Magiana Imperial Academy - Volume 1: Path to Greatness
Chapter 16: June: The Vault

“Cowabunga!”

Phillip was woken up with a start by a loud splash that followed the scream. It was the second to last Saturday of the school year, and that shout was proof of that. Even though there was school for a whole nother week , it was much more relaxed after exams. Ever since the beginning of spring, the students were allowed to swim in the large pond right next to the school, but a lot of people didn’t, opting to spend their time studying.

Now that there was no need to study, everyone was taking advantage of their access to the lake. Phillip could hear a chorus of excited cheers and jubilant talking outside, obviously from the swimmers.

Miles very much wanted to join them, but he couldn’t. During the post-exam party a few days ago, Phillip called together Miles, Dominique, Trevor and Isaiah.

“We only have a week left,” He told them. “And we still don’t have solid proof. I’ve asked my father to look into guild members who might’ve taken on jobs anywhere near the city. Since this is illegal, it’ll be a lot harder getting a confession. If he hired a guild, that is.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Miles took a swig from his soda, having set down the other can that was set to burst. Dominique had put it somewhere no one would touch it. “We can just wait until your dad gets the result of the search can’t we?”

“We could,” Phillip frowned slightly. “But I’d rather find out before we leave.”

“Don’t worry, Phillip.” Dominique said. “We’ll spend the last week looking into this.”

Miles looked surprised, but didn’t protest. “Alright, I’ll help too. I’ll have about two months to chill anyway.”

They had proof that Professor Draut had become owner of expensive things recently and that someone close to him had become very wealthy as of late. They knew that he tried to persuade Professor Windsor into cooperating but failed. What they didn’t know was how he got into the vault after being refused. It was the one thing that keeping them from shutting him away.

“Can’t we tell someone and have them search his phone’s call log?” Miles asked at breakfast that morning.

“He easily could’ve deleted any calls related to this matter.” Dominique said.

“And people are quite easy to convince if you’ve got enough money.” Isaiah added. “He could’ve bribed someone who works for his provider to delete any recordings of those very calls.”

“Great.” Miles said with a sigh. “What’re we going to do, then?”

“Is there some sort of sentry searching the grounds?” Trevor asked.

“No, we don’t. Students aren’t allowed into the forest, and our magical animals are more than enough protection. They’re supposed to stay in the ranch, but if someone mysterious shows up, they’ll do something about them. Unless they’re asleep, that is.”

“So, our Ritual Magic exam is on the last day of school, right?” Miles asked.

“Yeah, it is.” Phillip said.

“I wonder if it’s going to be as relaxed as the rest of the school these last few days.”

“It will be, don’t worry.” Isaiah said. “But back to the matter at hand, anyone have any ideas?”

They sat in silence, and before someone could suggest something, breakfast ended and they had to leave. Phillip was walking through the hall when someone called out to him. He recognized the voice as Professor Draut’s.

“Might I have a word, Phillip?”

“Sure thing, professor!” He turned to the others. “I’ll see you later, I guess.”

Draut led him into this class and closed the door. The sunlight outside painted the room gold, and birdsong mixed with the shouts of the students outside. The two stood in a momentary silence, which was quite uncomfortable. Like during exams, Phillip thought that Draut glowered at him, but if he did, it was only for a moment.

“I’m not sure if you are aware, Magis,” He said coolly. “But I have a younger sister.” He began pacing around the class. “However, she hasn’t spoken to me or our parents in years. So I was surprised to hear from her not too long ago. Someone from Overseer asked her if she had spoken to us anytime recently.” He smiled at Phillip’s look of surprise. “They didn’t tell her who they were, but she had a hunch. Now,” He began walking towards Phillip. “Why would my sister be approached by Overseer - an organization run by the government - in regards to me? Do you have any idea?”

Phillip had a brief panic attack; had Draut realized that he suspected him of the thefts? He quickly calmed himself down and said, “No, sir. My father never mentioned anything of the sort to me.”

