Chapter four: Shopping, sisters and Roommates

Smiling I walked to Hieronymous who was now sat at his desk but once I got close enough he looked up at me in confusion

"I'm going to the mall today remember? I told you yesterday" I explained
"So you did, have a good day"
"Will do! Remember to rest!" I said and with that I went to the mall.

The first place I went to was the stationary shop. I went here last year on the first weekend of the school year with Charlie to get organised for school. I decided to do that again this year since the shop had a sale on and it would be loads better to get some things half price than paying full price for everything. I wandered around looking at cute pens, pencils, rulers and rubbers along with pencil cases, wondering if it was girly of me for liking the adorable rubbers that were shaped like food with cute faces. Halfway around the shop, I was about to give up until I saw something. It was the area of the stationary boxes. Last year, I never bothered to get one since they were all too dark and...Well, just plain old boring! But, this time I wasn't looking for myself, no, I was looking for Hieronymous! I looked at them all again feeling a little disappointed that they were either a really dark wood brown or stupidly horrid bright colours. Pushing my opinions away I picked up a dark brown box and yeah, okay, this colour would match Hieronymous's desk-if said desk was about three shades darker. Shaking my head at myself I opened the box just to frown. Okay, the little holder underneath the top for folders or papers was awesome but...What the fuck is this little box for? Can this be removed? With that in mind, I held the box and lifted, thankfully the little box could be removed and I smiled happily. Under the little box were little sections for Hieronymous's stationary.

Even better there was a drawer at the bottom of the box which I opened and there was room for things like paper and more stationary. Even though the colour was totally wrong (for me) the box itself was perfect! Hieronymous's desk is so messy I'm shocked he can find anything he needs! Smiling widely I got him the box, it's a real shame there wasn't one that looked like a bo-wait, wait! Omg, Luke, you are a genius! Quickly, I hurried out of the shop and down the mall ignoring the strange looks I was getting.

I hurried to the only second hand/charity shop there was in the mall, I noticed this while on my first trip here too, and funny enough I got myself those fitting jeans I wore for the dates with Hieronymous. Skipping past the clothes, I got plenty of clothes now-which cause me to mentally thank Ginny for that. Seriously, if I see her in person again I will thank her and I will even throw some money her way if she wants. Not literally of course. Anyways, I went to the book area which was a tiny three shelved area. Hieronymous wouldn't be pleased with this "collection". Going onto my tiptoes-because I'm a short arse and someone decided to put all the books above eye level-I looked over the books. I was only was looking for a book that had a nice old cover on it, something that looked old. I spotted a book but I had to get one of the shop assistants to get it down to me. He watched me in confusion as I got the stationary box and took the paper cover off the book and measured it against the box. To my joy, the cover for the back page, front and the spine fit my box perfectly! Well, they would once I cut them and glue them on because the stupid from cover would pop off every-time I opened the damn book.

"This please!" I smiled happily while the shop assistant looked at me if I had two heads. With a shrug, the shop assistant lead me to the shop counter where I bought the book and placed it in the same plastic bag as the stationary box. I went back to the stationary shop to get glue, scissors, some paper, colouring pencils and a rubber. I was a little bit angry that I had to get these items before any money off offers started but I'm sure it will be worth it. Plus, I will only a week to change this box into a book box for stationary. It will be a perfect little thing to do to challenge myself! I got myself a nice manly patchwork blue jacket too. As I returned to school I realized that I just couldn't bring all the stuff I got into Hieronymous's rooms! So I quickly placed my stuff in room three in Wolf Hall, Donald wasn't in though, no doubt out pranking a poor student somewhere.

Once that was done I hurried back to Hieronymous's room

"I'm back!" I called into the room as I shut the door behind me

"Yes, thank you for pointing out the obvious" Hieronymous muttered sarcastically under his breath but I just snorted. I knew he was teasing me, oh yeah, I am slowly learning his sarcastic teasing from the actual insulting sarcastic. Not like I'm an expert or anything! Far from it! I walked behind Hieronymous's chair to look over his shoulder in curiosity.

"Curiosity killed the cat Luke" Hieronymous muttered angrily but I just smirked at him

"It wouldn't if the cat had any knowledge" I replied which made him look over his shoulder at me

"Where did you hear that?"
"Just something my dad used to say" I said with a shrug "Hey, I've always wondered, why do you and Petunia wear wizard's hats? Is it some kind of rule to wear one?" yes, that question just popped in my head but that didn't mean I wasn't curious as hell!

