settled, Marilla surveyed them with a sharp gaze. ¡°Defense Against the Dark Arts is not a game,¡± she began. ¡°It is not about looking brave or showing off spells. This class is about survival¡ªabout protecting yourselves and others from the dangers you will inevitably face in the magical world.¡±


    Her tone was serious, but there was a warmth behind her eyes, as if she genuinely cared for each student in the room. ¡°But don¡¯t let that frighten you. Fear is natural. It¡¯s what you do with that fear that matters.¡±


    She turned and waved her wand, causing the blackboard behind her to fill with glowing white text:


    Defense Against the Dark Arts: Core Principles


    1. Awareness


    2. Reflexes


    3. Counteraction


    ¡°These are the foundations of defense,¡± she said, pointing to the board. ¡°Today, we¡¯ll focus on awareness and counteraction. The spell you¡¯ll learn is a basic but essential counter to minor jinxes: Finite Incantatem.¡±


    Marilla turned back to the class, her wand in hand. ¡°Before we get to the spell itself, let¡¯s talk about why awareness matters. The best defense is knowing what you¡¯re up against.¡±


    She tapped her wand against her palm, and a shadowy, snake-like figure appeared in the air above her. It hissed and writhed, its movements fluid and hypnotic.


    ¡°This is a harmless illusion,¡± she explained, ¡°but imagine if it wasn¡¯t. How would you react?¡±


    The students murmured nervously, some leaning back in their seats. Soya felt his chest tighten as the creature slithered closer.


    ¡°Step one,¡± Marilla continued, dispersing the illusion with a flick of her wand, ¡°don¡¯t panic. Panic clouds judgment. Step two: assess. Is it a threat? Can you neutralize it? And step three: act.¡±


    She gestured toward a target dummy at the side of the room. With a quick, decisive movement, she aimed her wand and said, ¡°Finite Incantatem.¡±


    The dummy, which had been glowing faintly with a jinx, returned to its neutral state. ¡°This spell cancels minor magical effects¡ªhexes, jinxes, basic curses. It¡¯s not a cure-all, but it¡¯s an essential tool.¡±


    Marilla turned to the students. ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn. Pair up. One of you will cast a simple jinx, and the other will counter it with Finite Incantatem. I¡¯ll be here to assist.¡±


    Soya found himself partnered with Davonte. ¡°All right,¡± Davonte said, grinning. ¡°You want to jinx me first, or should I jinx you?¡±


    ¡°You go first,¡± Soya replied nervously, gripping his wand.


    Davonte raised his wand, a mischievous glint in his eye. ¡°All right, don¡¯t panic. Leg-Locker Jinx!¡±


    Soya felt his legs snap together, his balance wobbling as he tried to stay upright. ¡°Hey!¡± he said, laughing nervously.


    ¡°Your turn!¡± Davonte said, stepping back.


    Soya took a deep breath, focusing on the spell. He raised his wand, remembering Marilla¡¯s instructions. ¡°Finite Incantatem!¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    A faint burst of light shot from his wand, and the jinx on his legs dissolved. He staggered slightly but grinned. ¡°Got it!¡±


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Davonte said, nodding approvingly. ¡°My turn now.¡±


    Around the room, the students practiced with varying degrees of success. Eliza managed to cancel her partner¡¯s jinx on the first try, while Sevrin Verelle¡¯s counterspell produced a loud bang, startling everyone nearby.


    ¡°Steady wand movements!¡± Marilla called, moving through the room. ¡°Don¡¯t rush the incantation. Magic requires precision.¡±


    When she stopped by Soya and Davonte, she observed their exchange quietly before nodding. ¡°Good form, both of you,¡± she said. ¡°Soya, focus on projecting confidence. Magic responds to belief¡ªif you doubt yourself, the spell will falter.¡±


    Soya nodded, her words giving him a boost of determination. On his next attempt, his counterspell was quicker and more precise.


    As the lesson came to an end, Professor Marilla clapped her hands. ¡°Well done, everyone. Defense isn¡¯t about perfection¡ªit¡¯s about progress. Today, you¡¯ve taken your first steps toward protecting yourselves and others. Keep practicing Finite Incantatem at home, and we¡¯ll build on this foundation next time.¡±


    The students packed up their things, the room buzzing with excitement and relief. Soya couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of pride as he and Davonte walked back toward the main corridor.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t so bad,¡± Davonte said, his grin infectious. ¡°We make a pretty good team.¡±


    After the intensity of Defense Against the Dark Arts, the first-years were eager for a break. The Great Hall buzzed with activity as students from all houses gathered for lunch, the aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and hearty soups filling the air. The enchanted ceiling showed a bright, cloudless sky, its cheerful glow contrasting with the nervous energy of the first-years.


    Soya followed Davonte to the Thylacea table, where they found seats near the middle. The table was already laden with platters of sandwiches, steaming pies, and bowls of vibrant salads. Soya hesitated before piling his plate, still feeling like a guest in this strange, magical world.


    ¡°You need to eat, mate,¡± Davonte said with a grin, nudging him. ¡°You¡¯ll need the energy for whatever they throw at us next.¡±


    Soya smiled weakly, taking a small sandwich. He looked around, observing the other students at the table. Most of them were absorbed in their own conversations, but a few glanced his way, curiosity evident in their expressions.


    As Soya began to relax, a shadow fell over him. He looked up to see a tall boy with sharp green eyes and dark hair standing across the table. His Yarramundi badge glinted on his robes, and his expression was a mixture of disdain and smug amusement.


    ¡°You¡¯re the Muggle-born, aren¡¯t you?¡± the boy said, his voice cutting through the surrounding chatter like a blade.


    Soya froze, unsure how to respond. ¡°I¡ªyes, I am,¡± he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.


    The boy smirked, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Sevrin Verelle,¡± he introduced himself, though his tone suggested he didn¡¯t expect¡ªor want¡ªa reply. ¡°Yarramundi. I suppose it must be... overwhelming for someone like you, being here.¡±


    Soya swallowed hard, his appetite vanishing. ¡°It¡¯s different, yeah.¡±


    ¡°Different?¡± Sevrin repeated, as though the word amused him. ¡°I imagine it would be. After all, magic isn¡¯t exactly something you¡¯d find in one of your... little Muggle schools.¡±


    Davonte, who had been listening quietly, set down his goblet with a deliberate clink. ¡°Ease up, Verelle,¡± he said, his tone calm but firm. ¡°Everyone starts somewhere.¡±


    Sevrin raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. ¡°Of course. But some of us start with an advantage.¡± He glanced pointedly at Soya. ¡°Best you remember that.¡±


    Soya felt a surge of heat rise in his face, but before he could respond, another voice cut in.


    ¡°Sevrin,¡± said a girl from down the table, her tone sharp. ¡°Don¡¯t you have somewhere else to be?¡±


    Manaya Moon, the quiet Ningaloo student Soya had noticed earlier, was staring at Sevrin with an intensity that made even him pause. After a moment, he shrugged, his smirk fading.


    ¡°Enjoy your lunch,¡± he said, his voice dripping with mock politeness, before turning and walking away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him get to you,¡± Manaya said, her voice softening as she turned to Soya. ¡°Sevrin likes to think he¡¯s better than everyone else. He¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Soya mumbled, still feeling the sting of Sevrin¡¯s words.


    Davonte clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Forget that guy. You¡¯re here because you belong, same as the rest of us.¡±


    Eliza Gorman, who had just joined them, plopped down beside Soya with a grin. ¡°What¡¯d I miss?¡±


    ¡°Sevrin being a jerk,¡± Davonte said bluntly, earning a snort of laughter from Eliza.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s nothing new,¡± she said, rolling her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Soya. He¡¯s all talk. You¡¯ll show him what you¡¯re made of in no time.¡±


    Soya managed a small smile, their encouragement slowly easing his discomfort. He took a bite of his sandwich, the flavors rich and comforting.


    As lunch continued, the group¡¯s conversation shifted to lighter topics. Eliza¡¯s bubbly energy helped lift the mood, and even Manaya joined in, her quiet observations adding a grounding presence to the group. Soya found himself laughing along with their jokes, the tension from his encounter with Sevrin fading into the background.


    When the meal ended, the students began to gather their things, preparing for the next class. Davonte leaned toward Soya as they left the table. ¡°Stick with us, mate. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Soya nodded, grateful for the support. As they headed to their next lesson, he felt a growing resolve. Sevrin might have his opinions, but Soya was determined to prove that he belonged at Austramore¡ªno matter where he came from.


    After lunch, the first-years made their way to the History of Magic lecture hall. The room was just as captivating as it had been during the tour, with its enchanted tapestries depicting significant magical events and its crescent-shaped desk made of polished eucalyptus wood. The floating orbs of light gave the room a warm, inviting glow, creating an atmosphere of storytelling rather than cold academia.


    Professor Mortimer Cairns floated near the front of the room, his half-transparent form glowing faintly. His kind smile and the way he gestured warmly to the students put Soya at ease almost immediately. Despite his ghostly appearance, Cairns radiated a sense of calm and wisdom.


    ¡°Welcome, first-years,¡± Cairns began, his voice soft but clear. ¡°I am Professor Cairns, and I have the honor of guiding you through the rich tapestry of magical history. While other classes will teach you how to wield magic, this class will teach you why we wield it¡ªand what has been gained and lost along the way.¡±


    The students took their seats, the crescent-shaped arrangement allowing everyone a clear view of the professor. Soya sat between Davonte and Eliza, his parchment and quill ready.


    Cairns gestured toward the largest tapestry, which depicted the founding of Austramore School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The image shifted subtly, showing scenes of the Blue Mountains, early settlers, and the Indigenous magic that formed the foundation of the school.


    ¡°This,¡± Cairns said, ¡°is where our story begins. Long before the school was built, the land itself was sacred¡ªa place where magic flowed freely. The Indigenous peoples of this region practiced some of the oldest forms of magic, working in harmony with the land.¡±


    He paused, his spectral hand resting on the tapestry. ¡°When settlers arrived, there was tension¡ªfear, misunderstanding. But there were also those who sought to bridge the gap. The four founders of Austramore came together with Indigenous Elders to create a school that would honor the magic of this land and teach future generations to respect and preserve it.¡±


    The tapestry shifted, showing the four founders standing together: Bunjil, Yarramundi, Ningaloo, and Thylacea. Their faces were solemn, their wands raised in unity.


    ¡°Each founder brought unique values and skills to the school,¡± Cairns continued. ¡°And from them, the four houses were born.¡±


    Eliza raised her hand, her brow furrowed in curiosity. ¡°Professor, why did they choose this specific location for the school?¡±


    ¡°An excellent question, Miss Gorman,¡± Cairns said, his eyes twinkling. ¡°The Blue Mountains are a place of immense magical significance. The land is rich in magical energy, and the founders believed it would provide both inspiration and protection for the school.¡±


    He gestured to the windows, which showed a sweeping view of the mountains. ¡°This location also serves as a reminder of the balance we must maintain between magic and the natural world. It is a lesson as old as magic itself.¡±


    Cairns turned back to the class, his tone shifting slightly. ¡°Now, history is not just about listening to me ramble¡ªit¡¯s about engaging with the past. Let¡¯s begin with a discussion. What do you think was the most important challenge the founders faced when creating the school?¡±


    Hands shot up around the room. Soya hesitated, unsure of his answer, but Davonte nudged him. ¡°Go on. Say something.¡±


    Soya raised his hand tentatively, and Cairns gestured to him with an encouraging smile. ¡°Mr. Vareen?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Soya began, his voice shaky, ¡°I think¡­ maybe the biggest challenge was bringing people together. If there was tension between the settlers and the Indigenous Elders, it must have been hard to find common ground.¡±


    Cairns nodded, his expression thoughtful. ¡°An insightful answer, Mr. Vareen. Unity is never easy, especially in the face of fear and prejudice. But it is precisely that challenge that makes the founders¡¯ achievement so remarkable.¡±


    To end the lesson, Cairns introduced a practical element. ¡°I¡¯d like you all to create a timeline of the events leading to the founding of Austramore. Use the enchanted tablets on your desks¡ªthey¡¯ll guide you through the key moments, but you¡¯ll need to fill in the details yourselves.¡±


    The students picked up the smooth stone tablets in front of them, which glowed faintly as they activated. Scenes from the tapestry appeared on the screens, along with prompts for additional information. Soya found the process fascinating, the tablet responding to his touch as he added notes and observations.


    Davonte leaned over, his brow furrowed. ¡°What year did Yarramundi join the others again?¡±


    ¡°1843,¡± Soya replied without looking up, the answer fresh from the lesson.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Davonte said, scribbling it down.


    As the hour came to a close, Cairns floated back to the front of the room. ¡°Well done, everyone. Your timelines are just the beginning of your journey through magical history. Remember, understanding our past is the first step to shaping our future.¡±


    The students handed in their tablets, the glowing screens dimming as they were placed back on the desks.


    As the class filed out, Cairns called after them, ¡°And don¡¯t forget to read the first chapter of Magical Milestones before our next lesson. There will be a quiz!¡±


    Davonte groaned as they walked into the corridor. ¡°A quiz already? This guy¡¯s a ghost and still doesn¡¯t take it easy on us.¡±


    Soya laughed, the tension from earlier in the day finally lifting. Magical history, it seemed, might not be so bad after all.


    After leaving the History of Magic classroom, the Thylacea first-years followed the spiral staircase that led deep beneath the castle. The air grew cooler with each step, and the faint scent of damp stone and herbs began to waft through the passage. Potions class was held in the lower levels of Austramore, a choice that added an air of mystique¡ªand trepidation¡ªto the subject.


    Soya¡¯s heart pounded as they approached a heavy wooden door etched with glowing runes. Above it, an iron plaque read: Potions¡ªPrecision Through Patience. The words seemed to hum faintly, as though they carried a warning.


    Davonte nudged Soya as they entered. ¡°Ready for this? I hear the professor¡¯s intense.¡±


    The room was dimly lit, with only the flickering light of floating lanterns to illuminate the space. Long wooden tables were arranged in rows, each equipped with cauldrons, burners, and neatly organized jars of ingredients. Shelves lined the walls, holding vials of colorful liquids, dried herbs, and what looked suspiciously like pickled animal parts.


    At the front of the room stood Professor Seikan Blackthorn. He was tall and thin, with shoulder-length raven-black hair and pale skin that seemed almost luminous in the dim light. His emerald-green eyes scanned the room as the students filed in, his expression unreadable. A long black cloak draped over his shoulders, its hem brushing the floor as he moved.


    ¡°Take your seats,¡± he said, his voice low and deliberate. The students hurried to comply, the scrape of chairs on stone echoing in the silence.


    Once they were seated, Blackthorn folded his hands behind his back and began. ¡°Potions is not a subject for the careless or the impulsive. One mistake¡ªa single grain of the wrong ingredient, a single extra stir¡ªand your potion is ruined. Or worse.¡±


    The tension in the room thickened as Blackthorn¡¯s gaze swept over the students. ¡°If you lack patience, discipline, or the ability to follow instructions to the letter, this class will be... challenging.¡±


    Blackthorn moved to the large cauldron at the front of the room, which bubbled with a faintly glowing green liquid. ¡°Today, we will begin with a simple but vital concoction: the Calming Draught. It is a potion designed to soothe nerves and ease anxiety. Useful for those who find themselves overwhelmed by the challenges of magic.¡±


    He gestured to the blackboard, where the recipe appeared in glowing green letters:


    Ingredients:


    3 sprigs of chamomile


    1 valerian root, finely sliced


    2 drops of essence of moonflower


    A pinch of powdered silverleaf


    Instructions:


    1. Add chamomile to the boiling water and stir clockwise three times.


    2. Add valerian root and simmer for two minutes.


    3. Slowly add moonflower essence, stirring counterclockwise until the potion turns pale blue.


    4. Sprinkle powdered silverleaf on top and let sit for one minute before removing from heat.


    Blackthorn turned back to the class. ¡°You will find the ingredients at your stations. Follow the instructions precisely. I will be observing.¡±


    Soya glanced nervously at the jars and vials neatly arranged on his station. He took a deep breath, trying to focus. ¡°Okay,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°Chamomile first.¡±


    He dropped the sprigs of chamomile into the cauldron of boiling water and carefully stirred clockwise three times. The potion¡¯s color shifted faintly, from clear to a soft yellow.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Davonte said from the station next to him. ¡°Just don¡¯t mess up the valerian¡ªit smells awful if you overdo it.¡±


    Soya smiled faintly, grateful for the advice. He added the finely sliced valerian root and watched as the potion began to bubble more vigorously.


    As the class worked, Blackthorn moved silently among them, his sharp eyes catching every detail. He stopped briefly at Eliza¡¯s station, where her potion had turned an alarming shade of green. ¡°You added the moonflower essence too quickly,¡± he said, his tone devoid of judgment. ¡°Dispose of this batch and begin again.¡±


    Eliza¡¯s cheeks turned pink, but she nodded and hurried to restart.


    When Blackthorn reached Soya¡¯s station, Soya felt his stomach tighten. The professor leaned over the cauldron, his expression impassive. ¡°Your stirring is uneven,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Control your movements, or the potion will separate.¡±


    Soya nodded, adjusting his grip on the stirring rod. As he stirred counterclockwise, the potion shifted to a pale blue hue, exactly as described.


    ¡°Better,¡± Blackthorn said, moving on without another word.


    Not everyone fared as well. A faint explosion drew the room¡¯s attention to Sevrin Verelle, whose cauldron emitted a puff of acrid smoke. ¡°Too much valerian,¡± Blackthorn said, waving his wand to clear the air. ¡°Dispose of it and try again.¡±


    Sevrin scowled but complied, muttering quietly under his breath as he emptied the cauldron with a flick of his wand.


    Davonte, meanwhile, was grinning as he held up a vial of pale blue liquid. ¡°Got it!¡± he said, earning an approving nod from Blackthorn.


    Soya followed the final step, sprinkling powdered silverleaf over his potion. The mixture shimmered briefly before settling into a smooth, translucent blue. He carefully ladled some into a vial and set it on his station.


    ¡°Well done, Mr. Vareen,¡± Blackthorn said as he passed. ¡°A precise execution.¡±


    As the hour came to a close, Blackthorn addressed the class. ¡°Potions is a delicate art, but one that rewards diligence. Take what you have learned today and apply it to your future work. Your next lesson will build upon this foundation.¡±


    The students packed up their things, the room buzzing with quiet chatter. As they filed out, Davonte leaned over to Soya. ¡°See? Not so bad, right?¡±


    Soya smiled. ¡°I think I might actually like this class.¡±


    ¡°Speak for yourself,¡± Eliza muttered, still smelling faintly of burnt valerian.


    The group laughed as they made their way back up the stairs. Soya felt a quiet pride. Potions, it seemed, might just be one of his strengths.

 Chapter 4: Day of Firsts.

    The glow of the setting sun cast sharp shadows across the cobblestones of the castle courtyard. Soya Vareen sat on a bench near the central fountain, his calico kitten curled up beside him. Groups of students milled about, talking, laughing, and enjoying the cool evening air.


    Davonte Evander leaned against the fountain, tossing bits of bread to his ferret familiar, who snatched them mid-air. "What a day, huh?" Davonte said, smirking. "Classes are done, no major catastrophes. I¡¯d say that¡¯s a win."


    "Yeah," Soya said, still turning over the day¡¯s lessons in his mind. "It was... interesting."


    Nearby, Eliza Gorman from Thylacea sat cross-legged on the grass with a group of first-years. She waved Soya over, a grin on her face. "Soya, come here! You¡¯ve got to see this!"


    Soya hesitated, but Davonte gave him a push. "Go on. Better than sitting here all quiet."


    As Soya approached, he saw Eliza holding an illustrated guide to magical creatures, the page open to a snarling Drop Bear mid-leap. "Look at this," she said, pointing to the creature. "Imagine one of these landing on your head in the middle of the bush!"


    "Don¡¯t be loud, and it won¡¯t," said a voice. Soya glanced up to see Manaya Moon, a quiet Ningaloo student, standing nearby. Her tone was calm but firm. "They only attack when provoked."


    "Still wouldn¡¯t want to meet one," Eliza muttered, closing the book.


    Before Soya could respond, a chill ran through the courtyard as Sevrin Verelle strolled in, flanked by Sage Blackthorn. The two radiated a smug arrogance that made the other students instinctively give them space. Sevrin¡¯s sharp green eyes locked onto Soya almost immediately, a slow smirk spreading across his face.


    "Well, well," Sevrin said, his voice cutting through the courtyard¡¯s ambient noise. "If it isn¡¯t the Muggle-born. Enjoying your first day in the magical world?"


    Soya tensed, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. "It¡¯s been fine," he said quietly.


    Sevrin¡¯s smirk widened. "Fine? That¡¯s good to hear. Though I suppose even the most basic lessons must seem impressive to someone like you."


    Sage chuckled, twirling his wand idly between his fingers. "Do you even know what you¡¯re doing, Vareen? Or are you just waving that wand around and hoping for the best?"


    "Leave him alone," Davonte said, stepping up beside Soya. His tone was firm, but there was a tension in his stance as he eyed the two bullies.


    Sevrin¡¯s gaze flicked to Davonte, his smirk twisting into something colder. "And what are you going to do about it, Evander? Protect the little Muggle-born?"


    "This doesn¡¯t concern you," Sage added, his voice dripping with mockery. "We¡¯re just having a friendly chat."


    Sevrin turned back to Soya, his wand appearing in his hand with a casual flick. "Show us what you¡¯ve learned, Vareen. Surely you¡¯ve picked up something today."


    Soya¡¯s heart pounded, but he stood his ground. "I don¡¯t have to prove anything to you."


    "Oh, but I think you do," Sevrin said, his voice dangerously low. He raised his wand, aiming it directly at Soya. "Let¡¯s start with something simple. Tarantallegra!"


    Soya barely had time to react before his legs jerked uncontrollably, sending him stumbling backward. Laughter erupted from Sevrin and Sage as Soya struggled to regain his balance.


    Davonte moved to draw his wand, but Sage was quicker, sending a spark of energy toward him. "Ah-ah," Sage said, his grin widening. "Don¡¯t interrupt."


    Soya gritted his teeth, forcing himself to focus despite the humiliating spell. He raised his wand, his voice steady despite his shaking legs. "Finite Incantatem!"


    The spell broke, and Soya¡¯s legs stilled. He took a deep breath, his grip on his wand tightening. "Is that all you¡¯ve got?"


    Sevrin¡¯s smirk twisted into a nasty smile. "Not bad for a beginner," he said, his tone mocking. "But let¡¯s see if you can handle this."


    "Aqua Hastae." He flicked his wand again, sending a jet of water hurtling toward Soya.


    This time, Soya was ready. "Protego!" A shimmering barrier appeared, deflecting the water harmlessly to the side.


    The laughter stopped. Sage¡¯s expression darkened, and he stepped forward, his wand aimed directly at Soya. "You¡¯re getting cocky, Vareen. Let¡¯s fix that. Cru-"


    Before Sage could finish casting his spell, a sharp voice rang out across the courtyard. "Enough!"


    Professor Marilla strode into the courtyard, her presence commanding immediate attention. Her eyes blazed as she took in the scene, her gaze locking onto Sevrin and Sage. "What is going on here?"


    "Nothing, Professor," Sevrin said smoothly, lowering his wand. "Just a bit of practice."


    "It didn¡¯t look like practice to me," Marilla said, her tone icy. "Wands away. Both of you. Now."


    Reluctantly, Sevrin and Sage complied, though the smirks never left their faces. "Of course, Professor," Sevrin said, his voice dripping with false politeness. "We were just helping him catch up."


    Marilla¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. "You will report to my office tomorrow evening. We¡¯ll discuss your ¡®helpful¡¯ behavior in detail."


    As the two bullies walked away, Sage muttered something under his breath, earning a sharp look from Marilla. When they were out of earshot, she turned to Soya. "Are you all right?"


    Soya nodded, though his hands were still trembling. "Yes, Professor."


    "Good. Remember, you don¡¯t have to prove anything to anyone," Marilla said, her voice softening slightly. "But standing up for yourself takes courage. Well done."


    As Marilla walked away, Davonte clapped Soya on the shoulder. "You were brilliant, mate. Don¡¯t let them get to you."


    Eliza approached, her expression a mix of frustration and admiration. "Idiots," she muttered. "But you showed them."


    Soya managed a small smile, the tension in his chest beginning to ease. As the courtyard emptied, he gathered his things and headed back to the common room.


    As he lay in bed, the soft purring of his kitten beside him, Soya replayed the day¡¯s events in his mind. He slowly succumbed to sleep as his kitten''s purrs lulled him into a deep slumber.


    The morning sunlight streamed through the enchanted windows of the Thylacea dormitory, painting the room in warm hues. Soya stretched and yawned, his limbs still heavy from the previous day¡¯s events. His kitten stretched alongside him, letting out a tiny, contented meow. It was Saturday, and there were no classes on the schedule.


    The dormitory was buzzing with life as the first-years prepared for a day of exploration and leisure. Davonte Evander was already up, tossing his ferret familiar a piece of dried fruit while buttoning his robes. "Morning, Soya," he said, flashing a grin. "Sleep well?"This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Yeah," Soya replied, sliding out of bed and rubbing his eyes. "It¡¯s nice knowing we don¡¯t have to rush off to class."


    "For sure," Davonte agreed. "Eliza¡¯s organizing something in the common room. She said it¡¯s a ¡®practice session,¡¯ whatever that means. You coming?"


    Soya nodded, quickly getting dressed and grabbing his wand. As he followed Davonte down the spiral staircase, the familiar hum of the Thylacea common room greeted him. The space was warm and lively, with students chatting and planning their day. Eliza Gorman stood at the center, her auburn curls bouncing as she spoke with her usual energy.


    "All right, everyone!" Eliza clapped her hands to get their attention. "Today, we¡¯re practicing spells. If we want to get ahead, we need to stay sharp even when there¡¯s no class. I¡¯ve got a list of charms and jinxes we can work on."


    Soya joined the growing group, curiosity piqued. Eliza handed out a few sheets of parchment with instructions for various spells. "We¡¯ll start with something practical," she said. "The Summoning Charm. Accio is incredibly useful, but it takes focus and precision. Watch."


    She pulled out her wand, aimed it at a quill sitting on a nearby table, and said, "Accio quill!" The quill zipped through the air and landed neatly in her hand. "See? Easy enough if you concentrate."


    Soya picked a target¡ªa small book on another table¡ªand raised his wand. "Accio book," he said, focusing intently. Nothing happened. He frowned, glancing at Eliza.


    "Don¡¯t worry," she said encouragingly. "It¡¯s all about intent. Picture the book flying toward you. Try again."


    Soya took a deep breath, visualizing the book in his mind. He imagined it lifting off the table and soaring into his hands. "Accio book!" This time, the book wobbled slightly before sliding a few inches toward him.


    "That¡¯s better!" Eliza said. "Keep practicing."


    After several more attempts, Soya finally managed to summon the book with a satisfying swoosh.


    "Nice work," Davonte said, clapping him on the back. "You¡¯re a natural."


    Eliza moved them on to the next spell: Lumos Maxima, a more powerful version of the basic wand-lighting charm. "This one¡¯s a bit trickier," she explained. "It creates a bright, floating orb of light that can illuminate a large area. Perfect for exploring dark places."


    She demonstrated, holding her wand high and saying, "Lumos Maxima!" A glowing orb of light burst from the tip of her wand and floated upward, bathing the room in a warm glow.


    "Whoa," Soya whispered, captivated by the spell.


    "Your turn," Eliza said, lowering her wand.


    Soya took a steadying breath and raised his wand. He thought of the warm, comforting light Eliza had conjured and said, "Lumos Maxima!" His wand sparked faintly but didn¡¯t produce the orb.


    "Focus on the light," Eliza said. "Imagine it growing and leaving your wand."


    Soya nodded, closing his eyes briefly to concentrate. He raised his wand again and tried once more. "Lumos Maxima!" This time, a small orb of light formed at the tip of his wand. It hovered unsteadily for a moment before fading.


    "That¡¯s a great start," Eliza said. "You¡¯ll get the hang of it."


    By the time they took a break, Soya had managed to produce a stable light orb that floated a few feet above his head. He couldn¡¯t stop smiling as he watched it hover, feeling a growing sense of confidence.


    The group spent most of the day experimenting with other spells from Eliza¡¯s list, including the Jelly-Legs Jinx and the Tickling Charm. Soya found the jinx particularly fun to practice, laughing along with his peers as they wobbled and stumbled under its effects.


    As they gathered their things and prepared to head to lunch, Eliza turned to Soya. "You¡¯ve got a knack for this," she said with a grin. "Stick with us, and you¡¯ll be top of the class in no time."


    After spending time practicing spells with his peers, Soya felt the need for some quiet. The constant chatter and activity were beginning to wear on him, and he needed a moment to unwind. Wandering through the castle, he eventually found a secluded alcove near a window, away from the busy common areas. The sunlight streaming through the glass created a patch of warmth on the stone floor, and Soya settled onto a nearby bench, pulling his sketchbook and pencils from his satchel.


    He flipped through pages filled with drawings of magical creatures he¡¯d imagined or seen in books. There was a particularly detailed sketch of a phoenix mid-flight, its wings spread wide with feathers like flames. Another showed a mischievous-looking goblin clutching a collection of shiny trinkets. Each page told a story, and Soya¡¯s careful lines brought the creatures to life.


    Finding a blank page, Soya began sketching a new creature¡ªa hybrid of his own imagination. He envisioned a sleek, fox-like animal with glowing eyes and feathered tails that shimmered as they moved. His pencil moved quickly, almost as if guided by something other than his hand. The details came naturally, the fur texture, the curve of the claws, and the faint glow around its form.


    As he worked, Soya¡¯s focus sharpened, and the world around him seemed to fade. He didn¡¯t notice the faint shimmer that began to emanate from his sketchbook, nor the way his pencil seemed to darken and deepen the lines on its own. The creature on the page seemed to take on an almost lifelike quality, its eyes gleaming with an unnatural depth. For a brief moment, Soya thought he saw the fox¡¯s tails sway, as if caught in a breeze.


    He blinked and shook his head, chalking it up to his imagination. "Just tired," he muttered to himself, but his hand hesitated over the page. The drawing looked... different. More vivid, as though it were etched into the paper rather than drawn on it.


    Soya ran his fingers over the page, expecting to feel the usual smooth surface of the paper. Instead, the lines of the drawing felt slightly raised, as if the creature were pressing against the page from the other side. He frowned, turning the book slightly in the light. The shadows within the drawing seemed to ripple faintly, almost imperceptibly, but enough to make his stomach tighten.


    Taking a deep breath, Soya closed the sketchbook and slipped it back into his satchel. His kitten, which had followed him and curled up at his feet, mewed softly and stretched. He reached down to scratch behind its ears, grounding himself in the comforting simplicity of the moment.


    As he stood and prepared to leave the alcove, the faintest hint of ink remained on his fingertips, shimmering faintly in the sunlight before fading away. Soya didn¡¯t notice, but the lingering impression of the fox stayed with him.


    The alcove had been a comforting retreat, but now he felt restless. Standing, he stretched, his calico familiar meowed softly and padded after him as he made his way out of the quiet corner.


    The castle corridors were calmer now, with most students either outside or gathered in the common rooms. Soya wandered aimlessly, enjoying the quiet but unsure of what he was looking for. He passed by an open window, pausing briefly to admire the sunlight spilling across the stone floor. The kitten wound itself around his legs, purring softly.


    Turning a corner, he nearly bumped into an older student who was leaning casually against the wall. The boy looked to be a few years older¡ªperhaps a fourth year¡ªwith messy dark hair and an air of easy confidence. His robes bore the green trim of Ningaloo house, and a leather-bound book was tucked under one arm.


    "Watch where you¡¯re going, firstie," the older student said, though his tone was more amused than annoyed. His sharp blue eyes fixed on Soya with interest. "You¡¯re the new Muggle-born, aren¡¯t you?"


    Soya tensed slightly. "Yeah. That¡¯s me."


    The older boy gave a low whistle, shaking his head. "First Muggle-born here in what, two centuries? You must be making history just by showing up."


    "I guess," Soya said awkwardly, glancing down at his kitten, which had begun sniffing curiously at the older boy¡¯s boots.


    The boy crouched, holding out a hand. The kitten sniffed it cautiously before allowing itself to be petted. "Cute familiar," the boy said. "What¡¯s its name?"