Philip wasn’t sure whether or not Draut believed him, but since he was only eleven, it’d be a little odd to assume his father would tell him of governmental affairs. Draut examined his face for some time, and Phillip tried to maintain an expression of childlike innocence. Without a word he walked over to the door, opened it, and motioned for Phillip to leave.

“In that case, you may go. I apologize for interrupting you on your day off.”

“It’s fine, professor.” Phillip said on the way out. Once outside of the building, he dashed back to House Sloane. He opened the door to see Miles and Lloyd in swimming trunks, holding towels.

“Hey, Phil,” Miles said. “What did Draut need from you?”

“Nothing you need to worry about.” He looked over at Lloyd, and Miles seemed to understand.

Nodding, Miles said, “Alright, man. We’ll see you soon.”

The two strolled outside of the building and Philip proceeded into the common room. Once again, he called those working with him together, and told them what Draut had said.

“That might be a tad concerning.” Isaiah said. “But he doesn’t know you had anything to do with it, so I wouldn’t worry too much.”

“I’ve been thinking,” Dominique said. “About how we’re going to find out who’s helping Draut.” The three looked at her expectantly. “I know someone who lives in the forest! He could tell us if he’d seen anything out of the ordinary. Assuming he remembers me, that is.”

Phillip didn’t know who she was referring too at first. A man living in the forest who knew Dominique? It sounded weird that she could talk about something like that so calmly, until he thought back to the very beginning of November.

“Do you mean that talking wolf?” He asked.

“Exactly! He said that he’d be living in the forest. If he remembers me, he might be able to help us.”

“But how would we find him?” Trevor asked.

“I don’t know, actually. He couldn’t be that hard to find, though. He’s a silver wolf that looks like he’s got fire coming out of his shoulder and ankles, after all.”

“Then we should start looking for him.” Isaiah said. “If he’s in the forest though, we’re going to need a teacher’s permission. I think we should ask Professor Windsor about it.”

“Why him of all people?” Phillip asked.

“He’s just standing by, letting his workplace, and thus his students and colleagues, get stolen from. If finding this wolf can lead to Draut’s capture, I’m sure he’d be willing to help. After all, he won’t be turning him in, so his sister and nephew wouldn’t be endangered.”

“Where can we find him, then?”

“After exams, Professor Windsor usually just walks around the grounds, enjoying the weather. He shouldn’t be too hard to find. I’ll be right back with him. I’m in room 310, so wait for me there.”

The three did as they were told, and it didn’t take long for Isaiah to return with Professor Windsor, looking cheerful as usual. Isaiah unlocked the door and led them all inside.

“So, everyone,” Professor Windsor asked. “What is it you need me for?”

“We’d like permission to go into the forest, sir.”

Professor Windsor raised a brow at Isaiah. “And why is that?”

Isaiah explained their plan to him. By the end of his explanation, Professor Windsor’s expression had considerably darkened.

“I see. In that, case, I’ll let you in. A piece of paper so I can write a note, please?” Isaiah handed him a piece of paper and a pen and he quickly scribbled it down. “I thank you all for this. I have a request though.” They all gave him their utmost attention. “When it comes time to apprehend his cohort, allow me to accompany you.”

“Aren’t you worried about your family, Professor Windsor?” Dominique asked.

“Of course I am, but as Isaiah said, you came to me so I could help without directly reporting Earle. Even if I help apprehend them, he can’t go through with his threat as long as one of you hands over his accomplices, right?”

“Even if he does try something, I can get my father to appoint someone to guard them, if you want.”

“Thank you, Phillip.” Professor Windsor walked to the door. “Good luck in your search, everyone.”

After Professor Windsor left, Isaiah called someone on his phone. “Hello, Marianna? I was going to take some first years into the forest for something important. If anyone asks, just tell them we’re with Professor Windsor doing some studying, alright? ...Thanks, I owe you one. ...See you soon, bye.”

