Cassie took an open seat next to my Layla. “Nothing like Professor Orville huh?” Cassie looked at Layla, mouthing “he’s white”. Being beyond confused, Cassie began to listen. and tried to focus on the lecture, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of discomfort that had settled in her stomach. When Cassie arrived at the classroom, “Professor Mason?” Cassie is a bit confused. had expected to see a black teacher, but at Arcanum Academy there was something about the man’s presence that made her feel uneasy. “Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts,Miss Gracia, " the man said in a deep, booming voice. “Professor Mason, and I will be your teacher for this semester. Please take a seat” Professor Mason, point to the empty chair near Layla.
Professor Magnus Mason was a towering figure, standing over six feet tall with broad shoulders and a muscular build. His short-cropped blond hair was slicked back neatly, and his chiseled jawline gave him a strong, masculine appearance.
He had sharp, piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into your soul, and a stern expression that rarely wavered. His features were rugged and chiseled, more reminiscent of a soldier than a magician. In fact, he looked more like a G.I. Joe action figure rather than a man.
He dressed in a fitted black suit that hugged his muscular frame, with a white dress shirt and a black tie. His shoes were polished to a high shine, and he carried himself with the confidence and authority of a man who knew his place in the world.
Despite his intimidating presence, Professor Mason’s voice was smooth and polished, with just a hint of a Southern drawl that added to his charm. He spoke with conviction and authority, and his students couldn’t help but be drawn in by his magnetic personality. Professor Mason suddenly stopped and reached his hand into the pocket of his robe. “Oh, I almost forgot,” he said with a smile.
With a flick of his wrist, his robe suddenly rose from the back of the room and floated gracefully toward him. The students gasped in amazement as the robe draped itself across Professor Mason’s outstretched arms.
As he pulled the robe on, it seemed to mold itself to his body, accentuating his broad shoulders and muscular frame. The fabric shimmered in the light, as if it were woven from strands of pure magic.
For a moment, the classroom was filled with an almost palpable energy, as if the very air around them had come alive with the power of magic. The students stared in awe at their professor, marveling at his incredible display of control and skill.
As Professor Mason adjusted his robe and flashed a dazzling smile, the students couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. They knew that this was just the beginning of what was sure to be an incredible semester of learning and magic.
Cassie took an open seat next to my Layla. “Nothing like Professor Orville huh?” Cassie looked at Layla, mouthing “he’s white”. Layla just shrugged, unphased by his race. Being beyond confused, Cassie began to listen. and tried to focus on the lecture, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of discomfort that had settled in her stomach.
As the class progressed Professor Mason looked around the room, his piercing gaze settling on Ethan Tanaka. “Mr. Tanaka, would you mind going over the notes from yesterday’s class?” Deep in conversation, “Mr. Tanaka!” he spoke louder, the walls echoing . Ethan jumped “oh sorry”.
Ethan was a 16-year-old boy of mixed Black and Japanese heritage with an athletic build and a commanding presence. As Professor Mason began the lesson, Ethan projected his consciousness outside of his body and appeared in the front of the class, where he began to go over the previous class notes.
“Let’s see here,” Ethan said with a smirk, Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, and then his body went still. Suddenly, his voice rang out from the front of the class, but his lips didn’t move. “Of course, Professor,” he said, his voice echoing slightly.
As Ethan began to speak, his astral projection appeared before the class. He walked around the room, mimicking Professor Mason’s movements and gestures perfectly. But as he spoke, he began to add his own commentary, mocking the professor in a lighthearted way.
“Medusa, as we all know, is the mythical creature with snakes for hair and a gaze that can turn people to stone. But Professor, did you really have to make that joke about turning us all to stone if we fall asleep in your class?”
The class erupted in laughter, and even Professor Mason couldn’t help but smile.
Ethan continued his lecture, seamlessly blending in his own humor and commentary with the information from the notes. As he spoke, his astral projection seemed to glow with a bright, otherworldly light, filling the room with an almost palpable energy.
Layla, one of the other students, leaned over to Cassie and whispered, “Wow, he’s amazing. I wish I could astral project like that.”
Cassie nodded, her eyes fixed on Ethan’s projection. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy at his skill, but also a sense of awe and respect for his power and talent.
As the lecture came to a close, Ethan’s projection dissipated, and he opened his eyes. He gave a small bow to Professor Mason and the class before returning to his seat, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Magnus Mason, the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, watched the display with a mixture of amusement and admiration. He had seen many talented students in his time at Arcanum Academy, but there was something special about Ethan Tanaka. Magnus could sense the boy’s potential, and he knew that with the right guidance, Ethan could become one of the most powerful magicians in the world.
As the class filed out, Magnus approached Ethan. Professor Mason suddenly stopped and reached his hand into the pocket of his robe. “Oh, I almost forgot,” he said with a smile.
