Disclaimer: I don't own anything recognizable in this story. They are owned by Kore Yamazaki. I just play with her characters.
Author's Notes: While I was writing, a leannan sidhe visited me and gave me inspiration in exchange for my life. This mammoth of a chapter is a result. Please enjoy the 9,000 word ride. :)
Chapter 5: An Unexpected Help
Chise twiddled her thumbs nervously as both her hands were crossed under the desk she shared with Lian. She had been in the College for about two months now, and she had just recently finished taking all her school subjects' mid-term exams. This was the cause of her apprehension for the moment. Last Friday, she received her exam results on Magical Theory and Instruments and Artifice. To say that she already expected a failing grade was an understatement for she had failed even more than she had already anticipated. Her scores were a whopping all-time low of 38 out of 100 and 41 out of 100. Her laboratory test on Instruments and Artifice was also a disaster. They were tasked to create a Memory Keeper with all the components already provided; the practical test was to imbue magic on each of the parts and assemble them, but for the life of her, she just couldn't remember the amount of magic she had to imbue on each nor the order of assembling the components. She was frantic all throughout the exam period until the time ran out and she churned out a pitiful contraption.
She sighed heavily at the memory. Now, she was in her History of Magic and Sorcery class with Professor Blake handing their exam results. She couldn't stop fidgeting as he started calling out her classmates' names one by one and handed them their exam paper. Each of their faces looked extremely happy and satisfied by their score afterwards. While she was…
"Are you alright, Chise?" Lian asked, sensing her apparent anxiety.
"No, I'm just worried about my test score."
"Why? We studied enough, right?" Lian reasoned, and Chise was sure that he meant well by assuring her. He had patiently helped her study for all their Sorcery subjects before the midterm exams after all. All those nights at the library…
"That's what I thought so too, Lian. But I failed Magical Theory and Instruments and Artifice." She finally admitted, embarrassed that she had kept it a secret from him all this time.
"You did? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Lian responded with shock, and then he subtly composed himself. Professor Blake called his name, and he stood up in order to get his exam paper. "I'm sure you'll be fine this time." He whispered his encouragement and patted Chise's shoulder as he passed her by to go to the front and take his paper. She watched him smile and pump his fist lightly afterwards, and for a moment she couldn't help but rejoice at his triumph. He returned to his seat beside her, and he showed her his score: a 93 out of 100.
Then it was Chise's name that was called next. She shakily stood up from her seat and walked towards Professor Blake who handed her her exam paper. She looked at it slowly, as if time suddenly turned sluggish, and her heart suddenly felt heavy. Her score was a measly 58 out of 100. Not even enough to squeak by a passing grade—unlike her scores in Ancient Runes, Magical Creatures, and Astronomy, all which she barely passed with 60 plus marks.
She returned to her seat dejected. Lian looked at her with inquiring eyes, and she turned to him and shook her head in defeat. The meaning was not lost to the Scrimgeour boy.
"So, as promised, today will be a free period to give your exhausted brains some rest. You are now welcome to leave the classroom and do as you please. But those who failed their midterm exam should remain. I wish to talk to you." Professor Blake announced, and almost all of the students in the class were elated. Some already picked up their bags and left the classroom, and some straggled and were talking about what they should do or where they should hang out.
Lian fixed his things and zipped his bag. He turned to Chise who remained on her seat. "I'll wait for you outside, ok?" He gently said, and she gave him a rueful smile.
When everyone was finally out of the classroom, it became apparent to Chise that she was the only one who failed the History of Magic and Sorcery midterm exam. "Ms. Hatori," Professor Blake addressed her, and she braced herself for a scolding. "Seeing that you are the only one remaining, it means that you are the only one who failed in my subject. Do you have any reason as to why that happened?"
"None, sir. I studied, but perhaps it just wasn't enough." Chise answered, her voice sounding small. It was always like this, even in her junior high in Japan before. Her grades were always dismal, despite her trying very hard to learn. She silently wondered if there was really something wrong with her brain.
"I am the superintendent of the middle school faculty. So it is not remiss of me that I heard that you also failed in your Magical Theory and Instruments and Artifice midterms." Professor Blake stated, his voice starting to sound disappointed. "Now, the College is not stern on students who have difficulty learning, but effort on their part must be seen. I'll schedule a remedial exam date for you, and that includes your Magical Theory and Instruments and Artifice subjects. I'll coordinate it with Professor Liones and Professor Patrickson. How does the Saturday, two weeks from now sound?"
Chise's face lightened up at the prospect of a do-over. Yes, she would have to study again, but at least she was given another chance to rectify her grades. "T-That would be great, sir." She told Professor Blake, grateful and appreciative.
"Well, then. I suppose you should know by now what you should be doing at this time."
Chise got the hint, and she immediately nodded and said her thanks. Professor Blake acknowledged it and after packing his things, he headed straight to the classroom door. Lian came bursting through a few seconds afterwards.
"What happened?" He asked, deep worry marring his facial features. Chise felt touched at how he was so concerned for her.
"I got a second chance." She smiled at him, and Lian smiled back.
