Worlds Collide

Dazai stood in the hallway as the door swung open, standing completely still while holding his breath.

Snape noticed Dazai right away. He wore a look of surprise before it quickly shifted to anger.

“What are YOU doing here, Mr. Dazai?” Snape ground out behind clenched teeth. “You’re aware that it’s past curfew now, right?”

“Ah it is? I didn’t notice.” Dazai chuckled awkwardly.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.” Snape took a step forward which caused Dazai to slightly flinch. It was a small flinch, but surely Snape should’ve noticed.

“I got lost?” Dazai tried.

Snape took another step forward and crouched down so he was face to face with Dazai.

“It’s your first day and you’re already getting into trouble. Do you really want to be punished that badly?” He snarled.

Dazai’s frame tensed up. He took a step backwards. “I’m… sorry.” He spoke quietly with shaky words. His mask… it felt impossible to put back on at this moment!

“This is the only time I’ll give you a pass.” Snape fully stood back up. “Get back to your dorm, NOW!”

Dazai nodded and briskly walked away.

He huffed and puffed as he practically ran down the hallway.

He should’ve known. He SHOULD HAVE known! Everyone here was different, everything was different. They didn’t have a demon student, Dumbledore was still headmaster, his friends were like strangers to him… it was all too much.

The trust he had in Snape felt like it shattered just now… this wasn’t his Snape but he wore his face…

‘What is wrong with me?! Why am I reacting like this?!’

Once he got back to the common rooms, he immediately set off to the bathroom.

When the door was closed behind him, he dropped onto his knees, shaking.

His right hand unraveled the bandages off his left arm and pulled his knife back out. He needed this outlet to release some anxiety.

Dazai then did what he knew best, without looking at the weeping, red wounds…

He found it a bit ironic that despite the fact that he should be the one crying, he couldn’t, so his arm was doing it for him.

The burning and stinging sensation along his skin helped his breathing to gradually return to normal. He finally felt more in control of himself.

Had he been panicking?

He’ll just die. That was the easiest thing he could do right now.

He was so caught up in his thoughts, he didn’t notice the door open.

“Don’t do that.” He heard another familiar voice speak. He slowly turned to Blaise with a look of fear and desperation.

Blaise’s eyes were looking down at his arm which filled Dazai with more dread than one should have to experience in a single lifetime.

He slowly walked over and crouched in front of Dazai, who watched him, completely frozen.

“I’ll use a healing spell.” Blaise said as he shuffled in his robe for his wand.

“You can’t.” Dazai huffed and looked off to the side. “I have a magical sensitivity. Magic just makes me sick.”

Blaise frowned slightly but put his wand back. “I’ve never heard of that before.”

“I hadn’t either until this school year.” He lied. No longer human was the culprit, but he didn’t want anyone here knowing that yet.

“I see.” Blaise held out his hand and Dazai eyed it.

“What?”

“Let me see your arm.”

“No!” Dazai pulled his arm away and held it behind his back. Not even his own Blaise had seen his cuts.

“We have to clean the wound or else it’ll get infected.”

“That’s what I’m hoping happens!” Dazai nodded confidently. “Then I can finally die!”

Blaise stiffened. He leveled Dazai with a concerned stare. “You… want to die…?”

“Next subject!” Dazai pouted.

Blaise watched Dazai for a moment, and ended up sighing. ‘There is something about this guy.’ He thought to himself. He decided not to pry. Still…

“Give me your arm so I can clean it in the sink. I noticed that you won’t even look at it.”

Dazai didn’t budge.

“You said we’re friends in your universe, right? If you trust me, then I’ll trust you in return.”

He needed an ally in Slytherin and Blaise would be a strong one to have.

He finally obliged reluctantly and Blaise gently helped him stand up and walked him to the sink.

“This might sting a bit.” He ran some warm water on the wounds and wasn’t surprised when Dazai didn’t react. His arm was covered in scars, so this obviously wasn’t Dazai’s first rodeo.

