"Who might've done this?  And why?"

"No idea.  I could list all the magic experimenters I know of, but there're a lot of others I don't...  And why?  Well, there're some Elf-kings and Vampire-lords who'd like new memory magic to keep people like you from finding out about magic.  It's starting to leak out.  As you can guess."  She purses her lips, suddenly unsettled.  "You know, if they got this spell... and it really is so easy to cast... they just might be able to actually do it."

"...I do not think my mother would approve of that."

"Which means we'd better figure out what happened, first!  I'll go get everything we need - see you after school!"

"See you then.  Good skill."

"So, Violet, should we just go -- oh, I forgot, the math quiz!"

Lila does, however, get through the math quiz.  And she leaves a message with Mom's answering machine saying she and Violet will be studying with a friend after school.

After that - and several other irritatingly slow class periods - school lets out.  Having no clue of Aeslin's afternoon class schedule (if she actually showed up to the afternoon classes), or Violet's schedule either, she ends up waiting right outside the door near the gym.

Violet is actually also waiting by the gym, rather unsurprisingly.

And so is Gene!

"Hey!" he says when Lila comes up.  "Up to anything this afternoon?  Want to get some frisbee together?"

"Actually we do have some plans.  Studying."

"What's got you so excited about that?"

Before Lila can answer, Aeslin comes up from outside, with a still heavier backpack.  "Hey!  I've got everything together - let's go!"

"Not excited.  Terrified," Violet deadpans.

It's not even a lie.

"What, surprise test tomorrow?  And what're you joining for... Ashley?  Or am I forgetting your name?"

"Aeslin.  Long story."

"Brand new group project.  Due approximately yesterday.  I'm helping."

"Good luck.  I guess."

He leaves.

"Okay, best place I can think of is Briarwood Park.  Hardly anyone should be there now, and it's near my tutor's studio if we end up needing more equipment or anything.  Or we could just do it in one of the supply rooms here if we don't want to head all the way there - I can get us in."

"...Your tutor's place unless there's something particularly useful in Briarwood."

"I was thinking we can run the first tests by ourselves before we maybe bring in anyone else?"

"Then do it at our place. Mom already knows too."

She pauses a moment, thinking.

"Okay.  Got a ride?  Or is it on a bus route?"

"It's close enough that we take the bus home often."

Not too long afterwards, Lila pushes open their door.  "Hi, Mom?" she calls out in case she's home.  "We're home after all."

There's a few moments' silence.

"Looks like she isn't here.  Well, that makes things easier.  Let's go to  the spare --

"Er, I just remembered that's your bedroom, Violet.  Where do you think we should do this?"