"Then let's not waste it."
xxxx
"No, no, no! Chise, we've gone through this for three times now. You should use Claude's Equilibrium Formula here instead of Heidenberg's Normal Distribution Theorem. Do you still not remember the difference?" Lian huffed in frustration, and Chise felt that she was finally seeing the end of Lian's saint-like patience for her. They were in the library working on some Magical Theory problem sets for two hours now to help her practice for her remedial exams, and she was feeling like her brain had already turned into a soggy mush. Not to mention that before that he was drilling her in Instruments and Artifice after a quick dinner at the cafeteria.
"I'm sorry, Lian. I just always forget." Chise apologized meekly, a bit ashamed at how she always made the same mistakes in her solutions. More than that, she felt embarrassed at how Lian was helping her without expecting much in return—only help in Magecraft—yet try as she might, it seemed like she could only come up with half-assed answers towards the problems sets.
Lian let out a heavy sigh. He looked at Chise who seemed fazed by his sudden outburst of temper, and he felt uneasy. "No, sorry for flying off the handle like that. I guess we're just both tired. It's late, and we've been answering this workbook for a long time now. What do you say about stopping here tonight?"
"Yes, it's ok. You can go ahead. I'll just stay here for an hour more." Chise told him.
Lian looked at her pointedly. "Chise, you know there's something called 'overstudying', right? You need to rest too, or else it will be counterproductive."
"Maybe I'll cease studying Magical Theory for now. I'll just read up on History of Magic and Sorcery." Chise assured her classmate, hoping that he'll give in and agree with it. "Trust me, I'll be fine."
"Alright, if you say so." Lian stood up from his chair and packed his things. "Remember to write down your questions, and I'll answer them tomorrow, ok?"
"I will. Thank you for helping me, Lian." Chise said to him with a smile.
The blonde boy nodded in acknowledgement. "See you tomorrow." Then he picked up his bag and headed to the exit of the library.
After her friend disappeared, Chise reluctantly burrowed her head in her History of Magic and Sorcery textbook. The text was about the Second Great War, and it seemed interesting enough. But after five minutes of trying to read the same passage over and over, she took a deep breath and exhaled. She took stock of her current situation and frowned. It was clear that no matter how much she studied, nothing was retaining in her incompetent brain. She began to wonder if she would ever be able to get past her seemingly difficult challenge of being unable to learn. What would happen if she also failed the remedial exams? It would be quite a disappointment, she guessed. Perhaps she would be held back a grade, or perhaps Mr. Renfred would take away her privilege to study and she would become a Sleigh Beggy specimen full-time.
Chise shook her head to clear her thoughts. No, all was not lost yet. She still had a chance, and by hook or by crook she was going to pass her remedial exams. And then maybe Lian's effort in helping her would not go to waste. It was bad enough that he was helping her out of the goodness of his heart, and she had nothing to repay him with except helping him in Magecraft. Speaking of Magecraft, she thought of Professor Ainsworth and a smile appeared on her face. Ever since they had that talk in the hill in the gardens, things had gone well between them. She saw that he was now more at ease when dealing with her even in the classroom, and dreams of his other shadowy form no longer bothered her at night. It was as if their honest conversation with each other that day was cathartic.
Flooded with more thoughts that kept her from reading with focus, Chise finally gave up and snapped her textbook shut. Lian was right. Maybe she was overstudying, for she was comprehending nothing now. She didn't know why, but she felt like the library was currently suffocating somehow, after having studied there since the end of her classes. Deciding that she needed some fresh air, Chise packed her things, zipped up her backpack, and exited the library. She could only think of one place where she could breathe in clean air. Soon she found herself standing in front of the hedge maze.
Yet a dilemma was on her mind. The last time she attempted to solve the hedge maze, she ended up in the Tower of Remnants and was chased by an insect guy. Looking at the entrance, she tried to jog her memory to see if she could still remember the short path Professor Ainsworth took when they went to the hill together that day. Unfortunately, with her brain already feeling like mush, her attempt was futile. She let out a heavy sigh. Maybe she should just return to her dormitory and get some needed sleep…
"Oh, it's nice to see you again, dear Robin." A voice spoke behind her, and Chise was surprised to see that it was Bael, the female fire sprite who helped her during her first lesson of Magecraft.
"Bael, it's nice to see you too. It's been a long time. How are you doing?"
"Still alive and kicking. And you? What are you doing standing in front of the hedge maze this late?" Bael revolved around Chise and stopped when she was in front of and eye-level with the Sleigh Beggy.
"I'm actually thinking of getting some fresh air at the hill at the north, but I'm afraid that I might get lost on the way." Chise said, unintentionally revealing her desire at the moment.
"Well, you might not get lost if I guide you, I can see past the hedges after all." Bael suggested, and she flew higher and higher from Chise's height as if to prove her point.
"Really, you'd do that for me? But I have nothing to repay you with."
"You silly Sleigh Beggy. Just talking to you is enough pleasure. Not many can, you know." Bael winked cheerily, and Chise decided to take up on the fire sprite's offer.
They both entered the hedge maze, and this time, Chise tried to commit to her memory the path to the hill at the north. Bael flew above her from time to time to check if Chise was treading on the right direction. At the same time, they talked about little things. Chise asked about Bael's past and if she had always lived in the College, to which the fire sprite replied that she wandered in Tir na Nog for quite some time before settling in the school by the time it was built. The Sleigh Beggy then shared about her being an orphan in Japan before coming to England. She also talked about how magical creatures that she'd seen in her hometown scared her and seemed to want to do unpleasant things to her.
