~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a painfully awkward walk down to the cafeteria, as Benjamin kept a slight half-step ahead of Neil and made sure that they were moving efficiently around the other passing groups. He didn’t ask Neil anything else about the Derek Incident, but inquired to his health and his lack of presence in class today.
When Neil gave the same excuse as earlier, Benjamin stared at him in surprise.
“You didn’t know?” He said, incredulously. “I thought that—I don’t believe this, you didn’t know, did you?”
“Know what?”
“Today wasn’t a day of regular classes, Neilson,”
“It’s Neil,” Neil muttered, softly.
“Neil then,” Benjamin said, testing it. “Fits you better. Today was an assembly class of all ranks to welcome the newest professor for the Defensive arts of all magics.”
“The defensive arts of—the other one quit?”
“No one ever stays longer than a single term, you know that,” Benjamin said. “Yes, they left already, the replacement asked for a full assembly and he picked volunteers from—well, I suppose you’d learn tomorrow, but I don’t think it’d be fair for you to find out from walking into class.”
“Fair to find out what?”
“Everyone who was absent was volunteered as his demonstration in class for tomorrow, a test subject, if you would.
Neil groaned. That was the very last thing that he wanted, it meant he would be up in front of everyone, performing and being used as an example. He wasn’t sure if he could manage it.
“I‘m sorry,” Benjamin offered. “But there really wasn’t anything that anyone could do about it. There were a few others missing as well, but I don’t know if anyone will warn them. At least you have a warning.”
Neil nodded, glumly. “What will we have to do?”
“Whatever he asks of you, I suppose. His name is Terius Baronsworth. He is teaching as a hobby of sorts, it seems. He’s very well versed in his magical lore and history, he’ll be teaching practical theory and demonstration.” Benjamin sighed. “He also doesn’t care about student ranks, so depending on the time slot and the age groups, we’ll all be taught together. He refused to hold separate classes for every student class. We’re to be respectful and punctual,” he recited. “Haven’t your friends told you?”
“I haven’t seen them yet for today,” Neil said, meaningfully.
Benjamin managed a small smile. “I see, well, we’re almost here. Good look tomorrow. He prefers Teacher Terius, rather than professor or sir. Remember that—and don’t be late.”
“Right, thanks.” Neil said. He watched him leave and then shook his head. He hadn’t expected that kind of reaction from the Elite student, after all bullying was common enough between the poor students and the rich ones, but it was rare for an Elite student to step in and attempt to take the side of the poor student—at least without demanding some sort of compensation for doing so.
His reaction, Neil wondered at, surprised to find that he’d been able to speak so comfortably with him, given the moment where he’d caught a glimpse of something a touch darker than he’d expected.
Benjamin was quiet and reserved, but for the briefest of moments, there’d been a flash of emotion that Neil hadn’t expected. A touch of emotion and a powerful flare of magic. It had felt—for one brief moment—as if he’d come home to somewhere safe and sound.
Neil was still puzzling over the odd feelings when he found himself standing in line at the cafeteria and handing over his meal card, scanning the room for his friends, only to be nearly tackled out of the line by an enthusiastic Elyenka.
“Neil!” she exclaimed breathlessly. “I was so worried. You weren’t answering any of your calls, you didn’t reply to any of our messages and then you didn’t show up for any of your classes. Are you alright? What happened? I was worried sick!”
“I was feeling sick,” Neil managed. He stood still, waiting for the smothering hug to end. Elyenka gave the best hugs that he knew of, but once in a while, she did tend to mother-smother him. “I’m fine, Yenka, really.”
She eyed him suspiciously, and then released her viselike grip on his shoulders to hold him at arms’ length for another inspection. “I should hope so. You look terribly.” She felt his forehead and then her own in comparison. “You’ve been to the healers, then?”
“I had an appointment this morning, remember?” Neil reminded her. He didn’t mention that he hadn’t attended said appointment. She hadn’t asked if he’d attended it.
Kendall stood out of range of Elyenka’s fussing and he’d caught Neil’s meal tray before it could hit the ground. He now stood in his place in line, collecting the assigned meal. He waved them off and Elyenka pulled Neil over to their private table in the corner.
It was a few minutes until Kendall joined him, but this time, concern was written all over his expressive face. “You did worry us, Neil,” he said, handing over the tray.
Elyenka dissolved the protective shield over their food and the table with a snap of her fingers. “I was worried. Really worried. Especially since you looked so out of it last night, I thought that maybe you came down with something.”
“Stomach bug?” Neil offered.
Kendall kicked him under the table. “Nice try. Eat. You look like you could use it.”
Neil threw him a grateful smile and did just that. He’d sort this out later. Much, much, later.
####
Thanks for reading my story! Now that you’ve finished, won’t you please consider leaving a review? Reviews help readers decide what to read next and help them to discover new authors. Thanks for your support and for reading! I’m Chera Carmichael, the author of the popular hp creature fic, known as “There Be Dragons, Harry”, featuring my original dragon creature, the dragels, known as Elemental Dragons. I created them years ago, along with their special world, Nevarah. I’m so excited to present my first original serial with them. I hope you enjoy Neil and his story, as it features dragels in a slightly futuristic setting. Neil’s story will also feature many of your favorite characters from TBDH, such as Terius, Lady Ilsa and the Deveraine Circle. Stay tuned for the next installment—and share this story with a friend!
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