Chapter 16: Summer
As Lena and Jasmin wake up early in the morning to the Sun rising over the trees of the nearby forest of Castlehaven, Lena gets up first and stretches her arms, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on her face. She turns to Jasmin, who is slowly waking up, rubbing her eyes.
"Good morning," Lena says with a smile. "Are you ready for another day of classes?"
Jasmin nods and yawns. "I guess so. What do we have today?"
Lena glances at their class schedule, which is pinned to the wall next to their beds. "Let's see... we have Charms, and... oh, a new class called Magical Ethics and Regulations."
Jasmin raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Magical Ethics and Regulations? That sounds interesting. What do you think it's about?"
Lena shrugs. "I'm not sure. Maybe it's about the rules we need to follow when using magic? It could be important, considering how powerful some spells can be."
The girls get ready for their day, discussing their thoughts on the new class and wondering what they'll learn. As they make their way to breakfast, they meet up with Lucas and Amaia at the mist table.
As Lena, Jasmin, Lucas, and Amaia finish their breakfast, they chat about their classes and other topics. Amaia shares her excitement about an upcoming Herbology project, while Lucas talks about the upcoming Magical Laws class.
"Anyway, we should probably head to Charms now," Lena suggests, glancing at the time.
Amaia nods. "You go ahead. I have Herbology this morning. We're studying some really fascinating magical plants."
"Sounds interesting," Jasmin says, smiling at Amaia. "We'll see you later, then."
The three friends – Lena, Jasmin, and Lucas – say their goodbyes to Amaia and make their way towards the Charms classroom. On the way, they run into Amber, who's looking a little flustered.
"Hey, Amber!" Lucas calls out, waving her over. "What's up?"
Amber sighs. "I overslept and missed breakfast. I hope I'm not late for Charms."
"Don't worry, we're just heading there now. You can join us," Lena offers.
As the group of four continues towards the Charms classroom, they engage in light conversation, discussing their favourite spells and what they expect from the Magical Ethics and Regulations class later that day.
Lena, Jasmin, Lucas, and Amber walked into the Charms classroom, finding their seats among the other students. The room was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, as students chatted excitedly about the new charm they were about to learn. The walls were adorned with colourful diagrams of wand movements and incantations, and several floating objects hovered around the room, demonstrating the power of various charms.
Professor Mathers stood at the front of the classroom, his piercing grey eyes scanning the room as he waited for the students to settle down. Once they were seated and quiet, he began the lesson.
"Good morning, students," Professor Mathers said with a warm smile. "Today, we will be learning a very useful charm, Gravitas Levitas. This charm allows you to manipulate the weight of an object, making it lighter or heavier."
He held up a heavy-looking book and flicked his wand, uttering the incantation, "Gravitas Levitas!" The book seemed to become weightless as it floated gently in the air, and then, with another flick of his wand, it dropped back to the table with a loud thud.
"Now, let's give it a try," Professor Mathers instructed, his voice gentle yet authoritative. "Pair up and practice the charm on the objects in front of you. Remember, the incantation is 'Gravitas Levitas,' and the wand movement is a smooth, upwards curve followed by a sharp downward flick."
Lena and Jasmin paired up, while Lucas and Amber did the same. They practiced the charm on various objects, such as quills, inkwells, and even their own bags. At first, they struggled to control the charm's effect, with objects either becoming too light or too heavy, causing laughter and amusement among the students.
As the lesson progressed, however, the students began to get the hang of the charm. Lena and Jasmin exchanged excited glances as they successfully made a stack of books as light as a feather, while Lucas and Amber high-fived each other after making a small inkwell heavy enough that it could hardly be lifted.
Throughout the lesson, Professor Mathers walked around the classroom, offering guidance and praise where needed. His gentle encouragement and insightful tips helped the students to refine their technique and better understand the nuances of the charm.
