The school bell chimed, signaling the end of third period. A cacophony of rustling papers and scraping chairs filled the room as students filed out of class. The young witch-in-training looked up from her book with a half focused gaze in her purple eyes. Realizing the class was over, she packed up her things and headed out of the room.
By the time she got to the main hall, a current of various species, otherwise known as school's student body, were already flowing past, chatting on their way to their various classes. Slipping into the crowd, the girl began to make her way to her fourth period history class. Clutching the large book she'd been reading to her side as she walked, the witch paused as she heard a familiar voice calling her name.
"Liddell!" Kitty exclaimed, pushing between a banshee and a warlock. The banshee let out a small shriek, and Kitty's tail stood straight on end. "S-sorry!" the cat girl exclaimed, amber eyes widening as the two students walked past.
Liddell rolled her eyes. "What's with you, Kitty?" the witch asked, grabbing her friend by one baggy sleeve of her blue dress. Liddell pulled her friend to the side of the hall before more students had the chance to trip over her.
"I was going to tell you! In second period-!" Kitty began excitedly, trying to get her thoughts in order.
The girl waited for her friend to calm down, but after a few moments, she sighed with impatience. "What is it?" Liddell demanded with a huff of annoyance. She clumsily attempted to cross her arms over her purple bandeau as she struggled to keep her book from slipping out of her grasp.
Kitty shook her head, attempting to refocus. "We have a new history teacher!"
Liddell blinked a few times in surprise. "Did the old one finally kick the bucket?" she questioned with sudden interest. It was rare for new teachers to come in, especially in the middle of a school year.
"Dunno!" Kitty shrugged. "You've got that class next anyways, right? So you'll be able to see for yourse-" she was cut off by the sound of the warning bell echoing through the now almost-empty halls.
"Crap!" Liddell exclaimed. "I'm gonna be late to class! Later, Kitty!" she called to her friend who was already scrambling in the opposite direction.
The sound of clicking heels and the occasional greeting of a pumpkin lantern echoed through the silent halls as Liddell bolted to her next class. Sliding around the corner, the witch grabbed onto a knob and yanked open the door just as the sharp sound of the final bell rang through the building. Quiet snickers bubbled throughout the room as a classful of students watched Liddell slink in. All eyes were on the young witch as she clutched her book to her chest. With an annoyed expression blooming into a blush of embarrassment, she ducked her head down and attempted to get to her desk unnoticed.
"Excuse me," a voice called, stopping the witch in her tracks. She turned around, meeting the gaze of a very tall man with red eyes. Or rather, she noted, a single red eye, since half of his face was covered in long silver bangs. The man, who Liddell realized was her substitute history teacher, gave her a toothy, but otherwise friendly enough smile. "You must be Liddell," he stated, glancing at a clipboard he had in his hands through a pair of thin, black spectacles.
"T-that's me..." Liddell trailed off as she stared at the man in bewilderment.
"I'll have you know, I don't tolerate tardiness. But this time, I suppose it's alright," he said with no hint of seriousness in his tone. "Please take your seat, Liddell. Class is starting!"
The young witch made her way to her desk and slouched into her seat, avoiding eye contact with the other students as she went. As the lesson began, the girl stared at the new teacher in wonder. He was very handsome, and between his white button down, and black tie, pants, and shoes he was dressed sharply, but unassumingly. Still, something seemed so familiar about the man as he lectured the class, but for the life of her she couldn't figure out what it could be…
Shrugging off her thoughts for the time being, Liddell pulled out a pencil and a sheet of paper as she tuned into the lesson. Her eyes widened in amusement as she realized the sub was enthusiastically describing various historical methods of torture in excruciating detail. Throughout the room students were already looking pale as the teacher obliviously continued his detailed lecture to the captive audience.
After a few minutes of talking, he paused, not seeming to notice the uneasy expressions forming on some of the students' faces.
"Now everyone," the man said with a smile. "Contrary to popular belief, does anyone know when the first account of the iron maiden's use was recorded?"
Liddell raised her hand, and the teacher bid her to answer. "Seventeen ninety-three," Liddell responded, thankful that the some of the random knowledge she had obtained could finally be put to use.
The man's eye widened in satisfied amusement. "Good!" he exclaimed with a smile. Turning to the rest of the class, he continued his lecture.
The bell rang just as the man was beginning to explain the mechanics of the rack. Queasy students quickly shambled out of the room, but at the substitute's request, Liddell hung back. When the last student had left, the man chuckled. "I hope they'll still be able to stomach their meals!" he beamed as he reorganized some stray papers on his desk. "I know it's lunch hour, so I promise to not keep you for long," he assured the young witch with a smile.
Liddell responded with a nervous laugh. "I thought your lesson was pretty interesting," she admitted. "In a sickening sort of way."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it!" he remarked with ease. "How did you manage to answer my question? That's hardly common knowledge."
"Lots of books," the girl responded.
"You must really like to read," he pointed out, acknowledging the large book Liddell was clutching in her arms.
"Yeah..." she trailed off. Where had she known this man?! she thought, annoyed by the sense of familiarity she couldn't manage to place.
"Umm... Liddell?" the substitute asked, snapping the witch back to attention.
"W-what?" the girl stammered, a blush forming across her face.
"I was asking you what you were reading," he clarified.
"O-oh..." Liddell muttered. "It's a book on dreams, lucid specifically..."
"Ah, dreams!" the man said, stifling a yawn. "I think it's time I had a few of those myself. I won't keep you any longer. Goodbye, Liddell! I look forward to having you in my class," he concluded with a cheery smile.
Before she could react, he extended his hand and patted her on the head.
"Y-yeah! Well, uh, buh-bye!" Liddell stammered, rushing out of the room as a blush danced across her face.
The man smiled as she left the room. What an interesting girl, he thought, chuckling quietly to himself.
He'd missed her.