Flunked (14 page)

When I sneak into the ballroom with Maxine a few hours later, I momentarily panic.

“Come on! Come on!” Maxine says, tugging on my arm because I've suddenly gone statue-like on the main staircase. “Let's go blend in before someone spots you.”

I can't help myself. I'm blown away. I can't believe this is the same room where we practice dragon slaying. (We do
not
use a real dragon. Madame Tilly just conjures up a fake one for fire-safety reasons.) I've never been to a ball before, so I don't have a lot to go on, but I can't imagine anything as beautiful as this room. An intricate display of peonies, roses, gardenias, and ivy blankets the ballroom ceiling, which glows like stars thanks to lightning bugs and glowworms hanging out in it.

One wall is made of glass, revealing the largest aquarium I've ever seen. Madame Cleo and the mer-students are having their own party inside. The Sea Siren is wearing a glittery shell top, and her long hair is piled high on her head in an updo adorned with shells and starfish. She sways to the music before she is pulled into a dance by a mer-man who looks a lot like the one she danced with in detention.

A flash of lightning brightens the tables surrounding the dance floor where footmen and maids—usually busy laundering smelly socks and checking our mail for illegal objects—are carrying plates of roast lamb and cranberry salad. The number 5, for our school's anniversary, is everywhere. It's on table cards and banners, and has even been shaped into rolls.

Despite what some of the soggy guests around me are whispering as they come in out of the rain this late fall day, nothing was stolen for the festivities.

“You've got to give props to Headmistress Flora for going out with a bang,” says Ollie when we find him bopping along to the band near the appetizer table. “I'm glad I dressed up.” He's wearing a white pompadour and a blue suit that makes him look like a South Pole elf, and his hair is so shiny and slick I could ice skate on it.

“You can't even tell I have magic tricks hidden in this jacket.” He slides his coat back to reveal a flower that squirts water, two decks of cards, and silver cuff links—I haven't a clue what he'd do with those. “I think we're ready to party!”

By “party,” Ollie means battle. We've spent the last two days listening to Kayla tell us everything she can about Gottie, which isn't much. (“She's very dark and mysterious,” Kayla said, which was less than helpful.) Ollie has stolen every radish in the school garden to handle the gargoyles, much to the gnome cafeteria chef's dismay. I just passed a flyer in the hall that said “Do You Know the Radish Thief? Reward for Information!”

I swiped a copy of Flora's scroll from her office, which had the party timeline—from princess arrivals to her speech. We looked it over in the Pegasus stables one afternoon, but to be honest, I couldn't find anything fishy. Jax struck out too. He tried to get word to the castle about what we think Gottie has planned, but with security so tight, we don't even know if they got Jax's message.

“I think we're on our own,” he said grimly late last night when we were going over details one last time in the observatory, which has become command central. “Help might not be coming.”

We're as ready as we'll ever be to try to stop our villainous teachers and one of the biggest baddies to ever hit Enchantasia.

And we're not all that ready.

If I think about what we're trying to do too much, I want to throw up in one of the emerald green vases near the punch station.

I catch Ollie staring at Maxine and me appreciatively. “You ladies clean up well.”

“Thanks!” Maxine has a fondness for Chef Raul's gingersnap cookies, but in her hot pink dress and numerous accessories (three necklaces and a dozen pearl earrings in her pointy ears), she looks sweet. “I did Gilly's and my hair. Rapunzel gel will make it stay put even during an explosion.”

Long curls drape down my back. When I try to shake my hair helmet from side to side, my curls barely move. “It's definitely a change from my ponytail,” I say. “So is this dress.” Ollie stole me the green taffeta gown from who knows where. It feels heavy and is hard to move in, but the hoop skirt is a great place to hide my radish supply. I tried to pinch us swords during gym, but I think Madame Tilly was on to me. I'm weaponless. We all are.

“Why do I think you're wearing shorts under that skirt?” Ollie asks.

“Because I am.” I can't imagine this skirt doing me much good if we have to run. Better to be prepared, which is why I have bloomers on underneath. My eyes scan the room for signs of anything amiss. The dwarf squad is patrolling and doing random bag checks. If Pete knows I'm not supposed to be here, he hasn't said anything. A fairyographer is whipping up pictures. Headmistress Flora is watching the clock. Nothing seems out of the ordinary.
Yet.
“Have you seen Jax and Kayla?”

“Nope!” Ollie grabs Maxine's hand, just as Gnome-More starts playing a dance number. “Might as well dance and keep an eye on things on the floor.”

