Author's Notes: Here's the next chapter. It's a bit longer than the others and goes into some of the set up for classes and such. More spoilers of Book 7 and such but that hasn't really changed since the first chapter. Hope you enjoy, it's really just a settling bit. More action next chapter when we get to the mine and maybe meet the owner of the cerulean glow.

Meetings

Yuri looked up at the Head Mage from where he and Joe were just about done cleaning the lounge. Bo and Moe were getting a head start on the bathroom, so Yuri had somewhere to shower. His last bath had been in a freezing river a couple days before the cliff had crumbled and he had woken up here. "Morning Head Mage." Yuri smiled, stretching and reveling in the pops that sounded as a result. Crowley cringed while Joe merely cackled and went to help his brothers with cleaning the bathroom.

Crowley sighed and shook his head at the behavior. He's relieved that the boy and ghosts have gotten along so well in such a short time. "Good morning, Yuri. Did you manage to sleep well?" He asked, placing the platter of food with a steaming pot of coffee on the coffee table that was still standing.

"Yes sir. I woke up early, of course, but it was refreshing." Yuri promised.

"I'm sure you're a little more used to sleeping during the day. I hope you'll be able to adjust without too much difficulty. We can of course provide a sleeping stimulant until you get more used to the change of schedule." Crowley said, studying the human as he ate. He wore his spare athletics uniform that morning. Each student had the same one, more or less, with just the shirt color, style, and dorm motif being different. Black athletic pants or shorts, a dorm-colored shirt of some kind, and a lightweight athletics jacket.

The shirt had their dorm motifs while their jackets had their class and seat numbers. Yuri's shirt was a Diasomnia chartreuse, green three quarters shirt which revealed some scars and markings along his forearms and wrists from his time as a bounty hunter and soldier both. His jacket was draped on the back of the still in one-piece striped couch in the lounge. He had pants, rather than shorts. And his mahogany hair was tied up thanks to the green ribbon that matched the green of his shirt.

Of course, students could customize their uniforms as they desired save their dorm uniforms which needed to be more uniform to show the difference between Dorm Head, Vice Dorm Head, and Dorm Members. Crowley nodded in approval, glad that he had gotten the right size for the boy. He was rather small after all. Probably the smallest student outside of the youngest Shroud child. And he tended to hover above the ground, so you never really noticed. "As I stated last night, we have much to discuss. Your schedule for one. Guardianship, since you're still a minor physically. How to provide for your necessities. Classes to make sure you're caught up with your classmates." Crowley said, sitting down on the chair across from Yuri.

"Right. So, I can't use magic which means classes like magic application and practicality is not going to do me any good." Yuri said thoughtfully, buttering some toast to start out with.

"Exactly. In this school, there are usually four core classes with several electives that can be taken outside of the application of magic classes; students will have a total of 9 classes- two of which are full breaks, usually reserved for a type of study hall or research. Students get two full breaks and two half breaks throughout the day. Students are also split between five classes A. B. C. D. E. This is due to the sheer number of students and the seven dorms. However, none of the core classes require magic, especially in their first few years, so you'll be attending each of them: Potionology, History, P.E, and Mathematics."

"That makes sense. How are the classes split up?"

"Each class will have their own lessons, although Mathematics and P.E are probably going to be joint this year for the Freshmen."

"Isn't that a lot of students for one teacher to handle?" Yuri asked. Crowley smirked.

"Don't underestimate our wonderful faculty, dear Yuri. They'll surprise you." He grinned. Yuri nodded, deciding he'd see for himself tomorrow during classes. "Besides, I have every faith that you could reign any unruly students in if necessary." Yuri just sighed in acceptance at that. "I believe I'll place you in 1A rather than 1D. That way your home room will be with Professor Crewel. He's the potionology professor and the head nurse, so he'll be seeing you first thing in the morning and can determine how you're doing through morning observation." Crowley mused, writing that down before handing over a pamphlet of some kind.

"This is a list of our electives, so you can choose from those that will be available during the magic practicality and training sessions." Yuri nodded and accepted the list. "Due to this, you will have three electives rather than the two that freshmen usually have. With your beast master abilities, I would suggest Animal Linguistics. Considering your talent with potions, I would suggest poison making as another."

