A Halloween Disaster
Halloween was just around the corner and all of NRC was going 100% and beyond.
As was tradition of course!
With that was the annual NRC stamp tour, in which the people of Sage Island and those considering a spot in NRC come to see the school in all its spooky grandeur.
But before that, the Halloween committee had to go around to make sure all the attractions were up to snuff, thus leading to the rather chaotic day of them all showing off their wonderful ideas.
The Skeleton Ghosts of Heartslabyul in the Botanical Garden, complete with a creepy graveyard.
The Pirate Ghosts of Savanaclaw in the Colosseum, along with a hand made shipwrecked ship, gold to match from the treasury of the Kingscholar Family
The Mummies of Octanvinlle in the Alchemy, with the creepy tanks that were of high quality with Azul penny pinching-ahem! Dutiful budgeting.
The Werewolf’s of Scarabia at Sam’s shop, decked out in rich colors of the dorm as the students waved happily at them with their costumes on.
The Vampire’s of Pomefiore inside the Mirror Chamber, beautiful and deadly as they used their beauty to ensure no photo’s of the accursed Dark Mirror were taken.
The Headless Horseman-ah, Pumpkin Knights of Ignihyde inside the library with the super high tech projector for extra oomph.
The Long Dragon of Diasomnia, a bit of eastern flair in the Mirror chamber as lanterns hung all about and their mirrors to the dorms were blocked off.
Only one dorm left…
But before that…
“Sorry Tsunotaro,” Yuu smiled, looking at the chinese dressed fae who was pouting as he was forced to put his attraction at the Hall of Mirrors as Yuu had official use of Ramshackle this year.
“It’s no problem,” he smiled, his jewelry clinking with a shake of his head. “Shall we head to Ramshackle? I am curious as to what you have decided on.”
“I’ll say,” Vil smiled, dressed in his vampiric outfit alongside Epel who smiled at his friend.
‘Yeah, yeah,” Yuu rolled his eyes, leading them all to Ramshackle where they stumbled to a stop in awe of what was around them.
Flowers in full bloom, bouquet of lilies and roses were scattered about the entire path and front yard of Ramshackle as arches filled with red roses encased a large open circle that held a wooden dance floor. Chandeliers were placed under each arch, in the middle was a rather large one that held a myriad of colors on it. Various white cloth tables with tea seats scattered about, busts of the great seven were surrounding the area. String Lights gave it a soft hue all the while soothing violin music played, Luna was there placing some more items all around; she looked up and rushed over with a smile.
“Hello,” she stated, grinning at them as she held a bouquet in hand.
“Hi Luna,” Jack smiled while Lilia hummed.
“...A ball theme?”
‘Close,” Yuu called out, having vanished as they gawked at his display.
Clacks were heard as Yuu appeared, dressed in a dazzling suit and caplet with a venetian mask upon his face. It was a rather ornate half mask with white, gold and hints of dazzling blue in it as he grinned at them, the various golden ropes hanging from him and at his side was a sword that was the same ornate style as his very clothes. The cloth was beautiful and oh so ornate, dressed in golds, rich velvets and a nice ruffled collar and a ruby choker…
He was beautiful.
“Welcome to the Ramshackle Masquerade! You may take our stamp, as well as a free mask that I had found in the storage room in Ramshackle,” he smiled.
“Oh my! Oh my,” Vil clapped happily, coming forward as others walked into the open area Yuu had made. “This is wonderful! How did you manage to get this though,” he asked, motioning to the clothes as Yuu smiled.
‘Ummm…De Vil Winter ‘95 collection,” he laughed, Vil blinking before he balked back Lilia whistling as Azul choked.
“That is a priceless piece of Fashion History! Even I know about it, and that was because the filigree I used in the lounge is based on the look,” Azul sputtered, Jade wide eyed as Yuu shrugged. “How on earth did Crewel-”
“It was actually his mom…ah…Grandma,” Yuu sniffed, shaking around it a bit at all the looks he received. “She heard about it obviously and I had mentioned to her about a Masquerade theme of white and gold, she asked if she could send me something and…this came in the mail.”
“...Mail,” Vil looked faint as Yuu shrugged.
“I didn’t ask too much, she simply asked if I could show her,” Yuu told them all as the ghosts appeared.
‘Ahaha! I am getting memories back to the good old days with that outfit Yuu,” Shoto commented, the others nodding as they held up another box. “Luna’s came in as well!”
“Oh! Right….De Vil Spring ‘97,” he sighed, Vil looking ill. “She insisted that me and Luna match,” he defended, Luna smiling as she came over and gingerly took the box. “Crewel said there were protections on it, so we should be good!”
“...I am going to faint,” Vil breathed, moving to sit down as Azul examined his costume.
