I held my chin high and looked straight at the pale, shocked faces of Richard and Linda in the back row.

I wondered whether they would leave the academy grounds quietly once they were confronted.

The sharp bark of the dismissal order echoed off the high ceiling, and our entire row turned to the right.

The thick fabric of our dress coats rustled in unison.

The heavy, polished feel of a brass uniform button pressed into my thumb as I gripped the seam of my jacket.

Sarah bumped her shoulder against mine as we marched toward the center aisle.