Chapter 36: The Dean's Warning with Visual Audiobook

 By: Asa Montreaux

The buzz that had permeated the school over the past few days took on a new tone that morning. It wasn’t the usual chatter about spells gone wrong or students showing off on social media—it was something more official. The energy in the hallways felt like the calm before a storm, and Hugh noticed it as soon as he stepped into the Great Hall for breakfast.

Every student at The Andrews School had received the same message via their enchanted mailboxes—a letter from the dean himself, a rare occurrence, and one that meant something serious was happening. Hugh sat down with his friends, including Eliza and Sam, and quickly skimmed the note.

“Dear Students,

It has come to our attention that certain behaviors occurring within school premises have been inappropriate and disruptive. While we understand the unique pressures students face here at The Andrews School, we must maintain a standard of decorum and respect for the learning environment. Therefore, effective immediately, public displays of affection beyond appropriate boundaries are prohibited. This includes the recent incidents in the east wing.

Students found in violation of these policies will face disciplinary action, including detentions and potential revocation of privileges. We urge you to focus on your studies, your magical training, and the important responsibilities you have as future leaders in our world.

Yours Sincerely,

Dean Alistair Keene”

Hugh looked up from the letter, meeting Eliza's amused expression across the table.

"Well, that’s one way to put a damper on things," she said, folding the letter neatly and sliding it into her bag. "You’d think they’d have bigger things to worry about than people sneaking off to kiss."

Sam chuckled, joining them with his breakfast tray. "This is the first time I’ve seen the dean actually take notice of anything going on. Guess he didn’t like the gossip spreading."

"It’s not just that," Hugh said, frowning slightly. "It’s like they’re trying to regain control of the situation. Everything’s been... chaotic lately."

"And it’s only going to get worse," Eliza added, her voice low. "With everything happening outside the school, I can’t blame people for looking for distractions. But this feels like they’re trying to clamp down on more than just that."

There was truth to her words. The school had always been a place where magic and learning mingled with the usual ups and downs of teenage life. But the recent threats from The Crimson Dawn, the thefts, and the tensions growing within the magical world had shifted something fundamental. The students were more on edge, more aware that their time at the school wasn’t just about mastering spells anymore—it was about preparing for something far more dangerous.

"Maybe the dean just wants to remind us that this isn’t a regular school," Hugh said thoughtfully, looking around the hall at the students gathered for breakfast. "We’ve got real responsibilities. And they don’t want us distracted."

Sam groaned dramatically. "I guess that means no more wild bathroom adventures for anyone. Not that I was involved, but… still."

The group laughed, lightening the mood, but Hugh’s mind was elsewhere. While the dean’s letter was a reminder to keep order, it also felt like a sign of things to come. The school was becoming more of a battleground than a sanctuary, and the administration’s attempt to rein in student behavior was just the first step.

After breakfast, the group made their way to their next class, a practical spell lesson on advanced charms and shields. The instructor, Professor Dara Winter, was known for her no-nonsense approach to magic. As they entered the classroom, they could see the atmosphere was different from usual. The air was tense, the students more focused, and Professor Winter seemed more intense than ever.

"All right, class," she began, her voice cutting through the chatter. "Today we’ll be focusing on defensive spells—specifically, creating and maintaining personal shields under pressure. You may think this is just a school exercise, but let me assure you, these skills could save your life one day. Pay attention."

Hugh felt the weight of her words sink in. While they had practiced shields before, the context felt different now. This wasn’t just a classroom activity; it was preparation for something much larger. As the class began casting their shields, Hugh could see the other students struggling to focus. Their minds were still on the gossip, the rumors, and the dean’s warning, but Professor Winter’s sharp gaze kept them in line.

"Stronger, Hugh," Winter snapped as she passed by his desk, her eyes narrowing at the faint shimmer of his shield. "You’re capable of much more. Concentrate."

He nodded, pushing harder, and his shield flickered before solidifying into a glowing barrier. He glanced at Eliza, who had already formed a near-perfect shield, the light of it shimmering around her like a protective aura.

"Show-off," he muttered with a grin, and she rolled her eyes.

"Focus," she whispered back.

As they practiced, Hugh found his mind wandering back to his private studies. The deeper he dove into telepathy and ancient forms of magic, the more he realized just how much potential there was to unlock. But there was also danger. He had felt it in the whispers of the spells he practiced late at night, the pull of power that could easily overwhelm someone unprepared.

After class, the group gathered outside, the crisp air of the late afternoon refreshing after the intensity of the lesson.

"Did you see how intense Winter was?" Sam asked, shaking his head. "I swear, it’s like they’re training us for war."

"Maybe they are," Eliza replied. "With everything happening outside, who knows how soon we might need these skills."

Hugh stayed quiet, his mind racing with thoughts of what might come next. The school was trying to maintain order, but there was an undeniable shift in the air. Students were gossiping about trivial things, but underneath it all, they could feel it—the world was changing, and they were standing at the edge of something much bigger than themselves.

Later that evening, Hugh found himself in the library again, flipping through pages of old magical texts. His telepathy practice had been progressing, but he knew he needed more. Something deeper. Stronger. If they were going to face whatever was coming—whether it was The Crimson Dawn or something else—he had to be ready.

As he poured over the ancient runes, a shadow fell over his table. He looked up to see Professor Winter standing there, her expression unreadable.

"Still studying late?" she asked, her voice softer than it had been in class.

Hugh nodded. "Trying to get ahead. There’s a lot going on."

She looked down at the book he was reading, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Telepathic magic is powerful, but dangerous, Clark. Be careful with what you’re delving into. There’s a reason some of these spells aren’t taught to students."

Hugh swallowed, sensing the warning in her words. "I’ll be careful."

She nodded, her expression softening just a fraction. "Just remember, knowledge is power, but power without control can lead to disaster. Don’t forget that."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Hugh alone with his thoughts. He stared down at the book in front of him, the runes glowing faintly on the page. He knew he was walking a fine line, but he also knew that if they were going to survive what was coming, he couldn’t afford to hold back.

The dean’s letter, the gossip, the tension at school—it all felt like distractions now. The real danger was still out there, growing stronger, and Hugh knew that soon, they would have to face it.

But for now, he would keep preparing.