Back in our dorm room, I find Ellen muttering to herself. "How did it go?" I ask her. "Didn't." She says drolly. "Didn't what?" I ask again. "That's what he said." She replies in the same monotone voice. "I don't understand." I say to Ellen. "I was in the dungeon. I found the way out. I just didn't use magic." Wow. "How did you do that?" I'm intrigued. "I analyzed the layout to decide which walls were most likely to be structurally false, and checked them for inconsistencies until I found two walls that were identical. I was sure one was an illusion, but they still felt solid, so I decided my mind was being fooled into stopping my hand and making me feel like I felt something. So I jumped at the wall, so I would hit it in mid-air and my mind wouldn't be able to pull me back. And it worked. But I didn't cast any spells, so he said it didn't count and he wouldn't give me any merits for it." Clever girl. "That isn't fair. It shouldn't matter how we solve the challenges as long as we still solve them. As long as it's legal and isn't life-threatening. Couldn't you have just argued that you were saving mana?" Ellen twitches. Her eyes bolt open and her mouth forms a perfect O. Ellen speaks with lividness. "Yeah. It's a trick, a nasty trick. I wonder how many people they catch by not telling them the real rules. YEAH, you're right! It's not fair! They're doing it wrong!" She stomps out of the room. "Ellen? Where are you going?!" I rush after her, worried she might do something rash.
I follow in Ellen's wake as she steams through the halls. "Ellen! Wait! What are you doing?" I call at her. I catch her by the shoulder but she shrugs me off. Oh no, there he is! "Professor Grabiner! Sir!" She bellows. He looks up from his book and stops walking. "I beg your pardon?" I seize Ellen by both of her shoulders and she shakes me off. "Ellen! Please, calm down, not like this!" I implore her. Professor Grabiner catches sight of me and slams his book shut. He stands up straight and tall. "You're testing procedure is unbalanced and unfair!" Ellen shouts as I'm holding her back- while she wags her angry fist at the professor. "Take it up with the Headmistress. I have no time for this." He threatens. "Ellen, he's not going to listen, just talk to Potsdam." I suggest. She only pushes me again. "No! You listen to me! This is important!" She yells, her voice getting higher and higher. A fascinated crowd hovers at the edges of the hall to watch the show.
I look all around and when Grabiner sees me, his eyes shift to every direction. His frown intensifies. "Would you be willing to accept detention in exchange for my listening to your little diatribe?" His voice sounds menacing. "Y-yes." She says as her voice cracks. Tears welling up in her eyes. "Carry on." He says blandly. Ellen recites her speech. "You tell us that we're supposed to be creative, but you discourage creative solutions! You tell us that we're supposed to think our way out of challenges, but you don't teach us to think! All we've learned since we've been here are spells. No history, no literature, no guidance on what is and isn't accepted behavior, and then you punish us anyway! You tell us to experiment but you don't tell us how to do it safely. You don't give us the tools to measure our progress. And you make fun of science for doing what you can't! It's wrong!" Ellen finishes her speech. Panting and blushing from the attention of the many eyes around her.
"Have you finished?" Grabiner replies coolly. "Yes." Ellen says with a huff. "Very well. I will see you on Saturday for your detention, Miss Middleton."
DE-NIED! He swirls his cape and walks away. The other students yell "Ohhhhh!" A few laugh, some get angry. But when Grabiner passes them, they scurry away like cockroaches. I look at my friend. She huffs, and she puffs and she… "AAAAAAAAAAGH!" Blows the house down. Yeah. I think I'm going to quietly sneak back to my dorm now. I don't need to talk to either of them at this very moment.
I learn Reflection (reflects a spell being cast onto the caster) today. To my dismay, I couldn't get him to myself, not in front of curious eyes. I did walk up to him, but Ellen was staring at me, holding open the door. He only looked at me and I looked at him. I shook my head and bowed slightly, hastily making my escape. The day goes on like any other, until I wake up in the middle of the night. I'm not sure why, I thought I heard something. Was someone at the door? I wait a few moments but I can only hear Virginia's snoring. I look down and notice Ellen's bunk is empty, and I quickly look back up to the door. As it closes I see a flash of blonde hair and the swish of a green cape. Okay, so she left the room. But why is she in uniform at this hour?
Tch. It's none of my business. Back to sleep for me.
Nothing out of the ordinary until Potsdam approaches me. "Lumie? I believe I have something that belongs to you." She hands me a nondescript brown paper bag. I peek inside. "Whaaaat?" Potsdam explains. "Yes, you see. Some of the boys were using it as a slingshot in the cafeteria. They found it in the hallway, on Professor Grabiner's classroom doorknob. I don't know how it came to be there. But there you are, safe and sound. I've had it cleaned and mended for you." I crumple the paper bag and blush horrendously. "T-thank you ma'am." I mumble.
"Don't worry, dove. What seems like the most terrible thing imaginable when you are young will only be a tiny speckle in an illustrated history. I'll see you later." She bustles away. That was a gentle way of telling me that worse is to come. But… How did one of my bras end up in the hallway?! And why this oneeeee? Not the frilly magenta one with black lace! Does everyone know it's mine? Nooooo! It's so small! I'll never convince people that I might be a B-cup now! And the professor… *GASP!* THE PROFESSOR! I'm definitely not speaking to him today!
While I'm sitting at lunch with my friends I tell them about the incident. Ellen is picking at her spaghetti and meatballs, while Virginia heartily eats her pulled-pork sandwich. "One of my bras ended up on Professor Grabiner's classroom door today." Virginia laughs with her mouth full. "Ahahahah! Are you for real? Why? How?" She swallows. Ellen looks up. "You must be really embarrassed. Are- are you alright?" I shake my head and take a forkful of my rice. "As long as nobody figures out it was my bra. I should be okay. That could make me look really trashy." Virginia swallows another big bite. "That's wrong dude. I know I laughed and all, but that's because it wasn't happening to me. I'd hunt down whoever did that me! I won't tell anybody. Scout's honor." She continues to eat her sandwich. Ellen nibbles at her noodles. "Were you ever in the girl scouts?" I probe. "HELL YEAH!" Virginia answers. "Thin mints, tagalongs, do-si-dos, trefoils and samoas! That's not even the whole list! How could I not join?! Once a scout, always a scout." She salutes.
After another white class, Potsdam approaches me again. "Hello Headmistress." I greet, curious as to why she is walking towards me again. She hands me another paper bag. I look at her with disbelief. "I'm afraid so, gosling." I open the bag and find- my panties?! My emerald green panties with the low stitching and tiny, black ribbons. "Wh-wh-what? H-how? Again?!" She puts a hand on my shoulder. "I really don't know what to say Lumie. I know this is not your doing, you've been in my classes during both of these occurrences. This time, the same boys fastened it on a stick and ran down the halls with it like a flag. They said they found it hanging on the knob to Professor Grabiner's chambers. But not to worry, this time I gave them detention. They had no business being in the Teacher's Hall." They had no business parading around with my UNDERWEAR!
I'm bright red, I can feel it. "Do you know anyone who bears ill feelings towards you, my dear?" I shake my head slowly. "I don't think so…" Potsdam pinches my cheek. "Well! I'll be on the lookout, and be sure to secure your intimates extra well tonight. Goodbye Lumie." She leaves me to my thoughts. Forget about speaking to the professor today either!
When I arrive back to my room the girls are already there. Perfect, I need them both here. I shut the door with a slam, lock it, and stand in front of it. "Hello girls." I say without emotion. "Hey!" Virginia greets cheerily. Ellen waves silently. "Virginia, would you go into my drawer and pass me a pair of socks please? Any pair will do." I request while bending down to remove my boots. "Sure!" She says. She hops off her bed and stares at the dresser Ellen and I share. I focus the blue magick to be as thin and discreet as possible. Land softly. On my bed. Only a few at a time.
"Uhhhh. Which drawer is it?" "My stuff takes up the bottom three drawers. You'll find it, just toss them to me." I remove my cape and begin to fold it. I hang it on my ladder. Virginia shuffles through the first two, then opens the last one, and shuts it promptly. "I can't find any." Virginia replies, confused. "That's not right." I answer to her.