"I'm sorry that happened, Chise. That sort of thing really happens to a Sleigh Beggy with an untrained Sight. You must know how the smell of your magic alone seems so sweet to us." Bael said, sharing her insight on the matter. "And this is me speaking as a fae. How much more the creatures who are not?"
"Hmm. You're right. Perhaps I wasn't just aware that time." Chise agreed.
"Anyway, here we are! The hill as you requested." Bael said twirling around to give Chise another cheerful wink. The Sleigh Beggy smiled back and said her thanks.
They ascended the hill together, and when Chise reached the tree standing on top of it, she flopped down on the grass beside it. She looked up to see the moon, a bright waning gibbous, amidst stars that twinkled equally vividly. She wondered at the sight, finally taking in the view. The last time she was here at night, she didn't get to see this due to unfavorable circumstances. But seeing it now and taking a breath of the fresh air, Chise concluded that her decision to come here was right. She pondered if she could be able to read here. There was enough light emanating from the garden lights from the footpath, and so when she opened her textbook and found out that she could make out the words, she began to read silently.
Upon seeing Chise silently read a book, Bael summoned five floating balls of fire to help the Sleigh Beggy see more clearly. Through them, the whole area around the tree became luminous. Chise looked up to the female fire sprite and thanked her. But as Chise was about to turn to her textbook, she saw a silhouette behind the tree's shadows. She rubbed her eyes, thinking perhaps that she was seeing things, only to be surprised when it became larger and took on a form.
"I thought the library is a more suitable place to read." The familiar voice of Professor Ainsworth rang out, and soon enough his whole human form materialized itself before her.
"Professor Ainsworth!" Chise exclaimed in surprise, unexpecting someone to be in the hill with her. Suddenly a gust of wind blew past them and three papers that were tucked in her textbook flew straight to Professor Ainsworth's face. She instantly felt embarrassed when he made a motion to remove them from his person and took a good look at them. They were her exam papers after all. But Professor Ainsworth paid no heed to them and walked towards Chise to hand them to her.
Bael took the opportunity to fly close to them and regard Chise. "It seems like I can leave you alone now, since you have someone with you now. I'll leave the fire burning for you, Chise."
"Thank you for the light, Bael." Professor Ainsworth answered in Chise's stead.
"You bonehead, be sure to take care of our Robin here, or else we will scorch your thorny butt!" Bael warned, though she was sure that the Magus will take heed even without her empty threat.
"I will, Bael. You have my word." Professor Ainsworth promised as he smiled at the fire sprite's thoughtfulness. After Chise said her thanks, Bael then took her leave without extinguishing the fireballs floating around them. When she was gone, Professor Ainsworth then turned to Chise who was standing awkwardly as if she got caught taking cookies out of the cookie jar past bedtime. "Well, what do you have to say for yourself? Not studying in the library instead? And wandering out here at night. Need I remind you what happened to you last time?"
"I just felt suffocated in the library because I've been studying there since the end of my classes today." Chise explained, finding her reason valid. "And I needed some fresh air."
Professor Ainsworth though wasn't moved by her excuse. The scowl on his face never faded. "If you wanted some fresh air, you could have come here in the morning instead."
"When I was standing in front of the hedge maze, I was already thinking of going back to my dormitory. But then, Bael found me and—"
"She helped you." Professor Ainsworth let out a sigh as he finished her sentence for her. Chise braced herself for further scolding about her carelessness, but surprisingly, he smiled at her afterwards and looked at her with awe. "Although as your Magecraft professor, I commend you for being able to do that."
"Is it really that hard to interact with the Fae?" Chise asked, wondering if what she did was worthy of commendation at all. All she did was talk to Bael, and the fire sprite consented to helping her.
"No, Bael is just one of the headstrong ones. She is the leader of the fire sprites in the College after all. It takes a lot to gain her trust." Professor Ainsworth explained. Then he remembered the first topic at hand and decided to ask, "Why did you study at the library at such a long period?"
It was Chise's turn to let out a sigh of her own. "I failed three of my subjects' midterm exams. I've been given a chance for remedials though, and they are scheduled two weeks from now."
Professor Ainsworth gave her a look of surprise. "So I see. How come you failed though? You do so well in Magecraft."
"I'm just horrible at the Sorcery subjects, I guess." Chise lightly flinched at Professor Ainsworth's observation. The Magus saw it, and decided not to probe further. Chise then sat down on the grass again and looked at him with inquiring eyes, "How long have you been here?"
"Two hours or more." Professor Ainsworth answered, understanding that she meant 'here' as the hill in the gardens and not 'here' as the College. He remained standing but moved closer to Chise.
"And you hid in the shadows when you saw me coming?"
"I sensed someone coming. I was prepared to leave, but then I saw that it was you." He admitted rather shyly. It was true that if it were anyone else, he would have been in his own quarters by now.
"Do you always come here?"
"At night, yes. It is my… haven of some sort." Professor Ainsworth confessed, slightly wondering now about why it was that he found it easy to share things about himself with the Sleigh Beggy.
"I'm sorry I have invaded your space then." Chise flashed him a cheeky grin that meant she was not sorry at all.
