Two days later, and every Drago still cheered for Rose whenever and wherever they caught a sight of her. As much as she appreciated the attention, she also found it quite pathetic.
She'd seen this exact routine for the past five years, ever since she started playing for their Flag team and winning the House Cup. The same girls who used to whisper behind her back, and spread the most vicious rumors like how "she was the easiest witch to take to the dungeon room", now smiled at her like they'd grown up together.
The boys weren't any better. Many of them had who graffitied cruel things next to her photo in the Common room using unwashable ink, not even by spell, those same boys now suddenly wanted her autograph on their brooms and pretended they'd always supported her.
It was exhausting. She preferred it when they hated her out loud. At least that was honest.
"They don't do this to the boys," Rose muttered under her breath.
"What?" Angela asked, digging through her satchel.
"Jammy knocked out two defenders in last month's match. Everyone treats him like he fought in a war. He lost yesterday and they still gave him a standing ovation."
Angela glanced at her. "And?"
"And when I win, they still hate me inside their wretched hearts." Rose snapped. "Is it just because I'm not a guy?"
"Maybe," Angela said, shrugging. "Or maybe it's because you never talk to them or that you always act like you're above them."
Rose's jaw tensed. "So what if I do? You think if Jammy acted the same way, they'd hate him this much? No. They'd probably give him a crown."
"You're not wrong," Angela said. "But that doesn't mean you couldn't be a little easier to like."
Julie chimed in, "I mean, how many guys have asked you to the Finals Ball?"
Rose turned. "Some…"
Julie raised an eyebrow. "Girl, please. Besides those insufferable jerks from Lumos House; who, for the record, hate you and just want to say they 'bedded Rose Fontaine'. Who else?"
Rose didn't answer.
"Exactly," Julie said. "You terrify them."
Angela leaned forward. "Like last week, when you kicked Javi across the hall. You could've helped him get up."
That stung more than Rose let on. She looked away. They didn't know everything. If they knew my mother, she thought, they'd think I'm made of sunshine.
"I'm sorry, alright," Julie said softly. "But we're telling you this because we love you. We know you are kind. Let someone else see it too."
Rose hated this kind of talk. She hated that being "seen" as a good person required performance.
"I—" she began, but the classroom shutters clacked shut and the doors sealed with a low magical hum.
Footsteps echoed softly over stone. Professor Sheila entered with her usual grace. Her long violet scarf shimmered faintly, and the gem-stitched embroidery caught the glow of the classroom lanterns. The air shifted as she walked, calm, quiet and composed.
Rose sat straighter, the drama of earlier momentarily forgotten. She had been looking forward to this class for weeks.
"Welcome," Professor Sheila said, smiling warmly. "These are the long-rumored lessons of Veil and Void. You've likely heard whispers from older students but no details. That's because only graduating witches and wizards are permitted to attend."
She scanned the room. "Do you know why?"
No one spoke.
"Because underage minds aren't ready for this knowledge. And most of your classmates aren't either. But you are." she said taking a pause "You've earned your place here. Every one of you signed the tongue-lock charm. And you'll find out the hard way If you try to speak of what you are told in this class. You will loose the ability to speak for a while. That's how seriously we take it."
A few students murmured in disgust.
"But something urgent has come up. So we'll discuss something else today." Sheila continued, her tone shifting.
"Professor Sidharta has been appointed Moderator for the International Dueling Finals. He won't be returning which means that means he can't speak to you about the tournament anymore."
She smiled slightly. "So, I will because I believe in fair duels, but not for vanity. Since you're all bound by secrecy now, I think I can share some details. Because more than a few schools will be watching our School Finals and you won't be able to watch theirs. So, our Champion will need a scouting report."
The room fell silent. Even the enchanted ceiling dimmed slightly.
"Six schools. Six kingdoms. Each sends one champion to Yawana, that much you know I hope." she said, waving her wand.
Six glowing sigils appeared, floating in a ring above her desk, each one distinct and softly pulsing.
"You'll recognize some of these."
She pointed to the first.
"From Thirvane: Vivranian Crystal Academy. Experts in alchemical forging. Their champion will manipulate exotic elements which will be dangerous and unpredictable."
She flicked to the second sigil.
"From Maizar: Ashen Forge. They train their casters like weapon smiths. Expect rune-craft, blades, molten sigils. Review every defensive spell you know."
A third shimmered into view.
"Larasa Light will send a frostcrafter. Mastery of elemental channels. Sharpen your counterbindings."
Then came the fourth.
"Averan, desert kingdom. Sunspear Collegium. Illusion and misdirection will be their strength. Trust your instincts."
Fifth:
"Velmoor presents candidates from the Umbral Sanctum. Shadowstep magic. Concealment. Vanishing in combat."
And finally, the sixth crest glowed like a constellation.
"Merios, the Old Kingdom of Stars, Stellanova Conservatory. They are the best at Magical Duels. It's as simple as that. You'll need some tricks of your own ingenuity if you need to best them."
Rose furrowed her brow. This was more a warning sign than a scouting report.
Professor Sheila folded her hands. "This year, the champions are the Six Princes and Princesses of the Six Kingdoms. Some are older than you. Some younger. All are prodigies. Powerful. Dangerous."
Rose heard her own gasp before anyone else's.
"I know you've heard rumors. That these prince and princesses have Old Blood. That they're children of some lost magic. It's not true. They're just students, like you. They will be just as nervous and will have their own weaknesses. Don't forget that."
Rose bit her lip. She wasn't so sure. She had seen the Raya of Eldrin once. He definitely looked like Old Blood.
"Any doubts?" Sheila asked.
A lazy voice called from the back, "Who's the best among them?"
Professor Sheila turned. Rose turned too and saw him. A boy with long black hair that curled at the ends. His face looked like it belonged in one of the old Ministry portraits.
"Stellanova, from what I've heard," the professor said.
"Should be fun," the boy said, smirking. "Watching them duel."
Rose narrowed her eyes. She remembered him now.
"How did he end up in this class?" she muttered.
Julie whispered, "He's the one who left you in the forest, isn't he?"
"Coward." Rose muttered under her breath. She remembered quite well the day Ved had left her alone in the forest, when a two headed centaur had walked out and Ved had run away and never looked back.
She had barely made it out of the forest, bruised and freezing all thanks to the groundskeeper who had found her in time.
"He's just behind you in grades." Julie whispered and showed her the school rankings. Rose could not believe it that coward was the one behind her.
"Next week, we begin the First Veil. Until then, practice!"
Rose remained behind as the rest of the group filtered out. She walked to the floating sigils and stared at the glowing crest of Stellanova. The sigil above her, beat steadily like a second heart. A reminder of where she could've gone.
What she had refused out of her hatred for her mother.
Rose raised her chin and vowed to beat the prince of stars as proof to her mother that she had been right to refuse.