Reilly: That is huge. So who they are, where and like how, what happened?

Me: Can't really say any details. I only found out who they are but I have no idea about the rest. Let's just leave it though and talk about the party.

Reilly's eyes were glowing with happiness that I've found my family. At least one of us was happy about it. She wanted to know more but I couldn't risk triggering the timeloop and honestly I didn't want to talk about it at all.

I felt guilty about not helping out with the preparations for our party but I guess it's better than my powers going crazy around my friends and hitting one of them with the lightning by accident. I asked Reilly if everything was ready and luckily there was still stuff that I can help out with, like bringing fresh food tomorrow before the party or help carry our drinks. We probably are not allowed to cross academies again for today but it's not that late yet and we could still prepare it and store it in our room. I am also starting to get hungry a little bit too. Using that much energy must have emptied everything I had stored so getting something to eat for dinner isn't a bad idea either. Right now, I can probably even eat as much as Reilly does on her daily basis.

After my legs gathered enough energy to carry me down the hellish stairs, we got ready and then made our way to the cafeteria. In the mid of our descend on the stairs, I realized that I don't have my wallet or backpack for that matter. I halted and muttered a swear to which Reilly also stopped moving, standing on a stair which is three stairs down below me, and asked what's wrong. I explained the situation and Reilly only chuckled saying that she can pay for it and I don't have to worry about. I was glad because I don't know how much money I have left in my savings or how much I have on this academy account, even though I hated making Reilly pay for everything. But that wasn't the problem. All of my essential stuff was left in the Professor Coldos' office, which means I won't even have my pass to cross the barrier tomorrow.

We changed our destination to Professor Coldos' office which might be fruitless because the key from his office is also in my bag. I only hoped that he would still be working late on the new books or something, and I will be able to get my things. I followed the way to his office which was hard at first, because it's the same as on the Aveus side but it's mirrored so everything is flipped. I might have taken a few wrong turns at first but after my brain adjusted to the mirrored image of the mental map in my head, we were on the right track. We had to return to a higher floor because we already passed the one with professor's office. Reilly took the stairs by two or three at the same time, meanwhile I practically climbed it on all four, almost. Reilly paused after a few stairs, then checked on me and asked which way we should go. God damn her god enhanced body. I kept pulling myself up each stair by using the railing and then resting, supporting myself by my arm placed on my thigh while being hunched down and trying to catch a breath. I wasn't looking up but I heard Reilly talking to someone. Her voice sounded a little bit protective and defensive but she responded casually to the male person that was talking to her. After I gathered some energy and my lungs could be filled with enough air, I started to move again to catch up with Reilly. Or more like two of them. I looked up to see a pair of two fire curls talking to each other. One, longer curls belonged to a slim body dressed in black, which is Reilly, and the other set belong to a tall muscular body covered in blue jeans and a white button-up shirt, Draco.

Me: What are you doing here?

Draco: What? Am I not allowed to walk around the school and talk to friends?

Reilly: We are not friends.

Draco: Yet.

Me: That's not what I meant.

Draco: I know. Don't worry about it. I am only on my way to bring you this.

We were standing in the hallway with the professor offices so it was weird that Draco was here but after he handed me a familiar backpack, I figured out why was he here too. I took the bag from his hand and opened it. It was mine and everything was inside – my phone, my wallet, the pass and bunch of papers. I took those out and skimmed through them to check what it is. He also packed the translated hand-written notes I did today.

Draco: Professor Coldos also asked me to give you this.

In his other hand he handed me another bag which was smaller than my backpack and also slim. It wasn't mine so I looked at Draco confused and asked what it is. He shrugged his shoulders and said if it isn't my laptop. I completely forgot that Professor Coldos gifted me a pc so that I can translate the pages and write them down faster. I took the second bag and thanked him to which Reilly asked since when I have a laptop so I told her about it. She only went ooh nice and said nothing else. After that we said goodbye to Draco and continued with our previous plan of securing drinks for the party tomorrow. Draco followed us out of the hallway and he only talked to me, not Reilly.

Draco: Shouldn't you be resting? How are you even able to walk around?

Me: I will, after we get everything and I don't know. My body hurts as hell but if I move slowly, I am okay. Won't be running a marathon anytime soon though.

Draco: Still, don't take Overflowing so lightly. Your body needs rest. What is so important that you need to get it right now?

Me: We are holding a party tomorrow for me and the girls that won The student's week. I was supposed to help with grabbing drinks and food and decorations but then that thing with my powers happened.

Draco: And now you want to drag heavy bottles and stuff around?