He hung up and led the other three outside. Phillip saw Miles enjoying himself in the lake. Miles saw them as well and quickly got out, drying himself. Without going back to change or anything, he chased after them.

“What’s going on?” He asked.

“We’re going to look for the person that could very well get us the evidence we need.” Dominique said.

“And who would that be?”

“The talking wolf I saw in October.”

Miles didn’t respond, but looked at her as if she was insane. She didn’t reply, and just followed Isaiah into the forest next to the school. The forest was bright and green, full of sound. Phillip couldn’t identify any of the cries he heard, but the creatures that inhabited the forest were going about their days, unaware of a small group of humans prowling around.

Dominique was right next to Isaiah, calling out for the wolf. Miles continued to look at her, convinced that this wouldn’t work. Phillip, Trevor and Isaiah stayed silent. They were walking for quite some time until they came across a clearing. Inside the clearing was a small pond, and drinking from it was Azure, M.I.A’s unicorn.

He looked up from the pond and looked at the five with his sapphire blue eyes. He let out a deafening neigh, rearing up. Like when he showed up in winter, a small patch of vegetation sprouted when he put his hooves on the ground.

The group stood in the clearing, watching to see if Azure would do anything after his sudden neigh. After a few minutes, it sounded as if something was coming towards them, and fast.

The animal that emerged from the brush was just as Dominique had described back in November. It was silver, with what looked like blue-gray wisps of fire coming out of its shoulders and ankles. It came to a stop and looked at them. Phillip and Miles gaped at it; Trevor and Isaiah weren’t nearly as astonished.

“Oh, hello there, human!” He happily said. “And you brought friends!”

“Y-yes…” Dominique said, obviously feeling awkward about talking to an animal. “We wanted to talk to you about something, er…”

“Aw, yes, I never gave you my name! You may call me,” The wolf struck a pose. “Kyzer!”

“Kyzer?” Miles blinked, likely trying to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. “That’s an interesting name you got there.”

“I know, I know. Ah, I never got your names, humans!”

The five introduced themselves and Kyzer nodded.

“Very fine names, humans.”

“You’re a lot more cheery than the last time I saw you.”

“I know, but can you blame me? This forest is wonderful! Now, Dominique, what was it you wanted to ask me?”

She explained the situation to the wolf and asked him if he saw anything out of the ordinary. He looked around, as if thinking.

“Yes, yes, I have. Every once and awhile at night, a person in a cloak comes near the school with an empty burlap sack. They suddenly disappear, and when they reappear, the sack is full.”

Phillip beamed. Someone had seen the thief, and more than once! Phillip wanted to ask, but Kyzer continued to speak.

“They appear quite randomly, but I always see them. That’s because I go near the school everyday around eleven, when they usually show up, and wait.”

“Could you notify us when they show up?” Dominique asked. “We need to catch them!”

“Of course! I’ll howl,” He howled all of a sudden, startling them. “Just like that if I see them. “But, only if it’s around eleven. I might be howling at the moon or something otherwise.”

“Thank you, Kyzer!” Dominique said. “We’ll be waiting for your signal.”

The following week was very laid back. Now that exams were over, there wasn’t much reason to do any work. In Phillip’s case, Ritual Magic was the only class that actual work was done in, and Professor Wilson did his best to make it enjoyable for the students.

On the final Friday of the year, Professor Wilson had them all take their exam early. He told them at the beginning of the week that he didn’t want to have them do real work during the last week, which was only two days. His exam was different compared to the others. They had a set amount of time for their written portion before they all took their practical portion. There was a lot more pressure, since everyone was watching people as they worked and performance was so important.

When Phillip was supposed to transport a random seashell from a nearby coast city, he felt much more nervous than he usually did, even though he felt confident in his abilities with Ritual Magic. He set up the ritual site just as he had seen it in his book, and how he did it earlier in the class.

Stay calm, Philip thought. You’ve done this before.

