Chapter Six

I walk out, still seething in anger as I approach the cafeteria. Students hanging on the route instinctively paves way for me. 

I plop my buttocks on the empty chair beside Princess Athena and Prince Ares; who simply looks at me and the crowd that had gathered...

"Okay?" Princess Athena mumbles, uncovering the meal before her "Somebody doesn't look too happy..."

My eyes suddenly went to the table, my mouth watering at the delicacies before me. Prince Ares on seeing the expression of my face, pushed the spiced chicken before me. 

I grab it hungrily, eating it in five bites. I still felt extremely hungry. I look at them expectantly.

"Okay, someone is still hungry." Princess Athena says, extending her plate towards me. I look at her shyly, shaking my head.

"Go on..." She smiles encouragingly

I lurch at the food in a gluttonous manner, that when I lifted up my gaze from the empty plate, I suddenly felt embarrassed. How could I have acted this way in front of the royal children? Like someone who has no control over herself.

I hastily cleaned my mouth "I really am sorry for this..." I stutter, holding my head to the floor at lost as to what to say.

They share confusing glances "You feel embarrassed for eating your friends’ food?" It was Prince Ares.

"We actually waited for you to come first so we would know your preferences in eating and how much you eat, besides we both have behaved like this once or twice in our lives." Princess Athena says, giving Prince Ares a knowing look.

"Yeah, we really do not mind at all Hermione. We would want our fried to eat as much as she could, to her satisfaction." Prince Ares chips in, looking all concentrated.

"Really? You two don't mind at all... Like I'll understand if you both don't want me at your table, since I had messed up already" I say conflictingly

Princess Athena shakes her head, pulling my palm into hers "It's okay, we really like your transparency with us..."

"Okay, thank you very much Princess Athena." I mutter slowly, unsure of whether to debunk her claim or leave it as it is, as even I myself is unsure of me acting in this manner again. I am very much confused as to what is happening to me.

"It's Athena for you, Hermione." She mumbles frowning slightly.

My throat erupts with laughter "I'll try princess Athena, sorry Athena..."

"Hermione, Here you are!" Glinda voice swiftly interrupts as she makes her way to the table.

"Your royal highness." She greets, bowing to them. "Can you let Hermione come with me?" She asks with tremor in her voice.

"Sure, but if you don't mind we will like to have you both here." Princess Athena answers

Her eyes pop out in shock "For real? Like I can sit with you and Prince Ares on the royal table?!" 

"Yeah sure, why not?" Prince Ares ask, lifting an eyebrow. He gestures to one of the escort to go bring an additional chair. He returns on time, even though the chair shade is from a close by table and of a different quality from the ones the Prince, Princess and I were sitting on.

Glinda squeals happily "Yaaaay! Thank you so much your majesty, I feel deeply honored!" She plops her buttocks on the chair fleetly.

"Would you care for something extra?" The princess ask, looking at Glinda's food tray.

"Sure!" She says too excitedly

Good. Just perfect… Now the prince and princess will term us as gluttonous friends.

_

I drop my bag at a corner of the bed, peeling the jacket off me, I flop on the bed with a resigned sigh. How can the royal twins be so playful?

My lips break into a smile, on remembering when Princess Athena first sprinkled some wine on the prince's face; who in turn emptied the whole jug of wine on Athena's hair. In a twinkle of an eye, someone poured something on me. Glinda and I soon joined as it became a messy food fight in the cafeteria.

A loud knock interrupts my thought, Grandmother strolls in angrily.

Whoops. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

"You piece of shit! How dare you?!... Your sister is lying helpless in the Coven's clinic because of what you did to her, and you're here nonchalant and smiling!!!" I ignore her as I stare at the ball of fire displaying interestingly at the tip of my fingers.

It seemed like I had no control over my body. A force more powerful within, is willing me to do the things I do.

"You have suddenly gone mad Hermione! Do you hear me?! You have gone suddenly mad! How can you not care at all! Right this minute, you will go over to the clinic and repair whatever damage you did to her skin..." She rants on and on

"Hmmm so sparkling and beautiful..." I whisper, twirling the fire excitedly with my fingers.

"Are you even listening to me at all, Hermione!" Grandmother hollers, reaching to touch my shoulders.

I screech suddenly, jumping on the bed "Do not touch me grandmother!" I spit out

"Oh, now you suddenly remember that Ketura and I are sisters huh?!... Leading us into unhealthy competitions. The hell I would go to see her!"

Her face turns an ugly shade of red "You should watch the way you speak to me young lady! Just ‘cause you did a little magic in class and everyone is singing praise of your prowess even in the staff hall, doesn't mean you can disrespect me or hurt Ketura! Tell you what, as you both's grandmother; I will not be humiliated as such!" She hollers

"Okay." I snarl, lying on the bed and crossing my legs.

If you can grandmother, come do your worst.

She leaves the room abruptly, slamming the door loudly on her way out. I let out a wicked grin. Oh geez! What is wrong with me? How could I have disrespected grandmother like that, and worse not feel bad for hurting Ketura.

This is not me!... I hurry to mirror to look at my reflection.

"Is my hair getting more shiny and curlier?" I mutter, staring at my wavy red hair as I ruffle it. My cheekbone looks well sculpted, my hazy eyes even more brightful, my lips, hands, curves...

"What is really happening to me?" I shakily retreat from my reflection. 

"Can anybody, anyone answer me?"  

A low powerful voice came "One. We are one."

My eyes rapidly went to the ceiling, the window; only cool swirling of the wind was surging through "Hermioneee." The faint voice comes again.

"Who are you?" I ask fearfully

"Part of you..." It answers, I instantly felt goosebumps all over my body.

"Part of me, but... how?" I stutter

"The moon goddess ordained us to be of help to you. She has destined you for great things, but your adversaries are surplus like the sands that covers the earth...you can't trust anyone until I tell you to." It tells me confusingly

"I am so confused... I don't even know your name. How did you get inside of me? What do you do? How can you help me? Was that you in the classroom today? Look, I never asked for any of this, I am in dire need of answers."

"My new name is Ezli, and you will get your answers soon. Now, all you need to do is sleep for tomorrow is a long day. . ." It says. I suddenly felt dizzy, my legs slowly carrying me to the bed.

My eyes snaps shut.