Sorry, this is late. RL is kicking me down but now in a new place and summer classes are almost done.

Special thanks to Broken-Synchronicity for beta-read this chapter.

Grim Does Some Arson

Melody and Susie bust through the door and quickly close it behind them. Melody put down Haelth who look around and see she was in a library. Though she doesn't remember libraries this dark and had light sources being candles that flames instead of red-orange they were green. Also, floating books were weird too. She looked and see that Scott and Oliver were also there, who looks relieved at her safety. Susie put her ear at the door and listened. After a few tense moments of silence, she spoke up.

"I think we are in the clear," She said, everyone let out a sigh of relief.

"Ok, but what's going on here?!" Haelth hissed, "What is with the floating books, talking cats, and gothic-looking buildings?" The group looks at each other and then back at her.

"Well to be honest we have no idea either," Oliver told her sheepishly, "Scott was first to wake up and he hasn't found anything." He pointed at Scott.

"I first woke in a coffin And when I opened it up, I found myself in the room like you guys. There was no one there and I didn't know if you guys were there so I was about to leave, but then Then I heard Susie shouting," Susie blushes a bit in embarrassment at that explanation, "I got her out and we went off to find the others. We tried to find you but you weren't responding to our calls and we didn't want to make too much noise or open up random coffins in case someone else was in there." He explains to her, "Oliver wanted to explore more this building, just to see where we are and see if we can call someone. But we didn't want to leave you all alone in case you were here. Melody and Susie stayed behind to figure out where you were while we looked for a way out." He finishes his story.

"Oh, did you guys find anything?" She asked him. Scott was about to answer her question but it was Oliver who answer.

"No luck! I haven't found a phone or computer. I tried looking at the books for any idea of where we are but it is all confusing. Like, it's about some story about the Seven or fae wars," He answered her sheepishly. Scott gives him an annoyed looked.

"You forgot to tell her the weirdest thing we saw outside. People were riding brooms like they were witches!" He exclaimed, raising his arms.

"Well yeah, but after seeing the floating books and waking up in a coffin it isn't that much of a surprise." Oliver waved him off and Scott huffed in annoyance. Before they can fight, Susie spoke up.

"So what do we do?" She asked them, Susie looking nervously at the door. All was silent for a moment, thinking about what they should do. Haelth in a vain attempt to search for her phone in her robes. This is how she discovers that she does have her regular outfit underneath, but no phone was uncovered. She hopes that her mapa finds them soon. They have this uncanny ability to find them

"I say we go into the next town and find some help. Who knows, maybe we find a cell phone or something." Melody suggested and Scott huffed at this.

"We don't know where we are! So how are we supposed to find the nearest town?" He argued with them. Melody glared at him.

"Better than just staying around here and begging to get caught!" They countered. Those two start to argue back and forth to the point where they got into each other's faces. But Oliver got in between them.

"Look, we are in some sort of library. I'm sure we can find a map here." Oliver suggested. Scott and Melody glared at each other before turning away from each other.

"Sound like an id-"

"SHHH!" Susie hissed and everyone falls silent. She pressed her ear to the door and then jumped back, "Everyone gets down!" That was the only warning they got before the door was blasted open. The blue flames made Grim look like a demon straight out of hell.

"Foolish human! Did you think you could-" His blue eyes darted from Haelth to the others, "You think numbers are going to save you human? I got the firepower to back me u-" Melody ran to him and kicked him.

"GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!" Melody shouted. The cat sailed into the air and crashed into the hallway.

Crash!

"Umm…was that a cat?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall where Grim disappear to.

"Yeah, he tried to burn us before," Susie answered. Oliver blinks in surprise.

"What-"

"THAT'S IT!" The cat charges down the hallway with flames flicking his maw, "YOU'RE GETTING TOAS-"

Snap!

The sound was their only warning as a whip wrapped around Grim.

"YEOW! That hurt! What gives?" He shouted in pain and surprise.