    "I... haven¡¯t decided yet," Soya admitted. "Nothing feels right."


    "You¡¯ll figure it out," the boy said, straightening. "I¡¯m Callen, by the way. Fourth year, Ningaloo. And you are?"


    "Soya," he replied, adjusting his satchel. "Thylacea."


    Callen nodded. "Figured as much. You¡¯ve got that determined look about you. Listen, I¡¯m not here to bother you or anything, but word¡¯s gotten around. People are curious about you."


    "Curious how?" Soya asked warily.


    Callen shrugged. "Most of them are just nosy. Some think it¡¯s a big deal, others don¡¯t care. But if I were you, I¡¯d keep an eye on the ones who don¡¯t seem too thrilled about you being here."


    "Like Sevrin?" Soya guessed.


    Callen¡¯s smirk widened. "Exactly. That one¡¯s trouble. And his sister? Even worse. She¡¯s got a reputation for making life miserable for anyone who crosses her."


    Soya nodded, his mind flashing back to the confrontation in the courtyard. "I¡¯ll keep that in mind."


    "Good," Callen said, stepping aside to let Soya pass. "Anyway, enjoy your peace while you can. Once classes pick up, you¡¯ll be too busy to catch your breath."


    Soya offered a small smile. "Thanks."


    Soya adjusted his satchel and headed toward the Thylacea common room. The corridors were quiet as the day wound down, the warm light from the enchanted sconces casting long shadows along the stone walls. His kitten trotted alongside him, its tail flicking with each step.


    When Soya reached the entrance to the Thylacea common room, the carved image of a Tasmanian tiger on the wooden door seemed to come alive, its eyes glowing faintly as it regarded him. "Password?" it asked in a deep, rumbling voice.


    "Courage through adaptability," Soya replied, the words coming automatically now.


    The tiger nodded, the door swinging open to reveal the cozy interior. The room was lively with students, some sprawled across beanbags and others huddled in small groups over games of Wizard¡¯s Chess. The warm glow of the fire in the hearth made the space feel welcoming, and Soya felt himself relax as he stepped inside.


    "Soya!" Davonte called from a corner where he and Eliza were sitting with a few other first-years. "Over here!"


    Soya made his way over, his kitten bounding ahead and leaping onto Davonte¡¯s lap, earning a laugh. "Looks like someone¡¯s adopted me," Davonte joked, scratching behind the kitten¡¯s ears.


    "How was your wandering?" Eliza asked, watching a chess piece sliding across the board. "Find anything interesting?"


    "Not really," Soya said, settling into an empty chair. "Ran into a fourth year from Ningaloo. He gave me some advice¡ªmostly about watching out for Sevrin and his sister."


    Eliza wrinkled her nose. "His sister? Lykaios? Yeah, she¡¯s bad news. I heard she once turned a second-year¡¯s cauldron into a jellyfish just because they sat in her seat during Potions."


    Davonte laughed. "Sounds about right. The Verelles think they own this place. Just keep your head up and don¡¯t let them push you around, Soya. They thrive on people backing down."


    "I¡¯ll try," Soya said, though he couldn¡¯t help feeling uneasy at the thought of crossing paths with either of the Verelles again.


    The conversation shifted to lighter topics as the group began planning how to spend their free day tomorrow. Eliza suggested exploring the greenhouses, while Davonte argued in favor of sneaking down to the kitchens for snacks. Soya listened, chiming in occasionally, but mostly enjoying the easy camaraderie of his housemates.


    As the evening wore on, the common room gradually quieted. Students drifted off to their dormitories, and the fire in the hearth burned lower. Soya finally stood, stifling a yawn. "I think I¡¯m going to call it a night."


    "Good idea," Davonte said, stretching. "Tomorrow¡¯s going to be busy."


    Soya scooped up his kitten, who had curled up on a nearby cushion, and headed toward the spiral staircase that led to the first-years¡¯ dormitory. As he climbed the steps, the soft light from the sconces flickered faintly against the walls, and the quiet sounds of his kitten¡¯s purring accompanied him. The day had been long, and as he reached the dormitory door, he focused on getting some rest.

 Chapter 5: Tideball

    The weekend had arrived, and with it, the promise of a quiet Sunday. Soya had been looking forward to a peaceful day of sketching and relaxation, his kitten curled up beside him as he worked. But Eliza Gorman and Davonte Evander had other plans.


    "Soya, you''re coming with us," Eliza said, her voice bright with excitement as she practically dragged him from his chair in the common room.


    "Come on, it''ll be fun," Davonte added, grinning. "It''s Tideball today. You can¡¯t miss it. It''s a class, but it¡¯s more like a game."


    Soya blinked, surprised. "I didn¡¯t sign up for any sports elective."


    "Well, it''s optional," Eliza said. "But everyone¡¯s talking about it. You get to ride magical sea creatures! I mean, how often do you get to do that? Plus, it''s a chance to hang out and learn something new."


    Davonte nodded. "It¡¯s not just about the game. It¡¯s a really good workout, and honestly, it¡¯s thrilling. You¡¯ll love it, Soya."


    Soya hesitated. He had never been a fan of high-energy sports, especially ones that involved water. But he didn¡¯t want to seem like he was afraid to try something new either. After a brief pause, he sighed. "Alright, I¡¯ll give it a shot."


    The walk to the Tideball dome was an energetic one, with Eliza and Davonte leading the charge. Soya trailed slightly behind, his reluctance masked by the curiosity that bubbled beneath the surface.


    "Trust me, Soya, you¡¯ll love it," Eliza said, her voice practically bouncing off the stone walls as they exited the castle. "This isn¡¯t just any sport. It¡¯s magic, speed, strategy... It¡¯s like nothing you¡¯ve ever seen before."


    "And if you hate it," Davonte added, grinning, "at least you¡¯ll get a laugh out of Eliza missing every shot."


    Eliza scoffed. "I¡¯d like to remind you who scored the winning goal during our first match before school this year."


    "That¡¯s because I set it up perfectly," Davonte countered, tossing a small rock into the air and catching it as he walked. "Teamwork, Eliza. Look it up."


    Their banter helped ease some of Soya¡¯s nerves as they approached the dome. The shimmering structure loomed before them, its translucent walls pulsating faintly as if alive. Inside, the shifting currents and glowing vortex created an otherworldly spectacle that immediately captured Soya¡¯s attention.


    Professor Wade stood near the entrance, her aquamarine robes fluttering slightly in the breeze. She smiled warmly as the group approached. "Welcome, everyone. I see some new faces today. Don¡¯t worry if this is your first time¡ªTideball is as much about learning as it is about competition."


    Soya was still unsure about how he''d fare in a game like this. He had no experience with aquatic sports, and the idea of riding a magical creature underwater was intimidating. But as he looked around, he saw the eager expressions of his classmates, many of them already looking forward to the challenge.


    "Let¡¯s begin with the basics," Professor Wade said, clapping her hands. "Tideball is a fast-paced, high-energy game where players ride enchanted sea creatures and work together to pass a water-enchanted sphere¡ªknown as the Tide Orb¡ªinto a shifting vortex at the center of the arena. You¡¯ll be assigned positions today, and each of you will play a role: Shooter, Defender, Interceptor, Tactician, Orb Master, or Keeper."


    She gestured to the mounts lined up beside the water. "The mounts you¡¯ll ride today are enchanted creatures of the sea. These creatures bond with you, and the better you connect with your mount, the faster and more responsive it will be. We have seahorses, manta rays, and dolphin sprites. All are equally capable, depending on how you handle them."


    As the students made their way to their mounts, Soya¡¯s stomach fluttered with nerves. Eliza and Davonte had already chosen their mounts¡ªa swift seahorse for Eliza and a powerful manta ray for Davonte. Soya hesitated for a moment, glancing at the available options.


    His eyes landed on a dolphin sprite, a graceful creature with a shimmering, silvery-blue body that seemed to glide effortlessly through the water. Its sleek fins flicked back and forth, and its eyes sparkled with intelligence. Soya stepped forward, tentatively extending his hand.


    The dolphin sprite nudged his palm with its snout, and Soya felt a wave of calm wash over him. It was as if the creature understood him, and despite his nervousness, he felt a sense of connection. He climbed onto its back, adjusting his grip on the reins as the sprite dipped into the water with an elegant leap.


    "Good choice," Professor Wade said, nodding in approval. "Dolphin sprites are fast and agile, balancing speed with maneuverability. You¡¯ll find them responsive to your commands. Now, let¡¯s get you all acclimated to your mounts."


    Professor Wade began by demonstrating how to control the mounts. "To guide your mount, simply use your magic and speak the commands in unison. The mount will respond based on your focus and intent. Remember, it¡¯s not just about giving orders¡ªit¡¯s about forming a bond."


    Soya hesitated before whispering, "Forward," to the dolphin sprite. The creature surged ahead smoothly, its movements fluid and fast. Soya grinned in surprise as the wind and water rushed past him.


    "Good," Wade said, watching his progress. "Now, try a turn."


    Soya focused and guided the sprite in a slow circle, feeling the connection deepen as it responded to his commands with ease. It was exhilarating, the feeling of gliding through the water on a creature so perfectly attuned to his thoughts


    "Now let''s focus on the spells used in Tideball." Professor Wade¡¯s voice carried easily across the arena as she demonstrated each one, her wand movements precise and deliberate.


    "Let¡¯s start with Celeritas Aqua," she said, raising her wand toward her mount¡ªa sleek manta ray that hovered just above the water¡¯s surface. "This spell gives your mount a temporary burst of speed. Watch closely."


    With a flick of her wand, she called out, "Celeritas Aqua!" The manta ray shot forward, gliding effortlessly across the water in a blur of motion. The students watched in awe as the creature executed a sharp turn, its movements fluid and controlled.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Now, your turn," Professor Wade said, motioning for the students to try.


    Soya hesitated, gripping his wand tightly as he sat astride his dolphin sprite. The creature, sensing his doubt, whistled a reassuring tune. Taking a deep breath, Soya pointed his wand and said, "Celeritas Aqua!"


    The sprite responded immediately, surging forward with a burst of speed that sent Soya leaning back to maintain his balance. He could feel the power of the spell coursing through the mount, a tangible connection between his magic and the creature¡¯s movements.


    "Good start, Soya!" Professor Wade called. "Now try guiding it through a turn. Use your focus to control the spell."


    Soya concentrated, envisioning a smooth arc as he gently tugged the reins. The sprite responded, its body curving gracefully as it completed the turn. A small smile crept onto Soya¡¯s face as he realized he was beginning to get the hang of it.


    The next spell, Orb Vincta, required more finesse. Professor Wade explained, "This spell creates a protective barrier around the Tide Orb, making it harder for your opponents to steal. The key is precision and timing. If you cast it too soon, the barrier will fade before you need it. Too late, and your opponents will already have the orb."


    She demonstrated by casting the spell on the floating Tide Orb. "Orb Vincta!" The orb glowed faintly as a shimmering barrier formed around it, pulsating like a heartbeat.


    Soya watched intently as his classmates took turns practicing. Eliza¡¯s first attempt fizzled out before the barrier could fully form, while Davonte managed to create a sturdy shield on his second try.


    When it was Soya¡¯s turn, he focused on the orb, imagining the barrier encasing it like a protective bubble. "Orb Vincta!" he said firmly, his wand pointed at the orb. A faint shimmer appeared, but the barrier flickered and dissolved.


    "Good effort," Professor Wade said. "Try again, but this time, picture the barrier as an extension of your magic. You¡¯re not just casting a spell¡ªyou¡¯re wrapping the orb in your intent."


    Soya nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. He raised his wand and tried again. "Orb Vincta!" This time, the barrier solidified, glowing faintly as it surrounded the orb.


    "Well done," Wade said, nodding approvingly. "Now, let¡¯s move on to the final spell: Vortex Fluxus."


    The last spell was one of the most challenging, designed to manipulate the position of the vortex. Professor Wade explained its importance: "The vortex is the goal, but it moves unpredictably. By using Vortex Fluxus, you can shift its position slightly, disrupting your opponent¡¯s aim or creating a better angle for your team. However, this spell requires precision and a lot of focus, so use it sparingly."


    She demonstrated by pointing her wand at the glowing vortex. "Vortex Fluxus!" The vortex shimmered and drifted a few feet to the left, its swirling currents adjusting seamlessly.


    Soya practiced the spell alongside his classmates, finding it difficult to maintain his focus while tracking the vortex¡¯s movement. His first few attempts caused the vortex to wobble erratically before snapping back to its original position.


    "Don¡¯t rush," Wade advised. "Feel the flow of the currents and guide the vortex gently. It¡¯s like steering a boat¡ªyou can¡¯t force it; you have to work with it."


    After several tries, Soya finally managed to shift the vortex slightly, earning a nod of approval from the professor.


    With the spells practiced, the students were divided into teams for the match. Soya found himself paired with Eliza, Davonte, and three older students who quickly took charge of the team¡¯s strategy. Soya was assigned the role of Interceptor, while Eliza played as a Shooter and Davonte as the Orb Master.


    The opposing team consisted of experienced players who wasted no time seizing the Tide Orb at the start of the match. Their Orb Master enchanted the orb with Celeritas Aqua, sending it speeding toward their Shooter, who aimed for the vortex.


    "Intercept it, Soya!" Eliza shouted.


    Soya urged his dolphin sprite forward, shouting, "Accio Orb!" The orb wobbled in mid-air, breaking free of its trajectory and flying toward Soya¡¯s outstretched hand. He caught it just in time, spinning his mount to avoid an opposing Interceptor.


    "Nice save!" Davonte called, casting Orb Vincta to protect the orb as Soya passed it to Eliza.


    The game intensified as both teams fought to control the orb. The shifting currents and moving vortex added an unpredictable element, forcing players to adapt quickly. Soya found himself completely immersed in the action, his focus sharp as he anticipated the opposing team¡¯s moves.


    The game ramped up in intensity as players adjusted to the rhythm of the shifting currents and unpredictable vortex. Soya, still new to the sport, found himself relying heavily on his instincts and the skills he¡¯d just practiced. His dolphin sprite responded eagerly to his commands, its sleek movements cutting through the water with precision.


    Midway through the match, the opposing team¡¯s Orb Master enchanted the Tide Orb with Orb Vincta, forming a shimmering barrier around it as their Shooter lined up a long-distance throw toward the vortex.


    "Not on my watch," Eliza muttered, gripping the reins of her seahorse mount. "Vortex Fluxus!" she called out, her wand aimed at the vortex. The swirling goal shifted slightly to the left just as the opposing Shooter released the orb. The shot missed, skimming harmlessly past the vortex.


    "Nice move!" Soya called, steering his mount toward the loose orb. The opposing Defender tried to cut him off, but Soya was quicker. He shouted, "Accio Orb!" and the orb flew into his grasp.


    "Pass it, Soya!" Davonte yelled, his manta ray gliding into position near the vortex. Soya focused, aiming carefully before throwing the orb with all his strength. Davonte caught it smoothly, enchanting it with Celeritas Aqua to speed it up. With a flick of his wand, he hurled it toward the vortex.


    The opposing Keeper reacted quickly, summoning a watery shield to block the shot. The orb rebounded, creating a scramble as players from both teams converged to reclaim it. Soya darted through the chaos, narrowly avoiding a collision with an opposing Interceptor.


    "Get ready, Eliza!" he called, managing to snatch the orb and toss it toward her. She caught it mid-dive, her seahorse weaving expertly through the shifting currents. With a confident shout of "Aqua Hastae!" she launched the orb toward the vortex. The shimmering sphere streaked through the water and passed cleanly into the swirling goal.


    "Score!" Professor Wade¡¯s voice echoed across the arena as the vortex flared brightly. Eliza pumped her fist, grinning triumphantly.


    The rest of the match was a blur of motion and strategy. Soya grew more comfortable with his role as an Interceptor, successfully stealing the orb twice more and even blocking a spell from an opposing Orb Master with a well-timed "Protego!" Davonte and Eliza coordinated their attacks seamlessly, scoring another goal before the final whistle blew.


    When the match ended, Soya¡¯s team emerged victorious with a narrow lead. The students gathered near the edge of the arena, catching their breath and chatting animatedly about the game.


    "You did great, Soya," Eliza said, giving him a proud smile. "For someone who¡¯d never played before, you held your own out there."


    "Yeah, mate," Davonte added with a grin. "That last interception was textbook. You¡¯ve got some natural talent for this."


    Soya shrugged, feeling a mix of relief and satisfaction. "I was just trying not to mess up."


    "You didn¡¯t," Eliza said firmly. "You¡¯ll be a regular Tideball star in no time."


    After returning their mounts to the resting area and thanking them with gentle pats, the students made their way back to the castle. The group split up, with some heading to the library and others returning to their common rooms. Soya, feeling the need for some quiet, decided to find a secluded spot to unwind.


    He wandered through the castle until he reached a small courtyard tucked away behind a row of towering eucalyptus trees. The space was peaceful, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and the gentle sound of a nearby fountain providing a soothing backdrop.


    Soya settled onto a stone bench and pulled out his sketchbook, his fingers already itching to draw. Flipping to a blank page, he began sketching the dolphin sprite he had ridden during the game. Its streamlined body and playful expression took shape under his pencil, the details coming to life with each stroke.


    He added the swirling currents of the Tideball arena in the background, trying to capture the chaotic beauty of the match. His focus deepened as he worked, the sounds of the courtyard fading into the background.


    As he sketched, his pencil seemed to move almost on its own, the lines darker and more precise than usual. He paused, staring at the page. The drawing had an unusual depth to it, as if the dolphin sprite were about to leap off the paper.


    Shaking his head, Soya set the sketchbook aside and leaned back against the bench. His kitten, which had followed him to the courtyard, climbed onto his lap and purred contentedly. He scratched behind its ears, letting the quiet moment ground him after the whirlwind of the day.


    Later, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, Soya made his way back to the Thylacea common room. The space was warm and lively, with students gathered in small groups to chat, play games, or work on assignments. Soya found Davonte and Eliza near the fire, their conversation punctuated by laughter.


    "Hey, Soya!" Eliza called, waving him over. "We were just talking about Tideball. You¡¯ve got to join the next match. You¡¯re a natural."


    Soya smiled faintly, taking a seat beside them. "Maybe. I still need to figure out those spells. The vortex one¡¯s tricky."


    "You¡¯ll get it," Davonte said confidently. "Just takes practice. And maybe a few more matches to get the hang of it."


    The evening passed in a blur of conversation and camaraderie, the warmth of the common room a welcome contrast to the chill of the courtyard. By the time Soya climbed into bed, his body was pleasantly tired, and his mind was filled with the images of swirling currents, glowing orbs, and the rush of the game.

 Chapter 6: A Rune With A View

    The morning sunlight streamed through the enchanted windows of the Thylacea dormitory, casting soft, golden light over the stone walls. Soya stretched as he sat up in bed, the faint purring of his kitten at his feet reminding him of the calm start to a new week. Monday mornings felt different now¡ªless dreary and more... curious. There was always something new to learn in the magical world, and today promised more surprises.


    Davonte was already up, tying his robes as he grinned at Soya. "Ready for another round of magical mayhem?" he asked, tossing a piece of fruit to his ferret familiar.


    "Not really," Soya admitted, sliding out of bed. "But I¡¯ll manage."


    By the time the first-years gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast, the chatter was lively with talk of upcoming classes and lingering excitement from the Tideball match. Eliza was already plotting her day, her auburn curls bouncing as she rattled off a list of spells she wanted to practice in free time.


    "What¡¯s first today?" Soya asked, taking a bite of toast.


    "Elemental Magic," Eliza replied, her eyes lighting up. "It¡¯s supposed to be intense. We¡¯re going to start with basic fire spells."


    "Just try not to burn the classroom down," Davonte said, smirking as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.


    The Elemental Magic classroom was located in the eastern wing of the castle, a large, open space with high ceilings and walls lined with protective runes. The air felt charged, as if it hummed with dormant energy. At the front of the room stood Professor Enara Kalden, a tall woman with sharp features and a no-nonsense demeanor. Her robes were deep crimson, and her wand was tucked neatly into her belt.


    "Welcome to Elemental Magic," she began, her voice clear. "Magic is not just about control¡ªit¡¯s about understanding the forces of nature. Today, we¡¯ll begin with fire. Fire can be a tool, a weapon, or a source of light and warmth. Misuse it, and it can destroy everything in its path. Use it wisely, and it will serve you well."


    She waved her wand, and a series of small, enchanted flames appeared, hovering just above the desks. "Your first task is simple: extinguish these flames using the basic water charm, Aqua Depello. The incantation is short, but precision is key. Watch carefully."


    Professor Kalden raised her wand and flicked it in a precise motion. "Aqua Depello!" she called, and a jet of water shot from her wand, dousing the flame in front of her.


    "Now, your turn," she said, gesturing for the students to begin.


    Soya picked up his wand, his grip firm but his nerves jittery. He pointed it at the flame on his desk, imagining the stream of water he wanted to create. "Aqua Depello!" he said, his voice steady.


    A faint stream of water sputtered from his wand, but it wasn¡¯t enough to extinguish the flame. The fire flickered but remained defiantly alight.


    "Focus on the source," Professor Kalden advised, walking past his desk. "Water is everywhere¡ªin the air, in the ground. Call it forth, don¡¯t force it."


    Taking a deep breath, Soya tried again. This time, the water shot out in a clean arc, hitting the flame directly and snuffing it out. He exhaled in relief as Professor Kalden nodded approvingly.


    "Not bad for your first try," she said. "Keep practicing. Consistency is as important as power."


    Around him, other students were having mixed results. Eliza managed to douse her flame on the first attempt, grinning proudly, while Davonte accidentally sprayed himself with water, much to the amusement of their classmates.


    The lesson progressed to creating controlled sparks of fire with the spell Ignis Minor. Professor Kalden demonstrated, producing a small, steady flame that floated just above her palm. "The key here is restraint," she explained. "Too much power, and you¡¯ll scorch everything around you. Too little, and the spell won¡¯t activate."


    Soya found the fire spell harder to control. His first attempt produced a tiny flicker that vanished almost instantly. On his second try, the flame burst forth too strongly, earning a warning look from Professor Kalden.


    "Focus, Vareen," she said. "Control the flow of your magic, or it will control you."


    By the end of the lesson, Soya had managed to create a small, steady flame, though he still felt unsure about his ability to control it. The class ended with a stern reminder from Professor Kalden about the dangers of fire magic and the importance of continued practice.


    After the intensity of Elemental Magic, the students made their way to the outdoor paddocks for their next class: Magical Beasts. The anticipation was high as first-years whispered excitedly about what creatures they might encounter.


    When they arrived, however, they were met by a different professor¡ªa middle-aged man in simple robes who appeared more administrative than academic.


    "Apologies, students," he announced, holding up a hand to quiet the murmurs. "Professor Byrah has been called away on urgent business and won¡¯t be conducting today¡¯s lesson. You¡¯re free to use this time for independent study or other productive activities."


    A wave of disappointment rippled through the group, but the announcement didn¡¯t come as much of a surprise. Professor Byrah¡¯s role as the resident expert on magical creatures often took her outside the castle for important assignments.


    Davonte stretched his arms wide, grinning. "Finally, a break. I¡¯m hitting the common room¡ªmight see if anyone¡¯s up for a game of Wizard¡¯s Chess."


    Eliza smirked, clutching her notes from Elemental Magic. "Not me. I¡¯m heading to the practice rooms. Those fire spells aren¡¯t going to perfect themselves."


    Soya hesitated, then adjusted the strap of his satchel. "I think I¡¯ll check out the library. I wanted to find more books on magical creatures."


    "Classic Soya," Davonte teased with a laugh. "Burying himself in books. Have fun, mate."


    "Don¡¯t get lost in there," Eliza called as she turned toward the practice wing. "The library¡¯s massive."Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Soya gave them a small smile before heading off. The castle¡¯s library was located on the second floor, its tall, arched entrance flanked by stone statues of owls. The heavy wooden doors creaked softly as he pushed them open, revealing a vast hall filled with towering shelves, each packed with tomes of various sizes and colors.


    The air inside was cool and carried the faint scent of parchment and ink. A few students were scattered throughout the space, some hunched over desks piled with books, others browsing the shelves. The librarian, an elderly witch with keen eyes and a strict demeanor, gave Soya a nod as he entered.


    Soya made his way to the section labeled Magical Creatures and Beasts, his kitten padding silently at his heels. The shelves were filled with titles that ranged from detailed encyclopedias to personal accounts of magical encounters. He picked up a book titled The Habitats and Habits of Australian Magical Fauna and settled into a nearby chair.


    The illustrations in the book were vivid, each page showing creatures he¡¯d never seen before. There was a section on bunyips, with a drawing of their hulking forms lurking in swamps. Another page featured glimmering sprites called Glowfish, whose bioluminescence was used in various potions.


    As Soya read, he pulled out his sketchbook, feeling inspired to draw some of the creatures. His pencil moved quickly, capturing the sinewy body of a bunyip with exaggerated claws and sharp, glowing eyes. His kitten watched from the table, occasionally batting at the edge of the sketchbook.


    He flipped to another page in the book, this one showing a sleek, dragon-like creature called a Skyrunner. It was described as a rare species that hunted among mountain peaks and glided through clouds with effortless grace. As Soya sketched its curved wings and predatory stance, he felt the familiar pull of focus that often overtook him while drawing.


    His pencil seemed to take on a life of its own, and for a moment, the lines on the page appeared to shimmer faintly. He paused, staring at the image, but the effect was gone before he could fully process it.


    After a short while, Soya left the library and headed to the courtyard, where most of the first-years had gravitated to. The open space buzzed with life as students from various houses lounged, chatted, or caught up on assignments. The warmth of the sun and the light chatter created a calm yet lively atmosphere.


    Soya found a spot on a low stone bench near a group of older students practicing spells. His kitten leaped onto his lap, purring contentedly as he absentmindedly scratched its ears. Nearby, Davonte and Eliza debated the merits of skipping spell practice in favor of a quick trip to the kitchens for snacks.


    "Come on, Eliza," Davonte argued. "You can practice anytime. But fresh pastries? Those are limited."


    "You¡¯re incorrigible," Eliza replied with a laugh, rolling her eyes. "Fine. Let¡¯s find the kitchens. But Soya¡¯s coming too¡ªhe needs a proper introduction to house-elf cooking."


    "I¡¯m not that hungry," Soya said, shaking his head. "I think I¡¯ll stay here."


    Eliza looked at him curiously but didn¡¯t press the matter. "Suit yourself. We¡¯ll bring you back something if we can."


    As the pair left, Soya pulled out his sketchbook, flipping to a blank page. He considered sketching the dolphin sprite from Tideball practice again but decided instead to draw a thestral he¡¯d seen in a book. His pencil moved swiftly as he worked, the shadowy, skeletal creature taking form on the page.


    "You¡¯re quite good," a voice said, breaking Soya¡¯s concentration.


    Soya looked up to see a third-year Yarramundi student leaning against a nearby pillar, arms crossed. His sharp brown eyes flicked from Soya¡¯s drawing to the kitten in his lap. "That¡¯s a thestral, isn¡¯t it? Morbid choice."


    "It¡¯s interesting," Soya replied, unsure of how to interpret the older student¡¯s tone.


    The boy smirked. "Fair enough. I¡¯m Marcus, by the way. I¡¯ve seen you around¡ªSoya, right? The Muggle-born?"


    "Yeah," Soya said cautiously. "That¡¯s me."


    Marcus nodded, his expression unreadable. "You¡¯re braver than I thought, coming here. Not many like you make it this far. Watch your back, though. Not everyone wants you here."


    Before Soya could respond, Marcus pushed off the pillar and walked away, his robes trailing behind him. Soya frowned, unsure what to make of the exchange. His kitten mewed softly, grounding him in the present.


    The third class of the day took the first-years deep into the west wing of the castle, where the walls seemed to hum faintly with ancient energy. The Rune Studies classroom was quiet and solemn, with walls lined with stone tablets carved with glowing runes. Each rune seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive. At the front of the room, Professor Wirruna waited, her arms crossed and her expression calm but firm. Her intricate tattoos, resembling runes themselves, seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the room.


    "Good morning, students," she began. "I trust you¡¯ve all kept your assigned runes from the first day. They are not mere trinkets. Today, we will begin to understand the power and purpose of these ancient symbols."


    Soya retrieved the small, smooth tablet from his bag. The rune etched into its surface glowed faintly under his touch, a strange warmth emanating from it. He glanced around the room and saw his classmates doing the same, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease.


    "Runes are not simply tools of magic," Professor Wirruna continued. "They are the language of the universe itself. Each rune carries a meaning, a power, and a connection to the world around us. The rune you hold was not chosen randomly. It resonates with your magical core."


    She gestured to the blackboard, where a large rune appeared, glowing faintly. "This is Fehu, a rune of abundance and prosperity. Its power can guide or hinder, depending on the intent of the caster. Runes are not cast lightly¡ªthey require understanding and respect."


    Wirruna walked among the students, observing their runes. When she reached Soya, she studied his rune carefully. "Ansuz," she said, her tone thoughtful. "A rune of communication and insight. It is often drawn to those who seek knowledge or carry a hidden gift. Have you felt anything unusual when holding it?"


    Soya hesitated, remembering the strange sensation he¡¯d felt when he first touched the tablet. "It feels... warm. And sometimes, I think it glows brighter when I¡¯m focused on something."


    Professor Wirruna nodded. "Pay attention to those sensations. The rune is reacting to your intent. Let us see if you can activate its power."


    She stepped back, gesturing for Soya to hold the tablet in one hand and his wand in the other. "The incantation is Runica Aperio. Focus on the meaning of the rune and channel your magic through it."


    Soya took a deep breath, holding the tablet steady. He focused on the rune¡¯s meaning¡ªcommunication, insight¡ªand raised his wand. "Runica Aperio!" he said clearly.


    The rune flared to life, its glow brightening until it was almost blinding. For a fleeting moment, the air around Soya seemed to ripple, and images from his imagination burst into existence. A vivid phoenix made of fire swept through the room, its wings blazing. A ship with sails billowing appeared, its form translucent but unmistakably real. Then came a parade of fantastical creatures, each one a figment of his mind brought to life. The images shimmered and moved as though alive, but within seconds, they dissolved into wisps of light and vanished.


    Gasps filled the room. The spectacle had been brief, but its intensity left everyone stunned. Soya staggered slightly, the tablet in his hand still warm and pulsing faintly.


    Professor Wirruna¡¯s eyes widened for a fraction of a second before her calm demeanor returned. "Fascinating," she murmured. "It seems your connection to Ansuz is... unique. That was no ordinary activation."


    Soya¡¯s cheeks flushed. "I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª"


    "There is nothing to apologize for," Wirruna interrupted, her tone sharp but not unkind. "What we witnessed was extraordinary. I have never seen a manifestation like that in my years of teaching. This..." She paused, her gaze intense. "This is worth studying further. For now, I advise caution."


    The rest of the lesson was spent exploring the meanings and uses of their assigned runes. Students practiced activating their runes and discussed their experiences with their classmates. By the end of the hour, Soya felt a deeper connection to the ancient symbol, though he knew there was still much to learn.


    The final class of the day brought the first-years to the top of a narrow spiral staircase, where the Divination classroom was housed in a circular tower room. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, and the light was dim, filtered through colorful drapes that hung over the windows. Crystal balls, tea sets, and stacks of tarot cards were arranged on small round tables, giving the room an otherworldly feel.


    Professor Selene Aster, a graceful woman with flowing robes and piercing gray eyes, greeted the students with a serene smile. "Welcome to Divination," she said, smiling fondly. "In this class, you will learn to interpret the threads of fate and uncover the mysteries of the future. But beware¡ªDivination is as much art as it is magic. It requires intuition, focus, and an open mind."


    She gestured for the students to take seats at the tables, each of which was equipped with a crystal ball. "Today, we will begin with scrying. The crystal ball is a window, but it does not reveal its secrets easily. You must attune yourself to the energies around you and let your mind wander."


    Soya sat with Davonte and Eliza, their crystal ball resting in the center of their table. Eliza immediately leaned forward, peering into the glass with exaggerated intensity. "I see... nothing," she said, grinning.


    Professor Aster approached their table, her expression patient. "Do not force it, Miss Gorman. Relax your mind and let the images come to you."