Draco grabbed my wrist and stopped walking. Reilly noticed it and she was ready to jump at Draco and somehow incapacitate him or something but then she paused. Draco took a step towards me, lowering his gaze since he is taller and a good quarter of his body is towering above me. His grip was strong but gentle and his eyes were open wide, round like a doe.

Draco: I can help out with that and you should go back to rest.

Me: I don't want to bother you anymore. You helped me enough already today and I can't ask you to do trivial matter like this. We are not even that close friends.

Draco: Yet. But friends or not, we are still studying at the same academy and we take care of each other here. At least some of us who are not entitled or pompous pricks. I am surprised you let her do this as her friend.

Draco shifted his gaze at Reilly and finally talked to her for once. Reilly only scoffed with her arms crossed in front of her chest but then she looked at her feet while taking little stomps and kicking an invisible rocks.

Draco: Exhausting your body after almost Overflowing is dangerous. I will help your friend to bring everything you need for the party and you should go lie down or take a hot bath to relax your muscles.

Reilly: He is right. Don't worry about me. I will manage.

Me: I am more worried that you will bite his head off, Reilly.

Reilly scoffed and stuck her tongue out at me with a grimace while Draco chuckled and patted my head like I am some kid. I gently slapped his hand away and I wanted to still go but even Reilly now took Draco's side and both of my fire-hair friends looked at me like mom and dad, telling me to go back to my room. I groaned and pivoted on the spot, taking first few stairs up, then pausing myself to turn around and look at them but they were both still standing there, Reilly with her arms crossed in front of her chest and Draco relaxed with his hands inside his pants pockets. They weren't going to leave until I was out of reach and on my way back to the dorm. I turned to face the stairs but yelled at Reilly that I am going and they should also go before the stuff we need gets sold out. I was maybe two floors above them and I could still see them standing and looking up to check if I am going back to the dorm and not somewhere else. I paused and Reilly yelled at me to just go and not worry about anything but I only stopped because I forgot to give her my share of money for the budget.

Reilly: I have enough and if not, Mr. My twin here will probably pitch in if needed. You can pay me back when we get back, now go.

Reilly untangled her arms and pointed with her thumb at Draco who only nodded and agreed with her. I rolled my eyes at both of them which earned me a scolding from Reilly who yelled a "missy with an attitude" at me but I just felt guilty for using them, for letting them to take care of me or pay for stuff and I am just taking it for granted. They are my friends, not my parents or my family and it just feels weird. Reilly was always okay with it and fought back every time I tried to pay her back but I won most of the times and she just took the money I owed her at the end. With Draco it's different. We only met two times so far and he is helping me for no reason which I don't like. I don't want him to think that I am going to be his friend only to use him for money or his help.

Reluctantly I went got back to my room even though I had to agree with Draco about the rest because the last stairs before I arrived to the dorm hallway set my knees and legs on fire. I stumbled with my steps and walked like a zombie while I dragged my backpack and the laptop with me.

I tossed the backpack next to my desk and placed the laptop on my chair. I won't do any work today and I decided to skip bath too. I would love to just relax in a hot water with scented bubbles but if I did that, I wouldn't probably be able to get out after and sleeping in a cold bath isn't very appealing to me. With the last spurs of energy I had in me, I got into the closet and lazily swapped my clothes, then went to lie down. I wasn't sleepy yet but the moment I sit down, I am not getting up again.

I was playing on my phone, just checking what's new around the internet. I didn't have many people added on my social media so I was just randomly browsing or checking some former classmates and how their lives are going. Eddie is yet with another girl, their faces glued together on every story post. Wonder how long this one last will. He is at some party with some of our former classmates. If I remember correctly, Goldie and Raj went to the same university as him. And there they are, on the next post, totally wasted. I am kinda glad that I didn't end up in the same area as them. Living at a magical academy seems better even though I can't really boast about that to them. I scoffed at the pictures and tried to close the app so that I can text Skylar and the rest of the girls about tomorrow but I accidentally clicked on the like button. I don't really want Eddie to be snooping around my profile so I went and unliked the post, then hoped he didn't get any notification.

Skylar was the first one to reply to my message and of course she jokingly answered like she is angry about me not helping them today, but then I explained why I didn't join them. I was typing another message when my phone started to ring and it scared me so I dropped the phone which landed on my face. I picked it up, holding and massaging my nose while I answered the call.

Skylar on the phone: YOU ALMOST OVERFLOWED TODAY?

She yelled to the phone, blasting my ears off so I had to pull the phone away. Someone on the backround overheard it and then asked about it too. By the voice I knew it's Solya. Then another familiar voice asked something which I didn't understand because that person is too far away for the phone to pick up her words properly.