“Real gold and mother of pearl inlay,” he commented. “As well as magic pearls, this is a very expensive piece…and she just gave it to you,” he asked, dumbfounded as Yuu simply shrugged.
“Yeah, she thought that I would be good to get it out there in the world again since it has been essentially rotting in the vault since ‘95,” he commented, blinking before looking around. “Something is off.”
“...Hmmm,” Azul asked before Yuu shook his head and turned back to him.
“Yuu! Yuu! Give me a promotional pic eh,” Cater asked.
‘Oh no,” Vil yelped, getting up as he stopped Cater. ‘We cannot go advertising this-”
“We kinda need to! The Tour starts tomorrow and the island needs more people right!”
‘It’s bad enough our fans are going to be coming ever since the stupid magishift game! We don’t need anymore-”
‘The people of the island need it,” Cater reminded Vil who sighed, stepping back as he realized that he really couldn’t fight that point.
“Guys! Come on!” Yuu called to the ghosts, the three of them cheering as Yuu gave a cocky pose, the ghosts all around him in mock awe as if he was some sort of hero.
“Say Halloween,’ Cater called out, grinning as they cheered it out with smiles. “Nice…and Post!”
In an instant his phone was buzzing with likes and comments, Cater turning it off as he had no desire to be Magicam famous anymore as he realized what it really was like.
‘Leona sent a message….he called you a nerd,” Epel commented, Yuu feeling annoyance course through him.
“Yeah, well maybe if he hadn’t hidden here while his dorm made the boat I’d care,” Yuu shot back.
‘I knew it,” Idia grumbled, rolling his eyes.
“Oh yeah! Before we head back, Vil!” Yuu called, the teen turning to him as Yuu motioned Luna over. “Me and Luna have something to give you!”
“...You do,” he asked, brow raised.
“Yeah well,” he began to rattle off all the discoveries they made, his smile infectious as they too began to smile listening to his palpable enthusiasm; the boy laughing as he spoke of a poisonous plant they somehow made and talking about gifting it to Vil.
“I would adore it,” he nodded, always looking for any type of poison to make.
“Good, I don’t want it. I don’t even know how I managed to make something like that-”
“You didn’t.”
“...”
The group turned, coming face to face with Professor Flintwick, Snape and McGonagall; the trio approached them with pinched faces as they took stock of the situation around them. From the costumes to the area, everything pointed to a Halloween like no other.
“...What,” Yuu demanded, eyes narrowed in warning; annoyed that a good time was now ruined once again.
“You did not make the plant, you are unable to make a magically poisonous plant,” Flintwick explained, clipped and to the point.
‘Here we go,” Jack growled as Azul felt a headache.
“Oh dear,” Lilia breathed, a tick of annoyance on his head as Malleus moved to be beside Yuu with a slight glare.
“...I did. I mixed some potions together and made it.”
“Luna made the potions-”
‘I am not listening to this,” Yuu brushed him off, going to grab the plant for Vil until another voice stopped him.
“I think it best if you consider not taking up all these boy’s time with delusions and the like,” Snape began, Yuu turning on him with such a burning look he felt as if he was about to burst into flames.
“How about you stop cutting me off when I need to get to class and focus on your own magically inept students,” he shot back, Vil stifling a laugh as Lilia gave a mock gasp and hid a grin.
“...How dare you-”
“No. How dare you,” Yuu demanded, turning on them fully with an annoyed look. “I am a rightful student of this school. My magical pathways are simply blocked and I am not going to tolerate this bullshit you keep spouting at me and I better hope you will get this hint, get off my dorm and BACK. OFF.”
“...Now listen here-,” McGonagall began, looking offended with her hackles visibly raised.
But Yuu had enough and almost as if he was born for this, he reached into his pocket and took out his wand, pointing at her with a yell of ‘Finite Incantatem’ right at her.
She barely had time to put up a shield, all of them looking at Yuu in pure shock as he was gasping, looking at his hand in shock and awe, Azul gasping out something with Epel screaming in his country accent as Vil was stunned into silence.
“...You have a wand,” he yelped, Yuu looking back up at the teachers who stared at him as if he had a second head.
“I….I have had it for you belittling me and everything I have accomplished! I am intelligent! I am worthy of respect and admiration and just because none of you can see past magic or no, like some simple minded idiots; doesn’t give you the right to belittle me for it!”
“...Listen here boy, I don’t know how you stole a wand-”
“I am Mr. Fujimaru," Yuu snarled, turning on Snape with a snap of his head. "And you will call me that or I will do something you do not want to have to deal with,” he warned.
“...I am not going to threatened by a child who is no more than a first year-”
“BOMBARDA,” Yuu yelled, pointing beside Snape to a lemon tree behind him.
