Chapter 8: Twin trouble.

This day, like most days lately, I stayed up late at the Astronomy Tower helping Croix prepare the healing potion. It was the sixth time we did it, but I still got it wrong, only this time I don't even know why. I just know it ended up being purple when it should have been green. But oh well, I hope we'll have more luck in the future. Thankfully Croix is being very patient with me as usual.

I yawn as I walk down the dark corridor alone, feeling rather lonely. Usually Croix walks me to my room, but today she was tired and decided to sleep on her couch at her secret lab. And I get it, she not only has to do all her homework and study to be on top of each class, but she's also trying to cure her arm and help me catch up with my classmates. It must be so exhausting! She practically collapsed as soon as I said goodnight.

Still, I wish she was here. What if Finnelan finds me? I bet Croix would be able to come up with some sort of excuse.

Just as I'm thinking about that, I see a light coming down the corridor towards me, no doubt belonging to a professor. My blood instantly freezes and my heart drops to the pit of my stomach. I look around, desperately searching for a escape route, and I'm about to bolt back from where I came from when a hand presses over my mouth and someone drags me into a dark room. I try to get off their grip, but they're as strong as two people, so my attempts are rather futile. They keep me pressed against the door until we hear the steps outside recede, indicating the teacher is gone. Then, and only then, they release me, but before I can bolt out the room and cry for help, a bright ball of teal light appears in front of me, illuminating…

"Enid? Anaid?" I instantly recognize my mischievous classmates, even though they're a bit transparent and only their heads are truly visible, indicating they have an invisibility spell active but it's starting to wear off.

They're from the yellow and pink teams respectively, since the academy wisely decided that keeping them separated was better for the well being of everyone in the school. One of them wears her long dark brown hair on a braid, and the other one keeps it loose, which is the only way to distinguish them aside from the color of their sashes. They're also about the same size as me, but their complexion is even thinner somehow, their skin is of a beautiful tan color though, and their dark eyes sparkle with mischief at all times. All in all, they're an interesting duo, but one I'd rather avoid if I want to stay out of trouble.

They both shush me when I say their names a little too loudly for their liking.

"What are you doing here?" I scream-whisper.

"We could ask the exact same thing, you know?" The one from the pink team (Anaid?) answers.

"Not that it's all that surprising." Her twin shrugs. "I mean if there's another troublemaker in this school that rivals our reputation, it's Chariot."

"I'm not a troublemaker!" I immediately protest, only to receive two equal deadpan looks. "At least not on purpose!"

"Pity." Enid says. "You have a natural talent."

"Yeah, you sure you don't want to give it a try? You're already here." Anaid ads.

"Thanks, but I'd rather go to bed before Finnelan catches me and punishes me again." I turn around, ready to open the door and go back to my room, when their voices stop me.

"And what if we told you, we know of a way to blackmail Finnelan so that she never bothers us again?"

"Blackmail is wrong." I say, more to myself than to them. Come on, Chariot, don't fall for it! This surely won't end well.

"Well, isn't it also wrong that she constantly treats you badly?" One of them counters. I don't know which because I still have my back turned to them. "Remember the other day when she called you to the front to read some lunar runes and then chastised you in front of the class when you couldn't? She could have chosen anyone else, but she picked you; she always does."

"She knows you struggle more than the rest of us, and wants everyone to notice." The other twin agrees. "It's rather evident that she wishes to see you expelled."

Even though a part of me agrees wholeheartedly with their words, I still know I shouldn't listen to the most mischievous witches in the school. I really don't need to get in any more trouble. Even if taking revenge on Finnelan actually sounds good… wait, no, stop it Chariot! Stop it!

"I'm gonna go now. You two go cause havoc without me." I answer, but I'm about to reach for the doorknob, when a voice stops me once again.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Yeah, you don't want to activate the security system, believe me."

"Huh?" Security system? I thought the only rooms in school to have it were Holbrooke and Finnelan's offices… wait.

I get out my wand and cast a simple illumination spell, adding light to the one already emanating from one of the twins' wands and the moonlight coming from the window. I'm not sure how I didn't notice before! But that desk and those shelves are truly unmistakable, especially since I've been here more times than I would want to admit. This is Finnelan's office! Oh no, I'm gonna be in so much trouble!

"You're so mean! Why did you drag me into this?" I scowl at the mischievous girls.

"You mean you'd rather have gotten caught wandering after curfew?" Enid raises an eyebrow.

"We saved you." Her twin agrees. "The least you can do is say thank you."

Okay. They do have a point. But now that I think about it…

"Fine, thank you, whatever. But how did you get in here without activating the security system?"

"We just…" Anaid smirks, trailing off as she looks at her sister, who shares the same expression.

"… used the key." Enid finishes, as she reaches into her pocket and extracts the shiny object that is a big golden key, dangling it in front of my face.

