"What do you mean Professor Folsom doesn't like you?" Lily asked as we sat on the edge of the lake, watching fish touch the surface of the water with their heads before diving back down into the depths. Lily tore off another piece of stale bread from her breakfast and tossed it to them. A silver fish leapt out of the dark water and gulped down a black fly that hovered too closely.

"I mean he hates me." I nibbled on a piece of the sourdough bread while Lily watched a flock of geese land on the lake and begin to eat the tiny flecks of food.

Lily frowned. "Define 'hate'."

I shook my head. "Meaning that he thinks I'm a know-it-all. He isn't just annoyed though, like Flitwick can be. He looks at me like I disgust him. Like he wants to kill me."

This time she turned her head, surprise flickering in her green eyes. "That's a bit far, don't you think?"

I shrugged. A goose had snatched a careless fish in its black beak. It wriggled hopelessly. I turned away so I didn't have to watch it die.

Lily was quiet for a moment. "Amber? Did he hurt you?"

I drew my knees up to my chest. "No. Not exactly. I think I could hear him speaking in my mind. Like a Legilimens."

"A what?"

"Someone who can read minds. Not all wizards can do it. It's something you have to be naturally good at. Like how you're good with Charms and Potions."

Now she looked troubled. "Are teachers allowed to do that? Professor McGonagall said using magic against students was illegal. Did he really read your mind?"

Lily had run out of bread to throw to the geese. Now they floated around restlessly, searching for more food that wasn't going to arrive. No help for those who needed it.

"It wasn't exactly like he was reading my mind. Not like pages in a book. He was just… there. Like he had broken through a weak wall and could probably break through more. It wasn't a good feeling."

"He violated you." Lily's eyes were wide. "Not like… that. But he completely invaded your privacy. Maybe we should tell McGonagall."

I rested my forehead on my knees. "And what good would that do? What if she doesn't believe us? Folsom will find out. And if he stays, what else could he do? I get the feeling he isn't the kind of guy to just let things go. He's different. Cold. No empathy or remorse. He holds grudges and won't let them go."

"Wow." Lily sighed deeply. "I hope you're wrong, for your sake. That's creepy Amber."

"I know." I thought of Mum, who wasn't frozen and dead like Folsom, but certainly remembered wrongs and never let the perpetrator forget them. "I hope I'm wrong… but I've been reading my Care of Magical Creatures book."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Oh, not again, Amber. What is he now, a werewolf or a male siren?"

Werewolf. Remus.

She looked at me curiously. "Are you alright? You sure you don't need to see Madame Pomfrey?"

I waved her off. "No, no. I've been reading, anyway, and I think I know what Folsom might be. He's just too cold and mean to be a human. I think he's a vampire."

Lily laughed, the sound like pealing bells. "That's ridiculous, Amber! Professor Folsom is not a vampire."

I rose to my feet, my legs stiff from sitting by the lake for so long. Lily reached for my sleeve. "No, don't go! Come on, I was just being honest. I just think you're overreacting a little bit."

I pulled my arm away, dusting off my school robes. "Well, I'll prove that he's a vampire. I'll find evidence to support my claim, and when I prove that he is a blood-sucking corpse, I'll show Dumbledore and he'll have to fire him. There's no way Dumbledore would ever let a vampire into his school. Not to teach."
Lily shook her head, but she was smiling. "You can never admit you're wrong, can you Amber?"

I could feel my mouth pressing into a tight line. "I'm not wrong about this Lily. Also, I need to learn how to become an Occlumens so that I can block Folsom."

Now Lily was laughing quietly. "You're crazy, Amber. Crazy, but a genius. You could probably do it."

" 'Probably' isn't an option. It's got to be certain."

"I love you, Amber!" Lily chortled as I walked away, textbooks in hand. "I'll help you anyway I can."

"Do me a favor and start reading about vampires and Occlumency. And start eating garlic. I bet vampires don't like blood that tastes like garlic."

I could still hear her laughing, even when I climbed up the hill and left her alone by the water.

Dinner was served at six o'clock sharp that night. Plates full of roast turkey, baked sweet potatoes, and bowls of sweet cherry cranberry sauce steamed before me and the rest of the Ravenclaws. While my Housemates tucked in and heaped generous portions onto their plates, I flipped through another page of the Secrets of the Night: Creatures that Walk in the Dark textbook. Pictures and paragraphs sprang up at me, filled with details on various magical creatures that existed solely when the sun was absent from the sky.