He searched his mind for the words to the incantation and spoke them. Before his eyes, the dust he scattered around the two small shells he was going to offer formed a twister around them and a light came from within. When the light and twister faded, a conch shell was on the the table. His classmates began applauding, and Phillip felt relieved. Miles went soon after, and his applause was even grander when he succeeded.

“Finally!” Miles said, stretching, as they walked out of the class. “Tomorrow, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and the year end feast, then we leave on Wednesday!”

“We all knew that; you didn’t have to announce it.”

The two of them were few of the people walking, as the others were hurrying to get outside and to their houses. Once on the ground floor, Phillip looked down the hall containing the math classes. Draut had not spoken to him since the previous weekend. The two went outside, and as he looked over at the large, blue lake, Phillip decided that he’d take a dip in it, for likely the first and last time that year.

Late that night, Phillip, Miles, and Trevor lay awake, as they did everyday ever since meeting Kyzer. It was a few minutes to eleven. Lloyd’s soft snoring could be clearly.

“Hey.” Miles whispered, not wanting to wake Lloyd. “Do you think they’ll show at all? I mean, we’re leaving in a few days.”

“I know,” Phillip said. “But if that’s the case, it’ll be up to Isaiah and Professor Windsor to catch them. I’m sure that they’d stay for a bit after everyone else.”

“So, the person Kyzer’s been seeing, who do you think it is?”

“I think it might be Professor Draut’s sister.” Trevor said.

“That can’t be it!” Miles replied. “She hates his guts!”

“And that’s why I think it. No one would suspect her.”

“That’s not a bad guess, Trevor.” Phillip sat up. “I never would have said that. Why would she work with someone she hates?”

“Money.” Trevor said shortly.

Phillip let out a small, quiet laugh. “Money, of course.”

The three sat in silence. Phillip looked over at his clock. Eleven passed, and still nothing. Ten minutes past, a wolf’s howl could be heard in the distance. Phillip quietly got down from his bed and stepped out from behind the curtains. He left them drawn to make it seem as if he were sleeping.

Trevor and Miles had done the same. The creeped over to the window and pushed it open. They all got out and closed it again. They ran around the building and met Dominique outside.

“You just walked out of your dorm?” Miles asked.

“If anyone asked, I went to the bathroom. Isaiah and Professor Windsor already went into the forest. Kyzer’ll be meeting us.”

She led the three into the forest, where they soon found the other two members of their group, led by the silver wolf. Isaiah had the black case he kept his Arm in around his shoulder.

“Good evening, Dominique and friends.” Kyzer said. “I saw them again. They poured some weird liquid on their garment and then drank the rest. Next thing I knew, they were gone!”

“So they were using an invisibility potion.” Phillip said. “Seemed obvious enough. What’s the plan?”

“How long are they usually gone, Kyzer?” Asked Professor Windsor.

“Well, let’s see... about forty-five minutes or so, I’d say.”

“I say we get to the vault and then hide out.” Professor Windsor said.

“But, sir,” Said Isaiah. “The potion could still be in effect by then.”

“I’ll handle them if that’s the case!” Kyzer interjected. “ But it might be a little hard since there are multiple of them this time around, though.”

“Multiple thieves?” Miles asked. “Has that happened before?”

The wolf shook his head.

“Let’s not waste anymore time.” Said Professor Windsor, heading back towards the school. “Let’s get going.”

“We’re counting on you Kyzer,” Dominique said. “Make sure you don’t make sure they don’t get away, alright?”

“Don’t worry!” He said. “Best of luck!”

They followed after their two older companions and into the main school building. Professor Windsor led them to the door to the dining hall and put his hands on it.

“Release: Draconis Imperius.”

From the space behind the door where the dining hall was supposed to be came a light. Professor Windsor opened the doors, and instead of the dining hall was a staircase that began leading down. Professor Windsor started walking and the others followed. The path was illuminated by torches that lined the wall. Soon, the stairs ended and they came to a long hallway. At the end of the hall was a door.

