Genius and Madness
November had settled over the castle, draping the grounds in a crisp chill that bit at exposed skin and turned breath to mist. The sky hung low and gray, heavy with the promise of rain, and the bare branches of the Forbidden Forest shivered in the wind.
Inside the Tinkerers' Workshop, the cold vanished, swallowed by the hum of magic-infused machinery and the sharp scent of burning metal. The air buzzed with warmth—not just from the miniature forge in the corner, but from the crackle of enchantments woven into half-finished inventions. Workbenches lined the walls, cluttered with scattered tools and whirring prototypes, while enchanted blueprints hovered midair, their glowing diagrams shifting with every adjustment. At the far end of the room, Ekko and Powder had claimed their usual spaces, heads bent in deep concentration as they tinkered with their ongoing projects.
“That’s not gonna hold.” Ekko tapped the side of Powder’s latest spell-container model with his wand, watching the gears shudder under the sudden disturbance. “You’ve got too much tension on the second spring. The whole thing’s gonna pop the second you—”
A loud clunk cut him off. Powder swore, yanking her hand back as the lid flew into the air.
Ekko grinned. “Called it.”
Powder huffed, shoving her goggles onto her forehead. “Yeah, yeah, genius, you want a medal or something? Just help me fix it.”
He was already reaching for his toolkit, but not before flicking a stray bolt at her. Powder flicked one right back, barely sparing him a glance as she moved on to his half-finished project.
"You know, this is a mess, right?" she said, prodding a delicate network of enchanted wires.
"Not a mess," Ekko corrected, twisting a gear back into place. "Just... a work in progress."
"So, a mess." Powder smirked and poked at one of the wires. A spark jumped at her fingertips, and she yelped, shaking out her hand. Ekko snorted.
"Serves you right."
"I was helping."
"You were messing with my setup."
"Same thing."
For all the teasing, their hands never stopped moving—Ekko recalibrating the gears on her project while Powder meticulously adjusted the enchantments on his. Their rhythm was seamless, the kind of practiced chaos that only came from years of working side by side.
Then Powder paused, her fingers hovering over one of the hoverboard’s thrusters. Her brows furrowed. “Wait a second.”
Ekko barely glanced up. “What?”
“This—” She tapped the edge of the thruster. “It’s fighting against itself. The enchantment, the Muggle circuitry, and Hogwarts’ barrier magic—they’re clashing. That’s why the stabilization keeps failing.”
Ekko frowned, finally setting down his tools to give her his full attention. “Yeah, I know,” he admitted, running a hand over his curls. “I noticed it a while ago. The problem is, I can’t pinpoint exactly where the clash happens.”
Powder bit her lip, leaning in closer to examine the thruster. “You sure it’s not the enchantment layering? If the stabilization charm is overriding the circuitry’s balance—”
“Tried isolating it,” Ekko interrupted. “Didn’t work. The charm works fine on its own. The tech works fine on its own. But the second they’re together—” He gestured vaguely, frustration evident in the sharpness of his movements. “Boom. Total instability.”
Powder frowned in thought, fingers drumming absently against the workbench. “And you tried adjusting the magical frequency?”
“Yeah. It helped a little, but as soon as the board’s in motion, the Hogwarts barrier messes with it again.”
Powder paused, muttering to herself as she scribbled down something in Ekko’s notebook. Her fingers moved quickly, making subtle adjustments to the hoverboard’s components, switching out wires, and altering the charms in small but deliberate ways. She was focused, a soft hum of concentration escaping her lips as she worked.
Ekko didn’t interrupt, watching curiously from the other workbench. Powder adjusted a few more pieces and muttered another quiet note to herself, and for the first time, the thruster flickered. The lights inside the mechanism blinked on—dim, but alive.
Ekko walked over, his brow furrowing as he watched the lights pulse faintly in the thruster, responding to the magic. “Wait, what did you—” he started to ask.
Powder didn’t answer, too absorbed in her work. She continued moving parts, adjusting the magic that enveloped the Muggle tech, her fingers flying from one part to the next.
Ekko glanced at the notes she had written, his gaze quickly scanning the jotted-down sequence of sketches and diagrams. It didn’t take long for him to connect the dots. His eyes widened as he realized what she’d done—how she had bridged the gap between the Muggle tech and the Hogwarts barrier magic.
He let out a breathless laugh. “No way… you actually did it.”
The thruster flickered again, the lights growing a little brighter, but still not stable. It was a start, but there was still work to be done. The tech responded to the magic, yes, but it wasn’t fully functional yet.
“You were really close.” She paused, fingers moving more delicately now as she adjusted a tiny wire. “But I spotted where the last bits of magical interference were messing with the circuits. You had everything else perfect. I just had to tweak this one part."
Ekko stared at her for a beat, then let out a breathless chuckle, shaking his head. “You know,” he said, a grin creeping onto his face, “sometimes I forget you’re actually a genius.”
Powder blinked, caught off guard. “I—” She started to say something, but her brain short-circuited. Instead, she let out a breathy laugh, rubbing the back of her neck as she looked away. “Well, uh… yeah. Obviously.”
Ekko’s grin lingered for only a second before something clicked in his mind. His fingers, still resting against the edge of the board, tensed. “Wait.”
