Kate walked toward the bustling serving hall, weaving through the throngs of students heading to their next class or catching up with friends as they ate. The delicious aroma of various dishes filled the air, making her stomach rumble in anticipation. The dining hall was a hive of activity, with students chatting animatedly and the clatter of cutlery creating a lively atmosphere.

As she looked around, she spotted Ethan, Lila, and Lucas sitting at a nearby table. Zephyr, Lucas's familiar, perched comfortably on his shoulder, rubbing his head affectionately into Lucas's neck.

Lila noticed her first and waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Kate!"

Kate smiled and made her way over to them, sliding into the seat beside Lucas. "Hey, guys," she greeted warmly.

"How's it going?" Ethan asked, glancing up from his meal.

"Pretty good," Kate replied, eyeing their plates. "What are you eating?"

"Today's special is roasted chicken with vegetables," Lucas answered, offering her a friendly smile. "And there's a vegetarian stew if you're interested."

Lila nudged her tray forward, revealing a colorful assortment of fruit and a hearty sandwich. "I opted for the sandwich. Quick and easy."

Kate chuckled. "Everything looks great. I think I'll grab a bit of everything." She stood up to get her meal, joining the line at the serving counters.

As she waited, she couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging and excitement. The morning classes had been intense but rewarding, and she was eager to share her experiences with her friends. The serving hall was filled with an array of delectable options: roasted meats, freshly baked bread, vibrant salads, and an assortment of desserts that made her mouth water.

Once she had her tray filled with a selection of dishes, Kate returned to the table. She sat down, taking a bite of the roasted chicken, savoring the flavorful herbs and tender meat. The meal was delicious, and she felt a wave of contentment wash over her.

"So, how was Potions and Herbalism?" Lila asked, leaning in with interest.

Kate sighed, thinking back to her first class. "It was challenging, but I managed to get through it. Professor Hawthorn is really knowledgeable, and despite a few hiccups, I think I did okay."

Lucas nodded. "It's always tough at the start, but you'll get the hang of it. Just takes practice."

"And what about you guys?" Kate asked. "How were your classes?"

Ethan grinned. "Elemental Magic was amazing. We started with the basics, but I can't wait to dive into more advanced stuff."

"Advanced Potions Crafting was pretty good," Lila added. "But it's going to be so worth it. The professor showed us some cool techniques."

As they chatted and ate, the conversation flowed easily. Zephyr chirped contentedly from Lucas's shoulder, adding a light-hearted touch to their discussion.

"He's quite the character," Kate remarked, reaching over to gently scratch the familiar's head. Zephyr responded with a pleased trill, his eyes half-closing in contentment.

Lucas smiled, his eyes softening. "Yeah, he's a good companion. Keeps me grounded."

The lunch break passed quickly, filled with camaraderie and shared excitement about their magical journey. As the bell rang, signalling the end of their break, Lila asked, "What's your next class?"

"Advanced Spellcasting," Kate replied, gathering her things.

"Oh, that's my next class as well. Let's go," Lila said.

Together, they left the serving hall, making their way to their next class, Advanced Spellcasting. The anticipation buzzed between them as they navigated the bustling hallways of the Academy.

Advanced Spellcasting was held in a spacious, airy room located in one of the oldest wings of the Academy. The classroom featured high, vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes of ancient magic. Long wooden tables were arranged in neat rows, and shelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. The room exuded an aura of history and knowledge, making Kate feel both excited and slightly intimidated.

As Kate and Lila entered, they found seats near the front, eager to make a good impression. The professor for this class was a tall woman with sharp features and a commanding presence. Her silver hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her robes were a rich shade of purple.

"Welcome to Advanced Spellcasting," she announced, her voice clear and authoritative. "I am Professor Evershade. In this class, you will learn to refine your magical abilities, master complex spells, and push the boundaries of your magical potential."

Professor Evershade wasted no time, diving straight into the lesson. She demonstrated several advanced spells, explaining the intricate wand movements and the precise incantations required for each. The students watched intently, some taking notes, others practising the gestures with their hands.

"Now, if you don't have a wand, please use your hand. I want each of you to practice the basic shielding spell I just demonstrated," Professor Evershade instructed. "Focus on creating a small barrier on your desk."

Kate and Lila exchanged determined looks and prepared to cast the spell. They stared at the rune plate on their desks.

They began to practice, attempting to create small, solid barriers. Kate raised her hand, trembling slightly with nerves. She focused on the rune plate, trying to remember the exact wand movement and incantation Professor Evershade had shown them.