"It is quite alright. You are a… welcome visitor. Although you are a potential usurper of this hill, it is not as if I have claimed this place for my own. It's just that no one comes here." Professor Ainsworth remarked, keeping up with Chise's playful banter.
"I don't see why not. It has its appeal though. I really might claim it and kick you out of this hill someday." Chise teased as she looked up at the sky again. There were no clouds, and the stars and the moon were dazzling. She also didn't think she'd be able to encounter Professor Ainsworth with his guard down again, but she did and their talk was refreshing itself. Unfortunately, the fatigue that accumulated after her long day crept up on her, and she gave out a loud yawn.
Inevitably, Professor Ainsworth saw it and chuckled, "You are tired. Come, you invader. I'll walk you to your dormitory."
"But—"
"No buts. I promised Bael I would take care of you tonight, didn't I? I intend to keep my word." Professor Ainsworth said and dispelled the floating fireballs with a flick of his hand. Then he extended his hand to Chise to help her stand up. And though their surroundings became dim and slightly cold due to the fire sprite's remaining magic disappearing, Chise felt warm and safe through the glove-covered hand that held hers.
xxxx
Elias drummed his fingers on the countertop of his kitchenette trying to find a way to solve his current problem. How could he have been so forgetful? Perhaps it was due to the additional classes that he had this year. He admitted that it somehow made him somewhat busier, at least enough that he had forgotten to stock on his basic necessities. He looked at the tin where he kept his English breakfast tea and sighed. It was really empty, no matter how much he wished he could conjure even one teabag. He looked at his options rationally. He could always order online using his computer and have a whole box delivered to him in the quantity he would wish to have. But that would take at least two days, and he needed his tea now. He thought of going to one of the cafeterias the College has, but he didn't like these crowded and noisy places. Finally, he resolved to go to the staff lounge instead. At least, this was less crowded and less noisy, and he seemed to remember that there were packets of different kinds of tea in its pantry. Determined to have his one and only pick-me-up, he quickly dressed and exited his quarters.
He arrived in the staff lounge at around 10:30 am, thankful that there was almost no one inside save for William Blake, Harriet Patrickson, and Gideon Liones who were huddled in one of the tables. Not wanting to be noticed, he stealthily headed to the pantry in search of the tea he badly sought. He opened one cupboard and found ground coffee beans instead.
"So, who do you think will be the top student this term, William?" Gideon spoke, and though Elias didn't want to overhear their soon-to-be conversation, he couldn't help his super acute sense of hearing.
"Hard to say. But perhaps Scrimgeour or the Webster heir might contend for it. They've been nothing but brilliant in their midterms. Then again, the other heirs are also doing well." William answered, surely and confidently. Blake, Elias surmised, always thought of the heirs so highly, as if associating with them would elevate his status in the College.
"I know. Thank god for them. Honestly, they're really unlike other students. It's because of them that I at least know that I'm teaching Instruments and Artifice well enough." Harriet added with a sigh of relief.
Gideon laughed heartily in return, "Come now, Harriet. Don't be harsh. You must already know that there are always outliers in whatever class you teach."
Elias shook his head. Why was he listening to their conversation? He was here for the tea. He opened another cupboard and found his prize, a tea caddy. He rummaged through it looking for the English breakfast flavor he always liked.
"I know, Gideon. But don't get me wrong, I just don't know what to do with Ms. Hatori anymore. No matter what I do, it seems like she can't learn at all." Harriet remarked with concern in her voice. Though if it was concern for her student evaluations or for Ms. Hatori, Elias didn't know. But hearing Ms. Hatori's name alone in their conversation made him want to listen more. He grabbed the packets of tea he wanted but lingered near the cupboard, pretending to be looking for something.
Gideon sighed. "I can't say I don't have the same problem in Magical Theory but…"
"Oh, please. Don't feel like it is your fault, you two. Some are just as dumb as a cow, as they say. The other teachers said she barely squeaked by on her other subjects too, you know." William said so indifferently that it made Elias quickly stand up and walk towards the History of Magic and Sorcery Professor to give him a piece of his mind. However, as he drew nearer, it was Gideon who addressed him first instead.
"Oh, by the way, Ainsworth. Now that you're here, how is Ms. Hatori in your class?" Gideon asked Elias first before the Magus could even open his human mouth. The other two professors looked at him, surprised that he was standing nearby and that he was even in the staff lounge.
"Always spectacular. She interacts with the Fae most impressively, and she has the highest score in my midterm exam." Elias answered in an as a matter of fact tone, staring down at the three with resolute eyes.
"Ah, maybe that's because she's a Sleigh Beggy. I guess that's her only redeeming quality." William sneered, before taking a sip of his coffee. Gideon and Harriet fought hard not to chuckle at the comment though.
Elias clenched his fist tightly, holding back the urge to magically break Blake's coffee mug out of spite. He unfortunately opted to crush the tea packets in his fist instead and hastily said, "I'm sorry, I must be going."