With a flick of his wrist, his robe suddenly rose from the back of the room and floated gracefully toward him. The students gasped in amazement as the robe draped itself across Professor Mason’s outstretched arms.
As he pulled the robe on, it seemed to mold itself to his body, accentuating his broad shoulders and muscular frame. The fabric shimmered in the light, as if it were woven from strands of pure magic.
For a moment, the classroom was filled with an almost palpable energy, as if the very air around them had come alive with the power of magic. The students stared in awe at their professor, marveling at his incredible display of control and skill.
As Professor Mason adjusted his robe and flashed a dazzling smile, the students couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. They knew that this was just the beginning of what was sure to be an incredible semester of learning and magic.”Well done, Mr. Tanaka. Your astral projection is truly impressive.”
Ethan smiled. “Thank you, Professor. I’ve been working on it for a while.”
Magnus nodded. “I can tell. I think you have a natural talent for magic, Mr. Tanaka. With the right training and guidance, you could go far.”
Ethan’s eyes widened. “You really think so?”
Magnus nodded. “I do. I see great potential in you, Mr. Tanaka. If you’re willing to put in the work, I’m willing to help you reach your full potential.”
Ethan’s face lit up with excitement. “Yes, Professor! I’ll do whatever it takes!”
Magnus smiled. “Good. I look forward to seeing what you can do, Mr. Tanaka.”
Professor Mason stood at the front of the classroom, his gaze scanning the eager faces of his students. “Good morning, class. Today, we will be discussing Greek mythology and its ties to magic. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking - what do the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece have to do with curses and hexes?”
He paused for a moment, letting the question linger in the air. Cassie shifted in her seat, feeling a bit out of place. She had grown up in a family of magic practitioners, but Greek mythology had never been a part of their studies.
Professor Mason continued, “But you see, the Greeks believed that magic was all around them, in every aspect of their lives. They saw the world as full of divine power, and believed that the gods and goddesses could be called upon to aid them in their magic.”
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As he spoke, Professor Mason weaved in tales of the Greek gods and their mythical powers, using actual myths to illustrate his points. He told of how Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, had blessed the spear of the great warrior Achilles with magical power. And how Hades, the god of the underworld, had cursed the musician Orpheus for daring to try and rescue his wife from the land of the dead.
The class was captivated by Professor Mason’s storytelling, and several students eagerly raised their hands to ask questions or offer their own insights.
Ethan, who had been doodling in the margins of his notes, suddenly perked up at the mention of Athena. “So, Professor, would you say that Athena’s blessing on Achilles’ spear was a type of enchantment? And if so, how did she imbue the weapon with magical power?”
Professor Mason smiled at Ethan’s enthusiasm. “Excellent question, Mr. Tanaka. Enchantment is indeed a form of magic, and one that was highly valued in ancient Greece. As for how Athena imbued the spear with her power - well, that’s a matter of debate among scholars.”
“Silentium Obscurum,” Professor Mason intoned, his voice low and menacing. The students held their breath as the air around the spear seemed to grow dark and oppressive. The once-gleaming metal now appeared tarnished and rusted, its enchantment gone.
“Wow,” whispered Layla, her eyes wide with amazement.
As Professor Mason continued his lecture, he suddenly stopped and turned to face the class. “Now, as fascinating as this all is, I’m afraid I have some bad news. This spear, while enchanted, has also been cursed.”
The class gasped as Professor Mason raised the spear and began to “Et corde nigro, infernum!” Professor Mason’s voice echoed throughout the classroom as he spoke the dark incantation in a loud, commanding voice. The ancient language he spoke was filled with power, and the syllables seemed to vibrate in the air, causing a shiver to run down the spines of the students.
As he continued to chant the spell, his eyes began to glow a deep, menacing black, almost as if he had been possessed by some dark force. Cassie watched in horror as the professor seemed to become more and more consumed by the spell, his body trembling with the effort of the magic.
The spear in his hand began to shake and glow with an eerie, black light, as if responding to the dark energy that flowed through the professor. The air around them seemed to thicken with a palpable sense of danger, and the students could feel the weight of the dark magic as it filled the room.
Finally, with a final, guttural cry, Professor Mason thrust the spear into the ground, and the black energy that had been building up around him dissipated, leaving the room feeling cold and empty.
The silence in the room was deafening as Professor Mason’s eyes returned to their bright blue hue. The students looked at him in awe, stunned by the display of power they had just witnessed. Cassie couldn’t help but feel a mix of fear and anger at the use of dark magic in the classroom.
The classroom was now deafeningly silent, with every student staring at the spear in disbelief. The once glowing and powerful weapon now appeared dull and lifeless, as if all its magic had been drained away.
