AN: Hey everyone! So I guess I have a weakness for the Zowena ship. I'm a simp for these women and they deserve happiness! This fic takes place right after the events of Part 4 of Sabrina and will have some flashbacks. This story is a 'what if Rowena and Zelda met back at the Academy as teens' scenario and this will have more chapters! As for where it leaves off for SPN in the present, let's say this takes place right after Rowena had her second off screen death by Lucifer once again. Also, a trigger warning: there may be some uncomfortable pedophilia (from the high priest of the past) and in the future, some mention of child/sexual abuse. Hope you guys enjoy and let me know if you want more Zowena content!

Chapter 1: Macleod

"Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?"- Rumi

Lost.

Zelda Phiona Spellman (Blackwood to some) truly was lost without her seventeen year old niece.

She was also lost without that beautiful cocoa skinned woman: Mambo Marie.

The centuries-old witch still could not believe she had been lied to.

'Baron Samedi? How was this possible?'

Zelda found herself in this hole again, this deep cavernous hole and the walls were closing in on her. She recalled the Eldritch Terror who attacked her mind: the Darkness. Oh, how it knew all her hidden fears.

Once again, Zelda is under attack. She's lost everything-well almost. She still had her sister to think about and her marriage. She needed to be there for her little sister just as Hilda has been there for Zelda.

Yet, here Zelda sat feeling so alone. She stares up at the dim ceiling in her office as she leaned back in her leather chair. Zelda could not help the waterworks that continued to build up and irritate her eyes.

She wondered if she could summon the loa, hoping she/he would present her with comfort.

Foolish thought. A loa's job is never done.

Sabrina, she would be forever missed. She was a huge part of the family and it wasn't the same without her.

Zelda laughed to herself thinking: 'Perhaps I'll have less headaches.'

Honestly, those headaches were worth it. Now, it was empty in the mortuary- in the Academy even.

Sabrina always stuck out like a sore thumb at the Academy ever since her first day; it kept things interesting.

That thought brought the centuries-old witch back to the day when there was a frumpy-looking small young girl at the doorstep of the Academy. This was back when Zelda herself attended as a student. Not many could forget that day; this girl stuck out as well, but just like Sabrina, as people got used to the unique witch, she disappeared...

Academy of the Unseen Arts-way back when

Zelda has to definitely be the most popular witch the Academy has housed-just at sixteen! Sure, there was Constance, Mallory, and Faustus, but Zelda, she reeked elegance; a lot of the students wanted to be her.

Her beautiful waves were this perfect golden red, her eyes a sea blue, and a powerful jaw. Her popularity partially stemmed from her brother Edward Spellman being in the run for Top Boy.

Nonetheless, she was made for power.

Rain poured outside of the Academy, nullifying outdoor activities and kept the students inside for the night. Torrents of raindrops splattered against the windows, illuminated by the flashes of lightning. No one in Greendale was going anywhere during this storm.

Zelda sits by the window not fearing of the trumpets of thunder that seem to almost vibrate against the glass.

Despite what most think popularity entails, Zelda is probably the most studious person one could ever know. Her dreams of becoming a professor in this school (eventually high priestess should the Dark Lord permit it) resonated in her mind as she works.

Not one soul in the Academy was prepared when the large doors received a meek knock.

Zelda tore her attention from her work and arched a light brow. She noticed even the others were surprised.

Professor Brinkley, the current herbology teacher answered the door with a flourish.

There, soaking from pellets of rainwater was a small girl. Her head was covered by a dark hood, although peeking from it were curls of red. Emerald, cat-shaped eyes wandered up to the haggard herbology teacher.

"May I assist you, young lady?" The teacher questioned in a hushed tone.

The girl held on to her cape, shivering.

"P-p-please," came her soft response in a Scottish brogue, "I am in need of shelter."

Professor Brinkley raises his brow. He couldn't help but pity the young girl. She was an outsider, yes, but he could tell she was indeed like them, a witch.

"Come then...", he implores her. "Step inside and we shall get you warm. Any child of the night deserves warmth and comfort."

Zelda leans over from her perch to get a better look. Her lips parted in surprise as the smaller girl steps in. The stranger pulls her hood back revealing more of her mass of red locks.

The girl was pale, cheeks lightly dabbed with freckles here and there. Her lips were small, but adorable with how they were shaped into this pout.

Zelda found this girl enchanting. Her studies were tucked in the back of her mind as she watched the Scottish stranger. She barely focused on all the whispers and murmurs around her. Her blue eyes focused on the timid movements the stranger made.

"Where did she come from?", Constance pipes up. She approaches the girl cocking her head to the side. "Hey, what's your name?"

With that, everyone else in the main room crowded around the girl, overwhelming her. The girl stepped back slightly, but was practically rooted to her spot. They all hounded her with questions.

Zelda frowned as she slid off her seat. She cleared her throat earning stares from the crowd.

Even as a sixteen year old, she held the air of a refined older woman.

"Enough.", she starts in a stern tone. "You're frightening her. Give her space."

The crowd dispersed then. They watched Zelda carefully as she made her way to the girl. The girl glances up at Zelda in surprise. The way Zelda towered over her didn't feel in the slightest intimidating.

"I'm sorry about them. As curious as we all are, it is no excuse to make you feel overwhelmed.", Zelda spoke earnestly to the girl.

Professor Brinkley shut the heavy doors after inspecting what the storm brought outside. The roads were flooded. Any longer and that poor witch would have rowed here on a boat. He realized how Zelda weeded through the crowd like it was nothing.

Before Zelda could say anymore, the teacher places a hand on her shoulder.

"Now, now, Sister Zelda. We should let the girl settle in, shall we? It is clear to us she isn't a part of this coven, but she must be a child of night brought to us from the Dark Lord. He had brought her into the right place. I'll show you to the washroom to get cleaned up and into clean clothing. You must be cold."

Professor Brinkley leads the small girl ahead to the foot of the stairs. Zelda noticed how the girl observes the statue of Baphomet with curiosity and then a twinge of fear. The girl quickly reels her gaze away as she starts to ascend the staircase.

'If she were truly a child of night,' Zelda thinks. 'Why does she cower at the idol of the Dark Lord? Perhaps, she's been misguided. Professor Brinkley senses she's a witch. When I looked upon her, she...I could sense a power emanating from her.'

"Hey sister? Sister?"

Zelda's thoughts are interrupted by her older brother.

"I asked if she said anything to you." Edward repeated to her. "Are you well?"

Zelda snaps out of her daze as she nods.

"I am."

Edward inspects his younger sister.

"Well, did she say anything to you?", he asks.

Zelda shakes her head and gathers her books.

"Whoever she is, there's something different about her."

She goes to move forward, but her brother pulls her back gently to stop her.

"In what way?" He questions-more to himself than her.

Zelda shrugs. "I do not know, but I intend to find out."

Dinner Time

The dining hall is silent save for the cymbals of thunder clashing with the lightning outside. The room is dim with candlelight, but one could see the exchanged glances of curiosity between the students. They were all thinking about the same thing: the girl.

Father Mephisto ate his meal calmly. He knew everyone still wondered about the red-haired teenaged stranger. He broke the silence with his bold voice,

"Where is the girl, Sister Irene?"

Sister Irene, secretary and disciple of the Church of Night, sets her soup spoon down and pats her lips with a napkin.

"She is getting ready. The warm water for her bath took its time. This storm has not helped with the plumbing."

Father Mephisto scoffs softly as he bores his dark stare toward the bigger-framed woman.

"We do have spells for that, do we not?", he inquires.

Sister Irene bows her head. "Yes, your Excellency. We didn't want to frighten the girl."

"Frighten her?" The high priest's voice raises.

He laughs boorishly. "She's a child of night, is she not?"

Father Mephisto turns his gaze over to Professor Brinkley. "Isn't that right, Brother Brinkley?"

The wiry professor gulps and nods "A lost one." He replies softly "Her name is not in the book."

There was a collective sound of silverware dropping on porcelain plates. Zelda's silverware, however, remained in her clutch. Her eyes widen in shock.

'I was right. Not a true child of night.', she thinks.

Father Mephisto, like Zelda, stayed still in his composure.

"She told you her name?", he asks.

Professor Brinkley nods. His eyes barely meet with his superior.

"She did. I reached out with the other covens astrally about their books. No pages have her name in blood."

Zelda had hoped this didn't mean she would be tossed back into the rain. This poor girl seemed lost for sure. She was also eager to know her name. A name to that beautiful face...

"Well, wherever she comes from, she may have been misled. A girl born with powers is indeed a special witch. Of course, we are all born to advance our natural talents by our Dark Lord, but there are some who are granted these greater abilities-ones we do not understand. That is, if this is the case. Nevertheless, if she makes her stay here more permanent, she will need to pledge her loyalty to the Dark Lord. He may grant her more than she ever dreamed of.", Father Mephisto concludes.

Zelda's held breath releases into relief. A witch born away from the Path of Night? How was that possible? The witches she's known all her life possessed smaller abilities, but the true source would always come from the Dark Lord. Those who did not sign lived their lives as a hermit with simple parlor tricks at their behest. This girl has to be special.

Zelda could feel the power brimming in those emerald green eyes-a power unlike anything she's felt. Her attention then fell to the girl who was just now making her presence known in the dining room.

Zelda's throat went dry as she observed the stranger. Even cleaned up, she still held this grace-this mystery.

The girl's red curls were tamed, her face touched with light makeup. The nurses fashioned her into this deep green velvet gown with a laced white collar. This dress brought out her sparkling eyes for sure, Zelda couldn't even look away. Never has Zelda, in all her youth, been stupefied by a girl. Sure, she's already had her sexual awakening around the on and off escapades with Faustus Blackwood, but it seemed she was having another sort of awakening. This was her first girl crush.

Father Mephisto stood up and took a look at the stranger. His dark eyes roamed up and down taking in the sixteen year old Scottish girl with carnality.

It disgusted Zelda how he unapologetically would size up the young girls in the Academy. She knew the man craved the flesh of the maiden. His wife, having been aged lost his interest. He is under this spell now-the Scottish girl his new source.

"Welcome." Father Mephisto greets. "I am Father Mephisto, head of the Academy you stand in and high priest of the Church of Night."

Father Mephisto sits back down, dark eyes never leaving the stranger. He lifts his hand, crooking his finger in a 'come hither' motion.

"Come closer, child. Let's get a better look at you."

There was an uncomfortable silence in the room. Watchful eyes followed the ginger girl as she slowly approaches the high priest.

Zelda's lips curl in disgust as the high priest gently touches the girl's arms, long fingernails dragging along the fabric of her sleeves. Zelda could feel the discomfort from the girl. The girl's green eyes wandered away and her breathing hitched.

The high priest smirks and tilts his head. He reaches up and turns her cheek.

"There's no need to fear me." He chuckles. "Now tell me, what is your name?"

The girl visibly gulps and takes a steady breath.

"Rowena Macleod.", she answers like the coo of a dove.

'Rowena. What a beautiful name.' Zelda ponders dreamily, marveling at the name. She wanted to get to know her more.

"What a pretty name." Father Mephisto comments."Scottish. What are you doing here do far from home?"

Rowena's gaze drops to the ground. It's as is the question troubles her.

"I had to get away.", she speaks again. "I want to learn more about my abilities."

A lost witch for sure. Zelda was more than willing to show her the way.

"Away from your family?" The priest presses on. "Did they shelter your abilities?"

Rowena messed with her fingernails and chewed on her inner lip. Zelda wished Father Mephisto would stop pestering her especially when she appeared uncomfortable.

"They did.", she replies nonetheless. "Mainly my father. My mum passed when I was six years young."

Father Mephisto's expression hardened. "Well, Sister Rowena, if you wish to learn about yourself and your abilities, you are more than welcome to stay. The Dark Lord will shelter any willing witch or warlock. He will open those beautiful green eyes to the true path-the Path of Night."

Rowena appeared hesitant, which was understandable. Father Mephisto wasn't exactly the greatest example for a young witch's mentor.

The Scottish girl eventually concedes "I thank ya for yer hospitality."

"Of course, my lovely. Now, join us for dinner, please."

Rowena glances back at the others. They all quickly look back to their plates. Zelda stood up and pulled a chair out unoccupied next to her.

"Here.", Zelda offers in an assuring voice. "You can sit right here."

Rowena's reluctant expression softens as she makes her way right by the offered seat. Zelda stands behind the chair. She waits for her to get settled before pushing it in for her.

"Thank ya." Rowena says.

Zelda gives her this small smile. "You're welcome."

Zelda' peers look at her in surprise. Since when is she this nice? When has she ever smiled?

She was truly enamored.

After Dinner

Zelda ushers Rowena over to the dorms. There's silence between them. Zelda cannot find words to say.

Both of the girls would glance at each other every once in a while- a little dance of looks as one would look away quickly lest they be noticed by the other.

"This will be your quarters." Zelda breaks the silence as they appear by an empty room. "My room is just across the way should you need anything. I room with Agnes. If I'm not there, don't hesitate to reach out to Agnes should you need anything."

Rowena steps into the empty room. Zelda leans against the door frame as she watches Rowena smooth the edges of the bed.

"Thank ya. If I'm to be honest..." Rowena turns to face Zelda "This has to be the fanciest room I've stayed in."

Zelda raises both brows. "Is that so?"

Rowena sits on the bed. Her face relaxes from the soft texture.

"I've slept on a board covered in straw for most of my life.", Rowena explains. "Unlike ya, I was never privileged."

Zelda scoffs at this. She hated that word. Sure, she didn't grow up poor, but that didn't mean she didn't have her troubles.

"And how would you know I am privileged?", Zelda rebuffs.

"The way ya speak, the way ya dress, and all of this. Ya get to stay in this nice place, a place where ya even get to learn more about yer powers. I say that's pretty lucky." Rowena replies while laying back on the bed.

"I bet yer family home is perfect as well."

Zelda's brows furrowed and her nostrils flare.

"You don't know a thing about me. How dare you stroll in here and think you have everything pegged. You are lucky Professor Brinkley even let you in. He took a look at you and pitied you.", Zelda spat.

If anyone knew Zelda, once you set her off, there was no turning back.

It was Rowena's turn to scoff now. She sits up to glare deep into those precious blue eyes in front of her.

"Perhaps I've got somethin' pegged right. Yer a spoiled brat. I don't need anyone's pity. Any kind person would let someone in. Oh wait, this is real life. Ha...maybe yer right. At least I don't have to live with the fact I get things handed to me."

Rowena's temper was evenly matched with Zelda's. Zelda wanted to hex her right now, insult her further, yet there was something about this fiery redhead that just piqued her interest even more. A challenge wouldn't hurt, one that would teach her a lesson.

"You'll regret that, I assure you. I retract the kindness I extended to you.", Zelda sneered

Rowena's eyes lit in what seemed to be a blend of mirth and anger.

"Kindness? More like pity.",Rowena retorts. "Well, goodnight spoiled brat."

Zelda stomps one foot and crosses her arms. That earned a serpent-like smirk from the red headed beauty.

"That is Zelda to you."

Rowena shrugs "Same thing.''

Zelda grips the doorknob tightly. "Goodnight Rowena." She grits through her teeth. She then slams the door.

Rowena barely flinches. "Goodnight Zelda.", she murmurs.

This Scottish girl sighs as she lays back down. She stares up at the ceiling inquisitively. There was something about that Zelda.

Zelda was so gorgeous, filled with a hidden fire. It made Rowena smirk to think she got to this prim and proper girl.

It couldn't hurt to tease her more.

End Note: I hope you enjoyed this. This was originally posted on my Tumblr, but I wanted to share this on here too. I'll have the second chapter posted up as well and I'm working on the third. Let me know what you think about Zowena.