Powder, still trying to recover from her own flustered moment, blinked at him. “What?”
Ekko pointed to the equation Powder had written in the corner of his notes, his expression turning serious. “This... this is the solution. You’ve found the key to getting Muggle tech to work inside the barrier. This”—he tapped the diagram—“is why it’s working now.”
Powder’s gaze followed his finger to the equation. Her face shifted, the realization hitting her as well.
“It won’t hold outside the barrier, will it?”
“No. Without the barrier interference, the tech would stop responding.”
They both stood there for a moment, admiring the work they’d done, the pulse of the thruster a sign of their success—albeit an incomplete one. The lights were on, but the project was far from finished.
Ekko let out a breath, a mix of admiration and frustration in his voice. “It’s a start, though. A Hogwarts-only solution.”
Powder nodded, her fingers resting gently on the board, as if she were weighing the potential of what they’d created. “Yeah… a Hogwarts-only solution.”
Ekko stepped back, his gaze flicking over the hoverboard. "Alright, while you were busy changing the face of magical engineering, I’ve fixed the housing calibration on your project."
Powder softly pushed his shoulder, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Thanks, Little Man! Now I can finally move onto the magical part."
The loud ring of the bell echoed through the workshop, signaling the end of the class. Both Powder and Ekko glanced up, their hands still hovering over their respective projects. Ekko let out a sigh, stretching his arms over his head. “Where you off to next?”
"Herbology," Powder said with a slight groan, rolling her eyes. "Bet you’re jealous."
Ekko chuckled. "Nah, History of Magic sounds like my kind of thrill. Old dusty scrolls and... more old dusty scrolls."
"Better than dealing with plants that try to bite you," Powder teased.
Powder’s eyes went wide as she spotted Lux at the far end of the corridor. A sudden surge of panic shot through her, and before Ekko could register what was happening, she grabbed his sleeve and yanked him into the alcove. In a swift motion, she pressed them both against the wall, her hand quickly covering Ekko’s mouth to keep him quiet.
“Shh!” she hissed, her breath shallow as she flattened herself against him.
Ekko’s eyes went wide, his heart thudding in his chest as they were pressed so close together. He could feel her hand over his mouth, the warmth of her against his body. Powder was tense, her eyes flicking between him and the hallway, hoping Lux wouldn’t spot them.
"Please don’t see us," Powder muttered, her voice barely audible.
Ekko remained still, blinking at her in surprise, but understanding the urgency of the situation. He gave a slight nod, his expression both amused and slightly flustered.
Powder’s brain caught up a second too late.
Her hand was still firmly over Ekko’s mouth. Their bodies were pressed together, barely any space between them. His eyes, wide with surprise, flickered with something unreadable. And worst of all—she could feel how warm he was, could hear the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm.
Her face instantly burned.
“Oh,” she squeaked, her voice coming out embarrassingly high-pitched.
Ekko raised an eyebrow, and she realized she was still holding him there, her fingers practically smushing his lips. With a panicked jolt, she yanked her hand away, stepping back so fast she nearly tripped over her own feet.
“I—I wasn’t thinking,” she stammered, rubbing the back of her neck furiously. “I just—saw Lux and—didn’t want to deal with—um—yeah.”
Ekko coughed, shifting awkwardly as he ran a hand over his curls. He looked anywhere but at her, suddenly just as flustered. “Yeah, no, totally. Makes sense. Good hiding instincts.”
A beat of silence.
Then, at the same time—
“Forget this happened,” Powder blurted.
“Never speaking of this again,” Ekko said.
They both nodded in firm agreement before quickly stepping out of the alcove, walking a little too fast in opposite directions.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the school, the Forbidden Forest stood in eerie stillness, the brittle hush of late autumn settling between the trees. The morning light barely cut through the thick canopy, leaving the ground dappled in shifting shadows. A damp, earthy scent hung in the air, mingling with something faintly electric.
Students gathered near a reinforced enclosure at the forest’s edge, their usual chatter subdued. A shimmer of magic crackled across the air, woven into the barriers surrounding the habitat. The barrier, opaque and misty, obscured whatever lay within, creating a thick, foggy veil that only hinted at the movement beyond. The closer they stepped, the more the tension in their shoulders eased, an almost imperceptible calm settling over them. From within, something massive shifted. A low, guttural sound rolled through the morning stillness—less a threat, more a presence.
Professor Benzo stood before the barrier, his back to the enclosure as he surveyed the students. His weathered coat bore faint scorch marks, clawed seams hastily mended. With a small nod, he began.
“Well?” he asked, surveying the students. “What do you notice?”
A few students shifted, glancing at the glowing shimmer in front of them. A Ravenclaw was the first to speak. “The magic—it’s not just keeping something in. It’s doing something to it.”
Benzo nodded. “Good. What else?”
A Slytherin girl crossed her arms. “Whatever’s inside must be strong enough to require reinforcement, but not trying to get out.”
Claggor frowned. “So… it’s dangerous, but only if provoked?”
Benzo grinned. “You’re getting there. Now, tell me—what kind of creature would need this level of containment and, more importantly, why would I bother making sure it stays calm?”
There was a murmur among the group. Mylo hesitated before offering, “Something territorial?”
Benzo snapped his fingers. “Exactly. And?”