"That's a little heavy reading for a second year." said a high voice behind me.

My heart burst into a frantic sprint. I turned slightly and found myself staring right into the face of Professor Folsom.

"I like to read." I said as evenly as possible, feeling the crazy pounding of my heartbeat in my ears.

Professor Folsom gazed back, his blue eyes completely devoid of emotion. He readjusted his spectacles. "I wasn't aware that book was available for students to read. It should have been shelved in the Restricted Section."

My blood turned to ice. Two days ago, that was exactly where I had gotten it from, two hours after Madame Pince had retired for the night. Thanks to the feather-light charm, I had been able to practically float past the security measures that usually prevented students from accessing the caged room.

"I guess they messed up." I lied, schooling my face to be as blank as Regulus's had been on the train after Remus had reprimanded him. "I didn't know it wasn't okay to read."

I could feel the stares of other students on me. Teachers didn't usually have conversations with students while they ate. Then again, students generally didn't read instead of eat.

"Be careful, Miss Amber." Professor Folsom said coolly. "It would be very unfortunate for anything else on Hogwarts to turn up missing."

There was a sudden pressure in my mind. I could feel it, like fingers pressing against the glass of a window. I stiffened. He's trying to get into my mind.

I visualized a thick black wall, preventing access. Trying to prevent access.

Professor Folsom's eyes flickered. The sensation in my mind ceased. He folded the book closed and picked it up in his pale hands. His fingers were long and bony. I noticed three rings, one on each ring finger and another on his index. Before I could get a better look, he brushed his left hand against mine. He was as cold as ice. Then he walked away without a word.

"What's his problem?" Angelina Azadian whispered hotly after the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had swept up to the Staff Table. "He's really got it in for you, doesn't he?"

"Well, you know the professors." James Potter said smoothly, sliding in next to her. "They usually don't appreciate it when a student is smarter than they are."

"Not Amber's fault she was born with a brain the size of a library." Sirius added, squeezing in between us.

Rolling my eyes, I moved to the Gryffindor table. Lily quickly made room for me.

"Hey, Harkstone!" James called, following right behind me. "We need to talk to you later."

"Meet us tonight in front of the One-Eyed Witch. Eleven." Sirius whispered in my ear.

I frowned. I waited a second before nodding once.

Lily looked perplexed. "What are you planning? Revenge?"

"Something like that." Sirius said, grinning. "What do you think, Remus?"

"I think students should respect their professors." He replied calmly, taking a bite of mashed potatoes.

I glared at him. "I think that should be mutual. Respect for each other."

Remus shrugged, clearly wanting to remain neutral.

"Just be careful." Lily fussed. "I don't think it's a good idea to get any professor angry. Especially Professor Folsom."

"I don't want to make him angry." I corrected. "I just want him gone. Maybe we can get a petition to bring Professor Munkee back."

"He's an Auror now." Remus reminded me. "My dad works in the Ministry. Says that his skills are invaluable. Plus, they offered to pay him triple his Hogwarts salary." He looked worried. "You didn't hear that from me."

"I'd never betray your trust, Remus." Peter gushed, but his adoring eyes were only for Sirius and James.

"Like I said," James went on, his hazel eyes meeting mine, "we need to talk." He tapped Sirius on the shoulder. "Come on, let's bounce. I want to get some practice in before the other students get out."

"Practice for what?" I asked as Sirius followed James. Peter jumped up to tail them. "Practice for what?"

"You'll see!" James said, waving me off. He disappeared around the corner with James and Peter at his flanks.

"Why aren't you going with them?" Lily asked Remus, who made no move to get up. "You four are a package deal."

Remus added more food to his plate. "It's not important. I've never been a huge fan of what they're doing. Not really my taste."

Frustration gnawed. "What are they doing?"

Remus grinned. "I guess you'll have to find out later at our little talk."

Lily sipped her green tea. "Whatever you five are up to, I don't want any part of it. Someone's got to earn points for our House, not lose them. If you're caught of bed, especially by Folsom…" She shook her head. "Then Slytherin wins the Cup."

"I can win Ravenclaw the Cup." I retorted.

"Not with the way you are with Folsom." Remus countered.

I rolled my eyes. "I'll see you tonight."

"Where are you going?" Lily called after me.