"Consider it tough love." A plummy voice announced as a person appears behind Grim. He jumps as a man whose face is concealed by a half-mask resembling a raven's beak steps forward. Through this mask, his eyes are occasionally seen glowing gold. He wears an overcoat over his suit. Thick blackbird feathers curl out from its blue-collar, while the tips of the coat are cut to resemble two bird wings. He carries a cane that is also shaped like a key, with a golden raven as its handle, it taps tap loudly to get the rest of the gang's attention.

"Ah, I've found you at last. Splendid. I trust you're one of this year's new students?" The man asked them.

"Student?" Scott whispers to Oliver, who shook his head.

"Um… sir I think there misunderstanding-" Susie begin before being cut off.

"My, were you ever so eager to make your debut." The man smiled while Grim struggled against the whip. The man shifted his grip and the cat yelped in pain, "And bringing a poorly trained familiar with you? That is a clear violation of the school's rules."

"As if I'd serve some lowly human! Now lemme go!" Grim yelled. The man shook his head.

"Yes, yes. Rebellious familiars always say that. Do be quiet for a bit, won't you?" Haelth was about to take a step forward but Melody beat her to it.

"That's not our familiar or pet. I have no idea where he comes from-" They were cut off by the man.

"Dear me. Of all the students I've dealt with, you're the first with temerity enough to open their gate and step out of it. Does the very notion of patience elude you?" He scolded them and Melody blinked in surprise at how far off this man was, "No matter. Your orientation has already begun. Let us return to the Mirror Chamber."

"The hell are you talking about? What Chamber? What school?" Melody glared as they put their hands on their hip.

"Hm? Have you not fully regained consciousness? The time-space teleportation must have addled your memories…" The man begins to explain and while the others listened Haelth uses her small size to sneak to get close to Grim. She kneels to his eye level and he looks at her confused.

"Hey, is ok?" She asked him. Grim looks at her funny.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" He asked her in an incredulous tone of voice, "You sicced this guy on me!" Now it's Haelth's turn to give him a funny look.

"I don't know him?" She told him, "Besides you tried to burn me!" Grim flicks one of his ears.

"Well, if just giving me the robe, this wouldn't have happened!" He argued.

"It won't fit you either! Why do you want to enter this place anyway?" She asked him. He looks shocked and then turns his head away from her.

"You didn't even know why you were here." He mumbled more to himself than Haelth, "If you have no idea why you were chosen then why should I tell you." Grim said bitterly. Before Haelth could argue the man pulls him away.

"You can talk to your familiar later," The man told her, "As right now we need to get to the Mirror Chamber." He begins to move out of the room with Grim dragging along. Haelth turned to Oliver.

"So I missed some of that, can you guys fill me in?" She asked. Oliver sighs.

"I'll explain on the way. Follow us." He said as the group walked ahead. Haelth follows them.

From what Oliver told Haelth, this is a magic school, the man leading them is the headmaster of this Night Raven College, and they chose to enroll in this college…even though they can't use magic. Susie and the others try to explain this to the man but the man wasn't hearing it. They had to hold Melody and Scott back from verbally tearing the man apart. Oliver just wants them to play along until they can get a cell phone which the man promises because Oliver made up an excuse that he forgot a medicine at home and needed to call his mom to have it shipped here. (Which wasn't a lie, he does take some medicine.)

They walk down the hall where Melody, Susie, and she ran from Grim and found themselves back in the room that they escape from. But this time they can hear several different voices.

"We're done with orientation and dorm assignments? All right, new students-let's be clear. At Heartslabyul House, I am the law. Break the rules, and it's off with your head!" Haelth made a face. Was that an actual threat or was that person making jokes? A yawn from a different person stops that train of thought.

"Well, that ceremony was as boring as ever. I'm going back to the dorm. If you're in Savanaclaw House, follow me." A deeper and bored voice calls out.

"New students! Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your achievement. As dorm leader of Octavinelle House, I am honored to have the opportunity to support you in what I hope will be a fulfilling campus experience." Another voice chimes in. Oliver leaned in and whispered to Haelth.

"That guy is either a good student or a kiss ass," Haelth covered her mouth to stop her from laughing out loud. But a giggle or two escape her.

