Bump had not slept a wink. He had spent the whole night laying out his master plan. Soon, he would no longer be bullied by Principal Faust, the Emperor's Coven would not be banging on his door every couple of weeks, and his favorite trouble-maker would have the adventure of a lifetime.
Standing outside the school, Bump caught sight of the familiar mane of red hair, turning from side to side confused. Brushing aside his curiosity at what left the girl so distraught, Bump made his way over to the young witch, and placed his palm on her tense shoulder. Eda jumped, a fireball now forming in her hand.
"Easy, Edalyn," Bump smiled, "I just wanted a word with you- in my office."
"But-" Eda glanced at the busy walkway.
"I insist," Bump gave a gentle squeeze and guided the girl toward the door, "It's nothing bad."
As the pair entered the small office, the vice-principal made sure he left the display light on showing the Scroll of Observance. The senior witch noticed his pupil's eyes light up at the sight. Feigning a chuckle, Bump was about to put on a show.
"Oops," Bump flicked the light off on the display case, "Didn't mean to leave that on. As Bump sat himself in front of Eda, he had to struggle to look serious as he had his knees up to his chest. Eda on the other hand was so small she sprawled out in the glorified closet.
Pulling out Eda's extensive file, Bump read before stating, "Eda, as one of the brightest witches in Hexside, I heard you were hoping to try out for the Emperor's Coven. Is this correct?"
Eda stiffened at that comment. Bump understood that such a jarring sight for a child likely forced Edalyn to question the Emperor's Coven, or even the whole Coven system altogether. Still, the girl gave a curt nod.
"Now, that was why I'm concerned," Bump gave a small frown, "You seem distracted, and I want to make sure you succeed."
At this point Bump noticed how red Eda's face was. In fact, where Eda's hand was gripping his desk was slightly smoking. Bump realized he needed to change the subject fast.
"And that's why I wanted to start a tutoring program!" Bump gave a nervous laugh, "More experienced witches like yourself would teach less experienced. You're the first of this project, so we'll just start here in my office, but after class,please come here. You'll be working with Tommy Toilin."
"But-" Eda frowned.
"No buts," Bump ushered Eda to the door, "I'm attempting to get funding so tutors like yourself get paid, and you are one of the most capable to make sure that happens. Off to class now."
Bump gently pushed the girl out the door before closing it shut. Bump let out a sigh. Stage one complete.
