Page 55 of With the Potion in the Courtyard

A sense of camaraderie washed over me as I looped the amulet around my neck, feeling its weight as a reminder of this strange, new chapter we were stepping into together.

My pulse raced with excitement as the last word of the oath left my lips, determination and passion threading through each syllable. Jessie stepped forward, her brown eyes gleaming in the moonlight that spilled into the courtyard.

"Tonight marks the beginning of a journey for all of you," Jessie said, her voicefilled with an earnest warmth that wrapped around us like a comforting shawl. "The path of a fairy godmother or sugar daddy is not an easy one. It's filled with challenges and mysteries, but also with the profound joy of making a difference."

She paused, looking at each of us in turn. "I've been where you are now. The sole member of this society within these academy walls. It's been lonely, but it's taught me so much about the magic we wield and the responsibilities we carry."

"Take pride in your roles," she said. "Embrace the quirks and the quiet moments, the victories and the lessons learned. There's much to be done, and now, with fresh eyes and hearts, you'll help weave the future of our magical realm."

We stood there, soaked in silence, letting her words sink deep. Then Jessie cleared her throat and looked at me, her expression turning serious.

"There's something I need to explain," she said, fidgeting with the hem of her ruby red robe. "Your names, written in soot on the ground here... it was me who wrote it."

Robbie and I exchanged glances, the weight of her confession settling between us.

"I was setting up this very courtyard for your induction when Jaylyn stumbled upon me. I had to hide quickly, so I ran and ducked behind the statues." Jessie's cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment. "And then the portal activated unexpectedly, but I didn’t know it. All the statues falling sounded like an explosion to me. I didn't know what to think. I just knew that you disappeared." She looked like she was about to cry. "I really thought you were dead."

"Oh, no. I bet you've been torn up inside, carrying this secret," Jaylyn said, her big brown eyes wide with shock.

Jessie nodded solemnly. "So, Cendi, the reason your name was on the ground first... it's because you were always meant to be a part of this. But me being near the portal when it opened, that was just coincidence."

She bit her lip, looking at each of us apologetically. "I'm so sorry for all the confusion and worry it caused."

"It's alright, Jessie," I felt a strange sense of relief. "What matters is we're all here now."

"Exactly," Robbie said, his blue eyes reflecting sincerity. "We're in this together."

Jaylyn simply nodded, her presence always more subdued than words could convey.

"Thank you," Jessie sighed, visibly relieved by our responses. "Now let's look forward. We have a lot to do, and I'm glad I won't be doing it alone anymore."

We smiled, the bond of the Grandmother Secret Society now firmly tethered among us.

Laughter was still bubbling from our lips when a bright blue glow caught my eye. It came from Mr. Vanderflit's office. "Look," I pointed, and we all turned to see the strange light shining beneath the door.

"Let's check it out," Robbie led the way as we hurried over.

I pushed the door open, and there it was, a ghost. But not just any ghost; this one looked exactly like me. It reached for a key on Mr. Vanderflit's desk. Suddenly, the room trembled, walls shuddering as if thecastle itself was scared. Picture frames clattered to the ground, books tumbled off shelves, and I felt an icy chill pass through me.

"Hey," Mr. Vanderflit burst into the room, red-faced and panting. "Don't touch that,"

But before he could reach it, the ghost vanished, and darkness swallowed the room whole.

"What was that?" Jaylyn gasped, clutching her robe tight around her.

"Disaster," Mr. Vanderflit groaned, running his fingers through his fiery hair. "We need that key back."

"Why is it so important?" Robbie asked, picking up a fallen book and setting it back on the shelf.

Mr. Vanderflit frowned deeply. "It's the only thing that can open a secret room beneath the castle. A door enchanted so no other key can turn its lock."

"Why do you need to get into the room?"

He looked sad. "My friend, Freddie Gerrick, disappeared behind that door a long time ago. We thought that key..." His voicetrailed off, filled with regret.

"Can we get it back?" I offered, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders.

"Only you can," Mr. Vanderflit said, locking eyes with me. "The ghost took your shape. You're connected now."

Connected? What the heck did that mean?