can speak, Hardwick walks onto the stage, making the crowd fall silent around us.
“Students!” He’s looking more chipper than I’ve ever seen him. Dean Hardwick is a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair and a deep, soothing voice. Honestly, he’s the kind of guy who looks like you’d find him coaching your daughter’s soccer team, not heading a magical academy. “It is my great pleasure to announce to you that our school has, for the first time in its history, been selected to be included in the Inter-magic Trials.”
The auditorium immediately erupts into noise, buzzing as people whisper none-too-quietly to one another.
I look over at Asher. “What are the…”
Asher nods toward the podium, where Hardwick is speaking again.
“For those first-years who might not know,” the dean says, “the Trials are an annual competition held between magical academies. We like to think it’s a lot safer than the Triwizard Tournament, for those of you who know your Harry Potter. We won’t be sending your friends to the mermaids.”
There’s some laughter from the crowd.
“Schools such as Vulcan Academy, Neptune Academy, and others compete in a friendly inter-disciplinary competition to promote relationships between magical orders. Previously, it was felt that our school was… well. That Unpredictable magic was by its very nature dangerous, and that it would be too risky in a setting like that. I’ve been petitioning for years for you students to get your chance to shine and demonstrate your skills. But I’ve always been denied until this year.”
The whispers have died down completely, and now the entire auditorium is hanging on his every word. I glance around, a little surprised at the looks of excitement on people’s faces.
“The bravery shown by certain students in defending us from attack last semester has garnered a lot of goodwill from the rest of the magical world. We’re being seen more as equals. We teach you here that you’re not any less worthy because of your unique abilities, but some people are quite stubborn about those things. I’m sure you all know that, despite our best attempts to educate the magical populace, prejudice against Unpredictables still persists.”
A few heads swivel in our direction, and I duck my head, a flush creeping up my cheeks. Move along, nothing to see here, folks.
Dean Hardwick lifts his chin, gazing out at the assembled students. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to show the world what we really are: no different from them. We’re hardworking magical practitioners. It’s also a great networking opportunity for you all. Even if you aren’t competing in the Trials themselves, you can meet people from other academies and foster connections that may be useful once you graduate.”
His expression hardens just a little, his voice deepening. “I cannot stress to you enough the importance of putting our best foot forward in this competition. The world likes to tell you that you’re out of control. That you’re dangerous. But we know better, and now’s the time to show that. I hope you’ll join me in representing our school well.” Hardwick gives a little smile. “And of course, I hope we kick their asses.”
A burst of excited laughter fills the auditorium.
“For us to win this competition would be a huge accomplishment for Griffin Academy. It would really show the world what we can do. But also…” He chuckles, bobbing his head. “I’m competitive, and I just want to be able to parade that trophy around for a year.”
Everyone laughs again, including me this time. I’m a bit competitive myself.
“So.” Hardwick clears his throat. “One student is picked from each pillar of magic to represent their academy. Those of you who are not picked will be encouraged to watch the Trials and cheer on our representative. There will be events aside from just the competitions, and I highly recommend that you attend and mingle.”
Dmitri snorts, a look of disgust clouding his features, and Cam nudges him to be quiet.
“In order to choose who will be representing us, we will have a competition of our own. The winner will have the privilege of representing Griffin Academy in the Trials for the very first time. And I wish to emphasize that this competition is open to all. I don’t want any of you saying that you won’t get it because you’re a first-year up against third-years. You never know. Sign up and see.” Hardwick grins. “And if we get every single student to participate in the competition, then I’ll arrange a reward for everyone for their school