"Maybe both!" She whispered back. They both giggled while Susie looked back at them confused. They both shut up. They love Susie but she really can't keep a secret.

"Hey, does anyone know where the head mage went? He disappeared midway through the ceremony…"

"Some head mage he is."

"Maybe he had a tummyache?" Crowley's eyes twitched and he pushed open the door.

"I most certainly did not!" A couple of students jumped and the group looked around. All the coffins were open and there were a lot more students standing around, "If you must know, I was searching for the new students who'd failed to show up for orientation. You are the only one who has yet to be assigned a dorm. Step up to the Dark Mirror, and be quick about it. I'll watch your weasel." He told them. Grim yelled through his makeshift muzzle that was made by the whip and tried to get out of the head mage's grip but he held firm. The student part to make room for them to get to the giant floating mirror.

The group walks up to the mirror. The other students were whispering as they pass. Haelth could hear some of them gossiping.

"Rookie mistake taking so many people out."

"What dorms do you think they will join?"

"I know if they get in Heartslabyul or Pomefiore they're going to get an earful."

Haelth bit back her tongue to not say anything. As much as she wants to verbally fight these jerks, this wasn't the time or place. Melody was led step onto a platform where they are face to face with the mirror. A face appear which made Melody almost jump back. Once more surprise: it speaks.

"State your name."

"Um… Kris Lucentio."

"The nature of your soul is...unclear to me." Loud whispers spread around the students. Confused at this, Haelth stiffed. Was something wrong?

"What did you just say?" Crowley asked in surprise, losing his grip on Grim…

"I sense no magical power from this one. Soundless. Colorless. Shapeless. Utterly vacant. Therefore, no dorm would be appropriate." Whispers and gossip spread like wildfire among the students. Haelth feels all eyes on her and her friends. She would have made a break for it until an unlikely hero saves them.

"ME! Let ME have at least one of their seat!" Haelth looks down as she feels someone pull on her robes and behold, it was Grim again. He must have gotten out of Headmage's grip. "Unlike all these humans, I can do magic? Health could hear a couple of students laughing while others were confused that their whole group couldn't do magic.

"Not so fast, you hyperactive weasel!" Crowley reached out to grab Grim who jumps onto Haelth's head, "Don't hide behind your master!"

"She's not-"

"Like I serve a master like her or any of them!" Grim's paw points to the rest of the group. Crowley went to grab him again but Grim jumped out of the way and landed on the ground.

"Let me join the school! I'll become the greatest mage you have ever seen!" Grim exclaimed as he strike a pose, causing many students to voice their…options.

"A monster becoming a mage?"

"Go back to a mountain you weasel."

Grim glared at the sea of students, his ear flat and teeth bared.

"Unlike that human, I can use magic! So let me be a student here! Look, I'll show you! My spells are the cat's meow!" Grim took a deep breath and Haelth's eyes widen. She quickly tackles Scott to the ground. Susie did the same with Oliver and Melody.

"Oi!"

"Wha-"

Their actions didn't go unnoticed. One of the short figures notices their actions and shouts.

"Everyone, get down!" Everyone drops the floor as the air turns bright blue. Smoke chokes the air and screams fill the air. Haelth could hear a Grim laugh and she opens her eyes. Blue spread out a large room and some of the students' clothes caught on fire. Luckily, most rolled on the floor to get it out and others smarty moved out of the cat's way.

"AHHHHH! HELP! I'm on fire over here!" One of the students yelped in pain.

"Someone catch that blasted animal before it sets the entire school ablaze!" Crowley called out to the group of students (Haelth now realized that was separated from the other students) but surprisingly not one move to catch the cat…well besides the one whose butt was on fire.

"Ugh. Can I go now, or...?" One of the taller students asked in a tired voice.

"Oh? I thought you fancied yourself a hunter. Go and help yourself to that plump little morsel!" Jabbed another student.

"Woah! Don't eat the cat!" Haelth got up and shouted. The students turned to her and stared her down but she didn't back down. Scott pulled her back.