"It is tradition for Magical schools head and deputy head to wear wizards hats so they are easily recognised. As you already know, my hat and record book are my unique signature. Petunia's are...For one reason, her hat and those terribly coloured robes of hers" Hieronymous explained

"You're the deputy?"

"That is my title but thankfully I do not do as much as one would...Petunia likes to be in control of her beloved school but she does come to me if she needs my advance. She says my intelligence and shockingly enough my strict influence helps...You can imagine how much I enjoyed bragging about that"

"With a smart sarcastic remark that Petunia didn't get for a few days"

"Exactly!" Hieronymous laughed and I couldn't help smiling widely at him, I love how open and kind he is being! Laughing and smiling at me, being totally relaxed. I could easily get used to this!

"So, are there other teachers here then?" I asked and that made Hieronymous laugh harder and oh, that laugh! Why has he been hiding that magnificent deep throaty laugh?! However, in all honesty, I think if he went around school smiling his breathtaking smile, I know for sure all the girls would want him.

"That will be telling" he laughed making me blink at him for a second before I pouted

"You're not even gonna give me a hint?"

"I'm afraid I will not, my apologies...It's the teacher's cord"

"You just made that up!" I laughed

"No, I had to sign a contract" he laughed making me laugh harder and snort. I think I have spent too much time with him already to laugh at terrible acts of humour like this but I knew it was a part of Hieronymous's personality and you know what? I wouldn't change him for the world...

I decided to sit on my couch bed before asking him another random question:

"Did you believe in Santa when you were young?" I asked

"No, I was tort to think that as it was an unintelligent and childish belief. Any mentions of that man caused me a four-hour rant by Samuel"

"Who's Samuel?"

"Samuel is my father's right-hand man"

"Like a business partner?"

"Heavens no! He's a servant who's trapped into an eternal service with the Grabiner family until the most powerful, richest and pure-hearted Grabiner man is born. Apparently, the daft elf believes his soul mate is that person"

"Elf? You mean elves with human features but with pointed ears?"

"Yes, Samuel is the last of his kind...A service Elf. You will learn about Elves and their traditions this year"

"Oh cool! So, Samuel has served your family for years then?"

"He has been with the Grabiner family for twenty generations"

"So...Samuel must age differently right?"

"He is around two hundred years old and will stay like that until his soul mate is born. Only then will he start ageing again..That is why most of his kind died off. They couldn't handle not finding a mate and killed themselves" Hieronymous explained but then he cleared his throat "What of you? Did you believe in Santa?"

"Yup! Right until the age of eight, mum decided that I was old enough to know the truth...I also believed in the tooth fairy. It's only after a year of learning magic that I realized that maybe the lesson of leaving teeth for a fairy isn't the best lesson to teach children. I mean, selling a part of your body? To farfolk creepy"

"And irresponsible, never sell anything for worthless gold or sliver"

"Well duh but, didn't I kinda do that already? If I don't keep my promises doesn't my soul go to the Manus? I basically sold my soul to Eir once I stepped over your wards" I said and Hieronymous sighed loudly

"That is true"

"When you saved my life, was it out of responsibility?" I asked, I really wanted to know the answer

"I couldn't let a student die by my stupid mistake" Hieronymous said and it was a yes if I ever heard one...

Soon Tuesday arrived and it was time for me to pack my things into my suitcase which I did but...I don't know, it felt like I was leaving somewhere more than Hieronymous's rooms, like a second home or something. Oh sure, three weeks ago I would have gladly walked out of here but now? I don't know...I actually feel nervous about it. Once everything was packed, I walked out of the walk in cupboard to I looked at Hieronymous who was standing in front of his desk. Slowly, I walked in front of him

"So" I said feeling slightly awkward "it's time for me to go..."
"Indeed...Thank you for everything, I have enjoyed your company"

"More like my cooking and a cup of tea waiting for you in the morning"

"You know me too well" Hieronymous said with a wonderful smile "But I have enjoyed your time here"

"Me too" I smiled before realizing what I said and blushing in embarrassment and I left before I could embarrass myself even more.

