The magistrate looked over the papers and documents on the desk. Alan thought the desk looked unsettling with its realistic clawed feet and ebony wood finish. It might also be the bell jar with a tiny otherworldly being swimming around in what looked like pickle juice to him sitting casually at one corner. The fifteen year old fidgeted as he waited. Kira had helped him gather the documentation and statements from character witnesses for this. It was all to change his status from 'Rogue/Orphan' to 'Acolyte of the Order', so that he could get the training and support he needed as a newly minted mage. Kira had said it was her job as an inquisitor to find the truth, not to prosecute the innocent.
    The magistrate cleared his throat quietly. "Well Mr. Van Allen, with the exception of one minor violation of the Veil, you're cleared to join the Order of Hermes Trimegustus. However, with the Veil violation, you are required to be on probation for ninety days."
    Alan smiled but he had to ask. "What's probation mean then? Do I have a parole officer or have to do community service?"
    The magistrate smiled calmly. "No. In your particular case, since the offense was so minor it just means you are not allowed to use magic or transform when you aren't in the presence of your mentor. Since our Department of Inquests is always in need of curious minds, you'll be assigned to Inquisitor Nocturne for mentoring and training."
    Alan looked puzzled. "What's a Veil violation?"
    The magistrate said "It means you performed magic in the presence of mundanes without a justifiable cause such as responding to a magic-related event or emergency. Remember those tricks with levitating glasses between your hands at the Halloween party?"