"How do you know this stuff about me?" Yuri asked with narrowed amber eyes. Crowley merely hummed.

"I am a powerful and ancient being Yuri, as I'm sure you've picked up on. I have my ways. But rest assured, I will tell you one of these days." The man promised almost teasingly. Yuri shook his head. Now he was even more curious about the man that would probably end up as his guardian if he was reading things right. "Due to you having either a curse or blessing on you, if you're more curious about it or how you came to be here, Ancient Curses would be a good option as well."

Yuri thought about that. Those suggestions would cover his three electives. And after glancing at some of the others, he figured those were good options for now. So, he accepted the sheet the Head Mage slipped over to him that already had his core classes, breaks, and lunch written out. Then he filled in the openings. Crowely looked the schedule over.

"Hm. You'll be with older students in each of your electives, though Jack Howl, another freshman though from Savanaclaw, will be in the same animal linguistics class as yourself." The man mused. In the end, Yuri's class schedule looked like:

1st Core: Potionology: Home room

2nd Core: History

Half break

3rd Core: P.E

4th: Break

Lunch

5th: Break

6th Core: Mathematics

7th- Elective: Animal linguistics

Half break

8th- Elective: Poison making

9th- Elective: Ancient Curses

A busy schedule, though one Yuri was more than fine with. "Yes, I believe that will work. For the next couple of weeks, your breaks will be extra classes with myself to make sure you're as caught up as possible with your fellow classmates." Yuri nodded. "Now, onto some of the other stuff we need to cover." Crowley said, making a copy of the schedule for Yuri and keeping one for himself, slipping it into the human's file. "Next, it you're okay with it, I would like to discuss your guardianship."

"I know I'm still technically 16, but I'm an emancipated adult." Yuri said. "Or I was, 400 years ago." He sighed. When had his very existence gotten so complicated?

"Indeed, however, while you might mentally and maturity wise be an adult, others will be seeing you as a child. Times change, after all. And for legal reasons, you need at least a pseudo guardian. I would like to offer myself as such. Not only do I know most when it comes to your situation, I'll also be able to give you odd jobs and tasks ideal to your skill sets. It'd be easier to meet up to discuss findings or hold meetings. And I'll treat you more like the adult you are, rather than a child." Yuri sighed at that. He got where the other was coming from, and he would appreciate being treated as something more than the child he looked like.

"Very well, I don't see any reason to oppose it."

"Splendid. I'll be sure to involve you in any discussions that you wouldn't normally be privy to as a child. You will have a say in things involving your situation. I will merely offer advice, options, and opinions to whatever situation gets brought up." Crowley said, handing over a confirmation document. Yuri signed it alongside the head mage and they both watched as the names glowed before falling dark again. Crowley made another copy of this, one going into Yuri's student file and the other for Yuri's own growing pile.

"Now, I know we were looking into finding you a way to pay for your own essentials. You'll get a stipend, of course. But I understand wanting to provide for and support yourself." Crowley brought out another sheet of paper while Yuri emphatically agreed with his words. "I thought so. On this campus is a single store. As campus is closed to the public year-round save certain events and a single weekend every month, this store gets very busy."

"Sometimes Sam will hire part time help, but I do believe he's mentioned needing a more full-time employee. I suggested you and he was open to it. The paperwork will be settled this weekend, and you'll get a work schedule next week. There will be time set aside for club activities, dorm events, school events, and exams when they roll around." Yuri read through the simple contract that was provided and signed it with Crowley as the guardian. Another copy made for the files before he continued to the next topic of conversation.

"You'll need a proper medical checkup, so I'll have Crewel give you one later on this weekend." Crowley said, looking through the rest of his papers. "This dorm needs some major renovations as I'm sure you've noticed." Crowley told the other who nodded. "If I could get you to agree to work on the renovations, you'll be paid for materials as needed along with an extra paycheck for the work."

"Normally, we would get professionals in here, but again, the campus tends to be closed most of the year. Besides, I'd rather not have outsiders in my school. Especially for your sake as having a student living here would invite questions neither of us is going to want to have to answer right now."

