Dr. Isen entered the room from where Dane was being kept, his hands freeing themselves to the sound of rubber snaps. “He’s stable. Magic has an even flow but he’s in for a rude awakening.” 

“Thank you, Jacob.” Corinne said to the doctor, returning her attention to the students as she crossed her arms. The doctor returned back into the other room. “I’m not often as impressed as I am upset when something like this happens. But what matters is that Dane is safe.”

“Ma’am, I’m sorry but I couldn’t just sit there and leave Dane for that thing to burn him alive.” Ed insisted. 

“Neither could I were I in your shoes.” Corinne agreed. “And apparently, neither can your friends.” 

“We’re not in trouble?” Emery probed. 

“I find it difficult to punish those with good intentions... but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.” The Archmage began to explain. “Mr. Kirk, someone who’s as big a Harnette fan as yourself should know we have rules regarding when and where you can summon your familiar. The manifestation of your soul is not something you pull out like a sword.” 

“It... seemed like a good idea at the time.” Ed reasoned. 

“You mean that deer thing that shot out from the ground?” Emery clarified. “That’s what a familiar can look like?” 

“Actually, that was just Ed’s.” Thomas interrupted. “Familiars take on an appearance based on their host mage.” 

“Yet despite knowing that and scoring so high on your entrance exam, Mr. Frost,” Corinne continued, “You thought it was fine to risk syncing your aura to an Amaranth’s defense mechanism.” 

“I mean, technically, it wasn’t my aura.” Thomas began to say. 

“I know what it was.” The Archmage’s gaze went next to Alice, who was trying to appear as small as possible. “Ms. Song, I’m not even going to ask how someone so young can be so competent with fire magic and yet still think throwing yourself at a stray familiar was a good idea.” 

Alice sat with those words hanging above her, unresponsive as she kept her eyes glued to the floor. 

“And Ms. Lamb.” The Archmage started to say with a softer tone. “I realize being new to our world, you would not know certain practices-“

“Gale force winds aren’t a good idea to hold for that long, I know, I’m sorry.” Emery confessed.

“You knew that?” Corinne said with surprise lifting her scowl. 

“Listen, the last thing I wanted to do was break some rule I didn’t know about.” Emery explained. “But I guess breaking a rule on purpose isn’t much better.” 

“Yes, well, as I said; what’s important is Dane’s safety.” Corinne stated. “And he is safe due in no small part to the four of you. While none of you will be punished for this morning’s incident, I will remind you that even good intentions can go awry. With or without magic.” When none of the students answered back, the Archmage cleared her throat, “Am I clear?”

“Yes, ma’am!” All four said quickly. 

“Good.” The Archmage smiled. “Now, off you go, back to class.” 

As the first-years got up to leave, a ferocious bark came from the other room. In came bounding in a wolf made up of twigs and leaves. The beast immediately placed its head underneath Thomas’ hand and whined happily. 

“Sorry!” Dr. Isen apologized as he reigned the wolf familiar in with lightning leash trailing from his fingers. “Darn thing was quiet until just now.” 

“It seems Dane’s familiar wanted to show its appreciation before you left.” Corinne explained. “I’m sure he’ll still want to thank you in person when he wakes up.” 

Ed scratched his head. “I didn’t know Dane had a familiar.” 

“He didn’t until we got his condition stable.” Dr. Isen confessed. “Better than those dog ears he had on a little while ago.” 

“Jacob...” Corinne said with a sigh. “We were supposed to keep that to ourselves.” 

The doctor perked up from his usual aloof attitude. He squinted at the first-years pensively. Magic swirled in his palm. “Need me to erase their memories?” 

“He’s joking.” Corrine quickly said with a harsh glance in his direction. “But I trust the four of you can keep a secret?”

“Mum’s the word.” Emery said, speaking for the group. 

“Thank you. Now, out you go, for real this time.” Corinne gestured. “And expect an email to the student body about the creature from the orchard. Last thing we need is anyone making up rumors about a stray familiar.”