As his focus adjusted, he was able to see he was inside one of the School for Seers atriumsa large one filled with every vehicle you could imagine from ferries to helicopters, to futuristic ones like the headmasters plane. The plane must have hovered in through an opening at the top of the atrium.

Crowded onto every single walkway around its perimeter were students and teachers, watching him eagerly, clapping, cheering for him, jumping up and down, whooping and hollering at his success.

Oliver felt a swell of emotion in his chest. It was more than just pride. More than just gratitude. It was the feeling of home.

There was a platform ahead, upon which stood Professor Amethyst with Ralph, Hazel, Walter, and Simon in a line behind him. They were beckoning for Oliver to approach. Esther tugged on his hand gently, guiding him toward them.

As Oliver drew up beside his friends, the whole atrium fell silent. Professor Amethyst began to speak, projecting his booming voice all around the auditorium.

Oliver and his friends completed a remarkable feat today. They saved the world from destruction. Never in the history of our school has a Seer achieved such a feat.

Everyone cheered again, whooping and hollering. It was only then that Oliver noticed a single blank face in the audience. Edmund. His arms were folded, his eyes narrowed and fixed on Oliver. Oliver shuddered.

The danger posed to our school by the rogue Seers who attacked has passed, Professor Amethyst continued. We cannot be attacked again. Though there will be more challenges ahead for us, for now, we must bask in our triumph. A celebratory feast will be held in the F hall!

The crowds began to disperse, eager for the meal. Olivers friends crowded around him.

Awfully good to see you back to health, chum, Simon said, slapping his shoulder affectionately.

Im so glad youre okay, Hazel added.

That was awesome, Walter grinned. Talk about brave.

Or stupid, Ralph added in his teacherly tone. I almost had a heart attack when I woke up and heard youd gone.

It was a mad thing to do, Hazel agreed. Youre lucky Professor Amethyst decided to help.

He didnt have much of a choice, Esther argued. The whole school was in danger. He had to accept the truth.

That he was even able to get back into the school is a miracle, Ralph agreed.

Their voices carried on, but Oliver got lost in their words. He felt unable to follow any of the threads of their conversation. He felt very disoriented. Something didnt feel quite right.

He turned from his friends and tugged on the headmasters sleeve.

May we speak privately? he asked.

Professor Amethyst nodded. He glanced over Olivers head and Oliver turned to see all his friends staring at them, confusion on their brows.

Arent you coming to the feast? Hazel asked.

I just have to… Oliver stammered. Theres some stuff I need to discuss.