Chapter 192 - More Relatives?

Ziu was worried that if they found Professor Gregory, the ministry would try to capture Professor Gregory's ghost. After all, Professor Gregory was one of the only souls who knew how to teach the death spell. Ziu was also aware that the two ministry men in front of him were the best at catching ghosts. He had seen a room in the ministry where they kept ghosts captive. Ghosts were always bottled and kept in a room where the temperature was kept at sub-zero. Going inside that room gave him shivers. There were so many ghosts being kept in bottles on shelves in the room and most of them were shrieking to come out. It was disturbing. 

"Please take us to the room which he frequents," commanded one of them, looking directly in Ziu's eyes. 

Ziu nodded because he couldn't refuse them. However, he changed the alley that led to his room. He smirked at them silently and kept changing the alleys until one of them became irritated. "The academy hasn't expanded so much, has it? Why does it seem as though we have been going in circles?" 

"No, but the way to his room is pretty complicated. We have sealed his room. However, pray tell, who informed you that Professor Gregory's ghost is staying in the academy? He could be anywhere," Ziu asked, hoping to get answers.

"Ilsa told us about it. She was very certain that Professor Gregory was here. If what she said is true, we will capture him. Ilsa has traded her freedom for this information," he replied nonchalantly. 

"Traded her freedom? What do you mean? Do you let all of your prisoners go scot-free so easily? This is ridiculous. Ilsa was part of a conspiracy that almost sabotaged the ministry sponsored competition and yet, for such trivial information, you guys allow her to walk freely amongst the streets of the wizard kingdom? She is a criminal!" exclaimed Ziu. 

"That is none of your concern Professor Ziu," he replied. Then he said, "If we don't reach the room in the next ten minutes, I will inform the ministry and you will lose your job as the headmaster of the school for interfering in the matters of the ministry." 

Feeling very nervous, Ziu stopped changing the alleys but still took them via a longer route. After all, he had ten minutes. 

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"Adrianna, look here child," said Professor Gregory. "It is very simple to send a soul to the realm it belongs to. Open a starry portal for me by pointing your wand towards the sky. I know you don't need lessons for that."

Adrianna looked at her grandfather through her tear-stained eyes. "Grandfather, you are my only blood relative. Please, can I bring you back to life?" 

Gregory shook his head and said, "If you don't do it, I will ask either Ziu or Isidorus. They will definitely do it for me.

"And Adri… I am not your last blood relative… there are more…" he said, looking at her kindly. Then, he went and stood in the center of the room. 

Adrianna's throat ached and she swallowed her saliva. She took out her wand and created a loop with it. "Starlziessss…" she whispered. The ceiling opened up to expose the bright sky. 

Gregory was encased in a white light. The light was so bright that Liam hopped away and hid under Adrianna's robe out of fear. Surrounded in sparkles of white light, Gregory seemed so happy to go. He looked as if he had never ever been so content in his life. 

She pointed her wand to her grandfather and whispered, "Starlzieee…." Gregory rose from the ground and disappeared as he ascended into the heavens. He continued to smile and watch Adrianna as he left. The ceiling closed as soon as he was gone. 

Liam came out from under her robe and she converted him back into a human.

She looked at Liam and fell on her knees, her shoulders drooping. She started crying. "No one wants to stay with me," she mumbled in between her sobs. 

"That's not true. We all are here for you Adri…" said Liam as he consoled her.

Just then, the ministry people entered the room. When they saw Adrianna crying, they asked in a strict voice, "Where is Professor Gregory?" 

Liam looked at all of them and tapped Adrianna's shoulder. She got up from her place. 

"Where is Professor Gregory?" the ministry man repeated. 

Adrianna saw how nervous Ziu was. "He is not here," she answered. 

"Where did he go?" the man repeated himself again, narrowing his eyes as he took out his wand. 

Adrianna wiped her tears and said, "I have no idea what you are talking about…" 

"Why did you taken your wand out?" Ziu asked. 

"We are here to catch Professor Gregory; we know that he is hiding here somewhere." 

Ziu looked at Adrianna who sadly smiled. "He has left forever…"