Yuri thought about that and agreed. "Alright. I have some experience fixing up abandoned buildings. Admittedly, buildings from 400 years ago, but it looks more or less like the same process for most of it."

"Indeed. I believe the more difficult things would be the electricity and plumbing, which I will take care of myself. We'll also cover these things and technomancy in our private lessons. We should also get you a phone if only to make sure you can call if you're ever in need of help. That will have to be some time in the future though."

"That's more than okay with me." Yuri agreed. Crowley nodded.

"Alright, in that case, I believe that's everything for now. I'll escort you to the Hall of Mirrors so you can answer Vice Dorm Head Vanrouge's summons. It'll be on my way. Then you're free to do as you please... Hm. The cafeteria is open for breakfast and lunch in the mornings and afternoons. The only exception being on weekends and during breaks although the kitchen is open for students who stay. I want to see you in the cafeteria for lunch. Am I clear?" Crowley said.

"Yes sir."

"Very good, shall we head off to the Hall of Mirrors then?" He asked. Yuri nodded and after putting his papers in his room and calling a farewell to his trio of ghosts, he followed the other out of Ramshackle and towards Diasomnia.

Diasomnia

Lilia was watching the entrance of the dorm from his place on the second floor above the lounge. Not only was Yuri still not there, but his wards had disappeared half an hour ago. He sighed and dropped his head. He had been planning to tell Yuri all of the embarrassing stories he could think of about those three. His wards were just so adorable when they were flustered. It's fine though. He's actually relieved that they aren't there.

His eyes narrow at nothing, hands subconsciously wrapping around the handle of Yuri's weapon from 400 years ago. One of the only things left after that night. He needs to know the human has it with him. He has an idea, after really thinking about it last night, why the head mage has Yuri in a different dorm. And as much as he hates it, he has to concede to the possibility.

After all, if they could attempt to assassinate him while he was in Rose Castle surrounded by soldiers willing to protect him. There's no reason they won't make an attempt in a school with less protectors. He swears the old crow had better put some adequate protections in place. Things might be smooth right now between humans and fey, but that would change if attempts were made on Yuri's life.

Speaking of. His eyes sharpen and focus on the figure that's just entered the dorm, getting several appraising looks. He smiles with relief and doesn't hesitate to pop up next to the human who smiles at him. "General." Yuri greeted the other in the fey dialect of 400 years ago. Lilia smiles.

"Second lieutenant." He greets back similarly. "I believe we need to have a talk." He speaks. Yuri nodded and followed his general- Vice Dorm Head- up the stairs and away from prying eyes and ears. Yuri looks around what is definitely Lilia's room.

"It's a mess Lilia." Yuri scolds on instinct and Lilia can't help his laughter in response.

"Indeed. I suppose that I could straighten up a bit next time." He mused. Yuri sighed in acceptance before a small smile played on pale petal pink lips. Honestly, it's a relief that some things don't change.

"I believe I know the Head Mage's reasons for putting you elsewhere." Lilia sighs, knowing that they need to talk.

Yuri sighs and sits on the other's bed as he nods. "You'd be right. I'm staying in the old ramshackle building."

"That place is a hazard." Lilia scowls.

"But it's safe." Yuri pointed out. "And it's all okay. I've already befriended the ghosts there and we're already making some good progress on cleaning it up." Yuri assured. Lilia scowled but accepted the other's words.

"What else should I probably be aware of?" He asked. Yuri sighed and went over his meetings with Crowley. Lilia is displeased that Crowley has taken guardianship of Yuri, even if it was pseudo guardianship. But he can only approve of Yuri's schedule. He's pleased they'll be sharing a class.

Lilia himself spends the next couple hours touching base on the main points of the past 400 years, which in turn brings most of the images the human witnessed in the void into clarity. He mourns for the ones lost but there isn't much that he can do. Not then. And not now. Though Lilia was deeply amused by the several minutes rant the other had fallen into about the council. It was probably a good thing the other wasn't there for that as he's nearly positive that the fey council would have retaliated negatively to such a colorful rant berating them and their failings from what they would consider a mere human.