As I walked to Wolf Hall, room Three, I seriously hoped that Donald's at least cleaned up! The answer was a no as I opened the door I saw the same scene as last time. The only difference was that the bunk bed next to the windows was now empty and neat. The waterfall of clothes was still outside what was clearly Donald's white wardrobe. The bottom bed of the other bunk bed was covered in his stuff and so were the two right side desks.

Donald himself was nowhere to be seen which I was actually grateful for because I would no doubt shout at him for this mess. I mean, I'm no clean freak but even for me, this is pushing it! Placing my suitcase in front of the bunk bed next to the windows because Donald has clearly only left me two beds to choose from, I slowly opened the wardrobe next to the beds. I smiled when I saw my other suitcase there, right, my wardrobe is next to my bunk bed, easy. I pulled out my second suitcase and slowly unpacked being delighted by the fact I wasn't going to live out of a suitcase anymore! All my feminine shirts were hung on hangers, my jeans were folded on the shelves next to the hanging space. Well, the top shelf had a picture of my family on it. the space under my handing shirts was filled with my three pairs of shoes-running shoes, everyday shoes and school shoes. Boxers went on the left top drawer, socks on the right. Underneath were jumpers on the right and the letters from Hieronymous when he was in Rome on the left. I stepped back just to make a note to myself mentally to get some jackets and more masculine shirts to wear. I then hung the second-hand duck blue suit that mum sent me through the mail last year for the May Day Dance. Of course, I didn't use it and I still feel terrible about it. I decided to bring it with me because you never know when you need a suit!

I placed another family picture on the left side of the shared desk...I still don't like the idea of sharing a desk with someone else. I mean, why put four boys in a room and only two desks to share?! All well, I'm totally calling the right side! With that in mind I placed all my reading books on the right side of the desk, true I had to climb up onto the desk and go on my knees.

I was on the third to last book when the door opened and Donald walked in. He stopped dead in his tracks in the dorm-room before beaming brightly.

"Luke! You're my roommate?! That's so awesome! I might as well warn you now, prepare to get pranked regularly this year" Donald laughed closing the door and tossing a torn up notebook on the other desk.

"I was happy too when I heard the news" I admitted with a smile before pointing at his mess "but I thought you would at least clean up!"

"Huh?! Why should I? There's only two of us here! I'll clean up tomorrow ready for Friday" Donald said with a shrug "you keep to your side and I'll keep to mine"

"Fine" I sighed finished my books before going to sleep. I choose bottom bunk since that meant I could totally collapse onto it with no struggle after a stressful day at school.

The next day, which was Wednesday, I was moody and tried, I didn't get any sleep! It wasn't anything to do with Donald, in fact, Donald is deadly quiet when he's asleep which bothered me. Charlie used to twist and turn in his sleep which caused the bed covers to rustle. Not only that, but I fell out of bed twice. In the morning I felt drained so I decided to flip through my yearbook just because I totally forgot to do it sooner. I personally thought the book was a waste of paper, why photograph whole of the year together, then do each Hall and finally take pictures of each student separately to only delicate two whole pages to them?!

"Trees died for this" I muttered to myself before I flipped to my information page. Information pages were traditionally about each student. What marks they got in each class, what they were voted to likely do, what our future career would be, our favourite lesson, a quote and how many merits we got.

"Lewis David Grabiner:

Merits-45

Red-54

Blue-55

Green- 53

White- 51

Black- 52"

Okay, wow, I did fair better last year than I thought I did! All lessons on above 50? Even White magic, I didn't even do that class often. Huh, that month doing that lesson none stop did help after all! I can't honestly believe it!

"Council role- Class Treasure

Favourite lesson: Blue Magic

Future career: Researcher

Voted most likely to: Run Wild

Quote: Even though I had some challenges this year, learning magic has been a dream come true!"

I wouldn't change my quote but I would change my picture! I look so much younger than sixteen and I totally look too innocent! Was this picture truly a year ago? My bright lime green hair covering my right eye and scare, clear freckles on my cheeks and a wide goofy smile. Why didn't I smile normally? With nothing better to do, I flicked to the teacher's page and I wasn't shocked to see pictures of only Hieronymous and Petunia on separate pages. Petunia was on the first page smiling motherly, her expression was similar to one a mother would give her child. Hieronymous however, was the complete opposite. He was glaring at the camera down his nose with his head held high. His dark eyes serious. I knew straight away he was not enjoying the picture taking. Knowing the man like I do, I knew he would have wanted to be in his rooms and reading a book.

