Phineas and Kash stood against the wall, picking at their on fingers, as far out of eyesight as possible, likely hoping to skirt by without issue.
“What was that all about?” Maeve asked once she and Abraxas were out of earshot.
“The ass. I assume he feels threatened,” said Abraxas. “Mal’s been bragging about your strengths.”
Maeve scowled. “Oh whatever. I was only joking. I ought to write him a detention myself just for that ridiculous display.”
“I think Mal will handle his punishment for you but I don’t think it will be in the form of detention,” said Abraxas solemnly.
“What?”
Abraxas sighed. “You’re too smart for your own good sometimes.”
Maeve was unsure how to reply to that comment. The whole scenario had been bizarre. And she had never seen Mal look so furious.
They were already to the East Wing, in front of the entrance to The Volaticus Common Room. Abraxas bid her goodnight, but Maeve grabbed his arm quickly.
“Wait,” said Maeve. “Mal’s been bragging about me?”
Abraxas smirked. “Don’t let it get to your head, cousin.”
He waltzed off down the corridor, leaving Maeve alone.
“Excellent work, Maeve,” said Professor Elgin in Protective Magic one afternoon. “That’s impressively quick improvement.”
Maeve’s physical Magical shields were stronger than ever. They had to be. Mal was too strong for anything less than her best.
Professor Elgin smiled and moved across the classroom, correcting and observing. Maeve looked over at Mal. His head cocked to one side with a look of approval.
She slid onto a bench next to Abraxas as they watched the rest of the class performing their shields. Protective Magic was one of Maeve’s top subjects after Charms. Headmaster Elgin was a master at the art. She covered everything from physical magic shields and potions protectants to mental shields and shielding with powerful magical objects.
After much convincing, and a bit of blackmail, Abraxas managed to talk Maeve into attending a very forbidden party in the Serpentine Court Common Room and Dorms. She relented, much to his excitement.
She turned down every drink she was offered. Abraxas didn’t even bother asking her to participate in any other substances.
The Serpentine common room was a large hexagon hall. Its arched windows sat below the mountain lakes, illuminating the room with a pale green glow.
She watched him smoke a rolled up piece of parchment with a fluffy green substance inside. She didn’t ask what it was. She didn’t care.
“Who are you looking for?” Asked Abraxas after the twentieth time she glanced around the room.
“No one.”
“Liar,” said Abraxas with a roll of his eyes.
Maeve scanned the room once more. Roswyn was across the common room, lips locked with a new student. A Pureblood girl three years younger than Maeve.
“That’s Emerie Videntis.”
She sighed. “I know who she is.” A Pureblood. Roswyn’s only type. “Well, this has been a joy, Brax but I’m tired.”
Maeve pushed her way through the crowd and towards the the narrow dark passageway that led back to the main castle.
“Wait wait,” he called after her. “It’s only been an hour. Give it time.”
Maeve turned on him and paused. She inclined her head and studied him closely. “Give what time?”
“Oh Merlin, Maeve,” he whined. “Do you think I don’t see what’s going on?”