"Give me that!" I demand, reaching out to take it since I know it's my only hope of getting out of here undetected, but Enid immediately raises her arm, placing it out of my reach and laughing when I reach up to try and snatch it off her fingers. Then, after seeing me struggle for a few seconds in clear amusement, she throws it towards her twin, who swiftly catches it and puts it inside her bra. And now I can't grab it without looking like a pervert. Great.

"Don't worry, we'll give it to you." Anaid says reassuringly.

"But you'll have to help us search for what we're looking for." Enid adds, still wearing that odious smirk on her face.

"Which is?" I ask cautiously.

"Something we can use against Finnelan the next time she's mean to us." She shrugs.

"Like an embarrassing picture or an incriminating letter." Anaid clarifies.

"If you do it, you won't only get the key, and will be able to get out of here undetected."

"We'll also share the benefits with you, meaning…"

"…Finnelan won't bother you again."

"Deal?" They both finish, completing each other's phrases, as they extend their hands for me to shake.

Realizing I probably don't have an option anyways and that if I were to do something rash I could end up alerting the teachers I'm here and getting myself expelled, and knowing if I go along with their mischievous antics this could actually end up in a positive outcome (if I'm lucky), I end up sighing as I shake their hands, using both of my hands at the same time.

"Deal." I agree reluctantly.

"Great!" Anaid smiles.

"Let's get to work then!" Instantly, they both release me and go off to search around the room using their wands as light sources, and with a sigh I resign myself to do the same.

I first start searching at the desk, since Enid and Anaid are looking at the bookshelves that are on opposite walls, but I find nothing inside the drawers between the papers she keeps there; it's all school-related, and the most personal things in there are pretty boring; just a handkerchief and some pills for the migraine. Huh, I wonder if Lukić knows she'd rather use modern medicine than one of her potions. I don't blame Finnelan though; I wouldn't drink anything brewed by Lukić.

Since my search is futile, I resort to going to see if there's something on the shelf that's right to the desk, but that also yields no results; not even when I push and pull every book on the shelf to search for some kind of hidden mechanism that reveals a secret compartment or something.

But I don't find anything, so I decide to go check on Anaid, who is searching on the bookshelf next to me, but as I pass the section of wooden wall that separates both shelves, I notice something strange. There are ornaments carved on the wall representing five wand handles forming a semicircle above the symbol of Luna Nova, under which there are two crossed brooms over a drawer handle without drawer, and some sort of staff positioned horizontally at the bottom.

What's weird is that the wand handles lack the actual body of the wand (the thing that actually casts the magic), but in the middle of them there's a small point of light that seems to shine brighter the closer I get my wand towards it. Curious, I decide to touch that spot with the ball of magic that's at the point of my wand, and I'm rather surprised when I see the Luna Nova symbol illuminating. I proceed to touch it as well, and the spot where the brooms intersect makes a clicking sound as it pushes itself slightly inside the wall, and I decide to use my finger to push it even further, which makes a point made of green light materialize above the drawer handle and then move forming a small rectangle around it… the drawer! I quickly pull the handle and, sure enough, the drawer detaches itself from the wall allowing me to peer inside. And what I see is…

"Hey! Did you find something?" I'm startled by a loud voice pretty close to my right ear, and I end up jumping in fright with my heart racing like I just ran a marathon.

"Don't do that!" I scowl at Enid, the culprit.

"What did you find?" A second voice scares me out of my skin before I turn my glare at the direction of the other twin, who is standing on my right side.

"You two are going to give me a heart attack!" I yell, only to be immediately shushed by the twins, and yeah, I don't want to get caught, but my nerves are already on edge without their help, so I think they could be more considerate. Still, I return my gaze towards the drawer, curious as to what could possibly be so important for Finnelan to put it under a magical lock puzzle.

"Do you think those are the answers to the exams?" Anaid asks, peering at the stack of papers inside. I just hum in acknowledgement, but I really don't think that's the case; they're folded into small rectangles, some envelope-sized, and other larger or smaller, and their textures are different.

Curious, I take one and unfold it. It's a picture of two girls dressed in the Luna Nova Uniform, one appearing to be older than the other one and smiling proudly at her, while the younger one has a cheerful and excited expression.

"Do you think she keeps pictures of her students?" Anaid says.

"Creepy." Her sister shudders.

"I don't know. This photo looks pretty old." Sure, it's magic, so it doesn't deteriorate, but it was taken on black and white, and there are lines forming a cross where it was folded.

Needing to solve the mystery, I put the picture back inside the drawer and take another paper out. This time, when I unfold it, I find a letter addressed to Finnelan, but the sender used her first name.

Dear Anne:

You haven't written in so long. How are you? I've been fine. I know you still don't approve of me running away to explore the world instead of pursuing further education, but this is my dream and it makes me happy, so I hope you don't hate me for it. I've learned so much during the past few months! There are so many different ways of being a witch. Did you know that in some countries they still hunt us? It's like they're stuck in the middle ages! But in others we're very respected, especially in places mostly untouched by technology. So, yeah, it's been amazing. I promise I will be careful and write as much as I possibly can. See you on Christmas!