He applied some antibacterial soap and gently washed the wounds in slow, circular motions.

Dazai felt warm inside. He felt at ease for the first time since arriving. Sure Blaise had seen his dreaded scars just now, but he didn’t actually mind it as much as he thought he would.

If he could trust this Blaise, then maybe…

Blaise gently dried off his arm and wrapped his bandages over it. The bleeding had already stopped.

“Let’s go sit in front of the fireplace.” He waited for Dazai to nod before he took his hand and led him out of the bathroom.

‘His hand is as warm as it always is.’ Dazai thought fondly as he was lightly dragged by Blaise.

The couch was just as stiff and uncomfortable as Dazai remembered. He didn’t really like being in here that much.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Blaise asked.

“About what? My friends standing by and letting me get socked in the face earlier? Yeah, no thanks.”

Silence washed over the room. The air felt a bit heavy.

The logs in the fireplace crackled in the heat. The dungeons were cold at night, but the fire somehow made up for it.

Flashes of red and orange danced around the logs, and the flashes of light illuminated Dazai’s face.

Blaise stared at him for a while before Dazai met his gaze.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Blaise turned back to the fire and Dazai looked confused.

More cracks and pops sounded from the fire, helping the silence to not be as deafening.

“I’ve been curious, but what am I like in your universe?”

“Blaise, huh…” Dazai hummed. “Blaise usually wears a bored expression, but I’m pretty sure I’ve seen more sides of him than anyone else.”

Blaise’s confession during the quidditch game popped into his head at that moment.

“Does that mean we are- I mean, you two are close?”

“Yeah. Blaise is my best friend and my second in command. I trust him more than I trust anyone.”

“I see.” Blaise nodded. “That sounds nice to have, a best friend, I mean. Someone to care about.”

At Dazai’s asking glance, Blaise elaborated. “I haven’t really found anything to care about in my life. Everything is just so boring.”

“That’s so like you.” Dazai chuckled.

He realized more and more that even though everyone and everything seemed different, Blaise was almost his same, usual self. It was reassuring.

Blaise nodded, not wanting to admit that Dazai had sparked his curiosity. He felt himself caring more and more for the stranger who was quite literally thrown into their world.

It’s almost as if they had a soulmate connection or something.

Blaise noticed that Dazai seemed more calm than before, as he stretched with a yawn.

“Well, it’s late and we should be getting to bed. I’d be happy to help you search for a way home tomorrow, if you’d like.”

“That would be great.” Dazai smiled.

Blaise stood up and looked to Dazai for his next move. The brunette shook his head, though. “I’ll head that way soon. Don’t wait up for me.”

He looked at him curiously before sighing. “Don’t stay up too late.”

“I won’t.”

He walked away and Dazai was left alone by the fire.

He didn’t get any sleep that night.

-

In the Magic and Mystery universe, Snape had a brief meeting with the headmistress.

“Severus, I wanted to let you know about the progress we’ve made in trying to get Dazai back. After combing through old text, I’ve found some useful information.”

“And that is?”

“The universe closest to us, we will refer to it as ‘B,’ has collided with us once before in Merlin’s time, as the theory states. It being the closest universe to our own means that the universe is the most like ours out of all of the other ones.

The way it’s described is to be like spheres tethered down to the bottom of an undisturbed pool of water with a rope. As the spheres very slowly move around, they have a chance to touch one another.

The most plausible theory suggests that ‘B’ is the only neighboring universe that can actually touch ours… but as I’ve said, that’s only a theory.

Based on this evidence, I think it’s safe to say that Dazai was sent to an alternate Hogwarts. As to what’s happening in that universe, however, I do not know.

I’ve called a specialist to come out to test the magical energy in our school. He’s noticed a few spots where the energy has been unstable- one being your classroom, one being the great hall, as well as others. The great hall is currently the most unstable location, but I was informed that those can change on a whim.

We should remain cautious in those locations and we are still looking into how we can get the rift to open back up. I’ll let you know once I find out anything else.”

