Chapter 10-2

Only myself, Remus, and a redheaded girl came up to the front.

"Please tell us your form before changing and then how you feel as you let your magic take over when you turn back."

The girl walked up, and did a quick bow. That was when I finally noticed the red cat tail.

"My name is Alice Glass, and my form is a cat."

She started to lean forward and I could see the bones shifting under her skin as they started to shrink. Fur started to grow everywhere as her hands turned into paws. Her ears shifted from human to cat, and her face changed into a cat. At the end of her transformation, there was a small red cat sitting on a pile of clothes. Remus walked up and shifted into a large grey wolf, and then it was my turn.

I willed my body to feel like a bear, and look like a bear. I felt the change as my face and hands turned bear-like. After I finished changing, I shook my head to fix my fur.

"These three are very lucky to have such a rare ability," Professor Harker pointed out.

Florence decided to pick that moment to walk back into the classroom.

"Hey Ash! Your fur is looking a bit ratted on your side."

I started to turn around in a circle to find the ratted spot. I could hear everyone laughing at me until I finally found the spot. I hate it when my fur is messed up. It bugs me because I could never figure out why it happens.

"Thank you for finally joining us, Ms. Snowpelt. Would you like to show the class, your half-shift ability while the three volunteers change in the other room?" Mr. Sage asked.

She shrugged as she moved out of the way for us. I saw Remus helping Alice by carrying her clothes out, in his mouth. As soon as I was out of the room, I was able to do a quick change back to my human form. Growing up, I noticed that changing to bear form was never hard for me. I quickly fixed my shirt before I walked in.

"As you can see the bear part is like a see-through skin around her body." Mr. Harker pointed out as I reached for a ball of paper. "It can have a lot of benefits for defense and offense as it can be a shield as well as a weapon."

I threw it and her 'claws' cut through it like it was nothing. The class became silent for the second time today.

"Ash! Since you are the fastest, why not tell the class how it is to be fully in touch with yourself." Mr. Harker said then someone started to snicker. "Not like that, you bunches of perverts."

I felt nervous talking to the class and then the lights flickered for a few seconds. I took a deep breath to keep my magic under control. I finally found a little bit of courage when I saw Bram giving me a thumps up.

"Unlike some of the others that are born in hiding, I was taught to have some days just to be in a full bear form because it is a part of me. Shifting feels like finally freeing a part of your soul that many people try to get rid of." I saw many people started to nod their heads. "Magic may hurt as first but it's trying to use the energy in your body that you are not used to using. Slowly ease your magic and it will come almost naturally to you."

I was shocked when everyone started clapping for me. Both Alice and Remus walked back into the classroom as it quieted down.

"Our next class is tomorrow and I want to see that everyone is ready to practice! Also, Remus and Ms. Glass will give the description on their change next class. Now, everyone leave!" Mr. Harper said before Mr. Sage tapped him on the shoulder. "Oh! I almost forgot! Read chapters one all the way to three and write a full six-page review on yourself if you have not found your focus yet. Read chapters six and seven, and then write a three-page essay on how to control your magic in times of stress if you have your focus. Which should only be eight of you on the second part. That paper will be due next week!"

After my group walked out of the classroom, Bram started to pretend to pull out his hair. I tried my best not to laugh at his pretend anger fit.

"Homework already on the second day of class!"

"For me and Ash, it's the first day."

"Even worse! I think my father might be the manifestation of evil itself!"

"That hurts me to the heart to call me that." we heard Mr. Harker say before I saw his hand on Bram's shoulder. "I wonder what I truly did to make my own son call me that."

Bram looked paler than usual as I watched him slowly turn around.

"Hi Dad. What gave you the idea to start giving out homework on the first day?"

"Because, it is too dangerous to allow unfocused magic run wild for a whole week here."

"Is it because of all the wild magic here, it can cause an energy spike in those not used to using their magic?" I asked him. "Also because magic can attract other magic and that can be bad for some."

He gave me a surprised look before he smiled at me.

"Correct! Bram, you should have him as your tutor if you want to pass."

"Can't I get a higher grade for being your son?"

"No, you must learn to work for your grade," was all he said before he started walking away, "Next time, wear a shirt under your jacket."

The two of us could not stop laughing at the look on Bram's face. I did not have the heart to tell his father that I was wearing his shirt.