Page 26 of How To Summon A Memory
Chapter 13
Ethan
I can’t helpthe smile when I read Wick’s text.
Wick: I hope you’re having a lovely day
Ethan: It’s better now
Wick: I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
Ethan: Same. But first, finals! Wish me luck.
Wick: All the luck!
Florence and I just have to get through the final practical exams, and we’ll be free until December. My legs bounce under the desk as we finish grading the written exams from yesterday. At least I attempt to grade. My mind keeps wandering back to Warwick. At midnight, my grandmother will either drop the barrier or face my wrath. I snort at my ridiculousness.
“What are you laughing about?” Florence chuckles as they ask.
“Being dramatic in my head.” I push to my feet. “Ready to set up the labs? I need to move.”
“Finishing up the last essay, riiiight now.” They make a mark and slash an A on the paper before placing it in the pile with the others.
“Everyone did great, right?” I ask. “We’re damn good teachers.”
“Heck yeah, we are!” Florence lifts their hand and I slap it for a high five.
“With the trouble makers gone, Tanner should be able to ace this part, no problem,” I say, making my way to the back of the room with the lab tables.
I spray the tables with disinfectant and clean them off, taking away any impurities while Florence gathers bottles. I help them set the stations. One for each of the seven potions everyone needs to complete.
This is my favorite part, watching everyone take what we taught them and put it together. We’ll still see everyone next semester, since Florence and I are the only potion teachers at Hex University. Other professors think teaching potions is boring. I think it’s basically chemistry, but with magical ingredients and I love chemistry.
“I love watching you get all excited,” Florence says as we place the last ingredient on the far far table. Part of the exam is identifying components, preparing them, and making the potion just right. We have cauldrons and beakers and stock pots, anything and everything to make potions and the student choses their preferred way.
If Florence got to choose, they’d use a cauldron over an open fire out in the woods. Personally, I’m happy to make magic in a kitchen rather than pull out other supplies. I just need a pot or pan and can get going with just about anything. I can’t wait until the students get to the highly advanced classes where wethrow out everything we learn in 101 and 201 and learn how to improvise. It always puts a smile on my face when I tell them none of that is necessary, especially if you’ve been paying attention and realize that everything can be used for different purposes.
The door to our classroom opens and hallway chatter spills in when all four of our students arrive on time. Early, in fact. Okay, not that early, but early for them. Florence and I walk up to the front to greet the students.
“Everyone have a good night’s sleep?” Florence asks as they pass out the graded exams.
“I got an A?” Tanner asks. His eyes wide as he stares at his paper.
“Yep, good stuff, too,” I say. “Everyone ready to get this day started?”
Tanner chews on a fingernail. “I’m ready, but nervous.”
“Same,” Courtney says with Darla and Phillip mumbling as well.
“Don’t be too nervous,” Florence says.
“Exactly! The lot of you are excellent students and I expect you to pass easily. With the other two gone, there’s no one here to sabotage anyone anymore.”
Tanner relaxes and nods. “You’re right. I’m ready!”
“That’s what I wanna hear,” I say. “Let’s go.”
Florence leads our students to the back while I take up the rear. Everyone lines up in front of the first table for directions.
