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It isn't better. I can hear the whispers as I walk into the room and take my seat at the back of the class. I'm glad we don't have to stick with the same seats we chose at the start of the year, then I'd be at the front and really have everyone's attention on me. Certainly not what I want.
I do wish Daphne had this class with me. Or even Ryan. Just someone that had a friendly face.
"Hi," a male voice says.
I twist my head, surprised to find the new guy sat next to me.
"Hey," I squeak. How did I not know we're in the same class? If he hasn't already heard about my attempt at magic during his party, then he'll know soon enough that I can't do much magic.
"We never got to properly introduce ourselves." He gives me a winning smile.
"You know my name," I point out.
"Yes, I do. Mona, wasn't it?"
I nod. He knows as well as I do that he has my name right. "You probably don't want to be seen talking to me though," I add hastily. I won't have him ostracized for doing something as simple as talking to the wrong person.
"Yes, you said that last night too, why is that?"
"I...my magic works badly," I whisper.
"I'm sure that's nothing that can't be solved with some extra tutoring, maybe I can help you?"
I snort. Why would he do that? He doesn't know me, even in passing. And it's not like I come with many other benefits. There's no ancient family name behind me, or particularly popular friends either. "I don't even know your name."
"Oh, I'm sorry, where are my manners, I'm Caspian." He holds out his hand, and against my better judgement, I take it.
His touch is strong and reassuring, but I don't let our hands linger together too long. That could mean disaster if the wrong person saw it.
"Nice to meet you again," I murmur.
"Likewise."
Our conversation is cut short by the teacher rapping on the board, desperate to bring the unruly class to attention.
"Good afternoon, everybody. If you'll just settle down, then we will begin with the lesson."
I gulp down my nerves. No matter how he thought of me before, Caspian is about to learn the truth about how bad my magic actually is. And I don't think he's going to like it. No one does and there's nothing I can do about it unless I can somehow manage to fix what's wrong with me.
"Today, we're going to be learning how to produce a feather with nothing more than a thought," she announces.
Groans sound around the room. I'm not surprised, most of us have been able to do this kind of thing for years. Though I doubt I'll still be able to do it. I hope she doesn't expect me to try it.
She taps the board again. "I know many of you will be able to perform such a simple spell, but I need to access your abilities. You will be conjuring them as I walk around the class. You may begin."
I scowl. She thinks it's as simple as giving us instructions and saying go. Maybe she's new to teaching this year. That's the only way I can make sense of what's happening. Even I wouldn't be stupid enough to tell a room full of eighteen-year-olds that they should just start waving their wands around and do magic.
"Aren't you going to try?" Caspian asks after a couple of minutes of me not doing anything.
I shake my head. "It's not worth even attempting."
"I'm sure it's not that bad," he counters.
I raise my eyebrows, but ready my wand despite that. I focus on picturing a feather in front of me. Unsurprisingly, nothing happens. Though there is a slight zing in my hand, as if some magic is trying to make its way through my wand.
Turning to Caspian, I shrug. "Trust me, it's not worth trying."
"Miss Black, when you're ready," the teacher asks as she reaches my desk.
