Netherbeast Academy {REBOOT}

Twilight:The truth

I woke to the blurry sight of two figures looming over me.
"Ugh," I groaned, rubbing the back of my aching head. "What happened?"

"According to Ms. McKenzie, you passed out on your way to Defence class. Is that true?" the short troll of a healer asked, holding up a strange bottle filled with swirling red liquid.

The memory of the dungeons snapped back into my mind. I decided to play along. "Yeah... that's true."

The troll squinted at me, then shook the bottle. "Open your mouth."

Confused, I parted my lips slightly. Without warning, he tipped the bottle, forcing the entire dose down my throat. It tasted vile—like iron mixed with sour berries.

I gagged. "What was that?"

"Fendort Potion," he said, slipping the empty bottle into his bag. "Heals wounds—especially ones that don't heal easy. If you like, come to my potions class tomorrow morning. I'll teach you how to brew it."

"I'll... think about it," I muttered.

He gave me a pleased nod and left, leaving me alone with Principal Vinsard, who stood stiffly by the bed.

"How are you feeling now, Ms. Anderson?" he asked, voice cold and unreadable.

"Much better," I said truthfully, though his presence made me uneasy.

"Good," he replied curtly. "Your parents have been informed. They asked to see you."

Relief flooded through me. Time away from this Academy was exactly what I needed—to figure out what was happening to me.

"So, can I go see them?"

"You may," Vinsard said with a sigh. "You'll leave tomorrow morning. For now, rest."

He turned to go, but I called after him. "Wait! Can my brother come too?"

Vinsard paused, hand on the door. His pale face remained expressionless. "Why?"

"I'm not used to being without him," I said. "Besides, he probably wants to see Mom and Dad too."

Another long pause, then, reluctantly: "Fine. But you must be back by Saturday night."

"Why?" I asked.

"The Bonsinous Night," he said, his hand tightening on the doorknob. "Freshmen must have their powers awakened by then, so they can be sorted into their Houses. Be there."
With that, he slammed the door shut behind him.

Bonsinous Night?
What happens if I don't get my powers by then?

The next morning, Jake and I stood at the Academy gates with our friends, ready to leave. A beautiful white brougham carriage awaited us, straight out of a fairy tale.

"So, when are you guys coming back?" Michael asked, hands tucked in his pockets.

"Saturday night," Jake answered. "Principal Vinsard said we have to be there for the Bonsinous Night."

"Oh yeah, almost forgot about that," Denzel said, leaning casually against the gate.

"He's right," Isaac chimed in, his blond hair tousled by the breeze. "That's the night you find out which Netherbeast clan you belong to—and your House too."

"How does it work?" I asked.

Rachel smiled. "Professors Faderms and Wingers cast a spell to reveal your true clan. Then you get new uniforms based on your House."

"And the Houses are...?" I prompted.

Isaac glanced at the carriage. "Sanimorph. Werewolf. Vampire. Troll. Each linked to a different Netherbeast."