"To prove a point." I responded, making a beeline for the library.

The halls of Hogwarts were silent as I made my way past sleeping portraits. The One-Eyed Witch statue stood near the other end of the Hogwarts castle, far from the Ravenclaw Tower. I made sure I wasn't being followed, my wand dark and unused in my pocket. I knew Filch patrolled one side of the castle while his henchwoman Mrs. Norris took the other. I feared Mrs. Norris much more than Filch, because she could see in the dark and smell me. I had left a small bowl of turkey near the base of the Ravenclaw Tower steps, high up in the castle and far from our meeting place.

There was no sign of Filch or the cat as I halted in front of the statue. I jumped a foot when a hand reached out of the darkness and grabbed me back into the shadows. Another hand clamped tightly over my mouth. I fumbled desperately for my wand, thinking the worst, when Sirius hissed in my ear, "Shhh!"

I relaxed, wrenching myself away from their arms. "What the hell?" I snapped. "You scared me!"

"Thought we were Folsom?" James snickered. "If you hadn't noticed, he smells like a cloud of perfume. Can't miss it."

"Good point…" I admitted reluctantly, my wand now out and illuminated. The four boys stood in a semi-circle behind the Witch's statue, hidden in the alcove of darkness. No one would see us. Not even Folsom or Mrs. Norris.

"You need to relax, Harkstone." James chided. "You're making me nervous."

"Me too." Peter whined.

"Quiet, Peter." I said derisively. "The adults are talking."
His lower lip quivered.

"Amber." Remus said. "Come on. What's going on?"

"You're extra sour today." James noticed.

"Harkstone's got this theory that Folsom is a vampire." Sirius announced.

I felt indignant heat climb the ladder of my spine, all the way into my face. "It's not just a theory. I have proof."

"Really." James said flatly.

"I do." I insisted. "I went to the library today while you buffoons were doing whatever you were. I didn't check out any books, but I did do some light reading."

"Light reading… as in just one book in the encyclopedia?" Sirius hedged. He dodged a shove from me.

"Shut up. This is serious." I was still shaken from my first encounter with Folsom, when he had spoken directly into my mind. "There are several traits that can identify a vampire."

"Like what?" Peter squeaked in fear.

"Vampires don't have a reflection. They can't enter a residence unless invited. They feed off of blood. It doesn't need to be human, just animal. Vampires will burn in sunlight and eventually die if in the light for longer than a few seconds. They have an extreme aversion to crosses, garlic, and wooden stakes. They typically don't like werewolves. Most vampires are also able to transform into bats or wolves. Sometimes both, but that's rare. They have ice-cold skin because they're just the walking dead. The most famous vampire in history is Count Dracula. Bram Stoker wrote a biography about him once. Most Muggles think it's just fiction. But in reality, it was just a leaked book from our world."

"How the hell do you know so much?" Sirius demanded. "How does that all fit in your brain?"

"You'd be surprised at what people are capable of." I said. "Even you. I know you two are smarter than you appear."

"Ouch." James laughed.

"I'm not hear to insult you or get into a fight." I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Vampires can read minds, too. And hypnotize. That's why it's important not to make eye contact. That's when they can control you."

"What if Folsom is just a Legilimens?" Remus argued. "And a night owl?"

"I've thought about that." I countered. "So I'm going to do some simple tests to see if he really is a vampire, or just a Legilimens. He was trying to get into my head. If he's not a vampire, he can do it without making eye contact. I'll see if he has a reflection. Or if he can walk in sunlight. You four must have noticed that he's never outside in the daytime. And he never walks in the sunlight inside. He always avoids the windows."

"Maybe." Remus pondered. "You want us to help you with your theory."

"Yes, I do."

"Let's do it!" Sirius said jubilantly. "It'll be fun to watch him absolutely drain your House points this year."

"If you last that long." James added gleefully. "Another win in the bag for Gryffindor."

I rolled my eyes. "We'll see about that. I still have other classes that I can cream you in."

They grumbled their reluctant agreement.

"What were you three doing earlier today?" I asked curiously. "When you left dinner."

"Unlike you, bookworm, I enjoy sports." James declared arrogantly.

"Brawns over brains?" I said sweetly, earning a laugh from the other three boys. James flushed.

"I'm trying out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team." James went on, puffing out his chest. "My dad and I used to play all the time at home. My cousins too. I'm going to be a Chaser."

