would take. The only thing that might worry him was teamwork within their group, though he didn’t even know yet if that would happen. ‘Don’t pay any attention to how the other three behave; just do your bit and it’ll be fine.’ Zane gave the reptile a reassuring pat on the back and opened the door onto the corridor. ‘Maybe they’ll warm to you quickly.’
Outside the hall at the very base of the Tower of Fire, nearly sixty cadets had gathered, equipped with all manner of gear. This ranged from loose, unrestrictive outfits similar to Zane’s, through various types of reinforced armour, to full suits of armour. Each of them also carried a training weapon, although most of these were swords of various kinds. They all seemed to be gathering in groups, engaged in lively discussions whilst casting appraising glances around them.
‘Draco!’ Aiden patted the lad standing next to him on the shoulder and waved at the dragon. A broad smile seemed to be permanently fixed on the redhead’s face, which was a bit odd given his nervous nature. ‘Hi, Zane,’ he called out as he approached them. The elf merely muttered something under his breath. ‘Yeah, I thought I’d see you lot together. Cedric and the others have gone off somewhere on the other side,’ he added, pointing down the corridor that ran the length of the entire floor.
‘You’re in good spirits.’ The reptile looked around once more, trying to commit to memory at least a little of what he might have to face. ‘Aren’t you nervous?’
‘A bit, but…’ Aiden faltered, as if suddenly flustered. ‘Instructor Hartmann recommended another alchemist to me.’
‘See, that’s a step forward.’
‘It’s something, at least.’ The boy shrugged and looked around, as if making sure no one could hear him. ‘Watch out for Kerling,’ he warned conspiratorially. ‘He can hold a grudge, and you’ve really got under his skin.’
‘Did something happen between the two of you?’ Zane interjected.
‘Frank mistook Draco for one of Cedric’s brothers and made some rather crude jokes.’
‘He’s lucky we can’t fight at