Solya on the phone: Is that true, Kaitlin?

Lucy on the phone: Hi, Kaitlin. You feeling okay?

Skylar on the phone: I put you on the speaker. Now, explain.

Me: Nothing much. I just haven't been using my powers because I am scared to hit someone and it caught up with me today.

Solya on the phone: But you are okay now?

I reassured the girls that I am alright even though every inch of my body was hurting like hell. I joked that I wouldn't miss the party for anything which took something from their worry but they still kept asking me if I feel okay, if I am hurt and if we should postpone the party. I would feel bad if the party got cancelled just because of me so I told them that we definitely need to have it tomorrow. Hearing the girls made me feel a little bit better, especially after seeing how my former classmates are living and I was glad that I ended up at the AU Academy and was able to meet these amazing people. I was going to talk more but then I heard the door from my room open, which must be Reilly and Draco coming back with the drinks and food we can store until tomorrow. I told Skylar that I have to go now and help Reilly.

Skylar on the phone: I still don't believe that you are okay so you have to meet with us tomorrow. And don't you dare say no. We need to see you!

Lunch or breakfast with the girls founds like fun so I agreed with Skylar and then said goodnight to her and the girls that were around her. After I hung up the call, I tossed my phone next to me and then tried to sit up on the bed which must have looked ridiculous because I was moving like an old grandma.

Draco: You are still up?

Me: I was waiting for you two. I can help at least to put the bottles away.

Draco: I see you haven't learned.

I didn't even notice when he managed to get so close to my bed but Draco was now standing in front of me and he gently hit my head with something cold. I looked up and as our eyes met, he crouched down, playing with a can in front of my face, twisting it and holding it just in his fingertips.

Me: What's that?

Draco: Reward. For you.

Me: But I didn't do anything. All the work was done by the girls and now you and Reilly.

Draco: Take it as a reward for surviving Overflow then. It should help with the muscle pain. Might not taste good though.

I took the drink Draco brought me and chugged it at first, which was a mistake because it was so bitter that I almost spit it on Draco's face. I gagged after the first gulp and covered my mouth just in case I throw up. Draco chuckled and of course he had to tell me I told you so, but the tonic that was made from some weird herbs is actually working and I can tell that my muscles already feel less sore. Not by a lot but it should be enough for me to move around tomorrow to the classes because I doubt that Professor Coldos will excuse me from The student's week, since this Overflow thing was solely my fault.

Reilly: If you are done flirting with my best friend, maybe you can help out a bit more and move these bottles into that corner.

Me: REILLY!

Reilly only shrugged her shoulders while she is carrying three big bottles in her arms and gave me a what expression. I watched her walk away and then my eyes shifted back to Draco who is still crouching in front of me. I cleared my throat and wondered why he is still here but then he pointed at the can I am holding so I realized he wants to toss it out. I chugged the remaining drops of the disgusting herbal tonic and handed him the now empty can. I tried to stand up and go help them but Draco quickly stopped me by pressing his index finger against my forehead and told me to just stay in bed. Reilly was done with half of the drinks anyway and Draco cleaned up the rest so fast that I wouldn't even have time to get out of bed, put on some slippers and go help them. Then at least I wanted to give Reilly the money I am suppose to pitch in for the party but she quickly dismissed me and said that I can just give it to her tomorrow or buy her breakfast and lunch. I sighed because this is one of those times Reilly wins the fight about me paying back and I only lost because I have no energy to argue about it.

Draco moved around a few bottles so that they don't fall over during night and burst out. It would be annoying to clean up that sticky sugar liquid from the floor if that happened. I thanked him and to my surprise so did Reilly. Genuinely, without any intention to bite his head off or something. But then she went back to defensive position against him and kicked him out of the room, mostly because she wanted to change clothes but she didn't have to be so rude about it. I did point it out by calling her name but she didn't change and stared at Draco until he left our room by backing up with his arms up in a defensive position like someone is shooting at him but he had this big grin on his face. Before he reached the door, he turned around and wished us goodnight, then left.

I don't even know when I fell asleep and I woke up to shuffling noises around the room. I lazily opened my eyes and looked around the room to see Reilly, Nima and Gaia carrying around the drinks and packs of food Reilly bought yesterday. I stretched my arms, mostly to see if they still hurt, which they still do even though it's a little bit better, thanks to Draco's herbal tonic. The girls noticed me but they were too busy to carry it all out so they only talked to me as they were going in and out of the room.

Nima: Sorry, Kaitlin. We didn't mean to wake you up.

Me: No, it's fine. I need to get up and get ready anyway. I will help you guys too.