"Maybe I'll try out for Ravenclaw's." I said boldly.

"Bad move, Harkstone." James said indifferently. "No chance. You're more of an indoor girl."

"We'll see about that." I said calmly, but my hands shook with the heat of adrenaline. I could see James' fists clenched at his sides, though he was smiling tightly.

"Alright, break it up, you two." Remus sighed. "James, tell Amber why we're really here."

"This isn't a therapy group." Sirius joked. "Show her, James."

"I don't know." He said vaguely. "She might tell."

This time I took a step toward him threateningly. "I took a Vow, remember? Last summer? I can't tell anyone what happens in this little 'therapy group' or I'll die."

Sirius folded his arms, looking smug.

James stared at me wordlessly. Then he reached into his bag and pulled out air.

"What the hell?" I peered closer, listening to Sirius sniggering. "What am I supposed to be looking at?"

James snorted. "The smart girl doesn't know?"

I glared at him. "The smart girl can flatten your ass in Quidditch. Or anything that involves a challenge."

"Just show her, James." Remus interjected. "Before you two kill each other."

"I think it's better if he shows her rather than tells her." Sirius suggested, eyes sparkling mischievously.

James shook out whatever he was holding and draped it over his shoulders. His body vanished instantly.

I flinched back, bumping into Remus, who quickly steadied me. Sirius burst out laughing.

"You've got to be kidding!" I yelled. "Do you know how rare those are?!"

James looked extremely smug. "My family's had it for generations. It's my turn now. And someday, my kid'll have it to."

"How did your family get an Invisibility Cloak?" I said breathlessly, moving forward towards James in spite of myself. I reached out tentatively into the air and felt my fingers brush against soft fabric. James pulled the cloak higher and I watched his head disappear.

He was completely invisible.

"You could go anywhere." I said, thunderstruck. "You're untouchable in that cloak."
"I don't know." James said, worried. "I think it makes me look fat."

The boys roared with laughter. I felt a smile twitch on my lips. And for the first time I could remember, in spite of myself, I laughed too.

The two weeks of September passed quickly. The leaves exploded in a violent array of color. The school was abuzz with excitement over the upcoming Quidditch tryouts. One morning over breakfast, a long package had arrived by owl for James. It was a Nimbus 1001, complete with a care kit and a fresh uniform. I was not the only one who thought it extremely arrogant of the Potters to send a personalized robe that clearly read POTTER, 3, in bold block letters on the back. Even McGonagall looked particularly sour when she saw James open his gift and grandly show off his new clothes and broom.

"What a toerag." Lily muttered as James strutted past in the hallway, juggling three dormant Snitches in his hands. "He thinks he's so great. He hasn't even made the team yet!"

"Maybe we should watch him practice later." I said, watching a flock of first and second year girls surround James to observe. "Just to see what he's really made of."

Lily snorted. "I'd rather rot."

"I couldn't agree more." Severus muttered blackly beside her. "Though I hear Regulus Black is also considering trying out for the Slytherin team. Not that I care."

"It sounds like you do." Lily said teasingly. "Who else is planning on trying out?"

Severus, delighted to be the center of Lily's attention, smiled. "Mulciber and Avery. Nott as well. Malfoy's the team Captain."

"I wonder what would happen if Sirius made the team and would have to play against his own brother." I mused as Lily and I made our way to Potions class. "It would be quite interesting."

Severus looked grumpy again, as if he hadn't known I was present. "Regulus is almost as insufferable as Potter."

"That's quite an achievement." Lily agreed, branching off down into the dungeons with me. "See you at lunch, Severus."

"I don't know why he doesn't like me." I muttered as we walked into Slughorn's classroom, already filled with the different aromas of various ingredients. Professor Slughorn was busily adding a list of ingredients onto the chalkboard.

"He's just… shy." Lily said. "He's really a kind soul, Amber. It just takes him time to get to know people and trust them."

"Right." I said mistrustfully. "Just remember… there's a reason why he was Sorted into Slytherin."

Lily rounded on me, her green eyes flaming. "What's that supposed to mean? That just because he's in Merlin's House that makes him a bad person?"

Heat flooded my cheeks. "No… I didn't mean…"

"Well, I've seen you hanging with James Potter, Amber. And he isn't a nice person. Not at all! So don't you start in on Severus. He's more of a friend than James Potter will ever be!"

