Study (Part 2)


Akko sat down right next to Diana on the couch and got out her materials for the classes she needed help with.

"Let's see...Magic Linguistics and Magic History. The worst subjects!" Akko complained as she set her books down on the table.

"What makes you say that?"

"You don't get to do any real magic in there! All you learn about is a dead language and a bunch of dead witches!" Diana made a 'tsk' sound.

"Akko, you know how important tradition is when it comes to magic. Sure, those people and language may not be directly useful to you when you're practicing magic, but knowing those things provides for you when you aren't doing magic." Diana explained. Akko just looked at her in vague confusion.

"Umm…"

"Let's use this as an example," Diana opened up Akko's magic history textbook, and flipped through it until she found the story she was looking for.

"Let's use the story of the great witch, Moraine Sedai. Could you tell me what she did that was important?" Diana started. Akko shook her head. Even if they had gone over Moraine Sedai in class, Diana felt like Akko wouldn't remember off the top of her head. Diana took a deep breath.

"She was a witch from before the magical golden age. Back when magic was barely known by anyone, and those who did stayed in hiding. She travelled with a small group of boys from a northern town, disguised as a trading merchant. She would help in any way she could discreetly, while still keeping her real identity a secret.

"She travelled with the group until she was forced to reveal her identity to the boys when they were attacked, so she used magic to save them. She was ready to flee from the boys' company after she revealed herself, to go back into hiding again. Instead, all three boys were interested in what she had done, and insisted that she teach them the ways of magic." Diana finished.

"That's super cool and all, but what was important about it?" Akko asked, confused. Diana gave her a smile.

She's so...cute...when she's confused Diana thought. She shook it away. Now was the time to focus on getting Akko's grades back to par.

"What Moraine Sedai proved is that men can also use magic, unlike the previous assumption that it was limited to women." Diana explained.

"Oh! That seems kind of-" Akko cut herself off, "Wait…"

Diana smiled. She had led Akko down the intended path.

"Why don't we see any wizards around then?" Akko asked.

Akko is more observant than many make her out to be…

"The reason is because there is something wrong with magic when it is used by men. That is the point that I wanted to get to. Nobody knows why, but when men use magic, it slowly deteriorates their bodies. Many wizards don't live past the age of thirty, and those who do go mad far before then." Diana said, "I'm glad you got to my point. Nice observational skills."

Diana swore, even if for a split second, she saw a blush on Akko's cheeks.

That's odd….Maybe it's because I don't give out praise often?

"Well...What's wrong wizards then?"

"That is also something we don't know. There are many theories out there, and I can supply some reading on it if you desire to learn more. Getting back to my point here, It is only by looking at the mistakes and lessons of the past that we can find out the things we don't know and the things we need to solve. If Moraine Sedai's story was not told, then there would be men who try to become wizards, and go mad and harm someone. That is the importance of looking to our past." Diana finished finally. Akko just sat for a moment, contemplating.

"You know, I never really got why that class was necessary. It just didn't click with me. But now that you explain it to me, Diana, it just makes more sense." Akko said slowly, looking up at Diana. "Thanks! That's a lot more clear now."

Diana smiled back at Akko. A genuine smile because she was happy she could help Akko.

"Well, I am glad I could be of assistance. Now, how about we get to the content that will be on the final exams next week?" Diana suggested. The look of pure shock on Akko's face made Diana laugh a little.

"I completely forgot! Finals are next week! AHHH!" Akko said, panicked. Diana watched, unsure of what to do, as Akko had a little freak out. Akko eventually calmed herself down enough to sit down back next to Diana.

She's a little...closer than when she was sitting last time Diana noticed. Now, Akko was practically shoulder to shoulder with Diana. Although Diana felt a little cramped being in such close proximity, she decided not to say anything.

"Shall we get started then?" Akko nodded eagerly, opening up her notes Diana had made for her on what content would be on the exam next week. Akko nearly flipped past the page she was intending to, but Diana caught it in time. Diana reached out and grabbed Akko's hand to stop her from flipping the page.

"Sorry. Got a little distracted there." Akko said nervously.

By what? Diana's thought was cut short when she realized she had been holding onto Akko's hand for a moment too long. Diana turned her face away, feigning a cough, to hide her blush.

I can't let myself get distracted right now….Akko needs this help and I can't let my own feelings and nervousness get in the way of that. Diana turned back to Akko.