I turn to Ellen, while unbraiding my hair. "Ellen, could you help me?" She stands and walks over to the dresser. She immediately opens the last drawer and brazenly sorts through my underwear. "Huh? But they should be…" Ellen whispers to herself. "Why would you check in there?!" Virginia removes Ellen's hands and closes the bottom drawer. I unbuckle my belt. "Because she knows I put my socks in the same drawer as my underwear." I say with steel, slapping the belt in the air for added drama. Ellen lets out a sharp gasp.
"Whaaaa? Why would she know that?" Virginia backs away from Ellen. Ellen doesn't move. She only sits on her knees in front of the dresser, refusing to turn around. "Today, the Headmistress once again returned an article of underwear to me. Only this time, it was a pair of panties, and this time, it wasn't on Professor Grabiner's classroom door, it was found hanging from his chamber door!" Virginia yelps. "Gross!" I speak in my coldest voice. "You girls are my friends. But you're also the only two who have access to my personal things. I didn't want to believe it was one of you." Virginia reddens. "No way! How could you think that?!" "Because, I don't think it was you who did it, Virginia." I retort. She stands there. Flabbergasted. "N-nu-uh. You don't think it was… Ellen?" Virginia looks down at Ellen, who hasn't moved a muscle.
"Ellen. Weren't you supposed to be taking black magick class this week? I've also taken green and white magick class so far, and you haven't been there either. You don't repeat courses, and I know you take the same class all week, so why haven't I seen you?" Ellen shakes her head. "You've been acting awkward around me, refusing to look me in the eye, sit next to me at meals, or attend any of the classes I'm in since the first incident." She shrugs. "You know what else? Students aren't allowed in the Teacher's Hall, but I also know you help Minnie from time to time on the Student Council." She remains mute. "Look at me Ellen." I say in my meanest tone.
She glances my way, over her shoulder. "I saw you leave the room in the middle of the night a few days ago. Then Potsdam returns my missing bra. I don't see you all day today, not even this morning, and she returns my panties. You haven't taken any of Potsdam's classes this week, but my things somehow end up on Grabiner's doors. You and I are the only ones who clean this room, and we know where everything is. But you couldn't have known where my socks would be unless you've raided my underwear drawer before, because I do my own laundry! You didn't even ask, you headed straight for the bottom drawer Ellen, and you sorted your bare hands through my intimates without a second thought." Ellen's face goes blotchy, and she sniffles. Virginia shouts. "Ellen! Tell her you didn't do it!"
Ellen bursts into tears, covering her hands with her face and sobbing loudly. Virginia bends down to comfort her. "Why? Why would you do that?" She asks quietly. Ellen starts to hiccup uncontrollably. I go to her desk and hand her a box of tissues. I sit on the floor next to her. "I have a guess as to why you did it." Virginia looks my way. "You wanted to get back at Grabiner for that episode in the hallway. Didn't you?" Ellen nods, still sobbing. Virginia realizes. "OH. I heard about that. But why did you take Lumie's undies?" she asks Ellen. She finally responds. "B-because. S-she was supposed to b-be on my side!" Virginia doesn't understand. Ellen looks at me, tears running from her eyes. "Y-you convinced me that the exam results weren't fair! B-but you d-didn't back m-m-me up when I confronted Grabiner." She hiccups again. I look at her, unfazed, and speak.
"You ran out of the room before I could stop you. And I did try to stop you, because I was on your side. I didn't want you to get in trouble. You could've handled that situation better. You didn't have to yell at the professor in the hallway for everyone to hear. You could've pulled him aside privately, and maybe he would've been more willing to listen if the both of you weren't being made a spectacle out of. And if he still refused, you could've spoken to the Headmistress instead. You had options Ellen, options that I made clear, but that you ignored, because you were upset. I can't blame you for getting upset, but you can't blame me either." Ellen has calmed down a little. She's still teary eyed and her face is red, but she gratefully takes the tissues and cleans herself up. Virginia whistles. "Damn."
We sit there for a few minutes and Ellen's voice has returned to normal. "Nothing gets past you Lumie." She answers with sorrow. Virginia nods. "Mhm. Lumie's scary. You shouldn't have gotten on her bad side Ellen, she went all Sherlock Holmes again. But… It wasn't that bad of a prank. I mean, if it were me, I don't know. But… I'm sure she forgives you. Right?" Virginia pleads to me. We both help Ellen to her feet. "Not yet." I answer with my arms folded. Ellen looks hurt. And Virginia's face shows worry. I snap my fingers. And a barrage of socks falls on top of Ellen's head. "YEEEEEP!" She shrieks. "Now I do." I say with a smirk.
Virginia laughs. "Were those your socks?!" Ellen is blushing like herself again. "W-where were they?" I smile triumphantly. "I had them on my bunk the whole time, while Virginia was searching through the drawers. I knew she wouldn't find them, because there weren't any in there. She also didn't know where to look, but you sure did. So your reactions gave me the proof I needed." Virginia slaps her knee and cackles. I chuckle softly. Ellen panics and begins picking up the socks, dusting them off and returning them to their proper place. "A-are we still friends?" She asks hesitantly.
Virginia and I shut up. I look down at my feet, crack my knuckles, my neck, then look up at her. "We can still be friends. But, you've got to know your boundaries. This is as far as you can push me before crossing the line. And you won't like me after that line has been crossed." I threaten. Ellen shivers and gulps loudly. Virginia sends me a nervous smile while scratching her head.
That night, I encounter a strange sensation. It's like that feeling you get when you're trying to remember something- and it's on the tip of your tongue- except that I'm not trying to remember anything. I think someone is trying to use a communication spell on me. I concentrate on the elusive thought and let it come through. A masculine voice whispers to me. "If you've ever been hurt, if you've ever been angry, if you believe justice should be done, come to the gymnasium at midnight. Come quietly, tell no one." I try to think back "Who are you?", but there's no answer. The voice is gone. Well. Assuming I didn't just imagine that, what should I do about it? I look at the clock in the middle of the hallway. It's ten minutes to midnight… I need to know what this is about.
I enter the gym. Every step I take echoes across the floor in this cavernous space. Everywhere there are shadows, but- there's no one here. Maybe this was a bad idea. A dark-skinned, thin, tall, hooded figure in black and grey robes approaches me. "Who are you? What do you want?" "No names." I know that voice, he must've been the one who contacted me.
"You have been invited to join a secret society. The Order of the Rose and Wasp." Why would they want me? "What does it stand for? What does the society do?" I question. "There is no Rose and Wasp. What you don't know you cannot reveal. Therefore, you should never know anything that is more than necessary. That is what protects us all. There are dark forces in the world. Cruel people who enjoy tormenting the innocent. And they believe they can get away with it. No one loves a victim. No one sympathizes with a victim who strikes back. When someone needs to be punished, but it must be done in a way that it cannot be traced… That's where we come in. If you join us, you will be called upon to perform tasks. You will not know the purpose of the task. You will not know who requested that task to be performed. Your task will only be a small piece of a greater puzzle to accomplish a specific goal. Therefore, no magical tracing method can determine who was responsible for that goal. In exchange for your service, we will carry out your vengeance when you need it, without question. Will you join us?" A revenge cult? No thank you. "I'll pass." "Then go in peace." The figure demands. He vanishes as silently as he appeared. That was weird. I wonder if any of it was true. He didn't seem to be lying. If that's the case, they could be a dangerous group. But I have no proof, and they can't be traced. Even if it was, I can't prove anything. Huh. I'd better get back to bed.
I retrieve my late letter from Papa and read it before setting out with the trolley. "Hello Missy. Happy Birthday once again. And Happy Thanksgiving. Will you be spending the holiday break with me? I have a proper room set up here for you now. It's your room, do what you like with it. As for the rest of the house, make yourself at home. Be sure to let me know if you're returning to the city." I get up from the table to deliver the mail with Russet. "Russet, the girls have taken to calling me Lumie." E raises es eyebrows. "Lumie? That's a bit too cute for you." I hum. "I know. But… I don't mind it. Anymore." E closes es eyes and chuckles. "Okay Lumie. Maybe the name will soften you up a bit too. You're far too uptight for someone so young." I pout. "Uptight? How am I uptight?"