Stunned, I stared at Lily. "I didn't mean it like that, Lily. What's wrong with you?"

Lily slammed her textbook onto the table. Several students looked up in alarm. "I don't like you hanging with James Potter, Amber. Or Sirius Black. They aren't good people. They're bullies and you shouldn't be having anything to do with them!"

"I don't!" I flashed back, surprised by my sudden flare of fury. "We aren't friends! I would never be friends with those thugs!"

"Then what was that meeting about?" Lily snapped. "You used to avoid them and never have a thing to do with them. And all of a sudden this year, you're in this little… pack?"

Furious, I realized that other students were watching our fight. I pushed my chair in roughly. "Fine. You let Severus tell you that I'm one of them. I can't believe you'd listen to him! You know he doesn't like me. He's just trying to get us to stop being friends so he can have you all to himself!"

"Find a different partner for today." Lily said stiffly. "I don't want to work with you today."

Hurt, I hustled to the back of the room. I plunked down into a chair and stared mutinously at the back of Lily's head and her long red hair. She hastily tied it back into a ponytail. She didn't look back.

Professor Slughorn turned to face the class. "Ah, good. We're all here. Class, please join me in welcoming our assistant today. This is my rising star, Sean Locke! He will be tutoring those who need assistance today if need be!"

My head snapped up at the familiar name. Every girl in the class – Lily included – was suddenly paying rapt attention. Sean Locke, the boy who had carried my books and guided me to this very class a year ago, strode in the room, smiling. He had grown at least four inches taller. His shoulders had filled out as well. He shook Professor Slughorn's hands. And then he made his way right to me.

A different kind of heat burned my cheeks as Sean took the empty seat beside me. He smiled warmly when I glanced at him. I looked away, wide-eyed and dizzy.

"Students, you may know Sean Locke as the Captain and Seeker for the Hufflepuff Quidditch team." Slughorn said. "He's also a member of the Slug Club, my elite membership for the most talented potions students in Hogwarts. His father, Bernard Locke, is the Vice Minister of Magic, as you may well already know."

Oh, dear God. I wanted to sink into the floor and disappear. What on Earth did this teen royalty want with a simple farm girl like me?

"He'll be assisting us today in our production of Sleeping Draught. It will take about an hour to make. Most of that time will be spent studying for your first test of the year."

There were several groans, which Slughorn waved off merrily. "You'll need a partner for this assignment. Double the teamwork means half the time! But I still expect a full effort. Your next test will be heavily drawn from this assignment. Good luck!"

There was a bustle of activity as students jumped up and began assembling their potions. Lily kept her back to me. She spoke to another girl – Cressida Gruffalo – another Gryffindor. She had clearly meant what she had said about wanting to work with someone else today.

"I don't see anyone coming to claim you." Sean said teasingly.

Blushing, I tucked a loose strand of hair behind an ear. "That's because I'm the worst potions maker in the class. They all know better."

"Well, it's a good thing I'm here to tutor." Sean replied, his gray eyes twinkling.

For some reason I couldn't meet his eyes. My gaze fell away to the small cauldron and beakers waiting to be filled.

"Do you have your textbook?" Sean hedged.

Swallowing hard, I pulled out the book and laid it open on the table. Sean pointed to the front of the room. "I think he's written the steps for us."

I closed my eyes. Was I really this clumsy in class? Lily had never made me feel so stupid. Then again, neither was Sean. It was just my own inability.

"No problem." Sean said easily, gathering our ingredients. "This is a good potion for beginners."

"Second year beginners?" I said dubiously.

"Better late than never." Sean nodded to the board. "What happens first?"

"We grind the ingredients into paste?"

"Good. Make sure you do it in a specific order."

I added four sprigs of lavender and the standard ingredient into the stone bowl. "Is there a potion that can turn you invisible?"

"Sure." Sean said, measuring out two blobs of flobberworms. "You'll learn that next year."

"What about invisibility cloaks?" I asked, trying to sound casual. If Sean had family high up in the Ministry, he would know a thing or two.

Sean paused, before waving his wand to ignite a fire underneath the cauldron. He didn't say any words.

"How'd you do that?" I said.

"Nonverbal spells. You'll start learning it when you're a sixth year."

"But you're a fifth year."

Sean smiled. "You remembered. I thought you'd forgotten me."

I blushed again. "No… I have photographic memory."