    Soya focused on the crystal ball, letting his thoughts drift. At first, the surface of the glass remained blank, but slowly, faint shapes began to form. He saw swirling patterns of light and shadow, which coalesced into the faint outline of a phoenix rising from flames. The image disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving Soya wondering if he¡¯d imagined it.


    "Did anyone see anything?" Aster asked, her gaze sweeping the room.


    "I think I saw a phoenix," Soya said hesitantly.


    Aster¡¯s eyes lit up with interest. "A phoenix is a powerful symbol of rebirth and resilience. It may reflect something within you or a path you are destined to take. Very intriguing."


    The lesson continued with the students taking turns interpreting the vague shapes they saw in the crystal balls. Some claimed to see scenes of distant lands, while others saw nothing at all. By the end of the hour, most of the class was either fascinated or thoroughly confused by the experience.


    "What you did in there..." Davonte began, stepping beside Soya as they left the room, "was brilliant."


    Soya shrugged, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "It wasn¡¯t exactly planned."


    Davonte chuckled. "Planned or not, you¡¯ve got everyone talking. That was some next-level magic back there."


    As they reached the staircase, a classmate brushed past them, bumping into Soya with deliberate force. "If you didn¡¯t feel special with the attention you get for being a Muggle-born, you will definitely get more attention now," the boy sneered with a smirk. "Attention¡¯s not always a good thing."


    "Shove off, mate," Davonte snapped, stepping protectively in front of Soya and giving the other student a hard look. "Go find someone else to bother."


    The boy rolled his eyes. "Don''t worry, Evander," he quipped, giving Davonte a nasty look. "I have better things to do than waste my time on more words with you and your Muggle-born pet." He gave Soya a disgusted look and headed down the stairs away from them.


    "Who¡¯s that guy?" Soya asked, frowning after him.


    "Orin Thorn," Davonte replied, the name dripping with disdain. "He thinks he¡¯s the castle¡¯s gift to wizardkind. He¡¯s all bark and no bite."


    Soya gave a hesitant smile. "Thanks for standing up for me."


    Davonte grinned, his dark eyes lighting up with mischief. "Hey, I¡¯ve got your back. Someone¡¯s got to keep you out of trouble, right? Besides, I can¡¯t let my best material go to waste."


    "Best material?" Soya asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Davonte struck a theatrical pose, his hand over his chest. "Davonte Evander, noble protector of hapless first-years and unofficial king of sarcastic retorts. It¡¯s a full-time job."


    Soya laughed, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Well, your majesty, I¡¯m glad to be under your protection."


    "Good," Davonte said with a wink. "Now let¡¯s get moving before Orin decides to come back and bore us to death with his family tree. That¡¯ll really take the fun out of your big day."

 Chapter 7: A Warning

    Soya Vareen had been awake for a while. His calico kitten purred against his chest, its small frame rising and falling in sync with his breathing. There was a nervous excitement thrumming beneath his skin¡ªtoday promised something different. The news of a field trip to the Eucalyptic Grove had spread quickly the previous night, and even now, the idea of venturing beyond the castle grounds made him both anxious and intrigued.


    By the time he reached the Great Hall, it was already buzzing with energy. The chatter of students mingled with the soft clinking of silverware and the occasional screech of owls delivering mail. Soya spotted Davonte and Eliza at the Thylacea table, their plates already piled high.


    ¡°Morning, sleepyhead,¡± Eliza teased, scooting over to make room.


    ¡°Morning,¡± Soya mumbled, sliding into the seat. He reached for a piece of toast, the comforting scent of fresh bread and honey easing some of his nerves.


    ¡°Excited for the field trip?¡± Davonte asked, his silver eyes gleaming with mischief. ¡°Or are you still dreading the idea of running into a bunyip?¡±


    Soya frowned. ¡°I thought bunyips lived in swamps.¡±


    ¡°They do,¡± Eliza said, her voice muffled as she bit into a muffin. ¡°But who knows what we¡¯ll see out there? Professor Byrah is famous for leading the most exciting expeditions.¡±


    ¡°Exciting doesn¡¯t always mean safe,¡± Soya muttered, earning a laugh from Davonte.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Davonte said, giving him a wry smile. ¡°You¡¯ve got us. If anything tries to eat you, we¡¯ll be sure to pull you out of its mouth.¡±


    Before Soya could respond, a sharp tap echoed through the hall as Professor Byrah stepped forward, her green robes swirling around her boots. Her presence commanded attention, and the noise in the hall gradually died down.


    ¡°First-years,¡± she began, her voice clear and firm. ¡°Today, we will explore the Eucalyptic Grove, a magical woodland located a short distance from the castle. This area is home to a variety of magical creatures, some of which you¡¯ve likely read about in your textbooks. Others, you¡¯ll be encountering for the first time.¡±


    Byrah gestured to a crate beside her, filled with small, glowing spheres. ¡°These are locator orbs. If you get separated, activate one, and it will guide you back to the group or alert me of your location. Safety is our priority, so listen to instructions, stick with your partners, and respect the creatures and their habitat. Understood?¡±


    A murmur of agreement rippled through the group, and the first-years began pairing off. Soya found himself flanked by Davonte and Eliza, who were already brimming with enthusiasm.


    ¡°We¡¯re definitely seeing a Glowvine Boa,¡± Eliza whispered as they lined up to collect their locator orbs. ¡°I read they¡¯re drawn to enchanted eucalyptus leaves.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be happy if we don¡¯t see anything that bites,¡± Soya replied, gripping his satchel nervously.


    The journey began just beyond the castle gates, where the cobblestones gave way to a dirt path framed by towering eucalyptus trees. The trunks were smooth and pale, their leaves shimmering faintly with magical energy. The air was cooler here, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures.


    ¡°Keep your eyes peeled,¡± Byrah called from the front of the group. ¡°The grove is alive with magic, and some creatures are very good at hiding.¡±


    Soya stuck close to Davonte and Eliza as the group moved deeper into the woods. The sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the ground. Every now and then, a flash of movement in the underbrush would catch Soya¡¯s eye, but when he turned to look, there was nothing there.


    ¡°What do you think that was?¡± he whispered to Davonte.


    ¡°Probably a Pufftail Possum,¡± Davonte said with a shrug. ¡°They¡¯re harmless. Unless you¡¯re carrying a sandwich¡ªthen they¡¯ll steal it right out of your hands.¡±


    Eliza chuckled. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s a Veil Hare. They¡¯re known to vanish the moment you spot them.¡±


    ¡°Or it could be a drop bear,¡± Davonte added with a grin, nudging Soya. ¡°Better watch your head.¡±


    ¡°Very funny,¡± Soya muttered, pulling his satchel tighter over his shoulder.


    The path gradually sloped downward, and the air grew cooler as the group approached a small stream that wound its way through the grove. Byrah stopped and turned to address the students, her sharp eyes scanning the group.


    ¡°This stream marks the edge of our observation zone,¡± she said. ¡°We¡¯ll be looking for signs of magical activity¡ªtracks, nests, or anything unusual. Use your wands if necessary to document what you find, but remember: no direct interaction with the creatures unless I say so. Understood?¡±


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    The students nodded, and Byrah handed out enchanted quills and parchment for taking notes. ¡°Pair up and spread out, but stay within sight of the group. Let¡¯s see what you can discover.¡±


    Soya and his friends chose a spot near the stream, where the water sparkled with an almost ethereal glow. Eliza knelt beside a cluster of rocks, inspecting them closely. ¡°Look at this,¡± she said, pointing to a faint pattern etched into the stone. ¡°Runes. Probably left by a water sprite.¡±


    ¡°Or a student practicing spells,¡± Davonte said, leaning over her shoulder. ¡°Not everything¡¯s magical, you know.¡±


    Soya wandered a few steps away, his eyes scanning the underbrush. He spotted a trail of iridescent slime winding its way up a tree trunk and pointed it out. ¡°What do you think left that?¡±


    Eliza stood and followed his gaze. ¡°Glowvine Boa, maybe? Or a Rainbow Snail. Hard to tell without seeing it.¡±


    ¡°Either way, I¡¯m not touching it,¡± Davonte said, wrinkling his nose.


    As they continued their search, a sudden rustling in the bushes made them all freeze. Soya¡¯s hand instinctively went to his wand, his heart racing.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Eliza whispered. ¡°It¡¯s probably just a¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, a small creature darted out of the underbrush. It was about the size of a rabbit, with sleek fur that shimmered like liquid gold and a pair of delicate wings folded against its back. The creature paused, its bright eyes locking onto the group.


    ¡°Is that... a Golden Fletchling?¡± Davonte whispered, his voice filled with awe.


    Byrah appeared beside them, her expression calm but alert. ¡°Well spotted,¡± she said quietly. ¡°Golden Fletchlings are rare, and they¡¯re incredibly skittish. Move slowly, and don¡¯t make any sudden noises.¡±


    The students held their breath as the Fletchling sniffed the air, its wings twitching slightly. For a moment, it seemed ready to take flight, but then it relaxed and began nibbling on a small flower growing at the base of a tree.


    ¡°Take note of its behavior,¡± Byrah instructed. ¡°Golden Fletchlings are indicators of a healthy magical ecosystem. Their presence here is a good sign.¡±


    Soya carefully jotted down notes, his hand trembling slightly as he sketched the creature in his notebook. Its delicate features and shimmering fur seemed almost unreal, like something out of a dream.


    When the Fletchling finally took flight, its wings glittering in the sunlight, the group let out a collective sigh of wonder. Byrah smiled faintly. ¡°Remember, moments like these are why we study magical creatures. They remind us of the beauty and fragility of our world.¡±


    Professor Byrah¡¯s voice carried over the quiet hum of the grove. ¡°Students, pair off or form small groups of three to four and explore further along the stream and surrounding area. Remember, stay within the observation zone, and if you encounter anything unusual, call for me immediately.¡±


    Soya, Davonte, and Eliza naturally stuck together as they moved deeper into the grove. The cool shade of the eucalyptus trees grew denser, and the air carried a faint earthy scent mixed with the faint tang of magic. Their locator orbs hung at their waists, glowing faintly as a reminder of their connection to the main group.


    ¡°This is a lot better than sitting in a classroom,¡± Davonte said, stepping over a gnarled root. ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining about Elemental Magic, but I¡¯d take fresh air over dodging fireballs any day.¡±


    ¡°Fresh air and potential danger,¡± Eliza reminded him, keeping her wand at the ready. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget the professor¡¯s warning about staying alert.¡±


    Soya was already scanning the ground, taking careful note of every odd detail. His sketchbook was tucked under his arm, ready for quick notes or drawings. As they rounded a bend in the stream, he stopped short, his gaze fixed on something half-hidden under a fallen log.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± he asked, pointing to a long, faintly gleaming strip of material.


    Eliza crouched beside it, her brow furrowing. She reached out carefully, using the tip of her wand to lift the edge of the object. It was translucent and slightly iridescent, its surface patterned with faint ridges.


    ¡°It¡¯s skin,¡± she said quietly, her tone suddenly serious. ¡°Shed skin. From a magical creature.¡±


    Davonte leaned closer, his face a mix of curiosity and unease. ¡°What kind of creature sheds something like that? It looks massive.¡±


    Eliza turned the skin over, examining it more closely. Her face paled slightly. ¡°This... this is basilisk skin.¡±


    Soya blinked, confused. ¡°A basilisk? Aren¡¯t those... really dangerous?¡±


    ¡°Extremely,¡± Eliza replied, her voice low. ¡°And they don¡¯t live anywhere near here. Basilisks are desert creatures¡ªthey thrive in the arid regions of Australia, not lush groves like this.¡±


    Davonte straightened, his usual levity gone. ¡°So what¡¯s one doing here? Or at least, what was it doing here?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a very good question,¡± Eliza murmured, folding the piece of skin carefully and tucking it into her satchel. ¡°We need to show this to Professor Byrah.¡±


    Soya glanced around nervously, the shadows under the trees suddenly seeming darker. ¡°You don¡¯t think it¡¯s still around, do you?¡±


    ¡°Doubtful,¡± Eliza said, though her grip on her wand tightened. ¡°But if it were, we wouldn''t. Basilisks hide underground and are subtle ambush hunters. Still, let¡¯s keep moving. If it were still here, we would be no match for it.¡±


    The group continued their search, their earlier excitement replaced by a sense of unease. The grove, once vibrant and alive, now felt oddly quiet, as though the creatures that usually inhabited it were keeping their distance.


    They eventually made their way back to the stream, where they spotted Professor Byrah speaking with another group of students. Eliza quickened her pace, her expression determined. ¡°Professor!¡± she called, holding up her satchel.


    Byrah turned, her keen eyes narrowing as she saw the students approaching. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, her tone calm but sharp.


    Eliza opened her satchel and carefully pulled out the folded piece of skin. ¡°We found this under a log near the edge of the observation zone. It¡¯s basilisk skin.¡±


    Byrah¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but her eyes flickered with something¡ªconcern, perhaps, or calculation. She took the skin from Eliza, handling it with a care that betrayed its significance.


    ¡°Fascinating,¡± she said, lifting it to the light. "But also troublesome. The ridges and the iridescence are unmistakable. But basilisks aren¡¯t supposed to be in this region.¡±


    She folded the skin carefully and placed it into her own satchel. ¡°Thank you for bringing this to me. You did the right thing. I¡¯ll look into this further, but for now, I want you all to stay focused on your exploration. And remember¡ªif you see anything else unusual, report it immediately.¡±


    The group nodded, though Soya couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something wasn¡¯t right. As they walked away, he glanced back at Byrah, who was speaking quietly to another professor who had joined her. Their expressions were serious, their gestures subtle but tense.


    As they regrouped with the other students, Davonte leaned closer to Soya, his voice low. ¡°You noticed how she reacted, right? She wasn¡¯t surprised. Not really.¡±


    Soya frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean she already knew something was off,¡± Davonte said. ¡°Maybe not about the basilisk specifically, but something.¡±


    Eliza, who had been quiet since handing over the skin, finally spoke. ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s not our job to figure out. The professors will handle it.¡±


    ¡°But what if they don¡¯t?¡± Davonte countered. ¡°I mean, what if¡ª¡±


    ¡°Drop it, Davonte,¡± Eliza said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°This isn¡¯t a game. If something dangerous is out there, we need to trust the professors to deal with it. It¡¯s not our place.¡±


    Soya stayed quiet, though his mind was racing. The day had started with excitement, but now it was clouded by uncertainty. The basilisk skin wasn¡¯t just a mystery¡ªit was a warning. And though Eliza was right about leaving it to the professors, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it all meant.

 Chapter 8: Danger Noodle

    The discovery of the basilisk skin lingered heavily in Soya''s thoughts as the class regrouped by the stream. Even as Professor Byrah led them further into the grove, her calm instructions and reassuring demeanor couldn''t entirely dispel the unease he felt. There was something about the way she and the other professors had exchanged glances¡ªa silent understanding that suggested more than they were letting on.


    The students resumed their exploration in smaller groups, and Soya found himself walking beside Eliza and Davonte again. The excitement that had charged their earlier search was replaced with a cautious tension, and the lively chatter of the class seemed muted.


    Professor Byrah stopped the group near a wide, shaded clearing where the stream widened into a deep pool. The water shimmered with faint, magical light, and soft murmurs of interest rippled through the students as they took in the sight.


    ¡°This,¡± Byrah said, gesturing to the pool, ¡°is the heart of the Eucalyptic Grove. It is said that the pool¡¯s magic reflects the health of the surrounding ecosystem. If you look closely, you might even catch glimpses of the creatures that inhabit the grove.¡±


    Several students leaned forward, their eyes scanning the water¡¯s surface. Soya squinted, but all he could see were faint ripples and flashes of light that might have been reflections.


    ¡°I¡¯d like you all to take a few moments to observe and document what you see,¡± Byrah continued. ¡°Pay attention to any unusual patterns or behaviors. Remember, this is about understanding, not interference.¡±


    The students dispersed, settling into small clusters along the edge of the pool. Soya, Eliza, and Davonte found a spot near the base of a gnarled eucalyptus tree. Eliza immediately began sketching the pool in her notebook, her strokes quick and confident. Davonte leaned back on his hands, his gaze fixed on the water.


    ¡°Do you think the basilisk skin means there¡¯s a basilisk nearby?¡± Soya asked quietly, still turning the discovery over in his mind.


    Eliza shook her head. ¡°Unlikely. Basilisks are territorial, but they wouldn¡¯t leave a shed skin in an area like this. If one had been here, we¡¯d see signs of destruction¡ªor worse.¡±


    ¡°Still weird, though,¡± Davonte added. ¡°What would a desert creature be doing all the way out here?¡±


    Eliza didn¡¯t respond, her attention focused on her sketch. Soya glanced around the clearing, his eyes landing on Sevrin and Sage, who were standing a little apart from the others. They appeared to be deep in conversation, their expressions unusually serious. Sage gestured toward the pool, his dark eyes narrowing as Sevrin nodded.


    ¡°They¡¯re up to something,¡± Davonte muttered, following Soya¡¯s gaze. ¡°Those two never look that serious unless they¡¯re planning trouble.¡±


    Soya frowned but said nothing. He didn¡¯t want to draw attention to himself, especially not from Sevrin. Instead, he turned his focus back to the pool, where a faint ripple caught his eye. A shape moved just beneath the surface, sleek and quick, but it was gone before he could get a good look.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± he asked, leaning forward.


    ¡°See what?¡± Eliza replied, glancing up from her notebook.


    ¡°There was something in the water,¡± Soya said, pointing. ¡°It looked... big.¡±


    Eliza peered into the pool, her brow furrowing. ¡°Probably a Glowvine Boa. They like water.¡±


    Before Soya could respond, Professor Byrah¡¯s voice cut through the clearing. ¡°Students, gather round. I¡¯d like to demonstrate a technique for identifying magical energy signatures.¡±


    The class regrouped near the pool, and Byrah produced a small, enchanted device that resembled a crystal compass. She held it over the water, and the needle spun wildly before settling on a faint blue glow near the center of the pool.


    ¡°This device picks up traces of magical energy,¡± Byrah explained. ¡°The color and intensity of the glow can tell us a lot about the nature of the magic present. Blue indicates a natural, harmonious energy¡ªexactly what we¡¯d expect in a healthy ecosystem.¡±


    As Byrah continued her demonstration, Soya couldn¡¯t help but notice Sevrin and Sage whispering to each other again. Their expressions were unreadable, but there was something about the way they stood slightly apart from the group that set him on edge.


    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re planning something?¡± he whispered to Davonte.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t surprise me,¡± Davonte replied, his tone low. ¡°Those two are always looking for ways to stir things up.¡±


    The serene atmosphere of the clearing shattered in an instant.


    The water of the pool rippled violently as if something massive moved beneath the surface. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the students, and several stepped back instinctively. Soya¡¯s heart raced as he felt the ground beneath him vibrate slightly.


    "Stay calm!" Professor Byrah¡¯s voice cut through the noise, sharp and commanding. Her wand was already in her hand, pointed toward the disturbance. "Do not run. Stay close to each other and move behind me."


    The water erupted in a spray of shimmering droplets as a massive, sinuous form rose from the pool. It was easily the size of a small tree, its scales glinting with an unnatural iridescence in the sunlight. Its head, crowned with sharp, ridged spines, swayed menacingly as its yellow eyes locked onto the group.


    A basilisk.


    Soya froze, his breath catching in his throat. The creature¡¯s presence was suffocating, its sheer size and power radiating danger. Several students whimpered, clutching their locator orbs as if they could shield them from the beast.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Professor Byrah didn¡¯t flinch. With a fluid motion, she cast a protective ward, a shimmering dome of light that enveloped the students. "Everyone, stay inside the barrier!" she ordered, her voice steady. "Do not make any sudden movements."


    The basilisk hissed, the sound like steam escaping a kettle, and began to circle the pool. Its eyes scanned the group, but the ward seemed to deter it from advancing further. Byrah stood at the edge of the barrier, her wand raised, her expression unwavering.


    Another professor, a wiry man with salt-and-pepper hair, emerged from the woods, his own wand drawn. "Byrah, what in Merlin¡¯s name¡ª?"


    "Basilisk," she replied curtly, never taking her eyes off the creature. "Take the students back to the castle. Now."


    The man nodded, his expression grim. "Understood. Students, with me!"


    The group moved as quickly as they could, herded by the professor¡¯s sharp instructions. Soya found himself pushed along with the others, his heart pounding as he glanced back at Byrah. She remained behind, her stance firm as the basilisk tested the edge of her ward.


    ¡°Keep moving!¡± the other professor barked, ushering them toward the path leading out of the grove.


    The tension in the air was palpable as the students hurried away from the clearing. Soya stayed near the back of the group, his mind racing. The sight of the basilisk was burned into his memory, its gleaming scales and piercing eyes a reminder of how close they¡¯d come to disaster.


    As they reached the safety of the forest path, Soya¡¯s gaze swept over the group of students. Davonte and Eliza were just ahead of him, their faces pale but composed. Most of the others were accounted for as well, their locator orbs glowing faintly in the dim light of the grove.


    But something was wrong.


    Soya¡¯s stomach twisted as he realized two students were missing¡ªSevrin and Sage. He glanced around, his heart sinking as the realization solidified. The two had been acting strangely all day, and now they were nowhere to be seen.


    He opened his mouth to say something but hesitated. If he spoke up now, it would draw attention¡ªnot just to their absence, but possibly to himself as well. And something about the way Sevrin and Sage had been acting made him wary of involving himself further.


    Instead, he clenched his jaw and followed the group in silence, his mind churning with questions. Where had they gone? Why hadn¡¯t they been with the rest of the class? And, most unsettling of all, what could they possibly want with a basilisk?


    The group of students arrived back at the castle, the looming stone walls providing a sense of safety that felt almost tangible after the chaos in the grove. The wiry professor who had escorted them back gestured for them to remain in the entry hall while he spoke quietly with another teacher, his voice low and urgent. The students huddled together, their earlier chatter replaced by whispers and uneasy glances.


    ¡°Do you think Professor Byrah¡¯s okay?¡± Davonte asked, breaking the silence.


    ¡°She¡¯s the best in the field,¡± Eliza replied, though her tone carried a hint of uncertainty. ¡°If anyone can handle a basilisk, it¡¯s her.¡±


    Soya nodded absently, his thoughts elsewhere. The absence of Sevrin and Sage gnawed at him, but he kept quiet, unsure of how to bring it up¡ªor if he even should. The weight of the day pressed heavily on his shoulders, and the prospect of another class felt almost surreal.


    The wiry professor returned, his expression grim but composed. ¡°Listen up,¡± he said, addressing the group. ¡°You all will be going directly to your next class¡ªDefence Against the Dark Arts. Professor Marilla is expecting you. She¡¯s already been informed of what happened, and she¡¯ll provide further guidance. No detours, understood?¡±


    The students nodded, and with a wave of his hand, the professor dismissed them. Soya, Davonte, and Eliza fell into step together as they made their way to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.


    The classroom was as imposing as ever, its high stone walls adorned with shelves of ancient tomes and artifacts. Professor Elise Marilla stood at the front, her sharp eyes scanning the group as they entered. She wore her usual dark green robes, her wand holstered at her side. A faint scar on her cheek caught the light as she moved, a testament to her experience in the field.


    ¡°Take your seats,¡± she said curtly, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    The students shuffled into their chairs, the tension in the room palpable. Once everyone was settled, Marilla stepped forward, her hands clasped behind her back.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been informed of the incident in the grove,¡± she began, her voice calm but commanding. ¡°You were fortunate to have Professor Byrah there to protect you. Let this be a reminder that the magical world is not without its dangers.¡±


    Her gaze swept over the students, lingering briefly on Soya, who sat near the middle of the room. ¡°Today¡¯s lesson will focus on counter-curses¡ªan essential skill for any witch or wizard. You¡¯ve already learned the basics of Finite Incantatem, but now we¡¯ll take it a step further.¡±


    She turned to the blackboard, where the word Revoco Maleficium appeared in elegant script. ¡°This incantation is used to counteract specific curses. Unlike Finite Incantatem, which works broadly, Revoco Maleficium requires precision. You must identify the curse and channel your magic directly into the counter-spell.¡±


    Marilla waved her wand, and a target dummy appeared at the front of the room. With a flick of her wrist, she cast a curse, muttering, ¡°Petrificus Collapsus.¡± The dummy stiffened before crumpling to the floor, its limbs locked in an unnatural position.


    ¡°Observe,¡± she said, raising her wand. ¡°Revoco Maleficium!¡± A shimmering light enveloped the dummy, and it returned to its upright position, the curse lifted.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn,¡± Marilla continued, her gaze sharp. ¡°Pair up and practice. One of you will cast a curse on the dummy, and the other will counter it. Remember to clear and precise with your words and wand movements. I¡¯ll be observing.¡±


    Soya found himself paired with Davonte, who grinned despite the seriousness of the task. ¡°Ready to curse a dummy?¡± Davonte asked, his silver eyes gleaming with mischief.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just not mess it up,¡± Soya replied, gripping his wand.


    Davonte raised his wand and cast the same curse Marilla had demonstrated. ¡°Petrificus Collapsus!¡± The dummy stiffened and fell, its wooden limbs locked in place.


    Soya took a deep breath, focusing on the counter-spell. He raised his wand, his voice steady. ¡°Revoco Maleficium!¡± A faint glow surrounded the dummy, and after a moment, it returned to its original state.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Davonte said with a grin. ¡°Your turn to curse it now.¡±


    Soya hesitated but nodded, raising his wand. ¡°Petrificus Collapsus!¡± The dummy collapsed once more, its limbs rigid.


    Davonte stepped forward, his wand at the ready. ¡°Revoco Maleficium!¡± he said confidently. The dummy shimmered and straightened, though it wobbled slightly before stabilizing.


    ¡°Focus on your intent,¡± Marilla said as she passed by their station. ¡°The spell responds to precision and clarity of thought. Sloppy casting will yield sloppy results.¡±


    The pairs continued practicing, the room filled with the sound of incantations and the faint hum of magic. Soya grew more confident with each attempt, his movements more fluid and his voice steadier.


    Toward the end of the lesson, Marilla called for the class¡¯s attention. ¡°You¡¯ve made good progress,¡± she said. ¡°But remember, counter-curses are only one tool in your arsenal. The best defense is always vigilance. Class dismissed.¡±


    As the students gathered their things and filed out of the room, Soya couldn¡¯t shake the lingering unease from earlier.


    The golden light of the setting sun streamed through the high windows as the first-years made their way toward the Great Hall. The hum of conversation and the clatter of cutlery drifted out into the corridor, growing louder as Soya, Davonte, and Eliza pushed open the large double doors and stepped inside.


    The house tables were already bustling with activity. Students laughed and talked, their plates piled high with an array of roasted meats, vegetables, and steaming bowls of soup. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the fading daylight, casting the hall in warm hues of orange and pink.


    Soya followed Davonte and Eliza to the Thylacea table, his gaze briefly flicking to the Yarramundi table where Sevrin and Sage sat, surrounded by their usual crowd. Sevrin appeared relaxed, casually leaning back in his seat as he spoke, but Sage¡¯s posture was unusually stiff, his focus entirely on the plate before him. Whatever had happened during the field trip, they showed no outward sign of distress, but something about their demeanor felt off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at them,¡± Eliza said quietly, nudging Soya. ¡°They¡¯re not worth your attention.¡±


    Soya nodded and took his seat between Davonte and a boy he didn¡¯t recognize. The boy had dark, curly hair and a perpetually curious expression, his Thylacea badge gleaming on his robes. Across the table sat a girl with a sharp, angular face and neatly braided blonde hair.


    ¡°New faces?¡± the boy beside Soya asked, glancing between him and Eliza. ¡°I¡¯m Matteo. Third year. Haven¡¯t seen you lot at the table before¡ªfirst years, I take it?¡±


    ¡°That obvious, huh?¡± Davonte said with a grin, reaching for a bowl of mashed potatoes. ¡°I¡¯m Davonte, this is Soya, and that¡¯s Eliza.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Matteo said, his tone warm. ¡°What¡¯s got you all looking so serious? First-day jitters?¡±


    ¡°Field trip drama,¡± Eliza replied vaguely, her gaze darting briefly toward the Yarramundi table. ¡°Let¡¯s just say it wasn¡¯t exactly a relaxing stroll through the woods.¡±


    The blonde girl across the table raised an eyebrow. ¡°Field trip? You mean the grove? Heard something about that in the corridors¡ªbasilisks, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Soya blinked, startled. ¡°How¡¯d you hear about that already?¡±


    The girl smirked. ¡°Rumors travel fast around here. Especially when they involve something that deadly.¡± She leaned forward, her pale blue eyes sharp. ¡°Name¡¯s Aria, by the way. Second year. What¡¯s it like seeing a basilisk up close?¡±


    ¡°We didn''t get a good look at it,¡± Soya admitted, glancing nervously at his plate. ¡°The professors handled it before it got too close.¡±


    ¡°Still,¡± Matteo said, his expression thoughtful. ¡°A basilisk in the grove? That¡¯s not normal. Those things shouldn¡¯t be anywhere near this region.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we figured that out,¡± Davonte muttered, spearing a piece of roast chicken with his fork. ¡°And trust me, it wasn¡¯t exactly comforting.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve had an eventful day,¡± Aria said, her tone carrying a hint of admiration. ¡°Most first-years don¡¯t have to deal with stuff like that this early on.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re lucky like that,¡± Eliza quipped, though her smile didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes.


    The conversation shifted as the students began discussing classes and upcoming assignments. Matteo shared a story about a prank involving a levitation charm gone wrong, earning a round of laughter from the group. Aria mentioned her plans to join the Tideball team next season, her competitive streak evident as she talked about training with the upper years.


    Soya found himself relaxing as the chatter continued, the warmth of the meal and the camaraderie at the table easing some of the tension from the day. His kitten, perched on the bench beside him, purred contentedly as it batted at a stray piece of bread crust.


    Toward the end of the meal, Matteo leaned closer to Soya. ¡°You know,¡± he said, his voice low enough to avoid being overheard, ¡°if you¡¯re ever curious about spells or dueling techniques, let me know. I¡¯m always up for teaching a thing or two.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Soya replied, surprised by the offer. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    As dessert appeared on the table¡ªan assortment of pies, cakes, and puddings¡ªSoya¡¯s gaze drifted back to the Yarramundi table. Sevrin and Sage were still there, their expressions unreadable. Whatever they were up to, it was clear they had no intention of letting anyone in on their plans.

 Chapter 9: Research

    The library at Austramore was a place of quiet grandeur. Towering shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls stretched toward a vaulted ceiling enchanted to resemble a starlit sky. Lanterns floated gently between the rows, casting a warm, golden glow that made the space feel both vast and intimate. For Soya, the library had always been a refuge, but tonight it felt like a battlefield where he was about to confront the unknown.


    Eliza led the way, her steps purposeful as they approached the librarian''s desk. Madam Lorelei, a stern woman with silvery hair and sharp features, looked up from her parchment as they arrived.


    ¡°Good evening, Madam Lorelei,¡± Eliza began politely. ¡°We¡¯re looking for books on magical creatures, specifically basilisks.¡±


    Lorelei¡¯s pale eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°A peculiar topic for first-years. The Whispering Archives contains the most comprehensive texts on basilisks, but I assume you¡¯re not looking to break rules?¡±


    Eliza shook her head quickly. ¡°Of course not, ma¡¯am. We¡¯re just trying to learn more after today¡¯s... field trip.¡±


    The librarian¡¯s expression softened slightly, though her tone remained brisk. ¡°Section M, third row. You¡¯ll find some general resources there. And remember, no loud conversations.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eliza said, already steering the boys toward the indicated section.


    As they weaved between the towering shelves, Davonte leaned closer to Soya and whispered, ¡°You think she knows something? She had that look¡ªlike she wasn¡¯t surprised at all.¡±


    Soya shrugged, his mind too preoccupied with the basilisk skin and the events in the grove to speculate on the librarian¡¯s reactions. When they reached Section M, the three of them set to work, each selecting a few promising titles to bring back to a nearby table.


    ¡°Magical Predators of the Southern Hemisphere,¡± Eliza announced, setting down a thick, leather-bound volume. ¡°This one should have something useful.¡±


    Soya picked up a smaller book titled Terrifying Terrors: A Beginner''s Guide to Deadly Creatures. He flipped through the pages, scanning for any mention of basilisks.