The pause stretched as students glanced at each other, thinking. Then, a Gryffindor boy’s face lit up with realization. “Wait—territorial, powerful, and dangerous when provoked… Are we dealing with a Nundu?”
Benzo raises a brow, unimpressed. "If there were a Nundu in this enclosure, we’d all be long dead. Try again, focus on our surroundings!"
The air smelled of damp earth and crisp leaves, but the area near the enclosure was different—rocky and uneven, with loose gravel crunching underfoot. Large boulders jutted from the ground, some worn smooth as if from years of weathering or something even heavier passing over them.
Mylo glanced down, scuffing his boot against the gravel. “Well… the terrain’s odd, isn’t it? It’s all rocky instead of the usual forest floor.”
Caitlyn’s eyes sharpened. “Rocky terrain… territorial, powerful… wait.” She straightened. “Graphorns?”
Benzo pointed at Caitlyn. “Bingo! Ten points to Ravenclaw.”
With a quick flick of his wand, the barrier shimmered, its foggy surface fading to transparency, revealing the massive, hulking creatures inside. The Graphorns stood still, their greyish-purple hides rippling as the light shifted. The students gasped as they took in the sheer size and power of the creatures—huge, with tusks curving upward like ancient tree roots, their dark eyes glaring through the misty air.
Benzo watched the reactions, satisfied with the effect, before speaking. “Alright, now that we’ve identified our creature, let’s dive a little deeper. Why do you think the Graphorn has such a thick hide?” He gestured to the massive creatures inside the enclosure.
A few students exchanged glances, considering the question. Finally, Mylo raised his hand. “It’s probably to protect them from predators?”
“Close,” Benzo said, giving him a nod. “Graphorns live in rocky, mountainous terrains, where they face not just predators but also harsh weather and rugged conditions. Their hide is tough enough to withstand all of that—protecting them from rough terrain, extreme weather, and, yes, predators. Now, looking at those tusks—what do we think they’re used for?”
Caitlyn spoke up. “They’re clearly huge, so they might use them for defense or fighting other creatures. But they could also help with foraging or digging?”
Benzo gave her an approving look. “Nice thinking. Those tusks serve multiple purposes. They help them in territorial disputes, but also allow them to dig through rocky terrain for food. Speaking of which, look at those four-thumbed feet. Why might they have evolved that way?”
A Ravenclaw boy, after a moment of thought, answered, “They help them grip the rocky surfaces better—more stability in climbing or navigating tough terrain.”
“Exactly,” Benzo said. “Graphorns are built for their environment. Those extra thumbs give them incredible grip, making them better suited to climb the rocky cliffs they call home. Now, let’s look at those tentacles around their mouths. What’s the deal with those?”
The students looked a little confused, and a Gryffindor raised her hand. “They help them breathe or sense things around them?”
Benzo chuckled softly. “Good guess, but not quite. Those tentacles aren’t for sensing or breathing. They’re actually used for social interaction—kind of like a tactile expression. Graphorns don’t show affection in the typical way, but with those tentacles, they can gently touch or even nudge each other, sometimes even humans. It’s a sign of curiosity, or—if you’re lucky—trust.”
The class fell into silence for a moment as the students processed this. Benzo’s eyes twinkled as he spoke again. “Now, considering all these traits—powerful hide, massive tusks, strong feet, and those tentacles—what does that tell you about their temperament?”
Vi boy raised her hand. “They’re definitely not going to back down from a fight. They’ve got the strength and the tools to stand their ground.”
“Exactly,” Benzo agreed. “Graphorns are naturally wary and territorial. Their physical traits are all designed to protect themselves and their domain. If you get too close, you’re not going to be friends. But, and this is the key part—how does this affect how we interact with them as wizards?”
Caitlyn thought for a moment. “They’re not going to be easily controlled by magic. You’d need more than just spells to subdue them, right?”
Benzo nodded. “Correct. In fact, their hides are spell-resistant, which means charms and hexes won’t work the same way on them. If you want to deal with a Graphorn, it’s not about trying to overpower them with magic. It’s about understanding them and, most importantly, respecting their space.”
He paused, letting the students absorb the information. “Don’t forget—anger makes them stronger. When a Graphorn gets upset, its body glows orange, and its strength increases dramatically. So, while they may seem imposing, they also have the potential for even greater force when provoked.”
There was a collective hush among the students. Benzo glanced around, his eyes scanning the students thoughtfully. “Any questions so far?”
Mylo spoke up, his brow furrowed in thought. “If they’re so powerful, why are they here in enclosures like the other endangered creatures we’ve studied?”
Benzo turned his gaze toward Mylo, his expression thoughtful. "Good question, Mylo. Anyone want to answer?"
He let the question linger, giving the students a moment to think. Finally, Vi raised her hand.
“Part of it is due to their horns,” she began, her voice steady. “They’re highly prized in potion-making, especially as antidotes to uncommon poisons. So obviously, idiots started hunting them to make a buck.”
Benzo nodded, encouraging her to continue.
Vi added, “But it’s not just that. It's not really known why, but for some reason, in the mid-1920s, the population was in serious decline. And at one point, some egotistical wizards tried to tame or capture them and ended up getting killed. So they became feared, and people started killing them on sight.”
