Chapter 13 - Busted

“Wow this is going to make things a lot harder” Ronnie said as she and Steve followed Doug over to the fields. “So Doug why are we heading this way? I mean, don’t you think they are at the pond?”

“Nope.” He smiled at their confusion.

Chapter 13 - Busted (1)

As Ronnie and Caroline entered the dining hall they immediately knew something was up.

Every time someone entered the hall the whole room would turn around and go quiet. Then as if on cue each group went back to their hushed conversation.

It didn’t take long for the news to get to them.

“So what do you think happened?” a tall handsome upperclassman was asking one of the screachball players.

Chapter 12 - Stake out (3)

“Well, after you told us about their legal code I decided to read up on the proper way to communicate with a mer-person.” Ronnie and Doug turned to hear what Steve had to say. “So, the first issue we have, which I am assuming you guys already know about is the fact that they don’t speak English… Really I mean they don’t normally speak air talk. They only talk under water.” The blank stares from Ronnie and Doug did not encourage Steve that this was going to be a successful encounter.

“Damn it, I don’t know why that never even crossed my mind.” Doug hung his head.

“Well… the good news is they do understand air talk and there are a few stories of mer-maids speaking to sailors.” Steve said trying to be encouraging. “The next problem is they live is a very strict caste system, a mer-person is only suppose to speak to another mer-person in his or her own caste, or if necessary one above, or one below. The lower caste member must keep his or her head bowed, and the higher one must look over the lower members head. Neither should ever make eye contact with the other.”

“So how are we supposed to know what caste they are? Or for that matter what caste are we?” Ronnie asked.

“Well, the wizarding community in general likes to believe they are ranked higher than other magical creatures.” Steve said.

“Well that’s bull!” Doug chimed in.

“Yeah I know that and you know that, but I am just trying to figure out what’s going to work for us. The bad news is, there is some belief that until you are a proven wizard, mer-people consider you nothing more than a NEP, which in their mind is less than the lowest caste, no offense Doug.”

“So, you’re saying we may be the highest or the lowest ranked caste?” Ronnie chuckled. “I think we were better off not knowing.”

“Well maybe, but from what I read, if a lower caste initiates a conversation the penalty is death.”

“And you didn’t think it would have been appropriate to share this information with us before we trudged all the way out here?” Ronnie asked sarcastically.

“Sorry, I just read that article before we came out tonight, and you told me to be quiet.” Steve answered with a shrug.

“Ok, so did it happen to mention anywhere in your research what they would do to humans that crossed the line?” Doug asked.

“Well, nothing is clearly documented. However, the tales of ships being wrecked is thought to be the punishment for sailors trying to speak to the mer-maids as they were sunning themselves.”

Doug held up his hand and they all went silent. “I heard voices” he merely mouthed the words afraid to make any more noise. Ronnie touched her ear and pointed with a shrug, Doug pointed to a clump of bushes near the pond’s edge. They hardly breathed as they strained to hear through the forest noises.

Doug started backing up, Ronnie took the cue, and they both started guiding Steve silently away from the pond. Within minutes they had disappeared from the pond, and silently maneuvered back to the dorms without saying another word.

Chapter 12 - Stake Out (2)

“Wow! How did you get here before me?” Steve asked as he walked up to Ronnie.

“Ha! That’s a funny story, I will tell you and Doug on the way to the pond.” She scanned the yard and the bushes then closed her eyes and listened intently, taking deep rhythmic breaths as she methodically turned her head from side to side.

“What are you doing?” Steve asked.

Chapter 12 - Stake Out (1)

It wasn’t like lights out meant the lights went out. It really just meant everyone to their rooms, once in their rooms, it could be a while before anyone was actually ready to turn the lights out. What was worse the hall statues were sure to rat anyone out whom they caught trying to sneak past. And the statues on the first year’s floor were the most vigilant. The good news, sneaking back in was usually easier because none of them wanted to admit someone had gotten past them. So the answer was simple, don’t go past the statues on the way out.

Chapter 11 - The Plan (4)

It wasn’t long before Doug was walking Ronnie and Steve back to their dorms.