Gaia: It's okay. We heard what happened and you should take it easy.

Me: It will be hard for you Gaia anyway. Carrying a few bottles won't kill me.

I felt bad for pointing out that Gaia is now blind and it will be a tough task for her to carry around what we bought but compared to me, I am a better choice to help out with it. But I wasn't going to stand in her way. She needed to learn how to function without her sight, so after I got ready and grabbed all of my bags since now I have to carry around a laptop too, I grabbed a few boxes stacked with chips and such which are not too heavy and gave them to Gaia. With our hands full, we walked to the crossing door while we took turns in guiding Gaia through the hallways and especially on the stairs but she seems to be doing well on her own.

Me: How are you dealing with it, Gaia?

Gaia: During The Hunt, our powers were blocked so it was hard for me then, but inside the school, I can get help.

Me: We will try to be around. Sorry, if we can't help you all the time though.

Gaia: No need. I meant that I can get the help I need. Even right now. I am a Hades descendant, remember?

Me: Huuh.

Gaia: I am using my powers to connect with the souls or spirits and they either guide me or I can see bits and pieces through their sight. And it also serves me as a daily outlet for my powers.

Me: So that you don't... what's that thing called. Overflow. That's handy I guess. Wish I had it easier with my powers to let them out whenever. Ah, sorry, I didn't mean it to sound like I have it harder than you.

Gaia: All good. It must have surprised you and I heard how you knew nothing about magic before coming here. Has to be all crazy weird to you, finding out about all this stuff.

The conversation with Gaia got easier as we progressed through the school. Our small group passed through the barrier with no issues even though I was hesitant to enter it at first, since walking through it yesterday felt like it wanted to devour me. Today was okay though and I could keep all of my limbs intact, no sign of lightning blasting either.

First, we had to carry everything to the Ossilor dorm. I guided the girls on the way and as we arrived to the common room, the rest of the party squad was already waiting for us. Skylar quickly jumped to her feet and ran up to Gaia to grab the boxes. One, because she also wanted to help Gaia but two, because she wanted to check out the food – what and how much we bought. What a glutton. Crimen and Kisha joined us, helping Skylar with the boxes. They all used their telekinetic powers to move everything around. The bottle and boxes were just floating around and traveled through air into their room, we only followed it.

Lucy was running around, finishing up the decorations. We only saw each balloon or a ribbon get placed by a blurry person because Lucy is also using her sonic powers to move around which made her body look distorted by the fast motion. Only after she noticed us, she paused with a whoosh sound that finally caught up with her speed and greeted us. She stopped using her powers just in case someone bumps into her and gets thrown on the impact but still continued to get decorations, also asked us if we can help out. Everyone looked at Lucy then at the room which looked like it's for a birthday party and not just celebrating our victory in a small amount with friends but after she gave us a pout and also Kisha pointed out that Lucy has been looking forward to do the decorations, we immediately put down all of our bags and the whole group separated to different directions and get a hand on a balloon or a ribbon. Luckily, Lucy and her speed did most of the work so we didn't have to do much and we still had time left to grab something for breakfast.

We quickly went to the Aveus cafeteria with our squad that grew a bit bigger with the Ossilor girls joining us, except for Solya and Chanti because they had their Controlling class early today. Lucy ran with her powers and arrived as first to grab us a table since we needed a bigger one to fit everyone together. The others followed but I waddled at the back of our little pack with Gaia because walking fast still hurt my every muscle.

Our breakfast didn't last long or at least mine didn't because I wanted to leave early since my movement is limited to its' half speed and I do need to go up a few floors to meet with Professor Coldos and then down with him to his classes. It was a good idea that I did, because I was even slower than I expected while climbing the stairs. When I finally got on the floor I need, I made my way towards the office and then knock on the door to alert the professor I am coming in if he is inside. I pressed on the handle and the door was locked so I reached to my backpack for the key.

I got inside the office and walked to my temporary desk so that I can prepare my laptop and the books to continue my work. I plugged everything in and then spread all the books with the notes I have already translated and was ready to type it all in when the door on the office opened and made me pause what I was doing.

Professor Coldos: Glad to see you here this early despite what happened yesterday. Did you have any more troubles?

Me: Not really, professor. It won't get in a way of my work anymore, I promise.

I lied. At least about not having troubles, especially if I move around like a grandma but ending up like this was totally my fault so I can't take it easy. I sat down and turned on my laptop then took the first page of hand-written notes so that I can see it better as I re-type it, but Professor Coldos stopped me.

Professor Coldos: Leave it. We are going to classes early today.

Me: I can stay behind and work on this. I should be able to do it before you return from your classes.

