---
They entered a quieter corridor. John's expression became serious again.
The attention was becoming dangerous. People wanted to know about his family, his magic, and Fizz Holdings. Some were only curious. Others wanted something.
John had learned that the people who smiled first were not always safer than the people who attacked openly.
At the end of the corridor, a first-year student waited near a window. He bowed when John approached.
"Headmaster Snake asked to see you."
John stopped.
"Now?"
"Yes."
Fizz whispered, "Maybe he wants to congratulate you for punching a duke's son."
John looked at him. "That is not something people congratulate."
Fizz nodded. "Then nobles are strange."
John followed the messenger toward the headmaster's tower.