“I’ll see you both at the frog. Steve, be sure to wait for Ronnie before you cross the yard.” Doug paused for a second “she may need your help.” Steve knew he meant Ronnie would be able to help him, but he appreciated the façade.

“Sure thing.” He smiled, it was nice having friends that cared about his feelings.

Chapter 11 - The Plan (3)

Doug’s house was always welcoming. There seemed to be some sweet smell coming out of it and as the light faded earlier and earlier, the soft lights that reflected off the windows seemed to make it even more warm and friendly.

“I love visiting your home.” Ronnie dreamily mumbled as they turned down his walk way. “It just always looks like it wants you to visit.” She smiled, in truth it reminded her a lot of home.

“Hi Mom!” Doug hollered as the three of them stumbled through the door.

Chapter 11 - The Plan (2)

The last class of the day, Mythical and Magical Cultures, was wrapping up. Ronnie and Steve were too busy thinking about tonight to be paying much attention to class. Even Doug was distracted by the notion of the mermaid stake-out, mostly he was worried about Steve not getting caught.

“So, as we can see the nymph culture is very much limited by the access to rivers, streams, and tributaries. Does anyone have any questions?” Professor Murine asked.

The class as a whole rumbled as everyone gathered up their bags, no one really expecting any questions. But to Doug’s surprise a clear voice rang out over the ruckus.

Chapter 11 - The Plan (1)

The weather was cooling off, each morning the frost was a little thicker on the dormitory roofs, and the vibrant colors of the Ohio Autumn were floating to the ground as fall was coming to a close.

“Ok, so after lights out we will meet you at the frog statue by the woods.” Ronnie said, with excitement dripping from her lips.

Chapter 10 – Mer-people in my pond (3)

“You were doing something else, and Steve was saving seats and Stella was in line with me so I asked her to join us. Well Steve and Stella were deep in conversation and I overheard Sara talking to that Jason kid, he gives me the creeps, and she said her mom told her there were mer-people in the pond. Jason said the same thing I was thinking, there’s no way, but she insisted that there were. That’s why I asked you.” She turned to Doug and almost gasped, he was as white as a sheet. “Doug, are you alright?”

“Oh man, this is bad.” He sat down on a stump and started to rub his head. “Listen, no one is supposed to know about this, I mean no one! This is one of the most highly-guarded secrets in the wizarding world.”

Chapter 10 – Mer-people in my pond (2)

They finally got to the little bay where the water nymphs usually would come to visit with them, but Doug kept going. He was going further into the woods that either Steve or Ronnie had ever been. The trails they usually followed were pretty well worn, and as long as you headed towards the open sky you could find your way out of the woods. However, Doug was heading deeper into the woods, where the trails were just a shadow of disturbed leaves and the three had to climb over fallen trees and cross muddy creeks. The good thing was Doug had slowed down enough that the other two could catch up with him. The other good news was he seemed to be back to his good natured self.

“Ronnie, give me your hand, that rock is a little wobbly.” Tentatively Ronnie took his hand and was relieved to see the friendly sparkle was back in his eyes. He stayed put to offer his hand to Steve next. “Here Steve, that rock’s…” it was too late, Steve’s foot slipped and his leg went knee high in black goopy mud.

Chapter 10 – Mer-people in my pond (1)

As Doug, Steve, and Ronnie were heading over to check on the water nymphs, they were busily eating chocolate covered lightning bugs. A tasty delight of crunchy insides with a rich chocolate covering that left your teeth glowing for hours.

“You know these remind me of inside-out M&Ms” Steve pondered “crunchy on the inside, chocolaty on the outside.”

Chapter 9 - Lunch room stories (2)

As if in a dream, Ronnie slowly became aware that the conversation between Steve and Stella was now focused on her. “Ronnie? Are you ok?”

“Oh, sorry Stella. Yeah I’m fine. I must have zoned off. What were you saying?”

“Well, I was telling Steve about the wild reaper roses that grow all around here.”