Professor Coldos: Usually, I would let you do that but this class is a special one and I need you to be present for it.

There was a hint of urgency in his tone so I didn't question or argue about trying to stay in his office to catch up on my part of the work. I closed the laptop to set it into the sleep mode and then took only my backpack to follow Professor Coldos out of his office and go straight into the lesson.

We walked through the hallways I know but we didn't go to the classroom that Professor Coldos usually uses. Instead we walked further and then stopped in front of a door that probably leads to a bigger room than a normal classroom based on their size. One half of the door is already opened, letting other students get inside and then me.

The room was a huge auditorium illuminated by the early sun rays. This new classroom is already almost filled with students who are either chatting with their friends and classmates or just lying down on the desks and catching up on their sleep since we are starting pretty early. Professor Coldos asked me to grab a seat and prepare for the class. I searched around the room to see if I find someone I know. Maybe the Ossilor girls, Nathan or even Reilly might have ended up in this lecture. I heard my name sound in the distance so I trailed my eyes from left to right, up and down, through each section to find who is calling me. I saw a hand waving at me but the person was sitting very far away. I had to squint my eyes to see better and check if they are really calling for me or if it's someone else that might have just gotten into the classroom. A pale female figure with dark raven hair dressed in a cloak was the one waving at me, and there next to her, waves of fire curls I know so well. I saw Reilly, Skylar and also the rest of the girls, also joined by Solya and Chanti.

They started to shift in their seats, leaving an empty one for me while I walked up on the stairs in this cascade-style classroom. I wasn't really checking out the students but my gaze landed on some of them and based what my eyes noticed, there are students from first to third year mixed in the crowd that is already seated. The second and third years were from all of the houses so this is not a focused type of class like Controlling, especially since Reilly, Gaia and Nima are here too and their Student's week professors. Even Professor Nannieya is here, so this lesson must be something big.

I finally arrived at the row where my friends are saving a spot for me and then walked in, trying to get to my seat. I had to pass a few other students who were seated at the edge of the row and weren't twice happy about having to scooch in the seat or move their legs so that I pass through. I didn't pay attention to their murmuring and instead greeted the girls, thanking them for making a space for me and then asked if they know what's this class all about as I sat down and started to take out stuff to prepare for it and make sure I can write notes.

Skylar: No idea. We only received a letter, telling us that there is a shift in our classes today and to get here for a special additional class.

Solya: Our Controlling class ended earlier and the professor just told us to come here. Did you guys hear anything from your mentors?

Me: Not a clue. Professor Coldos seemed somehow off today though.

Nima: Isn't he acting always the same? How can you tell?

Me: Just something in his voice sounded... different, like this class is really important.

Everyone just shrugged and then the girls started to talk about the party today and what should we do. I am sitting between Reilly and Gaia, then there are other students I don't know so I can easily overhear their conversation which concerns us. Mostly the part where they are commenting on our appearance. Nothing bad, just that we are not wearing any cloaks which is weird to them, I guess. To me, I got used to wearing it fast but also after I didn't need it anymore, I don't even think about it besides times like this when someone points it out. I didn't want the girls feel awkward since we will have to sit next to them for I don't know how long so I decided to explain it.

Me: We didn't forget the cloaks. We are from Umbras, just visiting for The student's week.

The Idarin second-year student looked at me like I am an alien or something and replied with ooh to my explanation but her understanding sounded fake. And my suspicion got confirmed because right after I talked to her, she leaned closer to her Dorhan friend, also second year, and they started to whisper even more while their eyes trailed to us. Especially Gaia and her eyes. I scoffed and rolled my eyes because I knew better how things and people work around Aveus so my attempt to stop them from talking about us was useless. It made me so angry but I couldn't do anything about so I just I turned my hands into fists to the point that my knuckles got very visible and popped through my skin, turning it white. I thought that my powers will go crazy against my will again but nothing happened. No cracks or zaps of lightning. Did the release deplete my energy so much that I don't have enough to use it now? If I only knew this before, I would use my powers somewhere in secret and then all of those freaking accidents wouldn't happen.

My wallowing in past got cut short because Professor Coldos asked everyone to stop talking and pay attention now. I turned away from the chit-chatting duo and faced to front, and down, to look at the professors and listen to the class while I grabbed a pen and opened the my notebook on an empty page. Professor Nannieya started the lesson with a warm welcome and then Professor Coldos took the lead.

Professor Nannieya: Thank you everyone for joining us today in this special class that was decided based on recent events. Professor Coldos will tell you more.