Russet swishes es tail to scratch es nose. "You use Ye Olde English. Who taught you how to pronounce 'magick'?" I smile sheepishly. "And you call the holidays by their proper terms as well. Even my fellow brownies call All Hallows Eve- Halloween. And Yuletide- They call Christmas. You don't say 'fairies', you say 'faeries'. Where did you learn that? That is not an American term." I blush. "Papa gave me a book collection full of fairy-tales. That's the way they were spelled, so that's the way I pronounce them. Besides being able to see ghosts and stuff, it's the only connection I had to real magick. I know that certain beings are very particular about the way they are addressed, so I don't want to make a mistake. Spellcasting has to be precise too, mess up an incantation and you could end up with a completely different output. Grammar is a big portion of magickal practice." Russet nods and smiles in approval. "Whoever your Papa is must be a wise man. He raised a very well-brought-up girl…" E says to emself. Russet speaks again. "Tell me about these girls of yours. You've mentioned them once or twice." I spend the rest of my delivery telling Russet about my friends. I don't mention the pranks or private conversations we've shared, but I tell em what they look like, about their personal tastes, and a bit about their perks and quirks.
I head to the mall. I purchase the decorative stones from the gift shop, then head to the arcade to play on the dance machine. I work up a sweat jumping and tapping to the latest hits. This is more fun than gym class!
On Sunday we begin our first tournament day in Sports Club. Virginia has got Ellen on her team, and she's a beast on the court! Ellen aggressively spikes, leaps, and bops the volleyball in every direction. If someone serves a fly ball, she bounces it on her head and pounds it over the net with fury. Ellen hits the ball so hard and fast that no one else on my team dares try to block it. I do, missing every time and ungracefully hitting and sliding on the floor when I dive for it. At the end of the day the score is Virginia Valkyries- 20, and Suki Strawberry-Milk Tsunamis- 12.
I'm crafting the bracelet when I think to myself that I'm going to save the gifts for Yuletide. The thin, metal rods are stained green, and the turquoise stones match seamlessly. I've manipulated the rods to be shaped in swirling X's with four smooth stones in between each side of the X. I superglue the rocks and rods together and leave it to dry. I finish in a little over an hour. Since I usually get Naiara a gift card or something small and unimpressive. I decide to weave a wreath in the shape of a cross made out of the remaining materials I foraged in the fall. I preserved them in salt water a month ago, using the stovetop in black class. I intertwine the branches and leaves with the flowers I preserved and soak the cross in the perfume I pressed. The cross is still wet, so I leave it to dry on many sheets of paper on my desk. I stand back and admire my work. It's a masterpiece. Braided and woven with thin, flexible branches and rope. The flowers and leaves are tucked in carefully so that they won't fall out of place, and the perfume liquid has rehydrated them. That reminds me, I need to remove the plants from my bed. The scents have worn off, it's too bad that I don't have any more reeds.
"Is there going to be another exam next week before the Christmas break?" Ellen asks early in the morning. "I don't think so. We just had one!" Virginia hopes. "But it's the end of the semester. Shouldn't there be a final? How do we get our grades?" Ellen protests. "Ha! That's a good thing about magic school. No grades! If you're still here, and the professors aren't breathing demerits down your back, you're doing fine." That explains why I haven't seen a single progress report or report card. Not that I missed them.
The spellbooks are running out of pages, not yet, getting there. I'm not going to learn anything new soon. The way I take one of each class a day and all. But that's fine with me. At least I don't have to worry about the catalysts anymore, I'm free to spellcast in peace.
Later on we are called together in the auditorium, and I wonder if Virginia was wrong about there not being anymore exams. Headmistress Potsdam is vibrant and shining, as always. "Good morning, my sprites! As you know the winter solstice is fast approaching. At the end of next week, many of you will be leaving us for the Christmas holiday. But before that, we have much to celebrate! If you will each please come here and reach into this bowl for a piece of paper? The name will tell you who you're a Secret Santa for. It will be your job to find a gift for that person which you think suits them. Keep your name secret until the gifts are delivered next week." I make my way to draw a name. I will be Secret Santa for: Virginia Danson. Hmm. Her name out of all of the freshman? I wonder if Potsdam is being fair with these selections. Not that I mind. On Donald's birthday she told me to "get her some" when I presented him with the spiced biscuits. I know. I'll buy her a whole gift basket of sweets!
I wake up to the sound of harsh wind and snow. I remember the date. I hop out of bed and switch on the lights. Two sleepy heads rise, blinking from their beds. I do a few jumping jacks. "Happy Friday the 13th! Good luck to one and all!" There's a moment of silence. Then I have to dodge out of the way of the pillow Virginia throws at me. "Lucky, for you it missed." Ellen lamely jokes. "What about my luck?" Virginia groans. I respond. "It's lucky for you too, because if you had hit me, I would have to hit you back?" I couldn't think of anything wittier at the moment. "Weirdo." Virginia calls me. I pick up the pillow and toss it in her direction, aiming for her lap. "Go back to sleep." I order, smiling. "We can't sleep now. It's time to get up." Ellen chimes in happily. "It is not time to get up." Virginia complains. "We could get an early breakfast." Ellen offers. "The cafeteria's not even open!" Virginia protests. "Are you sure?" "No." "Well, I'm going." Ellen says flatly. "Whatever." Virginia covers her head with the pillow. "Do you want to come Lumie?" "You bet." I cheer. If the cafeteria isn't open, I can at least stretch my legs before two hours of sitting at a desk.
Russet greets me as I approach the conference room door to start the mail route. E climbs onto my coat and settles emself on my shoulder. I open the door. I look at the table and there's more mail than usual this week. This is the last regular mail day before the holidays, I'll probably have to do a special mail round next Friday as well. I enter the room, but I'm startled by Russet suddenly squeaking and stuffing emself into my coat pocket. "Ah, Miss Nocturne." Grabiner reveals himself from behind the door. Dressed in a newsboy cap, a double-breasted wool sweater with buttons, slacks, and patched loafers. Why does this man only wear different shades of brown? "Good morning Professor."
What's he doing here so early in the morning? I thought the idea of making me do this was so that he wouldn't have to. "I need to add a notice that all outings to the mall today are cancelled." He informs me. I squirm a little because Russet is wiggling in my pocket. "Why is that?" I ask him. "Take a look outside." He points to the window. I walk over to it and sigh at the swirling snow. There's too much of it, especially for the vans to take students down the narrow mountain road.
Back in the city, we still went to school during blizzards! And the shops were still open. What a mess. Out of nowhere, I see a swirling, silver flash. Was that? A face? I cup my hands on the window and squint. The silver wind returns again, swirls of snow and ice take the shape of a small, transparent, humanoid form. It presses itself against the glass and smiles at me with white, sharp teeth. I wave, it waves back, then disappears. The black, beady eyes hint to me it is one of the fae. A pixie no doubt.
"What about the Secret Santa event?" I ask Grabiner, returning from the window. "That is not my concern. Good day." He replies with attitude. He leaves me with the new notes to add to my delivery. This could be my chance to talk to him! A squeaking reminds me that I'm not alone, and this is not the time. Professor Grabiner exits the room. Russet emerges from my pocket. "Were you spooked Russet?" I ask em. "Pffah! Of course not. I was merely caught off guard. I told you, we fae folk do not show ourselves to people who have not earned our trust. And I do not trust that man. He's been here for many a year, but I still do not trust him. I don't like his demeanor. He's not a pleasant person, not like you Lumie."
We deliver the mail. "Russet, who else do you show yourself to?" I ask as we're halfway through the deliveries. E ponders for a moment. "Hmmm. Besides Petunia? You. And no one else. I haven't shown my face to a student before. I like to watch you young humans sometimes, but I'm not as young as I used to be. It's quite a chore to stay awake during the day. I acquaint myself with the professors when I can. But they have gone. Except for Hieronymous. I just may be the most sociable of my brethren, they refuse to make contact with anyone other than Petunia. And I prefer to introduce myself first, rather than the other way around when it comes to socializing." I'd like to meet the others.
"Do you talk about me amongst the other brownies Russet?" Russets grins. "Very much. They are interested in you too. I am the elder browny, you see. And we have formed a clan. If I trust you, they trust you. I make sure to tell them that you pick your plate clean at every meal, and that you are not a huge mess-maker. And of course, I couldn't leave out how brown you are!" Brownies do love the color brown. "I'm sure you'll meet them eventually. But at this time they are still busy finishing up their duties. I have centuries of experience with my magick, meaning I finish my work quite early." I'm glad to see Russet has still got it. "What are the other brownies like?" E fills me in on the details while I deliver the last of the mail and cancellation notices.
