After hours of anticipation, the chauffer finally cruised through the campus of the preparatory school. Students dressed in blue-and-gold uniforms stood outside an impressive building, waving welcome flags as the band played their school's song.

Parking by the entrance, the driver opened the door with Mal bursting through and Jay quickly following her. The band dribbled to a wheezing stop while the students backed away warily. Both groups parted for a smiling woman—her arms stretched out in greeting—and a couple behind her.

Mal felt her little glimmer of hope fade from seeing the couple. Of course, he would be taken. After all, he is Prince—

"Welcome to Auradon," the woman greeted, knocking Mal from her daze. "I'm Fairy Godmother. Headmistress of Auradon Prep."

"I'm Ben," the young man informed as he stepped forward, away from the girl. "I'm so grateful to finally meet you all. I've been working on this proclamation for over two years—"

"Benny-boo!" The young woman interrupted possessively. "How could you forget to tell them you're a prince! Soon to be king!"

"But for now, Audrey, you and Ben will show the new students around," Fairy Godmother insisted. "I will see all of you tomorrow morning for class. Be sure you're in your rooms by curfew."

The headmistress offered a warm smile before leaving for her other responsibilities. The marching band trailed after her while remaining students dispersed elsewhere.

Once only the six of them remained, Ben smiled kindly. He reached toward Mal, who jumped back before he could get too close. Jay stepped in front of her to block Ben. "You can't touch Mal," Jay warned with a sharp glare. "She doesn't like anyone in her personal space. She barely lets me."

"Oh!" Ben exclaimed, feigning surprise. "Then how about this?"

Take a step back, Ben extravagantly bowed in respect. Genuinely amused, Mal over-dramatically curtsied in return. Once they stood fully, they laughed at their little exchange. The fairy's friends hid their smiles. They haven't seen her so carefree in a long time.

"Before we begin, I want to let you all know I want to make sure you are all treated fairly," Ben continued, regaining his composure. "You four here is a trial run for when I permanently remove the barrier."

Mal perked up, noticing Audrey gazing at the prince incredulously. "You want to take down the barrier around the Isle?" Mal clarified. "Why?"

"Over a year ago, I dreamed of its removal," Ben commented. "When I woke up, I knew I had to make it come true. I would make that dream a reality."

"Anyways!" Ben clapped abruptly, breaking the atmosphere. "Let's start the tour. I'm sure you're exhausted, so I'll make this quick."

For the first few minutes, Ben shared facts about the school's history as the transfers followed him. Before the tour started, Audrey tried entwining her arm with the prince, but he moved away before she could make it happen. The Core Four noticed the princess's frustrated expression, wondering if there's a falling out between the 'couple'.

Once they arrived at the gardens, a teen with short raven hair jogged over. Ben smiled warmly. "Hey, Aziz."

Aziz abruptly stopped a foot from his friend. "We have a problem," he announced bluntly. "I can't find Dude anywhere."

"Don't worry. We'll do that another day," Ben reassured, gesturing to the transfer students. "Guys, this is best friend, Aziz."

"Gay best friend," Aziz corrected teasingly. "How could you forget that?"

While Jay perked up at the correction, Mal asked for clarification, "You're gay?"

"Have been for quite a while." Aziz shrugged carelessly. "My previous roommate, before Ben so graciously gave up his private room, found out while I was keeping it secret and told the entire school. That bastard doesn't like me, so we fight every time we are together."

"Aziz," Ben scolded when Evie flinched at the foul language. "At least attempt to control your mouth. I stuck my neck out last week for you, so Fairy Godmother didn't expel you."

"Being expelled for vulgar language is over-dramatic," Aziz insisted, rolling his eyes. "You can't blame me since I was raised in Agrabah. From the palace courtyard you can hear merchants cursing each other for lowering prices to get more sales."

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" Ben interrogated with fake interest, though he had a playful smile. "Like cleaning Tourney jerseys and equipment for your punishment?"

"You just want me to miss my evening view again," Aziz accused, teasingly. "Not this time!"

Aziz gave Jay a firm handshake, though something more was happening during the exchange no one could see. Keeping a firm grip, Aziz brazenly informed, "If you want a private tour later, come find me."

Jay scoffed, an unwanted blush forming from the teenager's shameless attitude. His friends snickered at his reaction, knowing he would probably take the offer.

"Aziz!" Ben chided as his friend walked off. "Find yourself a boyfriend while you're gone!"

Turning around, Aziz walked backwards as he shouted, "I think I just did!" Locking eyes with Jay, Aziz smirked, claiming, "But he's going to play hard to get."

Soon after, the group entered the extravagant building with a cozy fireplace, dark staircases, chandeliers, and stained-glass windows, making the place feel warm and cozy.

"Does Auradon still have magic?" Mal interrogated, trying to maintain the genuine curiosity in her tone. "Like spells, potions, wands . . ."

"It does exist, but it's almost never used," Ben informed, trying not to sound glum about it. "There are restrictions. Most citizens are ordinary mortals."

"Who happen to be kings and queens," Mal reminded nonchalantly.

"That's true!" Audrey exclaimed snootily, draping Ben's arm over her shoulder. "Our royal blood goes back hundreds of years."

To save himself from her protective attitude, Ben noticed a teenage boy carrying a clipboard on the upper floor. "Doug!" Ben shouted walking away from Audrey, who fumed at his action. "Can you come here a moment?"

Doug hurried to join the prince and the tour group. "This is Doug," Ben introduced. "He helped create your class schedules. He will show you to your dorms."

The prince kept his attention solely on Mal. "I'll see you later, okay?" Ben reassured softly. "If you need anything, feel free to—"

"Ask Doug," Audrey interrupted.

"Or Aziz and I," Ben continued, despite the princess's attempt. "I promise, Aziz does mean well. He acts like a flirt to show he's proud of who he is. I have some business I need to attend to, so I'll see you all tomorrow."