"I don't think he going to eat him Haelth. Just back down." Scott told her while he eyed the group. The tall looked straight at them. She couldn't make out all the details in their faces but she saw bright green eyes.

"You can do it if care so much. After all, is it your familiar?" The tall one asked them. Scott steps in between them.

"He's not our fam-" Before he could finish, the person the tall person was arguing with before turned on him.

"Honesty Leona, putting new students in charge of this? Might as well ask them to burn the whole school down." He scolded the other. Leona glared at others.

"Tch. Whatever." With that hooded group arguing with each other, Haelth couldn't care less. She took her robe off and pushed past, Scott.

"What are you -"

"Come on! I have an idea of how to catch that kitty!" Haelth told him as she took off into the panicked crowd. Scott looks shocked and looked back at the others who were still arguing among themselves not even realizing that she left. He curses under his breath and follows her.

Melody just had about enough today, between being kidnapped, and to head mage not listening to them. Now there's a fucking cat that is burning down the building. Melody is about to kick the stupid cat when a movement catches their eye.

They saw two hooded figures stepping forward toward the fire-breathing pest, and put out-were those pens?! And they were shooting sparky lighting at the flaming rat?!

Melody will never understand this world.

But the rat is fast, darting around the magical shots from the two hooded figures, but Grim was faster. Zig-zagging around the room in a circle the two figures never coming close. Grim took notice of this and laughs at the two's actions. Even going so far as to stick his tongue out. Shorter one stiffened and then yelled as they shot out a bigger white burst at him. Grim dodged to the side and responded with a fire blast fire a fire blast at the short one. Melody reacted quickly and ran toward the short hooded figure.

"Watch out!" They tackle the shorter hooded figures to the ground. Melody could feel the heat from the flames on their back and hoped that their long hair didn't catch on fire. They got up and look to see Grim dart back as another one chased it away.

"Get off!" The short hooded figure shoves them off. Melody lands on their side.

"Oi sorry, I was only trying to help!" They shouted and turned to figure out who they were now that his hood fell off. He looks like a fair-skinned boy with his hair in a neutral red color, his bangs curve inward, and two prominent strands of hair on the top of his head fall forward and form a heart shape. His eyes are bluish-gray. His frown deepened and his eyes narrowed.

"I don't need your help. I can do this on my own." He scolds them.

"Well, I-" Before they could the red-head took off, "Unbelievable!" They shouted. Oliver came running over.

"Are you ok?" He asks them. Melody shook their head.

"I'm fine Oliver. Just remind me never to help anyone again," Melody said to him. Oliver laughs at them.

Susie keeps her head low and her eyes peeled for the flames. As long as she keeps her head low and out of the heat she should be good….

"Would someone please help me!" Susie looked around and saw the same boy that was set a fire trying to pat the flames away from his robes. Susie looked around to see that while two figures were chasing Grim, no one was helping the students with the fire problem. So, she rushed out from her hiding spot to get to him.

"Take off your robes!" She shouted and the guy stopped jumping around and turned his head in her direction. She first noticed that he had red eyes and short white hair, which was weird, but she shouldn't say anything because her hair is pink, "You need to take off your robe! Before you hurt yourself…more!" She grabs his hand, "Hold still!" She told him firmly.

"Huh? Ok!" He replied.

He stayed perfectly still as Susie quickly undid the buttons on the front of the robe and helped him slide out of it, making sure to hold the burning part away from his body. Then put the robe to the ground and stomped on it until the flames flickered and died.

"There," She let out a breath of relief, "that should do it. Now, are you ok?" The other's eyes lit up.

"Thanks for the help! Ummm…" Susie peeks up as she realizes he didn't know her name.

"Oh, it's Susie Hanover," She told him. She holds her hand out to him to shake, "And you are?"

"Oh, my name is Kalim!" He said then it look like he remember something, "Wait, isn't Susie a girl's name?" He asked her.

"Yes…is there a problem?" Susie asked him. Kalim immediately told her.

"Oh no! I'm just surprised that the headmage let a girl in. Night Raven College is an all-boys school." He explains. Susie's eyes widen. That does explain why they didn't meet any girls yet but why hasn't the headmage said anything to them?

"Oh, Mr. Crowley didn't do anything to us. So I guess it's fine." She guesses but Kalim seems to nod along.

"Make sense," He seems to notice something behind her as he darted in that direction, "Looks like Riddle and Azul are having a hard time catching your familiar." He told Susie. Susie immediately corrects him.

"He's not our familiar. He was trying to rob us." She explained to him. Kalim looked surprised.

"Wait really?" He asked her and she nodded, "Man that's a big slip up but not to worry, I'm sure Crowley will understand." He told her. Susie smiled and they continue talking as the building burns around them.

Oliver and Melody were still by the mirror watching the chaos unfold. Well, Melody was looking out for Grim. He was much more focused on the hooded figures and headmage. They were still arguing over if they should help the two other hooded figures or not. The two figures in question were having a hard time. The monster cat thing was going zig-zag across the platform and the hooded figures weren't working together. They smack into each other a couple of times. He couldn't take it anymore.

"Hey!" The taller figure stopped and looked back at him but the shorter one goes ahead, "Grim isn't paying any attention to where he is going. So lead to a corner there." He pointed at one in the far end. At first, Oliver thought he was going to ignore him but then he caught up to the short figure and whisper something to him. The shorter one looks to tilt his head but follows his advice.

Good.

Now maybe things will get better around here.

"Gah!" Grim dodged another ice shard. The taller figure smirked while the shorter one rolled his eyes.

"Must you relish playing with your quarry, Azul?" The shorter one scolded the taller one. Azul smirk.

"Heh. And here I thought we were both the sort to enjoy this." Grim looked back and forth between the students who were bickering in front of him before booking it. Luckily the shorter one noticed and pulled out his pen

"Hey!"

"So long sucker-" He was cut off as Haelth tackled him. Grim yelped but Haelth quickly wrap him up in her cloak. He try to wiggle out but Haelth held his tries. She feels the heat rise while holding him.

"I wouldn't try anything," Scott warned Grim, "Unless you want to accidentally set yourself on fire." He point out and Grim stopped struggling, getting the hint. But they could still hear him growling at them. The shorter one steps forward.

"Hold him still," Before Scott could question him, Haelth held Grim out. The short one points his pen at Grim.

"OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!" Haelth dropped Grim in surprise.

"DON'T CUT OFF THE KITYY'S HE-oh," Grim was alright, just had a collar around his neck. Grim tried to get the collar off, even going so far as to use his claws.

"MYAH?! What are you doing?!" He shouted at the hooded figure.

"The Queen of Heart's Rule 23: 'One must never bring a cat to a formal affair.' Your very presence here is a violation of the order. You will vacate these premises immediately." He said in a matter-of-fact tone to Grim. Grim glared at him.

"But I ain't a cat either!" Grim shouted as he took in a deep breath…

"GET DOWN!" Scott tackled Haelth.

"OW!"

Grim opens his mouth…

And nothing happens.

"Wha-" Grim looks confused and tries to use his fire again but fails, "What gives!?"

"My Unique Magic blocks anyone from using their magic as long as the collar is on. The collar will disappear once you're removed from campus." The other explained. The taller let out a small laugh as he looked at the collar.

"Ha-ha! Good show as always, Riddle. You're signature spell locks down any magic. It's quite handy. I've just GOT to have it—ah, I mean, I've just got to have respect for it." Taller quickly corrects himself. The shorter one-Riddle didn't even bat an eye at that. Which makes Scott think this was a normal thing for them. Crowley walks over and after making sure they were both ok he scolds them

"Miss Haelth! Was I not clear that you are expected to take responsibility for your familiar?

Now discipline your-" Scott cut him off before he or Haelth said anything.

"He. Is not. Our pet." He groused him. Crowley was taken aback.

"What's that? It isn't yours?" He asked him. But it is Melody who answers, and the others begins to regroup with them.

"I've never seen this cat in my life! That's what I was trying to say but you keep on cutting me off!" They told him off, and Crowley give an awkward cough.

"Oh...Is that so? Ahem, Then I shall have it expelled from campus. I shall even spare it from being served as dinner. My, but I AM kind. ...Someone take this away, please." He said as a couple of hooded figures picked up Grim and carried him out of the building.

"Nooooo! Let me gooooo! You fools better remember my name! Cause I'm gonna go down in the annals of magic history! Just wait!" Grim shouted as he was dragged out of the building.

"I feel bad for him," Haelth commented as she shot a pity look at where Grim was thrown out. Scott scoffed.

"Haelth he tries to burn us." Scott pointed out.

"Yeah, but we could give him one of our robes."

"Not the point."

Crowley cleared his throat, "Well, that was quite the unexpected fracas. I hereby declare that orientation has concluded. Housewardens, please escort your students back to the dorms." The new students quickly form into groups with some of the hooded figures leading. Some of which that were Riddle, Azul, and Kailm. But there were a couple that were standing about doing nothing. The headmage noticed this and scanned the room, "...Hm? Come to think of it, I don't see Housewarden Draconia of House Diasomnia anywhere." The one that baited them to catch Grim scoffed.

"And that surprises you? Dude's a total recluse." Kailm looked at his fellow Housewardens.

"Wait a sec... Did anyone even invite him?" He asked.

"If you're that worried about him missing out, maybe you should have told him yourself." One of the taller figures pointed out.

"Maybe, but I don't know him too well either…"

Whispers spread as people heard the name Draconia.

"Draconia... Like, Malleus Draconia? THAT Draconia?"

"So it's true? He does go to school here?"

"Yikes."

Whispers and uneasiness spread like cold through the crowd. Scott wondered why people were so scared of this guy…

"Ah. Just as I'd expected." A shorter man? Steps forward. He had an unusually deep voice for someone that was that small. He also had an accent too that sounded old English, "I figured I'd come down and see for myself whether Malleus had made an appearance. But once again, he was not informed that his presence was required at an official ceremony." He said pointedly. Though only two figures look away in shame.

"You have my sincerest apologies. I assure you, this oversight was in no way intended as a snub." Azul told the other. Riddle spoke up as well.

"I mean, you must admit, he's not exactly the easiest person to strike up a conversation with." He told the other. Excuses it sounded like. He can scold Melody fine but not this guy? The shorter figure sighs.

"No matter. All who were assigned to House Diasomnia, follow me. I just hope he doesn't sulk about this." With that, all the leaders of the dorm gather all the students to walk out. Some give Melody and the others a passing glance. Including that Riddle and Azul guy. Once everyone left Crowley gathers the group of friends right before the mirror.

"Well, I'm sorry children. This is a most unfortunate turn of events. I'm afraid that you will not be attending Night Raven Collage after all." Scott covers Haelth's mouth before she could answer him, "Surely you realize that I cannot very well admit a student with no magical ability to my academy. But worry not. The Dark Mirror will see you safely home. Now, step into the gate, and visualize the place from whence you came." He explains to them. Crowley step in front of the mirror arms out and in the air. He calls out to the Dark Mirror loud and clear.

"O Dark Mirror! Return this soul to where it belongs!" Scott and others wait, holding their breath for something to happen but it never came. Crowley cough and try again.

" L-let us, er...try this again. O Dark Mirror! Return this soul-"

"There is no such place." The five 'students feel cold dread spread in their stomachs.

"What?" Crowley questions in disbelief, "How can that be? My, but today is a veritable cavalcade of impossible phenomena!"

The Dark Mirror didn't answer. So Crowley turns to them for answers.

"This has never happened throughout my long tenure. I must confess that I am at something of a loss. Tell me: From what land do you hail?" He asked them. All five of them look at each other.

This going to take a while.

That's a wrap! Hopefully, the next chapter won't take that long but first, I got to update I Can't Deal With U.A.

Anyhow remember to fav/follow and review this fic and I see you next time!

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