By the end of the lesson, the students had made significant progress in mastering the Gravitas Levitas charm. They left the classroom buzzing with excitement and satisfaction, eager to practice their newfound skill outside of class.
As Lena, Jasmin, Lucas, and Amber walked to their next class, they discussed the various practical applications of the Gravitas Levitas charm, such as making heavy bags easier to carry, or adding weight to an object for increased stability. The charm had opened up a whole new world of possibilities for them, and they couldn't wait to explore it further. As they made their way through the castle's winding corridors, they couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for their next class, Magical Ethics and Regulations.
The four friends walked side by side, their curiosity about the new class growing with every step. Lena mentioned how she thought it might be about the rules and limitations of using magic, while Amber speculated that it could also delve into the history of magical laws and their development over time.
As they approached the classroom, they noticed that it was located in a part of the castle they hadn't explored before. The corridor was dimly lit, with old portraits lining the walls, their subjects observing the students with a mixture of curiosity and disapproval.
The door to the Magical Ethics and Regulations classroom stood slightly ajar, revealing only a sliver of the room within. The friends exchanged excited glances, their curiosity piqued, as they stepped forward to enter the classroom they are immediately struck by its unique design.
The classroom is designed to resemble a courtroom, with a raised platform at the front where the professor will stand, exuding an air of authority. To the side, a witness stand patiently awaits the opportunity to host students who will be called upon during discussions or mock trials. Rows of wooden benches are arranged in a semi-circle facing the platform, providing seating for the students and encouraging them to pay close attention to the day's lesson.
The walls of the classroom are adorned with a series of enchanted murals that depict significant moments in magical legal history, from the establishment of the first magical courts to landmark cases that have shaped the course of magical jurisprudence. The room is illuminated by floating orbs of light that cast a soft, golden glow, creating a serene atmosphere.
As the four friends take their seats, they can't help but marvel at the various magical instruments and artifacts displayed in glass cases around the room. These items, which have been confiscated or used as evidence in famous cases, serve as a constant reminder of the importance of understanding and adhering to the principles of magical law and ethics.
As almost all students have settled into their seats, the door to the classroom opens, and in walks Professor Eleanor Whitmore. She is an elegant, poised woman with long, flowing white hair that cascades down her back like a waterfall of silk. Her piercing blue eyes scan the room, instilling a sense of confidence and authority in her presence. She is dressed in a well-tailored, deep blue robe that accentuates her tall, slender figure. A warm smile graces her lips, reflecting her friendly and approachable nature.
As she strides to the front of the class, the students can't help but be captivated by the air of pride and self-assurance that surrounds her. With a gentle wave of her hand, she conjures a piece of chalk that begins to write on the blackboard behind her, outlining the topics to be covered in today's lesson. Professor Whitmore then turns to face the class, her eyes filled with both wisdom and determination, as she prepares to impart her knowledge of Magical Ethics and Regulations to the eager students before her.
As the class settles down, Professor Whitmore begins the lesson with an overview of the importance of understanding magical ethics and regulations. She explains that the responsible use of magic is essential to maintaining balance and harmony in their world.
"Today, we'll be discussing the history of magical laws and regulations," she announces. "Throughout history, various events have shaped the legal framework we follow today. It's crucial to understand the past to appreciate the significance of these laws."
She uses her wand to project images onto the blackboard, showing a timeline of important events in the development of magical laws. The students listen intently as she describes the critical turning points that led to the establishment of the current legal system.
"Now, let's talk about magical consent," Professor Whitmore continues. "When casting spells on others, it's crucial to obtain their consent, as violating someone's autonomy can lead to severe consequences."
She encourages the students to engage in a lively discussion about the importance of consent, sharing their opinions and experiences with spells that involve other people.
For the remainder of the lesson, Professor Whitmore briefly touches upon the topics of forbidden spells and dark magic, emphasizing their dangers and consequences. She also discusses the appropriate use of magic for self-defense and the legal limitations that govern its use.