Yuri sighs looking at the sun's position. "Oh. What's with that sigh?" Lilia asks amused.

"Crowley told me that I need to be seen in the cafeteria eating lunch. And that is getting close to being over." Yuri replied. Lilia sighs and accepts that their brief time has come to an end for now.

"Indeed. You need to eat more. I'd join you, but I need to find my wards. It's been too long without any contact from them." Lilia says with some concern. Seeing the other opening his mouth to offer he gives them a sharp look. "Go eat Yuri. I can manage finding those three. They're most likely together anyways." Yuri sighs and agrees.

"We'll introduce you at a different time. For now, get used to campus. Classes begin tomorrow. Oh, and I suggest you carry this with you." He said, handing over the old but well cared for whip that the human usually used.

"Thank goodness!" Yuri accepted the weapon before giving the other a hug. "Thank you so much for caring for it." He murmurs. Lilia just huffs and hugs the other back.

"Of course, Yuri." He says before he reluctantly releases the other. And after leaving the Hall of Mirrors the duo reluctantly went their separate ways due to obligation and orders.

Night Raven College: Woods

Lilia sighed as he looked upon his wards below him. He had found them after almost an hour of searching. He should have known the trio would be in the woods. "So, we're all nervous about meeting someone who's so important to father." Silver was noting aloud.

"Of course! This is the human to have gotten the respect and admiration of fey during a time when fey couldn't accept humans!" Sebek cried in a near tizzy. "Grandfather has told me stories. But he was always sad when he told them. It's clear this human was extremely important to them."

"Indeed. Which means, we need to welcome him to the best of our abilities." Malleus mused. "We just need to figure out how best to do so."

"Well, you could have greeted him when he arrived to Diasomnia this morning." He mused, startling the three boys at the base of the tree.

"Father!" "Lilia!" They yelped in surprise.

"I'm so sorry we-" Sebek was set to cry only for Lilia to chuckle.

"It's fine you three. We used it to catch up instead. This just means I got to tell him all of the embarrassing stories without you interrupting." Lilia mused.

"You what-?!" The trio looked mortified as they tried to figure out what stories the older fey could have possibly relayed about them.

Lilia burst into laughter. "I jest! I jest!" they relaxed only to blush furiously when he added slyly. "I'll make sure you're there before I tell them."

"Now let's go. We might be able to catch him in the cafeteria still." With resigned sighs, and still nervous about possibly meeting the human, they followed. Only to find the head mage cleaning a destroyed chandelier. "What happened here?" Lilia asked curiously.

"Two Heartslabyul freshmen." Crowley sighed. "The chandelier nearly crushed Yuri. But he insisted on going with the two troublemakers to the Dwarfs' Mines to look for a replacement mage stone." Crowley replied with a harsh sigh. "They'll be back around nine this evening- give or take."

"I'm sorry what?" Lilia hissed and Crowley flinched looking up.

"Oops."

Night Raven College: Cafeteria

Yuri waved to the cafeteria ghosts as he collected a plate with some fried eel and some octopus pasta. It had been clear that they had been informed to keep an eye out for him.

He had slipped in right towards the end of the lunch hour leaving him mostly alone in the cafeteria save the ghosts and a few other seniors who would be gone soon enough. He listened to the gossip though.

Apparently, a couple of freshmen had gotten into a fight and scorched the Queen of Hearts's statue. They had been sentenced to wash 100 windows before the day was up. He remembers that statue. The poor thing was in need of a good scrubbing if anything.

He finished up his food as he thought about what he was going to do next. He could explore some more of the school. Classes began tomorrow so maybe he should go to the library and see if he couldn't get a head start on this new era and its many advancements.

He got up to do just that when the doors to the cafeteria burst open and two boys stormed in. One was a bluenet with a black spade over one eye. While the other was a ginger with a red heart over his. Huh. He's pretty sure these are the freshmen that charred the statue if their shouting about shirking window cleaning was anything to go by.