    Davonte, meanwhile, had chosen a book called Beasts of Legend and Lore. ¡°This one¡¯s got everything from manticores to drop bears,¡± he said, grinning slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll start with the B section.¡±


    The three worked in companionable silence for a time, the quiet rustle of turning pages and the faint hum of magical lanterns the only sounds. Soya felt a small thrill of accomplishment when he finally found a detailed entry on basilisks in his book. He skimmed the text, his finger tracing the lines as he read aloud.


    ¡°Basilisks are serpent-like creatures known for their deadly gaze, which can petrify or kill with a single look. Their venom is highly toxic, and they are considered among the most dangerous magical creatures. They typically inhabit arid regions and are rarely encountered outside their natural desert habitats.¡±


    ¡°Nothing we don¡¯t already know,¡± Davonte said, frowning. ¡°But why would one be in the grove?¡±


    Eliza tapped her quill against her notebook thoughtfully. ¡°That¡¯s the real question, isn¡¯t it? Basilisks don¡¯t migrate like birds. They¡¯re territorial and usually don¡¯t leave their burrows unless...¡±


    ¡°Unless what?¡± Soya prompted.


    ¡°Unless they¡¯re forced to,¡± Eliza finished, her tone uneasy. ¡°Or unless someone brought it here.¡±


    Davonte snorted. ¡°Who in their right mind would bring a basilisk to the grove? That¡¯s like inviting disaster.¡±


    Soya shivered, the idea sending a chill down his spine. He flipped to the next page, where a small illustration of a basilisk curled around a pile of bones caught his eye. Beneath it was a section on basilisk behavior and reproduction.


    ¡°They don¡¯t just roam around, though,¡± he said. ¡°It says here that basilisks need specific conditions to thrive¡ªlike arid climates and access to underground burrows. The grove isn¡¯t exactly ideal for them.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Eliza agreed. ¡°Which means this isn¡¯t just a random occurrence. Something¡ªor someone¡ªmade this happen.¡±


    The weight of her words hung in the air, and Soya felt the knot of unease in his chest tighten. He looked up from his book, his gaze drifting toward the far end of the library. In the dim light, the shelves seemed to stretch endlessly, their shadows deep and impenetrable.


    ¡°Do you think we should tell someone?¡± he asked hesitantly. ¡°The professors, maybe?¡±


    Eliza shook her head. ¡°Not yet. We don¡¯t have enough information to go on. And besides, they probably already know more than they¡¯re letting on. If they wanted us involved, they¡¯d tell us.¡±


    Davonte leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. ¡°So what do we do? Just sit here and wait for another basilisk to show up?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Eliza said firmly. ¡°We keep looking. There has to be more¡ªsomething we¡¯re missing.¡±


    Soya nodded, though his heart wasn¡¯t in it. The weight of the day¡¯s events was pressing down on him, and the flickering lanterns above seemed to cast more shadows than light. Still, he picked up another book, determined to contribute.


    As they continued their search, a faint rustling sound caught Soya¡¯s attention. He glanced up, his gaze drawn toward the farthest corner of the library. For a moment, he thought he saw movement¡ªa flicker of something dark and swift¡ªbut when he blinked, it was gone.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible.


    ¡°See what?¡± Eliza asked, not looking up from her book.


    Soya hesitated. ¡°Nothing. Probably just my imagination.¡±


    Davonte gave him a sidelong glance. ¡°You¡¯re not going to start seeing basilisks in every shadow, are you?¡±


    Soya managed a weak smile, but his unease remained. He turned his attention back to the book in front of him, forcing himself to focus on the neatly printed text. Yet, the feeling of being watched lingered, prickling at the edges of his awareness.


    Soya flipped through yet another book, his focus wavering as the repetitive descriptions of basilisk anatomy and habitats blurred together. He sighed, glancing at Eliza, who was engrossed in her notes. Davonte was leaning back in his chair, twirling his wand idly as he skimmed through a section on venomous creatures.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°This feels like looking for a needle in a haystack,¡± Soya muttered, closing the book with a soft thud. ¡°We¡¯re not finding anything new.¡±


    Eliza frowned, her quill hovering over her notebook. ¡°Maybe we¡¯re looking in the wrong place. If the professors already know about the basilisk, there might be something in the library they don¡¯t want students finding easily.¡±


    Davonte raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re suggesting we check the Whispering Archives? Pretty sure Madam Lorelei would love to catch us sneaking in there.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Eliza said quickly. ¡°Not that''s the restricted section. But there might be overlooked books in the older sections of the library. Places even the professors don¡¯t visit often.¡±


    Soya hesitated. ¡°Do you think we¡¯d actually find anything useful?¡±


    Eliza shrugged, already standing and gathering her notes. ¡°Only one way to find out.¡±


    The trio ventured deeper into the library, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet lining the aisles. The air grew cooler, and the glow of the lanterns dimmed slightly as they moved away from the main reading area. Here, the shelves were older, their wood dark and polished to a faint sheen. Dust motes danced in the faint light, and the scent of aged parchment was more pronounced.


    ¡°This place feels... different,¡± Davonte said, his voice low as they stopped near a crooked shelf labeled Obscure Studies.


    Eliza scanned the spines of the books, her fingers brushing over faded titles. She paused, her brow furrowing as she pulled a worn, leather-bound volume from the shelf. The title, stamped in gold lettering, read The Enigmatic Ecology of Basilisks and Other Magical Serpents.


    ¡°Found something,¡± she announced, setting the book on a nearby table. The cover was cracked with age, and the pages inside were yellowed but intact. Eliza flipped through the contents, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the text.


    Soya leaned closer, catching sight of a name written in elegant script on the title page: Authored by Professor Lenara Byrah.


    ¡°This was written by Professor Byrah?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.


    Eliza nodded, her expression thoughtful. ¡°Makes sense. She¡¯s an expert on magical creatures. This could have everything we need to know.¡±


    ¡°Or it could be one of those dry academic texts that¡¯s impossible to read,¡± Davonte quipped, leaning over to peer at the pages.


    Eliza ignored him and began flipping through the chapters, her movements growing more frantic as she progressed. ¡°Wait... something¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Soya asked, his stomach sinking.


    ¡°The pages,¡± Eliza said, holding up the book. ¡°They¡¯re missing. Whole sections have been torn out.¡±


    Soya took the book, his fingers brushing over the ragged edges where pages had clearly been removed. The gaps were irregular, with several chapters missing entirely. One of the chapters, titled Basilisk Behavior in Unnatural Habitats, was almost completely gone, save for a few fragments near the beginning.


    ¡°Someone didn¡¯t want anyone reading this,¡± Davonte said grimly. ¡°But why? It¡¯s just a book about basilisks, right?¡±


    ¡°Not just any book,¡± Eliza corrected, her tone sharp. ¡°This is written by Professor Byrah. She¡¯s one of the leading experts on magical creatures. Whatever was in here might explain why a basilisk ended up in the grove.¡±


    Soya¡¯s mind raced as he stared at the missing pages. The implications were unsettling. Someone had deliberately removed this information¡ªpossibly to hide something important.


    ¡°Do you think she knows?¡± he asked. ¡°Professor Byrah, I mean. Do you think she knows her book is damaged?¡±


    Eliza hesitated. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But if she does, she¡¯s not telling anyone.¡±


    Davonte crossed his arms, his expression serious for once. ¡°This is bigger than we thought, isn¡¯t it? Whoever tore out these pages doesn¡¯t want people asking questions.¡±


    Soya nodded, a chill running down his spine. ¡°So what do we do now?¡±


    Eliza closed the book carefully, her eyes alight with determination. ¡°We keep looking. If the answers aren¡¯t here, we¡¯ll find them somewhere else. But we need to be careful. If someone¡¯s trying to hide something, they won¡¯t take kindly to us digging around.¡±


    The trio fell silent, the weight of their discovery settling over them. Soya glanced at the book one last time before they returned it to the shelf, its missing pages a stark reminder of how much they still didn¡¯t know.


    The library¡¯s quiet atmosphere was broken only by the soft rustle of pages and the occasional creak of a chair. Soya, Eliza, and Davonte sat huddled at their table, their earlier discovery weighing heavily on their minds. Despite the calm surroundings, an undercurrent of tension kept their voices low.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just leave it like this,¡± Eliza whispered, her fingers tapping anxiously on her notebook. ¡°Missing pages? Basilisks in the grove? It¡¯s all connected, and we¡¯re in the middle of it.¡±


    ¡°And what do you suggest?¡± Davonte asked, his tone laced with skepticism. ¡°March up to Professor Byrah and demand answers? She¡¯d probably tell us to stick to our textbooks and leave the adults to handle it.¡±


    Soya frowned, his gaze flicking toward the dimly lit aisle where they¡¯d found Byrah¡¯s book. ¡°What if we¡¯re not the only ones asking questions? Someone went through a lot of trouble to keep those pages hidden. Maybe they¡¯re watching her too.¡±


    Eliza nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. ¡°If that¡¯s true, then we need to be careful. We don¡¯t want to draw attention to ourselves.¡±


    Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Instinctively, they fell silent, their eyes darting toward the source of the noise. Two figures emerged from the shadows, their voices low but distinct as they moved deeper into the library.


    Soya¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he recognized Professor Byrah¡¯s sharp tone. She was accompanied by another professor¡ªa tall man with a thin frame and a stern expression. The pair stopped near a bookshelf just out of sight, their words muffled but still audible in the stillness of the library.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, this is the thirtieth incident,¡± Byrah said, her voice tight with frustration. ¡°Thirty basilisks in regions they have no business being in. And that¡¯s only the ones we know about.¡±


    The other professor¡¯s response was quieter, but his tone carried a note of urgency. ¡°The patterns are troubling, yes. But without more evidence, we can¡¯t jump to conclusions. It could still be a series of isolated anomalies.¡±


    Byrah scoffed. ¡°Isolated? When they¡¯ve all appeared in areas with no natural connection to their habitats? The deserts, the marshes, even the coast¡ªnone of it makes sense. Someone or something is moving them.¡±


    ¡°Careful, Lenara,¡± the man cautioned, his voice dropping even lower. ¡°You¡¯re treading dangerously close to accusations. If you¡¯re wrong¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not wrong,¡± Byrah interrupted, her voice fierce. ¡°You saw the signs yourself. The skin in the grove wasn¡¯t just a random molt. That basilisk was placed there.¡±


    Soya¡¯s breath caught in his throat, his pulse quickening as he exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Eliza. Her hand gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles white. Davonte looked equally tense, his silver eyes narrowing as he leaned closer.


    The professors¡¯ conversation continued, but their voices became too faint to decipher. After a few moments, the sound of their footsteps faded as they moved further into the library. The trio sat frozen, the weight of what they¡¯d overheard sinking in.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Davonte whispered, his voice barely audible. ¡°Thirty basilisks. Someone¡¯s moving them.¡±


    ¡°And placing them,¡± Eliza added, her brow furrowed in thought. ¡°This isn¡¯t just a coincidence. It¡¯s deliberate.¡±


    Soya swallowed hard, his mind racing. ¡°But why? Why would anyone do that? Basilisks are dangerous¡ªthey could hurt people, destroy habitats. What¡¯s the point?¡±


    ¡°Could be a test,¡± Davonte suggested grimly. ¡°See how wizards respond, test the limits of their defenses. Or maybe it¡¯s just chaos for the sake of chaos.¡±


    Eliza shook her head. ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s bigger than us. But if the professors are already investigating, maybe they¡¯ll find answers before anyone gets hurt.¡±


    Soya hesitated, his gaze drifting toward the aisle where Byrah had disappeared. ¡°Do you think she knows more than she¡¯s letting on? She sounded... sure of herself.¡±


    ¡°Of course she does,¡± Davonte said, crossing his arms. ¡°But she¡¯s not about to share that with a bunch of first-years.¡±


    Eliza nodded reluctantly. ¡°Still, we need to keep our eyes open. If we notice anything unusual, we document it. Quietly.¡±


    Soya agreed, though the unease in his chest remained. Whatever was happening, it was clear that their world was far more dangerous¡ªand far more complicated¡ªthan he had ever imagined.


    The library remained quiet as the trio resumed their search for answers. The weight of what they had overheard hung over them like a storm cloud, but they knew they couldn¡¯t stop now. There was still so much they didn¡¯t understand.


    Eliza flipped through a book titled Runic Wardings of the Southern Hemisphere, her brow furrowed in concentration. Davonte was skimming through an old journal that detailed basilisk behaviors, though he looked more frustrated with each page he turned. Soya focused on jotting down notes, his sketchbook open beside him with a half-finished drawing of the basilisk they¡¯d seen in the grove.


    After a long stretch of silence, Eliza suddenly straightened in her chair, her finger tapping the page in front of her. ¡°Wait a second,¡± she said, her voice sharp with realization.


    Both boys looked up, startled by the shift in her tone. ¡°What is it?¡± Soya asked, setting his quill down.


    ¡°The rune,¡± Eliza said, her green eyes bright with excitement. ¡°The one we saw next to the lake. Remember how we just noted it down and moved on? We didn¡¯t think much of it at the time because it didn¡¯t seem connected to the basilisk.¡±


    ¡°What about it?¡± Davonte asked, closing his book and leaning forward. ¡°It was probably just a leftover from some old spellwork.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Eliza said, shaking her head. ¡°Runes don¡¯t just appear randomly, especially not ones like that. It wasn¡¯t a ward or anything standard¡ªit was too deliberate. And think about it: there are only a few people in this entire castle who specialize in runes.¡±


    Davonte¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Professor Wirruna, obviously. She¡¯s the head of Runes. And Professor Blackthorn.¡±


    ¡°And Salem,¡± Soya added quietly, recalling the reserved student whose talent for runes had been mentioned more than once. ¡°He¡¯s known for it.¡±


    ¡°And Sage,¡± Eliza said firmly, her voice tinged with suspicion. ¡°We can¡¯t ignore him. He¡¯s Sevrin¡¯s shadow half the time, and he¡¯s been acting strange ever since the basilisk showed up.¡±


    ¡°But why would Sage¡ªor anyone, for that matter¡ªput a rune near the lake?¡± Soya asked, his brow furrowing. ¡°What could it even do?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we need to figure out,¡± Eliza said, flipping to another section of her book. She scanned the page quickly before continuing. ¡°Runes can have all kinds of effects depending on how they¡¯re drawn and powered. Some can be used to summon creatures, while others can act as anchors for magic or even distort natural habitats.¡±


    Davonte let out a low whistle. ¡°So you¡¯re saying that rune might be tied to the basilisk somehow? Like it was put there to bring it to the grove?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Eliza said, her voice steady but serious. ¡°And if that¡¯s the case, it means someone deliberately brought that basilisk here. This wasn¡¯t an accident.¡±


    Soya felt a chill run down his spine. The idea that someone within the castle¡ªsomeone they might have passed in the corridors or sat near in class¡ªcould be responsible was deeply unsettling. ¡°But who would do something like that?¡± he asked. ¡°And why?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we need to figure out,¡± Eliza said, determination hardening her features. She turned the book around to show them a diagram of a rune similar to the one they¡¯d seen. ¡°This one is used for containment, but if you alter it slightly, it can act as a summoning marker. The rune by the lake had some of these elements, but it was incomplete. Almost like it was interrupted.¡±


    ¡°Interrupted?¡± Davonte echoed. ¡°You think someone was in the middle of setting it up and got caught?¡±


    ¡°Or maybe they left it unfinished on purpose,¡± Eliza suggested. ¡°To throw people off or to avoid detection.¡±


    Soya stared at the diagram, his mind racing. ¡°If Sage or someone else from the castle was involved, wouldn¡¯t the professors notice? They¡¯re the experts.¡±


    ¡°Not if they¡¯re careful,¡± Eliza said grimly. ¡°Runes like this can be hidden in plain sight if you know what you¡¯re doing. And if it¡¯s Sage, he¡¯s had plenty of time to practice.¡±


    Davonte leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. ¡°So what do we do now? Go tell Professor Blackthorn that one of his sons might be summoning basilisks for fun?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Eliza said firmly. ¡°We don¡¯t have proof¡ªjust suspicions. But we do need to keep digging. If we can figure out what the rune was supposed to do, it might give us a better idea of who¡¯s behind this.¡±


    Soya nodded, though the unease in his chest remained. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together, but the picture they were forming was anything but reassuring. He glanced at the shelves around them, wondering what other secrets the library held¡ªand whether they were ready to uncover them.

 Chapter 10: The Rune

    The group sat huddled in the quiet corner of the Thylacea common room, their heads close together as they whispered. The fire in the hearth crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on their faces. Soya glanced nervously around the room, but most of the other students were preoccupied with their own conversations or homework.


    ¡°This is a bad idea,¡± Soya muttered, his voice barely audible. His calico kitten, curled in his lap, let out a soft meow, almost as if in agreement.


    ¡°It¡¯s the only way to get answers,¡± Eliza countered, her green eyes flashing with determination. ¡°We need to see that rune up close and figure out what it¡¯s doing there. If we wait for the professors, who knows how long it¡¯ll take? They¡¯re clearly keeping things from us.¡±


    Davonte leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. ¡°You¡¯re assuming we can even find it again. The grove is huge, and it¡¯s not like we marked the spot.¡±


    Eliza pulled out her notebook, flipping to a page covered in sketches and notes. ¡°I drew a rough map of the area based on where we were during the field trip. I think I can retrace our steps.¡±


    Soya stared at the map, his stomach twisting. ¡°And what if we get caught? Or worse, what if there¡¯s another basilisk?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be careful,¡± Eliza said, her tone firm. ¡°We have locator orbs, and we¡¯ll stick together. Besides, we¡¯re not going to get close to any creatures¡ªwe¡¯re just going to look at the rune.¡±


    Davonte sighed. ¡°And then what? Take a picture and hand it to the professors? They¡¯re going to wonder how we got it.¡±


    Eliza hesitated. ¡°We¡¯ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we just need to focus on finding the rune and figuring out what it means.¡±


    Soya shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He hated the idea of sneaking out, but he couldn¡¯t deny the growing curiosity gnawing at him. The missing pages from Byrah¡¯s book, the overheard conversation about basilisks¡ªit all pointed to something bigger. And the rune by the lake might be the key to understanding it.


    ¡°What about Sevrin and Sage?¡± Soya asked, glancing around the room again. ¡°If they¡¯re involved, they could already know we¡¯re onto something.¡±


    Eliza frowned. ¡°That¡¯s why we need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the more time they have to cover their tracks¡ªif they¡¯re involved at all.¡±


    Davonte leaned forward, his silver eyes sharp. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan? Sneak out after curfew? Hope the prefects don¡¯t catch us?¡±


    ¡°Pretty much,¡± Eliza admitted. ¡°We¡¯ll wait until the common room is clear, then head to the grove. I¡¯ve got a Disillusionment Charm we can use if we run into trouble.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Davonte said dryly. ¡°Because sneaking around in the dark with a charm we barely know is such a foolproof plan.¡±


    Eliza shot him a look. ¡°Do you have a better idea?¡±


    Davonte shrugged. ¡°Not really. But if we¡¯re doing this, we need to be smart about it. Stick to the shadows, keep quiet, and don¡¯t take unnecessary risks.¡±


    Soya swallowed hard, his fingers tightening on his kitten¡¯s fur. ¡°And what if we find something dangerous? What then?¡±


    Eliza¡¯s expression softened. ¡°We¡¯ll deal with it together. But we¡¯re not going to let fear stop us. If we don¡¯t do this, we¡¯ll never get answers.¡±


    The fire crackled again, and the group fell into silence, the weight of their decision settling over them. Soya looked at his friends, their faces lit by the warm glow of the flames. Despite his fears, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a spark of determination. They were in this together, and whatever they found in the grove, they would face it as a team.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I¡¯m in.¡±


    Eliza smiled, relief and resolve flickering in her eyes. ¡°Good. Let¡¯s meet back here after lights out. Bring your wands¡ªand wear something you can move in.¡±


    Davonte smirked. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re going on an adventure after all.¡±


    As the others began to finalize their plan, Soya leaned back in his chair, his kitten purring softly in his lap. The knot of anxiety in his chest hadn¡¯t disappeared.


    The hours dragged as the group waited for the castle to quiet down. Soya sat on the edge of his bed in the Thylacea dormitory, his kitten curled up next to him. He ran a hand through its soft fur, his mind racing with what-ifs. Davonte had made a sarcastic comment earlier about what to pack for sneaking through a magical forest, and Soya couldn¡¯t help but replay it in his head. A joke was easier to focus on than the potential danger of their plan.


    When the soft hum of conversation in the common room finally died down, Soya grabbed his satchel, double-checking the contents: wand, notebook, and locator orb. He crept out of the dormitory, the dim light from the enchanted sconces casting long shadows on the stone walls.


    Eliza and Davonte were waiting in the corner near the fire, both dressed in dark cloaks. Eliza had a determined look on her face, while Davonte leaned against the wall, his usual smirk replaced with a more serious expression.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Eliza asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Soya nodded. ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Good,¡± she said, pulling a small, battered tome from her bag. ¡°I brought this in case we need a refresher on the Disillusionment Charm.¡±


    Davonte raised an eyebrow. ¡°You brought a book? What are you going to do, read to the basilisk?¡±


    Eliza rolled her eyes. ¡°If we do this right, we won¡¯t need to worry about any creatures. Now, let¡¯s go before someone decides to stay up late.¡±


    The trio slipped through the common room¡¯s exit, the carved Tasmanian tiger on the door giving them a curious glance before letting them pass. The corridors of Austramore were eerily quiet, the usual bustle of students replaced by the distant echo of their footsteps. Moonlight streamed through the tall windows, casting silver patterns on the floor.


    ¡°Stick close,¡± Eliza whispered, leading the way. ¡°We¡¯ll take the south staircase. Fewer patrols there.¡±


    They moved in silence, their senses heightened by the stillness of the castle. Every creak of the floorboards and distant hoot of an owl made Soya flinch, his hand gripping his wand tightly. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the adrenaline making every sound seem louder than it was.


    When they reached the entrance hall, Eliza stopped and motioned for them to huddle. ¡°This is where it gets tricky,¡± she said quietly. ¡°The main gate is usually locked after hours, but I¡¯ve seen upperclassmen use a charm to open it. It¡¯s simple enough¡ªAlohomora.¡±


    Davonte glanced around nervously. ¡°Let¡¯s hope the prefects aren¡¯t lurking nearby.¡±


    Eliza raised her wand, her movements precise as she pointed it at the lock. ¡°Alohomora,¡± she whispered.


    The lock clicked softly, and the heavy wooden doors creaked open just enough for them to slip through. Eliza pushed the door shut behind them, ensuring it didn¡¯t make too much noise.


    The cool night air hit them immediately, carrying the faint scent of eucalyptus and damp earth. The grounds were bathed in moonlight, the shadows of the towering trees stretching across the grass like dark veins. The trio moved quickly, sticking to the edges of the paths to avoid being seen.


    When they reached the edge of the grove, Eliza paused, pulling out her notebook. ¡°We¡¯ll head toward the stream first,¡± she said, flipping to the map she had sketched. ¡°From there, we should be able to find the clearing where the rune was.¡±


    ¡°Should,¡± Davonte repeated, his voice dry. ¡°Very reassuring.¡±


    Soya glanced over his shoulder, the castle looming in the distance. ¡°Let¡¯s just get this over with.¡±


    The grove was even more unsettling at night. The rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot made Soya¡¯s nerves jump. The locator orb at his waist glowed faintly, a comforting reminder of their connection to safety, but it did little to quell his unease.


    As they followed the stream, Eliza kept checking her map, her expression focused. Davonte muttered occasional complaints about the cold or the darkness, but even he seemed unusually tense. Soya stayed quiet, his senses on high alert.


    When they finally reached the clearing, Eliza stopped and pointed. ¡°There it is,¡± she said, her voice hushed.


    The rune was faintly visible in the moonlight, etched into the ground near the edge of the water. It was larger than Soya had remembered, the intricate lines and symbols seeming to shimmer faintly as they got closer.


    Eliza knelt beside it, her notebook open as she began sketching. ¡°This is definitely deliberate,¡± she murmured. ¡°No way this was made by accident.¡±


    Davonte stood a few feet back, his wand drawn. ¡°And no way this is just a summoning rune. Look at those patterns¡ªthey¡¯re way too complex.¡±


    Soya crouched beside Eliza, his eyes scanning the rune. ¡°What do you think it¡¯s for?¡±


    Eliza frowned, her quill pausing mid-stroke. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet, but it¡¯s definitely tied to the basilisk. See these marks here? They¡¯re similar to containment runes, but they¡¯ve been altered. It¡¯s like someone combined multiple types of magic.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not comforting,¡± Davonte muttered, his gaze darting around the clearing.


    As they continued studying the rune, a faint rustling sound made them all freeze. Soya¡¯s heart leapt into his throat as he turned toward the noise, his wand trembling slightly in his hand.


    ¡°What was that?¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Probably just the wind,¡± Eliza said, though her voice was unconvincing.


    Davonte stepped forward cautiously, his wand raised. ¡°Wind doesn¡¯t make footsteps,¡± he said grimly. ¡°We need to move. Now.¡±


    Eliza froze, her eyes wide as the faint sound of footsteps grew louder. Soya¡¯s breath hitched, and Davonte immediately extinguished the light from his wand with a whispered, ¡°Nox.¡± The three huddled low to the ground, retreating behind a cluster of bushes near the stream¡¯s edge. The rustling of leaves and the crunch of twigs underfoot were unmistakable now¡ªsomeone was approaching the rune.


    Soya¡¯s heart pounded so loudly he was certain whoever was coming would hear it. Eliza pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for absolute silence. They crouched in the shadows, their breaths shallow as they waited.


    Two figures stepped into the clearing, their silhouettes sharp in the moonlight. Soya recognized them immediately: Sevrin Verelle and Sage Blackthorn. They moved with an air of purpose, their dark robes blending into the shadows of the grove.


    Sevrin stopped near the rune, his wand already in his hand. Sage followed closely, glancing around the clearing as if to ensure they were alone.


    ¡°This is sloppy work,¡± Sevrin muttered, his tone laced with disdain. ¡°If anyone else had stumbled upon this, we¡¯d have more than just curious professors poking around.¡±


    Sage shrugged, his voice low but carrying an edge of annoyance. ¡°We didn¡¯t exactly have time for perfection, Sevrin. You¡¯re lucky I even managed to get it done before Byrah showed up.¡±


    Sevrin scoffed, crouching to examine the rune more closely. ¡°Lucky, indeed. But this is careless. They¡¯ll figure it out eventually if we leave it like this.¡±


    From their hiding spot, Soya felt Eliza¡¯s hand tighten on his arm. Her eyes were locked on the scene, her expression a mix of fear and determination. Davonte, crouched beside them, looked ready to spring into action at any moment, though the tension in his clenched jaw suggested he was restraining himself.


    Sage waved his wand over the rune, muttering an incantation under his breath. The etched lines began to fade, the shimmering patterns dissolving into the ground as if they had never been there.


    ¡°There,¡± Sage said, straightening. ¡°No one will find anything now.¡±


    ¡°Not good enough,¡± Sevrin replied sharply. ¡°We need to make sure nothing points back to us. If Byrah connects this to the basilisk, we¡¯re finished.¡±


    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Sage said confidently. ¡°She has no proof. All she has is a lot of questions and no answers.¡±


    Sevrin¡¯s gaze darkened, and he took a step closer to Sage. ¡°Questions lead to answers, Sage. You¡¯d do well to remember that.¡±


    Sage rolled his eyes but said nothing, his wand still drawn as he scanned the clearing one last time. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go. There¡¯s nothing left here to find.¡±


    Sevrin hesitated, his piercing green eyes narrowing as he looked toward the shadows. For a moment, Soya was certain Sevrin¡¯s gaze had landed directly on their hiding spot. He held his breath, his muscles tensing as he prepared to run¡ªor fight, if it came to that.


    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Sage asked, glancing at Sevrin.


    Sevrin¡¯s expression softened, and he shook his head. ¡°No. Let¡¯s move.¡±


    The two of them disappeared into the trees, their footsteps fading into the distance. Soya, Eliza, and Davonte remained frozen for several long moments, the silence of the grove pressing in around them.


    Finally, Eliza exhaled shakily, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Did you hear that?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re involved,¡± Davonte said grimly, his silver eyes blazing with anger. ¡°They¡¯re behind the basilisk, the rune¡ªeverything.¡±


    Soya nodded, his mind spinning. ¡°But why? What could they possibly gain from all this?¡±


    Eliza shook her head, her expression conflicted. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But we can¡¯t stay here. If they come back¡ª¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be next on their list,¡± Davonte finished, already standing and brushing off his cloak. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    The trio moved quickly but quietly, retracing their steps through the grove. The weight of what they had just witnessed hung heavily over them, each step a reminder of the danger they were now entangled in. By the time they reached the edge of the castle grounds, the first hints of dawn were breaking on the horizon.


    As they slipped back into the castle and made their way toward the Thylacea common room, Soya couldn¡¯t shake the image of Sevrin and Sage standing over the rune, their cold voices echoing in his mind. Whatever was happening, it was bigger than any of them had realized¡ªand far more dangerous.

 Chapter 11: Shadows of Doubt

    The days following their discovery in the grove passed in a haze for Soya Vareen. The castle''s daily hum of life¡ªthe clatter of plates in the Great Hall, the murmured conversations in classrooms, the occasional burst of laughter from older students in the corridors¡ªfelt distant, almost muted. He moved through his routine mechanically, but his mind was a whirlwind of fear and doubt.


    Eliza had taken it upon herself to dive deeper into research. Every spare moment she wasn¡¯t in class, she was holed up in the library, her notes growing in size and complexity. She insisted they needed answers and that time was of the essence. Davonte helped when he could, but his approach was more relaxed, often veering into jokes to keep their spirits up.


    But Soya? He found himself pulling away.


    It wasn¡¯t a conscious decision at first. It started with small things: staying a little longer at breakfast to avoid the rush to the library, offering to help with simple tasks for professors so he wouldn¡¯t have to join the others. Soon, he was spending more time in classes and quiet corners of the castle, sketching magical creatures or revising basic charms.


    Soya sat cross-legged in the Thylacea common room one evening, his calico kitten curled in his lap. The soft crackle of the fireplace filled the space as older students murmured nearby, their voices blending into a comforting background hum. His sketchbook rested against his knees, and he was halfway through a drawing of the Golden Fletchling they¡¯d seen in the grove.


    His pencil hovered over the page, but his focus wavered. The image of Sevrin and Sage standing over the rune played over and over in his mind. The cold calculation in their voices, the way they had so easily erased evidence¡ªit all felt too much for him to process.


    What am I even doing? he thought, his chest tightening. I¡¯m not brave like Eliza or confident like Davonte. I¡¯m just... me.


    His kitten stirred, pressing its tiny nose against his hand. He absentmindedly scratched behind its ears, but the gesture did little to ease the turmoil inside him. The thought of sneaking out again, of uncovering even more dangerous secrets, made his stomach churn.


    He was only eleven.


    The next morning, Soya sat alone in the Great Hall, poking at a bowl of porridge. Eliza had already left for the library, and Davonte was trying to convince a group of second-years to join him in practicing dueling techniques later. The chatter of students around him felt like static, an incessant buzz he couldn¡¯t tune out.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯ve seen a banshee,¡± Davonte¡¯s voice cut through the noise as he slid onto the bench beside him. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Soya hesitated, staring into his porridge as though it held the answers. ¡°Nothing,¡± he mumbled.


    Davonte wasn¡¯t convinced. He tilted his head, his silver eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°Come on, mate. I know that look. Spill.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just...¡± Soya started, then faltered. How could he explain the weight pressing on him without sounding ridiculous? He bit his lip, then tried again. ¡°Do you ever feel like... maybe we shouldn¡¯t be doing this? Like, what if we¡¯re in over our heads?¡±


    Davonte¡¯s expression softened, and he leaned back slightly. ¡°Of course I do. This whole thing is mental, isn¡¯t it? Runes, basilisks, professors keeping secrets¡ªit¡¯s not exactly what we signed up for.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Soya said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°We¡¯re just first-years. We¡¯re not supposed to be dealing with things like this. What if we mess up? What if... what if someone gets hurt?¡±


    Davonte was quiet for a moment, his usual playful demeanor replaced by something more serious. ¡°Look, I get it. This is scary. But if we don¡¯t try to figure this out, who will? The professors are obviously keeping us in the dark, and Sevrin and Sage¡ªwell, you saw them. They¡¯re up to something, and it¡¯s not good.¡±


    ¡°But what can we even do?¡± Soya asked, his voice cracking slightly. ¡°We¡¯re just kids.¡±


    Davonte smiled faintly, placing a hand on Soya¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re just kids. But sometimes, kids notice things adults don¡¯t. And we¡¯ve got each other, right? You don¡¯t have to do this alone.¡±


    Soya nodded, though the knot in his chest didn¡¯t entirely loosen. The truth was, he wasn¡¯t sure if he could keep going. The fear was always there, a shadow that followed him no matter how hard he tried to push it away.