"Protego Minima," she murmured, her voice steady despite her anxiety. She traced the intricate pattern in the air with her hand, but the barrier flickered and vanished almost immediately.

Kate frowned, determined to get it right. She tried again. "Protego Minima." This time, the barrier appeared but was weak and unstable, dissolving within seconds.

Frustration gnawed at her, but she refused to give up. Over and over, she attempted the spell, each time getting a little closer to forming a stable barrier. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she concentrated, her brow furrowing with effort.

Lila, meanwhile, seemed to be having more success. Her barriers, though small, held their shape and glowed faintly. She glanced over at Kate, offering an encouraging smile. "You'll get it, Kate. Just keep focusing."

Kate nodded, grateful for Lila's support. She took a deep breath, clearing her mind of frustration. She raised her hand once more. "Protego Minima," she whispered, channelling all her focus and willpower into the spell.

This time, the barrier formed, shimmering slightly but holding its shape. It was small and fragile-looking, but it was a barrier nonetheless. Kate felt a flicker of pride.

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As they continued practising, Professor Evershade moved through the room, offering guidance and corrections. When she reached Kate and Lila, she paused to observe their progress.

"Well done, Miss Winter, Miss Blackwood," she said with an approving nod. "Your barriers are improving. Keep practising, and soon you'll be able to maintain them effortlessly."

Kate felt a surge of pride at the professor's words. She knew she had a lot to learn, but moments like this reassured her that she was on the right path.

As the lesson continued, the students practised various advanced spells, each more challenging than the last. By the end of the class, Kate felt mentally exhausted but exhilarated.

"What is your last class?" Lila asked, wiping sweat off her forehead.

"Elemental Magic," Kate replied, yawning softly.

"Oh, same. Let's go then," Lila said.

They walked to their final class of the day, Elemental Magic, located in a grand, circular building with tall, arched windows. Inside, the classroom was arranged in a semicircle around a raised platform. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting powerful elemental forces: raging fires, crashing waves, gusting winds, and solid earth.

The professor, a tall, stern-looking man with greying hair and piercing green eyes, stood at the front. "Good Afternoon, students," he began, his voice commanding attention. "I am Professor Thorne. Welcome to Elemental Magic. Here, you will learn to harness the fundamental forces of nature."

Kate listened intently, feeling a surge of determination. This was what she had been waiting for.

Professor Thorne began the lesson with an introduction to the four elements. He demonstrated basic spells, conjuring flames from his fingertips, creating a miniature whirlwind, and causing a small stream of water to flow from his palm. The class watched in awe.

"Now, since everyone is new to this class, we will begin by testing your magical affinities," Professor Thorne announced, his gaze sweeping across the students. "Understanding your natural alignment with the elements is crucial. It will guide your training and help you harness your innate strengths and weaknesses."

He gestured to a large crystal placed on a pedestal at the centre of the room. The crystal was multifaceted, shimmering with the colours of all four elements: fiery red, watery blue, airy white, and earthy green. "Please form a line and approach the crystal. Place your hand on it and focus. The elemental energy will respond to you."

Kate's heart raced as she joined the line of students. She watched as each person approached the crystal, some producing impressive displays of magic, while others struggled to evoke even a spark of colour.

When it was her turn, Kate stepped up to the crystal. She placed her hand on its cool surface, closed her eyes, and concentrated. Darkness flooded her inner mind, and she found herself standing in a vast, dark space. In front of her, the crystal pulsed with blank white magic, glowing softly and illuminating the void around her. A strange mix of emotions washed over her—curiosity, anticipation, and a hint of fear.

As she focused on the crystal, she felt a tug within her core, as if something deep inside was responding to its call. The blank white magic began to shift, slowly taking on colours and forms. First, a bright green glow emerged, pulsating gently as wildflowers grew from the top of the crystal. Then, a blue stream of water flowed out from the base of the crystal, the colours intertwining beautifully. Next, a solid, earthy brown hue spread across the middle of the crystal, grounding her in its presence.

The elements surrounded her, each one vibrant and powerful, yet perfectly balanced together. Kate felt an overwhelming surge of energy as if the forces of nature were flowing through her veins. It was exhilarating and almost overwhelming.

Suddenly, the colours intensified, and the elements began to merge. Tiny hints of gold flickered at the edges before disappearing altogether. The area turned pitch dark, with only the sounds of heavy breathing echoing around her. Then, a new scene emerged: the form of a young man kneeling on ashen soil, looking at something in front of him. Slowly, the scene of an ash-filled village came into focus. Buildings were reduced to charred remnants, barely recognizable among the debris. In the centre of the village stood ten wooden pillars, burned to the stake.