Maxine turns to me and gives a silent squeal. “We won't go far.”

I give her a small thumbs-up and watch them run down the stairs. A loud clap of thunder makes everyone freeze for a moment. It is nasty out. According to Miri, who gives us the weather every morning, “those who wear glass slippers instead of rain boots today are making more than just a fashion faux pas.”

“Look at you, thief!” Jax comes up behind me with Kayla and walks around me. “I never thought I'd see you in a dress.” He makes a face. “You stick out like a sore thumb in that thing.”

I huff. “Well, you look royal in your outfit, so good job there.” In a taupe silk jacket, cropped pants, and high socks, he looks like a prince, which I guess he is. “You look nice too, Kayla.”

“Thanks,” Kayla says in a small voice. Her shimmery dress is so pale blue it almost looks clear. Anna, a huge fashion fan, would definitely approve. Kayla keeps her eyes on the work boots that peer out from underneath my gown. “You too.”

A flash of lightning brightens Jax's face. The rain is coming down so hard we can't see much of anything outside. “See anything unusual yet?”

“Wolfington was pacing the floor a few minutes ago, but other than that, all seems normal,” I report. “Flora, Azalea, and Dahlia are talking to
Happily
Ever
After
Scrolls
. Their reporters are stationed at every corner of the room. I haven't seen any sign of Harlow or Jocelyn though.” And that makes me uneasy.

“Once the bait arrives, Gottie shouldn't be long after,” Kayla says. “Or Harlow.”

By bait, she means royals.

“I left the stables unlocked like she asked.” Kayla's wings flutter more rapidly when she's stressed. “I still think we should have set up some magic there to stop her.”

“I doubt one of Ollie's magic tricks could do that,” Jax says grimly. “We're winging this thing.”

“I'll double-cross her if I can,” Kayla says. “We know I'm good at that.”

Jax and I are quiet. Jax may be able to forgive Kayla for all she's done—it is the royal way—but thieves don't forget. I don't trust her.

“Evening, students.” I freeze. Wolfington has somehow snuck up on us. He's wearing a green velvet suit, and his long hair is tamed in a ponytail. His green eyes are unusually bright. “Miss Gillian, I'm surprised to see you here. How are you enjoying the ball?”

“I…” I look at Kayla and Jax who are momentarily stunned. How could I have missed him in the crowd? “I decided not to go home,” I blurt out. “I meant to go straight to the headmistress's office to let her know, but then I got sidetracked getting ready for tonight.” I look down at my shoes. “I don't feel ready for Enchantasia yet.”

Wolfington nods. “Quite understandable. We all have work we need to do before we return to our normal lives, don't we?” I blink rapidly. Did he hear me talking to my parents? “Personally, I'm glad you're staying, but if I were you, I'd stay out of Professor Harlow's way tonight.” He takes a swig from the goblet in his hand. “She doesn't handle change as well as the rest of us, and I'd hate for her to spoil the party.”

The three of us look at each other. “Yes, sir.”

He scratches his chin. I can see his hair sticking out of his shirt cuff below his wolf cuff links. “You and your friends seem to have been preparing for this evening a lot. All those late-night chats you've been having in the observatory.”

A bead of sweat forms on my brow. He's on to us.
Stay
cool, Gilly. Deny, deny, deny.
Wolfington doesn't even give me a chance to do so.

“We just wanted to look our best, sir,” Jax says calmly. “We needed to help Gilly find a dress since she changed her mind about staying at the last minute.”

He eyes us all intently. “Well, you look wonderful. Enjoy your evening and do be careful,” Wolfington says and disappears into the crowd.

“Oh my God.” Kayla freaks. “What are we going to do?”

Suddenly Gnome-More stops playing and trumpets sound. A footman appears at the opposite staircase.“Hear ye! Hear ye!” he yells. “Presenting the Royal Court of Enchantasia—Princesses Ella, Snow, Rapunzel, and Rose!” The entire room seems to curtsy and bow at the same time.

The princesses are decked to the nines with tiaras, jewels, and dresses so big it seems almost impossible that they could sit down in them. They prove me wrong by heading straight to their table, which is surrounded by Snow's beloved dwarf squad. Maxine and Ollie make their way back, and the five of us peer out at the crowd, waiting for something to go wrong. Flora heads to a podium and begins to give a speech about our school's anniversary, and I feel my back go up.

Something is going to happen any minute now. I can feel it. But I'm wrong. Minutes later, Gnome-More is playing again and a fairyographer is leaving with Flora and some of the princesses to pose for pictures in the entrance hall. Madame Cleo disappears from her tank, and I assume she's headed to the photo op as well.