Phillip could only guess that the vault was behind the door. Professor Windsor opened the door, but it just led to another room. Still, he, Miles, Trevor and Dominique all gasped. At the end of the room was an immense red and black door covered in bones. Two huge skeletal hands were crossing the door, as if blocking it.

They walked forward,but Miles kept going when they stopped.

“What is this thing?” He reached towards it, but Professor Windsor grabbed his hand. “What’s wrong, Professor?”

“This is a Death Door.” He said, dropping Mile’s hand, who immediately backed away from the door.

“Death Door?” Phillip quietly asked.

“It’s an enchanted door that kills whoever touches it. In this case, it puts them into a coma. They can only be opened by Skeleton Keys.”

“Then the thief has a skeleton key on them, professor?” Phillip asked.

“They’re very rare, and not the easiest thing to make. I doubt that they did.”

“Then how’d they get inside?”

“There is a way to get past a Death Door without a Skeleton Key.” He looked back at them all. “If I’m correct about how they got in, we’re dealing with a professional; it’s an extremely complicated technique. Stay close to Isaiah.” As soon as he was done speaking, he and his sword turned into mist, drifting through the door.

“Whoa…” Phillip, Trevor and Dominique stayed silent, but they were as amazed as Miles.

Isaiah took out a small container and tipped out a few small, white objects. He closed his hand and a small light broke out from the gaps. Opening it, a white key that resembled a skeleton’s hand was in his palm.

“What were those?” Miles asked.

“Just old baby teeth. They aren’t bone, but they’re close enough.” He walked over to the door and inserted the key into a small keyhole.

After turning and extracting it, he backed away. Quite slowly, the huge hands moved apart. As they did, Isaiah set down the case and opened it. He handed the four first-years pistols, but they all had yellow details. He then handed them each a belt containing several gun magazines. They took them cautiously, not knowing what to do with the weapons.

“Those are for self defense.” He said, standing up with his Arm.

The door opened, revealing yet another room, which appeared circular with many door inside. Isaiah walked inside. Miles and Phillip ran ahead, but Dominique and Trevor stayed behind.

“If you guys miss them or something, we’ll deal with them here!” Dominique shouted.

“Thanks!” Miles called.

After the three of them were inside, the door closed, and they could hear the huge hands moving back into place. There were twenty-six doors in the room, all with a number.

“This is a problem.” Professor Windsor said. The other three all looked at him, worried about what he was to say next. “I’ve completely forgotten how to get to the vault. Any ideas, Isaiah?”

“No, sir.”

Phillip looked at all of the doors. He had a feeling that there were more doors than just the twenty-six. It would take forever to get to the vault. Kyzer said that the person he saw was usually gone for about forty-five minutes, so it couldn’t be so bad that they’d be lost for hours. Then again, that person’s been here several times before.

“Heed my word if you seek the vault.”

Phillip whipped around, having heard a voice that didn’t belong to anyone who was with him. No one new had appeared in the room with them, and it seemed that the others didn’t hear it.

“Each of the numbers before you represents a letter.”

Looking around once again, Phillip still failed to find anyone else.

“Spell the word ‘Vault’ using the doors. Then you shall find your prey.”

Phillip remained still for a bit, seeing if the voice would speak again, but nothing happened. Not having any other idea what to do, he decided to trust it.

“‘Vault’...” Phillip walked over to the door bearing the number 22, which should represent the letter ‘v’.

“What’re you up to, Phil?”

“I think I know how to get to the vault.” He said, putting his hand on the door.

“You do? How?”

“I… don’t know.” He pushed the door open. Sure enough, there was a room identical to the one they were in behind it.

Phillip walked into the next room, and he could hear the others walking slowly into the room, unsure whether or not Phillip was right. He continued to spell out the phrase, having to recite the alphabet several times until he had memorized the numbers that corresponded with each letter.

“‘T’...” Phillip walked over to the final door, which had the number 20 etched onto it.