He watched the two boys arguing, stepping back when they drew their magical pens. "Calm down you two." He ordered. Only to be ignored. 'Teenagers.' He thought with a huff and decided to watch them along with the others in the cafeteria. Then a stray spell hit a chandelier and Yuri had to move fast to avoid being crushed. Now he was furious. Not hesitating, he stormed over to the two boys fighting and smacked both of them over the head sending them cowering onto the floor.

"Next time I tell you to calm down, calm down." He snarled, making the boys whimper. That was when Crowley appeared before them.

"Of course it's you two again! Are you alright Yuri?" He asks, leaving the two Heartslabyul freshmen to sweat some.

"Yeah. I got out of the way just in time." Yuri answered with a shrug.

"That's a relief. If he had been hurt due to your fighting, I would have expelled you on the spot." Crowley tells the two other boys who pale at the threat. "For now..." He looked over the wreckage. "Maybe I should expel you anyways. This is the second priceless artifact of this school you two have managed to harm."

"Please sir! I'll do anything to avoid expulsion" the bluenet cries. And Yuri's heart aches at the absolutely devastated heartbreak on the boy's face. Even the ginger's own despair is pitiful. Apparently, Crowley felt the same if his heavy sigh was anything to go by.

"I suppose there's a slim chance at repairing this billion-mark chandelier." The head mage says, making even Yuri pale at the collective value of the piece of artistry. "Hm. The original mage stone of this chandelier-" he held up a broken sky-blue crystal with another myriads of colors mixed in with it. "Was originally mined from the Dwarfs' Mine in the Silent Woods. The mines were said to have been dried up over a century ago. But there is the slightest possibility that one of these magnificent objects were missed." He mused.

He allows the three boys to look at the stone. "If you would like to try and right your wrongs here, then I ask you to go to the mines and search for another to replace this one." He offered.

"Yes sir!" The two boys cried with determination.

"Understand. It is very unlikely that there will in fact remain a stone." Crowley reiterated.

"We'll do our best to bring a stone back sir!" The bluenet said with determination. Crowley hummed.

"You say that, yet I couldn't even trust the two of you to wash 100 windows." He said, causing the ginger to flush heavily.

Something about this talk of a mine made Yuri's brain itch. Something nagged at his memories, but he couldn't determine what exactly it was. He supposed there's only one sure way to relieve the itch. Checking it out himself. "Don't worry sir. I'll keep them on task." Yuri promised the head mage who looked just as startled as the two boys at the offer.

"Are you quite certain Yuri?" He asks lowly in fey. Yuri responds with the affirmative similarly.

"Yes sir."

Crowley sighed his acceptance. "Very well. The recent reports on the mine from a few years ago state that the mines are structurally sound with only a few ghosts roaming the shafts. Try not to go too deep though. They're more unstable the further in you go." Crowley shared his information.

"Thank you, sir."

"It's for the best I suppose. You're trained enough to keep them in line. Please feel free to knock some sense into them if you have to in order to make them listen." He said before switching back to commons. "Yuri is in charge, you listen to him, Mr. Trappola. Mr. Spade."

"Why him?" The ginger asked curiously.

"Because Mr. Trappola, he hasn't caused any damage to the school." Crowley answered with a raised brow.

"Fair enough." The bluenet- Spade- replied weakly.

"Mm hm. In addition, I expect you three back by 9 this evening. That's a good seven hours away which gives you plenty of search time. Any later and not only will this go onto your permanent records, but I will write to your guardians." The man threatened. Somehow, Yuri knew he'd be in trouble too and decided he would get the three of them back by the given deadline.

"Yes sir." The trio said.

Crowley nodded. "Very well. You can get to the Silent Woods through the Mirror Chamber. The Dark Mirror will provide a gate for you to traverse. Remember, mage stone of no, you be back here by 9 this evening." He reminded them.

"Yes sir!" The trio promised before running off and leaving the Head Mage to salvage what he could of the light.

Night Raven College: Mirror Chamber

"A gate to Silent Woods near Dwarfs' Mines please." Spade requested of the Dark Mirror who sighed at the trouble already happening not even the first day of classes. But without a word, he did as request and the trio of students walked through. Unaware of what was going to lay ahead of them.