Tawny is the shiest of the brownies, and the second youngest- an adolescent child, in human terms, a twelve-year-old. Very quiet, and keeps to emself. Tawny likes to read and draw. Ecru, on the other hand, is the most outgoing. Loud, talkative, and excitable. E is the youngest browny- another child, but more like a seven-year-old. Ecru is an explorer, but always getting into trouble. Tawny and Ecru are inseparable. Bole is the fourth youngest- around my age group, a young adult, and a workaholic. E is also a perfectionist, and that can be es downfall. Bole likes to do anything to make emself useful. Fallow is the fifth youngest- a young adult too, equivalent to a human in their mid-twenties. E is the laziest. Fallow likes to relax, and is always up for a game of some sort. Fallow and Bole argue often.
Burgundy is the second oldest, making em the eleventh youngest- a senior like Russet, but in human time Russet outlives em by ten or so years. That means since Russet is in es 80's Burgundy is in es 70's. Burgundy is Russet's second-in-command. Very militant, strict, and uptight. Burgundy loves to eat and drink, that's the best way to butter em up. Maroon is the sixth youngest- still a young adult, but in human time, in es late 20's. Maroon is a well-rounded browny. Level-headed, responsible, and intelligent. Maroon is Potsdam's favorite browny, because they both share a passion for gardening. Umber, Sepia, and Sienna are the seventh, eighth, and ninth youngest brownies. Umber is in es mid-30's, Sepia and Sienna are in their mid-forties. All three of them are animal-lovers, into singing and dancing, and share the same flighty, ditzy personality. Cordovan is the tenth oldest, being in es 50's. Cordovan is the kindest and most nurturing browny. Very forgiving, but too forgiving according to Russet. Cordovan loves children and plays a parental figure to Tawny, Ecru, and Wenge. Wenge is who Russet says will give me the hardest time. Wenge is a teenager, the third youngest- maybe sixteen. Wenge is the nastiest, most difficult browny. Very angry, very untrusting, e is a relentless prankster and potty mouth.
Once the task is completed Russet and I part ways. I go to the dorm to give the girls their mail. "Sorry girls, there's too much snow; the trips to the mall are cancelled until further notice. "But we haven't bought our presents to give!" Ellen worries. "Crap. I wanted a box of donuts." Virginia slumps. I use the free day to change my illusion from phoenixes to griffins. Instead of a twilight sky, they are soaring and screeching through a clear, blue sky, and I make them fight one another by pecking, clawing and tackling. Let's read Papa's late letter. "Dear Missy, happy holidays. I hope everything is moving smoothly at school. I'm holding up well here. I've been visiting friends, colleagues, and I've been enjoying the bounties of my homeland. I wouldn't say things have been quiet, but they haven't been too hectic either. Don't give up on your German. I will not rest until your enunciation is as authentic as my own. Keep your fingers crossed for that surprise! –Sincerely, Papa" I write back some of the things that I've been up to- the exam, the girls, my magickal progress and I admit that I'm excited for the surprise.
With nothing else to do, I decide to wander around the school and unwind. Maybe I'll find someone else playing a game and I'll be able to join in? So I walk… The sound of heavy, clunky bootsteps and a flash of orange and green zip past me. Did somebody just run past me? I think that was Sir Big Steve! I tilt my head back and listen for the sound of footsteps. He headed that way. Sir Big Steve is standing in front of Lady Isobel's front door, but he's not doing anything. He's just… Standing there. He shakes his head, then starts running again. I decide to jog along after him. "What are you doing?" I ask. "Chasing." He grunts. "Chasing what?" I ask again. "The ball." He replies. What ball? I don't see a ball. I cast a quick Truesight spell just to be sure. But I don't see anything.
Suddenly he bends his knees and tumbles along the hall in a forward somersault, landing in a crouch. He whips his head back and forth in both directions, then takes off running even faster than before. I speed up to match his pace. Just as he makes the bend around the corner, out of sight, I can spot someone walking towards me, their foot breaching the corner. I skid to a stop, but my boots don't get enough traction. "Watch out!" I yell. With a split second left, I shut my eyes and brace for impact. The person lets out a loud "OOF!" as their stomach cushions the collision. I slide right into Professor Grabiner, knocking him and his books down, landing on top of him, face first. Oh no, not again!
He groans and raises himself on his elbows. "Miss Nocturne. Is this going to be a habit of yours?" I look up and realize I'm lying on his chest. I hastily dust him off and pick up his books. "I'm terribly sorry sir! I was following Sir Big Steve. Are you alright?" He fixes himself. "Without the foresight to see who else might be in your way." Damn it! I should've used magick! Why don't I use my magick more often?! I bow my head. "No sir, I didn't. It was my mistake. I apologize again." I hand him a stack of thick, hardcover books. "The corridors are not an appropriate place for horseplay." I bite my lip and twitch forward. "Horse"play? He did not just make that joke.
He grins devilishly. "Yes. I know. But I will have to apply five demerits for risking injury to yourself and others. However, I will also speak to Mr. Kenyon about setting a bad example." I deserve the demerits. I'm still trying not to smile like an idiot. "Yes sir. I'll be more careful. But this was my fault, not Sir Big Steve's. I didn't have to tag along, I let my curiosity get the best of me." He nods. "Mr. Kenyon will not be receiving detention if that is your concern, only a few choice words." I nod. He walks past me. That could've gone worse than it did. I suddenly realize I can confront him now! I whip around, but the professor is gone. This is what I get for not asking him a month ago. My chances are becoming farther and farther apart.
That evening, I decide to take a walk, and not a run. I grin at the flash of tails, ears, and the peeping of black beady eyes. I run into Donald in the halls. "Hey Lumie, wanna go out?" That was sudden! Oh wait. DUH. It's a literal question. I knew it was too good to be true. "Where?" I ask. "Outside." He answers simply. "Luke and I were gonna build a snowman, but he didn't want to get his hands dirty." "Snow isn't dirty." I reply. Well… Not this snow anyway, I wouldn't touch the yellow and brown stained snow where I come from.
"No." Donald says with a smile. "I'll come with you." "Great!" We get outside and the scenery is breathtaking. The air is clean and crisp. All is silent. The clouds have parted to make way for the full moon. Although the occasional flake still wanders by in search of a place to rest. The world around us is glowing blue and white from the moonlight. Icicles hang from the naked tree branches, and the ground is cushioned with glittering, fresh snow. I find delight in every soft crunch I hear as I take a step. Life itself is frozen in time, caught in everlasting beauty. It is dark and frightfully cold, most of the students are safely tucked away in their little rooms. But they're missing out.
"Come on, over here. I don't want to pull up a patch too close by or it'll spoil the view." Donald gestures me over. We work together to roll up large balls of snow, leaving the dead grass bare underneath, and stack them on top each other, then jam in sticks for the arms. I've never made a snowman before, now that I think about it. "What should we use for the face?" I question. "I raided the kitchen for vegetables." He says proudly. "That's a waste of food! We could use rocks instead." I complain. Donald laughs. "They won't be missed! And besides, I risked detention to snag these." I nudge him with my elbow. "As if that would bother you?" We both chuckle. Donald pulls out a paper bag and draws a medium-length carrot, some cherry tomatoes, and a pair of beets. I dig out little holes with my fingers and Donald puts the vegetables into place. "There we go!" I stand back to admire our work.
"There was a lot of snow back at my place during Thanksgiving. But I didn't get to make a snowman. My family was there then." "Why does that mean you couldn't make a snowman?" "If I made one, Urchin would probably knock it down." He looks… Down. This isn't like him. "That's not a guarantee." I defend. "No. She'd assume it was booby-trapped. Then get someone else to knock it down for her." He answers angrily. I wouldn't put it beneath him to build a pranked snowman. "Why do you play tricks and pull pranks so often Donald? It's a big reason people would act paranoid towards you." He kicks the snow. "Because if I didn't, my family would forget I exist."
Ah, so the truth comes out. "I don't believe that. I think they love you too much." Donald looks up to the sky. "All my life, I've been pushed out of the way. William's Mr. Cool, even when he screws up. He's done much worse than I have and it still doesn't bother anyone. Everyone's proud of him. And Virginia? My very first memories are of my mother giving her presents and telling me not to touch them. Or her. Any time she even bumped her knee, Mom and Dad dropped everything and came running. Half the time, I got blamed even if I wasn't anywhere near her. Nothing was ever her fault, and once she figured that out, she could do whatever she wanted and leave me to get the scolding. She's lazy, she's spoiled, she's not smart, and she was never going to get anywhere near the Olympics. She wasn't even state-ranked. There's nothing special about her."