As he reached out towards it, he tightly gripped the pistol Isaiah gave him in his free hand. Behind him, the other three were bracing themselves. Gulping, he pushed the door open, bracing himself for whatever came next.

He hadn’t braced himself enough, since he wasn’t ready to be tackled to the ground, which is exactly what happened. A bolt of lightning flew past overheard, colliding with a door across the room.

Looking up, he saw several hooded figures, all with large sacks, and a huge pile of bills and coins, which were neatly organized. They had dropped their bags when the door opened and money had spilled all over the ground, obviously shocked by the interruption.

Professor Windsor stood up and swung his sword at the group, and a wave of fire flew out towards them, and like him, they hit the ground to avoid getting hit. Isaiah ran into the room alongside Professor Windsor. Miles ran ahead to drag Phillip back.

“Isaiah told us to stay here. While they’re distracted, we’re supposed to shoot. He said these bullets are just for stunning people, so we shouldn’t hold back.”

Phillip looked at the gun, feeling skeptical. He trusted Isaiah, so he discarded his worries and held up the gun.

Isaiah and Professor Windsor were much more skilled with magic than Phillip and Miles, but since they were outnumbered, they were on the defensive for the first portion of the conflict. Parts of the room shot forward to slam into people while others rose up to intercept them, causing to bits of rubble to rain down. Fire, lightning, wind and water were all shot back and forth from the combatants.

Phillip kept a close eye on the hooded figures as he was told, taking a shot whenever he thought one of them wasn’t paying sufficient attention. He didn’t know how long it took, but eventually most of the perpetrators were on the ground, paralyzed.

The final hooded thief was panting heavily, just as Isaiah and Professor Windsor were. Once more, pillars of stone shot up, a few conjured by Professor Windsor and a few conjured by Isaiah. In response, the thief formed a dome around themselves, protecting themselves from harm.

“Allow me, sir.” He flipped his sword, holding it in a reverse grip, pointing the blade towards the ground. “Roar, Longinus!” The mechanical blade reformed itself into the shape of a bident.

A dome formed around Phillip and Miles, with a small hole in it that allowed them to see. In the moment before Isaiah thrust his newly formed spear into the ground, Professor Windsor thrust his blade into the ground.

The moment the bident hit the ground, a strong wind erupted around Isaiah. It blew Phillip and Miles back a bit, but nearly knocked Professor Windsor over, and completely shattered the dome surrounding the thief. They flew back, screaming in pain as they slammed into the wall.

“Hold on,” Miles said as the dome lowered itself back into the ground. “I’ve heard that voice before!”

Phillip had as well. He never heard that person scream before, but the voice was very much familiar.

“That was Professor Black, wasn’t it?”

Professor Windsor walked over to them and pulled back their hood. Phillip and Miles couldn’t help but gasp. Professor Black was indeed there, blood trickling down her forehead. She was sneering at him.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here, Black.” Professor Windsor addressed her coldly.

The fact that Professor Black was around shocked the two, but seeing Professor Windsor address her like that when they were usually so friendly made it even more shocking.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting to see you, either, Windsor. Here to add some more to the treasury?”

“How can you be so chill?” Miles asked Isaiah, completely stunned. “Don’t you care about his?”

“Just wait.” He calmly said.

“No, I’m not.” Professor Windsor said. “Now, tell me, Black, why are you here?”

“To those in House Lychester,” She stood up. “There are no limits. When we want something, we do whatever it takes to get it. I’m a human; I’m greedy. I wanted money, and there was a mountain of it underneath the school. You understand, don’t you, Windsor? We’re such good friends, after all.”

“When you’re going to impersonate someone, do a little more research.”

Professor Black looked offended. Phillip and Miles still had no idea what was going on.

“What do you mean by ‘impersonate’?”

“First off, you’re right about those in House Lychester going to great lengths for what they want, but Winona doesn’t want vast wealth. Second, if we’re such good friends, you should’ve asked why I didn’t refer to you as Winona, and should’ve referred to me as Arthur. The fact that you didn’t is just irresponsible.” He gestured towards her. “Phillip, Miles, shoot her.”