Underneath both teachers pictures was a quote:

"Enjoy your summer seedlings! See you in the fall! Remember to be careful!"

"Ensure you keep your brains this summer, don't allow yourself to get overconfident and do something unintelligent"

Oh Hieronymous, you're always trying to protect us students from harming ourselves or making the same mistakes as you did, if only the others could see that. Sighing, I closed the yearbook, it was then there was a knock on the door. Donald jumped off his bed-he picked the top bunk of the other bed while I picked the bottom bed of the two beds I had to choose from. I could see out of the windows on this bed plus last year I had the habit of collapsing on my bed after an exhausting day and I really don't want to climb ladders before I can do that. Oh sure, the kid in me wanted the top bunk but I decided to go with logic, Hieronymous would be proud. After I placed my yearbook in the same drawer as Hieronymous's letters, Donald walked back into the dorm room with an arm full of clothing.

I hurried to help him and we both placed the clothing on my shared empty desk to have a look. It was the bright orange we saw through the plastic protective cover that told us that these clothes were our school uniforms. Last year before the students left for home we were all told to leave our old uniforms in our rooms as we would be getting new ones this year. I counted all the clothes to find out that we all had two pairs of school uniforms each. There was a letter that told us if we needed more than two our parents would have to pay for them.

Thursday and Friday I spent the time at my desk using all of my art skills to improve Hieronymous's book box. I decided to change the dull dark brown of the inside to a stunning artwork of random musical notes drawn with a silver glittered drawing pen on light blue paper. Once done with my work I happily wrapped it in some simple silver wrapping paper...

Saturday the first or Hieronymous's birthday finally arrived!

It was kinda strange for the school to want the other students to arrive on the third but yet again can't have them arrive on a Saturday, can you? For once, I was thankful my body woke me up at eight o'clock in the morning, it meant I could totally have a shower, make Hieronymous a birthday cupcake to surprise him even more! Beaming brightly like the sun I made my way down to the kitchens to make Hieronymous's cupcake. Once I was done it was around ten, I decided to carry a tray with the cupcake-which had a single candle on it- and the gift for Hieronymous to his rooms. Not being bothered to put the tray down just to pick it up again I "knocked" on Hieronymous's door with my foot. After three minutes of waiting Hieronymous finally opened the door so I hurried into the room, turned around and once the door closed and Hieronymous turned to me I happily call out:

"Happy birthday!"

I lifted the tray I was carrying up higher so it was closer to Hieronymous's face who seemed shocked into silence.

"Sorry it's not a proper cake" I said walking to the little table behind the three seated couch to set the tray down "but the last time I tried to make a cake it turned into slush...Anyways, I'm babbling! Here! I got you a present!" I paused there to pick up said present and hold it out to a completely shocked Hieronymous.

After two minutes with us standing there, I frowned

"What? Why are you looking at me like I just did something shocking? You really think I wouldn't ask Petunia when your birthday is? Now come on, open your present. I hope you like it" I said still smiling and thrusting my present into Hieronymous's chest to get his attention. Slowly, like he wasn't sure, Hieronymous took my present from me and slowly unwrapped it which made me hold my breath. Once the paper fell to the floor Hieronymous's eyes widened when he saw the stationary book-box. I decided not to use the front of the old book I got from the charity shop. Instead, I got some paper and drew a front over myself. It was dark brown and gold, the gold was drawn in a way that made the cover look Victorian. I kinda ended up drawing Hieronymous playing the flute in front of a rose bush. The title read "A book with a stupidly long title"

Moving even slower than before Hieronymous slowly opened the book, I held a snort in when I saw his surprised expression. He explored the stationary box-book for a good ten minutes, taking in every detail. All at once I felt nervous, I've never given a present to someone that had my art on it, drawing has always been something for fun, stress relief or for relaxation.

"Erm" was the only words I could finally get past my mouth which made Hieronymous look at me "Do...Do you, erm...Like it?"

"Like it?" Hieronymous said in a low whisper before he set the stationary box onto the little table. He then did something totally shocking which was pull me into a hug. I didn't know what to do, I mean, my crust was hugging me!