Professor Coldos: You might be wondering what we are going to do, especially since there are students from first, second and third year present. Some of you may know what we will go over in this lesson and it might sound repetitive or even trivial to some of you but me with other professors and even the principals we decided that it is necessary. Today we will go over the theory of Overflow, Overload and Surge.

Skylar: So we can thank Kaitlin for this lesson, huh.

Lucy: Shh, don't drag attention to us.

I mouthed "thank you" to Lucy but Skylar's joke hit the bullseye. It would be too coincidental that I almost Overflowed yesterday and now there is a special class dedicated to that problem. Not that I am complaining because this might actually help me to control my powers or at least prevent from them going berserk on me again. I am definitely taking notes now. I shifted in my seat, slided on the connected chain of chairs to the edge of it and leaned over the desk, then continued listening to Professor Coldos' lecture while noting it down.

Professor Coldos: Is there someone who can tell me a definition of these three crucial points of power levels?

I noted the three words Professor Coldos mentioned and then waited for an explanation but he waited until someone in the classroom tells it instead. No one raised their arms or just straight up yelled the answer though. Instead I heard a lot of laughs or scoffs, people whispering how ridiculous and pointless this is. One of the "disappointed" and bored students is also Ledon and Mairi who are sitting two rows under us. Mairi was leaning to her right, directly over Ledon's shoulder as she caressed his back and neck with her fingertips. I guess they are dating. I watched them laugh and flirt like we are not in a class right now but in their own dorm room. I thought that Gan Fo would be joining them in the conversation from which I overhead pathetic, dumb and which idiot would get to the point of Overflow, but he was just sitting there, silently with his arms crossed and actually seemed to pay attention to the lesson. Then he even decided to join the lecture as he raised his hand to answer Professor Coldos' question. Mairi noticed him and then nudged him or more like slapped his upper arm with the back of her hand while giving Gan Fo a disapproving look as she chewed on her gum, but he didn't balk and kept his arm raised until Professor Coldos asked him to speak up.

Gan Fo: Overload is when a magical descendant channels too much power or goes through a spell above their Imogranum proficiency level. On the other hand, Overflow is when magic of an individual is not released from the source and gets stored inside until the body is not able to hold it anymore.

Professor Coldos: Excellent. What about Surge? Want to continue, Mr. Liu?

Gan Fo: Surge point is a level of how much an individual body can take during Overflow or Overload. Crossing this threshold will trigger Combustion and result in immediate death. All of these points differ in each person.

Professor Coldos: Yet again, excellent. And thank you for revealing the fourth point called Combustion to us. Now that we get the general idea about these power points, each professor present here today will tell you more about the biology behind it so pay a good attention.

Professor Coldos directed his gaze at me with his last statement and it confirmed my thoughts that this class is held because of what happened to me. The students groaned and reluctantly opened their notebooks or laptops to take notes, or some of them pretended to take them.

I diligently started to take my notes as Professor Ikaim started to explain the first point, Overflow, which happened to me and I was most interested in or more like how to prevent it. I was noting down the key points he said or wrote on the chalk board and as I was looking up and down between the board and my notebook, I noticed Gan Fo also writing. Mairi and Ledon were just playing and doodling with their pens but Gan Fo seems really paying attention. I am pretty fast with writing notes and also good with picking the key information, then noting them down in abbreviations so I finished my notes about Overflow quick and waited for Professor Ikaim to finish drawing a sketch on the board. I kept stabbing the page with my pen as I supported my head with my hand and looked around. My interest is still shifting towards the elite trio of my former classmates so I let my eyes shift to them again, especially Gan Fo.

Me: What happened with them?

Reilly: Who are you talking about?

Me: Two rows down, those three first-years. They are my former classmates. Real piece of work, that trio. At least that's what I thought.

Reilly: Because that bunch of rich kids was acting snobby and like they are the best?

Me: Pretty much. But now Gan Fo, the one in the Dorhan cloak is actually acting like a proper student.

Wait. And then it hit me. Gan Fo is wearing a Dorhan cloak. I leaned closer, then to the right and left to check his shoulder for the stars. Only one. So that means it is his cloak. I immediately looked at Mairi and Ledon after. Idarin cloaks with also only one star. I quickly checked the whole classroom to find my other former classmates and I found a few familiar faces still in first-year cloaks. Professor Ikaim is still drawing on the board and the rest of the professors are talking between themselves so I have a window to figure this out. Jess and Enko were sitting with our group but they are pretty far away and still working on their notes so grabbing their attention without disturbing the classroom was a tough task, particularly since I had to whisper.

Me: Pst. Psst!

Solya: What is it, Kaitlin? Do you need me to explain something?