"That'll come in handy when you have your O.W.L.S. and N.E.W.T.S. down the line." Sean watched me add the paste into the cauldron and stir. "Make sure you count your stirs."

"So… are cloaks illegal?" I asked as I let the mixture simmer.

Sean shrugged. "Not if they're monitored and issued by the Ministry. They can be very powerful, and used dangerously. But most places, like Gringotts, have special charms that can detect people using them." He looked amused. "Why? Do you have one?"

Not me. Just James Potter. I thought, but instead offered a small smile back. "Maybe for my birthday."

Sean chuckled. "I'll see what I can do. When's your birthday?"

Was he serious? My mind whirled in a million directions. "I don't actually want one. Like you said, too much power. Plus, I can just learn how to make a potion for invisibility."

"I can respect that." Sean said. "Have you thought about joining the Slug Club? I can put in a good word for you. Plus some crystallized pineapple and oak mead."

"His favorites. I remember. You told me last year."

"Right." He smiled again. He had perfect teeth. Remus had those two canines in front that were just slightly crooked, thanks to his lycanthropy. Sean's were straight and white as snow. "Do you like Quidditch?"

"I've never played." I started to stir the cauldron again, but Sean blocked me. "It's important to just let it sit, Amber. It'll ruin the draught if you touch it now."
"But won't it burn?" I fussed.

"Spoken like someone who cooks." Sean shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Potions are magic. They're different."

"Right." I studied the little dents and carvings in the desks. "You play Quidditch. You're good."

"That's what I've been told." Sean said, without a hint of arrogance, completely opposite from James Potter. "You should try out."

"I've never played." I repeated.

"I think it would be fun. Just to get your feet wet. I can loan you my broom if you want."

I stared at him, stunned. Was this guy for real?

"I still can't believe you weren't a Hufflepuff." Sean went on. "You're too nice for a Ravenclaw girl."

Lost for words, I stirred the draught anyway. Sean gently pulled the cauldron out of reach. "I'm not trying to flirt with you, Amber. I'm just being nice. Guys are still like that."

I thought of Sirius and James, who I saw pick on Severus at least once a day. I felt guilty for even associating with them in the first place. For making an Unbreakable Vow with them. My stomach lurched. The Vow bound us for life.

Lily was right.

"I guess I'm just not used to it." I said quietly. I opened the Potions book and put my nose between the pages.

Sean was quiet for a moment. "Remember to let it sit for sixty minutes, alright? No touching."

"Got it."

Sean rose slowly, scanning the room. He began to walk away towards Lily and Cressida's table. "Oh, and make sure you study the footnotes in the chapters. Slughorn likes to use those for his tests."

I gave him a fleeting smile. "Thanks."

Sean nodded. "Don't mention it."

I watched him walk to my best friend and Cressida, watched him brace his arms against the end of the table and peer into their steaming cauldron. I wondered if he knew that Lily didn't need his help, that she could probably tutor him in Potions.

I sighed and scanned through the pages of chapter three. Halfway through, I felt a slight tap on my shoulder. I raised my head, looking around, but I was alone in the back.

Peeves, I thought, and turned the page.

There was another light tap, and then a small note floated down out of the air and landed neatly between the pages in the spine of the textbook.

Lionheart,

Meet us next Friday night in the Shack. We have big news.

-The Marauders

I crumpled up the note and fed it to the flames under the little black cauldron. "I'm a Marauder, too, you sexist bums." I mumbled.

There was a quiet rustling noise, and then James Potter was standing next to me. I whirled around in shock, looking for Professor Slughorn, waiting for him to call out James for his sudden appearance.

"I'll let you borrow this." James whispered. "Go get your book back from the Restricted Section."

Professor Slughorn was at his desk, unaware, bent over, rummaging through his drawers for whatever Potions professors kept inside.

"Are you crazy?!" I hissed. "Get out of here before he sees you!"

James winked and pointed to an intricately designed shawl lying in my book bag. "It's inside out, Harkstone. Good luck."

On amazingly light feet, he quickly exited the room. I stared at his retreating back, at a total loss.

He didn't leave completely unnoticed. Lily had spotted him, and her mouth dropped open. She watched him go, speechless.

She looked back over her shoulder, directly at me. I stared back, pursing my lips.

Lily narrowed her eyes and bent her head back over her assignment. She didn't look back again for the rest of the class.