Wiggin Academy and the Forbidden Curse

Professor Grimaldi’s heeled boots echoed through the silent stone halls, after she made sure with all the Prefects that every student was in their proper places, at the proper time- except for Mako Hawthorne of course. She couldn’t help but feel bad for the little girl who was probably feeling so lost and confused, and who wouldn’t be without any of their kin’s support; in spite of that, the Professor didn’t see an ounce of fear in her deep azure eyes. Professor Grimaldi remembered Mako’s parents; Henry Hawthorne was an exceptional Fire user and proved his worth by becoming the youngest Minister, and his wife, Vivian Hawthorne was the first to ever give birth to a Black smoke user. They both made history.

Her pale hand lifted into the air facing mighty black doors- that had a star engraved onto it with an elaborate ‘W’ placed in the center for the last name the brothers shared, speaking of brothers, she briefly considered if John Wiggin would be teaching this year since a Black smoke student was here after such a long time.

“Nola Dwain,” Professor Grimaldi whispered the ancient enchantment and the old doors craned opened- like they always do.

She entered the Headmaster’s office, easily finding him behind his table flipping through an old log book with silver square glasses resting on his straight nose. They didn’t suit his dangerously massive body that was trained to be a warrior, but even though she had told him multiple times, he hadn’t stopped wearing them; so, she just gave up.

“What brings you here, Professor?” His grey eyes lifted from his book to greet her.

“Mako Hawthorne will be residing in the Water user’s dormitory,” she informed.

He surprisingly closed his book and placed it neatly on his cluttered table. “I know, Bard had already told me,” he said. “So, I had her stuff moved there”- Professor Grimaldi was proved once again how quick the Headmaster was- “what is she like?” he asked her.

“She’s a nice kid, quiet but has spirit,” Professor Grimaldi answered.

Caden laced his fingers together on the table and an image of Mako appeared in front of his eyes, she had been watching him throughout the entire assembly and not like how the other students were, her eyes were; observant, focused like she was absorbing every single word of his.

“Professor,” Professor Grimaldi called out.

“Hmm.”

“It’s been 12 years since the massacre of LakeTwon,” she reminded Caden of the most horrific day in history for all the people in the Alchemy Society. “We haven’t taught a Black smoke student since then.”

“What are you getting at Professor?” He asked.

Her dark brows knighted firmly together. “Don’t you think it’s odd we haven’t had a Black smoke student since then?” she questioned. “And suddenly the Hawthorne’s first born arrives, you don’t think that’s just chance, do you?” She threw him a puzzled look he was quite familiar with.

His brow arched just slightly. “You know I don’t believe in chance, Professor,” he said with a small grin. “Like I said before, Mako is no ordinary child.”

“But-”

“We have the honour of seeing her grow,” he interrupted the teacher who was growing more tense. “Your job is to guide the students in the right direction, not to pass judgement.” He pulled his glasses off and rubbed his eyes.

“Professor, if you don’t mind me asking-” his grey eyes lifted to meet hers. “Will your brother be joining us this year?”

“Perceptive as always,” Professor Caden mumbled. “Yes, he should have been here by now but he’s late, again”- his fingers began tapping irritably on the arm of the chair- “Some things never change,” he said before letting out a long weary sigh. “well, I’m heading to bed, goodnight Professor.” He waved off while climbing the steps right next to his desk, disappearing from the intense gaze of those violet eyes.

“Goodnight, Professor.” Professor Grimaldi bowed stiffly and returned to her chambers for her first-class tomorrow.