Free Pegasi and Prefects by Eleanor Beresford Page A

lilting Scottish voice.
    Miss Spears moves to the front of the classroom again. She has suddenly lost her airs and graces; her expression is very serious. “Kitty is right: it’s a very silly idea indeed. There’s no human with power enough to breach the gap between the human world and the elfish world—if an elfish world even exists,” she adds, in careless contradiction of everything she has just been saying. “Rituals and so-called magical items are, as I expect you all to know, frauds. They are people dressing up their innate gifts with worthless gewgaws, or snake oil salesmen trying to persuade those of little talent that they can possess more. Magic is an intrinsic, beautiful thing, and each man—or woman’s—special gifts emerge as they mature. There is no way to increase your natural power.”
    Diana opens her mouth to protest, and Miss Spears’ voice becomes harsh.
    “I’d be doing you girls a great disservice as your teacher if I allowed you think there was any way to become more powerful. After all, the elves—or God—decided in their wisdom that one or two gifts were enough for mere humans, lest we become too powerful and challenge the angels themselves.”
    Diana shakes her perfect waves of hair, her brow still creased obstinately. “But what about Drainers?”
    Miss Spears’ shoulders stiffen. She arranges her scarves more carefully around her shoulders as she speaks. “It is true,” she says coldly, “that some unfortunate individuals have no true magical gifts of their own, and can only absorb those of others. This is not, however, a gift to be fostered. I would like to remind you all that Draining without consent is entirely illegal—as well as deeply dishonourable.” She pauses and then says, in the same sharp tones, “That is enough for today, girls. Head out for your break.”
    There’s still a good quarter of an hour left of lesson time, but we are nothing loath to escape. As we head for the Dining Room to see if the milk and biscuits for morning break can be wheedled out of the kitchen staff early, I notice Diana take a hesitant step toward Kitty. That young lady, however, is winding her arm into that of Anne Crompton of her own form and is clearly engaged. Diana pauses, showing more awkwardness than I have ever seen in her. She finally turns back to Valerie and Rosalind, who are waiting loyally for her.
    In the absence of my own two particular friends, I pair with Gladys, a step behind Diana and the two others. Thanks to Cecily, Gladys and I have lately become pals of a sort.
    I have absolutely no intention of anything as sneaking as eavesdropping on the girls ahead of us. I simply can’t help being aware that Diana is whispering in an excited voice about what Kitty said in the lesson.
    “Drop it, Di,” Valerie says, with unusual impatience. “It’s all nonsense, anyway, like Miss Spears said. If we really could contact elves, everyone would.”
    “I’ve heard it’s possible, too.” When Valerie doesn’t respond, Diana’s voice changes to the kind of condescending sneer she usually saves for me. “Obviously, it wouldn’t be of use to someone like you . I suppose the elves are far more likely to answer someone of purer blood. Isn’t that right, Rosalind?”
    Valerie yanks her arm away and rushes ahead in an offended silence. Beside me, Gladys half-smothers a chuckle. “One in the eye for darling Val,” she mutters in my ear.
    “I really wouldn’t know anything about elves.” Rosalind’s voice is expressionless.
    “But, Rosalind—”
    “Please leave it.” There is more firmness in Rosalind’s voice than I ever recall hearing before. ”Valerie’s right. I don’t think it’s quite nice to talk about.” She pulls her arm free and follows Valerie.
    “And one for Diana!” Gladys adds, gleefully. “Even the little mouse can squeak!”
    I nod in shared amusement and a little guilt. I have a vague feeling that, as a Senior Prefect, I should be quashing