A few students exchanged surprised glances. Vi has always had a soft spot for animals, but no one expected her to know that much about these creatures. Mylo’s eyes widened, and even Benzo raised an eyebrow in quiet admiration.
“Exactly, Ten points to Gryffindor.” Benzo’s expression shifted, a trace of somberness in his eyes. “That fear, combined with poaching and habitat destruction, pushed them to the brink. Now, they're protected, but it’s a delicate balance. These enclosures are one of the few ways to ensure their survival.”
Benzo gave the students a moment to absorb the information before continuing. “Now, the key to interacting safely with Graphorns is understanding how to subdue them without causing harm or distress. Over the years, some of us here have worked on developing a spell that does just that.” He paused, making eye contact with the class. “It’s called Serebindus—a calming and immobilizing charm that allows us to safely calm these creatures without causing them undue stress.”
He glanced at the enclosure, where the Graphorns were moving gently, their large forms shifting in the mist. “I need to make one thing clear. Serebindus is not a spell to be used lightly. It’s only a last resort—only if the Graphorn is about to attack or become uncontrollable. These creatures are naturally cautious and territorial, but we’re here to observe and care for them, not subdue them unnecessarily.”
Benzo looked back at the class, his tone serious but steady. “We’ll practice the spell today, but let me make this crystal clear: you’re learning Serebindus not to dominate these creatures, but to protect yourselves and others if things go south. This is not a spell for controlling the Graphorns on a whim. We’re here to observe and respect them. You should only use Serebindus if there’s absolutely no other option—if one of these creatures is about to charge or attack. That’s when this spell is necessary, and only then.”
Benzo demonstrated the Serebindus spell on a practice dummy, which was enchanted to move unpredictably across the forest floor. The dummy darted around, its movements erratic and quick, mimicking a creature that could easily evade capture.
With a steady flick of his wand, Benzo cast the spell. The dummy immediately froze, its body pausing mid-motion as the calming effect of the spell took hold. The class watched as the dummy remained perfectly still, its energy completely subdued without any sign of distress.
He then split the class into smaller groups, each of them taking turns practicing the spell. Benzo moved from one student to the next, offering feedback and guidance. Only once each student had demonstrated a successful use of the spell—calming the dummy without freezing it too rigidly—did he give the signal to move on.
While the students practiced, a few caretakers who had been observing took the opportunity to guide the rest of the class in another essential task. The Graphorns’ meal had to be prepared. Large chunks of meat were laid out on tables, and each piece was carefully weighed and portioned to ensure the creatures received the right amount of food. Students were paired up for this task, measuring the meat precisely, making sure the portions were even and balanced.
Mylo let out an exaggerated sigh, looking down at his uniform, now stained with some of the meat juices. “Ugh, this is disgusting,” he complained, wiping his hands on his robes in a futile attempt to clean them. “Why do we have to do this? This stuff’s going to stink by the end of the lesson.”
Claggor, who was casually working with the meat without so much as a grimace, shot him a grin. “You’re just being dramatic, Mylo. It’s not that bad.” He poked at a chunk of meat with a little too much enthusiasm, sending a splash of blood in Mylo’s direction. “There, now you’re really covered!”
Vi, who had been working beside him, simply shook her head, unfazed by the mess. “This is nothing,” she muttered. “You get used to it after a while.”
Meanwhile, Caitlyn, standing next to Vi, stared down at her piece of meat as though it had personally offended her. She wrinkled her nose and gingerly picked it up with two fingers, as though it might bite her. “Ugh, I think I’m going to be sick,” she muttered, glaring at the chunk of raw flesh in her hand.
Claggor, noticing Caitlyn's disgust, leaned in with a mischievous smile. “What’s wrong, Cait? Don’t tell me you’re squeamish about meat?” He let out a loud, exaggerated sniff of the air. “Smells like a good ol’ roast to me!”
Caitlyn shot him a glare, trying to hide her disgust. “I don’t care how much you pretend to enjoy it. I’m not into this kind of thing.” She held the meat away from her as though it might sprout fangs at any moment.
Claggor chuckled. “You’ll be fine, Cait. Just don’t think about it too much. It’s just part of taking care of the big guys over there.”
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of wrinkling noses, wiping hands on rags, and pretending to enjoy the work, the last chunk of meat was weighed and portioned. Mylo, still grumbling about the state of his uniform, glanced around at the others. Caitlyn was doing her best to not look too disgusted as she carried her portion of the meal, holding it at arm's length.
Benzo called out as he looked over the prepared meals. “Alright, everyone, gather up! Meals are ready, and now it’s time to move into the next phase.” He gestured toward the enclosure, his voice steady. “Remember, keep your distance. We’re here to observe and deliver the food—no sudden movements. Stay calm, and keep your distance.”
The students straightened up, some of them wiping their hands one last time before they were led into the large enclosure. The air inside was thick with a sense of anticipation as they stepped inside, surrounded by the towering, muscular forms of the Graphorns.
Benzo, walking at the front, pointed to each student in turn. “You’ll each place your portions in the designated feeding areas,” he instructed. “The Graphorns are territorial, so we’ll be spreading out, but remember to keep your movements slow. Don’t provoke them. Once you’ve placed the food, step back and return to the enclosed area calmly.”
