“Piper believes you are a strong witch and making friendships with a witch of your strength outside of the coven is looked upon very favourably,” Ana began. I didn’t think I was particularly strong. My magic was basic. I grew plants. I kept them alive in difficult conditions. Where was the strength in that? Ana could likely stop a heart with her touch. That was strength. “Also, she says my aid to you has lifted House Syngeneia's status in the eyes of the future Queen. I was a minor celebrity when I went home for the break between spring and summer terms,” she continued excitedly.
“I’m happy for you. Although it would have been nice if I could have helped you without almost dying,” I joked.
Her face paled, “I’m so sorry, Percy. I shouldn’t be happy about gaining status at your expense.”
“You saved my life. Recognition from your coven is hardly a reward,” I replied and patted her shoulder. “No need to apologise. You can be happy when you experience something good. You don’t have to hide your joy, fearing it might upset me.”
She smiled wide and pulled me into another hug. “Okay, okay.” I laughed, pulling myself away from her.
“Sorry. I’m just happy we’re friends,” she told me earnestly.
“I am too.”
“Sorry to interrupt – ”
I turned, recognising Edward’s voice immediately.
“Edward!” Ana shouted and jumped up, to hug the poor boy, who looked confused about how to respond.
“Ana,” he greeted her, uneasily when she let him go.
“Oh, Edward, we spent almost a full week together. I’ve been in your room. I’ve seen your boxers. There’s no need to be shy around me,” Ana said exasperatedly and I watched Edward’s face flush through ten shades of red.
“Why are you looking at other men’s underwear?” Harris asked as he took the seat next to me. “Oh, hey, Edward,” he greeted the boy who looked about ready to pass out.
“Edward, have you settled back into your room? Where’s Jasper and Justin?” I asked him.
“I have settled in well and unpacked, thank you. Jasper and Justin completed Political Structure last term. Jasper is taking Household Maintenance, and Justin I believe Introduction to Childcare,” he told me.
“Dylan’s in Household Maintenance too,” Harris offered, and I watched Ana move across to take the seat next to him.
“I’m surprised they allow him to take a practical class; after the fire he started last year in Garment Maintenance and Cleaning,” Edward commented with a sneer.
“It was only a small fire,” Harris defended his absent friend.
“He is the only fool I’ve heard of, that has started a fire while ironing!” Edward replied.
“There were cleaning chemicals on his tie and the heat from the iron caused the fire,” Harris protested, loyally in defence of his friend.
“Flammable chemicals have not been used in dry cleaning for decades and certainly aren’t used here. We all know he set his own tie alight purposefully, for what reason we’ll likely never know, panicked, and threw the tie into a bucket of silk shirts,” Edward spat. “He makes a laughingstock of House Viridis.”
“Right, boys. That’s enough,” Ana interjected, as Harris - annoyed - opened his mouth to reply. “I think we’re capable of being friends. Even if we don’t all see eye-to-eye, Edward, please refrain from mocking Dylan or Viridis in the future. And Harris, you don’t have to defend everything Dylan does,” she continued.
“My apologies. I will do my best not to comment ill in future,” Edward replied, looking as if the apology tasted sour in his mouth.
“Sorry,” Harris said. “I’ll play nice if he does,” he continued and looked pointedly at Edward. Edward nodded in agreement.
“Sit with us Edward?” I asked, pointing to the other chair next to me. He smiled appreciatively and sat down.
“If you need any help Percy, just ask. I know you might not be too familiar with the topics covered in this class. Generally, most view the Political Structure course as an easy pass, but it’s only easy because they have learned about such things in their daily lives,” Edward offered as the tutor stood at the front of the class.
“Morning, or rather, good afternoon now,” the tutor started. “I see a couple of new faces and know that some of you have missed the first lesson, not to worry, we didn’t cover much. For those of you who don’t know, I am Mr Jenson. Currently, I’m studying for my doctorate in Politics and Governance. This course is an introduction to the political structure of The Borealis Kingdom. Let’s recap what was covered in the first lesson. Someone who was here give us the breakdown of the difference between Houses and covens or clans,” he commanded.
“We all belong to a House and a clan or coven, but they don’t always match. Your clan or coven is your biological heritage. Your House is your political allegiance,” a girl in a purple uniform answered.
“That’s correct, Mhari. You told us last week that your clan is Viridis but your House is Maria,” Mr Jenson replied. “Raise your hand if your coven or clan doesn’t match your House,” he instructed the class.
Mhari and a boy next to her raised their hand. Edward nudged me with his elbow. “That’s you too,” he told me, and I raised my hand.