"That's a harsh thing to say about your own sister." He shakes head, and continues. "The only reason she didn't cause more trouble than she did was that our parents practically followed her around waiting on her. But when I ran away from home, they didn't even notice." He says that last sentence with a choked up voice. "They didn't notice at all?" I ask with my own sorrow. Feeling a certain kinship. "Well, not for a few hours, anyway. William's the successful eldest son. Urchin's the baby. I'm the troublemaker. It's better than being nothing. Besides, it's fun figuring out just how much trouble I can get into and still get myself out of. It gives me a challenge." He turns fondly at our creation. The somber mood evaporates with his laughter. "Look Lumie!"
I peer at the snowman's face and smile. Juice from the eye-beets has leaked into the snow, leaving amorphous trails of reddish-purple through the "flesh" of the snowman's head. "It's bleeding." I clap with glee. "It's a zombie snowman! Ruuuuuun!" He pretends to run in place, in slow-motion at that, exaggerating his face into expressions of terror. I join in. We both cackle at how ridiculous the other looks. That certainly makes this a night to remember.
I give him a head start back into the academy. I trace a circle around the snowman and speak aloud to the creatures that may or may not be there. "I hope we didn't disturb any of you. Feel free to partake in the vegetables if you'd like. Goodnight everyone." We head back to our dorms and I lie in my bed while the girls sleep. Donald is suffering from "middle-child syndrome". I can empathize with him.
When I was little, I used to show off my test scores and report cards to Naiara, eager for a sign of approval, but she never did more than shrug her shoulders. My siblings would get mad at me, calling me a suck-up and a show-off. I would craft makeshift dolls of the family and show them, but they always complained about the way they looked. Called them "cruddy". I would tell them that I heard and saw strange things, but Naiara always went on a frantic rant about how I was touched by the devil and I need Jesus in my life. Or, I'd tell them about my bullying at school and they would tell me to suck it up. After years of rejection, I eventually stopped yearning for their attention. Or their approval. Or even their help, really. My life was private, and separate from theirs. I still offer to let them in, telling them about my studies in school, my shifts at work, or whatever new project I'm working on. And of course, there's always small talk. I claw my way into their lives constantly. Asking about their days, their friends, their dreams and nightmares; we'd get into lengthy conversations when it came to talking about themselves. And I'm content with that, because they're talking to me. But that's just it. I'm content. I don't try anymore. It's not worth the effort. I think the reason I even bother keeping in contact with them is because I still have hope inside that one day they'll accept me. Or maybe something huge will happen and they'll need me, and once I save the day I'll have earned their love and respect.
Mateo is the youngest. And he's the only son. He's two years younger than me, pretty tall, about 5'9? That's not bad for seventeen. And he's getting really ripped. He's becoming a fine-looking young man, and he's so eager to take the place of his deadbeat-father, it breaks my heart. But he got left back in high school twice. Only a year ago, he was busted for stealing and illegal drug possession when he was sixteen. Bud, of all things. He was sent to Juvenile Prison, but only for four months. We had to chip together and pay heavy fines. It's on his record. Yoana is the oldest, the pride and joy. The only daughter they've ever wanted and needed. She's three years older than me, but she still gets treated like a child. And guess what? She didn't go to college. She got herself knocked up when she was sixteen and has a young son. My nephew Angelo, who is five years old. So as you can probably assume, she still lives with her mother and works at Taco Bell.
Despite our hardships growing up, we made sure she never went a day without food, clothes on her back, or a place to sleep. Even Mateo, who is the youngest, has spent some days hungry! She is the only one of us who has gotten a present every birthday and Christmas, or a valentine every year. She's the favorite, and we had to make sure she and her son were well-taken care of.
She's the pretty one. Not me. She got herself a boyfriend when she was thirteen, and they've been together for years. And YEP! That's the baby's father. He's worse than she is! He's a high school dropout! He works at McDonald's. So yeah, she make burritos and he makes burgers. It's no wonder Angelo is getting chubby.
She's taller than me at 5'6, has C-cup breasts, wide hips, a full butt, and long, red, straight hair. My mother likes to brag about how she has her hair and body when she was younger, but her father's eyes. She's not even wrong. I've seen pictures of the younger Naiara. Yoana is the spitting image of her when she was her age, except Naiara's eyes are brown, and her hair is darker and slightly curled. In fact, so is Mateo. He is unmistakably Naiara's son. Yoana's face isn't riddled with acne either, no. Puberty did to her what it didn't do to me. Made her a woman!
She's also feminine to the core. Naiara loves to lavish her with clothes, makeup, jewelry, and flowery products. But she's a C-minus student with a minimum-wage job, who the last time I saw her prior to the holiday, was fretting over being unable to buy a pregnancy test because she's afraid. I had to get it for her and promise not to tell. The results were positive. She isn't going to get an abortion, and it's only a matter of time before everyone figures out she's with child. AGAIN. You'd think she know what a condom is by now! Where are they going to put this baby? In the closet?!
Thinking about it makes me angry. She's following in her mother's footsteps.
And then there's me. The outcast. I don't look like anyone in my family. Not only do I not have red hair, but I'm the darkest too. I don't share a similar bone-structure with them either. Not with my direct family, not with any of my cousins, not my aunts or uncles or grandparents. No one! Naiara mentioned once that I don't even look like my father, save his skin pigment. But he was supposedly much darker than I am. So who do I look like?
I've never smoked, injected or swallowed any sort of narcotic in my life. I don't have a criminal record. I've never even been kissed, so there's no way I'm bringing home a baby! OH, I've brought home plenty of medals, certificates and ribbons for my academic achievements. I got my first job when I was thirteen, and I was the first bird to leave the nest at sixteen. Everything life threw at me, I caught, crushed, and threw right back. Yeah, I was a bit of a problem child, getting into fights and detention at school, staying out past curfew… But that couldn't be helped, and it was so long ago. Why do they keep treating me like I'm unwanted?! None of us are perfect, we ALL have done some sketchy things. What do I have to do to get an "I'm proud of you." Or even one "I love you."?!
Huh. Have any of them ever said they loved me? I think back… And I think…. And I try to remember... And I wrack my brain for the memory… I swallow the lump in my throat. Boo-hoo Lumie. No one is going to feel sorry for you. So you'd better not cry. I don't. And I drift off into a dreamless sleep.
Sunday, our tournament continues. I have a battle plan. I offer it up to Suki, suggesting that instead of bouncing the ball over the net, letting it fall freely to wherever gravity leads it- we should focus on keeping the ball away from Ellen. We might be able to snag vital points this way, and catch up. The other players on the opposing team aren't shabby, but Ellen is a ball hog. She'll be so focused on trying to be the where the ball is, it'll disrupt their team coordination. I hope so, that is. Suki thinks it's a great idea.
We put the plan into practice. We take our positions, I'm to the far right, Luke is to the far left, and Suki is in the middle. The remaining four spread out and form a row behind us. The three of us in the front row have the vital role of distraction, while the back row is recovery. On Suki's count, she serves. "Three, three and two thirds, two, two and one sixth, one, one and a half-"Get ON with it Suki!" Virginia shouts. "One and three quarters… Wash them away with DELICIOUSNESS!" We spike and rebound the bound with all of our might. If we need it to be a fast and heavy hit, we give it to Luke. Ellen dives for the ball from the other end of the net and misses. Anisha also made a go of it, but trips over Ellen. We score. If we need a far-reaching ball, because she's too close, we pass it to Suki. Ellen dashes to the back to retrieve the ball and bops it high. Our players in the back quickly capture the ball and bring it back to the front row. If the ball needs to be hit close to net, they pass it to me. I have this habit of making the ball spin and curve slightly when I hit it. So because I'm so close to the net, Ellen assumes standing right in front of me will make an easy block, but when I spike, the ball swerves sideways and bounces on the floor. Right through her arms. We score.
When our arms begin to tire, we switch places with the players in the back, giving them a chance to be front and center. Since everyone's volleyball style is so different, Ellen can't get too adjusted to our hits. We score again. Isobel takes Suki's place, and she sends a slow-moving fly ball. I'm also in the back, having switched places with Ester. The ball is an easy grab for Ellen, she pounds it with a loud grunt and Ruth, who has switched places with Luke, blocks. It bounces back over the net, Ellen spikes it again. Knocking into Balthasar, who dare tried to get a hit in himself. They crumble to the floor. Virginia is shouting at Ellen to "get a grip!" We continue this strategy for the whole game. Switching places and maintaining formation. The score now is Virginia Valkyries- 28 and Suki Strawberry-Milk Tsunamis- 24.