    Later that day, during their free period, Soya found himself wandering the castle grounds. The fresh air helped clear his head, but it didn¡¯t silence the doubts that gnawed at him. He stopped near the edge of the lake, the water reflecting the pale afternoon sky.


    Sitting on a flat rock, he pulled out his sketchbook and began to draw. The pencil moved instinctively, capturing the curves of a Glowvine Boa winding through the trees. As he worked, the world around him faded, and for a brief moment, the fear and uncertainty melted away.


    But then his hand slipped, the line on the page jagged and out of place. He stared at the mistake, his chest tightening. It felt like a metaphor for everything he was feeling¡ªtrying so hard to make sense of things, only to stumble and falter.


    He sighed, closing the sketchbook and hugging it to his chest. The water lapped gently at the shore, its rhythmic sound soothing but not enough to quiet the storm inside him.


    I don¡¯t know if I can do this, he thought, the weight of the decision pressing down on him like never before.


    The next few days passed in a blur, and Soya felt more like an observer of his own life than an active participant. Classes came and went, meals were eaten, and the routine of castle life carried on around him. But no matter how much he tried to focus on his studies or lose himself in his drawings, the weight of everything they¡¯d uncovered pressed relentlessly on his mind.


    Eliza, meanwhile, was as determined as ever. She spent nearly all her free time in the library, often returning to the common room with stacks of notes and books, her green eyes alight with purpose. Each evening, she would corner Soya and Davonte in the quietest corner of the common room to share her findings.


    On the fourth evening, Eliza placed her notebook on the table between them with a decisive thud. ¡°Alright,¡± she said, brushing a loose strand of auburn hair out of her face. ¡°I think I¡¯ve finally pieced some of this together.¡±


    Davonte leaned forward, feigning dramatic anticipation. ¡°Please, enlighten us, oh wise one.¡±


    Eliza ignored him, flipping open her notebook to reveal a series of neatly drawn diagrams and notes. ¡°So, here¡¯s what I¡¯ve figured out. The rune we saw near the lake? It¡¯s definitely not standard. It has elements of summoning magic, but also containment. Whoever drew it knew exactly what they were doing.¡±Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Soya said quietly, his fingers fiddling with the corner of his sketchbook. ¡°But what does that mean?¡±


    ¡°It means,¡± Eliza continued, her tone serious, ¡°that the basilisk didn¡¯t just wander into the grove by accident. Someone brought it there¡ªand they used that rune to control it.¡±


    Davonte frowned, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Control it? Why would anyone want to do that? Basilisks aren¡¯t exactly easy pets.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Eliza admitted, her brow furrowing. ¡°But it¡¯s not just about the basilisk. I¡¯ve been looking into the patterns Professor Byrah mentioned¡ªthe other basilisks that have appeared in strange places. In almost every case, there were reports of magical disturbances beforehand. Runes, strange lights, disappearing creatures. It¡¯s all connected.¡±


    Soya swallowed hard, the knot in his chest tightening further. ¡°But why would someone do that? What¡¯s the point?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the part I can¡¯t figure out,¡± Eliza said, frustration creeping into her voice. ¡°But it¡¯s not random. Whoever¡¯s behind this has a plan¡ªand they¡¯re powerful enough to pull it off.¡±


    The weight of her words settled over the group, and for a moment, none of them spoke. Soya stared at the diagrams in Eliza¡¯s notebook, the intricate lines of the rune seeming to blur together as his thoughts spiraled.


    Later that night, as Soya lay in bed, the reality of their situation pressed down on him like a suffocating blanket. He stared up at the ceiling, the flickering light from his kitten¡¯s enchanted collar casting faint patterns on the stone. His mind raced, replaying the events of the past week over and over.


    It was too much. Too big. Too dangerous.


    He wasn¡¯t like Eliza or Davonte. He didn¡¯t have their confidence, their courage. He was just... ordinary. Before coming to Austramore, his life had been simple¡ªschool, weekends at home, sketching in the park. Magic had been something he¡¯d read about in books, not something he lived.


    Now, everything was different. He was a wizard. A Muggle-born wizard, no less¡ªthe first in centuries to attend Austramore. And with that came expectations he wasn¡¯t sure he could meet. People whispered about him in the halls, watched him during lessons, waiting for him to prove he belonged.


    And then there was this¡ªthis secret, this dangerous plot that felt like it belonged in a story, not in his life. He wanted to believe they could figure it out, that they could help, but the truth was, he was scared. Terrified, even. Of the basilisk, of the runes, of Sevrin and Sage... but most of all, of failing.


    The next morning, Soya found himself wandering the castle grounds during a free period. The crisp air and the faint scent of eucalyptus helped clear his mind, but only slightly. He sat by the lake, sketchbook in hand, but his pencil moved aimlessly across the page. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t focus.


    Eliza¡¯s voice echoed in his mind: Someone brought the basilisk here.


    Why would someone do that? What could they possibly gain? And why did it feel like every step they took brought them closer to something even more dangerous?


    Soya clenched his pencil tightly, his chest tightening as fear threatened to overwhelm him. What could he possibly do against something like this?


    His kitten mewed softly, nuzzling against his arm, and he let out a shaky breath, forcing himself to relax. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± he whispered, the words barely audible.


    The kitten purred, its small warmth a tiny comfort against the storm raging inside him.


    By the time Soya returned to the common room that evening, Eliza was back at the table with another stack of notes. Davonte was already there, munching on a biscuit and making occasional quips as Eliza explained her latest theories. Soya hesitated in the doorway, unsure if he was ready to face the weight of their research again.


    ¡°Hey, Soya!¡± Davonte called, waving him over. ¡°You¡¯ve got to hear this. Eliza¡¯s cracked another part of the mystery wide open.¡±


    Soya managed a small smile as he joined them, but his heart wasn¡¯t in it. As Eliza launched into her explanation, her passion and determination shining through, Soya felt a pang of guilt. She was doing so much, pushing forward with a courage he couldn¡¯t seem to find. And Davonte, even with his jokes and laid-back attitude, was right there beside her, ready to face whatever came next.


    But Soya? He felt like a shadow, always a step behind, always unsure.


    He nodded along as Eliza spoke, forcing himself to listen even as doubt gnawed at him. He wanted to help. He wanted to be brave. But he wasn¡¯t sure if he could.


    The days following Eliza¡¯s revelations passed with an unsettling normalcy. Classes went on as usual, the hum of student chatter filled the halls, and the castle grounds remained alive with activity. Yet for Soya, a persistent undercurrent of anxiety marred everything. Each time Eliza returned from her research, her notes more detailed and her determination more palpable, he felt the weight of their situation pressing down on him.


    One chilly morning, Soya noticed the first sign something was wrong.


    Eliza wasn¡¯t at breakfast.


    At first, it didn¡¯t seem unusual¡ªstudents occasionally overslept or skipped meals to finish assignments. But when lunchtime came and went without her appearing, Soya¡¯s unease grew. By the time their afternoon classes began, whispers were spreading among the Thylacea students.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Eliza?¡± Davonte asked, frowning as they walked to their Defence Against the Dark Arts class. ¡°She hasn¡¯t missed a class all term.¡±


    Soya shook his head, his grip tightening on his satchel. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe she¡¯s still in the library?¡±


    ¡°Doubt it,¡± Davonte replied, his voice tense. ¡°Madam Lorelei would¡¯ve sent her packing by now. And I checked the common room¡ªshe¡¯s not there either.¡±


    By the end of the day, Eliza¡¯s absence was impossible to ignore. Even Professor Marilla had glanced at her empty seat with a brief flicker of concern during class, though she didn¡¯t say anything. When the students returned to the Thylacea common room that evening, the usual lively chatter felt muted, replaced by murmurs about where Eliza might be.


    The next morning, Soya sat in the Great Hall, staring at his untouched plate of toast and eggs. Davonte dropped into the seat beside him, his usually bright demeanor subdued. ¡°Nothing,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I asked around. No one¡¯s seen her since two nights ago.¡±


    Soya¡¯s stomach churned. ¡°Do you think... do you think something happened to her?¡±


    Davonte hesitated, his silver eyes darkening. ¡°I don¡¯t know, mate. But whatever¡¯s going on, it¡¯s not normal. And I¡¯m not going to just sit around and wait for answers.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Soya asked, a note of panic creeping into his voice.


    ¡°I mean I¡¯m going to keep digging,¡± Davonte said firmly. ¡°Eliza was onto something¡ªsomething big. And if someone¡¯s trying to stop her, then they¡¯re hiding something worth knowing.¡±


    Soya swallowed hard, his throat dry. ¡°But what if... what if it¡¯s too dangerous? What if we...¡±


    Davonte placed a hand on Soya¡¯s shoulder, his expression softening. ¡°I get it, Soya. You¡¯re scared. I am too. But Eliza wouldn¡¯t give up on us. And I¡¯m not giving up on her.¡±


    Soya spent the rest of the day in a haze, torn between his fear and the gnawing guilt of doing nothing. He attended his classes, answered questions when called upon, and nodded politely during conversations, but his mind was elsewhere. Each time he thought of Eliza¡ªher determined smile, her sharp wit¡ªhis chest tightened with a mix of worry and self-loathing.


    That evening, he sat alone in the corner of the common room, his sketchbook open on his lap. His kitten curled up beside him, purring softly, but the sound did little to soothe him. The pages of his sketchbook were filled with drawings of magical creatures, intricate landscapes, and half-finished designs for a Tideball banner he¡¯d been working on before everything had gone wrong.


    He flipped to a blank page, his hand moving automatically as he began to sketch. The pencil glided across the paper, forming the outline of a sleek, dragon-like creature. Its wings were spread wide, its sharp eyes fierce and alive. Soya poured his emotions into the drawing¡ªhis fear, his anger, his helplessness¡ªuntil the creature seemed almost ready to leap off the page.


    And then it did.


    For a brief moment, the lines of the drawing shimmered, the creature¡¯s form glowing faintly as though lit from within. Its wings twitched, its tail curled, and its eyes locked onto Soya¡¯s with an intensity that made his breath catch.


    He froze, his heart pounding as the creature shifted on the page, its movements fluid and lifelike. His kitten hissed, its fur bristling as it backed away. Soya¡¯s hand trembled, his pencil falling to the floor with a soft clatter.


    Just as quickly as it had come to life, the creature faded, its glow dimming until it was nothing more than ink on paper again. Soya stared at the drawing, his mind reeling.


    ¡°What... what was that?¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible.


    The kitten crept back onto his lap, its small body trembling as it pressed against him for comfort. Soya stroked its fur absently, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and fear. Was it a spell? A trick of the light? Or was it something else¡ªsomething connected to the strange magic that seemed to follow him wherever he went?


    The incident left Soya shaken, but he told no one. Not Davonte, not the professors, not even the kitten, who seemed just as bewildered as he was. He tucked the sketchbook under his pillow that night, unable to bring himself to look at the drawing again.


    Over the next few days, the weight of Eliza¡¯s absence grew heavier. Davonte threw himself into research with a single-minded determination that bordered on obsession, while Soya drifted between classes and the common room, his mind plagued by doubt.


    He wanted to help. He wanted to be brave, to stand by his friends and uncover the truth. But the memory of Eliza¡¯s empty seat and the glow of his own drawing haunted him, a constant reminder of how out of his depth he truly was.


    What could he do? He was just a boy¡ªa boy who barely understood the magical world he¡¯d been thrust into. If someone as smart and capable as Eliza could disappear, what chance did he have? And if he followed the same path, wouldn¡¯t they come for him too?


    The questions swirled endlessly in his mind, and with each passing day, the weight of his fear grew heavier. He didn¡¯t know what lay ahead, but one thing was clear: the road before him was dark and uncertain, and he wasn¡¯t sure if he had the strength to walk it.

 Chapter 12: Ministry Investigation

    The Great Hall was unusually quiet that morning. Normally, the chatter of students filled the air, mingling with the clatter of cutlery and the occasional screech of owls delivering mail. Today, however, the atmosphere was subdued, the tension almost palpable. Even the enchanted ceiling seemed dimmer, a blanket of gray clouds reflecting the unease below.


    Soya sat at the Thylacea table, absently poking at his breakfast. Davonte, seated beside him, seemed equally distracted, his silver eyes scanning the room. The Yarramundi table was abuzz with whispers, and the other houses weren¡¯t much different. The rumors about Eliza¡¯s disappearance had spread like wildfire, leaving the entire school on edge.


    The soft but deliberate sound of footsteps silenced the hall as Headmaster Boromus Spellchecker ascended to the dais at the front. His robes, a deep emerald green trimmed with gold, shimmered faintly in the enchanted light. His presence commanded attention, and as he reached the podium, every student turned their eyes toward him.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Boromus began, his voice calm but resolute. He surveyed the room, his sharp, pale blue eyes resting briefly on each table. ¡°I trust by now many of you have heard rumors regarding recent events at Austramore. Allow me to address the matter directly.¡±


    Soya felt his stomach tighten, the fork in his hand frozen mid-air.


    ¡°As you may be aware,¡± Boromus continued, ¡°one of our students, Eliza Gorman of Thylacea House, has been reported missing. Despite our best efforts, her whereabouts remain unknown. This is, of course, a matter of grave concern for all of us.¡±


    A wave of murmurs swept through the hall, but the headmaster raised a hand, and silence quickly returned.


    ¡°To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at Austramore, the Ministry of Magic has dispatched a team of officials to assist in the investigation. They will be present on school grounds for the foreseeable future. Their presence is not cause for alarm but rather a precautionary measure to ensure no stone is left unturned.¡±


    Boromus¡¯s gaze swept the room again, his expression unyielding. ¡°I must emphasize that all students are required to cooperate fully with the ministry officials. Should they ask you questions, you are to answer honestly and to the best of your ability. This is not optional. Their purpose here is to help us, and I expect each of you to treat them with the respect they deserve.¡±


    Soya¡¯s chest tightened, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind. Would they question him? What would he even say?


    ¡°Lastly,¡± Boromus said, his tone softening slightly, ¡°I urge you all to support one another during this difficult time. We are a community, and our strength lies in our unity. Should you have any concerns or information, please do not hesitate to approach your head of house or myself directly.¡±


    With a final glance around the room, Boromus stepped back from the podium. ¡°Enjoy your breakfast, and may the rest of your day be productive.¡±


    As the headmaster took his seat, the hall erupted into hushed conversations. Soya felt Davonte nudge his arm.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s ominous,¡± Davonte muttered. ¡°Ministry officials prowling around the school. That¡¯s not going to make anyone nervous.¡±


    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll question us?¡± Soya asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Probably,¡± Davonte said, his expression darkening. ¡°We were with Eliza a lot. They¡¯ll want to know if she said anything unusual before she disappeared.¡±


    Soya nodded slowly, his appetite gone. The thought of being interrogated by ministry officials was terrifying enough, but the idea of saying the wrong thing¡ªof somehow drawing more attention to himself¡ªwas even worse.


    Soya¡¯s fears proved well-founded later that morning when a Ministry official intercepted him on his way to Herbology. The man was tall and imposing, his neatly trimmed beard and sharp black robes giving him an air of authority. He introduced himself as Investigator Harlen Pierce and asked Soya to accompany him to an empty classroom.


    The room was cold and dimly lit, its bare stone walls amplifying every sound. Soya sat in a chair facing Pierce, who conjured a clipboard and quill with a flick of his wand.


    ¡°Relax, Mr. Vareen,¡± Pierce said, his tone smooth but impersonal. ¡°This is just a routine inquiry. We¡¯re speaking to all students who were close to Miss Gorman.¡±


    Soya nodded, his hands gripping the edge of his chair.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with something simple,¡± Pierce said, his quill hovering over the parchment. ¡°When was the last time you saw Miss Gorman?¡±


    ¡°Uh, three days ago,¡± Soya replied, his voice shaky. ¡°We were in the library.¡±


    ¡°And what were you doing there?¡± Pierce asked, his quill scratching out notes.


    ¡°Studying,¡± Soya said quickly. ¡°For, um, Magical Beasts.¡±


    Pierce¡¯s sharp eyes studied him for a moment before he continued. ¡°Did Miss Gorman mention anything unusual? Perhaps a project she was working on or something that concerned her?¡±


    Soya hesitated, his heart pounding. He couldn¡¯t tell Pierce about the basilisk skin or the rune¡ªthey had no proof, and involving the Ministry might make things worse. ¡°Not really,¡± he said carefully. ¡°She was always busy with something, but I didn¡¯t think much of it.¡±


    Pierce raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t press the point. ¡°And how would you describe her behavior in the days leading up to her disappearance? Did she seem anxious, distracted, or otherwise out of character?¡±


    Soya swallowed hard. ¡°Maybe a little distracted. But that¡¯s just how she was¡ªalways thinking about something.¡±


    Pierce nodded, his quill darting across the parchment. ¡°I see. And have you noticed anything unusual around the castle recently? Strange behavior from other students, odd occurrences¡ªanything at all?¡±


    Soya¡¯s mind flashed to Sevrin and Sage, to the rune by the lake, but he forced himself to stay calm. ¡°No, nothing like that,¡± he said, hoping his voice didn¡¯t betray him.


    Pierce studied him for a long moment before setting down the quill. ¡°Very well, Mr. Vareen. That will be all for now. Should you remember anything else, don¡¯t hesitate to inform your head of house or one of the Ministry officials.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Soya nodded quickly, relief washing over him as Pierce dismissed him. But as he left the room, his chest felt heavier than ever. The Ministry¡¯s presence only underscored how serious things had become, and Soya couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come.


    Later that day, Davonte was called for questioning. When he returned to the Thylacea common room, his expression was grim.


    ¡°What did they ask you?¡± Soya whispered as they sat in a quiet corner.


    ¡°Same stuff as you, I¡¯m guessing,¡± Davonte replied. ¡°When we last saw Eliza, if she said anything strange, that sort of thing.¡±


    ¡°And what did you tell them?¡± Soya asked nervously.


    ¡°Not much,¡± Davonte admitted. ¡°They don¡¯t need to know about... well, you know. I just said she was her usual self, always reading and sketching. Nothing out of the ordinary.¡±


    Soya nodded, but his unease only grew. The Ministry¡¯s questions were probing, but they hadn¡¯t even scratched the surface of what he and Davonte knew. And as the days passed, Soya couldn¡¯t help but wonder how long their secrets would remain hidden.


    The days that followed were anything but normal. Soya quickly noticed the subtle but unmistakable presence of the Ministry officials, their black robes and sharp gazes a constant reminder of the scrutiny he and Davonte were under. No matter where he went¡ªclasses, the Great Hall, or even the library¡ªthere always seemed to be an official nearby, their eyes lingering just a moment too long.


    It wasn¡¯t overt, but it was enough to set Soya¡¯s nerves on edge. He avoided speaking about anything remotely suspicious, even to Davonte, and tried to keep his behavior as unremarkable as possible. But the weight of their gaze never left him.


    It began in Potions. Professor Blackthorn was midway through a demonstration on how to brew a Moonflower Elixir when Soya noticed an official standing near the back of the room. At first, he thought it was a random observation, but when the man¡¯s eyes met his for the third time in as many minutes, his heart sank.


    ¡°Soya, you¡¯re going to spill that,¡± Davonte whispered, nudging him.


    Soya snapped his focus back to his cauldron, realizing his trembling hand had tilted the ladle dangerously close to the edge. ¡°Thanks,¡± he muttered, steadying himself.


    The rest of the lesson passed uneventfully, but the tension in Soya¡¯s chest remained. When the bell rang, he hurried to pack up his things, but as he turned toward the door, he nearly collided with the same official.


    ¡°Careful there,¡± the man said, his tone light but his eyes sharp. ¡°You seem distracted, Mr. Vareen.¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m fine,¡± Soya stammered, clutching his satchel tightly. ¡°Just tired, that¡¯s all.¡±


    The man gave a small smile, though it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°Get some rest, then. We wouldn¡¯t want you falling behind.¡±


    Soya nodded quickly and darted out of the room, his pulse racing. He didn¡¯t look back, but he could feel the official¡¯s gaze boring into his back as he left.


    At lunch, Soya barely touched his food. Davonte noticed immediately, frowning as he leaned closer. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re watching us,¡± Soya whispered, glancing around the Great Hall. Sure enough, one of the officials stood near the entrance, his arms crossed as he scanned the room.


    ¡°You think they know something?¡± Davonte asked, his voice low.


    ¡°They know we¡¯re hiding something,¡± Soya said, his stomach churning. ¡°That¡¯s what they¡¯re trained for, right? They can tell when someone¡¯s not being honest.¡±


    Davonte frowned, pushing his plate away. ¡°Well, we can¡¯t give them a reason to dig deeper. Just act normal.¡±


    ¡°Normal?¡± Soya echoed, his voice tinged with panic. ¡°How are we supposed to act normal when they¡¯re everywhere?¡±


    ¡°By not freaking out,¡± Davonte said firmly. ¡°Look, I know it¡¯s hard, but if we start acting suspicious, they¡¯ll pounce on us. Just stick to classes, keep your head down, and don¡¯t give them anything to work with.¡±


    Soya nodded reluctantly, but the anxiety gnawing at him refused to ease. He felt like a cornered animal, trapped under the unrelenting scrutiny of predators he couldn¡¯t escape.


    The tension came to a head during Herbology. Professor Willowshade had assigned the class to work in pairs, repotting Venomous Tentacula under her watchful eye. Soya and Davonte worked together, their gloves covered in dirt as they carefully transferred the writhing plant into a larger pot.


    ¡°You¡¯re being too gentle,¡± Davonte said, gripping the base of the plant firmly. ¡°You¡¯ve got to hold it steady, or it¡¯ll snap at you.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Soya muttered, his hands trembling as he tried to adjust his grip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it see you¡¯re scared,¡± Davonte added with a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s like a dog¡ªsmells fear.¡±


    Soya managed a weak laugh, but his focus wasn¡¯t on the plant. Across the greenhouse, another Ministry official stood near the door, his eyes flicking between the students as if cataloging their every move. When his gaze landed on Soya, the boy froze, his hands tightening around the stem of the Tentacula.


    The plant reacted immediately, lashing out with a vine that struck Soya¡¯s arm. He yelped in pain, jerking back as the vine left a shallow cut on his sleeve.


    ¡°Mr. Vareen!¡± Professor Willowshade called, hurrying over. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI wasn¡¯t holding it right,¡± Soya stammered, cradling his arm. ¡°It¡¯s fine, really.¡±


    Willowshade examined the wound, her expression softening. ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch, but you must be more careful. Venomous Tentacula are highly reactive.¡±


    Soya nodded, his face burning with embarrassment as she healed the cut with a quick flick of her wand. He could feel the official¡¯s eyes on him the entire time, and when he glanced up, the man¡¯s expression was unreadable.


    As the class ended, the official approached Soya near the door. ¡°Everything all right, Mr. Vareen?¡± he asked, his tone casual but his gaze piercing.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Soya said quickly, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Just a mistake.¡±


    The man nodded, but there was something unsettling about the way he lingered. ¡°Be careful,¡± he said finally, his tone almost too polite. ¡°It would be a shame if you got hurt again.¡±


    Soya felt his blood run cold. The words weren¡¯t overtly threatening, but there was an underlying menace he couldn¡¯t ignore. As he walked back to the castle with Davonte, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the Ministry wasn¡¯t just watching them¡ªthey were waiting for them to slip up.


    The Great Hall buzzed with the usual chatter of students during dinner. The enchanted ceiling displayed a dusky sky painted in shades of deep blue and violet, with stars beginning to twinkle as the evening wore on. Soya sat at the Thylacea table, picking at his food. Across from him, Davonte was regaling a group of first-years with a dramatic retelling of their earlier Herbology mishap.


    ¡°¡­and then it whipped out like a bloody whip, aiming straight for Soya¡¯s face!¡± Davonte exclaimed, gesturing wildly. ¡°He dodged it, of course, but I had to wrestle the beast back into the pot. I¡¯m practically a hero.¡±


    The younger students laughed, though Soya could only manage a faint smile. His thoughts were elsewhere¡ªcircling around the Ministry officials, Eliza¡¯s disappearance, and the feeling that every step he took brought him closer to a truth he wasn¡¯t sure he wanted to know.


    The scrape of chairs on the stone floor drew his attention, and his gaze flicked toward the Yarramundi table. Sevrine and Sage were weaving through the crowded hall, their strides purposeful as they made their way to their seats. The chatter around the Thylacea table continued unabated, but Soya¡¯s focus sharpened when he caught the tail end of their conversation.


    ¡°¡­should¡¯ve kept her nose out of it,¡± Sevrine muttered, his voice low but audible as they passed. His sharp features were set in a faint sneer, his hands tucked casually into his robe pockets. ¡°Now look where it got her.¡±


    Sage glanced over his shoulder, his dark eyes scanning the room before he replied. ¡°We should¡¯ve been more careful. They¡¯re asking too many questions now. Even we were dragged into it.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Sevrine said with a shrug. ¡°They won¡¯t find anything. Let them chase their tails.¡±


    The words hung in the air, and Soya¡¯s breath caught in his throat. He glanced at Davonte, who had also fallen silent, his silver eyes narrowing as he watched the two boys take their seats at the Yarramundi table.


    ¡°You heard that, right?¡± Davonte whispered, leaning closer.


    Soya nodded, his hands clenching into fists under the table. ¡°They know something about Eliza,¡± he murmured, his voice barely audible. ¡°They¡­ they must.¡±


    ¡°More than ¡®must,¡¯¡± Davonte said, his voice tight with anger. ¡°They all but admitted it. And if they¡¯ve been questioned too¡­¡± He trailed off, his jaw tightening. ¡°This is bigger than we thought.¡±


    Soya¡¯s stomach churned. He felt torn between the urge to confront Sevrine and Sage then and there and the paralyzing fear of drawing more attention to himself. The memory of the Ministry officials¡¯ piercing gazes flashed through his mind, and he sank deeper into his seat.


    ¡°They won¡¯t tell us anything,¡± he said quietly, his voice tinged with defeat. ¡°And even if they did, what could we do?¡±


    Davonte frowned, his usual confidence replaced by a flicker of doubt. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted. ¡°But I¡¯m not going to sit around while they smirk and scheme. We¡¯ll figure something out.¡±


    Soya wanted to believe him, but the weight of the situation felt like an anchor dragging him down. As Sevrin and Sage began eating, laughing quietly with their tablemates as though nothing was amiss, Soya couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much more he could handle¡ªand how much more the magical world would demand of him before it finally broke him.

 Chapter 13: Into the Archives

    Soya sat in the Thylacea common room, his sketchbook open in his lap. The pages were blank save for a few hesitant lines he¡¯d started and then abandoned. His pencil hovered over the paper, the usual spark of creativity absent. Instead, his thoughts churned with a familiar cocktail of fear and guilt. Eliza¡¯s absence gnawed at him, each passing day amplifying the weight of her disappearance.


    Across the room, Davonte lounged on a worn, oversized armchair, a half-eaten apple in his hand. He tilted his head, studying Soya with mock seriousness. ¡°You know, mate,¡± he began, a smirk creeping across his face, ¡°if you keep staring at that page like it insulted your mother, you might actually scare it into drawing itself.¡±


    Soya blinked, startled out of his reverie. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re brooding,¡± Davonte said, pointing the apple at him like it was a wand. ¡°It¡¯s very dramatic, very mysterious, but also very not you. I mean, we already have enough mysterious types in this castle¡ªSevrin, Sage, that one portrait of the guy with the creepy mustache¡­¡±


    Soya managed a weak smile, though his hands tightened around his pencil. ¡°I¡¯m not brooding.¡±


    Davonte raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. ¡°You¡¯ve been sitting there for half an hour and haven¡¯t drawn a thing. For you, that¡¯s practically a crisis.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just... distracted,¡± Soya muttered, closing the sketchbook with a soft thud. He leaned back against the couch, his gaze drifting to the fire crackling in the hearth. ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking about Eliza.¡±


    Davonte¡¯s smirk faded, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. ¡°Yeah,¡± he said quietly, tossing the apple core into a nearby bin. ¡°Me too.¡±


    The room fell silent for a moment, the only sound the pop and hiss of the fire. Soya felt a lump rise in his throat as he stared at the flames. He wanted to say something¡ªanything¡ªbut the words felt heavy and awkward, tangled up with his fear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± he admitted finally, his voice barely audible. ¡°I want to help her, but... what if I just make things worse? What if I¡ª¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± Davonte interrupted firmly. ¡°Whatever¡¯s going on, we¡¯ll figure it out. Together.¡±


    Soya glanced at him, his eyes searching for reassurance. ¡°You make it sound so easy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Davonte admitted, leaning forward. ¡°But sitting here doing nothing isn¡¯t helping either. Eliza wouldn¡¯t sit around if it were one of us. She¡¯d be charging headfirst into the library or dragging us into some harebrained scheme.¡±


    Soya let out a soft laugh, the memory of Eliza¡¯s relentless determination bringing a small measure of comfort. ¡°She would, wouldn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Davonte said with a grin. ¡°So let¡¯s stop brooding¡ªyes, brooding¡ªand start figuring out how to be just as annoyingly persistent as she is.¡±


    The idea of taking action filled Soya with equal parts relief and dread. He wasn¡¯t sure he had the courage to follow through, but the alternative¡ªdoing nothing while Eliza remained missing¡ªwas unbearable. He straightened slightly, the weight on his chest easing just a fraction.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said hesitantly. ¡°Where do we start?¡±


    Davonte¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Now that¡¯s more like it. Let¡¯s start by going over what we know. Or better yet, what we don¡¯t know¡ªbecause that¡¯s a much longer list.¡±


    Soya nodded, opening his sketchbook again and flipping to a blank page. This time, it wasn¡¯t for drawing; it was for notes. As Davonte launched into his trademark rapid-fire brainstorming, Soya felt a flicker of something he hadn¡¯t felt in days: hope. It was faint and fragile, but it was there.


    After hours of Davonte¡¯s enthusiastic rambling, Soya tried his best to keep up, scribbling notes furiously in his book. However, exhaustion won out in the end. Davonte glanced over mid-sentence and noticed Soya slumped forward, fast asleep, his face pressed against the open pages. With a soft chuckle, Davonte leaned over to pick up the fallen book that had tumbled to the floor. ¡°Guess I overdid it,¡± he muttered, placing it gently back on the table before draping a blanket over Soya¡¯s shoulders.


    The next morning, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Great Hall, casting golden beams across the room and highlighting the soft hum of students chatting over breakfast. Soya sat quietly, absently poking at his scrambled eggs, his appetite replaced by a knot of nerves. Beside his plate lay his closed sketchbook, its weight feeling heavier than usual¡ªjust like the plan Davonte had pushed him to consider. Across the table, Davonte was scribbling furiously on a scrap of parchment, his brow furrowed with an intensity that seemed out of character for his usually cheerful demeanor.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to set the table on fire if you keep writing that fast,¡± Soya said, trying to inject some levity into his voice. It came out flat, but Davonte didn¡¯t seem to notice.


    ¡°I¡¯m refining,¡± Davonte replied, not looking up. ¡°Plans don¡¯t just make themselves, you know. This one¡¯s brilliant¡ªsimple, elegant, and with just the right amount of plausible deniability.¡±


    Soya raised an eyebrow. ¡°You mean just enough so we don¡¯t get expelled?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Davonte said, flashing a grin. ¡°And if we pull this off, we might even look like heroes.¡±


    ¡°Or idiots,¡± Soya muttered under his breath, but Davonte heard him and only laughed.