He left the staff lounge abruptly without his sought-after tea, but he didn't care. He now had one thing on his mind that he wanted to do more than ever, and he thought that it was more important than any tea.
xxxx
Chise stifled a yawn as she sat in her seat during her Magecraft class. She didn't need to wonder where her sleepiness came from. She studied in the library with Lian up until 9 pm yesterday night, and then she wandered to the hedge maze out of a whim. It was a good thing that Bael was there to help her show the path to the hill in the gardens. She wouldn't have been able to talk to Professor Ainsworth again in a carefree manner if the fire sprite hadn't lent her a hand. She gazed at the said teacher in front of her right now. He was calling out names of students and handing out their exam papers. She felt a smile cross her face. She just received hers a moment ago, and it almost had a perfect score. Lian even compared it with his, and for a little while, she felt proud of herself that she had bested her friend this time.
"I'm very pleased to say that none of you failed. And while others would say that this reflects the ability of the teacher, I believe without a doubt that this reflects the amount of hard work you put in this class. And for that, I'm truly grateful. It's moments like these that make teaching rewarding." Professor Ainsworth said, smiling as he looked at each of his students. Chise couldn't help but feel warm by his words. It was true that other teachers would only chalk a result like this to their expert teaching, but not him, not Professor Ainsworth. Always, he would flip it around and praise his students' efforts. And though he said in their first lesson that they wouldn't encounter him outside class, Chise's classmates admitted that there were instances when he would stay an extra hour or more to help them on a topic they couldn't understand. Even Lian confessed that he received this kind treatment many times more than he could count.
"As promised, today is a free period. Feel free to do whatever you want, except of course, as I would always say, anger the Fae." The class chuckled at his joke. If there was one thing they could take away from his class as Magecraft students, that would have been it. He said it all the time as a constant warning, but they knew they should always take it to heart. One incident with an angry fae was enough for them.
The students finally stood up, picked up their bags, and exited the classroom. Lian and Chise straggled but also did the same, yet as soon as she was in front of Professor Ainsworth's desk, the Magus called out to her.
"A word, Ms. Hatori?"
Chise was a bit surprised that she was asked to stay behind. She passed her exam with flying colors after all. Even Lian looked confused, but he gave her a signal that he would just wait outside. When Lian was out of earshot, it was then that Professor Ainsworth voiced what was on his mind.
"It has come to my attention that you need help in some of your Sorcery subjects. I would like to offer my services, if you wish." He suggested sincerely, leaning on the desk behind him.
"S-Services? Wait, how did you—" Chise asked, shocked that the news of her incompetence in some Sorcery subjects reached even him.
"Teachers talk when they have nothing to do." Professor Ainsworth sighed, remembering how her Sorcery teachers gossiped and badmouthed her in the pantry this morning. Then he continued, "Anyway, I would like to tutor you, if you would agree to it."
"You know Sorcery? But you're a Magus."
"Ms. Hatori, as I've said in our very first lesson, Sorcery and Magic are related in that they both deal with manipulation of magical energy. And while Magic is freely done to produce the results you want, Sorcery operates on laws and rules, all of which I'm also fully knowledgeable of." He explained thoroughly without sounding arrogant. His eagerness to help her was just showing itself. Chise could only wonder why though. Like Lian, it was not as if he would desire something in return for helping her.
"Sorry, it's just surprising, that's all."
"What do you say then? Will you allow me to help you?" Professor Ainsworth locked his eyes with Chise's green ones, and she could only see kindness and compassion in his. If it was charity that drove him or not, who was she to deny him?
"I guess so. I mean, Lian helps me while I study in the library, but I feel like he's getting frustrated with me now somehow. And I need all the help I can get. How should we do this then?"
"Meet me at the hedge maze at around 8 pm tonight." Professor Ainsworth advised and gave her a warm smile, pleased to receive her consent.
"Alright, I'll be there." Chise nodded and smiled back.
xxxx
Chise shifted her weight between her two feet as she waited in front of the hedge maze for Professor Ainsworth. She was five minutes early, because she didn't want him to have to wait for her. She held her backpack more tightly, feeling the weight of her textbooks inside it. Then her mind wandered on just how Professor Ainsworth would tutor her on her Sorcery subjects. She had no doubt that he would be wonderfully pleasant, as he always was during their Magecraft classes, but then again, he would be faced with her learning difficulties this time. She just hoped she wouldn't frustrate him just how she did with Lian yesterday night. And regarding Lian? Bless his good heart, but Chise could already feel that his patience for her was really now wearing thin, inferring from the study session they had today.
At exactly 8 pm, Professor Ainsworth materialized in his human form in front of the hedge maze. She met him with a smile, even though he looked a little disconcerted upon seeing her. "Have I made you wait for a long time? The clock in my quarters just struck 8 and—"
Chise chuckled at how they were both concerned on being punctual and avoiding making the other wait. "No, I was just five minutes early."
"Ah, thank you. Have you had your dinner already?" Professor Ainsworth inclined his head as he regarded her. "You will not be able to concentrate with an empty stomach."
"I already did, thanks."
"Alright, follow me then." Professor Ainsworth then proceeded to enter the hedge maze, and Chise followed closely after. It reminded her of the first time he guided her here. That was when he decided to talk to her about his other form. It's been around two months since then. And even now, she was glad that she never reported that incident between them. He would have been taken away from this place. She shuddered as she thought of that happening.
Lost in her train of thought, Chise didn't realize that they were already in the hill until she heard Bael's voice resounding loud in the vast space.
"Late! You bonehead, you asked me to be here at 8 pm and where were you?" The fire sprite circled Professor Ainsworth, the trails of fire on her feet becoming more intense as a show of her annoyance with the Magus.