Me: No, no. Can you please nudge Jess or Enko for me.

Solya nodded and then proceeded to tap Lucy who looked up from her notes at Solya. Both of them talked in whispers and then Lucy continued the chair of taps and silent conversation until it reached the end of our group where Jess is sitting. I tried to talk to her as quiet as possible but she couldn't hear me. I repeated myself a bit louder which alerted the people in the rows under and above us. Also the two Aveus students in our row stared at us as the students under me shushed me. I whispered them sorry and then turned to face Jess and Enko who are still waiting for me to tell them what I want. I started to speak again but the people turned once more so I choked on my words. I could use the communication spell and write them a note but that would reveal my abilities to still do spells. Then I thought of using the people between us as a line and pass the questions like a telephone game but we might not have enough time to be talking like that back and forth since it seems like Professor Ikaim is close to finishing his drawing. Charades it is. I pointed at where the elite trio is sitting and the girls followed my finger. Jess shrugged her shoulders and mouthed what back to me so I pointed at my clothes which was the only thing I could do since I don't have my cloak anymore. Jess and Enko looked at each other confused and then returned their gaze to me. I pointed again on my clothes but I knew that it won't convey the message so I reached over to Solya and grabbed her cloak as I pointed at the trio again. Jess mouthed ooh at me and then slowly tore a page out of her notebook. Enko leaned closer to Jess as she is writing something down on the paper and asked about it. It seemed she didn't understand what my question was but then Jess explained it to her as she finished writing, then she folded the paper and handed it over to Chanti who is sitting next to her.

The message traveled through the chain until it got to me. I unfolded the paper and then read what Jess has written down, hoping she really understood my question, which she did.

Jess' note: They got their Manifestations this Monday. Gan Fo was the first one, which pissed Ledon and Mairi off of course, but later that day, they presented powers too and got placed into their houses. No one else from the class got sorted besides them.

I guess now they must be happy about being prodigies too. I was considered one since I presented my powers in the first year, even though I was misplaced, but still this must have inflated their egos even more. And it seems that it did for Ledon and Mairi but Gan Fo seems off for some reason, like he is not part of their group anymore.

I turned to Jess again and then pointed at the trio once more, then acted some movements in the air, imitating using magic to ask about their powers and Jess seemed to understand it immediately. She tore another page and wrote down the answer, then sent the second folded paper to me. I waited until it reached me and as I got my hands on it, I unfolded it and read the reply.

Jess' note: Ledon got water Manifestation and Mairi wind. Gan Fo got placed into Dorhan with teleportation.

All of those powers sound so cool, even though I imagined Ledon getting something more deadlier, maybe like fire or I don't know. Water just seemed too calm for someone with personality like Ledon or Mairi.

The class was shorter than the usual ones but it covered everything important I need to know for the future when it comes to my powers and how they can affect me. There is probably still a lot I need to catch up with but this was a start. I was listening diligently to the whole lecture even though my focus got split sometimes and I checked the first-year elite trio from time to time.

The professors let us go but I waited until the auditorium gets emptied. I had to go with Professor Coldos anyway and I wanted to finally ask Jess and Enko in person and not through games of charades and pieces of paper. I let everyone pass me and exit the row, then I walked at the back of the group with Jess and Enko, and talking to them about the trio.

Me: That was a surprise to me. I didn't even notice it at first. They didn't advertize it as much as I thought they would.

Jess: They did boast about it, trust me.

Enko: It was hella annoying, listening over and over about how great and better they are.

Jess: It did create a rift between them though.

Me: I noticed. Are they really pissed at Gan Fo just because he was the first one of them?

Jess: They were at first but after they also got their Manifestations-

Enko: Probably pushed their bodies towards getting them.

Jess: I think so too. Anyway, like I was saying, they were mad at him first but after they also presented, it all got back to normal. Or at least we thought so but then Ledon and Mairi started to separate themselves from Gan Fo. We couldn't be bothered with them but do you remember Dina?

Me: The girl with pink hair who was a street magician?

Jess: Yeah, that's her. She overheard their conversation or more like an argument. Gan Fo kept apologizing for manifesting before them but then he got hauled off by the Dorhan prefect. Ledon and Mairi continued their conversation and they decided to ditch Gan Fo just because he is in a different house than them. I guess they really meant it and now he is just following them like a lost puppy but I seen him by himself more and more.

Me: That's dumb, why would they do that?

Enko: I have no idea but I guess they think Idarin is above Dorhan and every other house.