"It's an astounding gift, I can tell you spent a lot of time on this. I will treasure it, thank you" with that said Hieronymous pulling out of the awkward one-sided hug to no doubt to see my bright red face.

"Now your shocked" he chuckled

"I-I-I didn't expect...It doesn't matter" I said shaking my head before beaming up at him "I'm just really happy that you like my gift! I seriously had no idea what to get you"
"May I ask when your birthday is? I would like to return the favour"
"You don't ha-" a raised eyebrow stopped my sentence there "eighteenth of April"
"We were married then"
"We where" I nodded "but that didn't stop it from being a good birthday, I got spoilt by my friends and family. Mum and Eric mostly as they allowed me to get my first tattoo"
"Of?"
"A blue eyed crow sat on the moon, it's on the back of my shoulder" I explained and paused there to turn around and lift my top over my head to show Hieronymous my back.

"See it?" I asked looking over my shoulder to him and yeah, he could see it.

"Meet Jerry"
"Jerry?"
"It just popped in my head" I smiled putting my top back on and turning to face him again with my hands on my hips "can I have a brithday cup of tea with you or do you want me to go?"

"A cup of tea sounds wonderful" Hieronymous said nodding his head towards the already waiting cups on the tea table in front of the fire "I had a feeling you was going to ask this when you walked in" damn, who knows who well? Before we sat down though I held the cupcake in front of him

"Are you gonna make a wish or what?" I asked and with a wide tender smile Hieronymous blew out the candle then he looked at me with gleaming and happy eyes which totally made me blush. Still blushing madly I took the candle out of the cupcake and snapped it in half so we both could have a piece, however, Hieronymous frowned at me

"Who said you could have some of my cake?"

"Me" I laughed before I took a big bite smiling widely, rolling his eyes in fake annoyance Hieronymous slowly nibbled on his share of the cupcake. By the way, his eyes lit up, even more, I knew he liked it. After he finished his cake, Hieronymous placed the stationary box I gave him on his desk and slowly placed items in it, when he closed the lid he looked at the title again which made him snort.

"A book with a stupidly long title...Written by Luke-Lewis David Manchester-Grabiner? Wasn't the title by itself long enough for you?" Hieronymous said with a small chuckle as we both sat on the three seater couch that was once my bed.

"Well, your book titles always fill like half of the page and I wasn't creative enough to make up one. So, I thought I'll add my full name so my book-box wasn't going to be the odd one out"

"When did you discover you preferred Luke over Lewis?"

"When I was eight, I didn't actually tell people to call me Luke until I was eight. I felt terrible, I apologized to mum about a thousand times for not liking the name she chose for me. But she just said if it made me happy then she was happy too"

"And what about you're...Sexuality?"

"Oh, I found that out when I was eleven. I didn't come out till I was twelve though, I was...Honestly afraid what mum would think. You know, her only son turning out to be gay? But she just gave me one of her motherly smiles, pulled me into the biggest hug and asked me what took me so long to tell her. She said that she already knew, that she noticed that I was admiring the male dancers more than the females. She said, love is love and I've got my own unique light that will shine in the sun now I was out of the dark...Yeah, my mum can say some strange things sometimes" I added that last sentence because of Hieronymous's expression

"I'm delighted to hear that you have just a wonderful mother" Hieronymous said with a wide smile while he looked at me with gleaming eyes.

"Me too" I said honestly "I wouldn't change her for anything" pausing there to just smile "she's always there if I'm confused about something to help me understand by her motherly ways"

After that Hieronymous and I talked until it was time for me to return to my dorm room. I only had two hours sleep that night because of my nerves about Kara and Emily finding out about my marriage to Hieronymous. However, I couldn't wait to see mum again, I miss her so much! Once dressed in the new awesome new school uniform which was black leggings, grey shoes with orange bottoms and laces, a black polo neck, a grey robe with a orange belt and cloak. The Wolf Hall badge was now the clip on the cloak. Honestly, the new uniform fitted the body perfectly, it hung in all the right places. It showed off my slender chest and my hips. The grey robe sleeves had orange ends that were striped with two different shades of orange. Feeling both confident and sexy I left Donald to his tidying to sit on a bench in the main courtyard to read a book while I waited for my sisters to arrive.

