"The name's Luchessi, puta."

....

"Like Cater said, there's seven dorms each representing one of the Great Seven."

....

"All I did was eat a single nibble of tart and he collars me! It's his narrow-mindedness that's labeled him crazy!"

....

"Hmm? I'm crazy?"

....

"Oh crap!"

——————————

Riddle stared down at Ace, looking ready to clobber him.

"Ah, Riddle! Lookin' crazy super cute today~!" Cater feigns a smile.

"Cater....If you talk too much, it'll cost you your head." Riddle stated coldly. Damn, he could even see past a ruse like Cater's?!

"Hey now, gimme a break!" Cater laughs.

Yea, I think I should get outta here. I get out of my seat and turn to leave, but then-

"Hey! This is the guy who put that weird collar on me during the entrance exam!" Grim blurted.

"You must be the freshman that caused all that fuss of expulsion yesterday. Will you knock it off, calling someone's unique magic 'a weird collar'?" Riddle fired back at Grim, then eyed me. I stood straight in order to show no fear.

"For god's sake, the headmaster's too soft. If you forgive rule breakers, the whole system'll collapse. All you have to do is cut off the head of those who don't follow said rules." I scoff in anger at his remark.

"The things coming out of his mouth don't suit his looks at all..." Ace whispers.

"Though the headmaster may have forgiven you, make no mistake: next time this occurs, I won't." Riddle continues, eyes narrowed in spite.

"Hey, uh, by the way, Riddle, is there any way you can, oh I dunno, remove this collar?" Ace requests.

"I was GOING to if you had learned your lesson but...the way you were talking just now shows you haven't at all. You should keep it on just a little more. But don't worry. As first years, you'll only be learning fundamentals, not actually using magic. You also won't be able to cause a scene like yesterday. Isn't that great? Now don't just sit around chatting away. Finish lunch, and head to your next class! Law of her majesty, the Queen of Hearts no. 271: 'One should eat lunch and leave their seat within 15 minutes'. If you break the rules...I'm sure you understand."

"Ugh, another weird rule..."

"The answer is 'Yes, dorm leader'!"

"Yes, dorm leader!" Ace and Deuce repeat.

"Good." Riddle nods, satisfied.

"I'll look after them for you." Trey offers.

"You're the Vice lead so I expect you not to act foolishly." Riddle commands. "Law of her majesty, the Queen of Hearts no. 339: 'After a meal, one must always drink lemon tea with two sugar cubes.' Speaking of which, I'll have to stop by the school store and get some. I leave you be." He nods and walks off. "Letting the sugar cubes run out is a HUGE offense...." I heard him mumble.

My head started throbbing. I suppress a sound of pain as I clench my eyes to see...

Ink drops? And...they're forming...a puddle?

"That was close!" Cater sighs.

"He's so obnoxious..." Grim spits.

"Y'know, that's rude." Deuce rebuttals.

I heard over my shoulder two students taking with each other.

"Did the lead just leave?" The first asked.

"I think I broke Law no. 186: 'One must never eat Hamburger Steak on Tuesday'! I'll be terrified of what'll happen if he finds out!" The second shook.

The first groaned, "Can't we just eat whatever we want?"

Trey walked up to me and explained, "In his first week at school, Riddle took the seat as dorm leader. He speaks harshly, but he's trying to benefit the dorm. He has no bad intentions."

"Well, someone with 'good intentions' doesn't randomly collar people!" Grim butted in.

Trey and Cater share a nervous laugh, looking at each other.

"It's still your fault for going bat-shit crazy at the ceremony, Grim." I rebuked. "Also... what's 'Unique Magic'?"

"But that collar cuts off all magic! It's horrible and it sucks!"

"You mean Riddle's unique magic?" Cater lists.

"Unique...means that it's magic only he can wield?" Deuce guesses.

"Magic that strictly limited to one person." Trey confirms. "Simply put, it's magic that reflects the character of the user that only they can use, hence 'unique magic'. You'll learn about it in class eventually."

"Riddle's lets him seal off another person's magic off for a certain amount of time, called..." Cater picks up.

"Off with Your Head!"

"Even the name is terrifying!" Grim trembles.

"As a wizard, having your magic sealed off hurts equally as losing your head. Therefore, don't break Riddle's rules inside the dorm."

"He's also less scary if you follow the rules."

"So you're saying is that I have to go buy a Tart or Cater's just gonna kick me out again?"

"Yes! As decided by Law no. 53. In particular, Riddle really looks forward to eating the first piece of a whole tart. So he won't forgive you unless it's whole."

"You said you want to be friends so can't you just overlook that?!"

"This is this and that is that."

"But aren't whole tarts pretty expensive?"

"I don't have that kinda money..."

"Then why don't you bake one? The others were made by Trey, after all!"

"He's right, y'know! Baking is a lot more cheaper than buying." I back up.

"Wait, Trey you made those?! Whoa...they're almost as good as a pro's!"

Trey laughs at Ace's compliment. "Thank you. It's true I have all the seasonings and tools. But I won't help you."

"Huh,! I need to pay back, though!!"

"I'm not gonna drain you of money. If we're going to bake the tart Riddle wants to eat next, we'll need a lot of Chestnuts. Could you gather some for me?"

"Either way's a pain...okay, how many do you need?" Ace stands.

"For the Unbirthday party, we'll need...between 2-300, I think."

"That many?!"

"Then I'll have you roast them and and remove the outer shells to take out the nut."

"Yea, can I go home?"

"Same."

"You traitors!!"

"Well, y'know, tarts that everyone can make together are always best!" Cater facted. "And make memories! Hey, you might even make your debut as a food blogger!"

"We'll need to keep this a secret from Riddle. And freshly baked Mont Blanc is the more sweet. Only those who help out may get to try some."