“This might be the nicest ball I've ever been to,” I hear a guest say as she passes by me. “Can you believe we're in a reform school? I hope no one tries to hurt us!” Her friend laughs.

But it's not funny. Someone wants to hurt all of us. I scratch my neck. I'm breaking out in hives. Where is Gottie?

Kayla begins to hyperventilate as people go back to dancing or head off to get food. “I don't understand. She should be here by now with her army of gargoyles. I swear!” she insists.

“Liar, liar,” Jocelyn tsks, appearing out of nowhere. She grabs Kayla and me by the arms. “Kayla just doesn't want you to join the real party, but I do.” Her smile fades. “All of you are coming with me.”

“I thought you were smarter, Cobbler,” Jocelyn says icily and flicks her annoying black cape so it billows out behind her. She's leading us down a hall away from the ballroom. She has a small purple mirror I recognize from Harlow's office pointed at our backs. She already warned us about trying to make a move to escape. “My sister gave you an out. You'd be home with Mommy and Daddy right now if you had just listened to her. Instead, you've made things much worse for you and your friends.”

“I swear! I don't know what she's talking about,” Kayla insists, whimpering as we're led along. “Gottie told me she was coming to the ball.”

Jocelyn whirls around. “Do you really think she'd be so foolish as to show up in the middle of a room with all of Enchantasia watching? Why do you think she sent her gargoyles to do her bidding on Royal Day?”

“I guess Harlow wasn't really under a spell that day, was she?” Jax asks. I watch him motion to Ollie to get something out of his jacket. He moves his hand slightly and Jocelyn's hands begin to crackle. She sends a zap Ollie's way and he flinches.

“Don't be stupid. Harlow couldn't fall under a spell set by gargoyles,” Jocelyn says. “She was trying to take out some of the royals for Gottie without having to bring the Wicked One into it.” Jocelyn's dark eyes burn through me. “But you had to go and mess things up, and now I'm stuck delivering you five to her instead of staying out of things like my sister wanted.”

“So don't do it,” I say, stalling for time 'til I can figure out my next move. “You don't want to help someone like Gottie, do you?”

Jocelyn laughs. “What choice do I have? Even if we get out of this place, my sister and I will always be outcasts.” For a brief moment, I can see the pain that realization gives her. “She'll never be forgiven for the things she's done, and I'll never be able to escape her legacy. So I say, why not have fun while I'm stuck here? Now move!”

She pushes Ollie and Maxine through a new hallway that has just popped up, and I see we're descending to the dungeon level that I've heard about but never seen. Why would I? Flora built this place to deal with criminals like Gottie, but she's never been caught. Torches illuminate our path down as the air grows colder and damp, and then we're standing in the middle of a large opening among half a dozen cells. Harlow is waiting for us.

She's in a gown and cape that glitter brighter than any of the princesses' outfits, and her pale face has flawless makeup that looks like it took hours to apply. Atop her head is the most elaborate black-jeweled crown I've ever seen. Jocelyn hands her sister the mirror, and the glass swirls gold and silver, crackling like lightning.

“Ah, Miss Gillian, I see you stayed and brought guests to watch the show,” Harlow sneers. “Foolish girl. Now you'll burn with the rest of this school.” With a flick of her wrist, Harlow pushes us into a corner and we fall into a heap. “It's almost time for the main event. Upstairs, right above us actually, all of Enchantasia is dancing the night away, not knowing we're about to turn their minds into goo. They'll never remember themselves, let alone who runs this kingdom. Even if they could, the princesses will already be turned to ash.”

“You'll never get away with this,” Jax says.

“Oh, but I already have,” Harlow says patronizingly. “Cleo is an ice cube in her aquarium, and Flora and the royal court are immobilized in the great hall. All that's left is to deal with is you five—after I cast the spell.” She holds the mirror up to the ceiling and lightning flies out of it, sending rocks down on our heads. A crack begins to spread above us.

“You're not strong enough to cast a spell that large,” I challenge her.

Harlow drops the mirror for a moment. “I know that. That's why the Wicked One is here.”

A bushy, gray-haired figure emerges from the shadows of one of the cells. She's flanked by two gargoyles that hiss when they see us. Jax begins to move our small group back. Gottie's face, up close, is hard to look at. Warts cover her skin like freckles. Her nose twists sideways in an awkward position, and her teeth have clearly never seen a toothbrush.

“Hello, darlings.” Her full lips curl into a snarl. “Thank you, Kayla, for getting these nuisances out of the way.”