Two hours later a familiar pair of legs in brown trousers appeared in front of me so I slowly looked up. Slowly because I wanted to admire Hieronymous's physic, just like my uniform Hieronymous's new uniform fitted him perfectly. I could clearly see his muscular chest, arms and legs. Yes, these new uniforms are so much better than those old dresses we used to wear!

Without a word, to me, Hieronymous held out a lovely cup of coffee in front of me

"Oh, thank you" I said with a smile, as I slowly drank my drink I watched other students slowly make their ways from their family cars to the schools building. "I can't believe it was a just year ago that I walked through those gates...I looked at my picture from photo day and I look so young. Who knew a year could change a person so much"

"The sixteen-year-olds do look like clueless children when they arrive here...Don't forget to look for me once you're alone with your sisters" Hieronymous said, I nodded at him with a smile but then a blue car suddenly pulled up at the gates. At once I jumped up, hoping to god this car was Eric's. A sudden head with long curly bright lime green hair appeared from the car. Oh yes, that's mum alright! Thrusting my cup towards Hieronymous I bolted towards the car

"MUM!" I shouted in happiness and at once mum swung around, opened her arms and like I was seven again I ran into her arms and gave her a deadly squeeze.

"Hey twin!" mum laughed happily as she crushed me against her. When we finally drew apart after three long minutes of hugging, mum cupped my cheeks. Her jewel blue eyes looking at mine before she gently stroked my right cheek before kissing me on the head

"Mum please"

"Sorry, sorry! I'm embarrassing you!" she smiled wrapping her eyes before turning to Emily-Emily had lime green shoulder length hair that was perfectly straight. Unlike me, however, Emily had light hazel brown eyes which is not a rare look. Then there was Kara- Kara had long dark green hair that was to her lower back with a fridge over her right eye. She had bright golden eyes, just like dads. They were both getting their suitcases off Eric before they hurried to me. I gave both of the twins a tight group hug, which was no doubt embarrassing to them. But come on, I'm their older brother. I'm meant to embarrass them!

When the hug finished Kara frowned in confusion before she asked:

"Who's that?" she said pointing so I slowly turned around to see Hieronymous look away way to innocently before he hurried off.

"Oh, that's just Professor Grabiner" I said regretting my words as soon as mum and Emily eyes gleamed and they smiled knowing smiles a each other.

"Oh, well...Professor Grabiner!" Mum suddenly shouted.

At that moment I wanted the ground to swallow me whole and by Kara's face she wanted the same. It didn't take long for Hieronymous to stand beside me

"Is there a problem Mrs Manchester?" he asked in his rich British accent which made mum go bright red. Oh, I forgot...She has a thing for British accents.

"I wanted to know how my son is doing since he had to come to this school a month earlier than usual" mum said with a frown, her motherly and protective nature showing "and it's Mrs Little!"

"I apologise, and your son is one of the best students in his Hall. He is a dedicated student and a hard worker. Now, is that all you had need of me?" Hieronymous asked lifting an eyebrow at the end of his sentence. Mum only nodded so Hieronymous walked off, using his leg length to their full advantage. Suddenly, mum swung to me which made me flinch but I relaxed when I saw her proud smile.

"I see why you like him, he has a certain gleam in his eyes...I'm so glad that you took my words seriously and you have my gift of looking within to see the truth because-" "I know, I know...Truth lies beneath the skin, to believe the heart within and all the rest of those Barbie quotes you love to say" I said rolling my eyes at her before I pulled mum into another hug "I missed you! I'll write every month again"

"Please do and make sure the twins do the same. Hearing that you're all right makes my day" mum paused there to cup my cheeks again and look in my eyes "I'm so happy to see you like this, so confident, so handsome and so...Grown-up. You've got a big heart Luke, so do me a favour? Hurry up and get a boyfriend. See if that professor of yours is free sometime"

"MUM!"

"WHAT?!" mum laughed before she linked arms with Eric smiling innocently "age is just number"

I heard Kara click her tongue while Emily had a fan girl smile on her face. Saying a final goodbye to Eric and mum, I slowly walked with the twins through the gates.

They weren't wearing any uniforms yet due to the changes so the halls they are in is still a mystery to me. Taking a huge breath I gathered all of my bravery and stepped in front of the twins stopping them from walking which made them look at me in confusion.

