There was a girl that no one at Blackwell really talked to, or even talked about. She had no friends, she kept to herself, and any teasing that was directed her way was practically useless. Victoria had to work to appear untouchable, and that weirdo Caulfield was so pie-in-the-sky that nothing could seemingly bring her down. But with Kate Marsh it was as effective as telling a brick wall how much it sucked. She truly did not care what people thought or said. There were a million rumors circulating about her, but no one could confirm any of them. But there was one in particular that had Victoria thinking more and more.

"I hear she's a witch," Taylor had said in a hushed, eager tone. They were watching her walk from the main building to the dorms. "Not like that week when Alyssa said she worshiped the Mother Goddess or whatever, like an actual witch. She can cast hexes and tell the future and shit. Apparently Hipster McSelfie actually got her to say more than three words. I don't know what that weirdo's secret is..."

The future. If there was one thing Victoria could really use, it was a look to the future. A chance to know which fashions would be coming into popularity, when someone was thinking about breaking up with her, when her friend would backstab her, what college she would go to... Love, life, everything would be hers to toy with.

So, she would go where no one went before. She approached the door with the dry erase slate bearing some inexplicable sigil, and knocked gently. Nothing. But she'd kept a close eye on the bizarre girl, and knew she wasn't in the main building so she had to be here. She huffed, unable to believe anyone would have the nerve to make a Chase wait, much less ignoring one. So she knocked again. Still nothing. No, this would not stand. She was dedicated now, and she would bug the shit out of this girl until she talked to her. She knocked again, louder still, and actually let out a little cry of surprise when the door was opened almost immediately.

"You were here the whole time? Why didn't you just answer like a normal human being?"

And Kate just smiled at her, this knowing smile, motioning for Victoria to enter her room. She was angry, but she was also incredibly intrigued. She entered, and found herself surprised by how inoffensive it all was. There were a lot of confusing items that she had no frame of reference for, but there was a severe lack of severed goat's heads or pentagrams or whatever. In a way, it was almost weirdly inviting. There were wall-hangings and decorations of various religious icons from all faiths. Her desk was covered not in arcana and grimoires but regular old schoolwork – notably covered in A's.

"Third time's a charm. That's what they say, right?"

Victoria snapped out of it and looked over at her again. She had this... smile. It wasn't cocky, or cruel, or really anything. It was almost nice, and sort of inviting. More to the point, it was disarming. "Wha...?"

"Third time's a charm? The number three? It's a very important number. Seekers of knowledge are often told they must ask three times before they are given what they long for. That's why you're here, yes?" It was a little bit tough to think. She was articulate, and smart, and seemed wise despite being practically the same age. "I'm sorry, perhaps I'm being too presumptuous. You're Victoria, right?" The girl offered her a hand and she took it, shaking slowly. Even Kate's own outfit was hardly what you would expect. No real darkness, mostly earth tones and soft fabrics. A sweater that was slightly too big for her body and a flowing skirt that went down to her calves. Even her hair had a sort of earthy coloring to it, and it hung around her face in natural waves and curls.

"Yeah. Um, yes, I'm Victoria. Rumor has it you do fortune-telling." That smile never wavered, and now Kate was chuckling softly. "What? Is it true or not?"

"Sort of. No palms or crystal balls. I'm just fascinated by tea leaf reading. If you're interested, I'd be happy to read for you sometime. But it can take a little while, so you may need to set some time aside..." It was the eyes, too. They were slightly sunken, deep, the eyes of someone far older than 18.

"Sure. Saturday then. Seven alright with you?" Victoria was trying desperately to stay standoffish but it was like Kate could see right through her facade. She didn't like it. But she didn't hate it either. It was weird, that was all.

Kate laughed again, proving that she wasn't entirely without a sense of humor. It was a gentle laugh, no judgment in it at all. "You don't have some big party to get to? The way I understand it, the Vortex Club never stops partying."

"If you're as good as you seem to think, then it will be worth missing a party. And if I'm not satisfied with my 'reading' then we'll be having words."