"Bael, you only probably waited for a few minutes. You should make some allowance for me." Professor Ainsworth answered back in defense, wanting the fire sprite to cut him some slack.
"I'll have you know that my every minute is important, you slowpoke!"
"Yes, yes, your highness. Your humble servant admits that he is sorry." Professor Ainsworth replied in a playful banter which Chise surmised that her teacher could only do if not for the long time the two had known each other. After all, it was Professor Ainsoworth who always emphasized treating the Fae with respect, and such teasing could only stem from cordial familiarity.
"Chise, dear Robin, do you really want to be taught by this bonehead?" The fire sprite asked the Sleigh Beggy who was watching their friendly exchange with wonder. It was Professor Ainsworth's turn to shift his gaze toward her as he waited for her answer.
"He is a great teacher, Bael. I already know because he teaches me Magecraft very well." Chise said, and she could swear that Professor Ainsworth blushed in his human glamour at her compliment. There was probably not that many people who showered him with praise regarding his teaching abilities.
Professor Ainsworth cleared his throat to ignore the warmth pooling in his belly. "We've tarried long enough." He remarked, and then he turned to Bael. The fire sprite nodded in acknowledgement, not needing to be told what to do anymore. In an instant, Bael summoned five floating fireballs to illuminate the area of the hill they were standing on. Then with a flick of his hand, he conjured a small table and two chairs. Chise also noticed the stacks of books that were placed on top of the table, and she couldn't help but admire the ease at how Professor Ainsworth could do magic. After seeing that they were settled, Bael took her leave and left the teacher and the student alone.
"Now before we delve into the actual studying, I think we should have a chat about your pain points first so we could address them." Professor Ainsworth suggested, after gesturing for her to sit down on one of the chairs. He remained standing across the table before her though. "What is it about your Sorcery subjects that you find so difficult?"
"I… I don't understand them at all. Maybe because I lack the background knowledge that my classmates have. But even when Lian helps me, I feel like what I know is not deep enough to comprehend the lessons. That goes for Magical Theory and Instruments and Artifice. For History of Magic and Sorcery, I just have trouble remembering everything." Chise answered, enumerating why she found it hard to study these three Sorcery subjects.
"I see. My hunch is right then. When the staff was briefed on your arrival, it was not mentioned if you studied Magic and Sorcery from another school before. So I deduced that you came here without prior knowledge. To be honest, those pain points are easy to remedy, Ms. Hatori. As for remembering what you are studying, I'll teach you something to help you with that." Professor Ainsworth nodded his head as he explained and assured her.
"I'm glad then. Though I'm just afraid that all these and your efforts will go to waste come exam time. Maybe I'm just too stupid after all."
"No one's stupid, Ms. Hatori. And you most certainly are not. Everything just lies on the manner in which you are learning and are taught. And you, you simply need to learn as if your life depended on it. May I have your notebooks on the three subjects you'll take exams on?" Professor Ainsworth asked, extending his hand towards Chise. It was an odd thing to ask of her, but the Sleigh Beggy complied. She fished from her backpack the notebooks and handed them to the Magus. Professor Ainsworth took them and then in an instant threw them one by one to the flames of the floating fireballs of Bael.
"Wait, what are you—" Chise wasn't able to finish her sentence when she saw the flames engulf her notebooks quickly. She almost cried at the loss, as if she was witnessing a friend's death. Her notes were very detailed, and she after all took time to make them.
"You must trust me, Ms. Hatori. It is impossible for a person to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows. To truly learn, you must forget what you already know, and build yourself from the ground up." Professor Ainsworth explained, and Chise somehow understood what he was trying to say. Still, she couldn't justify in her head if it was that worth it for her notebooks to be burned. "While we're studying, I forbid you to take down notes from now on. You may think they are harmless, but they condition your mind to be lenient in remembering. As a start, let me teach you how I learn."
And so their first lesson in preparation for Chise's remedial exams began. Professor Ainsworth taught her his technique on how to remember things seamlessly. It was the 'method of loci' technique, or simply the memory palace technique. It is a strategy of memorization by using visualization of familiar spatial environments to enhance the recall of information. Professor Ainsworth confessed that throughout the years, his memory palace has grown extensively, enabling him to walk through it and to recall even the minutest details of the books he had read. Since Chise was still starting out, he advised her to start with something small, to picture her own room, for instance, and fill it with the items she had to remember.
As for the items that she had to remember, they first studied Magical Theory, beginning from the first grade of the primary level. And though she felt like a six year old seeing how the books were filled with childish pictures, she knew that this was equally important. The basics, as Professor Ainsworth would say, never changed and every complicated idea in Sorcery was derived from them. Chise admitted to herself that this was what was lacking in her own studies, even with Lian helping her. The basics were just not explained to her, and if they were, they were glossed over. But Professor Ainsworth drilled them to her, and coupled with the fact that she could not take down notes, she had all eyes and ears trained on their lesson.
They did the same for Instruments and Artifice and History of Magic and Sorcery. Professor Ainsworth taught them to her from the beginning of primary level too, and she marveled at his dedication and patience for her and the vast knowledge he had to be able to teach these subjects easily. She made a promise to herself to ask how he had achieved those abilities someday, perhaps after she passed her remedial exams. And she would! There was no way now that she would let Lian's and Professor Ainsworth's efforts go to waste.