“I didn't do anything!” Kayla cries. “You told me you were coming to the ball.”

“And so I have, but even I wouldn't be foolish enough to announce my arrival. Not when there are other ways into the room upstairs.” Out of her pocket, she pulls a mirror that is identical to Harlow's and aims it above us. It shoots out more lightning that makes the crack above us widen. I close my eyes to keep from seeing people fall from the sky, but so far, nothing happens. “Once they're disposed of, I can rid myself of these horrid clothes.” Gottie shrugs. “Or I could do that now. It's not like anyone up there will see me 'til after, and by then, they'll only know me as their queen.”

A purple cloud of smoke surrounds her, and within seconds, Gottie's ragged clothes, wart-covered face, and white frizzy hair have disappeared. An older woman appears in her place wearing a gown as red as fire and a cape with a collar so high it could practically be a hood. Her jet-black hair is pulled back with a gold comb covered in what looks like dragons. She has the same symbol on the thick gold cuffs on her wrists and the long necklace draped around her thin neck.

Kayla gasps. “Alva?”

Alva laughs. “Yes, my gullible pet. Gottie and Alva are one and the same.” She pulls Kayla toward her and whispers in her ear. “You were useful gathering the information that I needed, but now you've served your purpose.” She opens a gate to a dungeon, and Kayla is flung through the air and dropped inside. The door shuts behind her. Kayla grabs the bars.

“I did everything you asked,” Kayla stutters, her wings popping in and out. “You promised if I did, you'd help me, Gottie.”

“Gottie's been dead for years, you fool!” Alva thunders. “I have allowed the world to think otherwise so I could plan my return without ever being spotted. I only needed a young fairy with thoughts as dark as yours to do my bidding, which you've done marvelously.” She looks our way and I cringe. “Not a soul is on to us, but these delinquents here.”

So Rapunzel's captor has bit the dust and Sleeping Beauty's dream-maker, who no one has seen in an eternity, is pulling all the strings? Talk about being duped.

“It was all so easy. When Rumpel told me of your wishes, I knew you were the one I was looking for. I suggested that Rumpel make your family forget you, and he did.” Her grin makes me feel cold. “I couldn't risk them remembering you at some point. That's why I eventually turned them all into hollow trees.”

“
No!
” Kayla crumples to the floor of her cell. Anger builds up inside me as I watch Kayla sob.

“Yes!” Alva sounds like a snake. “They had to be taken care of, just like you all will be. And then
I
will rule Enchantasia, and the royals will burn.” Within moments, Ollie, Maxine, Jax, and I are picked up and sent flying into the cell adjacent to Kayla. As soon as I drop, I make a run for the door and Alva zaps me with her mirror. I try to move, but it feels like I'm stuck in molasses. And that's when Jocelyn is flung into the cell with us. She topples into Ollie and Maxine, knocking Maxine out cold.

“Alva, what are you doing?” Harlow's voice is shrill. “My sister has done nothing to harm your plan.”

“She's a liability, just like they are,” Alva says coolly.

“But—” Harlow moves toward her, and purple bolts shoot from Alva's hand.

“No buts or I'll dispose of you as well,” Alva says. “I can do this on my own, or have you forgotten how you let me down the last time?”

Harlow hangs her head.

“Harlow!” Jocelyn races to the bars and rattles them, but Harlow does not look up. I see Jocelyn's lips start to move, and she begins to chant. I wonder if she'll be able to break through the bars that hold us. Alva notices and flings bolts toward the bars. Jocelyn goes flying back, falling into me.

“Stop bumping into me,” I grumble, flinging her off me.

“It's no use,” Jax says as Ollie cradles Maxine's head. Kayla rocks back and forth, seemingly oblivious to what's going on around her. “We can't break these bars.”

We all watch as Alva gives her gargoyles instructions. She glances in her mirror, and I can just make out the tiny figures in the frame. They must be the royal court, which is being held upstairs with Flora. “Go! Check on them and make sure the magic is holding. After that we can begin the spell,” she tells one of the gargoyles and he flies off only to return moments later. “Grrr…that's true. You can't be seen. I'll do it myself. Harlow, watch them!” She points to Jocelyn. “
All
of them. If I return and she's not here…”

“Yes, Alva,” Harlow says, but her voice sounds hollow.

Once Alva's gone, Harlow walks toward our cell, her eyes on Jocelyn. “I'm so sorry, sister.” The remaining gargoyle paces in front of our cages.

Seconds later, I see a radish roll past me. Harlow peers at it curiously as the gargoyle snatches it. He gobbles it down and drops in a heap.

