" The Mortal Instruments " and " The Infernal Devices " belong to Cassandra Clare , as do their rights . " Fangirl " is Rainbow Rowells , as well as its rights . " Harry Potter " Is owned by J . K . Rowling , as are the rights and characters .
Chapter Three - Dead Mans Dorm- Room
Once again Alec was in the Cafeteria .Izzy and Clary sat before him in the still unfamiliar location of Selleck Hall. The food serving place , like many of the similar rooms around campus houses many students at their metal wipe clean tables and uncomfortable plastic seats – Alec was one of these lucky few .Though Jace was not , as he was yet to show up .
Clary held a fork in her hand, stabbing at a grape on her plate while continuing to talk "So how's class, Alec? "
The boy in question looked over his plate at the tiny read head, deciding that maybe being as nice as possible was the way to go after his strange dream ."Oh its fine I guess – really all about English though. Professor Imogen is ... nice enough ". Calling the fiercest teacher on campus "Nice "was the only description he dared of the terrifying woman, who smiled with all her teeth , and loved nothing better than to ask the nitty gritty questions.
" She must just love you though " Izzy snorted , a hand raking throw her perfect dark curls with tanned long fingers . " I mean you probably have more readers that all of her crappy books but together " .Alec chewed the inside of his cheek , hating the casualness of Izzys words " No not really ... maybe ... I don't really know ".
"Of course you do " Izzy demanded , her grey eyes turning to slits much like the dream Magnus's cat eyes " Your fanfiction is more popular than any of her novels . You have thousands of angsty nerd teens hooked on your stuff – all she has is preppy students stuck reading her writing for extra credit ". " That's not true " Alec argued , chewing as quietly as possible of a piece of macaroni " Lots of people love her books . All I have are a few online readers – buts she's an actual author ".
"Fanfiction Alec, is actual writing . So that makes you an actual author "Izzy cut in, having Clary nod her head at her side. " Accio Hearts doesn't count "He mumbled, distracting himself with watching how easily the people in the food ordering line went about collecting their trays , calm and easy . Nothing like the over thinking defiantly in need of a plan and strategy Alec always made it .
"Tell that to thousands of Teenage girls around the world "Clary coughed into her hands, causing Alec turn almost sternly. " Fanfiction is different okay – I never have to think about it as much " . A downfall of the professors class her constant want over original stories – Alec found himself creating something out of nothing for the practice writing she kept asking for .
"Accio Hearts " was another matter completely . His eightieth year fic was one of his greatest achievements , by far surpassing the viewership of " The Infernal Devices " , that had really only gained any fame because they loved his Drarry writing so much .But writing about the Wizarding World was as easy as breathing – it was a skill he had learnt and used for so long it didn't feel like a strain .It was also a popular topic amidst the group it seemed .
" Let's just change the subject okay " Alec said halfheartedly , knowing his sister was relentless enough to never cease without him asking – and even then it was a long shot ." Okay then " Isabelle said thoughtfully , reaching across the table to grip his hands with her long manicured nails " What about your mysterious roommate " .
"You mean, Magnus?" Alec hadn't given much thought about Magnus during the entire meal , but now his sharp confusion had returned to his mind "I wouldn't call him mysterious , he's just never around that's all . That doesn't make you mysterious – it makes you a college student " .
" Yeah , but never being in the dorm ? Leaving before you wake up? Doesn't that seem strange to you Alec ? " Izzy appeared to be giving him a cross examination , as she snapped out the words to Alec's dismay and Clarys confused looks ."No he just spends a lot of time at his friends " Alec sighed " I mean he might be seeing someone – no wonder he doesn't want to be stuck in our crappy dorm ".
"Maybe your Harry Potter obsession freaks him out "Clary added, to have Alec wince " Thanks for that Clary " ."Sorry that's not what I meant "The ginger began to have Izzy silence her " EXACTLY ALEC ! After what you said he did to your dorm room you would think he would bother to live their!"
That was true – and Alec had thought it enough himself in the past week since the possible Warlocks arrival .The night of the English class he referred to as "Question round ", Alec had returned to find that Magnus didn't plan on living with a barren half of a room , and had decorated it to his liking during the day .And it really had looked like a glitter bomb had exploded .
The walls where now painted a deep midnight blue , covered in a bucket load of silver glitter giving the appearance of stars . Real constellations had been painted on covering the wall with dots and lines , swirling around the room .Being hit by the window light in such a way that they glowed . Mounts of bedding and cushions covered the frame so much it was hidden from sight , by the rainbow of silk and velvet . A curtain strung around the bed , and could be pulled closed by a tasseled string .
At the sight of the pandemonium Alec had nearly fainted. " What happened ! "Alec said in alarm , fearful that shadowhunters would soon burst throw the windows and the tiny living slice of Alec's dream truly did belong to a warlock ." Oh, I had Catarina help me with some decorating " Magnus shrugged , not bothering to look up from his alchemy textbook as he sprawled out on the bed , black locks dripping in-front of his amber eyes .
" Its .. its " Alec couldn't quit take in the startling difference between the sides of the room , where Alec's was still quite bare apart from his bookcase and small board of posters ." The word you're looking for Alexander is magical, it looks like an Arabian dream "Magnus gestured to the room around him "Just call me a genie in a bottle" .Alec had turned positively pale .
" Why would anyone bother to decorate their dorm like that not to stay in it ? " Izzy questioned having heard the freaked Alec after seeing the room .Though she had only visited Alec's room once , just after Alec himself had moved in , she hadn't seen the new additions to the room or its owner in person , only in pictures ( pictures of the room , not Magnus himself of course ) .
"Maybe his friends have convinced him to join a fraternity?" Alec reasoned, but neither of the girls looked as though they believed him.
" No , that's just one of Jaces ideas .But whatever. As long as he's not some type of cult weirdo then I suppose he must just really love to party "Izzy said , her final comment being " But I still think it's weird "." It's not weird "Alec said uncomfortably "that's just how it is " .
There was a boy outside his room, when Alec arrived home .But this boy wasn't Magnus. At first Alec only saw the slumped figure up against the peeling wall , and had the oddest feeling it was the velvety voiced guy from his Writing Class , they shared the same drained pallor and snowy hair .On closer inspiration this stranger was very different .
Moving towards the door Alec could see , blazing green eyes , wispy pieces of hair floating uncontrollably out of the smooth fringe , to curl at the ends mint streaked tips standing out against the almost albino boy .The curling pieces stuck up in such a way Alec couldn't help but see the similarity to small stumpy horns .
" Finally " The stranger snapped , standing up on his lean limbs to nearly the same height as Alec a scowl pulled across his face " I'd thought I'd never get in .This bags heavy you know " . Alec would willingly admit that the lime leather satchel at the boys side did seem to be rather hefty looking ." I don't want to have to , wait outside all day in this crap hole with the Pink Parasite "."What are you talking about? " Alec turned his head looking for familiar bleached locks and bright chunky Ugg boots "Do you mean Kaelie? And what do you mean get in here? Acutely, who are you exactly? ".
"That's the problem with having freshmen roommates – they never pay attention "The green colored boy spoke under his breath, yet the words where still audible and Alec really wished the rude intruder would find another door to loom over. Alec slid the key card from his pocket, turning as he touched the cold handle to pipe up "You know I can't let you in right? The whole situations all too rapey – I have literally no clue who you are ".
"Really Sunshine "The boy announced to the entire hall " You're not my type – believe me Magnus has tried will all manner of men ,I'm not interested . Alright !? Now let me into the bloody room ". Greenie swiped the card from Alec , pulling it through the lock before barging into the room .
The green Invader , threw himself onto Magnus's bed landing in a head of pillows rummaging throw them all until he pulled out a sealed orange bottle . As he pulled it open with something he had stashed in his cord pockets, Alec really couldn't help but wonder what where the people like that Magnus was friends with. Because this guy seemed like an arse. And what was that about Magnus shoving men at the green stranger?
Standing up, making his way to the scarlet armchair guarding Magnus desk / vanity table, the boy pulled out a cup from one of the powder and glitter smoke drawers , to take lengthily sips . So this boy is clearly very familiar with Magnus and this room if he can find all the hidden stuff – so how much time has this stranger been spending here exactly ?
"Ragnor Fell " The boy gurgled through pouring himself another strong cup .Alec who had been sitting silently on the edge of his bed , curling and uncurling his hands as he battled with his conscious about the identify of the drunk who seemed to think he lived here .Alcohol was something Alec could never quite understand , it seemed stupid to want to be out of control – maybe that's why Izzy liked it so much ? Batting his lids in confusion Alec said as if in a dream as he thought that over Alec murmured "What? "
"R –A-G-N-O-R F-E-L-L – my name ... And people say I'm rude "The boy – Ragnor ,sounded out his name as though he thought Alec was illiterate . Ragnor Fell! It wrung a bell in Alec's mind, bringing back the blearily chatty voice of Simon telling him the name of the glittery boy at dinner ." Magnus Bane . Transferred school – got here this morning .Majoring in Alchemy and Witchcraft – old friends with Catarina and Ragnor ".
" Oh , your Ragnor " Alec said his mouth making an " O " of realization . Greenie was one of the more popular people ion campus – you could know his name without having ever met him .Hanging out with people like Camille made you a big player around these parts , her crowd was something Alec had seen at High School . He knew instantly he wasn't meant to be a part of it – it was better to go unnoticed.
Alec's azure eyes met with Ragnor's basil green ones , a clash of interests if there ever was one . Ragnor seemed to have taken Magnus side of the room as his own , sitting on the armchair was crossed legs and a heavy drink on his lips Alec wasn't sure what he was meant to do , or say .Ragnor just rolled his eyes and downed the remains of his glass .
"Yes that's my little Cabbage " Alec flailed around wildly , unprepared to have Magnus enter the room a smirk at the ready , while Ragnor just seemed to scowl more intensely . " Don't worry Alexander; you're not the little pea-pod I meant "Magnus assured him, moving towards Ragnor who seemed to be in the middle of begrudgingly giving the brightly dressed Magnus a cup " Though green would look good on you , Darling " .
"Hello Magnus "Ragnor said, swirling his finger around inside the brim of his cup not meeting the other possible warlock's eyes" I brought your notes – though I've learned not to expect a thank you " .
The amber eyes boy ignored the teasing, as Ragnor threw a thick wad of paper onto his bed . " I see you've met Ragnor then Alec " Magnus mused dryly , seemingly looking at the clear pane of glass separating the two of them , the two in question only looked up at each other from either side of the room for a few seconds . Alec seemed to have suddenly developed a nervous twitch, while Ragnor seemed to be trying to turn his eyes inside out.
Magnus drew his brows together tightly. He moved his hands in front of him , and shopping bags could be seen at his sides before they were thrown on the bed , on the same spot Ragnor had crumbled beforehand ." Shopping! "Ragnor said in alarm, dropping his cup onto the crammed table "Can this room even hold anymore stuff ? "
Magnus seemed unaffected, but Alec had been thinking the same thing. Magnus's side of the room was a fantastical explosion – but it was also extremely excessive. It was very unlikely that the college wardrobes could hold any more of Magnus's outrageous outfits.(Magnus was currently warring more tight leather jeans with more skin showing than actual leather , purple combat boots and a magenta tee with a spiked jacket ) .
Alec sat quietly, as Magnus threw himself on his bed still somehow clutching the cup even after he had rid himself of the bags (how had he managed to carry them all? Maybe he really was magical) . The question was answered when a frowning girl appeared at the door, willowing and dressed in a short white doctors coat and doc Martins, her hair a bright and brittle blue . She too was holding a papery load of shopping bags .
" Ragnor " The blue haired girl called , Alec guessed that most people would have called her pretty – with almond eyes , dark skin perfect , and a model like presence . She was talking on a phone nearly invisible in the palm of her hand, Ragnor shot up the cup thankfully still hidden on the table ." Catarina "He barked , collecting himself and scooting to the door . " Um well " The green haired grouch laughed unpleasantly without humor but nerves ,"Bye Magnus " .
Magnus raised his hand in a wave , a flicker of glitter falling from his palms .Catarina looked up from her conversation on the phone , as Ragnor added with dripping sarcasm " Bye Alec " . When did I introduce myself ? Did Ragnor know my name already – or was it because he had heard Magnus ?Catarina's eyes grew wide , yet she was ushered ( more like pulled away ) by Ragnor , she barely had time to throw a few of the bags to Magnus .
The door swung shut. " That was interesting " Alec still felt swept up in the confusion of Ragnors crouch like behavior , the vanishing blue haired Catarina . "You get used to them both "Magnus offered helpfully , collecting Ragnors cup and throwing it in his violet glittering bin , before throwing the bottle to the back of his wardrobe – Alec could only guess it was its latest hiding spot .
" Will I get used to them , because I don't think Ragnor likes me . Will they be spending a lot of time here ? " The question had to be asked because the of an angry and extremely drunk Ragnor being encased in the same small dorm room as him , made Alec want to camp out at Izzy or Jaces ."Ragnor doesn't like anyone , I highly doubt he even likes me . So no probably not " Magnus said , sitting back on his bed lounging once again like a cat .
Alec couldn't help but be glad , but he also heard the unspoken words of " Because neither will I " .It's not that he really cared if Magnus wanted to be his best friend for Life , or whatever it was everyone else and their roommate had .It's just that he had never expected sharing a room to go quite like it had .
In the space of time between the night they had met and now , Alec had developed a way of dancing around interactions with Magnus . He had always supposed that with all the partying Magnus had been choosing to do the same .Magnus returned home late at night , and collapsed into bed ( Alec was nearly always already asleep ) . There was only the briefest chance that Alec would awake before Magnus had left for god knows what he did in the morning – and if that happened Alec always just kept to himself and murmured a " Hey " . Neither met up in the evenings , it was always separate directions . Alec was either out with Jace and Izzy , or writing in his dorm . Magnus came and went as he pleased – he was so rarely around he might have been smoke .
" Where you out before Ragnor came looking for me " Magnus tried to strike up a conversation , as he flicked through the notes Ragnor had delivered with sparkling polished hands .Why hadn't Ragnor just told him he was giving Magnus notes ? Wouldn't that have been a lot less hassle?
"Yeah I was out getting dinner with Isabelle " Alec realized to like that the familiar way , he'd spoken Izzys name could be taken as something else . " Is this Isabelle your girlfriend ? " Magnus seemed more confused than ever , he looked from the flushed Alec to the posters in the corner of Drarry .He also seemed slightly saddened though Alec couldn't guess why .
"Oh my god, no " Alec shouted with appall " She's my sister !" " Oh " Magnus nodded as if that explained everything , he was once again grinning like a Cheshire " Do you have any other siblings ? Do they also go here? "" Yeah " Alec said quickly , speaking about his siblings was something he found easy . It wasn't the awkwardness of small talk , he know what he thought and could speak freely ." Isabelle's a bit younger than me , but really smart so she got in at the same time – theirs really not that big an age gap . Jace , he's . You might have met him at one of the parties – he loves parties " .
" I don't think I have " Magnus assured him with a smile " Maybe though , there's been a lot of parties I've went and everything about them just seems to blend together . It's not like I can always remember then anyway , if you drink with Ragnor you can forget your own name " .
" You would remember Jace " Alec couldn't help but feel defensive .Golden and brilliant , Jace was everyone's shining light .Who couldn't admire him ,even if he was cocky and clear sometimes ? There was something about Jace that made him stand out , and it didn't have anything to do with his bad boy looks . You would remember Jace like you would remember getting bit by a bear trap .
Magnus merely shrugged. " Do you have any other siblings ? " It was an innocent question , but Alec suddenly felt up fronted . Everything dripped in monochrome for a moment , before Magnus asked the question again " Alexander do you have any other siblings ? "
" No ...No ...not any more " Alec said shaking his head , so he'd snap out of it . It felt wrong to tell your roommate in your first proper conversation, about your dead little brother. "Okay then " Magnus said , dropping the subject as it was clear Alec wasn't saying any more .
Alec pulled the laptop out from the drawer in his desk , flipping up the screen and scrolling through Fanfiction . net . Comments appeared in their usual manner , people asking for faster uploads ."More , more , more ! " One familiar viewer screamed at him . But in the past week it had been harder to write than usual – his room no longer felt like his private mind palace. It felt like the apartment from his dream , all the glitter and color was distracting him from the Shadowhunters .
For a while they both sat on separate sides of the room , Magnus looking throw the notes on some class , while Alec checked reviews for both " The Infernal Devices " and " Accio Hearts " . The sky grew dark , yet nether seemed to move . Okay then – maybe Magnus isn't leaving.
But the Institute needed him , it didn't matter if Magnus had appeared both in the story and in his room . The story had to go on .Alec crackled his knuckles , and pulled the key board closer into his lap .He had a shape-shifting girl currently mirroring a hundred year old vampire Countess , two angsty Shadowhunters , a Evil plot and a few more sassy lines from William Herondale to deal with .
Looking up from the words he had typed , as he thought over the best plan to develop the plot and take down the Magister , Alec found himself once again talking to Magnus . " Your cats gone . I forgot to ask where ? "
" I gave him to Ragnor to look after , Ragnors roommate likes cats . He has this little light thing he gets him to chase around " Magnus seemed glad Alec had spoken , and remembered about his cat " So he won't be tarring up any of your books . I'm sure he was plotting a way " .
Alec's eyes grew wide , for different reasons this time . A trick of lights , Magnus Bane , and a plot written out on paper . Alec knew exactly how Will, Jem and Tessa where taking down the Magister – and it involved both the warlock and a party . Alec smiled and went back to typing, now with a lot more excitement . Magnus could only arch a brow.