"Why," the young man cried, his voice filled with anguish. He whispered as he kneeled before the first three wooden stakes. On one of the barely discernible bodies was a scale necklace, and flakes of reddish hair were all that remained.

As the vision began to fade, a monstrous roar echoed through her entire being. The sound left Kate awestruck and profoundly saddened. It was a cry of pure rage, anger, and hurt, unlike anything she had ever heard before.

With a sudden jolt, she was back in the classroom, her hand still on the crystal. The crystal now glowed with a dazzling spectrum of green, blue, brown, and small hints of gold, reflecting the powerful display she had just witnessed in her mind.

The room was silent, all eyes on Kate. Professor Thorne stepped forward, his expression a mixture of awe and curiosity. "Remarkable, Miss Winter," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "It appears you have a strong connection to both the earth and water elements."

Kate withdrew her hand, feeling both exhilarated and a bit shaken by the experience. She glanced at her classmates, who looked at her with a mix of amazement and respect. The magnitude of what she had just demonstrated was beginning to sink in.

"Go take a seat, Miss Winter," Professor Thorne instructed gently.

Kate nodded and returned to her seat, her mind still reeling from what had just happened. Lila gave her an encouraging smile and whispered, "That was incredible! Discovering one element is amazing, but two at once? That's unheard of, and what was that green and gold stuff in the crystal?"

"Thanks, and I'm not sure what that was either," Kate replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She was deeply curious about the hints of green and gold in the crystal, but she was more curious about the vision she had.

The rest of the class passed in a blur. Professor Thorne continued his lecture on the basic principles of elemental magic, but Kate found it hard to concentrate. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the crystal and the powerful vision she had experienced. She could still feel the lingering energy of the elements coursing through her veins, a constant reminder of the potential within her.

By the end of the lesson, Kate felt both exhausted and invigorated. Professor Thorne approached her as the students began to file out of the classroom.

"Miss Winter," he began, his tone serious yet kind, "your display today was exceptional. However, I have also been made aware of your current memory loss and lack of knowledge of spells. So to assist you, I have prepared these two tomes for your basic elemental studies. I also suggest additional training in your free time."

Kate nodded. "Thank you."

Kate hesitated, then continued, "Professor, do you have any idea what the green and gold magic in the crystal might have been?"

Professor Thorne's brow furrowed slightly. "The green and gold hues are unheard of. But they could be indicative of a unique sub-magic that is unique to you. However, without further investigation, it is difficult to say for certain."

Kate nodded again, feeling a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"If you like, we will start with some specialized sessions to delve deeper into those elemental affinities. But be prepared for some intensive training. It will not be easy at your current level, but I believe you have the potential when you are ready let me know."

The professor then handed her two tomes, a dark blue one and an earthy green one. Accepting them, she left the classroom seeing that Lila was waiting for her outside. Lila smiled and then started to chat excitedly about the day's lesson and the testing.

"Can you believe it?" Lila exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "Two elemental affinities! That's so rare, Kate. You're going to be amazing!"

Kate smiled, feeling a surge of warmth at her friend's enthusiasm. "Thanks, Lila. I'm excited, but also a bit nervous. There's so much to learn."

"You'll do great," Lila reassured her.

As they walked, Kate glanced at the two tomes in her hands. The dark blue one was titled "Fundamentals of Water Magic," and the green one was "Foundations of Earth Magic." She felt a thrill of anticipation, eager to dive into their contents and start practising.

They made their way to the dormitory, where they settled into the common room to study. The room was cozy, with comfortable chairs and a crackling fireplace. Other students were scattered around, some reading, others engaged in quiet conversations.

Kate opened the green tome first, flipping through the pages. The text was dense, filled with detailed descriptions of earth magic techniques, rituals, and spells. She skimmed through a few sections, taking in the basic concepts.

"Want to study together?" Lila asked, pulling out her own book on elemental magic.

"Sure," Kate replied, grateful for the company. They sat side by side, comparing notes and practising basic spells. Time passed quickly, and soon the room was filled with the soft glow of magical energies as they practised their new skills.

As the evening wore on, Kate felt more confident in her abilities. With each successful spell, her excitement grew. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with her friends by her side and the support of her professors, she felt ready to face whatever came her way.

Eventually, they decided to call it a night. Kate closed her tomes, feeling a sense of accomplishment. She and Lila headed to their respective dorm rooms, bidding each other goodnight.

Lying in bed, Kate replayed the day's events in her mind. The crystal, the vision, the discovery of her dual affinities—all of it felt surreal.

She closed her eyes, ready to face whatever the next day would bring.