The magic department was an unassuming looking campus building... to those who knew nothing of magic.  Nitocris could sense power there, but more to the point, actually see all the unobtrusive magical wards drawn all over the building.  Someone was very determined to keep whatever happened in this building contained.

"Impressive warding," Nitocris said.

"Not sure what you mean by that," said Hermione, as they approached.

"I can sense the wards the teachers have put down to keep any magic contained with in the classes," Nitocris said.

"That's probably for the best," said Hermione.  "I assume that accidents are a real danger..."

"The can be, but I doubt many here could summon a demon lord by accident," Nitocris said.

"Eh, you never know," said Toxie.  "Is that easy to do?"

"No, it would be a legendary mistake that only a master could do," Nitocris said.

"...have you ever seen it happen?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.

"I read about it happening, but I haven't seen it. The weirdest accident I saw was how I got here," Nitocris said.

"Oh, I have GOT to hear this," said Toxie.  "What happened?"

"About a thousand years the younger brother of the sitting Pharaoh sought the throne and decided to seek wisdom from the dead. He clearly wasn't paying attention to what he was using as ingredients in his ritual, as he instead summoned a very angry Djoser-Stela, lord of hunger. It did not end well for him," Nitocris said.

"...that kind of thing can happen in science, as well," said Hermione.  "Well, not the demon lords, but the part where people die painfully.  Shall we go in?"

"Certainly," Nitocris said.

They went inside.  Mystic diagrams were on posters on the walls, and assorted minor magics were everywhere to be seen-- many of them traditions that were less familiar to Nitocris, but her experienced eye let her see the principles behind them.

"It is set up a lot like the science area," Nitocris said.

"Interesting," said Hermione.  "That gives me hope of figuring this out... should we look for a teacher?"

"There should be one around here," Nitocris said.

Nearby, a tall man in a grey suit was looking over some books and taking notes.  He was probably old enough to be a teacher...

"Are you one of the teachers here?" Nitocris asked the man.

"...Yes," he said.  "I do teach here occasionally.  Why do you ask?"

"I was interested in what the program here was like," Nitocris said.

He gave her a measuring look.

"There are different levels for different students," he said.  "In your case, you might well be in an advanced study group with me."

"Ah, good. You are clearly a good judge of talent," Nitocris said.

"I'm judging the magic you have gathered to you," he corrected.  "I don't know your talent level, but you clearly have power and will need advanced training.  If you have a solid background, we can do more with that."

"I do have a solid background," Nitocris said.

"That will certainly help," he said.  "Do you have goals?"

"I am hoping to expand my pool of spells as well as learn of any developments in the field in the last four millennia," Nitocris said.

The man nodded.

"It's a broad and complex field," he said.  "Do you have a particular special area within it?"

"Mostly with weather magic and some spirit magic as well," Nitocris said and then summoned her mirror. "And my mirror as well."

"All right," he said.  "And those others with you...?"

"My friend and girlfriend," Nitocris said. "They have an interest in getting into magic."

"...Interesting," he said.  "They've had no experience at all.  The aura of the one... I'm not sure how to begin teaching them.  But then, I wouldn't be.  They'd have a different teacher."

"I thought that anyone could learn? All of us had no experience when we started, no?" Nitocris asked.

"Perhaps they can," he said, "but I don't handle beginners, and wouldn't know how to start.  Others do that."

"Who would that be then?" Nitocris asked.

"She is known as Miss Inspire," he said.  "Her office is down that hall..."

"Thank you," Nitocris said, heading for the office.

Miss Inspire's office was just ahead.  The door opened as Nitocris approached.

"Hello?" Nitocris asked.

"Oh, come in, come in!" came a voice from inside.  It was disturbingly light and airy.

Nitocris entered the office.

It appeared to be a tiny woman sitting on a chair on a desk.  She couldn't me more than two feet tall, and had butterfly wings and glowed with internal night.

"Why, if it isn't our friend Nitocris?" she said, in her sing-song voice.  "However may I help you today, Your Former Majesty?"

"My friends were interested in learning about magic," Nitocris said.

"Ah, unexpected," said Miss Inspire, "and DELIGHTFULLY so!  Who are your little friends, that I may lead them in to the wonderful world of magic?"

"Hermione and Toxie," Nitocris said, introducing the two of them.

"How wonderful to meet both of you," said Miss Inspire.  "Of course, I can start you down the beginning of the wonderful path that is magic!"

Hermione's face was a blank smile; Toxie was trying very, very hard to not laugh.  But she was managing, at least.

"How long have you been teaching?" Nitocris asked.

"Two centuries now, I've been showing children the way to magic-land!" said Miss Inspire, quite pleased with herself.  "And so many have found the joy of understanding!"

"When you say children, do you mean...," Nitocris said, indicating the height of small kids with her hands.

"Oh, it's rare to teach quite that young," said Miss Inspire.  "Your age is more common.  But you're all my children to me!"

"Ah. I see," Nitocris said. "You certainly seem energetic."

"The prospect of new pupils fills me with energy!" the strange fairy creature promised.

"Ah ha," Nitocris said before turning to her friends. "Any questions for her?"

"...Can we really learn magic?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, yes!" said Miss Inspire.  "It will take many years to master all the secrets, but I can set you on the path!"

"...I guess that's about it, then," she said.  "Everything else should be in class."

"Good. Just as I thought," Nitocris said.

"...so should we explore more, or head back to our room?" Hermione asked.

"I'm good," Nitocris said.

"You two want some privacy?" Toxie asked.

"I believe it's a little early for that," Nitocris siad.

"Absolutely," said Hermione.  "...so what do you want to do?"

"Perhaps we should have another meal," Nitocris siad.

"Sounds good to me!" said Toxie.  "Let's go!"

Nitocris headed there.