Page 4 of A Drop of Anguish
She hasn’t flinched or shifted an inch since I sat. Is she even blinking? Honestly, someone could easily convince me she’s a hologram at this point.
“I have several concerns I’d like to clear up with you.”
“All right.”
“Let’s start with the simplest. I’ve taken a look at your records and your class schedule and,” her eyes narrow just slightly, “I’m underwhelmed, to say the least.”
My cheek ticks, but I otherwise manage to hide my emotions.
“You’ve spent the last three years in human school, so on paper, your level one classes make sense. However, I could list several reasons why I’m confident you are more talented than your class list implies. Including, but not limited to, the nullifying potion you used on two upper-level demons only weeks ago.”
I somehow manage to hide the flinch. I used that potion on Jarron, my then sort-of-fake but kind-of-real boyfriend. And then, I used it on Mr. Vandozer, my headmaster-turned-mortal enemy.
“Did anyone else help you brew that potion?” she asks when I don’t react.
I shake my head. “Jarron helped me get a few ingredients, but I did the work myself.”
Ms. Bhatt nods sharply. “As I suspected. You were also the only student to complete a flying potion just this morning. Is that correct?”
Acid fills my belly. That happened minutes ago.
Releasing a quick breath, I decide we have more important things to discuss than how she’s apparently keepingclosetabs on me, so I simply nod.
“And yet, you’re only in our second-level potions class. Why is that?”
I twist my lips. “If I was in high-level potion classes, I’d have to follow a specific curriculum and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to complete the nullifier.”
Her eyebrows rise, her first reaction of any kind. “You made a successful nullifier on your first try.”
My shoulders slump. I know where she’s going with this, and she’s probably got a point. “Yes.”
“Then, I highly suspect you could follow a more advanced curriculum and still continue your independent studies.”
I could launch into an explanation about how I have never had any intention of learning magic here. I came to find my sister’s killer and nothing else. But I assume that’s a pretty pointless conversation to have with a headmaster.
“What I want to know, Ms. Montgomery, is if you are actually dedicated to completing your education here.”
My lips part, but then I shut them.
“I’m not sure I’m convinced you are here for the right reasons.”
Well, she’d have been right a few months ago, but things have changed.
I take in a long breath, readying myself for the full explanation. “My relationship with the supernatural world has been complicated, I admit. I’m still figuring it out, if I’m totally honest. But I want to stay. I want to learn. I want to get better at potion-making. I’m here for the right reasons.”
She nods and sits back, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “In that case, I’m taking your instructor’s suggestion and moving you into a level-six potions class. You can keep your slot in independent study rooms in the Under Hall. I’m also moving you into a level-four non-magic combat class.”
“What?” My eyes bulge.
“You have been taking advanced self-defense and combat instructions since you were a child. Coach Tvanittihas also expressed concern that you’re too advanced for a low-level class. You are well prepared for level four.”
I bite the inside of my lip because I know there’s no use in arguing. “Anything else?” I finally manage.
“Yes. I’m requiring you to choose two new electives and a foreign language. You can choose which classes you will drop to make space for them. I suspect you do not require History of Worlds, but that’s up to you.”
I huff out a breath. “Fine.”
“I’ll send you back with a catalog of elective options. I can put in your language choice now if you know which you’d prefer.”