As the class comes to an end, she assigns the students a short essay on the ethical considerations of using a specific spell of their choice, which will be due in their next class.
Throughout the lesson, Professor Whitmore successfully manages to create an engaging and interactive learning environment, ensuring that the students have a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of magical ethics and regulations.
Upon leaving the class, Lena and Jasmin have different reactions to the material covered. Lena is excited and inspired, eager to delve deeper into the ethical dilemmas presented in the class. She believes that understanding the nuances of magical ethics will make her a more responsible witch. Jasmin, while appreciative of the importance of the subject, finds it a bit dry and prefers the more practical aspects of magical study. However, she acknowledges the value of the class and commits to giving it her best effort.
“I fully agree with you.” Amber says and Lucas nods while pointing out that they now have to write a useless essay.
As they continue their conversation, Lena can't help but feel a bit hurt by Amber and Lucas's seemingly careless attitude towards the importance of the Magical Ethics and Regulations class. Jasmin notices Lena's disappointment and quickly steps in to comfort her.
"Hey Lena, I can tell you're really passionate about this," Jasmin says, putting a supportive hand on Lena's shoulder. "Why don't we go to the library later and work on our essays together? I think it's important to understand the ethics behind our magic, and I want to show you that I'm taking this seriously too."
Lena looks at Jasmin with gratitude, her spirits lifting at her friend's offer. "That would be great, Jasmin. Thank you."
Amber and Lucas exchange glances, understanding that they might have been a bit too dismissive earlier. "We'll pass on the library for now," Amber says, "but we'll make sure to give the essay the attention it deserves." She grabs Lucas and they walk towards the staircase.
Lena's eyes shine with appreciation as she watches Amber and Lucas walk away. She turns to Jasmin and gives her a warm smile. "I can't tell you how much your support means to me, Jasmin."
Jasmin grins back, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Of course, Lena. We're in this together, after all."
As the two girls take an alternate route to the library, they find themselves walking through a picturesque courtyard, filled with vibrant flowers and the soft chirping of birds.
As the sun begins its slow descent towards the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the courtyard, Lena and Jasmin take a moment to appreciate their surroundings. The beauty of the scene is made all the more special by the strong connection they share, born from the experiences and challenges they have faced together. Their bond is unbreakable, a testament to the depth of their love and friendship.
As they walk through the courtyard hand in hand, the world around them seems to fade away, leaving only the two of them, basking in the warmth of their unbreakable connection. The late afternoon sun casts long shadows on the ground, creating an enchanting atmosphere that seems to deepen their feelings for one another.
Upon reaching the library, they find a cozy corner to work on their essays. As they write, their hands occasionally brush against one another, and their eyes meet, sharing a smile full of understanding and affection. It's in these quiet moments that their bond truly shines, a beautiful reminder of the strength they find in each other's presence.
As the sun dips lower in the sky and the library's soft, warm light takes over, Lena and Jasmin find comfort in each other's company while working on their essays. Their connection, built on trust and friendship, gives them a sense of security and belonging.
Focusing on their essays, Jasmin writes about the importance of obtaining consent before using healing spells, even when the intentions are good. She delves into the ethical implications of performing such magic without the express permission of the person being healed.
Meanwhile, Lena discusses the non-consent situation of the disarming charm, Expelliarmus. She examines the instances in which the spell is used without the target's consent and the potential consequences of casting it in different scenarios. Through their essays, they explore the nuances of magical ethics and the responsibility that comes with wielding such power.
As they write, the two friends occasionally exchange ideas and share their thoughts, deepening their understanding of the subject matter and strengthening their bond in the process.
As Lena and Jasmin continue writing their essays, they take a moment to pause and appreciate the time they're spending together. Jasmin smiles at Lena and says, "You know, I'm really glad we're doing this together. It makes the whole process more enjoyable."
Lena returns the smile, her eyes lighting up. "I agree. It's so much better when we can share our thoughts and support each other."