"Before I show you the way of each girl dorm, I...I mean, we need to speak with Professor Grabiner"

"And why do we need to do that?!" Kara hissed placing her hands on her hips "we've already met him! No matter what mum and Emily say, he gives me the creeps!"

"You haven't even met him!" I hissed, oh here we go, Kara has a wonderful talent of causing arguments between us. It is all because she is so damned stubborn!

"Just because you have this crush on him doesn't mean we have to be friendly with him!"

"We need to tell you something!"

"WE?! What the hell do you mean by we?!" Kara shouted but then Emily placed her hand on Kara's arm which shut her up. Oh Emily, always the one to tear us apart!

"I have a feeling that you're not telling us something" Emily said calmly "But why does the professor have to come into this?"

"Because Miss Little this includes me" Hieronymous suddenly said as he stood beside me in a proud stance "should we retire to my privet rooms? Luke and I will explain everything there"

The only thing that kept Kara from flipping out was Emily's calm hand on her arm, but the silence was killing me during the trip to Hieronymous's rooms. The only sound was the twins suitcase wheels squeaking. Once we were all sat on the couches, Emily and Kara on one and Hieronymous and I on the other. I slowly said:

"Last year I made a mistake. Professor Grabiner or Hieronymous, here was doing an experiment in the mail room and I...Wanting to protect him, entered his wards but a magical being called a Manus captured me and started to eat my soul. Eir would have killed me but Hieronymous saved me. In order to stop the Manus from taking my soul, I had to be seen as a member of Hieronymous's family so we...We kinda got married"

"WHAT?!" Emily and Kara shouted in shock together before Kara stood up

"You mean you've been married for almost a year and never told us?! Oh god, mum doesn't even know about this does she?! You've lied to all of our faces! First about magic and now this?! What else are you hiding Luke?"

"Nothing!" I snapped angrily "and I couldn't tell you! You know by now that mum or any none magical can't know about magic! If I told you and you let slip would have been a disaster! I wasn't going to lose my family just because my sister let slip!"

"So what? Emily and I are now known as the sisters to the boy who's married to the teacher?! Oh great, thanks for the wonderful title Luke!"

"It wasn't my fault!"

"No?! You always did have to try and save people! I thought what happened with dad would have put you off from all that!"

"Don't you dare bring that up!" I shouted standing myself "This hasn't got anything to do with dads attack and you know it! Now, stop being so stubborn and sit down so you can listen to me!" I screamed and to my joy Kara actually sat. So taking a deep breath I said "Our marriage is in name only. However, now we both agreed to be friends, so you have to get used to us being together"

Emily finally looked up and nodded at me
"I trust you"
"I don't" Kara tutted "who says we won't get bullied on because of this? He doesn't give a damn and it has to be me who has to fit everything like always"
"That's bullshit" I snarled

"You forget who was the one that held us siblings together after dad was sent away!"

"And you're forgetting who sacrificed for us siblings!" I shouted at her "who was the one who didn't study because he had to work a double shift?! Who skipped school?! Who brought extra money in?! Who cooked all the meals no matter how exhausted they were?! It wasn't you! You had the easiest job Kara! So don't you fucking dare try and quilt trip me!"

"Fine! Do whatever the hell you want! I don't care! I'm gonna find my hall on my own!" and with that Kara grabbed her suitcase and stormed out of the room.

After the loud slam of Hieronymous's main door, I looked at Emily who was slowly stood up with a large sigh

"I'll try and talk to her" she said with an eye roll but then she looked at me "so...Nothing's going on?"
"No" I answered honestly as she walked to me just to whisper in my ear

"Do what mum said...Make something go on" she said before walking out of the room.

It was only when I was left in the room with Hieronymous that I realized he heard every word of that and is no doubt wondering what the hell Kara and me were fighting about.
"What...What on earth was that about?" yup he's wondering just that "I...I have so many questions, did your father attack someone?"

"It's...A long story" I muttered naturally running my fingers through my fringe that covers my blind eye and scar not realizing until too late that was a huge hint. At once Hieronymous was stood in front of me, worry clear in his eyes.