I started to feel sorry for Gan Fo, even though he was a part of that snobbish group. He must be rich judging by his expensive clothes and all the different brands he is using but he never was on the same level of annoying as Ledon and Mairi. I looked for those two and found them in a split second because I heard Mairi's loud cackling laugh. Ledon probably told her some stupid remark about someone, insulting them in a process which Mairi loved. Gan Fo only stared at his feet and he was following them without joining the conversation. The two of them didn't spare him even a second and left him out of the conversation on purpose. Gan Fo didn't do anything to me particularly but he wasn't pleasant either so it's not like I considered him a friend or something. I don't know if it's pity over his situation or I am being petty doing this or I might have been possessed by Draco's helping-out-people-without-reason personality but my mouth moved before my brain could even process what I was doing as I yelled out his name.

Me: Hey, Gan Fo, wait up!

Gan Fo turned around first, then was followed by Ledon and Mairi. When they noticed who called him, the expression on their faces was everything I wanted. Gan Fo was just confused as to why I called him and what could I possibly want but Ledon and Mairi were overflowing with a mix of annoyance, jealousy and anger.

I picked up my pace on the stairs even though my legs were protesting and I knew I will regret this later but I was going to finish this. I stopped on the stairs, one above where Gan Fo is standing and waiting for me, Ledon and Mairi involuntarily waited too on maybe like five steps under me. I knew they didn't want to hang out with Gan Fo anymore and definitely didn't want to talk to me, but they must be curious about what I want with him. Not with the two of them, just Gan Fo.

Me: I heard you got placed into Dorhan, congrats.

Gan Fo: You are the one with the KhautaSilvera spell, right? Kaitlin was it?

Me: Yup, that's me. Surprised you remember my name. But more importantly, teleportation, huh? I can't even imagine how you found about it.

Mairi: It was actually hilarious from what I heard. He trigger his teleportation and got transported into the middle of another classroom. The professor freaked out and screamed while the students had a good laugh. We are still proud of him though.

Mairi had to cut off Gan Fo and jump into the conversation to feel important or to just be the center of the attention but I wasn't going to give her that and totally ignored her. I continued to talk only to Gan Fo and congratulate him on finding his Manifestation, then also joke I am jealous of his power and that I would swap with him if I could. He still looked bamboozled as to why I decided to talk to him but me ignoring Mairi who is trying to pitch into the conversation might have been a big give away. I wanted to talk more and enjoy the bulging veins on Ledon and Mairi's necks but unfortunately I got called by Professor Coldos who is ready to leave and go back to his office.

I said goodbye to Gan Fo and then continued to descend the stairs with the girls while the trio stood frozen on the stairs above us. Jess patted my back and told me that it was crazy brilliant, with emphasis on the crazy part but she enjoyed it too. Skylar asked what was that about but I had no time to explain since we were almost on the bottom of the staircase so I told her that I will tell her at the party.

The girls are on their way out of the classroom, waving at me as I stood with the professor and waited for the crowd of students to thinner out so that we can walk easily without bumping into anyone or pushing our way through. I could see Jess and Enko still laughing about what I did and showing me thumbs up as they walked backwards to the group, then pivoted and joined the rest of the students in the hallway. I waved back at them and then followed the famous trio that finally decided to also go to their next class. Ledon didn't even look at me but Mairi stared at me with a raised eyebrow and pursed mouth like she is ready to kill me, which she probably would if Professor Coldos wasn't standing next to me. Gan Fo only gave me a soft smile that felt genuine so I waved as a goodbye to him too and then turned to Professor Coldos who started to explain our plan for today.

Professor Coldos: I hope you are feeling better and up to a task. I don't have any classes today so we can focus on our research for longer. Go grab a lunch that doesn't have to be stored in a fridge and then meet me in the office. I want to work full time with no interruptions today.

Me: Yes, professor. Do you want me to bring you lunch too?

Professor Coldos: No need. Let's go.

I adjusted my backpack on my left shoulder and then followed the professor out of the auditorium. We separated soon after we exited the room though. I went towards the Aveus cafeteria when he walked away to a direction that wasn't leading to his office, I think, but I wasn't going to question a professor and what he is doing.

Since it's still early in the morning, the cafeteria food selection when it comes to lunches isn't that big and I had to improvise. I mostly bought snacks and baked goods that could be just left inside my bag and I can eat them over the course of time as I am working with Professor Coldos on the Noion books and not get interrupted or needing to take a longer pause. The sugar inside of those snacks I bought should help me power through the research too. To keep my brain awake and working on full power, I got an energy drink instead of my favourite tea and then went to Professor Coldos' office.

I got to the main staircase and was going to go up but a familiar male voice called my name. I searched for the source of it until my eyes lay on the red highlights between dark hair and round brown eyes were looking at me.