I tap my papers against the broad desk in front of me, smiling out at my students. "Fantastic work, everyone. With the basics of Evocation out the way, we might even start on some Illusion spells next week."

My students, ranging from children to old men, all talk excitedly at the news, eager to move on in their studies of magic. They may only be novices now, but someone of them have true talent, and their progress seems to be spurring on the others. Yes, today really has been splendid, with one minor exception.

Off in the corner of the room, looking quite frustrated, was a small boy, no more than ten. His short dark hair was disarrayed and slightly singed from today's practice. His robes were no better off, though I would like to say his failures today were still a mark of success - after all, last week he couldn't conjure a spark to save his life. Now he had the ability to almost set himself on fire!

I shake my head, shaking the hand of each student as they leave the classroom. "Now, we might have made good progress today, everyone, but that just means I have bigger expectations of you when next we meet!" I call out over the students' discussion. They all answer affirmatively, and once more I grin. It truly is nice to have such a good class this year.

When the boy walks up to my desk, however, I find myself quite surprised that his bitter frown had disappeared, replaced with a shy smile. In a soft voice, he asks "Lady Violet, can I, um, talk to you in my room? I really wanted some help sorting my notes."

I immediately nod at his question. I've done this for dozens of previous students, though I hadn't expected this boy of all people to be so proactive. "Of course, Thomas, uh, sorry. Of course, Tommy. Anything I can do to help, you know I will!"

Tommy blushes slightly at that, clutching my hand. I move the other in a practiced motion, floating my bag over to me. When it's securely on my shoulder, I nod for him to take me to the student dorms.

As we walk through the Academy of Morashir, many of the other students and professors here give me nods, smiles, or even hugs. While I may only be a novice-level instructor, I do have the pleasure of meeting every student who enters this prestigious Academy, and I like to think my help, however slight it may be, has helped some of our greatest students rise to the levels they are today. If nothing else, my kind attitude has certainly helped me to be one of the more popular instructors.

Soon, we reach Tommy's room, which he opens and ushers me inside. I glance around, only to make sure he doesn't have anything banned in the Academy (he does not, of course, the good boy), then take a seat on the chair in his room, motioning for him to sit on the bed. "So, let me see these notes of yours, Tommy," I say, giving him an encouraging smile.

In response, Tommy points his finger my way, muttering something under his breath. Thinking he must be pointing out his notes, I turn around, then find myself freezing in place. Behind me, I hear Tommy shout "Yes, it actually worked!"

I try to move my arms, hands, anything, but I can't control my own body.