“Alright. Thank you for telling all of this to me.”

“I felt it was only right to inform you. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, it’s late so you should head to sleep now. You’ve got classes to teach tomorrow.”

“I’ll try.”

“I know you’re worried about the boy, Severus, but you should still try to rest.”

“I know. Goodnight, Minerva.”

“Goodnight.”

Snape walked out and headed back to his office.

He sat in his chair and leaned his head back, staring at the ceiling.

‘The world Mr. Dazai was sent to was most likely another Hogwarts. If that is the case, there could be another me, right?’

An idea dawned on him and his eyes went wide. He quickly sat up and rummaged through his desk.

‘If this actually works…’ he dipped his quill into ink and put it to paper.

-

When morning arrived, Dazai made his way to the great hall as breakfast was beginning, just like he always did.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t the first one to arrive. Snape looked up from the stack of papers he was reading and met Dazai’s eye.

The boy ignored him with a pout. He took his seat at the very end of the slytherin table, folded his arms, and laid his head on them.

Today was a new day and he needed to get back home fast!

Snape watched Dazai slump over on the table with slight irritation.

“Good morning.” He called out, flatly.

After what happened last night, Dazai didn’t really want to talk to him.

He puffed out his cheeks and turned his head to the other side.

“I’d like to meet with you in my office later to discuss last night.”

Great…

“Whatever.” Dazai mumbled.

Snape rolled his eyes and walked over to the Professors table. He was curious as to why Dazai’s table hadn’t filled with food yet, but he didn’t really care. This letter took priority over that at the moment.

The great hall flooded with students. Slytherins filled the table, glaring at Dazai with disdain.

Once Blaise arrived, he took the seat next to Dazai.

“What are you doing, Blaise? Draco and I are sitting over here.” Pansy scoffed.

“I know.” He sounded bored.

“Hey-.” She started but Draco grabbed her wrist.

“Leave him be.” He said as he began to eat. Pansy gaped for a moment before sitting down with a huff.

Blaise then filled his plate with food. When he looked at Dazai’s empty plate, he was reminded of the boy’s self harming and his too thin of a body.

He grabbed some toast and set it on Dazai’s plate.

Dazai didn’t even protest. It was the same as every morning.

He picked up the piece of toast like it had personally offended him before he took a bite.

Blaise nodded, satisfied as he ate his own breakfast.

“Where should we start looking?” Blaise finally spoke up.

“I’ve got Hermione to search through the library and I figured I’d ask Professor Snape about this when I’m done being mad at him.”

“Why are you mad at professor-.?”

“So maybe you could search around the school? See if anything seems off or something, you know?”

“I could do that.” Blaise shrugged.

“It would definitely be helpful. Any information we gather should help.”

“Right.”

“I have to get home as soon as I can.” He sighed as he took yet another bite of his toast.

“I know.”

“Professor Snape said the portal was caused by the magic in the air becoming unsteady, which makes a lot of sense considering the magic around his classroom feels off.”

“What do you mean by feels off?”

“When I closed my eyes and felt around the school, the magic in the air felt the same as usual, light and airy, almost like the helium in a balloon. It’s also typically still or slow moving.

The magic in his classroom, however, felt fractured or cracked, almost like a vase that’s about to explode and the magic is quickly circulating one spot in there.”

Now that he thinks about it, the magic feels off in the spot Snape was standing at in here just now…

“And the spot it’s circulating… that’s where the rift appeared?” Blaise asked. He was curious about how Dazai could sense magic…

Dazai smiled, feeling pleased that this Blaise was almost as in sync with him as his Blaise was. “Yep! Based on this information, I think it’s safe to say that the portal can be opened up again, the question is, how can we open it?”

Blaise hummed and put his hand to his chin in thought.

“That’s where any information we can find is necessary.” Dazai said confidently as he took the final bite of his toast.

“It’s amazing that you’re able to figure that much out.” Blaise spoke plainly. “I don’t think the others realize how perceptive you really are.”