"Then let's get a move on! We're going to go pick chestnuts!!" Grim smirks.

"Where can we get some?" I asked.

"There should be plenty of chestnut trees in the forest behind the botanical garden."

"Then let's meet after class to start!" Ace smiles.

Just then I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to face another student. He seemed to be shaking the way he looked at me.

"Uh, Charlie...L-Luchessi?" He asks.

"Yes."

"The Headmaster wants to see you in his office before classes start." He spits out in a fright before running off.

I halt. Then I face the Heartslabyul guys. I smile awkwardly and say,

"Raincheck."

——————————

I made my way to the Headmaster's as soon as I could. Trey told me everything'll be fine and that Ace and Deuce'll "willingly" watch Grim for me.

I sighed as I neared the headmaster's office. I knocked on the door, and waited.

"Who is it?"

"Charlotte Luchessi, sir."

"Ah, Miss Charlotte. Enter."

I obey and push open the door to see the headmaster putting away a few papers.

"Afternoon, my dear."

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Yes. A little birdie told me what happened in the cafeteria earlier. According to some witnesses, they claimed you engaged in a fight. Care to explain what happened?" He folded his hands in front of him.

Damn it, I knew this would happen eventually. But I sigh and start,

"Yes, Sir." And so I recalled in best detail what exactly happened. I only left out a few parts that would most likely give me a bad image. That being the last thing I'd want, I naturally push them aside but stuck with the main plot. I throw in the words "supervisor" and "self-defense" to better clear the situation, gathering the right words to say.

By the time I finish, The headmaster is leaning on his desk, his mouth hidden by his hands. Eventually he speaks after a while. "Hmm...I see. That is quite the scenario. But seeing as it was self-defense, that you showed restraint in the beginning, and how you're not normally a violent person, I shall let you off with a small warning and a slap on the wrist. You're to help organize books in the library today after classes. Afterwards, you're pardoned. Understood?"

I sigh in my mind, thankful it wasn't anything too harsh. "Yes, Sir."

"Good." At that, the warning bell rang. "Now, off to class."

I say goodbye as I run for class.

————————————

I place another book in the shelf amongst the others. It was so quiet in the library. A few people scattered here and there, nothing much.

The librarian said to be careful of the flying books. One wrong step and it's chaos.

But...what does that mean?

Suddenly, I smacked into a shelf corner, dropping the other books in my arms and they scatter across the floor.

"Damnit!" I seethe. Oops, didn't use my inside voice.

Next thing I knew, the other books started taking flight.

I gasp. Then I growl. I had one job! And I go ahead and fuck it up!

I rack my brain for a solution and just as I'm giving up....

I got it!

The librarian said the key was to catch the books attention and signal it down gently.

That's when I smiled.

I take a steady breathe and then start to sing

This was one of my favorite songs from Broadway. And the song itself has a deep meaning of recollection, betrayal, and freedom.

I closed my eyes, letting the music carry me throughout the halls and shelves. I shrug off my jacket and walk as I recall the song by heart. I could hear some snickers as the other students laugh at me being a spectacle of comedy. But I didn't care what they thought. The music was what mattered to me. My voice was my power. My strength. It could speak for those who couldn't, and will say the words that have been locked away for so long, no matter how much time there is. I had been silenced before, but never again. Never...

I open my eyes to see the books we're facing me. I smile inside. Gently, like a mother talking to her newborn child, I led them to follow me. They floated towards me, surrounding me in their embrace. I don't let my voice halt as I gently guide them to their places. One by one, they follow.

The cluster of books dwindled down to fewer numbers by the second in response to the music. Very soon, I was alone as the last book flew into place.

I fall to my knees, exhausted. Wow, I never knew it could work, but expect the unexpected, I guess.

"Looks like Mrs. Harper was right. The voice really is more than what you make of it." I smile, remembering my music teacher's words.

I stand as I hear footsteps. The librarian is smiling at me. "Well done, my dear. Only a small handful of students are able to get the books to listen."

I smile and look away shyly. "I-it's no biggie. Just doing my job."

"I know Crowley told you to organize the books today, but I'll let you go a little early. As thanks for handling those rowdy flying books." She offers.

I let my jaw drop. Eyeing the clock, I had over an hour left of what would've been my work!

"Really? Grazie!" I smile, thanking her.

"It's no trouble. Have a good day, my dear." She bids goodbye and walks off.

I squeal quietly. I'm home free! Now, to catch up with the others and-

Wait, why's there a stream of light?

I look down to see my necklace. The gem in the center was beaming a stream of light to my right. I decided to follow it. It led me through a few shelves, pointing like an arrow on a compass would. Until it pointed straight at one of the books. I follow the light and see the book it was pointing at. I place my hands on it and carefully slip it out.

" 'Follow your heart and the answers will be told'..." I recall. I look at the cover. And there's only one way I can unlock this book.

I take off my necklace and place it into the center. It attached to the center, sinking in, and I hear a lock come undone. The front cover was free, and I lift it.

Suddenly...

A bright light fills my eyes. My senses were becoming heightened.

These spells and things I didn't know were starting to fill my head, engraved into the very core of my brain.

Then, it stopped. I fell against the shelf, dropping the book. My heart was thudding against my rib cage as I planted heavily.

What just happened?!

"You found it..."

I gasp. It's that woman.

"I did?..."

"Yes, Charlotte. You've found the Grimoire of the Coven! And now, you're training will begin soon. And everything will be explained. For now, I think you've got a thing to attend?"

"Oh crap! Chestnut picking! Right!" I scurry for the exit, quickly shoving the Grimoire in my bag.

I hope I'm not too late...

And get answers soon enough....