The most important class of the day... Breakfast

You still don't know how you could have remained so oblivious to Aeriel for so long after she woke. Her warmth all over you as you lay in bed was so tender and soothing, ensuring you drifted off to sleep in no time. You suspect she caressed you for the entire night.

Despite her warmth and your exhaustion, excitement won out and found you up before dawn.

You picked up one of the books you found before bed last night and settled in your chair, with Aeriel sprawled lazily across your lap.

You were getting ready for bed and remembered that Professor Dove had said that your room key also unlocks the chest in your room. You found it nestled in the bottom of your wardrobe. Inside were three large books...

'An Introduction To Magic: An Overview of Magical Theory and Some Basic Spells'

'Conjuration and Legerdemain: A Comprehensive Guide To Hand Signs For More Efficient Spellcasting'

Obscure Thaumaturgy: Rare and Uncommon Forms of Magic'

On top of the books, there was a note written in an elegant hand.

"Welcome to Ash Forest young mage. I sincerely hope that you are finding things satisfactory thus far.

When I found you in the forest, I sensed great potential in you... and you have so far not disappointed me.

Please take these volumes as my gift to you in hopes they aid you in your journey.

I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, happy studies.

Fredric T. Hallgrave

Ash Forest Academy Headmaster"

Picking the books out of the chest, you saw that they were well used, but still in very good condition. Sitting with Aeriel in your lap, perusing the pages of 'Conjuration and Legerdemain' with her, she comments that some of the hand signs and gestures might feel really good to her. You promise to practice some of them with her later during free period.

You check the time and see that it is finally time to head out to breakfast. You scan your room to check that everything is in order, pick up 'An Introduction To Magic', and exit your room.

Locking your door behind you, you enter into the common room of House Chimera. Scanning the room briefly, you spot Professor Schwartz sitting at the bar. His disheveled appearance has not improved since you last saw him. He seems absorbed in thought... and what looks to be a Martini. You just shake your head. Maybe they are lax about drinking as much as about sex here. Who knows? You decide not to disturb him and head for breakfast.

Entering the cafeteria, you observe there aren't many other students up at this hour. There are a few, quietly making their way through the serving line, some seated and talking in hushed excitement about the upcoming day.

As you make your way to the serving line, you are keenly aware that many of the students are staring at you, no doubt having to do with your apparent display at orientation yesterday. You sincerely hope this doesn't become a regular thing and that it passes as time moves on. Surely, their classes will prove more interesting than you...?

Pushing this to the back of your mind, you proceed through the serving line.

Aeriel runs ahead of you and skims over the assortment of breakfast foods excitedly.

You reach out to her with your mind.

"Can you even eat...?"", you ask with a chuckle.

She looks back at you with a grin. "Not really... But some of what you eat does transfer to me..."

You shrug. "Makes sense I guess... You are a form of energy after all..."". The way she bounces around, those last words seem like an understatement. "So, what do you like then...? Are there particular foods that you prefer... Or that are more beneficial to you...?"

She looks at you again, turning her eyes up in thought. You idly think that she looks so cute with her thinking face.

"Fruits... chocolate... anything with sugar really...”, she says after a moment. "Oh... And meat of course...!", she adds with a devilish grin and a giggle.

You smirk and blush lightly at that. Noting her taste in food, you scan the tables. You help yourself to some scrambled eggs and sausage. Thinking for a moment, an idea comes to you.

"Anna-Bell? Are you there?"

A few moments later, the amber eyed beauty appears in the service port smiling warmly at you.

You smile back at her. "Good morning Anna-Bell. How are you?"

"I'm doing well, thanks. But what about you? I heard what happened at Second Year Orientation yesterday. I figured that might be why you weren't at dinner last night."

"Yeah...", you say. "I'm still not quite certain what happened myself. Truth be told, I'm actually quite new to all of this... my magical ability has only just recently awoken."

Her eyes widen in surprise. "Really? How strange. Well, the way I hear it, your power is something incredible."

You flick a mental glance to Aeriel who is observing the exchange with an amused grin. She is something else alright you think fondly.

To Anna-Bell, you simply shrug. “I guess. I’m still getting the hang of the basics.”, you say.

Anna-Bell gives you a sweet smile. “I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”

“Thanks.”, you say, blushing lightly. “Anyway, I wanted to thank you for the fruit platter last night. It was thoughtful, And the… er… presentation was… lovely…”.

Aeriel giggles while Anna-Bell’s smile turns to a grin.

“It was my pleasure. I hoped you would enjoy it.”.

She locks those amazing amber eyes onto yours, causing your blush to deepen.

“How about you skip dinner again tonight and meet up with me afterward? I’d like to show you what I can really do…”, Anna-Bell proposes, somewhat suggestively.

“Uhhh… er… sure…”, you stammer, a little taken aback… and more than a little flustered. Aeriel giggles, clearly enjoying the show.

“Alright then…”, Anna-Bell says after a tense moment, her eyes fixed on yours with something akin to hunger. “Meet me here just before the end of dinner.” She licks her lips. “I’ll prepare something you won’t soon forget.”

All you can do is nod at this, your brain refusing to allow anything else.

“Good…”, she purrs then leans closer. “Is there anything I can get for you right now?, Anna-Bell asks with a husky voice, delicately tracing a finger along your jawline.

Your damned brain decides that now is as good a time as any to go on strike, leaving you high and dry. All you can do is stare into those beautiful eyes… those terrible amber eyes.

Finally, Aeriel saves you by giving you a mental slap to the back of your head, muttering something about stupid boys and pretty girls that you don’t quite catch.

“Ch… Ch… Chocolate.”, you finally manage to croak.

Anna-Bell giggles. “Chocolate?”

“Yeah.”, you swallow. “Could I have a piece of chocolate please?”, you ask, your brain’s strike apparently concluded. You shoot a mental glance at Aeriel who is grinning like the cat who got the canary. “A big piece…?”, you add.

Anna-Bell’s grin turns to a warm smile and she giggles. “Sure, hang on a sec.”.

Anna-Bell disappears into the kitchen.

“Thanks…”, you say to Aeriel.

“Don’t thank me…”, Aeriel smirks. “You probably would have stood there for another hour had I not intervened… and I’m hungry, silly boy…” Aeriel cocks her head towards the kitchen with a grin. ”I like her…”.

Just then, Anna-Bell returns and places a large napkin wrapped piece of chocolate into your palm with a grin.

“Here you go cutie. Think of me when you eat it. Now, I have to get back to work. See ya after dinner?”

You agree and thank her for the chocolate. Anna-Bell leaves you with a smile. You finish gathering your breakfast and find a seat by the window.

Aeriel assumes her usual perch upon your lap as you open 'An Introduction to Magic' and begin reading as you eat. The first few chapters are elaborations on what Aeriel has already taught you about the three basics of focus, control, and intent. You find some useful information.

You flick to the section dedicated to basic spells and review the list. You see the water spell that you already successfully casted, as well as low level fireball and light spells... among quite a few others. You make a mental note on some of the spells you'd like to try later, then close the book as you finish your breakfast.

Aeriel is nuzzling into your neck affectionately. You remember the chocolate that Anna-Bell gave you and Aeriel perks up.

Unwrapping the treat, you begin to blush furiously, and Aeriel bursts into hysterical laughter. "I take back what I said before…", she says, tears streaming from her eyes. “I REALLY like her…!”.

Enclosed in the napkin is a large piece of chocolate unmistakenly shaped like a pussy.