Cassie huffed, feeling annoyed and uncomfortable. She couldn’t help but think to herself that any light magic could have easily had the same effect as the dark magic Professor Mason had just used. She was starting to feel like the only reason he had used dark magic was to show off his power and intimidate the students.
Breaking the silence, as if he was reading her mind Professor Mason looked around the room, his gaze settling on a chubby girl with blonde hair and pink tips. “Molly,” he said, gesturing for her to speak. “What do you think? How would your powers have any effect on this spear?”
Molly hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushing as all eyes in the room turned to her. “Um, well, I think…I think it would depend on the type of light energy being used. If it’s a pure form of light, like sunlight or moonlight, it might have some effect on the enchantment. But if it’s a synthetic light, like the kind produced by a light bulb, it probably wouldn’t have much of an effect.”
Professor Mason nodded, impressed by Molly’s answer. “Excellent, Molly. You’re exactly right. Light energy can be a powerful force when wielded correctly, but it’s important to understand its limitations as well.”
The class broke into murmurs of agreement, and Cassie couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief that the focus was shifting away from dark magic. But she still couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. She couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets Professor Mason was hiding, and what other dark magic he was capable of.
Cassie felt a knot form in her stomach as she looked around the room, seeing the shock and fear on the faces of her fellow students. This was the first time she had ever witnessed dark magic being used against dark magic, and the sheer power of it left her feeling both scared and angry.
She turned to Layla, who was staring at the professor in disbelief. “What the hell was that?” Cassie whispered, her voice shaking.
Layla shrugged, looking just as confused as Cassie felt. “I don’t know,” she replied. “But it was intense.” Layla started to put away her notebook.
As the bell rang, students began to pack up their things and make their way out of the classroom. Professor Mason stood at the front of the room, his piercing blue eyes scanning over the class as he waited for them to leave.
Once the last student had left, Professor Mason turned to Cassie. “Miss Garcia, could I speak with you for a moment?” he asked in his deep, commanding voice.
Cassie’s heart sank. She had a feeling this was coming. “Sure, Professor,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
The rest of the class gave a collective “ooh” and “ahh” in shock and amusement as Cassie made her way to the front of the room.
Professor Mason waited until the last student had left before turning to Cassie. “Miss Garcia, I noticed you were distracted during today’s class. Is there something on your mind?”
Cassie swallowed hard. She wasn’t sure how to answer that question. “I’m not really sure,” she said truthfully. “It’s just that… Greek mythology isn’t really taught in the magic realm. It’s a bit out of my comfort zone.”
Professor Mason nodded. “I understand. But here at Arcanum Academy, we strive to give our students a well-rounded education. That includes exploring different aspects of magic and mythology.” few, he believed me Cassie thought.
Professor Mason’s expression didn’t change, but Cassie could sense a sudden shift in the atmosphere around him. “Miss Garcia, I understand that you may have certain beliefs and opinions about the history of magic,” he said in a measured tone, “but I assure you, my teachings on are not based on race or ethnicity.”
Cassie was taken aback. She had thought her thoughts were private, but it seemed that Professor Mason had somehow sensed them. She felt a flush of embarrassment and anger rise up in her chest. “I didn’t mean it like that,” she muttered, avoiding his gaze. “How so then?” Ask Professor Mason, not backing down. Cassie felt a sudden surge of anger. “YOUR WHITE,” she blurted out. “And for lack of a better word the source of dark magic. You probably think it’s all right to use it since you’re one of the good ones, right?”
Professor Mason’s expression grew stern, and his eyes narrowed. “Miss Garcia, I understand that you may have had negative experiences in the past. But I won’t tolerate any form of prejudice or racism in my classroom. Is that understood?” Cassie rolls her eyes.
Professor Mason continued, “I sure don’t have to remind you that Anglo-Saxon history is not without its own faults, especially when it comes to magic. The ruling class often kept the practice of magic to themselves, denying the common folk the right to harness its power. We must strive to learn from history and not repeat the mistakes of the past.”
“Miss Garcia, I believe in the power of education to break down barriers and bridge divides. And as a teacher, it’s my duty to challenge my students’ perspectives and expand their horizons. I won’t let your closed-mindedness stand in the way of that.”
Finally, Professor Mason spoke again, his voice calm but firm. “If you can’t approach this class with an open mind and a willingness to learn, then perhaps it’s not the right place for you. Consider yourself no longer welcome.”
Cassie’s eyes widened in shock as Professor Mason’s words sank in. She hadn’t expected such a strong response to her comments, and the thought of being kicked out of class was terrifying.
She took a step back, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a response. Finally, she muttered a half-hearted apology, stumbling over her words.
