Work Text:
Catherine sat in the assembly hall. Regitze was next to her, quick reassurances that even if Catherine hadn’t won, she was still the better pick for the role. But the fact was that she had lost to Hannah and Regitze quieted when the headmaster started speaking. “Let us welcome Hannah Lund to the stage.”
Her eyes narrowed in on Hannah as she walked up on the stage, the heels of her shoes clicking on the floor. Catherine was curious what song she had picked. It had to be something that demonstrated her skill, something that would catch the eyes of the noble guests watching. It would have to be beyond perfect to impress them and get the Prime Mordressa position.
As Hannah began to sing, Catherine drew in a breath. She heard Regitze gasp next to her. If Hannah had still wanted to be the Prime Mordressa, she would not have picked this song. Darling Wildflower, the same song Professor Hyben loved to make everyone sing during the morning assemblies. The former professor. What had been dissonant syllables from his voice were harmonious notes from Hannah. As she sung, she used Illusion magic to create purple swirls and a flower over her heart.
Catherine clenched her fists on her lap. What a waste of the opportunity Hannah had been given. It was a truly foolish choice to perform this song. The performance ended and everyone went to dance in the main area. Catherine barely paid attention to her surroundings, only noting Regitze rambling about how absurd it was for Hannah to perform a children’s song. Even as the fireworks exploded in the night sky, the only thing on Catherine’s mind was the lavender purple of Hannah’s illusion.
The very next day, what Catherine had predicted had come to pass. She left the headmaster’s office, the new weight of the prefect badge pinned to her top. She knew whose badge had just been provoked due to her foolish performance. The badge shone, silver with light purple details.
She barged into the library, where she knew Hannah would be. There was no one there except the person she was looking for. “You.” Catherine raised her voice.
Hannah jumped up from her seat, dropping the book in her hands with a loud thump on the table. She greeted her but Catherine cut her off.
“You won. You were selected by Professor Gordon to perform and what did you do with your chance? Ruined it and now Sullivan’s eyes are on you.” Catherine scowled at her new badge. “Now I have your leftovers. I’ll be able to be the Prime Mordressa but everyone will know it was only because you gave it up.” She glared at Hannah, who had remained silent. “How could you be so stupid?”
Hannah just gave her a solemn stare. “Catherine, you know as much as I do that there are more important things than winning. Professor Hyben is… gone. I could care less about the Prime Mordressa role.” She turned away, grabbing her belongings. Before she left, she gave one final look back. “I wish you well as the new Prefect. Stay safe.”
Catherine stared at her back. The library doors clicked shut. Hannah’s words still lingered in her head. She clutched at the prefect badge, the light purple catching her eyes.
There are more important things than winning.