Home For The Holidays

Chapter 2

"Hello? Professor Crewel?"

I open the door to the herb garden, shouting his name, hoping I didn't have to run around this luxuriant Labyrinth to find the professor. To no avail, I got no answer, which means he's further in than I'd like to travel. I huff and roll my eyes, closing the door behind me.

I travel pretty far in on the paved path, but still don't see any signs of Professor Crewel. I turn a corner and spot a familiar feathery black cloak.

"Hm? What are you doing here, Headmage?"

He turns around, shocked to see me standing next to him.

"Oh, Trappola, hello there. I apologize for not seeing you sooner. What brings you to the schools herb garden, this afternoon? Shouldn't you be packing to go home?"

I put my hand on my neck and reply.

"Mmh, yeah, but Grim scratched me pretty good in class earlier and Professor Crewel said to meet him here so he can make an ointment for the scratch."

The Headmage stood up from his crouched position near some herbs. I think I remember seeing those in my potionology book, saying that specific plant was used to help loosen up tight muscles.

"I see," he started to examine my face. "It's not so deep, that you'll have to worry about getting serious treatment, but with Crewel's potionology skills, his ointment should keep the wound from scaring. As long as you apply the topical as he suggests, that is."

"Isn't there a magic spell that we can use to heal the scratch? I don't want it to scar, but I also don't want to bother with putting stuff on it to heal."

Honestly, if I got a scar from fighting someone and winning, that would be kinda cool, but this was from Grim being a little turd bucket, and I'd rather not have to tell people what actually happened.

Headmaster Crowley sighed in disappointment.

"You young kids want to fix everything with magic, don't you? Listen here Trappola, using magic all the time is never a good idea. Why do you think your classmates and your housewarden over blotted and went on a frightening rampage? Because they used too much magic without taking a break. You must learn how to do things without using magic first! That way, when you need to conserve your magical energy, you still know how to live with basic needs."

"Yeah, yeah, I gotcha." I sigh. "Anyways, what were you doing here?"

"Me? Why I was picking some plants to bring back home with me."

"Hmm, are you making a muscle relieving ointment?"

"Oh, yes, I am! You must be paying close attention in class! I'm so glad to hear, even someone as troublesome as you, pays attention to your teachers lessons."

"Well, it wasn't all that difficult of a recipe to learn. There's only a few herbs that you'll need to make it." I reply, ignoring his comment.

"That is very true, Trappola."

"So, you had muscles bothering you, lately?"

"Oh no, not me. This ointment will be for my daughter who lives at home. In her letter's lately, she's been complaining about how her muscles were getting sore from moving so many boxes."

"What!? Wait, Headmage, you have a daughter!?!?"

"Why yes, I do indeed. Why are you so surprised, Trappola? Do you not think that I am befitted to be a father? Well I am! I am a wonderful father, might I add!" He replied offended.

"Oh no, I'm sure you're a great father, I just didn't realize you were married. You never talk about your family, so I assumed it was just you at home."

Even though I don't think the Headmage would be... The best at being a father, I lie to him anyways. Can't have him biting my head off on the last day before break starts. He might have me stay here all break and clean windows, or whatever.

"Oh no, I was never married." He replied more calmly. "I actually adopted my daughter when she was but an infant. Ohhh~ the sorrow I felt seeing her all alone, abandoned in a place like that! I couldn't just leave her, so being the most generous man that I am, I took that sweet, darling babe and raised her as if she were my own. Alas! Her magic power is not great enough for the dark mirror to bring her to this school, so she is living with my parents and going to a school near where they live."

"Uh, yeah, I have no idea what you're talking about, but I'm sure you raised her, uh... The best you could."

"Yes! She is my pride and joy!"

"Oh, Trappola, there you are." Said a voice behind me.

Oh thank goodness! It's Professor Crewel come to save me from this conversation!

"Well, I must be on my way. There's still much to be done before it's time to head home. I'll see you in a little while, Trappola."

"Um, yeah. See you, Headmage."

And with that, Crowley was on his way.