With the food portions ready, the students began to carefully move toward the designated feeding areas, each one placing the chunks of meat down in the correct spot. There was a certain quiet concentration as they placed the food, ensuring it was set down properly. The Graphorns were gathered at the opposite end of the enclosure, their attention focused elsewhere for the moment, leaving the students relatively alone.
Once the meat was in place, the students retreated quickly, moving back toward the enclosed safe area. Their movements were slow and deliberate, as they kept their distance from the creatures, mindful of the instructions Benzo had given them.
Vi moved effortlessly through the enclosure. Unlike some of her classmates, who were cautious and tentative, she seemed completely at ease. Her hands moved with steady precision, placing the food in its designated spot with quiet confidence.
One of the larger creatures, its greyish-purple hide rippling under the misty light, spotted her. Its dark, curious eyes locked onto hers, and it immediately shifted its attention toward her, moving closer with surprising speed. Vi held her ground as the creature approached, her movements slow and calm, just as Benzo had instructed. The Graphorn’s massive form loomed over her, but she didn’t flinch.
Benzo, watching from the sidelines, furrowed his brow. He hadn’t expected the creature to approach any of the students, let alone so quickly, and certainly not so closely. They weren’t supposed to make contact with the Graphorns just yet, but Vi seemed completely unfazed, her calm demeanor perhaps reassuring the creature. Still, Benzo couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern.
The creature sniffed the air, and to the surprise of the other students, it gently nudged her with its tusks—almost affectionately. Vi smiled faintly, a subtle nod of respect to the creature as she stepped back slowly. The Graphorn, as if satisfied with her presence, turned its attention to the food, munching contentedly.
Benzo let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, silently relieved that the interaction had ended without incident. “Alright, Vi,” Benzo called, a little louder than usual. “Remember, we’re not here to form bonds just yet.”
Vi gave him a small, amused glance as she returned to the group, unruffled by the incident.
As she joined the others, a Gryffindor, who had been watching the whole scene with a raised eyebrow, couldn’t resist teasing her. “Well, look at that, Vi,” he called, shaking his head with a smirk. “First one to get all chummy with the big guys. I guess you’re the Graphorn whisperer now?”
Vi raised an eyebrow, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. “It’s not like I tried,” she replied, shrugging. “It’s just a matter of being calm.”
The rest of the group snickered, and even Benzo allowed himself a brief, knowing smile before raising his hand to call for silence.
“Alright, enough of that,” Benzo said, his tone still firm but with a hint of amusement. “We’re moving on to the next part. Mylo, you’re with me for this one.”
Mylo blinked, clearly surprised. “Wait, what?”
Benzo gestured toward one of the smaller Graphorns standing a little further back, its sharp tusks gleaming under the dim light. “You’re going to help me show the class how to gain the creature’s respect.”
Mylo’s face paled slightly, but he didn’t back down. “Alright, alright,” he muttered. “Just don’t make me get too close.”
Benzo chuckled, though there was a serious edge to his voice. “You’ll be fine. Just stay calm, follow my lead, and don’t make any sudden moves.”
Benzo led Mylo toward the large creature, his pace deliberate but steady. The Graphorn, noticing their approach, immediately perked up, its dark eyes watching them closely. Benzo kept his hand open and steady at his side, making sure Mylo did the same, taking deep breaths to maintain composure.
“Remember,” Benzo said, lowering his voice so only Mylo could hear, “don’t show fear. They’ll sense it immediately.”
The creature sniffed the air as they neared, but it didn’t move, still watching them closely. Benzo stopped a few feet away and raised his hand slowly, palm facing out, allowing the Graphorn to assess him. The creature took a few steps closer, snorting loudly, and Benzo maintained his stance, unmoving, allowing it to get a better scent of him.
After a few moments, the Graphorn stepped closer, testing the air and nudging the ground with its tusks. Benzo slowly dropped his hand to signal Mylo to step forward, though he could tell Mylo was still tense.
“Now, slowly, move your hand toward it,” Benzo instructed quietly. “Let it come to you. Don’t make it feel cornered.”
Mylo hesitated but then did as he was told. His movements were slow, deliberate. The Graphorn sniffed his hand once, then nudged it gently with its tusks, a sign of respect.
Mylo let out a relieved breath and stepped back slowly, as Benzo had shown him. The creature gave a low, rumbling noise, satisfied with the interaction.
“Good,” Benzo said, his voice steady. “That’s how it’s done.”
The rest of the class, watching from the safety of the enclosure, broke into soft applause, and Mylo shot Benzo a look of equal parts surprise and gratitude. “I can’t believe that worked,” he muttered, his usual cockiness replaced by awe.
Benzo gave him a small smile. “You did well. They respect calmness, not aggression.”
The class seemed to relax a little as the tension eased, but Benzo was quick to get them moving again. “Alright, now that you’ve seen it in action, we’ll divide into smaller groups. I want you each to have the opportunity to gain the Graphorns' trust.”
The students exchanged glances, excitement and nervousness flashing across their faces.
“We’ll take you one by one,” Benzo continued. “You’ll work with a couple of caretakers as well. They’ll assist in guiding you through the process, but ultimately, it’s up to you to keep your composure. We’ll be observing and offering advice when needed.”