"Okay, sorry about that. How about you tell me what you remember of this witch's accomplishments from memory. We'll see where to go from there." Diana instructed.

As Akko went through each of the famous witches, Diana noticed a trend. Though she couldn't remember the exact stories and details of each witch, as they went through each one, Akko had become significantly better at pointing out the significance. Diana was honestly astounded by the level of thoughtfulness that Akko was displaying.

Yet another thing that both I and others underestimate about Akko. She's much smarter than she lets off. Diana found herself thinking.

Another thing to add to her repertoire Diana thought to herself, before shunning the thoughts away again, refocusing on the task at hand.


Akko noticed that she felt generally at ease, contrary to how she had expected to feel. Being around Diana just feels...natural. Apart from the time Akko had gotten distracted with her own thoughts, Akko felt like she was acting like her normal self.

Not only was it nice to spend some one on one time with Diana, but the study session was actually really useful. She felt like she was really starting to understand the things she had found boring before. Diana could even make magic linguistics exciting.

"And what does this word say?" Diana said, pointing to a series of moon markings. Although it took Akko a little while to decipher each one, she was getting faster. Diana pointed out that each letter could be represented by a column of moon symbols, with different combinations pertaining to different letters.

"Umm…" Akko thought for a moment, "It says 'Accent'" Akko said. Diana gave Akko a soft smile.

"Very close. It actually says 'Accept'." Akko looked down in frustration. Yet, with Diana's reassurance, Akko was sure that she would get the hang of it soon.

"You see, the difference between 'Accent' and 'Accept' is that the combination for a 'P' is New moon, New Moon, Full Moon. On the other hand, 'N' is Full Moon, New Moon, New Moon." Diana explained.

"I just get so close on each one, but mess up!" Akko said, frustrated. Diana rested her hand on Akko's to calm her. Akko looked up into Diana's blue eyes, frustration beginning to dissipate.

"It's a hard language to read. And we're just beginning to learn it as well. It is natural to mess up when you are attempting to learn something new." Diana said.

"But you're so good at it!" Akko complained.

"Only because I spent so much time practicing with the script. I started learning it at age twelve, and didn't have it mastered until age sixteen. You just started to learn it three and a half weeks ago." Diana reassured. Akko looked down a little at her book.

"Hey, you know what?" Diana said suddenly. Akko looked up to see Diana close the textbook and get up off the couch.

"Since you're beginning to get frustrated, let's take a break. We've been at it for nearly an hour and a half now." Akko brightened at Diana's decision.

This study time has been helpful and all, but some alone time with Diana will be nice! Akko thought cheerfully. Only then did she realize that Diana was looking back at her, as if she were waiting for a response.

"Unless you'd rather continue?" Diana said, holding the tea kettle. Akko quickly shook her head.

"No a break sounds great!" Akko responded. Diana smiled back and poured a cup of warm water for Akko and herself, then adding the tea bags to the cups. Diana walked carefully back to the couch and coffee table with the cups in hand, seating herself across from Akko this time.

Akko went to go take a sip, but immediately regretted her decision, as the water was still both scalding hot and not fully flavored yet. Diana giggled at Akko.

"You know, you need to wait for the flavor to actually soak in, right?" Diana asked. Akko shot her a glare.

"Of course I know. It just may have...slipped my mind." Akko responded. She didn't know if she should be more surprised that she had made that dumb mistake, or that Diana had giggled.

"Well, it's worth the wait. That's famous British tea." Diana commented. Akko huffed.

"Can't beat Japanese Black Plum tea." Akko said simply.

"You can't possibly be suggesting that anything is better than british tea?" Diana seemed shocked that Akko would even dare suggest something like that.

"Of course it's what i'm suggesting!" Akko looked Diana right in the eyes, "Because it's the truth."

"You know the UK is the tea capital of the world, right?" Diana scoffed.

"Just because there's a lot of it, doesn't mean it's good. Homemade black plum tea is the best I've had." Diana just shook her head.

"And I was beginning to think you were smart..." Diana said playfully. Akko raised her hand to her chest, feigning a gasp.

"I'll show you! Next time I visit home, I'll bring some tea back with me, just to prove you wrong!" Akko resolved.

"I sincerely doubt that I will be proven wrong."

"This will be the first." Akko said, laughing. They talked a little bit, sipping their tea once it was ready. Eventually the topic of winter break got brought up.

"Where will you be going, Akko?" Diana asked.

