"Winter break is almost here."
Professor Hargrave, a mountain of tweed and disapproval, stood before the class, a ledger open in his massive hands.
"Whoever does their initiation in breaks will get a 10% credit increase by the end of the year. So, quick and register your initiation."
A collective groan rose and fell like a tide. Doing an initiation over break was the academic equivalent of volunteering for extra guard duty during a festival. Why would you sacrifice precious, unstructured freedom for more grueling, specialized magic drills? Breaks were for… well, breaks.
Hargrave's gimlet eyes scanned the room, landing on Cecilia. "Miss Araceli, I hadn't seen your initiation registration. You usually only do your initiation in breaks. Quickly register."
Cecilia offered a smile. "I have submitted my registration, sir."