The class split into smaller groups, each with a caretaker, as they approached the Graphorns. One by one, students stepped forward, keeping calm and steady as they tried to gain the creatures’ trust. Some hesitated, while others moved with confidence, each response met with a varying level of success. Benzo observed quietly, offering subtle guidance and reassurance as needed.
As the students took their turns, the creatures seemed to respond to their steady composure, sniffing hands, nudging gently with tusks, and eventually accepting the students’ presence. The atmosphere shifted from nervousness to quiet pride as the class gained confidence with each interaction.
Benzo glanced at Vi, who had been observing the others with an unreadable expression. He gave her a small nod, silently indicating she could skip this part. The Graphorns seemed to take a liking to her anyway, so she moved toward one of the creatures without hesitation. The creature approached her calmly, its large eyes locking onto hers. Vi stood still, raising her hand, and the Graphorn, sensing her ease, nudged her gently. She smiled and patted its shoulder before stepping back, her connection with the creature as effortless as ever.
As Vi observed her classmates, she noticed Caitlyn hadn’t yet taken her turn. She instead stood stiffly at the edge of the group, eyes flicking nervously from the creature to the others. Her shoulders were tense, and her hands fidgeted, betraying her anxiety.
Benzo glanced over and then gave Vi a subtle nod, signaling for her to help Caitlyn. “Vi, why don’t you take her through it?”
The tension was palpable as Caitlyn stood before the small Graphorn, its gray-purple hide gleaming in the soft light. The creature’s dark eyes flicked back and forth, as if sizing her up, but it didn’t move closer yet. Caitlyn’s body was stiff, hands held tightly together, her breath quick and shallow.
Vi stood a few steps behind her, watching her intently. “Cait,” she said quietly, “just breathe. Remember what we’ve seen—slow, steady movements.”
Caitlyn didn’t respond at first. She was too focused on the creature, her gaze locked on it as if willing it to approach. Her hand twitched at her side.
Vi’s voice remained calm, a steady presence in the growing tension. “Stay calm, Cait,” she advised gently, though she could feel her own nerves tightening.
Caitlyn shot her a quick, sharp look, her jaw set. “Right,” she muttered, taking another step forward, ignoring Vi’s tone.
Vi winced but kept her voice steady. “A little more confident,” she said.
Caitlyn’s shoulders squared, and she took another step, her movements more deliberate, a flicker of determination in her eyes. The Graphorn huffed, its nostrils flaring as it sized her up.
Vi noticed the change in the creature’s body language. “Be a little more submissive,” she urged softly, her voice strained with the pressure of the situation.
“What?!” Caitlyn’s frustration spiked, her eyes flashing. “I’m not going to back down from it!”
“You’re too aggressive,” Vi explained, trying to keep her tone calm.
“I’m not!” Caitlyn snapped, her voice tight with irritation.
The Graphorn’s stance shifted, becoming more wary as it took a half-step back, its ears flattening as it eyed Caitlyn’s every move.
Vi’s worry deepened. “Cait, calm down,” she said quickly. “You need to—”
“I am calm!” Caitlyn snapped, her voice rising with the words. She moved forward again, ignoring the warning signs from both the Graphorn and Vi.
The creature gave a low rumble, its tusks scraping the earth as it took another cautious step back, clearly unsettled.
Vi stepped forward herself, but her gaze remained on Caitlyn, trying to keep her from making another mistake. “Cait, just—”
“Stop!” Caitlyn barked, her voice sharp. “You’re not helping! I can do this!”
The Graphorn let out a loud, aggressive snort, its body fully braced for a confrontation. Its tusks gleamed as it began to stamp its feet, clearly agitated.
Vi’s heart raced. “Caitlyn—”
But before Vi could finish, the creature let out a threatening growl, its eyes flashing with anger. The Graphorn's belly began to glow an ominous orange, the light flickering like a warning in the dim enclosure. Its tusks were now fully bared, and the creature’s posture shifted, its muscles tensing in preparation for an attack.
Caitlyn froze, her eyes wide with panic. She couldn’t move, paralyzed by the creature’s furious gaze and the sudden rush of adrenaline.
The Graphorn’s massive body surged forward, its tusks gleaming, preparing to charge. Vi’s heart pounded in her chest. Without a second thought, she moved swiftly, stepping directly in the creature’s path. She placed a hand on Caitlyn’s shoulder, pushing her back gently but firmly, her voice calm but commanding.
“Cait, move back. Now.”
Caitlyn stumbled back, still frozen, her breath shallow and erratic. Benzo’s voice rang out sharply, cutting through the tension. "Move! Both of you, get out of the way!"
The Graphorn took another step, its eyes now locked on Vi, its body tense and ready to charge. Vi’s heart raced, but she didn’t flinch. She raised her hands slowly, speaking in a calm, low voice as she tried to reach the creature. “Easy, easy... It’s okay, we’re not a threat...”
The creature let out a deep growl, the orange glow in its belly growing brighter as it barreled forward. Vi took a step closer, her voice steady but filled with urgency, “You don’t need to do this. We’re not here to hurt you.”
But in the blink of an eye, the creature lunged.
Its tusk hit her side with brutal force, a sharp pain radiating through her ribs. Vi's breath caught, the impact knocking the air from her lungs, sending her crashing to the ground. A sickening pop echoed in her ears as her shoulder was violently dislocated. She lay there for a moment, the pain in her side and shoulder overwhelming as she clenched her jaw, trying not to scream.
