When we got to class, I realized we still had fifteen minutes until the lesson started. I do not know if Darkie had any real eyes but it looked like it was looking around the room from its perch on my left shoulder. I guess that the Darkie must like me more than Bram since I have not left my side at all. Bruce walked over to me as I sat down next to Joy.

“I can tell that you almost bled out, what the fuck happened?”

Everyone that knew Bruce stared at him with shock because he does not cuss at all. He grabbed my head and I felt energy entering me. I could feel the wounds closing and the blood slowly reentered my body. He took the ‘bandage’ off my head and tossed it to Bram. I watched as Bram tried his best not to smell my blood on the ‘bandage’ as he tossed it in the trash. He wobbled in place as soon as he was done and I gave him a little bit of energy so he would not collapse.

“Tell me what the fuck happened to you?”

“It was an accident!”

Everyone in our group raised their eyebrow at me. Darkie made a series of noises that cause Bram to look wide-eyed at me.

“Nova did that to you!”

“Yes and no, how the heck did you figure it out?” Darkie rubbed its ‘head’ against my cheek as an answer. “We were talking and I accidentally scratched him, then he tossed me to the table. It’s fine!”

I watched as Flo got up and started to walk out of the class right as the teachers walked in.

“Ms. Oakleaf, please sit down in your se-,” The redhead teacher said right before she growled at him.

I noticed that the blond teacher said nothing to my sister as she walked away. I think that he is either brave or stupid because she can bite hard.

“Welcome class to Magic Class. Yes, some of you were in this exact class last year but because there are not enough young mages for more classes,” Mr. Harker said to us as he walked back and forth.

I forgot how hyperactive Bram’s Dad was like compared to Bram. The blond teacher grabbed his shirt to get him to stop moving around. It was a good thing because I was starting to get dizzy from watching him.

“As my colleague forgot to mention, I am Professor Sage and he is Professor Harker,” the blond teacher said in a quiet voice.

Bram sank deeper into his seat as I saw everyone staring at him.

“No way am I having a class taught by a vampire!” One kid stood up from his chair.

I reached out and grabbed Bram’s hand as the rest of the first years started yelling.

“QUIET! SIT DOWN RIGHT NOW!” Professor Harker yelled and everyone listened, “Yes, Bram is a vampire, and yes, he is my son. But I am not a vampire and if I hear any more hate, you can deal with your magic on your own.”

The whole class stayed quiet from that because we all know what happens to a mage with untamed magic. They can die, may it be from their magic or any city officer. If a mage tries to suppress their magic, it can fight to come out. I remember the fear my family had about Flo’s magic, but thanks to Bruce and her new charm, her magic is manageable.

“First, I want to say that my magic is based around the Spiritual, to those who don’t know what that means, it’s that I can summon the spirits of dead people or things and speak to them. Professor Sage’s magic is based around the fey, which means he can see beyond what most can see and talk to the elemental sprites, like the darkness one sitting on Mr. Snowpelt’s shoulder.”

I looked at Darkie and it made a purring noise.

“Now, I want everyone to introduce themselves with name and best-known part of their magic ability. Starting with this seat.” Professor Sage said as he pointed to Bruce’s Chair.

“My name is Bruce Wayland and my magic is healing and protection.”

I had to swallow my fear because I was the next one to talk.

“My name is Ash Snowpelt and my magic is that I can shift into a bear form, and I can take and give energy.”

I mouthed ‘good luck’ to Bram as he took a quick deep breath.

“My name is Bram Harker, and my magic is shadows,” we heard the whispers, “yes, I’m a vampire, I don’t need any reminders about that. All I need to do is look in a mirror.”

“My name is Joy Ravenwing,” she moved her curly hair out of her face as she looked behind to the rest of the class; “my magic is doll control and illusions.”

I could smell the fear in the air when she said that. Joy’s roommate was the next one to stand up. She had orange-yellow hair that reminded of a candle with her pale skin. Her eyes were deep blue that reminded me of a young bird with their large size.

“My name is Kira Phoenix and my magic is fire-based but I haven’t fully figured out all that I can do with it yet.”

Very few of the class had a focus on their magical abilities.

“To start this new school year, can someone tell me if all werebeasts can change into the full bestial form and why?” Professor Sage asked us.

“Mr. Charm! Please tell us your answer!” Bram’s father pointed out someone and I had to turn in my chair to see him.

I remember him from the first day here, and that he was from the Spirit hall. The yellow color of his eyes and the silver in his hair surprised me. I could not help staring at how jewel-like the color of his eyes was.

“I prefer to go by just Remus,” I saw the two professors write something down before he continued, “no, only about half of the werebeast population can change into the full form, and only about a quarter of the half-weres can change. The only ones that almost all of them can shift forms are the werewolves.”

I did not know that, I guess I am rare then. That could explain why I have never seen Nova or Viktor change form.