    Eliza¡¯s absence hung over them both, unspoken but present in every word. Her seat at the table remained empty, a stark reminder of what had driven them to this point. Soya couldn¡¯t shake the image of her determined expression, her sharp eyes scanning the library for answers. It was that memory, more than anything, that kept him from backing out completely.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± Davonte said, folding the parchment with a flourish. ¡°It¡¯s foolproof. Well, mostly foolproof.¡±


    ¡°Mostly?¡± Soya asked, his voice rising slightly.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Davonte said, shoving the parchment into his pocket. ¡°We¡¯ll go over it again later. Right now, we¡¯ve got classes to get through.¡±


    Soya groaned quietly, the thought of classes feeling like an insurmountable task. But as they filed out of the Great Hall and toward their first lesson of the day, he found himself oddly grateful for the distraction.


    The morning¡¯s first class was Charms, where Professor Coorong introduced a new spell: Luminae Fluctus, a wave of light designed to disorient attackers or illuminate dark spaces. The classroom was filled with flashes of light as students practiced the spell, their voices echoing as they called out the incantation.


    ¡°Luminae Fluctus!¡± Davonte shouted, his wand emitting a burst of light that flickered uncertainly before fading.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Professor Coorong said with a warm smile that reached his eyes. ¡°But focus on the movement¡ªsmooth, like a flowing stream.¡±


    Soya watched Davonte¡¯s next attempt, his mind elsewhere. The spell itself seemed useful, but the thought of actually needing to use it sent a shiver down his spine. When his turn came, he hesitated, his wand feeling heavier than usual in his hand.


    ¡°Luminae Fluctus,¡± he said softly, mimicking the wand movement Professor Coorong had demonstrated. A weak pulse of light emanated from his wand before fizzling out.


    ¡°Try again, Mr. Vareen,¡± Coorong said, stopping beside Soya and tilting his head slightly. "Don''t rush it. Just calm your mind and focus.¡±


    Soya nodded, forcing himself to focus. This time, the light was brighter, more sustained, but it still lacked the sharpness of his classmates¡¯ attempts. He sighed, lowering his wand as Coorong moved on to another student.


    Davonte leaned closer, his voice low. ¡°Don¡¯t sweat it, mate. You¡¯ll get it.¡±


    Soya nodded again, though his confidence remained shaky. The rest of the lesson passed uneventfully, and by the time they left the classroom, Soya¡¯s mind was back on their plan.


    As they made their way to lunch, Soya couldn¡¯t help but notice the ministry officials stationed at various points throughout the castle. They weren¡¯t overtly intimidating, but their presence was a constant reminder of the scrutiny hanging over them. He glanced at Davonte, who seemed unbothered as he joked about their earlier spellwork.


    ¡°They¡¯re watching us,¡± Soya said quietly as they entered the Great Hall.


    ¡°Let them,¡± Davonte replied, his tone light but his eyes sharp. ¡°We¡¯re not doing anything wrong. Yet.¡±


    The Great Hall was alive with its usual din¡ªstudents laughing, trading stories, and enjoying their meals. Soya and Davonte sat together, their plates barren of their usual selections.


    "I almost walked into one of them yesterday," Soya said with a nervous chuckle. "They''re kinda scary."


    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± Davonte said, leaning in slightly. ¡°I spent most of Charms today wondering if the ministry goons can read minds. Every time they looked at me, I thought, ¡®Great, they¡¯ve caught me, I¡¯m doomed.¡¯ Then again, it¡¯s probably just my natural charm that gets me so much attention.¡±


    Soya couldn¡¯t help but smile, though it quickly faded. ¡°They¡¯re not going to let up, are they?¡±


    ¡°Not a chance,¡± Davonte replied, his tone shifting to something more serious. ¡°Which is why we need to move quickly. I¡¯ve been thinking about the Whispering Archives.¡±


    Soya¡¯s stomach sank. ¡°You mean... sneaking in?¡±


    Davonte raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you know another way to get in there without, I don¡¯t know, being a seventh-year or having a professor¡¯s permission?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just... risky,¡± Soya said, glancing nervously at the staff table where some ministry officials sat, their sharp eyes scanning the hall like hawks. ¡°What if we get caught?¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll cross that bridge when we come to it,¡± Davonte said with a shrug. ¡°But think about it, Soya. If Eliza was onto something, the Archives are the most likely place she went. And if Sage and Sevrin are involved¡ª¡± He lowered his voice, leaning closer. ¡°¡ªthen there¡¯s no way they¡¯d risk leaving anything in the regular library. Whatever they¡¯re hiding, it¡¯s probably in there.¡±


    Soya wanted to argue, to point out all the ways their plan could go wrong, but Davonte¡¯s logic was hard to ignore. If Eliza had found something important, it made sense that it would be in the Whispering Archives. And if it wasn¡¯t? Well, at least they¡¯d know they had tried.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Before Soya could respond, movement caught his eye. Sevrin and Sage entered the hall, their usual confidence on full display. But something about them seemed off¡ªthey weren¡¯t their usual loud, boisterous selves. Instead, they walked with purpose, speaking quietly to each other.


    ¡°They¡¯ve been quieter since the ministry showed up,¡± Davonte observed, following Soya¡¯s gaze. ¡°You think they¡¯re nervous?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Soya murmured. ¡°Or maybe they¡¯re just being careful.¡±


    As the two boys watched, Sevrin and Sage passed by without so much as a glance in their direction. But the tension in the air was palpable, and Soya couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched, even as the pair settled at their house table.


    Davonte nudged him. ¡°See what I mean? They¡¯re up to something. And we¡¯re not going to figure it out by sitting here.¡±


    Soya nodded reluctantly, the fear in his chest tempered by a flicker of determination. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll go to the Archives. But we need a plan.¡±


    ¡°Already working on it,¡± Davonte said with a grin. ¡°Meet me after curfew in the common room. And bring your wand this time¡ªI don¡¯t fancy being caught without backup.¡±


    Soya managed a small smile, though his nerves were still frayed. As they finished their meal and left the hall, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were walking into something far bigger than either of them could imagine.


    The afternoon`¡¯s Transfiguration lesson with Professor Wickham had an unusual air of anticipation. The tall, stern-faced professor was known for her rigorous teaching style, but today, the rows of wooden desks had been pushed aside, making room for an open practice area in the center of the classroom.


    Professor Wickham stood at the front, her sharp features as composed as ever, though there was a glimmer of something in her eyes¡ªexcitement, perhaps? Soya wasn¡¯t sure he liked what that might mean.


    ¡°Today, we will be focusing on Forma Bestialis,¡± Professor Wickham began, her voice carrying easily across the room. ¡°This spell temporarily transforms small objects into living creatures. It requires precision, control, and an understanding of the creature you wish to create. Unlike basic transfigurations, Forma Bestialis imbues the object with magical animation, simulating life. This is not a spell to be taken lightly, and your success will depend on your focus.¡±


    A low murmur rippled through the students. Transforming objects into living creatures? Even Davonte, usually full of jokes, looked intrigued.


    Professor Wickham raised her wand, demonstrating. ¡°Observe.¡± She plucked a teacup from her desk, placed it on the ground, and pointed her wand at it with deliberate precision.


    ¡°Forma Bestialis!¡±


    The teacup shimmered, its ceramic surface rippling like water before it sprouted wings and tiny legs. Within moments, it was a delicate porcelain bird, hopping across the floor and flapping its fragile wings. The class erupted in impressed whispers.


    ¡°Now,¡± Wickham continued, silencing the chatter with a glance, ¡°you will attempt this spell yourselves. Choose an object from the selection I¡¯ve provided. Remember, the creature you envision must align with the size and shape of your object. You will not create dragons from teaspoons. Begin.¡±


    The students eagerly approached the tables lined with assorted objects¡ªquills, buttons, small stones, and the like. Soya picked up a smooth pebble, its weight reassuring in his hand.


    Beside him, Davonte grabbed a brass button. ¡°I¡¯m thinking a frog,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°What about you?¡±


    Soya hesitated, glancing at his pebble. ¡°Maybe... a mouse? If I can even manage that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this,¡± Davonte said encouragingly. ¡°Just picture it in your mind¡ªtiny whiskers, little paws. Easy.¡±


    As they returned to their spots, Professor Wickham circled the room, her sharp gaze observing each student as they prepared. ¡°Remember,¡± she called, ¡°visualization is key. The clearer the image in your mind, the more likely you are to succeed.¡±


    Soya took a deep breath, holding the pebble steady in his hand. He pictured a mouse¡ªsmall and gray, with twitching whiskers and a long tail. Raising his wand, he concentrated on that image and spoke clearly.


    ¡°Forma Bestialis!¡±


    The pebble glowed faintly, its surface shifting and softening. For a moment, it seemed to sprout tiny ears and a tail, but then it wavered and returned to its original form. Soya sighed, lowering his wand.


    ¡°Close,¡± Professor Wickham said, pausing beside him. Her expression was neutral, but her tone held a hint of approval. ¡°Your visualization faltered at the final step. Refocus and try again.¡±


    Encouraged, Soya tried once more, his brow furrowed in concentration. ¡°Forma Bestialis!¡±


    This time, the pebble transformed fully. A small, gray mouse sat in his hand, its tiny nose twitching as it looked up at him. Soya¡¯s face lit up with a mix of relief and pride.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Wickham said with a nod. ¡°Well done, Mr. Vareen.¡±


    Nearby, Davonte¡¯s attempt resulted in a button that hopped like a frog but looked very much like a button. He laughed, raising his hands in mock defeat. ¡°A frog-like button. Close enough, yeah?¡±


    By the end of the lesson, the room was alive with tiny creatures¡ªbirds, frogs, mice, and even a miniature turtle. Some were more successful than others, but the energy in the room was electric. For once, even the typically stern Professor Wickham seemed pleased.


    ¡°Remember,¡± she said as the students began to pack up, ¡°transfiguration requires patience and practice. Do not attempt this spell outside of supervision until you have mastered it here. That is all for today.¡±


    As they left the classroom, Davonte turned to Soya with a grin. ¡°So, think your mouse will stay a mouse, or will you find a pebble in your pocket later?¡±


    Soya laughed, feeling a flicker of pride despite his lingering fears. For a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the small victory.


    The rest of the day passed in a blur for Soya. Classes felt unusually long, and the watchful eyes of the ministry officials added an extra weight to the air. Though he tried to focus on the lessons, his mind kept drifting to the plan he and Davonte had hastily agreed upon earlier.


    As the final bell rang and students dispersed to their dormitories or the Great Hall for dinner, Soya found himself lingering near the Thylacea table. He picked at his food, his appetite dulled by nerves. Davonte, on the other hand, seemed unbothered, laughing and chatting as though the events of the day had been perfectly ordinary.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Davonte muttered under his breath, leaning closer so only Soya could hear. ¡°You¡¯re going to give us away with that guilty look.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not guilty,¡± Soya whispered back, though his hands betrayed him as they fidgeted with his utensils. ¡°I¡¯m just... thinking.¡±


    ¡°Then stop thinking so loudly,¡± Davonte said with a sly grin, grabbing a roll from Soya¡¯s plate. ¡°Eat something. You¡¯re going to need your energy.¡±


    Soya sighed, forcing down a few bites of stew before pushing his plate away. The bustling noise of the Great Hall seemed to press in on him, and the idea of sitting there for much longer was unbearable. He glanced at the enchanted ceiling, now reflecting the deep purples and oranges of twilight, and felt the weight of their decision settle heavily on his shoulders.


    After dinner, the students filed out of the hall, and Soya followed Davonte toward the Thylacea dormitories. They waited until the corridors emptied, their fellow housemates disappearing into their rooms for the night. The castle grew quieter, the usual hum of activity replaced by the faint creaks and groans of the ancient stone walls.


    Davonte checked the time on his enchanted pocket watch, the faint glow of its runes casting light on his determined expression. ¡°Alright,¡± he said softly, tucking the watch back into his robes. ¡°Now or never.¡±


    Soya hesitated, his heart pounding as he glanced back toward the dormitory entrance. For a brief moment, the thought of curling up in bed and pretending this wasn¡¯t happening was almost tempting. But the image of Eliza¡¯s empty seat in their classes pushed him forward.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, his voice firmer than he felt.


    Davonte smirked, clapping him on the back. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡±


    The castle corridors were unusually quiet after curfew, the dim light from enchanted torches casting long shadows along the stone walls. Soya and Davonte crept through the halls, their footsteps muffled by the thick rugs that lined the floors. The weight of what they were about to do hung heavily between them, though neither spoke of it.


    Soya clutched his sketchbook tightly against his chest, his mind racing. Sneaking into the Whispering Archives was more than just breaking the rules¡ªit was stepping into dangerous, uncharted territory. And yet, Eliza¡¯s absence pressed on him like a stone, its weight impossible to ignore.


    ¡°You¡¯re quiet,¡± Davonte whispered, glancing over his shoulder as they paused near the entrance to the east wing. ¡°Second thoughts?¡±


    Soya hesitated, the faint flicker of torchlight catching the uncertainty in his eyes. ¡°I just... What if we get caught?¡±


    Davonte grinned, his silver eyes gleaming mischievously. ¡°Then we run. Or better yet, I¡¯ll charm the socks off whoever finds us. Works every time.¡±


    Soya couldn¡¯t help but smile, though it was fleeting. ¡°This isn¡¯t a joke, Davonte. The Whispering Archives aren¡¯t just another section of the library¡ªthey¡¯re locked for a reason.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Davonte said, his voice soft but insistent. ¡°And that¡¯s where we¡¯ll find the answers. If Eliza went in there, maybe we can figure out what she was looking for¡ªand what got her into trouble.¡±


    The conviction in Davonte¡¯s tone stirred something in Soya. He nodded, his grip tightening on his sketchbook. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    They moved quickly but carefully, their path taking them down narrow corridors and through hidden passages Soya hadn¡¯t even known existed. Davonte seemed to know exactly where to go, his confidence steadying Soya¡¯s nerves.


    When they finally reached the entrance to the Whispering Archives, Soya felt his stomach twist. The door was tall and imposing, its dark wood carved with intricate runes that shimmered faintly in the low light. A heavy brass lock secured the door, its mechanism glowing with a soft, magical hue.


    Davonte crouched in front of the lock, pulling out his wand. ¡°Piece of cake,¡± he muttered. ¡°I¡¯ve seen Sage unlock worse than this in class.¡±


    Soya swallowed hard, his heart pounding as he glanced nervously down the corridor. ¡°Are you sure this is a good idea?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Davonte said with a grin, pointing his wand at the lock. ¡°But when has that ever stopped us? Alohomora Maxima!¡±


    The spell emitted a faint, golden glow, and the lock clicked softly before falling open. Davonte stood, brushing imaginary dust from his robes. ¡°And they said I wasn¡¯t paying attention in Charms.¡±


    Soya gave him a wary look but said nothing as Davonte pushed the door open. The Whispering Archives were dark and silent, the air thick with the musty scent of ancient parchment. The rows of shelves stretched endlessly into the shadows, their contents hidden by the dim light.


    ¡°Stick close,¡± Davonte whispered, raising his wand. ¡°Lumos.¡±


    The faint light from the spell illuminated their immediate surroundings, casting eerie shadows on the shelves. Soya followed closely, his sketchbook clutched tightly in his arms as they ventured deeper into the forbidden section.


    The books and scrolls here were unlike anything Soya had seen in the regular library. Many were bound in materials he couldn¡¯t identify, their spines marked with symbols that seemed to shift under the light. Some were locked with chains, while others emitted faint whispers that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.


    ¡°What exactly are we looking for?¡± Soya asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Anything that might explain what Eliza was researching,¡± Davonte replied, scanning the titles on the shelves. ¡°If she found something important¡ªor dangerous¡ªit¡¯ll be here.¡±


    They split up, each taking a side of the aisle as they searched. Soya ran his fingers lightly over the spines of the books, his eyes darting from one title to the next. Many were written in languages he didn¡¯t recognize, their intricate scripts impossible to decipher.


    After several tense minutes, Soya¡¯s gaze fell on a thick, leather-bound book with an ornate clasp. The title, written in faded gold letters, read Serpentine Secrets: A Compendium of Basilisk Lore.


    ¡°Davonte,¡± Soya whispered, his fingers brushing the book¡¯s spine. ¡°I think I found something.¡±


    Davonte was at his side in an instant, his silver eyes narrowing as he examined the book. ¡°Good find. Let¡¯s take a look.¡±


    Soya hesitated, his hand hovering over the clasp. ¡°What if it¡¯s cursed or something?¡±


    Davonte smirked. ¡°Only one way to find out.¡± He tapped the clasp with his wand, muttering, ¡°Finite Incantatem.¡±


    The clasp glowed faintly before unlocking with a soft click. Soya opened the book carefully, its ancient pages crackling softly as he turned them. The text was dense, filled with detailed illustrations of basilisks and intricate diagrams of runes.


    ¡°This could take hours to read,¡± Soya said, his brow furrowing.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll skim,¡± Davonte replied, leaning over his shoulder. ¡°Look for anything about summoning or unusual sightings.¡±


    They worked quickly but thoroughly, their eyes scanning the pages for any relevant information. Soya¡¯s heart raced as he came across a section titled Basilisk Control.


    ¡°This might be it,¡± he said, pointing to the page. The accompanying illustration showed a rune similar to the one they¡¯d seen by the lake.


    Davonte nodded, his expression serious. ¡°Let¡¯s copy it down and get out of here. The longer we stay, the riskier this gets.¡±


    Soya pulled out his sketchbook, carefully replicating the rune and the accompanying text. As he worked, a faint sound reached his ears¡ªa soft rustling, like the pages of a book being turned.


    He froze, his heart pounding. ¡°Did you hear that?¡± he whispered.


    Davonte¡¯s grip on his wand tightened. ¡°Yeah. We¡¯re not alone.¡±


    The boys exchanged a tense glance before extinguishing the light from their wands. They crouched behind a nearby shelf, their breaths shallow as the sound grew louder. Whatever¡ªor whoever¡ªwas in the archives with them was getting closer.

 Chapter 14: New Rules

    The faint rustling echoed through the Whispering Archives like a distant ghost. Soya¡¯s heart thudded against his ribs, his breath caught in his throat as he crouched lower behind the shelf. The dim light had vanished entirely, leaving them cloaked in near-total darkness.


    ¡°Tell me that¡¯s just some old book falling over,¡± Davonte murmured, his voice low but strained.


    ¡°Books don¡¯t move by themselves,¡± Soya whispered back, though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure that was true here.


    The sound grew louder¡ªmeasured footsteps now, soft and deliberate. Someone was coming. Soya¡¯s knuckles whitened around his sketchbook, his mind racing with panic. Had they been caught? Had the ministry sent someone to patrol?


    Soya risked a glance around the corner of the shelf. The tall silhouette of a figure stood at the far end of the aisle, their features obscured by shadow. The figure raised a wand, and a soft light illuminated the space around them.


    Soya ducked back quickly, pressing his back against the shelf as if he could disappear into it.


    ¡°Stay quiet,¡± Davonte breathed, inching closer.


    The footsteps paused. For a moment, Soya was certain the figure had heard them; the silence was deafening. Then, the voice came, calm and steady:


    ¡°You can come out, boys. There¡¯s no use hiding.¡±


    Soya froze. He knew that voice¡ªit carried with it an authority that was impossible to mistake. Slowly, he turned his head toward Davonte, who looked just as pale.


    ¡°Spellchecker,¡± Davonte mouthed.


    Boromus Spellchecker. The headmaster.


    Neither of them moved, holding onto the last sliver of hope that they might not be discovered, but the headmaster¡¯s voice came again¡ªgentler this time. ¡°Soya. Davonte. You¡¯re clever enough to sneak in here, but I expect you to be smart enough to know when it¡¯s over. Come out, now.¡±


    Davonte sighed, muttering under his breath, ¡°How does he always know?¡±


    Soya reluctantly stood, his knees shaking as he emerged from behind the shelves. Davonte followed suit, his usual grin replaced with something that looked suspiciously like guilt. The headmaster stood before them, bathed in the soft glow of his wand. His sharp gaze flickered over the boys, but to Soya¡¯s surprise, there was no anger there.


    Boromus Spellchecker studied them for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a faint sigh, he lowered his wand. ¡°You¡¯ve chosen an interesting place to spend your evening.¡±


    Soya opened his mouth, but no words came. What could he possibly say? That they¡¯d broken in out of desperation to find a missing friend? That they¡¯d discovered something far larger than they could handle?


    Beside him, Davonte scratched the back of his neck, managing a weak laugh. ¡°We, uh... got lost?¡±


    The headmaster raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. ¡°You can keep your excuses, Mr. Evander. I appreciate creativity, but not when it comes to rule-breaking.¡±


    Soya braced himself for the inevitable punishment¡ªdetention, loss of house points, maybe worse¡ªbut instead, Spellchecker turned slightly and gestured for them to follow.


    ¡°Come with me.¡±


    Soya blinked, startled. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re... you¡¯re not mad?¡±


    ¡°Mad?¡± Spellchecker echoed, glancing back at them as he began walking toward the door. ¡°No, I¡¯m not mad, Mr. Vareen. Disappointed? Perhaps. Concerned? Certainly. But anger has no place in situations like this.¡±


    Soya hesitated before falling into step beside Davonte. The headmaster¡¯s calm demeanor unnerved him more than shouting ever could.


    As they walked, Spellchecker continued speaking, his voice quiet but clear. ¡°Curiosity is a powerful force. It can drive young witches and wizards to achieve great things. But it can also lead them into dangerous places¡ªplaces they are not ready for.¡± He glanced over his shoulder, his sharp eyes fixing on Soya. ¡°You¡¯ve both stumbled into something far larger than yourselves. I can see that much.¡±


    Davonte looked like he wanted to ask a dozen questions, but Spellchecker raised a hand to forestall him. ¡°No, Mr. Evander, I will not explain everything to you. The answers you seek are not easily found, nor are they meant for children to uncover on their own.¡±


    Soya felt a pang of frustration at being called a child, but the fear in his chest outweighed his pride. ¡°But we¡¯re just trying to help,¡± he blurted before he could stop himself. ¡°Eliza¡¯s missing, and no one else is¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Spellchecker interrupted softly, and for the first time, his stern expression softened. ¡°Your loyalty to your friend is admirable, Soya. But some mysteries are not for you to solve.¡±


    Soya¡¯s throat tightened, the guilt and helplessness threatening to spill over. ¡°Then what are we supposed to do?¡±


    Spellchecker stopped walking, turning to face the boys fully. ¡°You trust. You trust your professors, your headmaster, and those far older and more experienced than you. The magical world is vast and dangerous, and while you may not believe it, we are doing everything we can.¡±


    Soya lowered his gaze, unable to meet the headmaster¡¯s eyes. It wasn¡¯t the answer he wanted. It wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡°You may feel powerless right now,¡± Spellchecker continued, his tone kinder, ¡°but there will come a time when you¡¯ll understand your place in all of this. Until then, stay close to your friends, learn all that you can, and remember¡ªcourage does not mean acting without fear. It means acting despite it.¡±


    The words lingered in the silence, heavy but strangely comforting.


    ¡°Now,¡± Spellchecker said, gesturing toward the door, ¡°I believe it¡¯s time you both returned to your common room before I do get mad.¡±


    Davonte managed a sheepish grin. ¡°Right. On our way, Headmaster.¡±


    As they turned to leave, Soya glanced back once more. The headmaster remained standing there, his wandlight flickering against the dark shelves, as though he, too, was searching for something hidden within the shadows.


    The walk back to the Thylacea common room was tense and quiet. Soya¡¯s mind swirled with the headmaster¡¯s words, the weight of them settling like stones in his chest.


    ¡°You¡¯ve both stumbled into something far larger than yourselves.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t stop thinking about it, replaying the conversation over and over. The headmaster hadn¡¯t been angry, which was a relief, but there was something unsettling in how much he seemed to know¡ªhow much he wasn¡¯t telling them.


    Davonte, walking beside him, finally broke the silence. ¡°You know, for a guy who catches students sneaking around, he¡¯s surprisingly calm about it.¡±


    Soya glanced over at him. ¡°Calm? He made it sound like we¡¯re way out of our depth.¡±


    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t we?¡± Davonte said with a half-hearted chuckle, shoving his hands in his pockets. ¡°I mean, we¡¯re first-years trying to poke our noses into something even the ministry can¡¯t figure out.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Soya didn¡¯t answer. His fingers tightened around the strap of his sketchbook, its weight suddenly heavier than before. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Spellchecker was right¡ªthey were out of their depth. And worse, Eliza had already paid the price for it.


    The stone archway leading to the Thylacea common room loomed ahead. Davonte muttered the password¡ª¡°Courage through adaptability¡±¡ªand the nearby portrait of the tasmanian devil grumbled as the wooden door creaked open to reveal the warm, wood-paneled room beyond.


    The fire in the hearth crackled quietly, and a few students were still lingering, chatting in hushed tones or poring over their homework. Soya stepped inside, grateful for the familiar comfort of the room.


    Davonte flopped down onto one of the overstuffed armchairs by the fire with a dramatic sigh. ¡°Well, that was an adventure. Not exactly the ending I¡¯d hoped for, but at least we didn¡¯t get expelled.¡±


    Soya didn¡¯t sit. Instead, he lingered near the edge of the room, staring into the flames. The flickering light danced in his peripheral vision, but his thoughts were elsewhere.


    ¡°You alright, mate?¡± Davonte¡¯s voice cut through the quiet.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Soya admitted, his voice soft. ¡°Spellchecker didn¡¯t punish us, but... he knows something. And he¡¯s not telling us. He made it sound like we just have to sit here and wait, and I¡ª¡± He stopped, his throat tight. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can do that. Not when Eliza¡¯s still out there.¡±


    Davonte leaned back in his chair, studying Soya carefully. ¡°Yeah. I get it.¡± He rubbed his hands together, his usual humor subdued. ¡°But you heard him¡ªthis isn¡¯t just some school mystery. If we push too far, we¡¯ll end up in real trouble. And if Eliza¡ª¡± He hesitated, then shook his head. ¡°If she¡¯s caught up in all this, maybe we are out of our depth.¡±


    Soya swallowed hard, the words hitting him like a punch to the gut. Out of our depth. He didn¡¯t want to believe it, but the fear gnawed at him, relentless and heavy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to give up,¡± he whispered finally. ¡°But I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    Davonte sighed, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. ¡°We¡¯re not giving up, alright? But let¡¯s be smart about this. We¡¯ve got classes, ministry officials breathing down our necks, and professors who already know something¡¯s wrong. If we start acting like everything¡¯s normal, maybe we¡¯ll figure out a better way forward without getting caught.¡±


    Soya glanced at him, his brow furrowed. ¡°Act normal?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Davonte said with a faint grin. ¡°You know¡ªgo to class, do our homework, pretend we¡¯re just two perfectly innocent first-years who definitely didn¡¯t sneak into the Whispering Archives. Trust me, we¡¯ll think of something.¡±


    Soya let out a small, uncertain laugh. ¡°That¡¯s your plan?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a brilliant plan,¡± Davonte said, stretching his arms over his head. ¡°At least until I come up with a better one.¡±


    Soya sat down on the edge of the couch, the fire¡¯s warmth seeping into his cold fingers. As much as he wanted to argue, Davonte was right. For now, they had to keep their heads down¡ªblend in, act like nothing had happened, and wait for an opening.


    But the knot in Soya¡¯s chest refused to ease. Spellchecker¡¯s words still echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of how little control they really had.


    ¡°Some mysteries are not for you to solve.¡±


    And yet, as he stared into the flames, Soya couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he was meant to solve this one¡ªno matter how scared he was.


    The morning sunlight poured through the Great Hall¡¯s enchanted ceiling, the bright blues and golden clouds casting a serene glow over the rows of chattering students. For the first time in days, the tension in Soya¡¯s chest felt slightly lighter. Maybe it was the comfort of the familiar routine or the hum of voices that drowned out his thoughts. Davonte, of course, wasn¡¯t one for silence.


    ¡°So, mate,¡± Davonte said, scooping an impressive amount of scrambled eggs onto his plate, ¡°think we¡¯ll get anything exciting in class today? Maybe a nice spell to turn Sevrin¡¯s face green?¡±


    Soya shot him a look. ¡°You¡¯re going to get us both in trouble if you keep talking like that.¡±


    ¡°Trouble? Me?¡± Davonte feigned innocence, a piece of toast half in his mouth. ¡°I¡¯m practically a model student.¡±


    ¡°Right. A model student who drags me into forbidden archives and almost gets us caught.¡±


    Davonte grinned, leaning in conspiratorially. ¡°Admit it¡ªyou loved every second.¡±


    Before Soya could respond, a stack of letters dropped onto the table, carried by a tawny owl with a disgruntled expression. A few students groaned as the usual mix of homework reminders and family notes landed in front of them. Soya ignored the fluttering parchment, too focused on his own tangled thoughts. Today had to be normal¡ªjust another day of classes, no sneaking, no close calls.


    But normal was a relative concept at Austramore.


    Their first lesson of the day was Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Marilla. The open-air classroom overlooked the mountains, the sharp, fresh wind carrying the scent of eucalyptus. It was one of the most unusual rooms in the school¡ªno walls, only an enchanted dome to protect students from the elements.


    Professor Marilla, standing tall in her deep blue robes, had a presence that demanded attention. Today, she was smiling faintly, a sign that whatever they were learning wouldn¡¯t be dull.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± she began, her voice clear and commanding. ¡°We are moving past theory today. It¡¯s time to learn something practical¡ªand fun.¡±


    That got the students¡¯ attention. Soya sat straighter, the nervous energy that had plagued him all morning settling into cautious curiosity. Davonte leaned close, whispering, ¡°You heard her¡ªfun. We might not even lose an arm.¡±


    ¡°Today,¡± Marilla continued, ¡°we will practice Umbra Conjuris, a spell that creates a shadowy decoy. It¡¯s a useful defense against magical beasts, dueling opponents, or simply to confuse an enemy.¡±


    With a flick of her wand, she demonstrated. ¡°Umbra Conjuris!¡±


    A shadow burst forth from her feet, swirling and solidifying into a figure that looked like her, only slightly translucent. The shadow-Marilla mimicked her movements for a moment before dispersing into smoky tendrils.


    The class erupted into excited murmurs.


    ¡°You will pair up for this,¡± Marilla said, gesturing for them to spread out. ¡°One student will cast the decoy while the other tests its effectiveness. A properly conjured shadow will briefly distract, deflect, or confuse a simple jinx.¡±


    Davonte grabbed Soya¡¯s arm immediately. ¡°Partners.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about this,¡± Soya muttered as they found an empty space. ¡°I couldn¡¯t even make a proper light yesterday.¡±


    ¡°That was yesterday,¡± Davonte replied with a grin. ¡°Today, we¡¯re shadow warriors. Come on, give it a go.¡±


    Soya took a deep breath and raised his wand. Picture it, like Marilla said. He imagined a shadowy version of himself, darker and ghost-like, standing ready to deflect an attack.


    ¡°Umbra Conjuris!¡± he said, pointing his wand downward.


    A faint puff of smoke swirled, but it dissipated before it could form.


    ¡°Almost!¡± Davonte encouraged. ¡°Try again. You need to really see it in your mind.¡±


    Soya tried to shut out the noise around him, focusing instead on the shape of himself as a shadowy decoy. His wand felt steady this time.


    ¡°Umbra Conjuris!¡±


    The smoke billowed upward, thick and dark, and this time it took shape¡ªa shadowy figure standing beside him, mimicking his stance. It wasn¡¯t perfect, its edges blurred, but it held for several seconds before dissolving.


    Davonte whooped. ¡°That¡¯s it, mate! You¡¯ve got it!¡±


    A warm feeling of accomplishment spread through Soya¡¯s chest. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was something¡ªa sign that maybe he wasn¡¯t so hopeless after all. Across the field, Professor Marilla nodded approvingly as she passed by, her sharp gaze lingering on Soya for just a moment.


    ¡°Not bad, Mr. Vareen,¡± she said. ¡°Keep practicing. Your focus will improve.¡±


    Nearby, Davonte tried his own spell. His shadow burst out in a comically exaggerated form¡ªtwice his height and far too wide. Soya snorted, unable to stop the laugh that escaped him.


    ¡°Looks like a troll version of you,¡± Soya teased.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it,¡± Davonte replied with a satisfied grin. ¡°Shadow-me could smash a Basilisk.¡±


    By the time the class ended, Soya felt lighter than he had in days. The students filtered out of the open-air room, their chatter filled with the usual post-lesson energy. Davonte walked beside him, his wand twirling between his fingers.


