The grand halls of the wizarding academy buzzed with the chaotic energy of students casting playful spells, their voices echoing like birdsong in the vast stone corridors. Victor Aurelian’s boots clicked against the polished floor as he strode with unyielding poise, his dark cloak billowing behind him.

The commotion around him was far from unusual. With a subtle flick of his gloved hand, their wands were bound by invisible threads of magic, leaving them frozen in their tracks.

“Discipline, gentlemen,” Victor intoned, his deep, silken voice carrying effortlessly over the chaos. The students stammered apologies as he dismissed them with a mere wave, their wands snapping back to their hands.

Victor turned to continue on his way when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of movement. He sighed deeply, already suspecting what was coming.

And there you were—hovering mid-air on your broomstick, laughter spilling from your lips as several younger wizards chased after you in a futile attempt to catch you.

Victor came to a halt, his crimson eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. The edge of his mouth twitched—was it irritation or amusement? Perhaps both.

“Ah…” He exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Again?"