The Magic of Proximity (f/f college of magic | opposites attract)

The Beginning

I waved my hand across the room, spreading light to every new wick that had been placed in the past few days. The scent of fresh flame invigorated my senses as I padded to the desk at the head of the room. It stood tall as I preferred standing to teach. Class would be starting at any moment, fourth year witches and warlocks ready to flood the room.

The sound of shuffling feet filled my ears as students clamored to file in front of the door. I smiled, then waved the door open, watching each pile in and grab a seat. Teaching fourth years was my favorite because they already knew how to cast spells without verbiage. They were advanced enough I could save some breath and show the true power behind creating light in the world.

I knew most of the students already from holding summer class prep and they were all bright eyes and bushy tails.

Once everyone found their seats I started. "Welcome, you have worked hard to get to this point, and I'm looking forward to strengthening your skills. If you haven't met me before, I will be teaching you how to hone your magic and use it for the greater good. Now if you would, form a line and we will individually cast our favorite spells." I smiled wider and the students got to their feet, excitement spreading through the room. This was my favorite way to get their blood running for the year.

Belinda stood at the front, always an overachiever. I nodded and pointed to the front of the class for her to demonstrate.

She took a deep breath, eyes closed, then snapped them open to wave at the apple on my desk. It turned into a potted apple tree, small in might but sturdy and flourishing in its early state. I clapped my hands together. "Great job Belinda, thank you." She smiled brightly and took her seat.

Then the door flew open. All eyes turned towards the woman who had burst through, a disheveled suit, curly short black hair shaved on both sides. She was my age, late twenties, one of the youngest professors at the college. I had heard of her, powerful and determined, but clearly lacking in organization.

She ran a hand through her thick hair, disturbing the curls, her demeanor both shocked but still cool. I waited for her to speak, my eyes the slightest bit narrowed.

"Apologies, but also hello. This is clearly not my class, but I'm sure I will see you all in defense class later." She gave a lopsided smile and left the room. I sighed. What a start to the year, she couldn't even bother to arrive early to discover her classroom, not to mention being late.

The day resumed, students seeming to love the early interactive lesson. It was my favorite way to glean through students strengths and weaknesses while allowing them to show off.

As the last student trailed off to their dorms, I collected my things and began to walk out and head to my own professor's cottage. A paper flew out from my arms and I waved a hand to fling it back to the pile but a hand grabbed my wrist. I yanked it back, looking eye to eye with Logan, the professor who'd interrupted my class this morning. She let go, a cocky smile playing on her lips. I noticed how one side seemed to raise more than the other.

"Can I help you?" I asked shortly. I was still a bit peeved about her lack of order. Not to mention I felt some differences between what we taught, and not in a good way. Defense classes tended to be darker, preparing for the world in a way that assumed it was evil. I taught my students to practice bettering life and finding joy.

"Easy Clarinna, I wanted to apologize for interrupting your class. I'm a new professor here, and I'm still learning the hallways."

I sniffed. "It is quite alright, but I would recommend arriving before the college starts to explore and discover class rooms."

Her eye roll was visible and I bristled. "Yes Clarinna, professor of light, I will do better to prepare, but give me some leeway, I had business to attend to before arriving."

I relaxed my shoulders, curiosity peaked. "And what would that be?"

She winked. "That's for me to know." Then she leaned down to grab my missing page and handed it to me. "I look forward to seeing you around, perhaps we can collaborate."

Before I could respond, and politely decline, she turned on her heel and walked away. I didn't mean to look her over, but she was lean and strong, even under the casual suit. I raised an eyebrow before shaking my head and continuing my trek to my cottage.

—-

The cottage smelled like mulberries and honey when I arrived. It smelled like home, something I had purposely created. I took a deep breath then decided to sit on the porch with a glass of wine.

Red light tinted my hands from the flame above into my glass. I brought it to my lips and groaned in satisfaction. It was fall, colorful leaves painting the trees and perfect temperature keeping me in a thin sweater. It was my favorite time of year. As I enjoyed my glass, a figure appeared in the night, heading for my cottage. I stood to get a better look. "Who's there?" I asked.

As the figure drew closer I held my hand in preparation. The college was nice, but it was not uncommon for oddities. The flame above grew brighter on demand and Logan materialized in front of me. I dropped my hand, letting the flame settle back. "What are you doing here?" I asked, annoyed that my relaxation was disturbed.

She held her hands up. "Well, heading to the wrong place twice was not on my agenda," she said, soft laughter filling the silence. I crossed my arms. She saw my lack of amusement. "I'm looking for cabin thirty four?"

I sighed heavily. "Your cabin is next to mine." I pointed not far enough down the way and she looked, then nodded.

"I suppose I better get going. It was good to see you again, Clarinna." Her smile didn't leave, and I may have returned it if I didn't think she was dense for interrupting me twice.

She kicked the ground, looking at her feet then back to me. "I'm sorry if we didn't land on the right foot, but I feel we would collaborate well together. Light needs to balance dark. It is the way of magic."

I nodded if only to get rid of her, and she took the hint and headed to her cabin. I sat back on the porch bench and sipped my wine again. The world would be a better place without the dark.