20.

  Professors Malsauve and Marcus sat at a table on either side of Headmaster Toris. Professor Marcus began the proceedings, “Let the record state, this is an official debriefing, not a disciplinary hearing,” he said, looking at the six students before him, “That said though, actions taken tonight were not in the best interest of the academy, and proper punishment will be determined by the end of this debriefing,” he said.

  Tav stood forward, “If I could say something, professors, my classmates were no part of this action, this was all me. The Demon, for some reason I don’t understand, attempted to apprehend me, the others acted in the best interests of the mortals present, and since this was my fault, I should be the only one to blame,” She said, holding her chin high.

  “That’s not true,” Cole stepped forward, “I used sorcery in a public setting, and I exposed sorcery to mortals, if anyone is getting disciplined it’s me,” Cole said.

  Professor Malsauve spoke up, “We have already dispatched agents to the club, using persuasive sorcery, we convinced them that this was the action of a terrorist with a suicide bomb that malfunctioned resulting in only himself exploding,”

  “People believe that?” Benny asked, genuinely curious.

  “They believe it enough, after some sorcery,” Gregor said.

  Professor Marcus spoke up, “Using Sorcery in public, unapproved, and without even knowing that regents were in your possession off school grounds is a violation of academy policy and should be met with suspension of at least two weeks, and a reflection on your grades for the end of the term,” he said.

  “Sir, the Demon Blood, the regent was mine, I’m the one who had it off school ground,” Gregor stepped forward, “If I am to be disciplined, I accept without dispute,” he said.

  “No, it’s not Gregor’s fault, I used sorcery, if you’re punishing anyone, you’re punishing me,” Cole said.

  “Willow, Benny, and Eliza had nothing to do with any of this, you should dismiss them right now, and while you’re at it dismiss Cole and Gregor, this was my fault,” Tav said.

  “No, that’s crazy, I’m not letting you take the brunt of this alone,” Cole said, “Gregor’s lying, it was my blood, I just had him hold it for me, punish me,” Cole said.

  “Enough,” Headmaster Toris said.

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  Gregor bowed his head, “Sir if we could just explain what happened you will find that we-”

  “I said enough!” Toris bashed his cane against the ground. “From what I can see, a demon attacked you in open society, such a bold action by a demon is rare, there was no way you could have ever been prepared for such a brazen attack, yet you,” he looked to Cole, “You acted quickly, used resources available to you, and you disposed of a demon, and without your weapon at that, your actions, while reckless, are commendable,” he said.

  Marcus turned to the headmaster, “Sir, but they had regents outside academy grounds, to let a student commit such an act unpunished-”

  “How many students buy regents at the market, for all we know they could have gotten the blood from a trader while they were out,” he turned to Gregor.

  “Yes, we have been visiting the market for various regents and accouterments,” Gregor said, gulping at the idea that he was lying with what seemed like full permission from the Headmaster of the Academy.

  “I understand you only acted in the best interest of your classmates, and mortals present,” he said.

  “Sir, if students hear that such an action went unpunished-” Marcus was cut off by Toris raising his hand.

  “Then punishment I see fit is a three-day confinement for Mr. Longdren and Ms. Cosgrove, you are not to leave your dorms, attend classes, or go to the surface for the next three days, Mr. Munchouse, you will be serving a confinement of one day, Mr. Paterellis Ms. Saffre, and Ms. Kirkland, consider this a disciplinary warning, your next infraction will carry forward punishment for this action as well with it,” he said, “That is my ruling,” he said, sitting back down.

  “A fair punishment, thank you, Headmaster,” Gregor said.

  “Okay,” Tav nodded, “I agree,” she turned to Cole.

  Cole gave Tav a smile, “I guess I could use the time to study, and I’ll have to brush up on sorcery, I have a lot of questions about how it works after actually using it in the field,” he said.

  “Thank you,” Benny said, followed by thanks and bows from Eliza and Willow.

  “Dismissed, to your dorms,” Toris said.

  “The Headmaster has made his decision, stay out of trouble,” Professor Marcus said.

  “Do take your confinement as an opportunity to brush up on studies,” Professor Malsauve said, “I’ll be expecting you to pay very close attention next time you’re in my class,” she said.

  “Yes ma’am,” the six said in unison as they left.

  Benny, Gregor, Willow, and Eliza made their way back to the dorms, and Tav came up next to Cole, “I’m so sorry, I have no idea what that demon was about, what he was after, he just came up to me and started talking all this nonsense about the Morning Star and, and-”

  “It’s okay,” Cole said, “Whatever it was I’m sure it wasn’t your fault,” he said, “Let’s just take our time served, and then get ready for finals,” he put his finger to his mouth, “It’s safe with me, remember what I told you,” he said.

  “Thanks, that was one hell of a date,” she said, blushing and turning away from Cole.

  “Oh, so that was a date? It wasn’t a Not-date? It was a date?” Cole smiled.

  “Watch your step,” Tav said, smiling and giving him a playful shove.

  “Okay, well, when we’re allowed on the surface maybe we can take another shot at it, hopefully, next time the night won’t end in a demon fight,” he said.

  “Yeah, hopefully,” Tav said, giving Cole a sly smile.