“Really? What’s a reaper rose?” Ronnie was trying her hardest to feign interest while still trying to catch any bits of Sara’s conversation.

Chapter 9 - Lunch room stories (1)

“No, you can’t sit there! I’m saving both of those seats.” Two large boys were looking down at Steve menacingly.

Ronnie could see the commotion across the room as she waited in line. “You know, Steve is really a nice guy, but he sure doesn’t get the finer side of diplomacy.”

“Really?” a dreamy voice came back from a slight blonde girl standing behind her.

Chapter 8 - To the pond (3)

They all stood there looking at each other. “I don’t know, my mom, I guess… No wait! I remember Bethany, Bethany Murine, I mean Professor Murine. She and my mom are best friends, and she used to come over to our house and tell me stories by the fireplace all the time. Isn’t that how the story ends?”

“Well, I don’t know... I heard the goblet was lost when the Europeans invaded.” Ronnie pondered.

“When I was little my mom told me it was buried with the wizard that created it. I also read a story that said it was dropped in a volcano, but another story said it was lost at sea.” Steve paused. “I think I’ve heard a few other variations, but I never knew about it being used during the witch trials.”

“Ok, whatever, back to the story Steve, what did your mom tell you?” Doug prodded.

“Oh right. She said she thinks the goblet is here!”

“Where?”

“Here, at the school somewhere!”

“Why? I mean why does she think that? I’ve lived here my whole life and I’ve never heard anything about the goblet having any relation to the school.”

“No… but even you said Salem…” Slowly a grin stretched from ear to ear and his eyes glimmered. The only problem he was the only one who had caught his train of thought.

Chapter 8 - To the pond (2)

“Hey Doug!” Ronnie shouted, as soon as she got a glimpse of her friend.

Steve shook his head. “I don’t think Professor Sampson would consider shouting Doug’s name across the woods as moving quietly…”

Ronnie laughed, but didn’t shout again. “Well then, come on, or we’re going to miss him,” she taunted in a playful whisper.

Chapter 8 - To the pond (1)

The weather had started to turn cold. Doug woke to the first frost of the year.

“Hey, Mom! I’m going to run over to the lake and check on the water nymphs before class.”

“Ok, but stay out of the water!” she hollered as the door slammed shut. “And don’t slam the door…” She finished to herself. From the first time she saw Doug she had adored him. She and her husband Donald had tried to have a family of their own for years but were never able to, and when Don was killed in an accident, she had given up all hope of becoming a mother. But when Doug showed up on that fridged night so long ago she was the first one there to help care for the little bundle of energy. And when Professor Murine mentioned they were looking for a foster parent she could hardly contain her excitement. It wasn’t long before she was asking the head mistress if she could adopt him as her son. She can still remember the long pause and the head mistresses’ stern eyes that quickly melted into a warm embrace and tender tears of joy.

Chapter 7 - Magical and Mythical Cultures (2)

As soon as the bell rang Ronnie knew Steve was going to give her a hard time. “Ronnie, I can’t believe you did that.” He said.

“What? It wasn’t like anyone was listening to Professor Murine.” Ronnie said trying to act innocent.

“You know that’s not what I mean; you did that on purpose to shut Sara up.” Steve said.

“So?” Ronnie shrugged her shoulders and started to walk away.

“So! I told you before you don’t want to make an enemy out of her.” Steve under his breath.

“Listen Steve, it’s too late, I don’t like her and she doesn’t like me. There’s nothing I can do about it.” Ronnie said flippantly.

“Well, you don’t need to agitate it.” Steve said defensively.

Doug quietly stepped between the two of them. “Listen Steve, I know where you’re coming from and I admit, starting fights isn’t smart,” he quickly put his hand on Ronnie’s arm “But, I think what Ronnie did was brilliant! Sara was totally out of line, she was taking advantage of Professor Murine and was ruining the class for everyone else. I wish I would have had the claws to do the same thing.”

Ronnie blushed, there was something about getting a compliment like that from Doug that kindled feelings she didn’t quite understand.

“So Doug, why do you like that class so much?” Ronnie asked, keeping the conversation moving in a different direction.