It was around 11 pm when they both called it a day. Chise unwillingly let out a yawn, and Professor Ainsworth finally deemed that they had enough studying this night. He took stock of the situation and was pleased with himself and with his student. They made great progress by going over two grades worth of material in the primary level. If they kept this pace, they would be able to finish the basics in four days and tackle the middle school level afterwards. He smiled at Chise who was a wonderful pupil all throughout. She asked questions when there was something she didn't understand, and her willingness to learn showed itself through her full attention. Most of all, she was not a dumb cow at all, as Blake commented. In fact, Professor Ainsworth found that she had a perceptive and keen mind. He began to wonder how those teachers were teaching their classes if Ms. Hatori was failing them.
As he did the previous night, Professor Ainsworth walked Chise to her dormitory room to ensure that she was safe. Their trek towards her room was silent for they encountered no one strolling at this hour. The Sleigh Beggy too was particularly quiet, and Professor Ainsworth deemed that she was probably lost in her own thoughts. It was in front of her dormitory room, however, that she asked him something. One word coming out from her lips.
"Why?"
"Hm?" Professor Ainsworth tilted his head as he regarded her one word question.
"Why are you helping me?" Chise elaborating her question.
Professor Ainsworth thought about an apt answer. There were many reasons. He wanted to return the favor she did for him by not reporting the incident of him almost eating her. He wanted her Sorcery teachers to eat their words when they badmouthed her in the pantry. Yet they all seemed trivial when he pondered about them. Instead, he settled for something, a desire in his heart that he wanted to happen.
"I simply wish to see you succeed."
Chise felt something stir in her chest at his blunt but well-meaning reason. It confirmed one of the thoughts she had during their lesson: that he too wanted nothing in return for helping her. "Now that you say that, I would really have to do my best and pass those exams then." She flashed him a cheeky grin.
"Oh, does that imply that you were not doing your best today? Perhaps I should be stricter then." Professor Ainsworth teased, one of his eyebrows raised.
"Please, don't. Do you have any idea how hard it is to remember things without writing them down?" Chise winced, the fact that she still had not gotten the hang of the memory palace technique weighing her down.
"You'll eventually learn it and get used to it. And soon enough it will come easier and easier." Professor Ainsworth gently assured her. Then he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Now get going. You need to rest now."
"I… Thank you. For tonight, and for the next nights." Chise said, smiling at him and implying that she wanted to continue with his tutoring.
"It was my pleasure, Ms. Hatori."
xxxx
Chise took a deep breath before she started to read the first instruction in her remedial exams. She was given three hours to finish her three Sorcery subjects, followed by a laboratory test in Instruments and Artifice. The night before, she was with Professor Ainsworth in the hill in the gardens and was fretting about how she might forget all that he had taught her. He only smiled at her and, with full confidence for her, told her that she would never will. Now, as she was answering the first problem set for Magical Theory, she felt secured by the ease of how she could remember the different formulas needed to solve it. In her mind, she was walking through her imaginary dormitory room that was filled with items that help her in her recall. Her memory was so vivid, that it was as if she was answering the questions of the exam with the textbook beside her. Soon enough, she breezed through Magical Theory, in awe of how easy it now was. She then tackled Instruments and Artifice with the same vigor, seeing in her mind the various imaginary contraptions laid out on her room's desk. When that too was through, she proceeded to answer the History of Magic and Sorcery which was equally straightforward and effortless for her now.
She submitted all her exam papers to her proctor, Professor Blake, and the History of Magic and Sorcery teacher was surprised at the speed at which she finished all of them. She finished an hour earlier than her allotted time, and he asked her if she was sure she wanted to submit her papers now. Chise nodded with a smile, and then she proceeded to the Instruments and Artifice laboratory. There, she delved into the task of assembling a Memory Keeper, and within record time, she was finished with it as well.
It was on Monday that Chise received her results. She grinned from ear to ear when each of her professors gave her her exam papers in their respective periods. She received 90 plus marks on all of them. Even Professor Patrickson of Instruments and Artifice, who was always troubled by her incompetence, was surprised with her outstanding turnaround. Professor Liones and Professor Blake both remarked that she could do it if she had tried. Lian too rejoiced with Chise's triumph. The Sleigh Beggy couldn't thank the Scrimgeour boy enough for his help. She thought about what she could give him in return and decided that she would give him a gift instead. What though, she didn't know yet.
Then there was Professor Ainsworth who helped her in the areas of study that she needed the most. She also didn't know yet what to repay him with, but she was most thrilled to give him the exciting news that she passed her remedial exams with flying colors. Unwilling to wait for tomorrow's Magecraft class to give him the news, she ventured to the hedge maze at 8 pm and took the path to the hill in the gardens. He should be there, she thought to herself. And sure enough, as she was at the exit of the hedge maze, she saw a dark silhouette standing near the lone tree atop the hill. She approached him quietly, her exam papers—the proof of both their hard work—held in her hand.
"Back for more tutoring so soon?" Professor Ainsworth teased as soon as she was in close proximity to him, taking a break from looking at the moon.
"I came to show you these." Chise beamed, handing him her exam papers.