"I'll have to stay here. Although I could go home, there isn't any reason to since both of my parents will be working the whole time." Akko said. Although it seemed like a sensitive subject, Akko didn't seem to be bothered.

"I'll be staying as well. After all, It is only a week and a half of break. Also, our next semester starts to I need to start preparing the materials for our new classes." Diana said.

"I'll get to see you over break then! Yay!" Akko cheered. Diana just awkwardly smiled. The two diverged on different conversation topics until both of their cups were nearly empty.

"I know that you've been going about your normal life, and we see each other frequently, but is there anything interesting other than that you've been doing recently?" Akko shook her head in response.

"Professor Chariot hasn't really had time to do our study sessions, so not really. How about you?" Akko asked.

"I've been studying some ancient magics in my freetime, but that is the extent." Diana responded. Suddenly, Akko gasped.

"What's wrong?" Diana asked quickly.

"I just realized that since we need to take that combat magic class as a mandatory class next semester, I'll get to see Professor Chariot more often! Yay!" Akko's already bright mood brightened even more. She seemed to have forgotten all of her previous frustration at learning the ancient witch text.

"That is something to look forward to." Diana said.

"Are you taking her other class too?" Akko asked. Diana looked at Akko in confusion.

"Other class…?"

"Wait, you don't know? Chariot is teaching a performing magic class on the side! It's going to be amazing!" Akko raved on about the things she could learn.

"Well...I don't think so. Especially considering I didn't hear about it until now." Realistically, Diana didn't feel comfortable performing magic in such a way in front of others. At all.

"Come on Diana! It'll be funnn!" Akko enticed. Diana kept trying to say no, but Akko wouldn't let her talk, spewing out reason after reason that she should take the class.

"Fine!" Diana relented, "I'll consider it. No promises."

"Yay!" Akko cheered. Diana put her hand up to her temple as if to rub away a headache.

"What do you say we do a little bit more studying before we call it a night? Curfew is in less than an hour." Diana suggested.

"Can't we just talk a little more?" Diana raised an eyebrow.

"I know I know! Got it. Need the help, need to be responsible, etcetera." Akko said, responding to Diana's chastising before she could even say it.


Diana finally began to feel herself relax. It only took just about the entire study session and a long talk, but Diana was finally not feeling nervous that she was going to say or do something stupid.

Diana was happy with Akko's progress, even if Akko herself wasn't. After some guided lessons and help, Akko was starting to pick up on the things that she wasn't before. It gave Diana a sense of pride in not only her own tutoring capabilities and Akko's learning abilities.

"I'm confident that with some more practice, you'll be able to pass your exams next week with ease." Diana stated. Akko looked up at Diana with tired eyes.

"Really? You mean it?"

"Of course I do. I genuinely believe you have the ability to." Diana stated it as if it were an obvious fact. Akko cheerily set back to deciphering the sentence she was on. Suddenly, Akko leaned back and a yawn escaped her mouth. Diana glanced over at the clock.

"It's getting late. I say we call it quits for now." Diana stated.

"Come on, just a little longer?" Akko pleaded.

"Aren't you just the one who yawned?"

"Yeah but I want to stay just a little longer."

That's quite odd… Diana glanced at the clock again. "I'm sorry, but we need to stop here. It's only about ten minutes until curfew, and I do not want you getting in trouble." As if to prove her point, Diana shut Akko's book.

Normally, I would be very happy to let Akko stay as long as she wants...but if she gets in trouble we won't be able to come back because she will be serving some kind of detention…

"Fine!" Akko pouted.

"I hope this was helpful." Diana stated as Akko packed up her things.

"It was really helpful! And also it was pretty fun too! We should do it again sometime soon." Akko said, turning towards the door.

"I would have to agree. Is Sunday night before exams acceptable to you?" Akko nodded quickly.

"That should be just fine! See you around the same time?" Akko asked, reaching for the door handle.

"I should be available then, yes."

"See you, Diana!" Akko said, leaving Diana's room, not even bothering to shut the door behind her. Diana walked over and shut the door before walking over to her bed.

Diana groaned and crashed on the bed, mentally drained from containing herself like she had for so long. Even Diana got tired of holding back her true thoughts sometimes.

I don't know if that girl will be the death of me, or something better…. Diana thought. She slowly got changed into her nightgown and shut off the lights. It was mere moments before sleep asserted its dominance and lulled Diana into a deep slumber.