“I just love all the different cultures of magical creatures. Like did you know that the mer-people have a really strict legal system? If you are a mer-person caught in a crime the punishment is immediate.”

“Wow really, no trial or anything?” Steve asked.

“Well, their trial system is different than ours. All they need are 3 mer-people who either saw the crime or were nearby to sit on a makeshift jury. The accuser tells his or her story, the accused tells his story, eye witnesses tell their stories, and then the three jurors take a vote.”

“Wow, that doesn’t seem fair.” Ronnie said.

“Well, it seems to work well for them, they have very little crime. Because any mer in the vicinity of the crime could be sitting on their jury the culture is very friendly and amiable. It even goes so far that the mer-people will go out of their way to protect one another because they don’t want their actions to be misinterpreted. In fact, not doing the right thing in their culture, can be as bad as doing the wrong thing.”

“But what if no one sees the crime?” Steve asked.

“Well, then their trial system is similar to ours, the major difference is most mer-people would rather admit to the crime and find a way to fix the problem, then to try to defend themselves. When a mer admits to being guilty then he is on trial to fix it.” It was obvious Doug could talk for hour on this subject.

Ronnie laughed “You know more than professor Murine does! So again, I have to ask, why do you like this class?

“Well, if it wasn’t for that fact that she’s the one that taught me most of what I know,” he chuckled back, “Professor Murine used to babysit me when I was little. She would bring her photo albums from all around the world with pictures of every magical and mythical creature I could think of.” Doug’s whole face lit up with just the thought of these memories. “She used to stop by before she came over and would ask me what creature or culture I wanted to learn about, then she would bring piles of pictures, some of them she even let me keep. Then she would tell me stories of her adventures.”

Steve shook his head and looked Doug straight in the eyes. “Dude, you are such a nerd. Anyways, I can’t image Professor Murine having an adventure…”

Ronnie patted Doug on the shoulder and said sarcastically, “Don’t worry Doug, he’s just jealous.”

Steve gave a wary smile as he thought about how true that statement really was.

Chapter 7 - Magical and Mythical Cultures (1)

A mousy professor stood at the front of the room trying to keep the attention of her students. “The culture of the Great Lakes water nymphs varies dramatically from even the cultures of local ponds, rivers, and tributaries. In global terms, the Great Lakes are very near to our waterways, however, in terms of water nymphs there is no way for the Great Lakes nymph’s culture to venture up stream.”

Uncontrollable snorts from a horsey little girl in the back of the room quickly distracted the class. As whispers turned to laughter and the snorts became indecent, the entire room lost focus on the tiny little professor. Everyone’s attention was on the back of the room.

Chapter 6 - Hair color (2)

“Wow, that Sara girl is a piece of work,” Ronnie laughed as she caught up with Steve and Doug.

“Ronnie, you should really be careful.” Steve gave her a look of real concern.

“Why?” Ronnie said as she rolled her eyes. “She’s just a nasty girl.”

“Yeah, that nasty girl is the daughter of one of the most power-hungry witches and one of the most corrupt NEPs in the Mid West.” Now he looked around and pulled her close and Doug followed. In a harsh whisper he said, “They say, her mom, has ‘eliminated’ servants. Never to be seen or heard from again.” Ronnie tried to step away, but Steve squeezed her arm even harder. “Ronnie, I have heard all sorts of stories about this family and none of them are good.”

Chapter 6 - Hair color (1)

“Hey Ronnie…Have you ever noticed Professor Petunia’s hair changes color?” Steve asked as he pondered Prof’s purple do. “It was blue yesterday wasn’t it?” The very vibrant professor of herbology, always wore wild prints, bright colors, and somehow her hair seemed to match each outfit perfectly.

Ronnie giggled a little because she loved to watch the professor’s hair change. “Yeah, I did, actually it changes all the time. I keep trying to figure out if there is any rhyme or reason to it or if it just changes.” She stopped to reflect for a minute. “I think it turns green when she’s mad, and really bright pink when she’s excited… Maybe it’s like a mood ring on her head?” They both burst out laughing.