“Eh, I’m not worried about them knowing such things.”

“Right…”

“After I talk with Professor Snape, I plan on investigating the magic around his classroom.”

“In that case, I’ll ask around and see if anyone else has noticed anything odd.”

“I’m counting on you, my loyal second in command.” Dazai grinned.

Blaise chuckled with a shake of his head. “Just doing whatever I can to help a friend, is all.”

Dazai felt more warmth bloom in his chest. It was an effect that Blaise so easily had on him. This much hadn’t changed between universes.

Breakfast had ended and everyone got up to go to their respective classes. Dazai just had to attend his as normal, per Dumbledore’s suggestion.

“You’ll have to lead the way. Unfortunately, I still have no idea where I’m going around this damn school.” Dazai chuckled.

“Leave it to me.” Blaise said softly as he guided Dazai to their first class.

-

After several boring classes and Professors pleading with Dazai to actually do his work while he was here, he was now sitting in the back of the class he dreaded the most on a daily basis- Defense Against the Dark Arts: or DADA for short.

He didn’t particularly hate the subject, per se, but he did hate their current topic almost as much as he hated the professor teaching it. The current topic of his universe: the dreaded demon student.

“Now students, I know we have been breaking down and dissecting my fourth book as of late, but I think it’s a good time to put a pause on that for now.” Lockfart paraded around the room, dramatically.

‘Ah… so I guess the Lockhart that’s without a demon student still teaches dreaded topics. Good to know.’ Dazai thought as he rolled his eye.

Most of the students perked up at the change of topic. Was that joy flickering in their eyes?

“I know you all must be so upset, but don’t worry, we shall pick back up tomorrow… Today I have a special treat.”

This didn’t sound good.

“Mr. Dazai!” He announced with dazzle hands.

Well that was new, which was totally fitting within this universe, but hearing him call Dazai anything other than “the demon” really set him on edge. It was unfamiliar territory.

“I think we could all benefit from asking you questions! I’m working on yet another amazing novel and I’d like you to appear in it!”

Figures…

“I’m sure the other students are just dying to know about what your universe is like.”

Dazai felt a grin split across his face. This was a great opportunity to mess with Professor Lockhart. He stood up and cleared his throat.

“Well professor, apparently several people have been petrified in our universe.” Most of the class winced, remembering how unsettling their current situation has been.

“Ah, so it’s similar to what’s happening here, then. Continue.”

“Word is spreading around that you’re actually the culprit!”

“Wha-?” Lockhart gaped. The students looked shocked before whispering amongst themselves.

“Yeah! Apparently a group of students saw you tampering with the blood on the wall that one time… you know… when Professor Filch’s cat was petrified.”

“I’d never do such a thing.” He gasped, offendedly.

“There’s also a rumor that you killed someone once due to a personal grudge. The students have come up with a nickname for you! Let’s see… it’s… oh yeah! It’s ‘the Demon Professor.’” He joyfully clapped his hands together.

“I didn’t… I’d never do-.”

“The other students don’t have to worry, though, since they all lean on me to protect them from the big scary professor! Everyone else chickened out but I’m the only match for Professor Lockhart.”

“That’s preposterous! If I really did those things, then I’d be kicked out and thrown into Azkaban.”

“You’d think, but unfortunately there’s not enough evidence to do so. It’s just a rumor for now, but I’ve vowed to the other professors that I’d do everything in my power to stop you from hurting any more innocent people.”

“Enough of your lies! We are done with this now!” He slammed his hands on his desk. The room fell silent and after a quick deep breath, Lockhart’s cocky smile returned. “Seems like we WILL be continuing our normal subject. Everyone, turn to page 127.”

The students hesitated for a moment before obeying. They didn’t want to upset the so-called ‘demon professor.’

Dazai watched amused, before glancing to Blaise who gave him an unbelieving stare.

He shrugged his shoulders and stuck out his tongue.

“You’re unbelievable.” Blaise sighed. Was that a slight smile across his lips?

“You love it though.” Dazai giggled before the two boys shared Blaise’s book.

Lockhart continually glared at Dazai like he was an enemy.

Dazai finally felt like things were somewhat normal for once.

And for the first time in a while, he was grateful that Lockhart hated him and Blaise was by his side through it.

-

Next was professor McGonagall’s class. Dazai tolerated her more than any of the other professors, but her class was practically un-passable for him!

“It’s not that hard, Mr. Dazai.” She lectured.

Everyone else’s rabbits had been turned into slippers except for his.

“Unfortunately, this is my worst subject.” He whined.

“Go back to the basics. I know we are working on a living creature right now, but it’s the same steps as turning a beetle into a button.”

“I never managed to do that one, either.”

“Match to needle, then.”

Dazai raised a brow and she gave him an assessing look in return.

“You’ve never been able to turn a match into a needle?”

“Nope.”

“Well this is rather peculiar, isn’t it? How did you manage to pass your first year, then?”

“Luck?”

“Don’t tell me you cheated…” She put her hand on her face and shook her head. “No, if you had cheated, I would’ve caught it.”

“Not cheating. As I’ve said before, it was luck!”

“Right… Unfortunately, luck won’t save you a second year in a row.”

We’ll see about that…

“For now, keep practicing until the class ends.”

“Yes ma’am.”

He waved his wand and chanted the spell, but alas, the rabbit still stared at him with empty eyes and a wiggling nose.

“Seems you’re just as unamused as I am.” He rolled his eye before trying once again.

At least his professors were letting him do actual spells here instead of book work. He honestly preferred that more.

-

During their first break, Dazai set off to Professor Snape’s office for their chat while Blaise collected info around the school.

He took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

“Come in.” Professor Snape called out and Dazai walked in.

“There is my favorite professor!” Dazai announced as he took a seat in front of the desk.

Snape watched his dramatic display with an emotionless expression.

He tossed the stack of papers from before on his desk in front of Dazai.

“What is this, sir?”

“A letter… from myself.”

“What?” Dazai gasped as he picked it up.

The handwriting was familiar. It was addressed to Professor Snape from Professor Snape.

“You write yourself letters?” Dazai asked with his lip curled.

“Don’t act stupid, boy.” Snape growled. He paused to collect himself before continuing. “It was written by the Professor Snape of your universe.”

‘Plot twist!’ Dazai thought, amused.

“What does it say?” He asked, curiously.

Snape took the letter back and skimmed over it once more while collecting his thoughts.

“He explains your situation.” He looked at Dazai’s bandages to make a point which caused the boy to shift in his seat uncomfortably. “He also informed me of your horrendous home life.”

“That again?” Dazai rolled his eye.

“He asked me to be gentle with you, given your circumstances.”

“Of course he did.” He sighed.

“That brings me to my next point: you being out past curfew last night. What was the purpose of you sneaking around against the rules?”

“I got lost?” Dazai tried with a fake smile.

“You’ve attended Hogwarts for 2 years now and you still get lost? I don’t buy it.”

“You severely overestimate my ability to get around this castle by myself, sir.”

“You mean to tell me you got lost and you weren’t… doing anything else…?” He asked as he glanced back down at Dazai’s bandages.

“No sir.” Dazai lied. He wondered what Snape had cooked up in that letter of his. He kind of wanted to read it for himself.

“I see.” Snape concluded. “That is all I needed from you. If you have any questions or concerns, you’re welcome to come to me.”

“About that, is there any information you can give me about the rift that opened up? I’d like to figure out a way to get back home.”

“That’s another thing your Professor Snape wrote about: your curious nature.” He deadpanned. He huffed and folded his arms.

He then proceeded to tell Dazai the theory on alternate universes that Professor Mcgonagall had warned him about before Dazai’s arrival.

“I see, so my hunch was correct.” Dazai nodded. He was disappointed to hear that’s all the information the man had.

“Was that all you needed?”

“Yes, thank you.” Dazai stood up.

“Mr. Dazai?”

“Yes?”

“Stay out of trouble, problem child.”

Dazai smiled at the nickname his Snape had given him.

“Yes sir.” He chuckled happily.

As he left the office, he allowed his shoulders to slump since no one was around to witness it.

He’d been carrying more tension than usual lately, which is saying a lot.

‘Glad he didn’t notice the bruise on my cheek.’ He felt his face, careful not to smudge the make up.

He had excused himself to the bathroom a few times throughout the day just to make sure it was still applied correctly.

“Dazai!” Someone had called out.

He turned to face Harry with a smile. “Hey Harry. Fancy meeting you here.”

“Nevermind that, Hermione found something!” The boy panted. Did he run to find him?

“We’d better hurry, then.” Dazai said and the two boys set off to the library.

“I found him!” Harry called out as they sped walked in. Madam Pince shushed loudly with a glare.

“Sorry ma’am.” Hermione waved.

The boys quickly took the seats across from her.

“What did you find, Hermione?” Dazai asked, excitedly.

“It’s… not good news.” She sighed.

“It’s fine. Just tell me.” He assured. He started to grow anxious.

“Well, I found several things in this book about alternate universes and the rifts that can be created. Unfortunately, the portals open at random. There is no way for us to open them ourselves.”

“I see… bummer.” Dazai put his arms behind his head.

“So what do we do now?” Harry asked.

“We wait for the portal to open up at random and then I jump in it.”

“But what if you got transported to another universe that’s not your own?

“About that.” Hermione chimed in, flipping to another page in the book.

She explained the theory with the spheres and rope, and how it’s believed that only this universe could touch Dazai’s universe like it did.

“I see… fascinating.” Harry nodded.

Dazai agreed. The wizarding world was sure full of surprises!

“You found him!” Ron walked in, sweating.

At Dazai’s questioning glance, Harry spoke up.

“When break started, the three of us gathered here to find more information. Once Hermione struck gold, she sent the two of us to find you immediately.”

Dazai felt more warmth in his chest. His friends truly were amazing, no matter the universe. Well, all of his friends except for Draco, who was easy to manipulate. Damn that Pansy for getting to him first!

Well, it seems it didn’t matter. He had Blaise back on his side, so things will be better now.

“You three did a good job. This information was very valuable indeed.”

“Speaking of information.” Harry said. “I’ve been meaning to ask you more about your universe. You were pretty vague the first time we spoke.”

Dammit…

“Well, what do you want to know?”

“We can start with last year, with the philosopher’s stone.”

“Oh, that thing.”

“So you’ve heard of it?”

“Unfortunately.”

“I stopped Professor Quirrel from stealing the stone, but I’m not in your universe. So, whatever happened with that?”

“By stopped, did you mean ‘kill?’” Dazai asked.

“Well, I suppose if you put it like that…” Harry fell silent.

“I ‘stopped’ Professor Quirrel as well.” Dazai replied.

Wait, if Harry killed Quirrel, then why wasn’t everyone scared of him? Why didn’t the students avoid him or look at him with contempt?

“I see, so you’re the one who saved Hogwarts! That’s brilliant!” Hermione praised.

“Wow. That IS unlike a Slytherin.” Ron added. Seems he was starting to believe Dazai about being an Honorary Gryffindor.

No… this isn’t right… They were praising Dazai like some sort of hero, but Dazai wasn’t a hero because he’s a…

‘Demon.’ The word echoed in his head. He shook off the thought and tried for more information.

“How did everyone react to you killing professor Quirrel?”

“I was called a hero for saving Hogwarts from Voldemort.” Harry replied, concerned. “Is that not what happened to you?”

“Not exactly.” Dazai fidgeted with his hands. If he had told of Voldemort’s face on the back of Quirrel’s head, would he have been praised as a hero, too?

“What happened?” Hermione asked.

“Let’s change the subject.” Dazai folded his arms, visibly uncomfortable.

The three got the message loud and clear.

“Ah, right, the petrifications then.” Harry continued.

Ok this conversation was really starting to annoy Dazai.

“Have you found any leads on what’s causing it?”

“I don’t want to spoil the fun for the three of you, but I can give you a clue.” Dazai sat up straight and signaled for the others to huddle with him. “Check in with Ginny and see how she’s doing.” He whispered.

“Ginny?” Ron gasped.

“Yes. Also, I’m 99% sure there’s a giant basilisk somewhere in the school.” The 1% was in case this year had just been a bad dream or something.

“A what?” Hermione shrieked, astonished.

“Keep your voice down! Anyways, start with those and go from there. I’m still investigating this in my universe, but I feel like I’m close to cracking the case. Good luck!” Dazai patted Ron’s back and moved back in his seat.

“I should go check on Ginny.” Ron shuddered and stood up.

“I’ll go with you.” Harry stood up as well and the two of them rushed off.

“Hey Dazai.” Hermione wore a look of concern as she watched Dazai excitedly wave off Harry and Ron.

“Yes?”

“Where did you get that bruise on your cheek?”

“What?” Dazai startled and covered it with his hand. “Did the makeup smear off?”

“No, it’s covering it rather well. You’re quite good at this.”

“Then how did you know?”

“I’m awfully observant, I’m afraid. Enough about that though, what happened?”

“I fell?” He shrugged.

“I don’t believe that.” She lectured.

Should he lie? He didn’t really see the point in lying to Hermione. She was more perceptive than people gave her credit for.

“I was punched by another Slytherin.” He sighed.

“They’re bullying you?”

“They were, but it’s fine now.”

“Tell me who did this.”

“Why?”

“Because I plan on giving him a matching bruise.” She stated.

“You’re going to punch all of them?”

“More than one person? Sure! Just tell me who they are.”

Well this was different. Hermione punching someone sounded amusing but he declined anyway.

“Thank you Hermione, but it’s fine now.” He actually had a strong ally with him in slytherin, so he’s sure he will be fine now… right?

“I’ll let it go for now, but if they bully you again, they will pay for it.”

“Yes ma’am.” He chuckled.

“Lunch starts soon, so we should start heading down to the great hall.”

“Lead the way.”

-

Lunch was super uneventful, as well as most of his classes. Snape’s class, however, made up for all of it.

“I see. Hopefully you can still go back.” Blaise stirred his cauldron.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine as long as the magical energy is still unstable like it is.” He eyed the spot of the room that was currently more unstable than almost anywhere else in the school.

“Right. So if a rift opens back up, what do you plan on doing?”

“Well, I plan on running and jumping in.”

“I see.” Blaise kept his bored expression going. “Your potion looks good. I assume potions is your best subject?”

“Seems that way.” Dazai felt satisfied at yet another perfect potion. He also felt satisfied that his Snape wasn’t here to give him a perfect grade for it.

“But your worst subject is transfigurations.”

“Don’t make fun of me, Blaise! I will get it eventually!”

“I don’t doubt it, considering how much progress you’ve made in the last two years, especially with match to needle.” Blaise still sounded bored, but Dazai knew he was being sarcastic.

“Blaise is so mean.” He pouted.

He huffed as he looked around the room. Did the magic speed up its circulation just now?

In that moment, he felt it- a snap, like breaking a pencil in half... The rift!

He ran into his row with haste, causing everyone’s attention to fall on him.

He stepped forward, looking at the spot.

‘Nothing-.’

When he looked up, he saw a yellow portal open up on the ceiling.

“There it is!” He called out. He stepped even closer to the rift. How was he supposed to jump in a portal that’s on the ceiling?!

Gotta think fast!

What snapped him out of his thoughts was something that not even he could predict in that moment: something, or rather someone, fell through it.

As the portal closed back up, the person on the ground groaned out in pain.

“You’re actually here.” Dazai said, breathless.