Diana found herself in a courtyard, sitting on the grass, alone. She looked around and saw nobody in the general area. Just Diana, alone in a field of grass and rolling hills. Diana just sat for a while, reading her little romance novel, enjoying the alone time.

There was some rustling of the grass behind Diana, and she turned to see who was approaching. Hannah and Barbara were approaching from the horizon, but Diana could tell from their stature that something was wrong. Diana stood up, holding her book behind her. Hannah and Barbara finally got to where Diana was now standing, anger in their expressions along with...disappointment?

"The nerve you've got!" Hannah finally said. Diana gave her a confused look.

"What do you-" Diana was cut off.

"You like Akko? How could you bring yourself so low?" Barbara yelled in Diana's face. The words hit like a punch to the gut.

"I-I don't-" Diana was cut off again.

"Don't give us any of that! We know, and we're disappointed."

"How could you like that dunce? All she ever does is ruin everything for everyone!"

"She can't do anything right!" Hannah and Barbara kept going back and forth. Diana raised her hands in front of her as if to defend herself. She forgot that she had her book in her hand.

"Is that a romance novel? What a disgraceful hobby!"

"Guess miss perfect isn't nearly as brilliant under her facade!"

"Bet she's researching how to woo that little brat!"

"She doesn't even deserve to be called a witch!" That was a breaking point for Diana.

"Stop! What are you two doing?" Diana asked, furious. Hannah and Barbara didn't shy away as they normally would, however.

"We're telling you that who you like is wrong! The only reason we put up with that kid is that you insisted!"

"How dare you?" Diana burst out. This time, the other two girls shied away slightly. Diana took a step towards them.

"You want to know why I like Akko? It's because she cares! Unlike you two right now! Whenever she sets her mind to something, she gets it done, with more enthusiasm than you could ever muster! And when she gets knocked down, she gets right back up!" Diana took a breath, but she wasn't anywhere near finished. She took another aggressive step towards the other two girls.

"You want to know why I like Akko? It's because she cares about those around her! She puts others before her, she wants you to be happy more than she wants herself to be happy, even when it can be painful or detrimental to herself! She's helped you two just as much as she's helped me!" Diana took another step.

"You want to know why I like Akko? It's because she can do things others can't, just by being herself. She may have her faults, but when she shines, she shines! She unlocked the grand triskelion! She has performed more beautiful magic than anyone else at this school ever could!" Hannah and Barbara were shying away really bad now.

"You want to know why I like Akko?" Diana softened, "It's because not only does she care for me, I care for her. She can get herself into trouble sometimes, and needs her friends to bail her out, but it's worth it! Akko makes me extremely happy, and I want to be there for her when she needs it, just like she's there for me when I need it." Hannah and Barbara were practically an inch tall now.

"You want to know why I like Akko? It's because She's the only person I've ever had make me feel this way. The constant want to be around her. The constant worry of what I would do If something bad were to happen to her. The constant fear that I might not be good enough to help her when she needs it. Akko is strengthened by her friends, and I feel like she's my closest of all." Diana's voice softened, barely a whisper now.

"You want to know why I like Akko?" Diana's voice faltered, but then a smile crept across her face, "I want to make her happy. I want to protect her smile."


Diana bolted upright in her bed, palms sweaty, beads running down her face, and hair sticking to her forehead.

It was just a dream… but it felt so real… Diana thought to herself. She carefully got up to go get a glass of water to calm her nerves.

Normal dreams I can't remember hardly any details at all, but that one...I remember it all. Diana hadn't really thought about her reasoning for her feelings for Akko, but she felt like her outburst of rage in her dream encapsulated it very well.

Too shaken to immediately go back to bed, Diana decided to read a little bit to calm herself down. Soon enough though, Sleep reclaimed its hold on the her, lulling her into a more peaceful slumber


Alright guys! That was a long one, huh? That was my favorite chapter for a fic I've written like...ever. Barely beats out the quidditch arc, but still does. I felt like I did a really good job with the confession (Even if it was to herself haha) So TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS!

I played around with 'Dream Hannah and Barbara' bringing up all of Diana's anxieties, to start to characterize Diana a little more. I really enjoyed writing the part SOOOO….Expect much more Diana character development in the future. (At this rate Diana might surpass Akko for Chariot/Akko (My current tie for best) for best girl)

I put a lot of effort into this one, to PLEASE REVIEW!

Love you guys! See you soon!


P.S. In case any of you were wondering, Moraine Sedai is from the "Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan.