An: NyhadoraTonks: Thank you so much! I really liked writing the party scene. Laura doesn't like to be played with, but she loves playing with people. (especially men) She wouldn't give anyone any satisfaction without a struggle. That's what makes Luara's character much different from the others I'm used to writing.

Creator of Magic: Social interaction isn't Oakley's strong suit. He'll have some major character development in this story. And we'll be more exposed to him in Donna's life as well. Laura is always going to play hard to get. It's just who she is. I know a girl like Molly, and she did the same thing our freshmen year. I think sometimes the emptiest people try their best to make it look otherwise. Molly is definitely one of those people. Definitely more plot to come.

PowPow456: Next chapter we'll get back to Donna and a few other friends. Ryder and Catherine will come into play a bit. Stay tuned!

THANK YOU ALL!

Chapter 4

Talents and Sorcery

It wasn't until breakfast the next day was Luara questioned the events last night. She had made it to bed last night, had a full night's sleep, got up, got dressed, and got breakfast in peace. She thought that might have been a whole new record. Eliza nor Fauna had mumbled a single word last night when she told them she was going to leave the party, and she didn't even say goodbye to Oakley.

But, that peace wouldn't last for long. Soon enough, Oakley practically ran over to the girls at their lunch table towards the back. His jaw was almost resting on the floor, his eyes wide. "Girl! Where did you go last night?"

"You saw where I went," Laura picked at her strawberries. She was surprised they hadn't asked her what happened in the garden.

Oakley looked to Eliza and Fauna, confused. "You didn't tell her?"

"No," Eliza mumbled, not looking up from her plate.

"What happened?" Laura asked.

"Nothing," Eliza said.

"Bu-" Fauna started, but Eliza stared her down.

"What happened?" Laura asked with more force. When there was nothing but silence, Laura looked to Oakley. He almost looked scared of her, which he should be. She didn't like being played with.

"Well," Oakley said nervously. "Mitchell came back from lover's lane without you, all mad and stuff. Then, Chester had got a whiff of his bad emotions and decided to play with them. One thing led to another, and Mitchell got covered in the punch. It revived the party though."

Laura wished she would've seen it. But then again, she was glad she wasn't there. It made the moment almost better. If she was there, she might have helped him. Right now, Laura was at least going to pretend that she was reserved and uncaring about what happened last night. On the inside, however, she had a rush of emotions.

"I thought you were talking about something serious happening," Laura let out a sigh of relief. "I thought you were going to say that Eliza actually managed to flirt with a boy for once."

Eliza's eyes suddenly shot up. Laura looked at her with a suspicious gaze. With a blink, Eliza's face relaxed. She then grinned a little as she remarked, "No, I didn't. Fauna is a fine enough dance partner. Thank you."

"Oakley," Fauna prodded him. "You're forgetting to tell Laura about your news."

"It wasn't that big of a deal," Oakley said quickly.

"What?" Laura looked at Oakley expectantly, but there was nothing but silence. "Speak. Tell me the truth. I'll know if you're lying."

"I may or may not have...helpedChesterwiththeprank," Oakley said it so fast Laura almost didn't catch it. He laughed nervously. "I mean, I didn't really feel good about it, but I never really did anything like that before. I actually was only a lookout, so it wasn't a big role. He was acting like a jerk, he was making fun of Matthew for reading instead of enjoying the party. I'm sorr-"

"No," Laura shook her head. "He needed to be brought down a notch. His level of haughtiness is high enough to supply the confidence in several armies."

"So, I take that the romantic walk wasn't romantic?" Eliza asked.

"It could've been," Laura shrugged. "But, I pulled away before he could kiss me."

"He-" Oakley clapped a hand of his mouth. "Wow, that boy truly is haughty, trying to make an advance like that on you. I wouldn't even think about it if I were him."

"Mitchell doesn't know me," Laura grinned. "Or not in the way he thinks he does."

"I'm sure he's never been rejected by anyone," Fauna shook her head slightly. "That must be why he was in such a bad mood. He wanted you, but can't have you."

"I have a whole new level of respect for you," Eliza said quietly. "No girl could resist that man."

"I couldn't resist him," Oakley added.

Eliza laughed. "No girl or Oakley could resist him."

"Well, I did," Laura looked over her shoulder. She spotted him across the castleteria. He averted his gaze quickly, which made her stomach do a small flip. When she turned back, she couldn't help but bite her bottom lip. It was the only thing she could do to keep herself from smiling.

The first day of school was in one word: hectic. Eliza wanted nothing more for it to stop just so she could catch up. She wasn't normally like this, but this new school wasn't exactly normal either. There were weird passages in the halls and beanstalks that grew randomly. It was hard to keep up with it all. She wished that she possessed her mother's grace. But she was definitely in short supply there.

Thankfully, by the time lunch had come around, she had gotten a hang of things. At least she had a study hall the next hour. Both Laura and Fauna were scheduled for Fairy talent class. Unfortunately, Eliza didn't have any magical or abnormal talents. She was just a girl who was good at guitar. Actually good. Not what her father perceived as good. He liked the music to be loud when she preferred actual melodies.

She was sitting in the library with her headphones on when she saw him. Matthew Hatter-White. Their interactions were only small glimpses yesterday, but last night was when she actually spoke a word to him, and he actually responded. Not that she planned or even wanted to talk to him, it just happened.

...

He was sitting on the only empty bench, and she needed to rest after Fauna had forced her to do a speedy dance. Laura had already left by the, and she was thinking of leaving herself, but Oakley said to stay for just a little longer.

Eliza had gone over to him. Matthew was reading a book, as usual. It would've been the third book he read that day. The other two times she had seen him, he was reading different ones. It was very strange. But she sat down anyway. Closest to the edge of the bench as she could. She didn't want him to think that she actually wanted to sit next to him.

"I can move if you want," Matthew's soft voice called after a few moments. Eliza swiftly turned her head. His eyes hadn't even left the page.

"Why are you even here if you're just going to read?" Eliza thought about how Mitchell had confronted him about it a few minutes earlier. She thought she was at least being a little nicer about it.

"I shouldn't be here," Matthew flipped the page. "But Chester's persuasive, and I don't want to miss out on the 'high school experience.'"

"You're still missing out. You're just a wallflower here."

"If that's true, then that means you are putting yourself as an outsider," Matt said without skipping a beat. "After all, you are sitting on the nerd's bench. You're welcome, of course, but I thought I should inform you. You definitely don't want to be out there, but I don't think you want to be here either."

Eliza didn't know what to say to that. She looked out into the crowd to see Fauna dancing with some other girls. How did the girl never run out of energy? Matthew continued to read. He didn't even bother to glance at her. That was what possibly made her angrier. She suddenly stood up. "Unlike you, I actually enjoy freedom. Enjoy your articles, grandpa."

...

Eliza didn't know what to take from the interaction. Was it flirting? It wasn't exactly a friendly exchange, nor one she would have with an enemy. He seemed to know her somehow, even though they had never met before. He had exposed her to be an outsider. Eliza had never thought of herself that way, but she supposed he was right. No, she wasn't going to let him be right. He was just the strange Wonderland kid who was obsessed with books. Who was he to taint her new freedom?

Some sort of anger rose within her. It wasn't really jealousy or rage. Maybe frustration? Or realization? Eliza didn't know what to think.

Without much thought, she got up from her perch and strolled over to him. Not her surprise, he was reading a new book. She bit her lip. "I see you got a new article, grandpa," she said as she sat down at the table.

"I see your back in your natural element, wallflower," Matt raised a brow and lower his book. His blue eyes were striking to her. She hadn't ever seen his whole face, since he was either far away, or he was reading. She tried not to think of his good looks and put an annoyed expression on.

Eliza rolled her eyes. "What's gotten into your head to think that I'm a wallflower?"

"One shouldn't hide from the truth," Matt said simply.

"Thank you for the words of wisdom," Eliza rolled her eyes again. "I don't understand what makes me an outsider. I was in the middle of that floor last night. I was dancing with my friends and even some second years."

"But you didn't want to be there," Matt said quickly. She let that sink in. He shifted in his seat. "You were there because you want to change."

How could he see right through of her?

"You're parents are strict?" Matt asked. Eliza slightly nodded before she could stop herself. "And you want to become a rebel because you never have gotten to make your own choices before. You think by making yourself popular you're going to fill that void in your life. When in reality, you wish you could just accept yourself the way that you are. You want to be able to just be yourself, but you don't even know who you really are. Is that right?"

Never had Eliza been more shocked in her life.

How could he put her mixed feelings into simple words?

And to be exactly right?

"You shouldn't just assume people's lives," Eliza snapped.

"And yet I'm reading you like this book in my hands," Matt shot back calmly.

Eliza hated that he was right.

"Do you do this to everyone you meet?"

"No," Matt opened the book again. "You're the exception. One of my kind."

"You're kind?" Eliza raised a brow.

"I'm an outsider too," Matt turned the page as Eliza let out a sigh. "Except I accept what I am. Sure, I have friends, but I'm fine alone."

"You shouldn't be. Go try something new and get your nose out of that book," Eliza instructed. It was time for her to turn the tables on him.

"I never said I wasn't going to. But if I do try something new, it'll be because I want to do it for me. Not for anyone else," Matt grinned.

"What are you playing at?"

"You were the one that accused me of being a wallflower first. I was only returning the compliment. I never said it was a bad thing, it's just not what you wanted to hear."

With that, Matt stood up, took his book, and left Eliza alone with her thoughts.

In Fariy Talent class, Oakley wanted to jump out the window. His mother must've said something about his power. There was no other explanation that he was in this class. He wasn't a fairy, but half of the girls in here weren't either. He hated being the only guy here. At least Laura would talk to him, but she was on the other side of the room while they were taking attendance. He was in the back of the room.

"Here!" Oakley said in response to his name. The attendance went on, and Oakley naturally zoned out.

"Hey," a voice whispered. Oakley looked around, but no one beside him seemed to have said anything. "Over here." Oakley turned his head to the empty seat next to him.

A smile suddenly appeared. Then, the rest of Chester materialized. "Chester? What are you doing? Are you even in this class?" Oakley asked. Chester leaned back in the chair. His purple-tinted skin gleamed in the light. His cat eyes scanned the classroom.

"I'm probably supposed to be," he put his feet on the desk. "But you're here. So I thought I would pop in."

"Why would you want to see me?" Oakley asked. As Chester's cat ears perked to his words, Oakley's heart skipped a beat. He swallowed nervously as Chester leaned in close.

"Why would anyone ever want to be seen?" Chester countered. Oakley took in a small breath before shifting back in his chair. He ran his fingers through his hair. Chester pulled back too.

"You still haven't answered my question," Oakley said in a low voice.

"I had fun last night. You're a natural prankster," Chester grinned. Oakley met his gaze again. "Why haven't you told anyone about your power?"

"Because it's better for people not to know I'm more of a freak than I'm already am," Oakley folded his arms.

"Who called you a freak?" Chester asked suddenly. Oakley had said too much. He never says anything about the comments. He's gotten it from many boys in the class, throughout the years. Even Molly would say something. He never even told Laura. It was just something he was used to.

"N-no one," Oakley turned his gaze down. He suddenly felt Chester's fingers turn up his chin. Their faces were very close. Chester's eyes looked dead serious.

"Who called you a freak?" he asked more sternly.

"Most of the boys," Oakley said. "You know. Julien, Henry, and all of those other self-proclaimed kings."

Chester leaned back, taking his fingers from Oakley's chin. Oakley tried to slow his speeding heart. He didn't like being out of control. "Well, they're wrong," Chester said suddenly. "We'll have to plan another prank soon."

Before Oakley could attempt to respond, Chester disappeared. Oakley tried to get a hold of himself, but he smiled widely and turned his attention back to class. He didn't expect to have the rush of feelings for Chester, but Laura was perhaps right about him. This small encounter seemed to confirm it. For once, Oakley was hopeful.

After Fairy Talent class, Laura looked at her schedule. She raised her eyebrows to see that she had sorcery. She didn't really count herself as a wizard or which or sorceress. When she went down into the dungeons to find her class, there was only one other person in the room. Third-year student Felicity Thorn, daughter of Faybelle Thorn.

Laura had heard about Felicity. She was very unlike her mother. Shy and content. Laura had once heard that she wasn't Faybelle's real daughter, due to her darker blue eyes, light blonde hair, and that she didn't have wings. But, no one knew who her father was either. Laura wondered if Felicity knew herself, or if she shared the same void that Laura had.

Laura took a seat a few desks away from her. She thought at least some other students would be arriving, but there was no one but the two girls. The classroom suddenly felt a lot small than it truly was. There wasn't even a teacher. Or that's what Laura had thought. With a poof of magic, a very old woman appeared. Laura recognized her to be Baba Yaga.

"Ah! I'm glad you both made it on time," the old woman's voice croaked. Her many scarves and bandanas moved as her head turned to scan the room. She put her hands on her hips as she glided atop her pillow. "We'll just have to wait for the boy now."

"Who?" Laura asked. Baba Yaga's old eyes narrowed.

"Laura Fae," Yaga's tone was light. "I expect much from you."

It was strange to be attacked so early in the semester, but Laura almost found it fitting. Baba Yaga was one of the most respectable sorceresses of her time. She was topped in legends only by Raven Queen, who had permanently defeated the Evil Queen. Even so, at least someone knew of her talents. Someone who would respect magic. Felicity seemed to roll her eyes, but Luara didn't care. She had been waiting for this all other life, nothing was going to spoil it.

At least not until Matthew came in just before the bell rang. He was carrying a stack of books, slightly fumbling to catch his step. Laura grinned slightly as she waved her fingers under her desk. A small mouse magically scurried under the boy's feet. Matthew dropped a few books, but then placed the others on the desk. Laura would've been frustrated that her efforts to trip him didn't work, but hen he dove onto the floor.

He flipped every book up until he found where the mouse Luara controlled was hiding. Matthew sighed with relief and picked up the mouse. The grey-furred creature gazed at Matt with great curiosity. Matthew grinned as he pets the mouse with the tip of his finger. "Hey, little guy," Matthew talked to it. "Sorry I almost crushed you." Laura raised a brow.

"Matthew Hatter-White," Baba Yaga narrowed her eyes again. "Are you aware that Luara was the one who sent the mouse under your feet?"

"No," Matt stood up. He kept the mouse in one hand and picked up the books with the other. He then gazed at Luara. "Why would you do that?"

"I-"

"She did it to trip you," Felicity answered for her. Matt looked down at the mouse.

"I could've crushed him," Matt let his voice go to a whisper.

"Laura," Baba Yaga turned her attention back. "Do you understand what your powers can affect?"

"I didn't-"

"Next time you want to mess with someone," Baba Yaga folded her arms. She then grinned. "At least don't use real life. You'll learn to conjure your own soon enough. Very impressive though, Ms. Fae."

Laura didn't know if she should be concerned or proud.

"Matthew, please take a seat," Baba Yaga instructed.

"You can call me Matt," he said as he took a seat, still holding the mouse in his hands.

"Matthew," Baba Yaga said without skipping a beat. "Are you going to set the mouse free or not?"

"No," Matt held the mouse close to him. "He doesn't want to be loose. Hermon is pretty terrified."

"Who is Hermon?" Baba Yaga raised a brow. For how old she was, Luara was surprised Baba Yaga hadn't come across an animal lover.

"The mouse," Felicity answered, folding her arms. "He can talk to animals telepathically. Isn't it obvious?" Laura and Baba Yaga both stared at Felicity. She shrugged. "Well, isn't it? Most Wonderlandian's can."

"I may not know your father, but you definitely take after your mother," Baba Yaga muttered. Laura bit her lip to stop her from smiling. "Anyway, where is Chester?"

"I'm here," Chester's voice echoed. "I"m always here." He suddenly appeared in the chair next to Matthew's.

"Oh, well good," Baba Yaga floated around on the pillow. "I suppose we can finally start class. Thank you Matthew for collecting the books." She waved her old wrinkled hand and the books flew from their perch and divided themselves among the four.

Laura looked at the three books before her.

Dark Magic Through the Pages

Fairy Magic: 101

Sorcerers Guide to Greatness

Nothing she didn't expect from this class. But she wondered why the Wonderland kids would even be in attendance. They weren't magical. If Laura were to throw a fireball at them, Chester would simply disappear, and Matthew would protect the mouse-Hermon. There was no power within them. Laura could crush them in an instant.

"Each of you has your own selection of books that I picked for you. This isn't some read the text and pass the test. If you are truly to learn in this class I expect nothing but greatness out of each of you. You weren't chosen for this class for any reason. Why you are here is for you to find out and for me to grade. Understand?" Baba Yaga raised her brows.

"Yes, Madam Yaga," the other three said. Baba Yaga narrowed her eyes once against at Luara.

Laura straightened. "Understood, Madam Yaga."

Laura thought that she did at least.