Professor Eldritch was never strict about her office hours, in fact, if it weren't forbidden, stated in section three of Adolphus' handbook, she would probably allow students before the break of dawn. The garden and the Greenhouse were her domain, and therefore her office.
Her salt and pepper waves were easy to spot amongst the colorful flowers. She'd begun watering them in her free time, and I shook my head at her.
"Professor Eldritch, do you ever not have a hose in your hand?" I teased as I walked up to her.
"Oh! Oakley dear, you fickle little thing. Come here." Her shock was masked well as she turned to face me.
"I actually have something to talk to you about, Professor." I mumbled, sheepishly lowering my eyes.
I heard the faint thud of the hose as it fell to the ground. My eyes wandered back to Eldritch, and she seemed to have a knowing look in her eye. The air chilled, and a thin layer of ice coated my lungs.
"Oakley, darling, watch for wandering ears around here. The greenhouse is closest to the woods." Her words whispered, harsh, and filled with fear.
"What does that even mean, Professor? Do you know about the-" Her palm met my lips in urgence, and my eyes widened at her assault.
"Oakley, these daisies, they're my favorite. Do you see how they shimmer with gold flecks? I couldn't tell you how long I waited for the seeds, too. It was worth it though, dear." She spoke, loudly this time, ushering me over to the little box of golden daisies.
"Here," She continued pulling out a pair of tattered, corduroy overalls. "put these on. You can help me repot these separately."
I held the overalls in my hands, and furrowed my brows at her. She was an unusual woman, yes, but never this erratic.
"Professor Eldritch, I'm confused-"
"Darling, I know you want to discuss Ms. Whispwood and Mr. Greene's current failures on their tests, but I do wish for a bit of help at the moment. Please, put on the overalls." She cut me off again. and I huffed, stomping my foot.
I flipped the overalls over in my hands and a white t-shirt fell to the floor. When I unfolded it, a piece of paper almost fell to the ground. My eyes widened and I shoved it in my bag. I tossed it on the ground and walked over to the outdoor shower to change.
When I returned, I saw that Eldritch had already begun repotting the daisies, and her back was to me. Her frail body was shaking a bit, and I felt a bit of unease sweep through the air. This wasn't right. Ainsley had told me that Headmaster Vancejoy was asking about me a few days ago, and now her whole demeanor had shifted. I'd have to read the note later, when no prying eyes were around.
When I tapped her on the shoulder she gasped, and turned abruptly.
"Oakley dear, take this daisy with you. I only wanted two. I just need you to repot this last one for me, and you can be on your way. If you could let Ms. Whispwood know that her and Mr. Greene are welcome to redo their tests, but they have to reschedule with me personally." She said, handing me a pair of gloves.
I was still curious why she was bringing up Trey and Ainsley, but I'd still pass the message along when I saw them again. When I had them on, I got to work potting the last daisy. Its roots were healthy. They melded with the dirt beautifully, and it was nearly completely in tact when I pulled it from the box.
The shimmering gold flecks sparkled in the sunlight, and little gold dust shook from the petals. The flower acted as if it were alive, wiggling on its own. My eyes widened in amusement.
A few moments passed, and I placed the daisy in its new pot, securing the dirt around the roots. Professor Eldritch wandered over with the hose not long after and gestured for me to take one of the daisies. When my hands hovered over the pale blue pot, Eldritch yelled out to me.
"No, take the pink pot, dear. That one was a little smaller." She gave a small wink, and went back to watering the plants.
I did as I was told, and tucked the daisy under my arm. I'd make the trek to my dorm, and leave it there for safekeeping. Something about the way Eldritch was acting stirred suspicion thoughts inside me. I'd read her note there, and burn it if I had to.
The main building wasn't as crowded during the lunch hour, the mess hall held the traffic. I was grateful for that, because I was able to slip into my room with ease. With a shaky breath, I closed and locked my door.
I sunk to the floor, and placed the flower next to me. Trembling fingered fumbled with the bag. It opened after a few tries, and I stuck my hand inside.
When I felt the note, I tugged it out and opened it up, careful not to tear at the words. My eyes scanned it a few times, and they widened in shock.
*Oakley. Destroy. This.
Headmaster Vancejoy has been having consistent meetings with The Seven's Council since the beginning of last summer. They arrive in one month's time. They're going to give authorization for their members to access my Nightshade, and all who they deem fit.
The pink pot is the last of the Golden Daisies It is the rarest of its kind, and the most powerful. I bred this seed with the tears of Alectryon's golden hen.
The gold dust is more powerful than that of the strongest healing potions. If you nurture them consistently, they never die. No one besides the old ones have this knowledge. The Seven's Council destroyed them for future generations. They're a myth now. Like how the gods used to be.
-The gods were never gone, and because the seed of knowledge was nurtured again, they returned in full bloom-*
Headmaster Vancejoy was behind this, I knew that. I just didn't know what this was. What is she trying to accomplish with Deadly Nightshade? Was she trying to build an army of mutant creatures? Was she trying to disrupt nature itself?
There were too many questions racing through my mind, and I had to talk to Coop about what to do next. I just didn't know if I should tell him about the daisy. I'd have to warn him about Vancejoy, the Seven's Council, and their arrival.