answer to prompt 12: one overhearing something they're not supposed to
The sound of voices drifting out of an empty classroom stopped James in his tracks. Interest piqued, he looked around, scouting the corridor for anyone who might see him, then bent down as though tying his laces and listened in.
"–spoke to her, and she said she couldn't come because of the game tonight," a voice, which sounded like it belonged to Abigail Fields, was saying.
"She does understand that the gatherings are mandatory, right?" came the exasperated response. James perked up, instantly recognizing Lily Evans, Abigail's best friend and love of his life. He scooted forward as quietly as he could so as not to miss anything.
"Who knows." Abigail snorted derisively. "That girl is allergic to assuming any kind of responsibility."
"God, remember when she brought her neighbour's cat for the offering?" Lily's tinkling laugh floated out into the corridor.
"Like it made no difference!" cried Abigail. "Hey there, Mephistopheles, I know you asked for the blood of a newborn, but here's Mr. Rogers' cat instead."
James froze.
"Can't we just kick her out?"
"But then we'd have to find a thirteenth member. It's such a hassle."
"Alright. We'll just issue a verbal warning for now and hope that does the trick."
The scuffling of desks and the sound of footsteps nearing the door signalled the end of the conversation, as well as the very pressing need for James to leave. He sprang up, spurred on by a growing sense of panic, and ran to the bathroom, disappearing inside just as the two girls stepped out of the classroom and began heading down the corridor.
Ear pressed against the bathroom door, he waited with bated breath as they walked by.
"Did you do the Latin homework?" Lily asked casually, as though the two girls had been discussing benign subjects such as schoolwork all along.
"Yup, I've got it in…"
James didn't catch the rest as they turned a corner, their footsteps receding until all he could hear was the blood pounding in his ears. He slid down the door and lay sprawled on the ground, his cheek pressed against the cold bathroom tiles. He had a lot to think about.
In case it wasn't clear, they're in a coven, because that's what girlbosses do nowadays.