The Haven High Book Series (Wattys2017)

Chapter 24

Zach sat in his bedroom on Saturday night marveling at the week he had just had. Knight had continued his attack on both his body and his character, despite whatever Tuma had said to him, and he had only gotten through it, because of Lauren's words.

She constantly reminded him on their walks home together after training that he was worthy of attending the magical school and he had no reason to be ashamed of his magical heritage.

Despite her efforts to make him feel better the worst possible news came through on Thursday Tuma had called him down to his office in the magical wing to announce the council had finished their deliberations and had chosen Knight as his trainer and mentor.

Zach was none too happy about the MAGIC council's decision and when he told Tuma that he had just leaned forward behind his big desk in the principal's office and said, "Zach the council's decisions are final and not up for debate."

For the remaining days Zach continued to attend the most astonishing magical classes, and by the end of the week, he could find his way around on his own, and by week's end his classes had been determined too. Luckily he'd gotten many of his favorite's including The Study of Ancient Magical Scrolls.

He'd whooped when he read it on the list.  He had know from the first time he'd entered the ancient library what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He just hoped he survived conscription, because afterward, he'd like very much to work in the Library with Clio if she'd have him.

He had also continued to hone his power in Helsing's class and could actually turn on his mental eavesdropping skill, but he still had no clue how to shut it off. And the invisibility thing was still a complete mystery to him. He had no idea what caused it, or how to stop it.

But there was progress, in that he could be sure.

He straightened his black leather tie in the mirror as he waited anxiously for Lauren. She said she would come for him at exactly quarter to midnight. The Samhain Ball started precisely at midnight and Lauren had warned if they were late they'd miss their window whatever that meant. His eyes darted nervously to the bedside clock to confirm it was nearly quarter to the witching hour.

Taking one last look at himself in the mirror, he marveled at what a great job he'd done picking out the tux. He'd never rented a tux by himself before and it wasn't like he could ask his Dads advice. When he'd gone to the place at the mall the clerk had looked at him funny when he requested a suede jacket, silk shirt, leather pants and leather tie, and he would have made the excuse of an allergy to synthetic fibers, if he could possibly lie, but he can't, so instead he remained quite while the clerk continued to look at him weird as he helped him find all stranger requests.

When they paired them all up Zach couldn't believe the result. He looked great. Just like he was ready to walk the red carpet at the Oscars. He couldn't wait to see what Lauren looked like.