“May I ask how you knew that?” Professor Sage asked.

I watched him looked around the room, with a predator’s eyes. It sent a shiver up my spine when he passed over me.

“I know the odds because I’m a half-werewolf that can change but shows no features before.”

I guess my village was not the only one to hide half-breeds. However, Remus must be lucky; he can hide better with humans than me.

“That will be our first lesson! Anyone who can perfectly change forms please come to the front! Those that cannot, please stand in the back with Professor Sage.”

Only myself, Remus, and a redheaded girl came up to the front.

“Please tell us your form before changing and then how you feel as you let your magic take over when you turn back.”

The girl walked up and did a quick bow. That was when I finally noticed the red cat tail.

“My name is Alice Glass, and my form is a cat.”

She started to lean forward and I could see the bones shifting under her skin as they started to shrink. Fur started to grow everywhere as her hands turned into paws. Her ears shifted from human to a cat, and her face changed into a cat. At the end of her transformation, a small red cat was sitting on a pile of clothes. Remus walked up and shifted into a large grey wolf, and then it was my turn.

I willed my body to feel like a bear, and look like a bear. I felt the change as my face and hands turned bear-like. After I finished changing, I shook my head to fix my fur.

“These three are very lucky to have such a rare ability,” Professor Harker pointed out.

Florence decided to pick that moment to walk back into the classroom.

“Hey, Ash! Your fur is looking a bit ratted on your side.”

I started to turn around in a circle to find the ratted spot. I could hear everyone laughing at me until I finally found the spot. I hate it when my fur is messed up. It bugs me because I could never figure out why it happens.

“Thank you for finally joining us, Ms. Snowpelt. Would you like to show the class, your half-shift ability while the three volunteers change in the other room?” Mr. Sage asked.

She shrugged as she moved out of the way for us. I saw Remus helping Alice by carrying her clothes out, in his mouth. As soon as I was out of the room, I was able to do a quick change back to my human form. Growing up, I noticed that changing to bear form was never hard for me. I quickly fixed my shirt before I walked in.

“As you can see the bear part is like a see-through skin around her body.” Mr. Harker pointed out as I reached for a ball of paper. “It can have a lot of benefits for defense and offense as it can be a shield as well as a weapon.”

I threw it and her ‘claws’ cut through it like it was nothing. The class became silent for the second time today.

“Ash! Since you are the fastest, why not tell the class how it is to be fully in touch with yourself.” Mr. Harker said then someone started to snicker. “Not like that, you bunches of perverts.”

I felt nervous talking to the class and then the lights flickered for a few seconds. I took a deep breath to keep my magic under control. I finally found a little bit of courage when I saw Bram giving me a thumbs up.

“Unlike some of the others that are born in hiding, I was taught to have some days just to be in a full bear form because it is a part of me. Shifting feels like finally freeing a part of your soul that many people try to get rid of.” I saw many people started to nod their heads. “Magic may hurt as first but it’s trying to use the energy in your body that you are not used to using. Slowly ease your magic and it will come almost naturally to you.”

I was shocked when everyone started clapping for me. Both Alice and Remus walked back into the classroom as it quieted down.

“Our next class is tomorrow and I want to see that everyone is ready to practice! Also, Remus and Ms. Glass will describe their change, next class. Now, everyone leave!” Mr. Harper said before Mr. Sage tapped him on the shoulder. “Oh! I almost forgot! Read chapters one to three and write a full six-page review on yourself if you have not found your focus yet. Read chapters six and seven, and then write a three-page essay on how to control your magic in times of stress if you have your focus. Which should only be eight of you on the second part. That paper will be due next week!”

After my group walked out of the classroom, Bram started to pretend to pull out his hair. I tried my best not to laugh at his pretend anger fit.

“Homework already on the second day of class!”

“For me and Ash, it’s the first day.”

“Even worse! I think my father might be the manifestation of evil itself!”

“That hurts me to the heart to call me that.” we heard Mr. Harker say before I saw his hand on Bram’s shoulder. “I wonder what I truly did to make my son call me that.”

Bram looked paler than usual as I watched him slowly turn around.

“Hi, Dad. What gave you the idea to start giving out homework on the first day?”

“Because it is too dangerous to allow unfocused magic to run wild for a whole week here.”

“Is it because of all the wild magic here, it can cause an energy spike in those not used to using their magic?” I asked him. “Also because magic can attract other magic and that can be bad for some.”

He gave me a surprised look before he smiled at me.

“Correct! Bram, you should have him as your tutor if you want to pass.”

“Can’t I get a higher grade for being your son?”

“No, you must learn to work for your grade,” was all he said before he started walking away, “Next time, wear a shirt under your jacket.”

The two of us could not stop laughing at the look on Bram’s face. I did not have the heart to tell his father that I was wearing his shirt