Monday morning we are all called to the gym instead of the auditorium for our assembly. There are folding tables set up, with tons of art supplies. Headmistress Potsdam speaks. "Hail, choirs of angels!" Choirs? I suppose it's seasonally appropriate, but still. "I know you were all disappointed that this weekend's weather prevented the usual shopping trips. So I've decided on a little change to this year's Secret Santa event. Something to show the triumph of imagination and goodwill over money. Something to use your creative minds. And your hands." We're going to make presents? I've got this! "We're going to make Christmas cards!" Close enough. I've still got this. "I've brought in construction paper, glitter, glue, crayons, scissors and a collection of expired magazines. You can cut out pictures of things your person would like to have or be. Isn't it the thought that counts? And to help nurture your feelings of creativity and fun, all classes are cancelled, and I'm bringing in pizza for lunch. Enjoy!"
The whole gym cheers and applauds. I'm sure the browny clan will enjoy the lighter workload today too. I gather my things. Aren't we a bit old for collages…? What am I saying?! You're never too old to make a collage! This is an okay way to spend the day, the next two hours of my morning have suddenly become dedicated to this project, so I want to make a giant card. I decide to make the card a nice, dark, purple. It's not the color most people would expect for a Christmas card, and that makes it more interesting. I trim the edges of the card to make a cookie-cutter design. It's for Virginia, so it ought to have cakes and puddings and pies and all sorts of treats. There are plenty of pictures in the holiday magazines. I avoid using the glitter powder, but all of the glue just so happens to be glitter glue, and half of it ends up on my skirt when the cap bursts as I try to cautiously squeeze it. This is sort of fun. I make sure to snag Virginia a couple of choice slices of pizza too. The card will probably make her hungrier.
I look around me, a room full of wizards playing arts and crafts. It's laughable. Which one of them could be making something for me? Once all of the cards have been created, and the pizza cleared out, it's time to deliver our creations. I holler to Virginia and hand her my card. "Merry Yuletide!" I cheer. She grins at the card and pretends to lick the pictures of food. "I am a girl of simple appetites." I defend. "Simple? Some of those desserts are complicated." I hand her the plate of pizza slices. She gasps. "A Mer-ry Christ-mas to me in-deed." She chants. She greedily snatches the paper plate, I warm the pizza, and hand her a fistful of napkins. Virginia gobbles it all down.
I don't have to feel sorry for not getting anything for Ellen because this is a Secret Santa event. Ellen got a nice, white card from Donald. Full of sparkly things like jewelry and gems. She then approaches me with a card. I knew Potsdam rigged the draw somehow. "Merry Christmas." She states with a small smile. The card is a holiday green, with many books and scrolls on the inside. "Is it a library?" Ellen answers with pride. "It's a chamber of secrets. Tomes and scrolls and magic and everything that we need to learn, because we're wildseed." I rub my fingers against the card softly. "Thank you. It's just what I need." I really do. I know it's just a card… But I'm going to treasure this. I got something for Yuletide this year! Yay!
That same afternoon, I'm walking through the halls when I hear people talking. No… It's only one person I hear talking. "You know they're not good for you. They're filled with electricity. Nasty, nasty. And we can't reach them today anyway." The voice is a hollow, scratchy, eerie whisper. It reminds me of Golam from Lord of the Rings. Say what? I peek around the corner. It's Sir Big Steve. Hugging the rabbit and whispering to it. "Oh, I don't think that's a good idea. The girls would notice." He says to the bunny, in his normal voice. Why does he make the rabbit sound like a serial killer?! I make myself known, not wanting to eavesdrop. "Hello." I wave from behind the corner. "Yes, Lumina is a silly girl, isn't she?" I cast Spirit Sight just to be safe. Nothing. Sir Big Steve speaks again. "Mr. Hoppity is my very best friend. Isn't that right? Say hello to the silly girl." He makes the little stuffed rabbit wave a paw at me. It's official; he's flipped. The snow has driven him mad.
Virginia walks in on the scene. "Hey Lumie, do you have a- huh? What's going on?" "Why, Lumina. Mr. Hoppity wants to give you a present. Do you want a present, Lumina?" Virginia backs up from Sir Big Steve. "You can call me Lumie." I tell him. Sir Big Steve makes the rabbit's ears stand up. "Lumie? How cute! Mr. Hoppity wants to call you Lumie too. Can Mr. Hoppity call you Lumie?" I nod. "All of my friends can call me Lumie, and Mr. Hoppity can be my friend." Sir Big Steve's eyes light up and he giggles. Which is unsettling for someone so intimidating, and with such a deep voice.
Virginia tugs at my cape. "Maybe we should go back to our room now." She says nervously. Sir Big Steve pulls the rabbit to his ear. He nods. "Hm? Uh-huh. Okay. I'll tell her." He looks at me. "Mr. Hoppity wants you to give him a little kiss, and then he will give you a present." Virginia is hiding behind me now, eyeing Sir Big Steve suspiciously. I look at Mr. Hoppity.
The rabbit's flat, button eyes stare soullessly back at me.
I don't sense a spirit, or see one hovering around it or inside it. It's a harmless rag-doll rabbit from the claw machine, I gave it to him! There's nothing sinister about it Lumie. So I bend over and quickly peck the rabbit on its fluffy nose. A strange, sparkly feeling washes over my body. "What a nice lady she is! Wave buh-bye now Mr. Hoppity." He flops the rabbit's arm to wave goodbye. He nods and walks away. Still murmuring to the rabbit. Virginia steps in front of me. "What. Was. That?" I shake my head. "Don't ask me." She pokes my forehead. "Weeeeeeir-do." I do feel better though. I feel fresh, clean and energized.
Yesterday turned into a crafting party, and speaking of crafts. I need to make something for Ellen's birthday. I still have those dried flowers and herbs in my book pages. She really liked my reeds when I put them up, maybe potpourri would be the best thing on short notice. She could use the aromatherapy when she's studying, all that stress she puts herself through. Hm. I need new reeds! I miss walking into a fragrant room. It sure did help me sleep.
The next day I learn Burn Magick (transmutes the target's magickal energy into heat, causing damage) in red class. This spell is terrifying! In blue class I learn Drain Magick (steals magickal energy from the target), which is even more fearsome! That night, Virginia addresses me in the dorm. "So… The chorale concert is tonight. Should we go?" A concert? "Ellen is singing right?" I want to hear her sing! Virginia sniffs her nose. "Yeah, but so is Donald." Why does she associate negative feelings towards her brother all the time? He's not even here. He hasn't even been bothering her. "Is it free?" I ask. Not that it matters to me. "Yeah, it's just a school thing, so there's no tickets to buy." I will attend the concert. "We should be there to support them." I tell her. "Okay." She shrugs.
The concert is held in the auditorium. It is lit very dimly, so that only the vague silhouettes of people are noticeable. I spot the masculine figure from the last school production. It is quiet for a long time, the audience only murmurs to themselves. Suddenly a heavenly crowd of voices breaks into song. The chorale members parade in carrying white candles, and march onto the stage and join hands while they sing. They sing Christmas carols, but also plenty of songs I've never heard of. The production is lovely. There are free refreshments afterwards, which makes Virginia happy. On Friday, I get up to deliver the mail upon a request note left by Grabiner. Most of us will be going home for the holidays, and therefore won't be able to receive it by tomorrow.
Russet isn't here again. That must mean someone else is in the conference room. "Good morning Professor." He grunts, not even looking at me, as he removes a package from the pile of mail. I feel a sudden tingle down my spine as he walks towards me with the box in hand. When I look at the box, my heart rate increases and I develop goose bumps. I have a bad feeling about whatever is inside that box. "M-may I help you with something?" I must be polite. The next subject at hand could be a delicate one. "No." He says with anger. I'm not being scared off by that. "Professor, there is something I need to talk to you about. It's a very serious matter."