"Very well. Saturday at seven." Kate moved with a certain grace as she opened the door once more, and before she knew it Victoria was back in the hallway, staring at the now-closed door in disbelief. What the hell had she gotten herself into?

…

So that was how Victoria had found herself, promptly at seven, sitting on a large pillow, across a little table from Kate Marsh, who was sitting on her own cushion. It was all rather un-elaborate. Kate had pulled out a worn mug and a thrift store electric kettle. "I sort of expected more pomp and circumstance."

"Number one rule of magic: Ingredients are key, unless you're not very wealthy, in which case you do what you must. Ultimately, tea is tea. I'm not actually reading the leaves, I'm reading you." She looked directly at Victoria as she said this, and the blonde felt a little chill travel through her. But nerves aside, there was no turning back now. The kettle clicked to alert them that the water was ready. Despite the unimpressive instruments, Kate poured the water with the kind of patience and care reserved for a musical instrument. It was... beautiful.

No, it was weird. It was weird that she believed in all this stuff. Victoria still had her doubts, and was hoping that if nothing else this might be an excuse to turn Kate into her new target. She'd been getting bored lately. "Now, we just give it a bit of time to seep..." Oh hell, when did they get to the part where she actually heard her fortune? "In the meantime, tell me a bit about yourself. I can't really give a proper reading if I don't know the tea drinker."

Victoria hesitated, and took a moment to compose herself. "Well, I'm a photographer. I'm particularly fond of fashion photography, though there is something about a perfectly captured landscape that just..." She stopped, and her brow furrowed. Dammit, this Kate girl was far too good at giving her room to let her walls down. "They... just... um, make me incredibly happy..." And, as always, the mysterious student just smiled and nodded in understanding. "My family is a rather big name, locally, and my parents can be pretty... Hm, they're often busy, and maintain incredibly high standards on themselves as well as me."

That apparently satisfied the witch and the cup was finally slid toward her. "I'm afraid the process requires that nothing extra be added. It's a delicious tea, but there are no sweeteners. Think of it as... the aesthetic price you pay for a spiritual journey."

The blonde said nothing, feeling she'd already said more than enough. She sipped the tea, and though it was bitter, it was also light and airy and had a lovely floral aroma that she might not have noticed with sugar or honey added. And Kate just sat there with legs crossed, watching her all the while, intent, baring down on her with curiosity. Perhaps she was being overly honest when she said she would be reading Victoria as well as the leaves. She closed her eyes and tried to shut out the feeling of that gaze boring right through her.

The cup was drained and she finally passed it back. Showing that same odd tenderness, Kate swirled it slightly and peered close at the remnants within. "You have a boyfriend?" she said, coolly.

"What? Er, no, I'm... playing the field."

"Good." Good? What the hell does that mean? Victoria must have had a pretty definite look of frustration, because Kate held the cup out for her to see, motioning to a vaguely heart-shaped lump near the rim. "I was having some difficulty making this out. Naturally, it indicates love. For those with a deep romantic connection, it could symbolize infidelity or a treacherous love triangle. Otherwise, it's good news. Attraction in your future"

"How vague..." she muttered dubiously.

Kate seemed unphased. "It's not a science, it's an art. Besides, it's not as if I'm telling you you're going to hook up. What happens is still your choice. What good is fate if we cannot defy it?"

Fair point. She nodded. "What else?"

"Hmmm, would you say photography is a passion of yours?"

Well, Victoria didn't exactly like the idea of being passionate about anything. Of course she was passionate about many things. But she didn't like someone calling her out on it. "Such a thing could be called accurate, I suppose."

For perhaps the first time ever, she saw Kate actually get a little frustrated with her. It was oddly terrifying. "This won't go nearly as well if you continue to bar my efforts at every turn, Victoria Chase. Now, it's just the two of us here, and if you want to understand how the mists of time will affect you, then I suggest you get over yourself." She never raised her voice. It wasn't cruel, she spoke earnestly.

"Photography. ...I love it. Whether it's crafting a perfect scene or capturing a surprising moment, I can't seem to get enough... Does that answer your question?"

