“Well – well. The class mascots are having problems with their magic. Better get it straightened out before next Wednesday’s class, it’s for a grade. If you fail, it won’t look good to the Confederation of Faerie, will it?” Dalton and Kayla glanced at each other in surprise. They now knew who the staff member was who made the complaint against them to Chief Wizard Rothwell. Kelly came to the twin’s room later than usual that night. “Did you guys figure out what happened to make your magic go haywire like that? Did you see the sneer on Professor Green’s face? She was delighted you were having trouble. She probably put a spell on you—” “Don’t think so Kelly,” Dalton cut across her ranting. “Professor Incantos said we’d know if someone put a spell on us that would affect our magic. She thinks it’s stress about our hearing causing this.” “Well . . . that will be over in a few days. Meanwhile, don’t use your magic if you can help it. The Confederation won’t do anything to you, you’re our school’s hero’s.” “We’re not heroes, Kelly. The dragons saved the day and us,” Kayla reminded her. “As far as the hearing goes, they could always side with Rothwell, couldn’t they? We’re both worried and nobody’s told us where the hearing takes place. They haven’t told us anything yet.” “You mean nobody’s told you? You don’t attend the hearing. I asked Professor Incantos about it. She said once the complaint’s filed and a date set, both sides submit their evidence. The Confederation decides whether to have a formal hearing or make a decision based on what’s submitted. You should write out a statement telling your side and give it to the headmaster. He’s submitting evidence for you too.” “I suppose we better do that, thanks Kelly,” Kayla said concernedly. That Saturday they wrote their statements with Kelly’s help. Later that day, the twins had clinic duty and once again Kelly pulled a disappearing act. Dalton and Kayla worried about her and had trouble concentrating on their studies for a pre-test on Monday in Alchemy and Charms. As Monday arrived, Dalton and Kayla were dropping pencils, pads and books. They were scared and it showed in their behavior. They couldn’t sit still, couldn’t eat, couldn’t study. But their worst day of all was Wednesday’s Modern Magical Defense class. As the class settled into their seats, Professor Green began her tirade. “Class, today you are going to see how well our elven students have learned their magical defenses. It is my opinion that Dalton and Kayla Summers have falsely portrayed their importance to this academy. They are nothing but charlatans and scam artists and I intend to prove this today. “Dalton Summers, come to the front of the class and take up a challenge position. You will attack my defense shield with your best ‘punching spell’.” “Umm – that’s not a good idea, Professor. I’m still having trouble with my magic, I might harm you.” “Don’t be silly boy! You will attack me and you will do so now, Mr. Summers.” “But Professor, I don’t think I should,” Dalton was able to say before he was hit by his professor’s spell. He doubled over, hitting the floor hard. He hardly caught his breath when his professor told him to get up. “I told you Mr. Summers, this class will see what a fake you and your sister are. Now – get up and face me, Mr. Summers. Hit me with your best spell!” “No, Professor, I will not fight you. I don’t know what would happen ’cause I can’t control my spells.” His professor suddenly grinned. “Mr. Summers, you will pick up your things and go to the headmaster’s office. Tell him I sent you because you refused to participate in a class demonstration. In addition, you will be failed from this subject for the year’s term. You need not return – now go!” After Dalton left, “Miss Summers, it is your turn to demonstrate your skills. Come to the front, please. Miss Summers, you will perform a ‘punching spell’ against me. I will, of course, defend against it. Do it now, Miss Summers.” “Umm, Professor, I’m having the same problems with my magic as my brother does. This isn’t a good idea and I’m not going to attack you.” “Then put up your best shield, Miss Summers,” her professor said as a ‘punching spell’ hit Kayla’s shield. “Very good, Miss Summers. Now, I’ll show you how to get through such a shield.” Her professor took on a fierce appearance and pointed her wand at Kayla. “Acus Ictus!” she yelled as Kayla screamed and fell to the floor in agony. “That, Miss Summers, is called a ‘Needle Punch’ spell. It’s used to thwart a shield spell to obtain an advantage over your adversary. Very effective, isn’t it? Doesn’t it feel wonderful to have all those holes poked into you? Now – get up and attack me, Miss Summers!” Kayla’s chest and stomach felt like she’d been stabbed by dozens of red hot darts, but she stood to face her professor. “I will not attack you, Professor. I told you, I can’t control my magic and I don’t wish to harm you.” With that, Kayla put her wand away. “Oh, but I wish to harm you, Miss Summers. Defend yourself!” Her professor shouted, unleashing her spell. Kayla screamed when her shoulder broke as she smashed into the wall. Pulling herself to her feet and in severe pain, Kayla stood to face her professor. “I will not fight you, Professor.” Professor Green was furious. Raising her wand, she pointed it at Kayla once more. Kayla stuck out her hand and silently said, ‘Scuto Defendere’. The classroom door opened as Professor Green unleashed her spell at Kayla.
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