He was about to open the door and leave, but turns around to face me. "Are you in danger?" He says with urgency. I blush. It catches me off guard when he breaks demeanor like that. "No. But it's something that I have been meaning to bring up; that has been bothering me for a while." How can I ease into the question? I can't believe how nervous I am. He closes his eyes for a brief moment. Then opens them again. "I do not have time at the moment. If it is not a matter of life or death, I'm afraid it will have to wait." I sigh. But before I can speak up again, he shuts the door and exits. Fine… But I can't wait much longer. I won't wait much longer.
I wonder about his mysterious package as I deliver the mail. Russet makes emself known and I happily greet em. Our talks are what make it worth getting up at 4:00am. "Lumie! The others have spotted you, did you notice?" E says as e climbs up to sit atop my shoulder. "I did. I was worried I was just being paranoid, but now I'm sure of it." We begin delivering the mail. And I remind myself that I still need to confront the professor. I can't keep acting like nothing has happened. But what if I'm wrong? What if I'm turning it into some huge deal inside of my head, when in actuality it was just an innocent dance?
"Russet, I once read a story where a browny named Thimbletack turned into a boggart when he became cross. Is that true?" Russet twitches. "Mmm. The Spiderwick Chronicles I presume?" "Yes. But I hope I haven't offended you, I haven't decided whether or not to believe it's true." Russet clears es throat. "There are many hidden truths to fantasy novels. Bits of lore that weren't lost to the expanse of time and advancement of human civilization. Not all of it is true, or the magickal society wouldn't stand for it, but we don't mind revealing small tidbits of information in literature. Keeps the hope alive you see. Keeps a part of us ingrained with the rest of world. Arthur Spiderwick was not a wizard author, and no browny would ever name themselves Thimbletack!"
"Wizards can be authors? I thought we weren't allowed to do anything that could risk exposure." Russet scratches es ears. "That is very true. But you can easily tell who isn't and is a wizard author. J.K. Rowling for example, most certainly is not. She's revealed her identity to the media, the world knows her face. But wizard authors, like H.P. Lovecraft, keep their identities hidden. He did not become popular until after his death. Poe, was another wizard author, who suffered the same fate. There is no law that a wizard author cannot become well-respected and successful, but there are laws to ensure that they keep their names and faces hidden, and not reveal too much magickal information. Those two had the misfortune of being born in a time where the general masses could not properly appreciate their work." My favorite writers were both wizards…
"You still haven't told me if the boggart myth is true or not." I smirk. Russet sighs. "Yes, yes… It's true. I might as well warn you now, before you figure it out the hard way. Brownies become boggarts when we are met with cruelty. Once we have been satiated we return back to normal. But brownies also have a 'tick' a 'pet peeve' if you will, that involuntarily turns us into boggarts. Every browny's 'tick' is different. It is comically- something trivial, that we know is trivial, and cannot help but despise." Russet ushered that last word with emphasis. "May I ask? What is your 'trigger' Russet?" At this point I am done with the mail, returning the trolley and holding the girls' letters, plus my letter for Papa in my hand.
Russet slides down my arm and stands in my open palm. The hairs on es tail and head are frizzed up, like a cat. "Horrible high-pitched, scraping noises. Like that of fingernails on a chalkboard, rusty hinges on a door, or SQUEAKY WHEELS!" Russet shouts, cracking es voice. E is panting, ears twitching, tail flicking, and teeth grinding. Es eyes are starting to bulge. "Russet!" I call. E catches emself. "So sorry Lumie. I almost lost myself there, even thinking about it has made me turn once or twice." E looks up at me. "But you. You sweet, brown girl. You are the first student treasurer to have silenced that awful squeaking! Oh, plenty of others have noticed the squeaking before, but they still trudged the damned thing! Some cast Silence on themselves, so that they won't have to hear the atrocious noise! But do they care about the rest of us?! I was a boggart when I first laid eyes on you. About to bite your ankles, sure you were going to ignore the ruckus and force my ears to be assaulted again. But no. You pushed the cart a few steps, and cast Silence on its wheels! Oh, happy day! Finally, a human with some sense! I knew someone so brown couldn't be that terrible. And you haven't proven me wrong." Russet grins at me gratefully. I blush slightly. "I-it was nothing."
And so my first semester of sorcery comes to an end. Headmistress Potsdam has called us together for a final blessing before we go back to our families for the holidays. "Hello, my young students. The tradition of Christmas is one of giving and sharing. Most of you who are returning to your homes will be exchanging gifts and spending time with friends and family. But while you are gone, do not forget who you are. Do not forget that you share with your brothers and sisters in magic. I have a special gift for you." A tingle of magick sweeps over us. Leaving no visible change in its path. "Think of those that you care about. Think of a person that matters to you. If the person you choose is thinking of you as well, you will feel that connection, that affection being shared. I'll leave you to your thoughts." She poofs out of sight, leaving glitter behind in her wake.
Think of someone I care about? Well, that's easy. I think about my family. I love them, and I know they love me. I'm curious as to what they might be thinking about me at the moment, do they miss me? But… Nothing seems to happen. Didn't she say I'd feel something? They must not be thinking about me at this exact moment, that's all. Or maybe the spell doesn't work on the mundane. I think about Papa. He's my grandfather as far as anyone else is concerned, and I love him too. He's nativeseed. Maybe he'll hear me… Nothing again. I know for a fact he cares about me, he treats me as if I were his very own. So maybe the spell isn't meant to reach very far. I could just not be on his mind right now too. Is there anyone thinking about me?
I know it's foolish, but… I think of Professor Grabiner. He was the first person I met when I arrived at the academy. Even if that meeting was an embarrassing mistake on my part. He's an important figure in my life, so I think of him. For a moment, and just a short moment, I think I feel something. A flicker of acknowledgement, so soon snuffed that I suspect I may have imagined it. Was he thinking of me? I just don't know. The Headmistress poofs back onto the stage and claps her hands. "Have a happy Christmas everyone! We'll see you in two weeks!"
I look up from my seat and I see the professor hurrying away. Every time he slips from my grasp I think about Farspeaking him. But… Is it really that important to fret over? Should I even bother anymore? I clearly didn't confront him when I should've… All of this planning and plotting for something I may be wrong about. I let it go. I pack my things and head off to the airport by myself. No one notices as I slip away, they're all too busy running to their parents and being showered with affection.
I take the ride back to the city. I turn the key and open the door. "Hello? I'm back for Yuletide Papa!" I call out. He isn't home. I look by the Christmas tree and there is a large box with my name on it. "Merry Christmas Missy- Love, Papa." It reads. Love… It's wrapped in purple and silver, shiny paper, with a silver, shimmery bow on top. The wrapping paper has stars all over it. He… He got me a present. He does every year, but this one feels different somehow.
I remember to call Naiara that night and inform her that I'll be dropping by on Christmas day to participate in the gift exchange. She doesn't greet me. I ask her if she would like me to stay over there with them, but she says there is no room for me. The next day I make a trip to Michael's. I purchase velvet sacks. A blood red one, a midnight blue one, and a mossy green one. Papa's gift has to be handmade as well. But I don't like repeating gifts. I've already given him socks, a set of gloves, with a matching hat and scarf, a sweater, a couple of picture frames, and a keychain for Yuletide.
This year… I'll make him an accessory. I'll even enchant it with magick. That's definitely new. I purchase chains and charms in bronze, because I think the metal suits him. I buy a tiny yellow present box, and a white ribbon to tie it with. I also get a shiny, golden gift bag for Ellen's birthday present. And of course, I'm not going back to school empty-handed. I buy scented sprigs of heather and lavender. Healing, rejuvenating and cleansing plants. Besides, their scents will remind us of spring and summer, during the fierce snow and cold.
I return to Papa's manor and begin working on the gifts. I spend all day on them. The sacks are tied with braided bows that have beads I've attached to the ends. I soak the dried plants in their respective oils, not wanting to alter their natural scents, leave them to dry, and when they do- I stuff them into the sacks. I also purchased a wooden bowl for Ellen to scatter the plants in, and perhaps leave sitting atop somewhere to scent the area. I pull out my pliers, tweezers and clippers and start to painstakingly work on Papa's pendant. I need to whip out a magnifying glass just to get the chain linked properly. I look at the little charms. They're in the shape of animals, letters, hearts, stars and flowers. Not nearly masculine enough. I contemplate boiling them down in a pot and manipulating the metal. But I have no molds to shape them in. Besides, I've never melted down and altered metal before. Then a thought strikes. DUH. Magick! I'm a wizard!