The Graphorn staggered as Benzo’s calming Serebindus hit, the air around them shimmering, pulling the creature’s fury away. It swayed slightly but did not advance. Vi tried to push herself up, but her dislocated shoulder sent a fresh wave of pain crashing through her body. She hissed through clenched teeth, her free arm trembling as she struggled to sit up.
Benzo’s eyes were on her now, concern flickering in his expression. “Vi, are you alright?”
Vi’s head spun, but she forced herself to look up at him, trying to mask her discomfort. “I’m fine,” she muttered, her voice strained, though the words were barely above a whisper. “Just... just a scratch.”
“Alright, that’s enough for today, everyone out!” Benzo’s voice rang through the enclosure, though his gaze remained locked on Vi as he watched her struggle to push herself up. The students started to leave, but Mylo and Claggor stayed put.
Claggor stepped forward without hesitation, his hands gently but firmly reaching down to lift Vi, careful not to jostle her injured side. Despite her obvious pain, she didn’t protest, instead focusing on keeping her breathing steady. He calmly carried her toward the enclosed safety area, though his eyes betrayed his concern.
“Easy,” Claggor murmured, his voice low. He carefully lowered her onto the nearest bench in the safe zone, making sure she was settled before stepping back.
Meanwhile, Mylo turned to Caitlyn, who was still rooted in place, her face pale with shock. “Cait, come on, we need to move,” he urged but she barely seemed to register him, her eyes distant. He moved closer, taking a firm grip on her arm to guide her. “Cait, come on, breathe. Let’s get you somewhere safe.” Finally, after a few more moments of hesitation, Caitlyn blinked and nodded, her feet sluggishly following Mylo’s lead as he walked her toward the others.
Once the group was safely settled in the enclosure, Benzo finally joined them. He finished calming the last of the restless Graphorns with a few quiet words and a careful flick of his wand, the creatures’ tension easing under his magic. He moved over to Vi, his brow furrowed as he assessed her condition, looking at her shoulder with a critical eye.
“Vi, let’s see how bad it is,” he said softly, crouching in front of her. His hands were gentle but firm as he checked her dislocated shoulder. She winced at the touch, but didn’t flinch away. Her jaw was set, though her face was pale with pain.
“Can you stand?” Benzo asked after a moment, his voice calm, though concern flickered in his gaze.
Vi shook her head slowly, her expression strained as she tried to push herself up but winced in pain, unable to bear weight on her injured side. “No... I can’t...” she murmured, her voice tight with discomfort.
Benzo’s eyes narrowed, and he stood, looking at Mylo and Claggor. “Go get the school medic,” he instructed them firmly. “Quickly.”
The brothers nodded without hesitation, Mylo giving a quick glance at Vi before both of them hurried off to find help. Benzo knelt beside her once more, his gaze softening just slightly as he noticed the pain still evident in her features. “I’m going to get some supplies to help,” he said, his voice steady but with an underlying urgency. “I’ll be back soon, don’t move.”
Vi nodded, though the motion was slight, and she didn’t try to move. She focused on keeping her breathing steady, her eyes trained on the floor as she tried to manage the throbbing pain in her shoulder and side. Her gaze slowly shifted to Caitlyn, who was standing a few feet away. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with lingering shock, and the tension radiating off her was unmistakable. Caitlyn's posture was rigid, her arms folded tightly across her chest, and she seemed lost in thought, trying to process what had just happened.
Vi spoke, her voice hoarse but gentle. “Cait... you okay?”
Caitlyn’s frustration bubbled over, her face flushed with anger as she glared at Vi.
“You were offering advice when you should’ve just let me handle it!” she spat, her voice sharp. “You think you can just fix everything with your words, but that’s not how it works!” She took a step closer, shaking her head as she let out a breath, her emotions spilling out faster than she could control.
“And then—then you went and stepped right in front of the creature like some kind of hero! You put yourself in harm’s way for me, Vi! What were you thinking?!” Her voice cracked slightly, but she quickly steadied herself, not wanting to appear weak.
Vi’s jaw tightened, the weight of Cait’s words hitting her harder than she expected. “Are you serious right now?” she snapped, her voice low but filled with fierce emotion. “You think I did that for some heroic reason? I did it because you were frozen, Cait! You weren’t moving, and the creature was about to charge, and I wasn’t about to let you get hurt! You weren’t even—” She cut herself off, frustration bubbling over. “I had to do something!”
Caitlyn’s face flushed with frustration. “And that’s what you always do! You’re reckless, Vi! You just jump into things without thinking! You think you’re some sort of hero, but you’re not! You—”
Vi’s lips curled into a mocking smile, the words escaping before she could stop them. “Oh, I see. My bad. I should’ve just stood there and let you handle it. How about instead of all this? Maybe you could’ve said, ‘Oh, Vi, I’m so sorry I put you in that situation!’” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Not a damn lecture.”
Cait’s eyes flashed with hurt, but her anger still pushed through. “I don’t need you to lecture me either, Vi! You’re the one who can’t keep your damn impulses in check!”
“And you're too egotistical to accept advice!”