"Thank you~ There are opportunities in your future, if you're observant and careful. And above all, you must be willing to seek counsel, advice, and help. Perhaps someone knows something you don't. Maybe they know a secret spot where the sun sets just right. And if you think someone would make a perfect model, be sure to tell them."

I could think of someone, a certain witch with eyes that just scream for a close-up. She might have been alright with having this thought by itself, but her face flushed, and with the way Kate seemed to notice everything, that was sure to be seen too. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind..."

"Hmmm, success marker... fortune, no surprise there... Ah, butterfly. Lots of those going around, Max had one as well." That comment caused just a tiny flare of jealousy in Victoria's heart. She wasn't even the first to get a reading? Hmm, she would have to see how things went with Caulfield. Compare notes, check that Kate wasn't a total fraud.

"And... what's the butterfly mean?"

"Changes in your future, expect the unexpected, a transformation – often of self. Oh! And a lovely little swirly right at the bottom." Victoria's head canted to the side, and this time the little witch actually chuckled like a normal human. "That's one of my personal touches. Means you get another reading if fate is kicking your ass particularly hard."

And suddenly it was over. The blonde wished she had some sort of excuse to remain a while longer, which was a new experience to say the least. Normally she went where she pleased. But she actually felt like a trespasser here, only allowed to be seated on this cushion by the grace of the witch across from her. "Well... It certainly sounds like things will be going my way for a bit."

"Mmm, if you bare my warnings in mind. Even the best omen can blow up in your face if you're not careful."

Victoria stood up and started for the door. "I'll remember that. Thanks, Marsh. You're alright."

"I know." she said cryptically, and began cleaning up as Victoria left.

…

"So, how was your date with the Witch of Blackwell?" Courtney asked her curiously. "I hope it was worth missing the party. Dana and me did a table dance. Guys were actually throwing dollar bills at us. It was hilarious!"

"Yeah, that's... great, Court." She sighed, propping her chin in her palm. "I suppose it was worth it. Magical confirmation that I am as amazing as I think."

"You could have had the same experience if you'd joined us in dancing, Tori. What's better for self-esteem than having guys drooling over you just because you're shaking your hips a little? I mean, going into that den of weirdness? What if she cast some weird secret spell on you?"

Victoria actually felt herself get a little heated, and wanted to jump to Kate's defense. She had turned out to be okay, even if she wasn't bothered by all the comments behind her back, she didn't really deserve it. She was literally not bothering a soul. "Ease up. She's cool, just a little creepy. You get used to it..."

Taylor was usually the more in-tune of the two, and she was a little more quick to notice the change in tone. "So, are we talking like 'potential Vortex' cool, or just 'don't maliciously end her' cool?"

"Pretty sure she's a little too weird for the club, but I'd say she's proven she doesn't need to be taken down a peg. She does her own thing. I can respect that." She decided to skip over the fact that she'd be doing another reading at some point. No sense making them worry that she was losing it. But she also wasn't going to dare miss another party either. People had a way of noticing these things if it happened too often.

…

Victoria was grateful she didn't have to bother with knocking three times, nor was she terribly surprised that Kate seemed to be expecting her, even though it was a lazy Sunday afternoon when she next visited. She took her spot on the pillow as she had done before, and settled in, still not entirely sure what she was doing back. Her fortune likely hadn't exactly changed in just over a week. And she knew by now she couldn't exactly lie to her.

"You wish to know more about your whirlwind romance, I take it?" The question caught her off-guard, though she was fully aware it shouldn't have. She tried not to think too hard about it and just nodded.

"I'm not usually fond of being tied down by one... person. So I guess I want a better idea of what to expect? Like, who in the world could make me settle down? I find it tough to believe anyone would be capable of that." It was about as close as she could get to the truth without actually saying everything that was on her mind.

"Very well, this might be a moment." Kate went in search of the proper tea, giving Victoria another chance to admire her room. It really did have a homey feel to it, but there was just enough youth present to remind her she was still in the dorms. There was an icon of Jesus right next to a figurine of Gautama Buddha. Eclectic didn't even begin to describe this girl's tastes. Somehow, Victoria had also managed to completely miss the presence of a small white rabbit.