I hold the multiple chains in my palms and focus intensely. I will the black magick to run through them and make them solid, even, and strong. I picture every individual piece, what they should like, how they should feel and function, including the latch. The chains twist and turn and glow. They fuse together to form a single, perfect necklace. I imagined it to have a chain-linked design, but not be too thick or too thin. A few pieces of bronze lay in my palms, leftovers no doubt from my creation. I jerk the chain, swing it around, and it's sturdy. I make a small pile out of the bronze fragments and charms. I cup my hands over them and focus the black magick to fit an image in my mind. I want the pendant piece to be a certain weight, texture and shape. My hands go hot, and I can feel the metal swirling and bubbling underneath, but not so hot that it hurts me. It's my magick after all, my real magick. Not something that shoots backwards from a wand and rebounds on me. PAINFULLY.
The piece is complete. It's larger than the average pendant piece, but it is for a man. I've shaped the metal to take the form of a shield. The shield has an emblem on it depicting an upright sword, with two flags crossing behind it. It'll fit him perfectly. He has been my part-time caretaker and counselor for six years now. I want him to know that this is how I see him. I hold the pendant close to my heart and cradle it fondly. I sit comfortably on the floor and bow my head. As I close my eyes I whisper softly the emotions I feel towards Papa. The white magick runs from my chest to the pendant piece. "Savior. Guardian. Companion." I say with fondness and gratitude. And I squeeze the pendant. With that out of the way, I put the pendant into the box with a label reading "To my Papa- love Lumina" in my best handwriting. Eh. I really need to work on my penmanship.
I spend my break in Papa's manor, and I even receive a call from him. He wishes me a Merry Yuletide, and I tell him that his gift is waiting for him under the tree. He apologizes for missing Yuletide with me this year, and I tell him not to worry and not to work too hard. An hour later, I head off to my family's apartment. I assist with cooking the dinner of rice, plantains and fried fish. I help myself to the plantains and rice. I also bake something more seasonally appropriate. Brownies with a hint of mint and dried berries. Naiara has made her usual eggnog, loaded with rum. I don't partake in that. Her and Mateo drink and eat merrily, until they both get drunk. They laugh, yell and dance without coordination as the salsa music blares in the background.
I pull my older sister aside. Yoana is wearing a thick, pink sweater, hiding her baby-bump. I ask her if she's told anyone yet. And she hasn't. "Yoana. Do you know what you're going to do with yourself?" She bites her lip and shakes her head. "You need a plan Yoana. You're already a mother, and Joshua is the father of this one too right?" She gets very offended. "I'm no slut! Of course he's the father!" Yeah, maybe that was a dumb question. "Are you keeping the baby?" "I'm not going to abort it! I don't think like you do! I love my children!" That... HURT. "We'll raise it. Together… He said he's going to marry me." My eyes pop a little. "That's the responsible thing to do. But you can't wait until you're too big to hide it for the others to know. You need to start preparing for the baby, so you can take care of yourselves. Think about how the family will feel. That's why they need to know. How are we going to afford this baby?" He'd better marry her. He's a good boy- ignoring this incident. He's an idiot who can't keep it in his pants, but he's never hurt my sister. Although, if he suddenly runs out on my pregnant sister, his five-year-old son and his unborn child, I'll hunt him down and make him wish he was never born. I CAN GUARANTEE THAT.
"Where is Angelo?" "He's with Joshua's family this year, last year we had him." Not that I would know... I wanted to see my nephew. We never have any time to bond and I don't want him hating his auntie too. His father already can't stand me. "Oh... Well... Give him this for me, tell him it's from Auntie Lumina." Angelo's gift is the only one I didn't make myself. He hasn't appreciated my other gifts, so this year I played it safe. I hand her a wrapped box. Neither of them know it, but it's filled with dinosaurs. He loves dinosaurs. Yoana thinks he likes the Power Rangers, but it's really the Megazoids he cares about.
"So that's it? You two don't have a plan? You're not gonna tell anyone and just get married and have another baby?" Young, stupid fools. "We're doing the right thing. We're going to be a proper family. He even told me to quit my job so I can be his housewife. He's going to take care of us." I can feel myself welling up with anger, Yoana always does what he says! I bet this is why she keeps getting pregnant! "He needs to get off his ass and finish high school! He won't make enough money without a diploma! He makes almost nothing NOW! You know that! And what about college? Didn't you say one day you were gonna go? So you can get a job better than fast food? You can't just be a housewife and marry someone who doesn't even have a GED." I have to put my hands in my pockets, because I am this close, THIS CLOSE to slapping her. And there's a baby in there.
She pouts and stomps her foot. "Why is all you care about is school?" I shake her slightly by the shoulders. "I care about all of you! And education is the only way you're going to get out of here! Do you want to stay in the ghetto forever? Do you want your children to grow up here?! They deserve better!" "Don't you tell me how to be a mother, I take good care of my kids!" "YEAH RIGHT, and that's why you work at Taco Bell and got yourself pregnant at sixteen with a twenty-year old man! You almost got him locked up, Little Miss Jailbait! Would he take be able to take care of you then?" She looks down, clearly upset. "You're 21. You still live with your Mommy! HE still lives with his parents! NEITHER OF YOU have degree or a real job! Now you're on your second baby? No house, no school, nothing?!" I pull her closer to me and point my finger in her face. "You can have as much sex as you want, but learn how to use a fucking condom! This can't keep happening, you can't keep popping out babies and expecting us to take care of them. This is your second baby, but it's not the second time you've been pregnant. And he may be your son, but that's my nephew too! And so help me, he is NOT going to grow up the way we did, do you understand?! It's time for you to be an adult!" Yoana pulls away from me and rubs her eyes. I-I didn't mean to make her cry. Mateo slurs something about opening the presents. Yoana looks at me with disgust, shoves me against the wall and dries her face with her sleeve. We have to pretend nothing happened, so we suck it up, hold hands and they say grace. "Blessed be." I whisper. Feeling a little remorseful from my outburst.
Yoana receives beautiful new clothes, and she squeals in delight when she sees the stuffed rabbit I give her. She hugs it tightly and refuses to let it go all night. Gods on high, how is she my older sister? Mateo is impressed with the bracelet I made for him. He puts it on right away. "I look cool, eh?" He brags. He also receives new shoes. Naiara approaches her gift cautiously. I've wrapped the cross sloppily so that she wouldn't be able to tell what it is by first glance. She isn't impressed by the mess. "Hmph. I no think chu get me present." She says to no one in particular. I put my hands in my pockets, tugging at the fabric. She opens the wrapping paper and… "Aye. Que linda." She says in shock. She rubs her hands on the cross with satisfaction. A smile dresses her face. She smells the cross. "Mmm. Huele bien." She stands up to put the cross in the pride of place, the center wall of the living room. Oh, my goodness, is this really happening? All that hard work really paid off! They look around and question each other, curious as to who gave who such lovely presents. Minutes of confusion and laughter passes by. Really? I know I didn't label them as "from me" but I thought they'd at least be able to recognize my handwriting. They impatiently begin to argue.
"Oh. Yeah. Those are from me. I made them myself. Merry Christmas." I say nervously. They stop laughing and smiling and look at me. Naiara brings the cross back down to her lap. Mateo eyes the bracelet with confusion. Yoana looks at me with her mouth open, not hugging the rabbit as tightly anymore. I shift my eyes across the room. Not daring to say a word. The rest of the night is awkward. No one speaks to me, the music is lowered. No one even finishes off the brownies. I excuse myself early and listen to the door as it is closed behind me, not being allowed a chance to say goodbye.
The music volume goes back up, and they begin to laugh and sing again. I prop my coat collar up to my nose, sniffling loudly, fighting back tears. I don't let a single tear fall. They don't deserve my tears! I take the long train ride and ferry ride back to Staten Island, helping myself to the entire package of peppermint chocolates Papa left for me in the kitchen. I drink white tea, wash up and tuck myself into bed. I can't wait to go back to school.
I'm lying in bed, fed up with it all, unable to sleep- when I remember something… I rush back downstairs. My Yuletide present is still waiting for me! I snatch the box and rip it open. Inside I find many long shards of silver. But it's unlike a silver I've ever seen before. There is a ghostly glow to it. Like moonlight. What… What is this? I feel drawn to it somehow. I run my fingers over the shards and cast Diagnosis. It isn't synthetic, it's a real metal. But it's fused with something else. Something foreign to this world. Has Papa given me something from the Otherworld?