The Apprentice's Apprentice

Part 24

"...and so now Ms. Mitton thinks he's gay and he's trying everything he can to convince her otherwise because of his huge crush on her but she just keeps thinking it's him trying to fit in. It's become the highlight of art class, no lie. It's just me and him for guys in there and I know he only took it because she's the one teaching it."

Cora was laughing as they left the school, Warren having started the story as soon as he'd arrived at her locker. "Poor Dennis, but that's hilarious," she said as she continued to laugh. She could only imagine what he'd try next to prove he wasn't gay.

Warren grinned. "You should watch it live. I have to sit at the back and do my best to keep a straight face. Today I had to pretend to tie my shoe just so I could laugh silently while this was going on. There was no way I'd have been able to keep it together otherwise."

She opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by the call of, "Cora!"

She looked up ahead where the shout had come from, scanning the crowd, some of who were looking around themselves. A figure on the sidewalk waved at her. She frowned as they continued to walk forward, taking in the red-brown hair and thin nose...

Cora laughed again and raced towards the figure who held his arms open. She flung herself into a hug, grinning up at him. "Philippe! It is you, isn't it?"

He smiled down at her, his still familiar blue eyes crinkling up, his arms squeezing her gently to him. "Of course it is, Cor. Or did you forget about me already?"

She shook her head. "Never! When did you get back to town? I haven't seen you in like...seven years! How are you? Are you just visiting? What are you doing now? You're so much older now!"

Philippe chuckled, his words holding just the hint of the accent he'd gotten from his mother. "One question at a time, ma chérie. I see that hasn't changed. I've only been back a week or so. I'm moving here, so no mere visit. I hope you won't get sick of me," he said, reaching out to tweak her nose.

"Nope!"

The sound of someone clearing their throat drew both their gazes. "Who's your friend?" Warren asked, eyebrows up.

Cora grinned, stepping back from the older boy. "Warren, this is Philippe, one of my best friends growing up. Philippe, this is Warren."

Philippe's eyes rolled over Warren, narrowing after a moment though he said nothing. It was Warren, after his own perusal of the stranger, whose black eyes grew wide and hissed, "You're one of us."

Cora's eyes narrowed as she looked from one to the other. The way Warren said it made it seem like... But that was impossible. Philippe had been her friend since his family had moved to town and if he knew about that, then how had his parents not noticed it on her the way Warren had?

Philippe's gaze grew dangerous as he looked at Warren. "That is something you and I should discuss in private," he said quietly with a quick glance at Cora.

While Cora stared as the reality of it hit her, Warren shook his head. "No, there's no need for privacy with this. She knows. More than knows, right Cora?"

She nodded, her eyes locked onto Philippe. "Really? You can really, you know, Harry Potter stuff too?"

He stared right back at her, his eyes going round. "Ma chérie, you too...? You... I had no idea you were of the power! How long have you known?"

Cora smiled. "Not long. Two weeks, really," she flashed a grin at Warren. "If Warren hadn't noticed, I still wouldn't know."

Warren nodded. "She's Wild. Now, I'm betting we all have a lot to talk about, and while I'm all for having this conversation as fast as possible, I think it'd be better to not have it in public. If you'll come with us, we can all go to my master's. No one will bother us there."

Philippe hesitated for a moment before he nodded. "Then lead the way. Me and Cor will follow you."

Warren frowned but set off with Cora and Philippe right behind him.