Different worlds - Kai Parker

30

I swallowed a dry lump while walking into the loud classroom, glancing around at the young yet eager faces.

I made sure to set my satchel on the desk loudly, rather than raising my voice for the kid siphoners to quiet down. It was my first day, the last thing I wanted was to start it off in a bad way, possibly leading to magic infused temper tantrums. The latter would've been disastrous to say the least. The defined thud of my bag against the wooden desk turned a few heads, but the dispersed chatter was still evident.

I obnoxiously cleared my throat, to which immediately led to deafening silence around the classroom. "Hi. Is everyone finished talking about who's worse at conjuring spells?", I leaned back and forth on the heels of my feet, pressing a tight lipped smile.

Many of the seven year olds remained pan- faced at my question, whilst others shared a look of shock and caution. I'll admit it was pretty hilarious to know I could get a reaction out of them. "Ookay, let's try that again. I'm mr. parker, and I'll be your teacher for this year. Any questions?", I raised my eyebrows expectantly.

From the corner of my eye I spotted a little hand being raised in the back row. A timid looking blonde with piercing blue eyes stared directly at me, eagerly waiting to be called upon.

"Yes Blondie in the back?", I spoke aloud, trying my best to keep a warm smile.

"Um, my daddy says you're a siphon. Are you?".

Her dad? How in the hell would her dad know? Whoever he is.

"Well, I used to be, yes. But we won't get into that today. What I want to discuss is your syllabus". Or lack of. " I understand this is only your first year, and from what I've read on the papers given to me by your principal, you only have two subjects this year. Spell conjuring and siphoning control", I shoved both of my hands into the pockets of my slacks, mindfully walking around the classroom.

-" I think its important, especially for your age, to be taught more in-depth subjects. I mean, when I was five I already knew how to spell my stuffed animals with transfiguration spells- I'd turn them into household pets, it drove my mother crazy. But it was key to start learning at a young age. Therefore, the first lesson of this week is transfiguration", I said while leaning on the desk, crossing my arms over my chest.

I studied the confused exteriors before me, making a mental note to at least attempt to remember each of their names. There was a total of twenty kids in my first class of the day. Simple. Not to toot my own horn, but I knew I had teaching these little squirts how to control their magic in the bag.

-

Time seemed to pass like a breeze, and before I knew it- half the day had already gone by. I dismissed the kids to their break time, and gladly found myself heading towards the teacher's lounge for some much needed coffee and refreshments.

As I was walking through the threshold of the lounge, a firm hand suddenly landed on my shoulder- causing me to turn around.

"Just the guy I was looking for. How was your first morning?", Ric asked curiously, holding a fresh cup of joe in one hand.

"Actually, it couldn't have gone any better. But I seriously need to get used to the way seven year olds ask countless questions- I need some coffee", I replied hastily while brushing past his shoulder.

I trailed my eyes over to the coffee station, and wasted no time in grabbing myself an empty mug. The sound of someone slurping their drink made my head involuntarily turn to the right. For some unknown reason, Ric had followed me into the kitchen area of the lounge.