    ¡°See?¡± Davonte said. ¡°You killed it today. You¡¯ve got shadow power now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Soya replied softly, his lips tugging into a smile. For the first time in a while, he felt like maybe he could handle this world after all.


    But as they made their way toward the next class, the feeling of unease crept back in. The ministry officials still lingered in the corridors, their watchful eyes catching every movement. And despite the success of the morning, Eliza¡¯s absence loomed like a shadow Soya couldn¡¯t dispel.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Davonte said, as if sensing his friend¡¯s thoughts. ¡°We¡¯ll figure this out.¡±


    Soya nodded, forcing himself to believe it.


    But the nagging feeling in his chest remained, whispering that the shadows they were chasing were far more dangerous than they realized.


    The Great Hall was unusually subdued as the students filed in for dinner that evening. The usual cheerful hum of conversation was quieter, replaced by hushed whispers and stolen glances. Even the enchanted ceiling, which typically reflected the outside sky, seemed darker¡ªheavy clouds rolling slowly across its expanse. Soya didn¡¯t need to ask why. The tension that had been building all week now hung in the air like a storm about to break.


    Soya and Davonte sat at the Thylacea table, their plates barely touched. Davonte tapped his fork rhythmically against the edge of his plate, his restless energy radiating out. ¡°What¡¯s with everyone? You¡¯d think someone declared broccoli illegal or something.¡±


    Soya glanced around the hall, noticing the way students were shifting in their seats, looking up at the staff table where Boromus Spellchecker now stood. The headmaster¡¯s expression was grave, his usually sharp eyes softer but no less serious.


    ¡°Something¡¯s about to happen,¡± Soya murmured.


    ¡°Guess we¡¯re about to find out,¡± Davonte replied, dropping his fork with a clatter.


    A hush fell over the room as the headmaster raised his hand, a gesture so simple yet commanding. Every student, from the eldest seventh-years to the youngest first-years, fell silent, their eyes fixed on him.


    ¡°Good evening, students,¡± Spellchecker began, his deep voice carrying across the hall with ease. ¡°I won¡¯t keep you from your dinner long, but it is time to address some matters of concern. As many of you have no doubt noticed, there have been changes within the castle of late. Changes that, while temporary, are for your safety.¡±


    A ripple of murmurs broke through, quickly silenced by the headmaster¡¯s glance.


    ¡°Due to recent events,¡± he continued, ¡°new rules will be in effect beginning tonight. For the time being, no student is permitted to be outside of their house common rooms past sunset unless accompanied by a professor or a prefect.¡±


    The whispers started again, louder this time. Soya felt his stomach sink as the weight of the announcement hit him. Sunset? That was a massive restriction. Even first-years had some freedom to wander the halls in the evenings. This was different¡ªfar stricter than anything he¡¯d seen so far.


    ¡°Furthermore,¡± Spellchecker said, his tone brooking no argument, ¡°patrols will be increased, and any students found disregarding this rule will face severe consequences. The safety of every student at Austramore is my highest priority, and while I cannot discuss the specifics, I ask you all to trust in your professors and the Ministry officials who remain on-site.¡±


    Soya exchanged a glance with Davonte, whose brows had furrowed deeply. Around them, the conversations swelled again¡ªsome confused, some angry, others frightened.


    ¡°I knew it,¡± Davonte whispered under his breath. ¡°They¡¯re not telling us something.¡±


    Soya swallowed hard, looking up at the headmaster. Spellchecker¡¯s gaze passed over the hall, landing briefly¡ªjust briefly¡ªon Soya himself. It was only for a second, but it was enough to send a chill down his spine. The headmaster knew. He always knew.


    The headmaster¡¯s voice rang out again, firm but calm. ¡°Now, I trust you will all take these measures seriously. We must be vigilant and cautious in uncertain times. But let me also say this¡ªAustramore has stood for centuries. It has seen storms far greater than this, and it has weathered them all. As long as we stand together, as a school and as a family, we will endure.¡±


    With that, he gave a small nod and returned to his seat at the center of the staff table. The enchanted ceiling above seemed to brighten faintly, the dark clouds parting just enough to reveal glimpses of starlight.


    But for Soya, the atmosphere didn¡¯t feel any lighter. Around him, the other students were already talking in low, frantic voices, speculating about what had caused such drastic measures. He caught snippets here and there¡ª¡°Eliza¡¯s disappearance,¡± ¡°the ministry wouldn¡¯t be here if it wasn¡¯t serious,¡± ¡°something¡¯s hunting the students¡±¡ªbut no one seemed to have answers.


    Davonte let out a low whistle, shaking his head. ¡°Sunset curfew, huh? They¡¯re practically locking us in.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for safety,¡± Soya said quietly, though the words felt hollow even as he said them. His mind was racing, trying to piece it all together. This was more than just Eliza. Spellchecker¡¯s warnings, the basilisk in the grove, Sage and Sevrin¡¯s involvement¡ªit was all part of something bigger.


    And yet, no one was telling them the whole truth.


    ¡°Yeah, well, it won¡¯t stop us, right?¡± Davonte said, trying to sound casual, but his voice carried a sharper edge. ¡°We¡¯re still going to figure this out. If anything, this just means we¡¯re getting close.¡±


    Soya stared down at his plate, his appetite completely gone. He wanted to believe that. He wanted to believe they could help Eliza, uncover the truth, and stay ahead of whatever storm was coming. But as he listened to the worried voices all around him, all he could think about was how much bigger this was than them.


    And how small he still felt.

 Chapter 15: Castle Breach

    The soft morning light streamed through the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall, casting a warm glow across the rows of tables. Soya sat at the Thylacea table, absently pushing scrambled eggs around his plate with a fork. Around him, the hum of students chatting and laughing filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere, still turning over the events of the past few days.


    Davonte, seated across from him, glanced up from a particularly large stack of pancakes. ¡°You¡¯re brooding again, mate,¡± he said, his tone light but pointed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not brooding,¡± Soya replied, though his lack of conviction betrayed him. He stabbed at a piece of sausage and took a half-hearted bite.


    ¡°You are,¡± Davonte insisted, gesturing with his fork. ¡°I know the look. It¡¯s the same one you had when we nearly got caught in the Archives. Or when Spellchecker gave that speech last night. Which, by the way, was pure theatrical brilliance.¡±


    Soya managed a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m just... thinking.¡±


    ¡°Dangerous habit, that,¡± Davonte quipped, taking another bite of pancake. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind? Eliza? The Archives? Or are you mentally preparing yourself to survive Blackthorn¡¯s Potions class? Because, mate, I¡¯ve got bad news¡ªno amount of preparation can save us from his mood swings.¡±


    Soya shook his head, setting his fork down. ¡°It¡¯s everything, really. The ministry officials, Eliza, the Archives... It¡¯s like everything¡¯s piling up, and I can¡¯t make sense of any of it.¡±


    Davonte leaned forward, his silver eyes sharp. ¡°Well, here¡¯s a thought¡ªstop trying to make sense of it all at once. One thing at a time. First, eat something. You¡¯re going to need your strength if we¡¯re dealing with cauldron explosions before lunch.¡±


    Soya raised an eyebrow. ¡°You think Blackthorn¡¯s in one of those moods today?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Davonte said with a grin. ¡°I saw him in the corridor yesterday¡ªhe was muttering about first-years ruining his pristine workspace. I¡¯d say we¡¯re in for a long lesson.¡±


    Before Soya could reply, a tawny owl swooped down, dropping a letter in front of a student further down the table. The sight of the owl brought a pang of unease to Soya¡¯s chest¡ªa reminder of how quickly things could change with just a single piece of parchment.


    ¡°Morning mail¡¯s always so dramatic,¡± Davonte remarked, following Soya¡¯s gaze. ¡°Bet you half the letters are just parents complaining about how much their kids are spending at Fernwick.¡±


    The comment drew a small laugh from Soya, easing the knot of tension in his chest. ¡°You¡¯re probably right.¡±


    ¡°Of course I am,¡± Davonte said, leaning back with an air of mock confidence. ¡°But seriously, mate, you¡¯ve got to loosen up. Stressing isn¡¯t going to solve anything.¡±


    Soya nodded, though the weight of his thoughts lingered. He glanced around the Great Hall, taking in the familiar sights¡ªthe banners of the four houses swaying gently, the professors chatting at the head table, and the occasional burst of laughter from nearby groups of students. It was comforting, in a way, to see that life at Austramore carried on, even when everything felt uncertain.


    As breakfast wound down, Davonte stretched and stood, tossing an apple into the air before catching it with a flourish. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s face the day. Blackthorn¡¯s first, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Soya said, rising to his feet and grabbing his bag. He glanced at the Thylacea banner one last time before following Davonte toward the exit. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope he¡¯s not testing antidotes again. Last time was bad enough.¡±


    Davonte grinned over his shoulder. ¡°Oh, he will. And when he does, you¡¯d better volunteer, mate. I¡¯m counting on you to save me from drinking something that turns my skin blue.


    The potions classroom was as foreboding as ever. The cold, stone walls were lined with shelves containing jars of unidentifiable ingredients, their contents suspended in viscous liquids that glimmered faintly in the dim light. Professor Blackthorn¡¯s voice boomed as he paced at the front of the room, his long, dark robes swirling behind him like a storm.


    ¡°Today,¡± he announced, his tone clipped, ¡°we will begin work on a Petrification Potion. While its practical uses are limited, its properties are a vital study in understanding advanced potion-making.¡±


    Soya and Davonte exchanged a glance. Davonte muttered, ¡°Limited uses? Sounds like he¡¯s had personal experience.¡±


    ¡°Eyes forward, Mr. Evander,¡± Blackthorn snapped without looking, his sharp hearing catching the whisper. Davonte straightened immediately, stifling a grin as Soya suppressed a laugh.


    ¡°Now,¡± Blackthorn continued, his sharp gaze sweeping over the class, ¡°this potion is highly delicate. One misstep, and your brew will be entirely ineffective¡ªor worse, dangerous. Follow my instructions exactly, and we might make it through this lesson without a catastrophic failure.¡±


    The instructions appeared on the board in Blackthorn¡¯s elegant handwriting, detailing a complex process involving crushed mandrake root, powdered moonstone, and a handful of basilisk scales. The class buzzed with quiet murmurs as students gathered their ingredients and set to work.


    Soya measured his ingredients carefully, his hands steady despite the rising tension in the room. Beside him, Davonte was decidedly less focused, muttering under his breath as he struggled to crush the mandrake root into a fine enough powder.


    ¡°This stuff¡¯s harder than it looks,¡± Davonte whispered, his pestle slipping slightly in the mortar.


    ¡°Let me help,¡± Soya said, taking the mortar and expertly grinding the root into the desired consistency. ¡°There. Just keep stirring clockwise when you add it, or it¡¯ll ruin the potion.¡±


    Davonte gave him an exaggerated look of relief. ¡°Thanks, mate. I¡¯d say I owe you, but let¡¯s face it¡ªyou¡¯d have done this anyway.¡±


    ¡°Focus, gentlemen!¡± Blackthorn¡¯s sharp voice cut through the room, making both boys snap back to their cauldrons. The professor stood at the front, his arms crossed and his piercing eyes darting over the students¡¯ progress. ¡°And remember, the moonstone powder must be added slowly¡ªtoo quickly, and you risk destabilizing the entire mixture.¡±


    Soya carefully followed the instructions, feeling a small surge of satisfaction as his potion began to shimmer with the faint silver glow Blackthorn had described. Davonte¡¯s potion, however, was a dull gray, and he was frantically stirring to no avail.


    ¡°Uh, Soya? A little help here?¡± Davonte muttered, shooting his friend a pleading look.


    Before Soya could respond, the classroom door creaked open, and Professor Wickham stepped inside. Her presence was a stark contrast to Blackthorn¡¯s dark and imposing demeanor¡ªtall, composed, and calm, with a sharpness in her eyes that rivaled his.


    ¡°Blackthorn,¡± she said, her voice low but urgent. ¡°A word.¡±


    The potions professor¡¯s expression darkened, but he nodded curtly. ¡°Class, continue with your work. I will return shortly.¡±


    The room buzzed with unease as Blackthorn and Wickham stepped into the corridor, their voices muffled but clearly tense. Soya glanced at Davonte, who shrugged and returned to stirring his gray potion with renewed determination.


    The minutes dragged on, and the tension in the classroom grew. Whispers spread among the students, speculation ranging from a dangerous experiment gone wrong to another incident involving the ministry officials.


    When Blackthorn returned, his expression was unreadable, but there was an undeniable urgency in his movements. He strode to the front of the room and clapped his hands, silencing the chatter instantly.


    ¡°Class is dismissed early today,¡± he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°Leave your cauldrons untouched. Your potions will be evaluated at the beginning of the next lesson.¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The students hesitated, exchanging glances, but Blackthorn¡¯s piercing gaze left no room for protest. They began gathering their things, the usual post-class chatter muted by curiosity and unease.


    As Soya packed his bag, he caught sight of Davonte¡¯s furrowed brow. ¡°Think it¡¯s about the ministry?¡± Soya asked quietly.


    ¡°Could be,¡± Davonte replied, his voice low. ¡°Or something worse.¡±


    They filed out with the rest of the students, the air thick with unanswered questions. Whatever had drawn Blackthorn away, it was clear that something important¡ªand possibly dangerous¡ªwas unfolding within the castle walls.


    The courtyard was quiet, its cobblestone paths dappled with the late-morning sunlight filtering through the towering eucalyptus trees. This particular section of the courtyard was rarely used, its isolation making it a favored spot for students seeking solitude¡ªor, in Soya and Davonte¡¯s case, secrecy.


    ¡°This place is perfect,¡± Davonte said, dropping his bag onto the ground and pulling out his wand. ¡°No nosy prefects, no ministry goons, and no Blackthorn breathing down our necks.¡±


    Soya glanced around nervously, his fingers brushing the edge of his sketchbook. ¡°Are you sure we should be practicing spells out here? If someone catches us¡ª¡±


    ¡°Relax,¡± Davonte interrupted, grinning. ¡°We¡¯re not doing anything illegal. Just brushing up on some basics. Besides, if we¡¯re going to figure out what¡¯s going on, we need to be prepared.¡±


    Soya hesitated but nodded, drawing his own wand. He couldn¡¯t deny that Davonte had a point. The events of the past weeks had left him feeling helpless, and if practicing a few spells could help him regain some sense of control, it was worth the risk.


    ¡°What spell are we starting with?¡± Soya asked, trying to keep his voice steady.


    ¡°Let¡¯s warm up with Umbra Conjuris,¡± Davonte suggested, twirling his wand. ¡°You got the hang of it last time, but it wouldn¡¯t hurt to make it more solid.¡±


    Soya nodded, taking a deep breath as he focused on his wand. The memory of his successful attempt in Defense Against the Dark Arts gave him a small boost of confidence. He pictured the shadowy decoy in his mind, dark and fluid but strong.


    ¡°Umbra Conjuris,¡± he said firmly, his wand pointed downward.


    A shadow erupted from his feet, swirling upward and taking the vague shape of a person. It wasn¡¯t perfect¡ªthe edges were still a little blurred¡ªbut it held its form for several moments before dissipating.


    ¡°Nice!¡± Davonte said, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡°Getting better already.¡±


    Before Soya could respond, Davonte raised his wand. ¡°Alright, my turn. Umbra Conjuris!¡±


    The shadow that emerged was far more erratic, its edges flickering like smoke in a strong wind. It lasted only a few seconds before collapsing into nothingness. Davonte frowned, tilting his head.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s embarrassing,¡± he muttered. ¡°Guess I need more practice.¡±


    Soya managed a small laugh, but his amusement was short-lived. A faint sound¡ªa low, distant rumble¡ªreached his ears, sending a chill down his spine.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± he asked, lowering his wand.


    Davonte paused, his brow furrowing. ¡°Hear what?¡±


    Before Soya could answer, the rumble came again, louder this time. It wasn¡¯t the sound of thunder or wind, but something heavier¡ªlike stone shifting under immense weight. The boys exchanged a glance, their wands instinctively raised.


    ¡°Let¡¯s check it out,¡± Davonte said, his voice hushed but excited.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Soya hissed, his nerves on edge. ¡°What if it¡¯s something dangerous?¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s something we need to know about,¡± Davonte replied, already moving toward the sound. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be a coward.¡±


    Soya gritted his teeth, clutching his wand tightly as he followed. The sound grew louder with each step, drawing them toward the far end of the courtyard where the castle wall met the edge of the surrounding forest. The air seemed heavier here, the usual chatter of birds and rustling leaves conspicuously absent.


    And then they saw it.


    A massive hole gaped in the castle wall, jagged edges of stone jutting out like broken teeth. The opening was large enough for a grown man to walk through without ducking, and beyond it, the dense shadows of the forest loomed.


    Davonte let out a low whistle, his usual humor replaced by genuine awe. ¡°Well, that¡¯s... not normal.¡±


    Soya stared at the hole, his mind racing. The castle walls were enchanted, reinforced with layers of protective magic. Something¡ªor someone¡ªhad broken through, and it wasn¡¯t a small feat.


    ¡°What could have done this?¡± Soya whispered, his voice barely audible.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Davonte said, stepping closer to examine the edges of the hole. ¡°But whatever it was, it wasn¡¯t subtle.¡±


    Soya¡¯s eyes darted around the courtyard, half-expecting something to emerge from the shadows. ¡°We should tell someone,¡± he said, his voice shaky. ¡°The headmaster, or¡ª¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Davonte interrupted, crouching near the base of the hole. He pointed to the ground, where faint marks were etched into the dirt¡ªlong, claw-like gouges that trailed off into the forest. ¡°Look at this.¡±


    Soya knelt beside him, his breath catching as he studied the marks. They were deep and uneven, as if something massive had dragged itself¡ªor been dragged¡ªthrough the opening.


    ¡°Those look like claw marks,¡± Soya said, his voice trembling. ¡°What kind of creature could do this?¡±


    Davonte¡¯s expression darkened, the usual lightness in his eyes replaced by a seriousness Soya rarely saw. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But if this thing got into the castle...¡±


    He didn¡¯t finish the sentence. He didn¡¯t need to. The implications were clear enough.


    Soya¡¯s grip on his wand tightened, his mind swirling with questions and fears. The hole in the wall was more than just a mystery¡ªit was a threat. And whatever had caused it was still out there.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Davonte said, standing and brushing the dirt off his hands. ¡°We need to figure out what we¡¯re dealing with before anyone else gets hurt.¡±


    Soya nodded reluctantly, the weight of the discovery settling heavily on his shoulders. As they turned to leave, he cast one last glance at the hole, its dark edges seeming to whisper promises of danger yet to come.


    The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridors as the announcement spread like wildfire. Students clustered together in nervous groups, their voices hushed but tinged with fear. The towering stone walls of Austramore, usually a symbol of safety, now felt oppressively close.


    Soya and Davonte stood frozen in the courtyard, the image of the massive hole in the wall still fresh in their minds. The sudden, urgent toll of the castle¡¯s enchanted bells shattered their thoughts, the deep chime reverberating through the air.


    ¡°That¡¯s not good,¡± Davonte muttered, his usual bravado slipping.


    A prefect, her face pale but composed, appeared at the entrance to the courtyard. ¡°You two!¡± she barked, her voice sharp. ¡°Get to your common room immediately. The school is going into lockdown.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Soya asked, his voice trembling despite his best efforts to appear calm.


    The prefect hesitated, her gaze flickering toward the forest beyond the courtyard. ¡°No questions. Just move.¡±


    Soya exchanged a nervous glance with Davonte before nodding. They joined the stream of students being shepherded through the halls, the air thick with unspoken fear. The prefects and professors guided them with firm but calm instructions, their wands drawn but held low to avoid drawing too much attention.


    In the Great Hall, Headmaster Spellchecker stood at the staff table, his presence commanding even in the midst of chaos. As students filtered in, his voice amplified over the noise, cutting through the tension like a blade.


    ¡°Students, please remain calm,¡± he said, his tone steady but leaving no room for argument. ¡°You are to return to your common rooms immediately, where you will be supervised by your prefects and house heads. No student is to leave their dormitory under any circumstances until further notice.¡±


    A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall, but Spellchecker raised a hand, silencing them.


    ¡°This is a precautionary measure,¡± he continued, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. ¡°The situation is under control, and there is no need for panic. Trust in your professors to ensure your safety.¡±


    Soya couldn¡¯t help but notice the subtle tension in Spellchecker¡¯s posture, the way his wand remained in his hand even as he spoke. Whatever was happening, it was serious.


    The students were divided into groups by house, each escorted by a professor or a prefect. As the Thylacea students gathered near their designated prefect, Soya felt the weight of the situation settle heavily on his chest. He glanced at Davonte, who had gone uncharacteristically quiet, his usual smirk replaced with a tight-lipped frown.


    The journey to the common room was tense, the usual chatter of students replaced with hushed whispers. Soya¡¯s mind raced with questions. Was this connected to the hole in the wall? To the claw marks they¡¯d seen? And why had the headmaster avoided giving them a direct explanation?


    When they finally reached the entrance to the Thylacea common room, the prefect muttered the password, and the wooden door creaked open. Inside, the usually warm and inviting space felt stifling. The younger students huddled together on the couches, their wide eyes reflecting the fear they couldn¡¯t voice. The older students, though calmer, wore expressions of unease.


    Davonte sank into one of the armchairs by the fire, rubbing his temples. ¡°This isn¡¯t just a precaution,¡± he muttered, low enough that only Soya could hear. ¡°Something¡¯s down there.¡±


    Soya sat beside him, his fingers clutching his sketchbook tightly. ¡°A basilisk,¡± he whispered, the word feeling heavy and forbidden. ¡°It has to be.¡±


    Davonte nodded grimly. ¡°And if it¡¯s in the lower levels... it¡¯s only a matter of time before it finds its way up here.¡±


    Soya¡¯s stomach twisted at the thought. The image of the hole in the wall flashed in his mind, along with the claw marks leading into the forest. As his thoughts churned, something didn¡¯t add up.


    ¡°But if it is a basilisk,¡± Soya said slowly, ¡°it couldn¡¯t have made those claw marks. Basilisks don¡¯t have claws.¡±


    Davonte¡¯s eyes widened slightly, his brows knitting together. ¡°You¡¯re right. Those marks were deep¡ªlike something big dragged itself through the wall. Something with claws.¡±


    ¡°Which means...¡± Soya hesitated, the words catching in his throat. ¡°There¡¯s something else. Something bigger.¡±


    The realization hit them both like a punch to the gut. If a basilisk was loose in the castle and something else had created the damage, then whatever was happening wasn¡¯t just dangerous¡ªit was catastrophic.


    Davonte leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, his voice low and serious. ¡°So we¡¯ve got a basilisk, something with claws, and a hole in the wall that no one¡¯s talking about. Whatever this is, it¡¯s not just a random attack.¡±


    ¡°And if the professors can¡¯t stop it?¡± Soya asked, his voice trembling.


    Davonte didn¡¯t answer immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter than usual. ¡°Then we¡¯re all in serious trouble.¡±


    The flickering firelight cast long shadows on the walls, amplifying the tension in the room. Soya stared into the flames, his mind racing. For now, all they could do was wait¡ªand hope the walls of Austramore were strong enough to hold against whatever was coming.

 Chapter 16: Horrormore

    The Thylacea common room was quiet, the usual hum of conversation subdued by the weight of the lockdown. Soya shifted uneasily in his seat, his fingers idly tracing the edge of his sketchbook. Davonte, lounging across from him, tossed a small rubber ball into the air and caught it repeatedly, the soft thud breaking the silence.


    Soya glanced toward the door, hesitating before finally speaking. ¡°I need to use the restroom.¡±


    Davonte caught the ball mid-air and raised an eyebrow. ¡°You know we¡¯re not supposed to leave the common room.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Soya said, already feeling the heat of embarrassment creeping up his neck. ¡°But I can¡¯t exactly hold it all night.¡±


    Davonte smirked, leaning forward. ¡°Alright, but you¡¯re not going alone. Spellchecker¡¯s speech made it pretty clear wandering off isn¡¯t a good idea. Let¡¯s find a prefect.¡±


    Before Soya could protest, Davonte was already on his feet, stretching dramatically as he made his way toward the prefect¡¯s corner. Thalia Greaves, one of the older Thylacea students and their current prefect on duty, was seated by the fireplace, poring over a thick tome. She glanced up as they approached, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly.


    ¡°Something you need?¡± she asked, her voice clipped but not unkind.


    ¡°Soya here needs the facilities,¡± Davonte said with a casual shrug. ¡°And I figured we¡¯d do things by the book, seeing as we¡¯re such model students.¡±


    Thalia sighed, closing her book with a soft thud. ¡°Alright. Second-floor bathrooms are the closest. Just stick together and don¡¯t wander off. I¡¯ll escort you.¡±


    Davonte grinned. ¡°You¡¯re the best, Thalia.¡±


    ¡°Save it,¡± she said, standing and grabbing her wand. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The three of them left the common room, the heavy wooden door creaking shut behind them. The corridors were eerily silent, the usual clatter of footsteps and chatter absent. The torches lining the walls flickered softly, casting long shadows that danced across the stone.


    ¡°You¡¯d think they¡¯d at least tell us why we¡¯re locked down,¡± Davonte muttered as they walked, his voice low but carrying in the stillness. ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯re going to panic or anything.¡±


    Thalia shot him a look. ¡°It¡¯s not our place to question the headmaster¡¯s decisions. Our job is to follow instructions and stay safe.¡±


    Davonte opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it, settling for a theatrical eye roll instead. Soya kept quiet, his nerves on edge as they made their way down the corridor.


    When they reached the second floor, the faint sound of dripping water echoed through the air. The bathroom door loomed ahead, its carved wood polished to a faint sheen.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Thalia said, stopping just outside. ¡°Make it quick.¡±


    Soya nodded, hurrying inside while Davonte lingered in the doorway. The bathroom was dimly lit, the stone walls damp with condensation. As Soya made his way to the nearest stall, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the silence outside wasn¡¯t natural¡ªthat something was watching, waiting just beyond their sight.


    When he finished and stepped back into the corridor, Davonte was leaning casually against the wall, twirling his wand. ¡°Took you long enough.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get back,¡± Soya said, his voice tight. ¡°This place gives me the creeps.¡±


    Thalia nodded in agreement, her expression unreadable as she led them back toward the common room. But as they walked, Soya couldn¡¯t shake the unease settling in his chest, like the castle itself was holding its breath.


    The corridor plunged into darkness so suddenly that it left Soya reeling. One moment, the warm glow of the torches lit the path ahead, and the next, their light was snuffed out, leaving nothing but an oppressive black void. Soya froze in place, his breath catching as he reached instinctively for the nearest wall.


    ¡°What just happened?¡± Davonte¡¯s voice cut through the silence, low but tight with unease.


    ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t know,¡± Soya stammered, his fingers brushing against cold stone. His eyes strained to adjust, but the darkness was absolute, swallowing even the faintest glimmer of light.


    ¡°Thalia?¡± Davonte called, his tone louder now, laced with an edge of panic. ¡°You still there?¡±


    No answer came. Only silence, vast and heavy.


    A low, guttural noise echoed from somewhere deep within the walls, sending a shiver racing down Soya¡¯s spine. It wasn¡¯t the sound of footsteps or the creak of old wood¡ªit was something else entirely, a vibration that seemed to hum through the air itself.


    ¡°Davonte,¡± Soya whispered, his voice trembling, ¡°what¡¯s happening?¡±


    Before Davonte could reply, another sound joined the first: a faint whispering, so soft it was almost imperceptible. It came from everywhere and nowhere at once, filling the corridor with an eerie cadence. The words were unintelligible, their syllables jagged and sharp, like shards of glass scraping together.


    ¡°Do you hear that?¡± Soya asked, his pulse hammering in his ears.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Davonte replied, his voice unnaturally quiet. ¡°But I can¡¯t understand it. It¡¯s like... like it¡¯s not meant for us.¡±


    The whispers grew louder, overlapping in a chaotic symphony that seemed to close in around them. Soya reached out blindly, his fingers brushing against fabric¡ªDavonte¡¯s sleeve. He gripped it tightly, the small connection grounding him against the rising tide of fear.


    ¡°We need to move,¡± Davonte said, his tone urgent. ¡°Find Thalia or anyone who can tell us what¡¯s going on.¡±


    Soya nodded, though he doubted Davonte could see him. Together, they began to edge forward, their movements slow and cautious. The darkness felt alive, pressing in on them from all sides. Every step seemed to echo louder than the last, the sound bouncing back unnaturally from the unseen walls.


    And then, a faint scuttling noise broke through the whispers. It was distant at first, almost indistinguishable from the other strange sounds. But it grew steadily louder, closer, until it seemed to come from right behind them.


    ¡°Run,¡± Davonte hissed, his voice barely audible over the cacophony.


    Soya didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He bolted forward, his feet pounding against the stone floor. He could hear Davonte running beside him, his breathing ragged and quick. The corridor felt endless, the darkness unyielding, as if the walls themselves were shifting to trap them.


    ¡°Left!¡± Davonte shouted suddenly, grabbing Soya¡¯s arm and yanking him to the side. They skidded into another hallway, but the whispers followed, their dissonant tones swelling into a feverish crescendo.


    A sharp, metallic clang echoed somewhere ahead, like a door slamming shut. Soya stumbled, nearly losing his footing, but Davonte caught him, steadying him just long enough for them to keep moving.


    The scuttling noise was louder now, accompanied by a low growl that vibrated through the stone beneath their feet. It wasn¡¯t human¡ªcouldn¡¯t be¡ªand the realization made Soya¡¯s chest tighten with panic.


    ¡°Davonte,¡± Soya gasped, his voice shaking, ¡°what if we can¡¯t¡ª¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think like that,¡± Davonte interrupted, his grip on Soya¡¯s arm firm. ¡°We¡¯re getting out of this. Just keep moving.¡±


    The whispers began to thin, their chaotic chorus receding into the distance. But the darkness remained, impenetrable and suffocating. Soya¡¯s lungs burned, his legs aching with every step, but he forced himself to push forward. He couldn¡¯t stop¡ªnot now.


    Finally, they rounded another corner and collided with something solid. Soya stumbled back, his heart leaping into his throat.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Davonte demanded, raising his wand instinctively.


    A flicker of light sparked in the darkness¡ªa faint, golden glow that illuminated a figure slumped against the wall. It was Thalia. Her face was pale, her breaths shallow, and her wand lay forgotten at her side.


    ¡°Thalia!¡± Soya exclaimed, dropping to his knees beside her. ¡°Are you alright? What happened?¡±


    Her eyes fluttered open, but her gaze was unfocused. ¡°The... whispers,¡± she murmured, her voice barely audible. ¡°They... they weren¡¯t...¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t what?¡± Davonte pressed, his expression taut with worry. ¡°What did you see?¡±


    But before Thalia could answer, the faint glow of her wand extinguished, plunging them back into darkness. And with it came the whispers again, louder and more menacing than before.


    The whispers cut off suddenly, leaving the corridor in an eerie, oppressive silence. Soya froze, his heart hammering in his chest as his eyes strained against the darkness. Even without the whispers, the air felt charged, like a storm about to break. Davonte knelt beside Thalia, trying to rouse her fully, but Soya couldn¡¯t focus on anything but the unnatural quiet.


    And then, faintly at first, came the sound.


    A scraping noise, like claws dragging across stone, echoed from the end of the hallway. It was deliberate, unhurried, each scratch sending a shiver down Soya¡¯s spine. He turned his head toward the source, his breath catching as he gripped his wand tighter.


    ¡°Do you hear that?¡± he whispered, barely audible.


    Davonte looked up, his face pale. ¡°Yeah,¡± he said, his voice low. ¡°And I don¡¯t think we want to meet whatever¡¯s making it.¡±


    The scraping grew louder, accompanied by a deep, guttural sound¡ªhalf growl, half hiss¡ªthat reverberated through the corridor. The creature was close. Too close.


    Soya¡¯s stomach twisted as a massive shadow began to stretch across the floor, cast by some unseen light. It moved unnaturally, the edges of its form twisting and writhing like smoke. And then, slowly, it came into view.


    The creature emerged from around the corner, its movements deliberate and predatory. It was massive, easily towering over the tallest professor at Austramore. Its body was lean and sinewy, covered in coarse, jet-black fur that seemed to shimmer faintly in the dark. Its limbs were unnaturally long, with powerful shoulders that rippled as it moved. Each of its feet ended in enormous, curved claws that scraped against the stone with every step.