They were just fine with the others, but even though Professor Windsor was convinced the Professor Black in front of them was an imposter, they couldn’t bring themselves to point a gun at her, even if the guns only stunned. Isaiah took Phillip’s gun and did the task for him.

The faux Professor Black fell into Professor Windsor’s arms, and whatever spell that disguised her wore off. The person went from being Professor Black to a light skinned women with messy blonde hair.

Isaiah took several vials of blood red liquid out from his pocket. He opened them and their contents slowly poured out, forming into vaguely human shaped beings.

“I need you to carry those people out for me.”

They slid over to them and engulfed them. Their heads were poking out of the creatures, providing them air. Finding their way back was much, much easier. The one door that wasn’t marked was the one they came from, meaning that backtracking enough would lead them back to Trevor and Dominique.

“Good job, young prince. I’m unsure when we’ll speak again, but I look forward to it.”

Phillip stopped dead in his tracks. The voice was back. Phillip hadn’t seen anything before, but still looked around.

“What’s up, Phil?”

“I’ll tell you later, Miles.” There were more pressing matters at hand, and the voice in his head could wait.

They reunited with Dominique and Trevor and made their way back to the main building. Lagging behind Isaiah and Professor Windsor, Phillip and Miles recounted the tale to their friends.

“There were impersonating Professor Black?” Dominique said. “Even if they did do their research, I doubt they’d make Professor Windsor suspect her.”

They got back to the entrance hall and closed the door. Supporting the woman with one arm, Professor Windsor placed his other hand on the door and said, “Seal: Draconis Imperius.” There was another light, which must’ve meant that the dining hall was back to normal. “Let’s go to the dungeons, Isaiah. We’ll deal with them in the morning. Back to your dorms.” Professor Windsor smiled at the four. “Thanks for your help.”

Phillip, Miles, Trevor and Dominique all woke up early and asked Professor Windsor if they could go with him to talk to the headmaster about the thieves they caught. With him and Isaiah, they made their way to the main building. It wa time for breakfast, and they saw Headmaster Goude at the staff table. Professor Draut was also sitting there.

“Headmaster!” Professor Windsor shouted, drawing the attention of everyone present.

“Is he really going to call Draut out in front of everyone?” Miles whispered to the others.

“Looks like it.” Dominique replied.

“What’s the problem, Arthur?” Asked Goude, putting down his utensils.

“Regarding these thefts over the last few months, we’ve finally caught the culprits!”

Everyone around began talking, clearly looking forward to what Professor Windsor had to say. Even the other staff members were listening expectantly. Phillip looked at the other tables.

Lloyd, Tamara and Kylie were all talking to their friends while Victoria and Marianna looked on patiently. Terra Payne, the girl from House Bryne who Phillip had run into a few times since first meeting her in Potions, was also talking to her friends. Barclay Trask and Ionia Fenton were talking to each other. Francisca was looking at them, most likely her sister, with a look of slight concern on her face. Brion Payton and Whitney Bell were looking over at the staff table. Zoey Prince was one of the many chattering with her friends. Saturn, Luna and Reginald all looked at them quietly. Reginald didn’t seem that interested, but Phillip was sure he was acting.

“You have?” Headmaster Goude asked, looking genuinely interested.

“Yes, but I couldn’t have done it without the help of these students.” He gestured towards the five behind him. “Isaiah, could you go fetch the perpetrators?”

“Of course, professor.” Isaiah left them all.

“Arthur,” Began Goude. “Getting into our vault isn’t by any means easy. How did these thieves do it?”

“They had inside help, sir.”

The chorus of gasps and whispers meant that the students couldn’t believe their ears, even though they suspected the teachers ever since the first started talking about the thefts.

“Inside help?” The headmaster stood up and looked over the teachers who sat with him. “Might I ask who it was?”