Love, Bertha.

"Look at the date!" Enid says, pointing at the top of the envelope.

"1971. How old." Anaid nods.

"Do you think it's from Finnelan's daughter?" Enid asks.

"No, it'd be weird if her daughter called her Anne." I shake my head. "Plus, I don't think Finnelan has a daughter in the first place."

"And if she did, she'd have ran away as soon as she learned to walk." Anaid giggles and we join in. That's so true. No one would want Finnelan to be their mother with how strict she is. But then, who is this Bertha?

I keep searching on the stack of papers, mostly letters from the same person, as well as a couple of pictures. I have to say, even if she's not her daughter, I can still see the family resemblance, though she's far more expressive and relaxed. A sibling, maybe?

After a while, at the bottom of the drawer, I find a piece of newspaper. The headline reads "English tourist burned alive when locals find out she's a witch."

My blood instantly runs cold, but I keep reading anyways; it's not very long after all, and a picture of none other than Bertha occupies most of the space.

Bertha Finnelan of 22 years had been visiting the rural parts of the country of Karashgad, which has a reputation for being one of the few countries where using magic is still considered a serious crime, usually punishable by death. Although the medieval practices have been largely replaced by more human methods, like the electric chair, the locals resorted to take matters into their own hands when they saw the English woman use her magic to prevent a rock slide.

This authorities confirmed that…

I close my eyes as I fold the piece of paper. I've read enough.

Slowly, I put it back where it was, feeling like the worst piece of shit in existence. Why did we have to invade Finnelan's privacy? Why did I have to participate in this stupid prank and find the secret lock? Now my heart hurts for my professor, knowing she once had someone she loved, and who was killed by a mob of ignorant and angry people, like so many more witches have. I feel ill. This isn't something we should have found, and I'd definitely never use it against Finnelan.

"Come on Chariot, let's go." Anaid says in a quiet tone as she places a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Yeah… there's nothing here." Enid agrees, sounding a bit strangled.

"Let's go." I nod, and reach forward to return the drawer to its original place. As luck would have it, however, in that very moment the door swings open and the lights turn on. The three of us jump in surprise as we turn around, only to see none other than Finnelan herself staring at us with a mix of surprise and anger.

Her eyes move lower, the drawer still being held in my hands, and I sweat cold when I realize we screwed up big time and she's undoubtedly going to punish us, or get us expelled. With good reason this time.

"Miss du Nord." She scowls. "Why am I not surprised to find you trespassing at such late hours along with the Anfley twins?"

"I-I… we…" As I look down to the small drawer full of her personal belongings, I realize we have no excuse and the best we can do is ask for forgiveness. "We're sorry." I say, stepping towards the professor and extending the drawer towards her for her to take. She does so rather harshly and keeps looking at me with an enraged expression. "We didn't mean to… we only wanted to come up with a small prank, or something, not…" I trail off. What can I even call what we did?

"Chariot, please, we dragged you into it!" Enid steps in to defend me.

"Yeah, if someone has to be blamed here, it's us." Her twin agrees, startling me greatly. I didn't expect them to be the type to assume the consequences of their actions.

"B-but girls…" I start, but I'm interrupted by Finnelan's voice.

"Stop! Now go to your rooms. I expect to see you for detention tomorrow after classes." The three of us nod, terrified under Finnelan's stern gaze. "Go."

Quickly, we hurry away, relived that she let us go so easily, but as I'm about to close the door, I see Finnelan sitting down at her desk and looking down at the drawer with a saddened gaze… only for her to look up when she realizes I'm staring and giving me such a glare that I end up instantly closing the door, my heart thumping.

Well, Finnelan is still as scary as always, if not more so. But, I can't help also thinking… seeing what I saw in there makes her seem less like a monster and more like a human, with her own story to tell. I can barely imagine how she might have felt when she read that newspaper. Gosh, it must have been horrible.

"Chariot?" Anaid's voice startles me.

"Are you going to just keep staring at that door for the rest of the night?" Her sister teases, but her voice lack the usual carefree energy, and her smile doesn't reach her eyes.

"I-I… right. Let's go." I nod stiffly and start following them to the dorms, only sparing one last glance at Finnelan's door.


A/N: Yeah, sorry, no Charoix this time, but maybe next chapter :)

I hope you enjoyed it nontheless and that you let me know your thoughts with a review. I'd really appreciate it. As always, thanks for reading, and thanks to all of you who have favorited/followed/review so far, I really appreciate the support as it motivates me to keep writing.

Thanks to my beta reader moonwatcher13.

PS: If you're wondering, the twins are based off two characters that appear briefly when the fountain of Polaris shows Akko some fragments from Chariot's past. Since they are by her side on two of those memories, I just assumed they were her friends. Google them, if you want, or you can also go to my Tumblr blog, Tania Hylian, since I'll probably be posting the screencaptures I used to create them.