Jasmin nods. "Definitely. And, Lena, I just want you to know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what. We're a team, and we'll face anything that comes our way together."
Lena reaches out and squeezes Jasmin's hand in appreciation. "Thank you, Jasmin. I feel the same way about you. We've been through so much together, and I couldn't ask for a better friend. You're like a sister to me."
Jasmin's eyes sparkle with affection, and she smiles warmly at Lena. "I feel the same way," she says softly. In that moment, their connection feels stronger than ever. They lean in, their foreheads touching, and exchange a soft, warm kiss, a symbol of the deep bond they share. As they pull away, they look into each other's eyes, knowing that what they share with each other is truly special and that they really can count on each other.
After a while, they finish their essays and decide to head to the dining hall for dinner and enjoy a hearty meal with their classmates.
As they sit down, Amaia joins them, excitedly talking about her latest Herbology project. "You won't believe it," she says, "I've been working with a plant called Luminis Noxflora. It's really fascinating! During the day, it appears to be just an ordinary plant with dark green leaves. But at night, the leaves glow with an ethereal, silver light. Some say it's capable of absorbing moonlight and releasing it in complete darkness."
Lena, Jasmin, and the others listen intently, curious about Amaia's mysterious plant and the wonders of the magical world they're discovering together.
Once they've eaten, Lena suggests they go outside to enjoy the evening air and relax after their long day of classes.
Jasmin agrees, and they step outside together, walking side by side under the stars, cherishing their bond and the magical world they inhabit.
As Lena and Jasmin walk side by side under the stars, Jasmin takes a deep breath, gathering the courage to address the incident that's been lingering in her mind. "Lena," she begins hesitantly, "I've been meaning to talk to you about something... about what happened on your birthday."
Lena looks at her friend, her eyes filled with concern. "What about it, Jasmin?"
Jasmin pauses for a moment before continuing. "I still can't wrap my head around it, Lena. I... I died, and somehow you brought me back to life. I don't know how to thank you or even begin to understand how you did it. Can you... can you explain what happened?"
Lena's expression turns thoughtful as she searches for the right words. "Honestly, Jasmin, I can't really explain it myself. It all happened so fast, and I just... I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. I didn't think; I just acted on instinct. I'm not sure how I did it, but I'm just grateful that it worked and that you're here with me now."
Jasmin's eyes fill with understanding and love as she takes Lena's hand. "I'm so grateful too, Lena. And I want you to know that I'll always be here for you, just as you've always been there for me." They share a warm embrace, their bond stronger than ever after the extraordinary experience they've been through together.
After a moment, they break apart, both smiling softly. They make their way back inside the castle and head towards the Mist Tower. As they enter the common room, they see Lucas, who looks up from his book and gives them a friendly smile. "Hey, you two. Have a good night."
"Good night, Lucas," Lena and Jasmin reply in unison, returning his smile. They continue on to their dormitory, their hearts full of gratitude for the powerful connection they share and the magical world that has brought them together.
They quickly switch into their pyjamas and lay down into Lena’s Bed which was particularly nice illuminated by the moonshine. Laying there side by side they wish each other a good night of sleep and cuddle under the blanked before each of them enters their own dream.
In her dream, Lena relives the events of her birthday, feeling the happiness and excitement of the celebration before it turns into a nightmare. She sees Jasmin tumbling after getting her to safety, her body falling over the edge towards the ground. The vividness of the dream overwhelms her, and she wakes up with a start, her heart pounding and her breathing rapid.
Jasmin, who is sharing the bed with Lena, feels her sudden movement and realizes that she's having a nightmare. She quickly wakes up and wraps her arms around Lena, providing comfort. "It's okay, Lena. I'm here," Jasmin whispers softly. Lena's breathing gradually slows down, and she leans into Jasmin's embrace, grateful for her presence and the reassurance that the nightmare was just a dream.