“This is too important,” Fort said, leaning in closer. “If we don’t get them now, before they’re locked away again, Cyrus says we won’t have another chance.”

“We’d have a ton of chances if one of you Healing people would learn that ghost spell again,” Rachel pointed out.

Jia shook her head. “Fort had all of his magic wiped by the Old One, so it’ll take him months to learn Ethereal Spirit again. And I never should have to begin with. Dr. Ambrose banned it for a reason.”

“Because it was awesome?” Rachel asked. “And what about your imaginary friend, Fort? Is she going to be here for all of this?”

Fort gave Rachel an annoyed look. “First, she’s not imaginary. Second, I haven’t had a chance to talk to her yet today, but she told me she’d be ready when the time came.”

“You can trust her,” Jia confirmed. “But we need to know for sure she’ll be here at the exact right moment. If she’s late or doesn’t show, then we’re all going to get kicked out of school, if not something worse.”

Cyrus held up a hand to interrupt. “Ah, I think we’re going to have to cut this short. Something’s about to happen.”

Fort stared at him. “Something like… another attack? Or more like someone’s about to spill their cereal?”

“And here, students, we have the cafeteria!” shouted a voice from the twin yellow doors leading out to the halls. “This, of course, is where you’ll be eating all your meals.”

They all turned to find Colonel Charles leading a bunch of kids through the doors, walking backward like he was some kind of tour guide. Strangely, Fort didn’t recognize any of the students he was talking to. Was the school bringing in more students?

“And to our older students,” Colonel Charles continued, turning around to address those already in the cafeteria. “I want to introduce you to our new class here at the Oppenheimer School. Please mentor them whenever you can, so they can follow in your footsteps.”

Fort threw a glance at Rachel, raising an eyebrow. New students?

She shrugged, not seeming to know what was going on either.

And then Fort caught Sebastian’s eye, and the other boy grinned evilly.

“Enjoy your lunch, kids,” Colonel Charles said. “I’ll be back when you’re through to show you where your classes will be starting tomorrow.” He nodded as the students dispersed, then walked over to Fort’s table, where everyone straightened up at his approach.

“Colonel!” Rachel said, and saluted him, then stuck her hand in the air.

Colonel Charles smiled slightly and high-fived her. “I’m actually here for Forsythe, Rachel.” He turned to Fort. “Can I speak to you for a moment alone? There will be some… changes in your situation.”