"I thought witches kept black cats..." she mused, but apparently Kate heard her. She was returning with a pouch of loose leaf tea and took her spot.

"They're only one of many options for familiars. It must be chosen carefully, just as you would any pet. Can you see me maliciously stroking a sleek black cat?"

Well, that made sense. "It suits you."

"Her name is Alice, by the way. Generally, rabbits help to stimulate creativity and awareness. They're also prized, because they boost fertility and intimacy~" Kate's gaze never broke, nor her calm and steady tone of voice. Victoria was not nearly so collected, and her blooming cheeks spoke volumes. "Mostly, she just provides a fluffy companion for when I'm having an off day..."

That last comment broke the tension and Victoria let out a little sigh. "That's adorable." Lucky rabbit, she thought to herself. The blonde jumped a little when the electric kettle suddenly clicked, and she sat there bashfully as Kate prepared her tea. "Unlike last time, there is an extra step. Try to focus as you drink. You will have to center your energies. If you... have someone in mind, it may help to picture them. Otherwise, just, y'know, focus on warm fuzzies."

Tori took the cup and drank as directed. She was tempted to press her luck and focus specifically on the witch, but she found she didn't quite have the courage, what with her sitting right there. It was definitely a new blend, though tough to put her finger on. Rose and chamomile? She was hardly an expert. It actually had a kind of natural sweetness to it, and she felt more at ease as she drank it down.

She passed it back to Kate and waited patiently as she swirled and stared. "Your love. A relative stranger to your midst... Unknown, both literally and metaphorically..."

"Metaphorically?" That was a new one. What the hell could that mean?

"Mmmm, someone who comes from another world. Different, yet familiar," she explained, then moved on down the spiral of the cup. "Ah. A house. You must... Well, I'm interpreting a little more than normal here, but... You will likely lose your chance if you maintain your old ways. Whether you open the door or break down the wall, if they cannot get in, they will pass you by for somewhere more hospitable."

Victoria watched carefully, and noted just a hint more smiling than last time. She wondered what Kate found so amusing. "An unexpected physical attraction. What's your type, Victoria?"

"What?"

"Well, whatever it is, stop it. The tea has spoken and the pattern is clear. Your old ways suited you fine for playing the field. If you wish to experience love, it's recommended you continue to push away from your comfort zone." Kate apparently saw Victoria looking a little bit concerned and smiled in understanding at her. "You don't have to stop being the queen of your little club. Just be aware that sometimes it's okay to make a secret known. You might find you're... respected more because of it."

…

Kate had been feeling relatively confident about how things were going lately. She didn't expect to fall for the tall, handsome queen of the Vortex Club, but here she was. She certainly didn't expect Victoria to show up at her door asking for a reading. It would be nice to think that she was so clever as to bamboozle her way into saying all those things about the girl.

But she was too nice for that, too honest. She read what she'd seen, and what she saw in both the cup and the girl had been plain as day. She wore multiple masks at the same time, and rarely if ever allowed someone to see her for who she was. She needed someone who could actually call her on her bullshit, but could do so gently.

It was barely two hours since Victoria had left her room. No one else was really planning on coming by, so she settled into bed with Alice in her lap and curled up with a book. So when someone knocked at their door, she ignored it. Probably some nonsense that she didn't feel like dealing with. She was certain they had gone away, when suddenly they knocked again. Frowning, she placed Alice back in her cage and went to investigate. It was only as she stood there waiting that it dawned on her what this could possibly mean.

There was a third knock, more insistent. She opened her door, and there stood Victoria in all of her not-glory, apparently having taken Kate's advice rather literally. She had allowed her hair to lose some of its perfection, her make-up was entirely removed, and she'd changed into some unimpressive pajamas. Most notably, in her hand she held a copy of Kiki's Delivery Service.

"Third time's a charm" Kate purred as she reached up, pulling Victoria into an emphatic kiss. She was clearly surprised by this, as the DVD case clattered from her hand to the floor before she leaned more into it, her own arms going around the fluffy little witch.

Kate hadn't been expecting this to happen so soon. But you had to learn to expect the unexpected, sometimes.