“I didn’t need your advice, Vi! I knew what I was doing!”
“Clearly not! You know what, you’re right!” Vi’s eyes blazed, frustration and hurt mixing together like fire and ice. “I should’ve known better, I shouldn’t have let myself get hurt for you. You’re not worth it.”
The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, each syllable sinking deep into Caitlyn’s chest. Her breath caught in her throat, her face going pale as the sting of Vi’s words hit harder than she expected.
“Excuse me?” Cait’s voice cracked, but her anger only flared brighter. “What did you just say?”
Vi’s gaze was unwavering, her chest rising and falling with every sharp breath. “I said you’re not worth it, Kiramman” she repeated, her voice cold. “I risked my life to protect you and this is how you react. I should’ve just let you deal with it.”
'“Vi—” Caitlyn started, her voice quieter now, the anger flickering with something else—something unsure.
Vi shook her head, jaw clenched, her entire body taut with frustration. “Just leave me alone.”
For a moment, Caitlyn just stood there, jaw tight, hands curled into fists at her sides. She looked like she wanted to say something—maybe fight back, maybe take it back—but instead, she took a single step back, her face carefully blank.
Then, before either of them could push the argument any further, Benzo reappeared.
His sharp gaze flicked between them, taking in the thick tension in the air. He didn’t say anything, but the weight of his stare was enough to make Vi look away.
Caitlyn exhaled sharply, then turned on her heel and moved to the other side of the room, as far from Vi as she could get without actually leaving. She dropped onto a bench, arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
Benzo frowned but didn’t press. Instead, he handed Vi a small bottle. “Drink,” he ordered, his voice gruff but not unkind. “You need the sugar.”
Vi hesitated but took it, swallowing thickly.
The tense silence was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps. The door swung open, and Tobias Kiramman strode in, his expression sharp with focus. Mylo and Claggor trailed behind him, looking between Vi and Caitlyn, clearly sensing something had happened.
Tobias barely spared a glance at his daughter before his attention landed on Vi. “Benzo filled me in,” he said briskly, already rolling up his sleeves. “Let’s see how bad you managed to mess yourself up this time.”
Vi huffed but didn’t resist as he knelt beside her, fingers expertly prodding at her injured shoulder. A sharp jolt of pain shot through her, and she sucked in a breath.
“Mm-hmm,” Tobias murmured, his brows furrowing. “Dislocated. You’ll need a proper healing spell, but first…” He gave her a warning look. “This is going to hurt.”
Vi barely had time to process that before he moved. With a quick, practiced motion, he reset her shoulder. A sharp, involuntary grunt escaped her, but she bit down on anything more, her fingers digging into the bench beneath her.
“Good,” Tobias said, as if she hadn’t just had her shoulder shoved back into place. He pulled out his wand and cast a steadying spell, his magic working to ease the worst of the pain.
Vi let out a shaky breath, nodding. Tobias stood, finally looking toward Caitlyn. “You alright?” he asked her, his tone softer but still professional.
Caitlyn’s jaw tensed. “Fine,” she said shortly.
Tobias exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. “Violet needs proper care. I’m taking her to the medical wing.”
Vi scowled. “I’m fine—”
“No, you’re not,” Tobias cut in, leveling her with a firm look. “And I’m not about to let you stumble around half-conscious because you’re too stubborn to take a break.”
Before Vi could protest further, Claggor stepped forward. “I got her.” Without waiting for permission, he crouched and carefully lifted Vi into his arms.
“Claggor—” Vi started, but he shot her a look.
“Don’t even try it, Vi,” he muttered. “Just let us help you for once.”
Vi huffed but didn’t fight it, her body too drained to make much of an argument anyway. Claggor adjusted his grip, making sure she was secure before glancing at Tobias for the go-ahead.
“Let’s move,” Tobias said, already turning toward the door. Mylo and Claggor followed, the latter carrying Vi with ease.
Benzo waited until the others had left before turning to Caitlyn, his expression dark with disapproval.
“What the hell happened in there, Kiramman?”
Caitlyn stiffened. “I had it under control.”
Benzo let out a humorless laugh. “Yeah? Sure looked like it.” His eyes narrowed. “You think I don’t know how these things go? You hesitated, and Vi had to throw herself in the way to keep you from getting torn apart.” He shook his head. “That girl nearly got herself killed for you.”
Caitlyn’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. “I didn’t ask her to.”
Benzo scoffed. “Doesn’t matter. She did it anyway. And now she’s being carried off half-conscious while you’re standing here acting like this is nothing.” He studied her, his voice leveling out but losing none of its weight. “You’re better than that, Kiramman.”
Caitlyn swallowed hard, her jaw tight. She didn’t say anything, just kept her gaze locked somewhere past Benzo’s shoulder.
Benzo sighed, rubbing a hand down his face before fixing Caitlyn with a stern look. “Don’t let this happen again,” he said, his voice edged with disappointment. “You’ve got detention, Kiramman. You’ll be helping with the Graphorns' care for the next two weeks.”
Caitlyn’s jaw clenched, but she didn’t argue. She just gave a stiff nod, her hands tightening into fists at her sides.
Benzo didn’t wait for a response. “Be here first thing tomorrow morning,” he added before turning away, leaving Caitlyn stewing in the corner.