"Did he beat you?" he asked anger slowly filling his voice

"No, no it was nothing like that" I said honestly not looking at Hieronymous at all "look, I don't want to talk about it"

With a slow nod and letting the matter go (for now) Hieronymous changed the subject "I see why your mother calls you twin, you look identical"

"Hence the nickname twin!" I smiled widely before feeling a tad drained "I'm gonna go now, thanks for today and I'll...Well, I guess I will see you in class"
"That you will" Hieronymous smiled and with that I left the room.

Once out of the room I hurried to my dorm room. I can't honestly wait to see Charlie! After today I need to see a friendly face! When I entered my dorm room I saw the blonde Neko packing his clothes away in his cupboard that was next to Donald's.

"Charlie!" I cried happily and loudly, in reaction Charlie turned around, lowered his cat ears, he already knew what was going to happen. Accepting his fate, Charlie opened his arms with a shy smile and I ran to him to give him the biggest and tightest of hugs. "I was super happy when I heard we were gonna be roommates again!"

"M-Me too" Charlie stuttered as he awkwardly returned my hug, knowing that I already kinda overstepped his comfort zone I stopped hugging him and stood back. Like myself, Charlie has grown a little but not too much, he is still only a few inches taller than me, I mean, if I got onto my tiptoes then I would be taller than him. Charlie still had his adorable little curls in his blonde hair and his two different coloured eyes were gleaming brightly. Oh yeah, Charlie's right eye is blue while his left is green. He explained last year that having odd eyes like his is common within the lesser class of the Neko community.

"I...I w-would have m-missed you i-if you w-weren't my r-roommate...You're my b-best friend" Charlie said with a soft and sweet smile. I beamed at him, this is Charlie's hello. He's not much of an action man, he rather speaks how he feels...Whenever he is brave enough that is. However, his cat ears suddenly flipped upwards as his eyes gleamed in interest.
"What?" I asked in confusion
"D-donald said t-that you had t-to look a-after Grabiner...H-how did it go? D-did anything happen? Did you f-finally k-kiss him?"
"Finally?" Donald asked popping his out of his wardrobe which he was failing to tidy in any logic order
"Luke h-has a h-huge crush on him"
"Yeah I know"
"H-he said he w-was going to m-make a m-move on May Day" Charlie explained making me blush like crazy.

"Soooo, have you met our other roommate?" I asked awkwardly and wanting to change the subject. That just lead Charlie and Donald to slightly frown at me. Yeah, there not letting this go are they? How can I possibly tell them that I've been friend zoned without it hurting like hell? Before I could say anything however, our dorm opened. At once I turned to greet the new person just for my words to die on my lips. This was because a gorgeous golden-haired Elf walked into the room.

The Elf had beautiful forest plants waved into his long golden hair that was over his right shoulder in tight but pretty curls. His eyes were slits like a cats, I was shocked to see two different colours in his eyes. His green eyes turned into gold when the colour neared his black pupil. On top of his head, the Elf wore a band that had pink flowers attached to it. His nose was small and kinda cute with glittering lips. His jaw however kinda looked feminine. I mentally cursed at the fact that he towered over me just like Hieronymous. He also had stunning wings that were three different colours, red that faded into Orange and then the Orange faded into Yellow.

"Greetings" the elf spoke in just a gentle voice as he gracefully bowed at all three of us "My human name is Avery. I'm a forest Elf" he stopped there to look at me "this means I live among the forests and see to their health, None-Risen...Ah, forgive me. A None-Risen is where a magical soul is raised within the world of no magic" he paused there to look at all three of us again "I would greatly appreciate it if you called me by the magical terms "E, Eir" and the rest. This is not without reason I assure you...I'm a transsexual, a boy trapped within a girl's body. My physical appearance cannot be altered until I'm eighteen. I assure you that I just bare the signs of a female under my stomach. I will, of course, make sure none of you see that...My top half is as you are, flat chest. However, if you do not wish to share a room with me I will understand. I can see that two of you desire females. It would save me a lot of time if you let me know if you're uncomfortable now"

Me, Donald and Charlie looked at each other before telling Avery that none of us had a problem with sharing with a transsexual boy.
"What are your names?" Avery asked tilting E's head a little
"Donald Danson" Donald smiled as he held out his hand which Avery shook
"Charlie Harmly" Charlie nervously said and Avery bowed politely already knowing that Charlie was too nervous to shake hands. But then Avery looked at me with a friendly smile. I took a deep breath, this will be the first time I called myself this:

"Luke Grabiner"