When Bernin was younger she would often imagine herself as a powerful wizard. Researching new spells or maybe discovering old traditions hidden in lost tombs. Now, standing in the tower of the wizard called ‘Gurva the unscrupulous’ she was happy she didn't go down that path. Really, the fact that he had accepted such a name should really have tipped others off a while ago. She supposed it did in a way, otherwise she wouldn't have been sent for an early check-in.
She looked towards the sleeping child. A boy no older than 6. Her fight with Gurva had been short and silent. She hadn't done so intentionally, for the sake of the unredeemable she hadn't even known about the kid. No, she came here because of the other children. He had buried his earlier victims in the forest. The only reason she found them at all was the magic still in their bodies, even after death. Magic is now contained in the child as well.
It hadn't killed him which was good, but what it was doing to him, she hadn't any ideas. She supposed that was a question for those at the university. She had planned some other places to visit this trip out, but it looks like she would have to cut this one short. The boy would have to be brought back as soon as possible. He might be stable now, but it didn't have to remain that way.
Sighing to herself she began casting a small packing spell. Normally quite useful when moving out of an inn. Small orbs of light flew out of her brooch, they grew small hands and two pairs of wings. They looked relatively disturbing, but they were very effective. She opened the suitcase under the bed as the boy's clothes started to fold themselves into neat stacks, the orbs going to work quickly. The boy would sleep for a bit longer. She hadn't used a powerful spell, always a good policy when targeting children, so he should be waking back up in a minute of 2.
She would be here when he woke. Explain the situation and get them moving to the University. What do I even say to him? Hey, fortune has smiled on you kid. You've won a trip to the great wizarding university. What? You want to go to your mother first? Too bad! That's probably not a great idea.
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She hadn't gotten much further along when the boy started to stir. He looked around briefly and quickly locked onto her.
“What's going on? Can I go home?”
The question hurt Bernin. She had expected it, but that did little to blunt the honest hope in the boy's voice.
“Not yet, I'm very sorry. We will be going somewhere else first. There they will be able to give you a full checkup.”
“Are they experts on magic illness? My uncle never said exactly what was wrong with me, but he said it was related to magic.”
A flash of anger flew through her at those words. She tried to hide it but failed if the boy's reaction was any indication. She hadn't trained for this, there were people back home who were a lot better at explaining things to kids than her. But they weren't here.
“I'm sorry miss, please don't hurt me.”
“I'm not going to hurt you at all. It's just been a very long day. Why don't you grab your suitcase and check if I packed everything correctly. I'll go grab my coat and we'll leave as soon as possible.”
“Don't I have to say goodbye to my uncle as well?”
“No….. no, don't worry about him. I made sure you never have to see him again.”
Leaving the child to pack, she realized she hadn't even asked for a name. Damnit. Just breathe. The medical staff at university will be able to help him. Even when saying it to herself, she didn't really believe it. She would know, they hadn't been able to help her all those years ago.