“Sir,” Draut said, lowering his cup to the table. “Why would you have Arthur discuss this here? Shouldn’t this happen in private?”

“This would be on the news soon enough, Earle.” Goude said, smiling at him. “The students would find out anyway. Go on, Arthur.”

“Theodore, the person sitting with you who conspired with these thieves is the man who just spoke: Earle Draut.”

Once again, the dining hall was filled with gasps, talk, and Phillip could’ve sworn he heard cheers. The teachers couldn’t believe their ears either. Draut kept calm, he didn’t seem panicked or angry or anything.

“Is that the truth, Arthur?”

“Indeed, sir.” Professor Windsor produced a packet from one of his pockets. “Last night, we apprehended these thieves and one of them looked exactly like,” He strolled up to the staff table and put the packet in front of the headmaster. “Earle’s sister, Amayra. You will see when Isaiah comes up from the dungeons with her and her accomplices.”

“If she is among them, that is rather good evidence, I’d say.” The headmaster looked at Draut. “After all, it’d be impossible for someone not affiliated to the school to learn the whereabouts of the vault without talking to someone on the inside.”

“My sister detests me.” Draut said. “Why would she help me at all? Even if I did want to steal from the school, why would I need her help?”

“The profit she’d be making makes her hatred for you irrelevant.” Professor Windsor said. “As for why you’d need her help, getting into the vault can only be done by having your hands on a rare item or being exceptionally skilled with magic. You don’t own the item or possess the skill. You would need help.”

The doors to the dining hall opened again, and Isaiah walked in, accompanied by his red gelatinous companions, who were holding the thieves in their gooey arms as if they were handcuffs. The woman who must’ve been Amayra was at the front of the group, right next to Isaiah.

“Hm…” Goude looked down at the packet and then the woman. “She does indeed look exactly like your sister, Earle.”

Professor Draut was beginning to look very nervous. He was looking at the woman and then Goude apprehensively.

“Excuse me, miss,” Goude said. “Are you indeed Earle Draut’s younger sister?”

The dining hall was completely silent and all eyes were trained on her. She simply nodded.

“You’re right; that idiot over there is my older brother.”

“YOU FOOL!” Professor Draut had stood up at the table and slammed down his cup, splattering the contents everywhere.

“And why is she a fool, Earle?” Professor Black asked.

Professor Draut looked at her, sweating, trying to find an answer that wouldn’t make him look worse.

“Are you confessing to having helped Earle steal from our institution?” Goude asked.

“Yes, I did.” She said. “He called me saying that I could get a lot of money if I just tolerated him for a little while. When we got the money, we’d deposit it in our parents’ account and just say they won the lottery. Everything he bought was to be nothing more than a gift to their beloved son.”

“So your parents were in on this as well?” Goude asked, keeping his composure the entire time.

“Yes, they were.” She looked over at her brother, who still looked panicked. “I’m not going to be the only one taking the fall for this, Earle. This was your idea, after all.”

“I see.” He looked down the table. “Winona?”

Professor Black produced a vial that held the same liquid as Isaiah’s gooey helpers. The new addition pulled Draut’s arms behind him and encased them in its hands like handcuffs. As Professor Draut was led away, he glared at everyone, the most intensely at Professor Windsor, the headmaster and his sister.

The others were led out as well, but the dining hall was still quiet.

“Phillip,” Began the headmaster. “I trust that your father will be able to get us our money back? Use his connections to reclaim these items purchased with all of that stolen Dominion.”

“I should be able to, headmaster.”

“Thank you.” He looked around the dining hall, a smile breaking across his face. “Everyone, a round of applause for our school’s detectives?”

Everyone began clapping, and he himself joined in.

“This feels pretty good.” Miles said with a big smile. “Hey, we should get to the table; I’m starving.”

Phillip, Miles, Trevor, Dominique and Isaiah walked over to House Sloane’s table, and when they sat down were surrounded by their peers, who congratulated them. Professor Windsor went over to the Staff table to similar praise.

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