Chapter 5 - Sara’s House (3)

Behind the door there was a long corridor with what seemed to be as many rooms as in the main house. Sara walked this corridor with a little less confidence. Many of the rooms were secured with ancient devices that looked as though they would maim anyone who came within reach. The walls seemed to ooze fear with painting and diagrams of mutilated bodies and fierce looking creatures ready to attack or were already in the process of ripping their victims to shreds. As they passed one room, a foul liquid with a horrific odor seeped out from under the door, whereas a low soulful groan emanated from deep within another.

Chapter 5 - Sara’s House (2)

Sara had a mission, as she went into each room she either grabbed something off a shelf or out of drawer. Most of Jason’s questions she either answered with a grunt or a sarcastic laugh. “Over here, help me move this.”

“What? Move that whole cabinet? Why?” Jason didn’t mind holding all the items Sara shoved at him, he didn’t mind running to keep up with her, he didn’t even mind being ignored. But it was getting a little old the way she snapped instructions at him as though he were her servant.

Chapter 5 - Sara’s House (1)

The Scorpantinni house was magnificent. The ceilings were high with delicately crafted woodwork and sparkling chandeliers which hung low, giving a soft warm light. The furniture was luxurious with rich reds, blues, and browns which laced through the entire mansion. There were lavish lamps and exquisite statuettes carefully exhibited on intricately carved tables. Each room was adorned with a magnificent fireplace and the sweet smell of burning wood hung in the air conjuring images of elaborate parties bustling with extravagantly dressed women and commanding men.

Chapter 4 - More about Doug and Potions Class (3)

A short, stocky professor, with wild gray hair, entered the room. “Settle down class. Open your books to page 47. My name is Professor Brewster.”

The room erupted in a furry of flipping pages and banging books.

“All right… now who wants to read the first paragraph?” with the expected excitement of a new class, no one raised their hand and all eyes diverted simultaneously in the hopes of not being called on.

Chapter 4 - More about Doug and Potions Class (2)

“So are you going to travel to other schools after next year?” Steve asked.

“Oh, yes! I can’t wait to go to Montana Mountain Academy and see their dragon program, and California’s Big Sur is world-renowned for their leviathan pods, I mean real sea monsters! How cool is that! The only problem I have is there are more schools I want to go to than semesters.” Doug said.

Chapter 4 - More about Doug and Potions Class (1)

“Hey Doug!” Ronnie waved as she walked into a dark room that was filled to the brim with dusty bottles leaking vials, and musty books all stacked and packed into floor to ceiling shelves that covered every inch of the cavernous space. Even the windows could only be identified by the light leaking through the colorful liquids.

Chapter 3 - History Class (2)

As Steve and the rest of the class wondered out into the common room he could hear some of the boys talking about him.

"Dude - could he stutter anymore?" a red headed boy chuckled.

"Does he even know how to read?" an arrogant looking kid mocked.

"How about walking man? I mean really did he manage to knock every book onto the floor?" said a third boy.

Chapter 3 - History Class (1)

“In-in S-Salem Massachusetts Betty Parris and her cousin A-Abigail W-Williams, um… ages 9 and 11 began having what was described as fits beyond the power of epe… sorry I mean Epileptic fits or natural d-disease.” Steve kept glancing up and seeing bright green eyes looking right into his, making it hard to concentrate on the book in his little, clammy hands. He didn’t even know what she was thinking, but he can't stop thinking about her. “T-The two girls threw fits, s-screamed in ter-terror, and uttered um… un-unrecognizable noises as they hid under f-furniture and t-tables.” Steve can hear snickers in the back of the class and is getting more and more frustrated with himself. “How-however Betty and Abigail were-were not alone, um…. t-there were other girls in the village who also exhibited s-similar behaviors.”

Chapter 2 - First Day of School (4)

"Ronnie! Get over here!" the woman hollered in a playful sort of way. "I swear that child could make friends in an empty room.