"Ah, I didn't think the results would come so quickly." He remarked and took the papers from her. He scanned them one by one, unsatisfied with just looking at the score in the front page. When he was through, he gave Chise the warmest smile she'd seen on his human face. "I would say congratulations are in order. But I'm not surprised at all."
"Really? Not even when I badgered you to explain the difference between Claude's Equilibrium Formula and Heidenberg's Normal Distribution Theorem for like ten times?"
"You only asked me to explain it to you five times." Professor Ainsworth corrected and winked at the same time. When Chise raised her eyebrow, he added, "Believe me, I counted."
"Almost the same." Chise shrugged as she remembered the night they tackled that lesson. Forbidden to write down notes, she was almost tempted to tattoo on her skin the nuance of those two formulas. What didn't escape her though was Professor Ainsworth's patience for her that night. He explained and explained, each time stripping away the complexity that it was as if he was talking to a six year old. If it was in that regard, Chise didn't mind being treated like a child at all.
"I couldn't have done it without you, you know." She said to her shadowy companion.
"You belittle yourself." Professor Ainsworth stated, and the Sleigh Beggy wondered why he seemed to always have more faith in her than she had on her own.
"It's true though. Without you, I still would've failed. And I shudder to think about what would happen." She would be held back a grade, or worse she would be a full-time Sleigh Beggy specimen, Chise mused darkly.
"Well, you didn't fail. So it is futile to think of what might have happened."
"True." Chise nodded in acknowledgement, not denying that his point was right. Then she looked at Professor Ainsworth's human face, the kind crimson eyes, the gentle arch of his pointed nose, and thin light red lips. She wondered if she could… She shook her head to dissolve her hesitation, and then she threw caution to the wind that was blowing past them. "I think it's time for me to claim my reward."
"Reward?" Professor Ainsworth looked at her quizzically.
"Yes. A recompense for the suffering you put me through in your tutoring." Chise grinned sassily. She was even surprised at her own audacity now. But she couldn't help it because she wanted to…
"Do passing marks not qualify as a reward then?"
"Those were for my efforts!" She said in defense, although it was in a cheery tone.
"Ah, I understand. What do you wish for as a reward then?" Professor Ainsworth asked, his wonder and surprise at the situation filling him to the brim.
Chise took a deep breath before voicing out her request. It was now or never. She mentally steeled herself that it was ok if he refused. "May I see your… real face?"
Professor Ainsworth flinched upon hearing her request. He couldn't fathom why she would ask such a thing. Didn't she have enough of his monstrosity? Most especially from that night that he almost ate her. Even with his wolf-skull form, why would she want a reminder? Unable to answer this questions, his immediate response came out terse and in a clipped tone, "Why?"
"Because I don't want you to hide from me." Chise looked straight into his crimson human eyes as she spoke. It was the only way for him to realize that she was sincere, that she bore no ill-will. She just wanted to see him, the real him.
Professor Ainsworth stared back at the green eyes that were gazing at him with such tenderness. It had been a very long, long time since he had seen eyes that looked at him that way. Because of that, he knew that he could no longer deny her. With a defeated sigh, he closed his eyes and within seconds, his human glamour faded away. The flesh of his face disappeared, only to be replaced with his wolf-skull of a head topped with two ochre horns. He suddenly felt bare as the open air touched the surface of his bony head and two horns. He heard footsteps and sensed the Sleigh Beggy drawing closer to him. Still, he didn't open his eyes, afraid that he might see revulsion in hers.
Chise watched in fascination as Professor Ainsworth's real face appeared before her. She didn't understand why he had to hide in a human glamour. The real him was not revolting at all, but perhaps he had his reasons. She examined him thoroughly; it wasn't just his face and head that changed, his height too increased by more than half a foot. His wolf-skull was white with sharp fangs aligned on his jaws. There was a hollow on his snout and two empty sockets where she deemed his eyes should be. Under the soft glow of the moonlight and the garden lights around them, she found that she wanted to touch him, just to ensure that he was real. So she walked closer, and her two hands reached out to touch both sides of his jaws. His glowing crimson eyes suddenly appeared in the two empty sockets of his wolf-skull, his shock and confusion prominent. Yet Chise did not withdraw and just stared at him, at his eyes, intently.
"Thank you. For your help. For everything." She breathed out at last, after what seemed like an age of her gazing at his red orbs. Then without hesitation, she embraced his torso, tightly wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in the front of his black embroidered robe. "Thank you." She repeated, and this time it was for his trust for her at this very moment.
Professor Ainsworth didn't speak—no, he couldn't. And even if he could, he would not be able to find the words. He had been without physical affection like this for a very long time. His back stiffened at the Sleigh Beggy's unexpected embrace, and he fought hard not to show his discomfort. He didn't want to offend her after all. Yet after a few seconds into it, he felt warmth pooling in his belly and shooting up to his spine. It was a pleasant feeling, and he finally returned her embrace, placing his arms around her.
"You're most welcome." He said, glad that he found his voice eventually. Yes, he knew that if she ever needed help again, she would always be welcome. "Anytime."
xxxx
Additional Notes: Just kidding about the leannan sidhe. I really don't know why this chapter ballooned into this size. But I'm happy with it, and it didn't seem right to cut it in half. Let me know your thoughts by dropping a review.
BlueNachturne: Thank you for faithfully reviewing every chapter so far. It really brings a big smile to my face. :)