“That's one problem solved,” Ollie says cheerily, opening his coat to reveal more radishes.

“Harlow, you know she can't complete the spell without both mirrors,” Jocelyn says, shaking. There are purple bruises on her hands from where she's been hit by Alva's rays. “Give us yours.”

“Your only shot would be to aim my mirror at hers and take both out, but she'll kill you before you can even raise your arm,” Harlow says. “Besides, the minute she notices my mirror is missing…” Her face crumbles.

“Is there anything else we can use?” I ask.

“No, you fool!” Harlow snaps, whirling toward me. Any sympathy she has for her sister, she doesn't have for me. Her voice is full of rage, and the deafening sound sends rocks falling from the cracked ceiling. We shrink back. “If there was something I could use to get my sister out of here, don't you think I would have?”

Jax clings to the bars. “She's betrayed you the way she's betrayed everyone else. If you want to save your sister, you have to help us.”

Ollie looks up from where Maxine lies. Her chest rises and falls so I know she's still breathing, but the bruise on her head looks ugly. “Maybe we could trick her. Give her a phony mirror.”

“How are we supposed to do that, genius?” Jocelyn snaps.

“You could create one,” I say, thinking aloud. “If you can create a dance partner in detention, then you can make a lousy little gold mirror.”

“You conjured up a dance partner?” Harlow asks, and her sister shrugs.

Jocelyn takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. Her lips begin to move, and I feel a sudden gust of wind. Moments later, a mirror that looks much like Harlow's is in Jocelyn's hands. I grab it and slide it into the poufy sleeve of my dress.

“Great. So you've got a mirror,” Jocelyn says mockingly. “How are you going to get out of here, Cobbler, when my sister can't make that happen?”

“With my help.” Wolfington walks into the light and Harlow steps back, preparing to do magic. “I think we have bigger problems at stake then you and me, don't you agree, Professor Harlow?” he asks calmly. “Save the magic for our bigger concern.”

“How can you help, Wolfington?” Harlow says with a sigh.

Wolfington moves closer to our cage, ignoring her. “Students, we don't have much time. Whatever procedures we had in place to deal with Gottie or Alva are now null and void, thanks to Harlow.”

“Not helping,” the Evil Queen hisses.

“If Professor Harlow can't break you out, maybe I can break in, but it will be risky.” Wolfington strokes his beard.

“You're not suggesting…” Harlow is flabbergasted.

“I am,” Wolfington interrupts. “There's no full moon tonight, but if you help me turn into the Wolf Man, I can break through those bars. Once I do though, none of you will be safe.” I shudder.

Jax smiles grimly. “It's the only shot we have. We have to take it.”

Harlow looks at me. “You'll have seconds to take that phony mirror of yours and swap it with Alva's. You'll probably get yourself killed trying, but if it gives my sister a chance…”

“Please try, Harlow,” Jocelyn says.

“Glad to see the Evil Queen hasn't gone soft under pressure,” Ollie mutters.

Harlow looks at Wolfington. “Ready?” He nods. With a flick of her wrist, she produces a bottle of something blue and hands it to our professor.

He holds it up to us in a toast. “For luck,” he says and then downs it in one gulp.

The transformation happens quicker than I would imagine, and Harlow hurries out of the way as Wolfington's clothes begin to tear, his hair begins to grow, and he falls to all fours before letting out a wolf howl that makes me shiver. When he looks up again, his eyes are yellow. We make eye contact for a moment and then I hear him growl. His teeth begin to gnash and we all move back. I can't believe I'm looking at the same person.

“Wolfington, think!” Harlow yells as he heads right toward her. With one furry hand, he swipes and the Evil Queen zaps him. It stuns him for a second before he lunges again, knocking her down. Jocelyn screams.

“Hey! Wolfie! Over here!” Jax yells, using a copper cup on the floor to bang on the bars. Wolfington stops and turns toward Jax.

All I can see is Harlow's mirror lying on the floor. If I can get to that mirror, I'll have more options when Alva returns.

“Everyone move!” Ollie says, pulling Maxine into a corner. Jax moves in front of her, and Jocelyn closes her eyes and begins to chant. Within seconds, a shield rises in front of them. The shield does not include me. Typical. Wolfington lunges and I dodge, sliding to the side as he barrels through the cage, breaking right through it. The Wolf Man lunges for the shield and gets shocked by electricity in the process. Ah, now I see what Jocelyn's doing. I cringe, thinking of Wolfington hurt, but I can't worry right now.