Ronnie was talking to some boys under an ancient tree that seemed to be trying to open her backpack with its twiggy branches. She turned to wave at her mom as she pulled her bag off her shoulder and drew out a handful of cookies that the tree quickly snatched up - to everyone’s amusement.

Chapter 2 - First Day of School (3)

The leaves were just beginning to change color on the huge sugar maples outside an old Victorian Romanesque building that had been turned into a fancy dormitory. The air was brisk, but most of the windows were wide open letting the fresh breeze flow throughout the building.

“Is this your dorm?” Steve’s mom asked as she slowed to a stop and quickly scanned the map.

Through a window Steve saw a tall, attractive woman with burning black eyes. Her young daughter expertly instructed some fancy suitcases and tightly packed boxes to unpack themselves. Although busy, both of them glared with distain while a wardrobe, already stuffed with clothes, struggled to get its doors closed.

Chapter 2 - First Day of School (2)

The driveway opens up onto a grand pond with walkways and sitting areas already crowded with returning students. There was also an eclectic collection of building scattered around, some were tiny, like a little mushroom-shaped structure tucked under a weeping willow. Other buildings were on a much larger scale, some were ancient and classic looking, whereas others were modern, there were still others that defied gravity or reason. The winding road forked and looped leading into the immense woods that surrounded everything.

“I had no idea the campus was this big.” Steven said in a whisper.

Chapter 2 - First Day of School (1)

A big, old car with a crooked bumper drove down a tree-covered road. A thin, plain woman sat in the driver’s seat with her equally ordinary son of about ten years old, sitting solemnly in the back seat, tightly packed with old suitcases and plastic bags.
"Now Steven, I want you to behave like a proper wizard. Everyone there comes from magical families, so don't feel ashamed about using your magic. You are a very gifted young wizard and you should act like one."

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (5)

“So you are telling me that poor professor Funkly actually caused the ruckus by attempting to protect Miss Ronnie?” The headmaster laughed thinking how lucky they were to have Doug at the school.

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (4)

With the danger averted, Headmaster Lombardi calmly turned to Professor Wishford “Professor, please ensure these first-years are returned safely to the main hall for lunch.”

“Yes, Headmaster Lombardi,” Professor Wishford answered.

“Also, please be sure Professor Funkly gets to the infirmary for a good once-over with nurse Pritts.” He placed his hand on the trembling professor recalling a similar incident that happened to him when he was a young professor. “Now don’t you worry, we all learned something today,” and with a reassuring smile placed him in the care of professor Wishford.

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (3)

Molly heard Doug approaching and spun around, ready to face a new adversary. “Easy now, Molly, it’s just me,” Doug purred with a calm few would have had with a two-thousand pound pissed-off mother staring down at them. He moved fluidly between the mare and her quarry. “Come on now big momma, it’s time for you to back off.” His voice was firm and familiar and his posture was commanding without being threatening. Molly seemed to accept Doug would protect her colt, so she went back to grazing with the family. “Good girl.”

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (2)

Down by the lake a boy sat quietly at the edge of the water. He was surrounded by tiny maidens, not even six inches tall, half hidden behind tree stumps and stones. Each one was snuggly wrapped in a beautiful gown made of seaweed and bright fall leaves.

“Oh, thank heavens!” Gretchen screamed when she spotted him.

But before he was able to get out of the way, the frantic girl had crashed through the bushes knocking Doug back to the ground and sending the whole gaggle of water nymphs scurrying in every direction.

Chapter 1 – Grazing on ground hogs (1)

A young Native American girl with bright green eyes and jet-black hair, walked down a gravel path through the cool fall air. She lagged behind a small group of students who intently listened to a young professor with blonde spiky hair and a bright dragon tattoo that slithered from one arm to the other.  Her fellow students marched along like ducks in a row, but all the amazing sights and sounds that surrounded them too easily distracted Ronnie.

As the professor rambled, Ronnie became mesmerized by a sleek silky hippogriff – a creature she had heard stories about, but until now, had never seen. At first glance it looked like a large horse, but its eagle head, enormous claws, and massive wings captivated the girl. The creature raised its head and started walking towards them.