    But it was the creature¡¯s head that sent a wave of icy fear through Soya¡¯s veins. Its face was elongated, like that of a distorted canine, but its jaws were unnervingly wide, lined with rows of jagged, translucent teeth that glowed faintly like moonlight on water. Its eyes were even worse¡ªlarge and lidless, a vivid, sickly yellow that seemed to pierce straight through the soul.


    Two jagged, spiraling horns protruded from its head, twisting back like those of a ram, but their surfaces were covered in faintly glowing runes. The markings pulsed rhythmically, as if the creature itself were alive with some ancient, dark magic.


    ¡°What... is that?¡± Davonte whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of his own breathing.


    Soya couldn¡¯t speak. His entire body was frozen, every instinct screaming at him to run, but his legs refused to obey. The creature turned its head toward them, its glowing eyes narrowing as it inhaled deeply, its nostrils flaring. It had caught their scent.


    The low growl turned into a deep, guttural rumble that seemed to vibrate through the stone floor. The creature¡¯s maw stretched into a grotesque approximation of a grin, its jagged teeth glinting faintly.


    ¡°It knows we¡¯re here,¡± Davonte said, his voice shaking. ¡°We need to move. Now.¡±


    Before either of them could react, the creature took a step forward, its massive claws gouging deep into the stone. The movement was slow and deliberate, as if it were savoring the fear radiating from its prey.


    ¡°Get up!¡± Davonte hissed, grabbing Soya¡¯s arm and pulling him to his feet. ¡°We have to go!¡±


    Thalia stirred weakly, her voice a faint whisper. ¡°Run... just run...¡±


    The creature let out a piercing, otherworldly screech that echoed through the corridor, freezing Soya¡¯s blood. It crouched low, its muscles coiling like a spring, and then it leapt forward with terrifying speed.


    ¡°Run!¡± Davonte shouted, his voice cutting through the haze of fear.


    Soya¡¯s legs finally obeyed, and he bolted down the corridor, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst. Davonte was beside him, half-dragging Thalia as they fled, the sound of the creature¡¯s claws scraping against the stone ringing in their ears.


    The corridor seemed endless, each shadow twisting and shifting as the creature closed the distance behind them. Its guttural growls echoed like a predator toying with its prey, and Soya dared not look back.


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Soya shouted, his voice cracking with panic.


    ¡°Keep running!¡± Davonte yelled. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out¡ªjust don¡¯t stop!¡±


    But the creature wasn¡¯t giving them a choice. Its massive form was gaining on them, the vibrations of its steps shaking the ground. Soya¡¯s mind raced, desperation clawing at him as he realized they couldn¡¯t outrun it forever.


    He clutched his wand tighter, his breath ragged. ¡°Davonte... it¡¯s going to catch us!¡±


    Davonte¡¯s eyes darted around, searching for anything¡ªany escape, any plan. ¡°There!¡± he shouted, pointing to a small archway up ahead, partially concealed by a tapestry. ¡°Through there!¡±


    Soya didn¡¯t hesitate. He veered toward the archway, the tapestry brushing against his shoulder as he dove through. Davonte followed, pulling Thalia behind him just as the creature¡¯s claws scraped against the stone where they had stood a moment earlier.


    Inside the small, hidden alcove, the three of them pressed against the wall, their breaths loud in the deafening silence. The creature¡¯s growls echoed just outside, its claws scratching ominously against the floor.


    Soya¡¯s heart thundered in his chest, his wand trembling in his hand. ¡°It¡¯s... it¡¯s hunting us.¡±


    Davonte nodded grimly, his silver eyes glinting with a mix of fear and determination. ¡°Yeah,¡± he whispered. ¡°And it¡¯s not going to stop until it catches us.¡±


    The eerie silence that followed the creature¡¯s pursuit was shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps and sharp voices echoing through the corridor. Soya pressed himself further into the alcove, his breath hitching as the distant growls of the creature mingled with the unmistakable sound of human movement.


    ¡°Over here!¡± a voice barked, strong and commanding. It was Professor Marilla.


    A burst of light illuminated the corridor, casting long, flickering shadows on the walls. The monstrous creature let out a guttural roar, its clawed feet scraping furiously against the stone as it turned its attention toward the new arrivals. Soya risked a glance out from behind the tapestry, his heart leaping at the sight of Professor Marilla, her wand raised high, a shimmering barrier of blue light forming in front of her.


    ¡°Students!¡± she called, her voice steady despite the chaos. ¡°Stay where you are!¡±


    Behind her, Seikan Blackthorn strode forward, his dark robes billowing as he moved. His sharp emerald eyes locked onto the creature, immediately narrowing in on the glowing runes etched into its horns. He paused, his hands flicking in the air as he began tracing intricate runes that glowed faintly in response.


    Professor Wickham appeared next, her usual composed demeanor cracking slightly as she took in the hulking creature before them. ¡°What in Merlin¡¯s name is that thing?¡± she murmured, her wand pointed steadily at the beast.


    ¡°Something ancient and deeply dangerous,¡± Seikan replied tersely, his focus never wavering. ¡°And those runes¡ªit¡¯s been bound or controlled by something. But they¡¯re not acting as they should. It¡¯s... breaking free.¡±


    Marilla raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t take her eyes off the creature. ¡°Bound or not, it¡¯s trying to kill us and these students. Suggestions?¡±


    ¡°Magic barely works on it,¡± Seikan said, his voice grim. ¡°That barrier of yours is holding, but I doubt it will for long. Whatever those runes are, they¡¯re shielding it from most magical attacks.¡±


    The creature snarled, slamming itself against Marilla¡¯s barrier. The shimmering blue light rippled but held firm, though the force of the impact caused cracks to spiderweb across the stone floor.


    ¡°Then we hold it back long enough to get the students out of here,¡± Wickham said, stepping forward and reinforcing the barrier with a flick of her wand.


    Seikan¡¯s hands moved rapidly as he sketched more glowing runes in the air, muttering incantations under his breath. The symbols shot forward, attaching themselves to the creature¡¯s horns and body. For a brief moment, the runes flared bright, and the creature let out a deafening roar, stumbling backward. But the glow faded just as quickly, the runes crumbling into nothingness.


    ¡°Damn,¡± Seikan hissed, his frustration evident. ¡°It¡¯s too resistant. Those runes are acting like a magical dampener¡ªthey¡¯re negating anything we throw at it.¡±


    The creature recovered quickly, its glowing eyes narrowing as it stalked forward again. The professors braced themselves, but Marilla turned her head slightly toward the alcove where Soya, Davonte, and Thalia were hiding.


    ¡°Students, listen carefully!¡± she called, her voice calm but firm. ¡°You need to move now. Follow the corridor back the way you came and head straight to your common room. Do not stop for anything.¡±


    Soya hesitated, his heart pounding as he stared at the professors standing between them and the monstrous creature. ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°Go!¡± Marilla snapped, her voice leaving no room for argument. ¡°We¡¯ll handle this.¡±


    Davonte grabbed Soya¡¯s arm, his usual confidence replaced by urgency. ¡°Come on, mate. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Reluctantly, Soya nodded, pulling Thalia to her feet as they slipped out from behind the tapestry. The corridor ahead of them was dark and silent, the faint glow of the professors¡¯ magic casting eerie shadows that seemed to stretch and twist as they moved.


    Behind them, the creature lunged at the barrier again, its claws raking against the magical shield with a horrifying screech. Wickham reinforced the barrier with another flick of her wand, while Marilla raised her own, sending a burst of golden light toward the creature¡¯s legs. The spell struck true, causing the beast to stagger, but it shook off the attack almost immediately.


    ¡°We can¡¯t hold this thing forever,¡± Wickham said through gritted teeth. ¡°Blackthorn, any ideas?¡±


    Seikan¡¯s hands moved in a blur as he sketched another series of runes, this time directing them toward the ceiling above the creature. ¡°If we can¡¯t stop it, we¡¯ll bury it,¡± he said, his tone sharp. The runes glowed brightly, and the stones above the creature began to tremble.


    The creature roared, sensing the shift, and slammed into the barrier with renewed ferocity. The professors held their ground, their combined magic straining against the relentless assault.


    Soya glanced back just in time to see the ceiling above the creature collapse in a controlled explosion of stone and dust. The beast let out a furious screech as it was buried beneath the rubble, the sound reverberating through the corridor.


    ¡°Keep moving!¡± Davonte urged, pulling Soya forward as the professors turned their attention to reinforcing the new barricade of rubble. The distant growls of the creature were muffled but still audible, a chilling reminder that it wasn¡¯t gone¡ªjust delayed.


    By the time they reached the entrance to the Thylacea common room, Soya¡¯s legs felt like jelly, and his breath came in ragged gasps. The prefects stationed outside hurried them inside, their expressions tight with worry.


    Once inside, the comforting warmth of the common room felt almost surreal. Students huddled together, their voices low and filled with fear. Soya sank into a chair near the fire, his hands trembling as he clutched his sketchbook.


    Davonte dropped into the seat beside him, his usual humor nowhere to be found. ¡°That... was not what I signed up for.¡±


    Soya nodded numbly, his mind replaying the encounter over and over. The creature¡¯s glowing eyes, its claws, the runes etched into its horns¡ªit was like something out of a nightmare.

 Chapter 17: Lockdown

    The Thylacea common room was unusually subdued, the tension from the prior night hanging thick in the air. Soya sat cross-legged on one of the oversized armchairs near the fireplace, his sketchbook balanced on his knees. His pencil moved hesitantly across the page, sketching the jagged lines of the creature they had seen. Every detail¡ªthe glowing eyes, the clawed limbs, the strange runes¡ªseemed burned into his memory, refusing to fade.


    Across from him, Davonte was sprawled on a couch, tossing a small enchanted ball into the air. The rhythmic thud as it hit his hand was the only sound in the room, a steady contrast to the chaotic thoughts swirling in Soya¡¯s mind.


    ¡°You¡¯re still drawing that thing?¡± Davonte asked, his voice breaking the quiet. He caught the ball mid-air and leaned forward, his silver eyes flicking to the page. ¡°Mate, I think I¡¯ve seen enough of it to last a lifetime.¡±


    ¡°It helps,¡± Soya replied softly, not looking up. ¡°I keep thinking if I can just... get it right, maybe I¡¯ll understand it better.¡±


    Davonte raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t argue. ¡°Fair enough. Just don¡¯t let it haunt you too much. We¡¯ve got enough nightmares to go around.¡±


    The door to the common room creaked open, and a few students looked up. A thin boy with jet-black hair swept neatly back stepped inside, his pale complexion almost ghostly in the firelight. He carried a leather-bound journal in one hand, an enchanted quill tucked behind his ear. His piercing gray eyes scanned the room briefly before landing on Soya.


    The boy approached with a measured pace, his steps precise and deliberate. When he reached Soya¡¯s chair, he spoke in a calm, monotone voice. ¡°Your drawing is... intriguing.¡±


    Soya looked up, startled. ¡°Oh, uh... thanks.¡±


    The boy tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the sketch. ¡°The anatomical proportions are impressive. However, I notice an inconsistency in the limb positioning. May I?¡± He gestured toward the sketchbook.


    Soya hesitated but handed it over. ¡°Sure.¡±


    The boy studied the drawing intently, his brow furrowing as he examined the lines. ¡°The forelimbs,¡± he said, pointing with a slender finger. ¡°If the creature¡¯s musculature aligns with its skeletal structure, these should be more elongated, with a wider arc of movement. Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t achieve the range of motion required for the claws to be very effective.¡±


    Soya blinked. ¡°The claws?¡±


    The boy glanced at him, his expression neutral. ¡°Precisely. The way you¡¯ve depicted the claws suggests they would be used with deliberate force, likely for climbing or breaking through barriers. It¡¯s a logical conclusion.¡±


    Davonte smirked, leaning back on the couch. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you a walking encyclopedia?¡±


    The boy didn¡¯t react to the jab, instead handing the sketchbook back to Soya. ¡°I¡¯m Draven Corvidus,¡± he said matter-of-factly. ¡°Thylacea, like yourselves. I recently transferred from an independent magical academy in Tasmania.¡±


    ¡°Ah, the new kid,¡± Davonte said with a grin. ¡°I¡¯m Davonte Evander. This is Soya Vareen. Welcome to the madness.¡±


    Draven inclined his head slightly, his expression unchanging. ¡°I appreciate the welcome. Though, given the atmosphere of the castle, I suspect ¡®madness¡¯ is an apt description.¡±


    Soya managed a small smile. ¡°It¡¯s... been a rough few days.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Draven replied, his tone thoughtful. ¡°I noticed the tension among the students. Rumors of lockdowns and unusual occurrences are already spreading. Fascinating, though likely exaggerated.¡±


    Davonte snorted. ¡°Oh, trust me, mate, they¡¯re not exaggerated.¡±


    Draven¡¯s gray eyes flicked to him, sharp and analytical. ¡°You¡¯ve seen something, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Davonte hesitated, glancing at Soya. ¡°Let¡¯s just say this place has a lot more going on than anyone¡¯s letting on.¡±


    Draven¡¯s gaze lingered on Davonte for a moment before shifting back to Soya. ¡°If you¡¯re willing, I¡¯d like to know more. Not out of idle curiosity, but to understand. Knowledge, after all, is the most effective tool against fear.¡±


    Soya exchanged a glance with Davonte, unsure how much to reveal. There was something oddly reassuring about Draven¡¯s calm demeanor, but the weight of what they had witnessed made it hard to speak.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Soya said finally.


    Draven nodded once, as if satisfied. ¡°Very well. Should you choose to share, I¡¯ll be here. In the meantime, if you require assistance with anything¡ªacademic or otherwise¡ªdon¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡±


    With that, he turned and walked toward an empty chair by the window, his journal already open as he began jotting notes in neat, precise handwriting.


    ¡°Well,¡± Davonte said after a moment, tossing his enchanted ball into the air again. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve got ourselves a new friend. Or at least a walking dictionary.¡±


    Soya glanced at Draven, who was now absorbed in his writing, and smiled faintly. ¡°I think he¡¯s just... different.¡±


    Davonte chuckled. ¡°Different¡¯s good. We could use a little ¡®different¡¯ around here right now.¡±


    Later that morning in the Thylacea common room unusually quiet. Instead of the typical hustle of students preparing for classes, there was only the soft murmur of whispered conversations. The fire in the hearth crackled gently, its warmth doing little to dispel the uneasy tension that filled the room.


    Soya stirred from his usual spot by the window. He noticed the spread of breakfast foods that had appeared on the central table¡ªsteaming platters of eggs, bacon, and toast, along with pitchers of mango juice and tea. It was a feast, but the atmosphere it created was anything but celebratory.


    Davonte was lounging on the couch with a piece of toast in one hand and a bemused expression. ¡°Well, this is new,¡± he said, gesturing toward the table. ¡°Breakfast in the common room? Either the kitchen elves are spoiling us, or something¡¯s seriously wrong.¡±


    Soya frowned, glancing around at the other students, many of whom looked equally confused. ¡°Classes haven¡¯t started yet,¡± he said softly, his gaze drifting toward the grandfather clock by the fireplace. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we have heard the bell by now?¡±


    Before Davonte could respond, the door to the prefect¡¯s corner creaked open, and Thalia Greaves stepped out, holding a parchment sealed with the Austramore crest. Her face was pale but composed, though the faint lines of worry around her eyes betrayed her unease.


    ¡°Alright, everyone, listen up!¡± Thalia¡¯s voice cut through the quiet murmurs, drawing the attention of every student in the room. She unrolled the parchment and began to read, her tone steady but firm.


    ¡°By order of Headmaster Boromus Spellchecker, all classes are suspended for today. Students are to remain in their common rooms until further notice. Meals and refreshments have been provided, and prefects will ensure everyone is accounted for. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all students. Normal scheduling is expected to resume tomorrow.¡±


    A ripple of whispers spread through the room, some students glancing nervously at one another while others exchanged skeptical looks. Thalia rolled up the parchment and addressed the group again, her tone sharp enough to silence the chatter.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t up for debate,¡± she said firmly. ¡°No one is to leave the common room for any reason unless accompanied by a professor or prefect. If you have questions, direct them to me or the other prefects. Now, make yourselves comfortable and try not to worry.¡±


    Davonte leaned closer to Soya, his voice low. ¡°Suspended classes? Meals delivered? Yeah, that¡¯s definitely not normal.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± Soya agreed, his stomach twisting with unease. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s... about last night?¡±


    Davonte gave a slight shrug, though his expression was uncharacteristically serious. ¡°If it is, they¡¯re not telling us. But I¡¯d bet every last Galleon I¡¯ve got that this is connected.¡±


    Draven, seated in a nearby armchair with his journal open, looked up from his notes. ¡°An interesting development,¡± he remarked in his usual monotone. ¡°Lockdowns are rare, particularly at an institution as fortified as Austramore. Whatever the issue, it must be significant.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Davonte muttered, taking another bite of toast. ¡°More secrets and mysteries. Just what we needed.¡±


    Soya glanced at the food-laden table, his appetite absent despite the enticing aromas. The Headmaster¡¯s words echoed in his mind, the memory of the previous night¡¯s events still fresh. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll actually fix it by tomorrow?¡±


    Draven tilted his head thoughtfully. ¡°If the issue is of a magical nature, and the professors are involved, it is reasonable to assume they will contain it. However, the lack of transparency suggests the situation may be more complex than they are willing to admit.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s comforting,¡± Davonte said with a dry laugh. ¡°Guess we just sit here and wait, then?¡±


    Draven¡¯s piercing gray eyes met his. ¡°For now, yes. Though waiting does not preclude preparation. Perhaps we can use this time to better understand the circumstances¡ªor at least be ready for what comes next.¡±


    Soya looked between his two companions, his sketchbook resting on his lap. The thought of doing nothing felt unbearable, but the locked doors and guarded instructions left them with few options. As the room settled into a low hum of conversation, he couldn¡¯t help but feel like a storm was brewing.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    After a few hours of chatting with other students, playing games, and other mundane activities, the common room had grown quiet. Most students were reading quietly, or in their dormitories.


    Soya sat cross-legged near the large window, his sketchbook propped up on his knees. The light filtering through the enchanted panes created a soft glow that fell across his face, though his usual serene expression was absent. His pencil danced across the page, the lines coming together to form a chaotic swirl of shadows and shapes. He wasn¡¯t sure what he was drawing¡ªonly that it felt right to let his emotions spill onto the paper.


    Draven sat nearby, his ever-present journal open in his lap as he watched Soya work. His gray eyes analyzed each stroke with quiet intensity. ¡°Your technique is remarkable,¡± he observed, his monotone voice cutting through the silence. ¡°There¡¯s a fluidity to your lines that conveys movement. It¡¯s almost as though the shadows are alive.¡±


    Soya blinked, startled out of his trance. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said softly, though his voice lacked the usual warmth. ¡°I guess I¡¯ve had a lot on my mind lately.¡±


    ¡°I can tell,¡± Draven replied, leaning forward slightly. ¡°The imagery suggests unease¡ªfear, even. Would you care to elaborate, or shall I simply continue making observations?¡±


    Soya hesitated, his pencil hovering over the paper. Before he could answer, Davonte flopped onto the couch beside them, holding an apple he¡¯d clearly stolen from the breakfast table. ¡°Alright, Soya,¡± he said, biting into the fruit with a crunch. ¡°Time to bring our new friend here up to speed.¡±


    Soya glanced between Davonte and Draven, his grip tightening on his pencil. ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s a good idea? What if¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Davonte interrupted, waving the apple for emphasis. ¡°Draven¡¯s not going to rat us out. Look at him¡ªhe¡¯s practically bursting with curiosity.¡±


    Draven raised an eyebrow, unbothered by the comment. ¡°I am indeed intrigued. Knowledge is, after all, the foundation of preparation. If there is something I should know, I¡¯d prefer to be informed sooner rather than later.¡±


    Soya sighed, closing his sketchbook and setting it aside. ¡°Fine. But... it¡¯s a lot.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got time,¡± Davonte said, leaning back and resting his hands behind his head. ¡°Might as well make use of this lovely forced lockdown.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Soya began to recount the events of the past few days. He started with the discovery of the Whispering Archives, the runes, and the unsettling clues about Eliza¡¯s disappearance. As he spoke, Davonte chimed in with his usual dramatic flair, describing their encounter with the basilisk, the monstrous clawed creature, and the professors¡¯ desperate attempts to contain the chaos.


    Draven listened intently, his expression never changing, though his hand moved quickly as he jotted notes in his journal. Occasionally, he interjected with clarifying questions or observations.


    ¡°The creature you described,¡± Draven said when Soya paused, ¡°with glowing runes and an apparent immunity to magic¡ªit¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve read about. Are you certain it wasn¡¯t some form of magical construct?¡±


    ¡°Pretty sure,¡± Davonte replied, his tone unusually serious. ¡°That thing was alive. The way it moved, the way it looked at us... it wasn¡¯t just some animated statue. And those claws? Yeah, not a fan.¡±


    Draven nodded thoughtfully, his quill scratching against the page. ¡°And the basilisk you encountered at the lake¡ªwas it behaving as expected? Aggressive, territorial?¡±


    ¡°Definitely aggressive,¡± Soya said, shuddering at the memory. ¡°But the professors got to it before it could reach us. I don¡¯t know how they managed to keep it contained.¡±


    ¡°The professors¡¯ involvement suggests a coordinated effort,¡± Draven mused. ¡°Though it raises the question of why students have been kept in the dark. The secrecy implies either a lack of trust or the presence of information too dangerous to share.¡±


    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that comforting,¡± Davonte said dryly, tossing the apple core into a nearby bin. ¡°So what do we do now, oh wise one?¡±


    Draven closed his journal with a soft thud, his piercing gaze fixed on them. ¡°We wait. But waiting does not equate to passivity. If there are patterns or anomalies in what you¡¯ve described, we can use this time to identify them. Preparation is key, particularly when dealing with the unknown.¡±


    Soya nodded slowly, his fingers absently tracing the edge of his sketchbook. Despite Draven¡¯s calm, logical demeanor, the weight of their situation felt heavier than ever.


    Draven leaned forward, his journal open and his quill poised as he absorbed every piece of information Soya and Davonte shared. The quiet crackle of the fire filled the gaps in their conversation, the weight of their discoveries settling heavily over the three of them.


    ¡°So,¡± Draven began, his voice calm and deliberate, ¡°we have a series of interconnected events that appear far too deliberate to be coincidence. Let¡¯s start at the beginning¡ªthis rune by the lake. Eliza was investigating it before her disappearance, correct?¡±


    Soya nodded. ¡°She was obsessed with it. She kept saying it was old magic, way older than anything we¡¯d studied. She thought it was connected to the basilisk.¡±


    ¡°And you said you went back to see it,¡± Draven prompted, his gray eyes sharp. ¡°What exactly happened?¡±


    Davonte leaned back, crossing his arms. ¡°Eliza convinced us to sneak out to the lake one night. We didn¡¯t really find anything new, just the same rune. But then Sevrin and Sage showed up.¡±


    Draven¡¯s quill froze mid-stroke. ¡°Did they see you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Soya said quickly. ¡°We stayed hidden, but we watched Sage remove the rune. It was like... like he was untying something. Like the rune had been holding something in place.¡±


    Draven tapped the quill against his journal, his brow furrowing. ¡°Interesting. A binding rune, perhaps? If it was meant to contain or control something, removing it would have released whatever was bound.¡±


    ¡°The basilisk,¡± Davonte suggested. ¡°It was in the lake, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a logical conclusion,¡± Draven replied, jotting the thought down. ¡°But that raises more questions. If Sage created the rune¡ªand it seems likely he did¡ªwhy would he remove it? What purpose would releasing the basilisk serve?¡±


    ¡°Maybe they didn¡¯t mean to,¡± Soya offered, though his voice lacked certainty. ¡°Or maybe they needed it for something else.¡±


    ¡°Possibly,¡± Draven said, though his tone suggested skepticism. ¡°Now, the wall breach. You described the claw marks leading into the forest and the beast you encountered. If the basilisk is one piece of this puzzle, then this creature is another. What do you know about it?¡±


    Davonte shrugged. ¡°Not much, except it¡¯s big, it¡¯s got claws, and it doesn¡¯t like us. Oh, and magic barely works on it.¡±


    Draven nodded, making another note. ¡°A creature resistant to magic, marked with runes that appear to dampen or deflect spells. That¡¯s highly unusual. If those runes were placed by someone¡ªSage, for instance¡ªthen the creature might not be acting entirely on its own.¡±


    ¡°You think it¡¯s controlled?¡± Soya asked, his voice low.


    ¡°Controlled, or at least influenced,¡± Draven clarified. ¡°The runes could be part of some kind of enchantment or compulsion. But the creature itself... it breached the castle walls. That suggests either a calculated move or sheer brute force.¡±


    ¡°What if it was letting the basilisk in?¡± Soya suggested. ¡°Maybe it was working with Sage and Sevrin.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a possibility,¡± Draven admitted, ¡°though it¡¯s difficult to determine their end goal. Let¡¯s not forget Eliza¡¯s role in all of this. She disappeared while researching the rune, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Soya said. ¡°She thought the rune was part of something bigger¡ªsomething dangerous. But we never figured out exactly what she meant.¡±


    Draven tapped his fingers against the edge of his journal, his eyes narrowing in thought. ¡°A binding rune at the lake, the basilisk¡¯s release, the breach in the wall, and now this creature. All of these events are linked, and Sage and Sevrin appear to be at the center of it. If Eliza was uncovering something they wanted to keep hidden, that could explain her disappearance.¡±


    Davonte frowned, leaning forward. ¡°So what¡¯s the connection? Why would Sage release a basilisk and bring in some magic-proof monster? What¡¯s the point?¡±


    ¡°That,¡± Draven said, his tone grave, ¡°is what we need to figure out. But whatever their plan is, it¡¯s big. They¡¯re manipulating forces far beyond the scope of ordinary magic, and they¡¯re doing it deliberately.¡±


    Soya stared down at his sketchbook, his mind racing. ¡°Eliza knew something,¡± he said quietly. ¡°She was onto them, and they silenced her for it.¡±


    Draven¡¯s gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained steady. ¡°Perhaps. But if Eliza¡¯s disappearance is tied to this, it also means she may still be alive. They wouldn¡¯t risk killing her if she has knowledge they need.¡±


    The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of that possibility hung between them. Davonte broke the tension with a dry chuckle. ¡°So what do we do now, genius? Storm the castle? Find another rune and see if Sage shows up to mess with it?¡±


    Draven closed his journal, his expression unreadable. ¡°For now, we gather information. Watch for patterns, discrepancies, anything that could provide insight. Sage and Sevrin are methodical, which means their actions will leave clues¡ªif we¡¯re observant enough to spot them.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± Soya asked, though he wasn¡¯t sure he wanted to hear the answer.


    ¡°Then,¡± Draven said, standing and tucking his journal under his arm, ¡°we decide whether we¡¯re ready to confront them¡ªor if we¡¯ll need help to stop whatever they¡¯re planning.¡±


    The heavy tension from the events of the previous night lingered, but the comforting crackle of the fireplace and the occasional sound of laughter helped ease some of the unease.


    Soya sat cross-legged on the carpet near the hearth, his wand balanced delicately between his fingers. Davonte lounged on the couch behind him, twirling his own wand idly, while Draven sat stiffly on a nearby chair, his journal open on his lap and his enchanted quill poised to write.


    ¡°So,¡± Davonte began, flicking his wand toward a nearby quill and sending it spiraling clumsily into the air, ¡°are we practicing something useful, or are we just going to keep making random objects levitate?¡±


    Draven glanced up from his journal, his sharp gray eyes flicking between them. ¡°If you¡¯re looking to practice something useful, I¡¯d suggest refining your control. Precision is far more valuable than brute force.¡±


    Davonte smirked. ¡°What, like this?¡± He waved his wand, and the quill did a loop before bouncing off the edge of the table and clattering to the floor. ¡°Nailed it.¡±


    Draven let out a quiet sigh, setting his journal aside. ¡°Your approach lacks consistency. Try focusing on a single point and maintaining a steady flow of magic.¡±


    Soya hid a smile, enjoying the banter as he raised his own wand and whispered, ¡°Wingardium Leviosa.¡±


    A nearby book lifted smoothly into the air, hovering for a moment before Soya guided it gently onto the table. ¡°Like that?¡±


    ¡°Better,¡± Draven said, nodding approvingly. ¡°Your movements were deliberate, and your focus remained intact throughout the spell. Though, if I may suggest, try visualizing the book¡¯s weight as you lift it. It¡¯ll help stabilize your control.¡±


    Davonte groaned dramatically. ¡°Great, now I¡¯m getting magic lectures from the new guy.¡±


    Draven raised an eyebrow, his tone as dry as ever. ¡°Would you prefer a demonstration instead?¡±


    ¡°Actually, yeah,¡± Davonte said, leaning forward with a grin. ¡°Show us what you¡¯ve got, Mr. Magic Expert.¡±


    Draven stood, retrieving his wand from the pocket of his robes. He gestured toward a stack of books on the far side of the room. ¡°Observe.¡±


    With a flick of his wand and a muttered incantation, the top book lifted smoothly into the air. But instead of simply hovering, it began to rotate slowly, its pages flipping open and shut as though caught in a gentle breeze. Draven¡¯s hand remained steady, his movements precise as he guided the book through a graceful loop before setting it neatly back on the stack.


    Davonte whistled, impressed despite himself. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you that one. Fancy moves.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about fanciness,¡± Draven replied, his tone matter-of-fact. ¡°It¡¯s about understanding the nuances of the spell and applying them effectively.¡±


    Soya tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his eyes. ¡°Where¡¯d you learn all that? You seem to know a lot more than most first-years.¡±


    Draven hesitated for a moment before sitting back down, his gaze dropping to his journal. ¡°My parents,¡± he said simply. ¡°My father is a magical researcher, and my mother is a librarian. They encouraged me to explore and experiment from a young age.¡±


    ¡°That explains a lot,¡± Davonte said, smirking. ¡°So, what, you spent your childhood buried in books?¡±


    ¡°Essentially,¡± Draven replied without missing a beat. ¡°Though I also spent a considerable amount of time attempting to animate them. That didn¡¯t end well.¡±


    Soya raised an eyebrow. ¡°Animate them? Like, make them move on their own?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Draven said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°I was fascinated by the idea of creating a self-sorting library. Unfortunately, the enchantment was too unstable, and the books became... aggressive.¡±


    Davonte burst out laughing. ¡°You¡¯re telling me you started a book rebellion?¡±


    ¡°Unintentionally,¡± Draven admitted, his tone dry. ¡°It took my father hours to subdue the chaos. He wasn¡¯t particularly pleased, though my mother found it amusing.¡±


    Soya chuckled, the image of an animated book battlefield playing vividly in his mind. ¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve always been experimenting.¡±


    Draven nodded. ¡°Knowledge is meant to be explored and expanded upon. I¡¯ve always believed that understanding the underlying principles of magic is just as important as casting spells.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s... actually pretty cool,¡± Soya said, his admiration genuine. ¡°Do you have any other stories like that?¡±


    Draven considered for a moment before nodding. ¡°Once, I attempted to create a self-replenishing ink for my quills. The result was an enchanted quill that wouldn¡¯t stop writing. It covered nearly every surface in my father¡¯s study with random phrases and equations before we managed to dispel it.¡±


    Davonte snorted. ¡°Remind me not to let you near my stuff.¡±


    ¡°I assure you,¡± Draven said with a faint smile, ¡°I¡¯ve refined my methods since then.¡±


    The conversation shifted back to practicing spells, with Draven offering tips and corrections as they worked. Soya found himself appreciating Draven¡¯s calm, analytical approach, even if it occasionally bordered on condescending.


    As the evening wore on, Soya glanced at Draven and smiled. ¡°Thanks for helping us out. I think we¡¯re going to need your brain for whatever comes next.¡±


    Draven inclined his head, his expression unreadable. ¡°We¡¯ll need all our strengths if we¡¯re to make sense of this. But for now, I believe we¡¯ve earned a moment of reprieve.¡±


    Davonte grinned, waving his wand and sending the quill into another clumsy loop. ¡°Agreed. Just don¡¯t expect me to start using big words like ¡®replenishing¡¯ anytime soon.¡±