“I’m sorry, Professor Mason. I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I just…I have some strong feelings about the history of magic, and I let my emotions get the best of me. Please, can’t we talk about this more? I don’t want to be kicked out of class.”
Her words were desperate, almost pleading, as she looked up at Professor Mason with wide, hopeful eyes. But he remained unmoved, his expression stern and unyielding.
“I appreciate your apology, Miss Garcia,” he said finally. “But I can’t have intolerance and disrespect in my classroom. Before you can return to my class, you’ll need to speak with Headmistress Nightshade and discuss your behavior. I suggest you take some time to reflect on your actions, and if you’re willing to approach this class with an open mind, you’re welcome to return. But for now, please leave.”
Cassie’s shoulders slumped in defeat as she gathered her things and made her way to the door. The class was silent as she left, the tension in the air palpable.
As she stepped out into the hallway, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of shame and disappointment. Cassie’s heart sank as she realized the severity of the situation. She had never been in trouble with a teacher before, let alone been sent to the headmistress’s office. “Yes, sir,” she muttered, feeling ashamed and embarrassed. As Cassie walked through the hallway, her mind was racing with a million different thoughts. She couldn’t believe she had been so foolish as to make such comments in Professor Mason’s class. She knew she had strong feelings about the history of magic, but she hadn’t meant to offend anyone.
She was also worried about what would happen next. She had never been to the headmistress’s office before and didn’t know what to expect. Would she be expelled from the school? Would her parents be called in for a meeting? The possibilities seemed endless, and Cassie felt sick with anxiety.
When she finally reached the headmistress’s office, she took a deep breath and knocked on the door. A moment later, a stern-looking woman with long, dark hair and piercing green eyes opened the door. “Back so soon, Miss Garcia,” she said in a cool, measured tone.
Cassie stepped inside, feeling small and insignificant in the grand office. There were bookshelves lining the walls, filled with dusty old tomes and ancient artifacts. The room was dimly lit, and the air felt heavy with magic.
“Please, have a seat,” the headmistress said, gesturing to a chair in front of her desk. Cassie sat down, feeling even more nervous than before.
The headmistress looked at her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. “I understand you’ve been sent here because of an incident in Professor Mason’s class,” she said finally.
Cassie nodded, her throat feeling dry. “Yes, ma’am. I made some comments that were inappropriate, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
The headmistress regarded her for a moment longer, then leaned back in her chair. “Miss Garcia, I have a responsibility to ensure that all students at Arcanum Academy feel safe and respected. That includes making sure that there is no intolerance or discrimination in our classrooms.”
Cassie nodded, feeling guilty and ashamed. “I understand, ma’am. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. I just have some strong feelings about the history of magic.”
The headmistress raised an eyebrow. “And what are those feelings, exactly?”
Cassie hesitated, unsure of how much to say. She didn’t want to get in even more trouble by saying the wrong thing. “I just…I feel like there’s a lot of darkness in the history of magic, and I don’t want to be a part of that. But I know that’s not an excuse for my behavior in class.”
The headmistress regarded her for a long moment, then leaned forward. “Miss Garcia, I understand that the history of magic can be complicated and sometimes dark. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore it or dismiss it. We must learn from the mistakes of the past and use that knowledge to create a better future.”
Cassie nodded, feeling a sense of relief that the headmistress seemed to understand her perspective. “Yes, ma’am. I understand.”
The headmistress leaned back in her chair, regarding Cassie with a serious expression. “Before I allow you to return to Professor Mason’s class, there are a few things we need to discuss. First, I want you to understand that there is no place for intolerance or discrimination at Arcanum Academy. We value diversity and inclusivity, and we expect all of our students to do the same.”
Cassie nodded, feeling a sense of shame and embarrassment wash over her again. “Yes, ma’am. I understand.”
“Secondly, I want you to understand that Professor Mason’s teachings are not based on race or ethnicity. He is a highly respected teacher, and he has dedicated his life to the study of magic and mythology. He is committed to providing a well-rounded education to his students, and he expects his students to approach the subject matter with an open mind.”
Cassie nodded, feeling chastened. “I understand, Headmistress Nightshade. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”
“I know that, Cassie,” the headmistress said kindly. “But you need to understand the importance of respect and tolerance in our school. We pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive community, and we won’t tolerate any form of prejudice or discrimination.”
Headmistress Nightshade: “Before I allow you to return to Professor Mason’s class, I want to be clear that there will be consequences for your actions. You will be required to attend a tolerance and diversity workshop, and your behavior will be closely monitored, by Professor Orville.” yay! More time with the necromancer!
Cassie walked out of the headmistress’s office, feeling annoyed that she had been called out for her comments in Professor Mason’s class. Layla and Sasha were waiting for her, and as they walked down the hallway together, Layla spoke up.
“