Everyone gasped as the tree exploded, Epel and Jack taking a huge step back as Yuu panted beside them, pale and shaking as he glared at the shell shocked teachers.
Lilia’s eyes narrowed, turning to Yuu as his eyes trailed all over his body; cataloging how he was after such a taxing spell. He wasn’t too worse for wear, but he seemed tired; nothing, a small nap and some food couldn’t fix but Lilia would have to monitor how he was with his magic.
This was uncharted territory for him, with such a strange way of magic.
“...How…How dare you use such a dangerous spell on a adult-”
‘I will do it again if this ADULT does not stop hounding me, a CHILD,” he hissed, eyes narrowed in warning. “You may think me a child, but I assure you I will not respond like one. I can and will HURT you in ways that will make you weep,” he warned him.
“....This disrespect-”
“The disrespect I have dealt with,” Yuu boomed out, hair cackling as his magic began to go haywire and Lilia moved to push everyone back. “All of you butting in, sending other teachers to be your lackeys and trying to send me away from classes, speaking to the NRC teachers about getting me into a proper school? I am in my proper school! Just because you all think me incompetent doesn’t mean I am! It means you need to get your eyes checked!”
The stones under him began to crack and Lilia moved to fix them but made no move to stop Yuu. Yuu was expending a lot of magical energy but he seemed fine and had it under control, his eyes zeroed in on his pen and he turned contemplative.
“....Boy-”
‘Don't call me boy. I am greater than you will ever be,” Yuu bared his teeth, sneering the last words.
“NRC pride and arrogance, wondered when he would get it,” Azul murmured, shaking his head as he fixed his glasses on his face. “Nice to see it’s getting put to good use though.”
“He is entitled to it no,’ Jade asked, smiling as Azul shrugged. “After all he is the most intelligent student here at Night Raven,” he winked.
“My child-”
‘Don’t touch me,” Yuu screamed, a force pushing them back as he tried to calm himself down and get a grip on his bearings. “Don’t come near me,” he hissed before Lilia grabbed him with a harsh jerk.
‘Your pen,” he hissed, Yuu stilling before nodding and backing off to Malleus’ comforting embrace, his friends there to speak about his amazing use of magic as Lilia moved to speak.
“What is going on here,” a voice called out, the students turning to see Dumbledore coming forward.
He took stock of the situation; noting Yuu’s wand out as well as his rather impressive defensive posture even within Malleus’ embrace before his face turned stormy.
“I thought I told you to leave the teachers alone until you had control over your magic,” he told Yuu, the boy huffing while he crossed his arms, sneering at the teachers.
“They started it.” He shot back at the headmaster who took a deep breath.
“...You are skilled, the most skilled student I have ever seen. Magic is not to be trifled with-”
“I know,” Yuu stopped him. “But I don’t like people pestering me or forcing me to do or say anything I do not wish to do or say.”
“...Headstrong…how I love students like you,” Dumbledore sighed, shaking his head before turning on his one staff. “He has magic, yes. I am teaching him. And I will not have any of you ruining his chance.”
“Dumbledore-”
“I will not hear anymore of this,” Dumbledore cut off his deputy. “I ask you to have faith in me and my ability to teach, or have you forgotten I was once a teacher too?”
“...Much time has passed and a lot has happened, Dumbledore,” she sighed, Yuu rolling his eyes as he spoke.
‘Get off my dorm’s property. I mean it,” he told them, moving to lead his friends into his dorm for the meeting. “You have five minutes before I sic the security hounds on you.”
“...The real ones or the ones we made,” Idia asked out of curiosity.
“Yes,” Yuu deadpanned, Deuce choking down his laugh as Cater gave out a hiss, smirking at the teachers before he moved up the path.
“I wouldn’t take the threat lightly,” Jamil stated, walking up the steps as well. “You won’t like the results,” he sniffed, entering the path to the house.
“Come,” Dumbledore sighed, ordering his teachers to follow him as the doors to Ramshackle slammed closed, a sign they did not wish to be disturbed as the Hogwarts teachers took in the sights around them.
‘What on earth is going on Dumbledore. I have never seen this type of hub-bub for Halloween before,” Minerva began, Dumbledore taking in a deep breath as he tried to calm himself.
“Halloween is one of the most celebrated Holidays in this land,” he explained, the four of them making their way back to their new living quarters. “They go all out, with nothing left as they give it their all to themselves and the people of the Island. This is an institution that prides itself on it’s strict process of application. Of course, that means not many can come at any time. Halloween provides the school a time to allow people to enter.”
“....That is ridiculous,” Snape began. “Allowing people to enter the school grounds because of Halloween? Do they follow the muggle tradition of trick or treating?”
“...In a way,” Dumbledore admitted. “I will not hear a word of this from you. We are the interlopers, with or without us this would have happened. The school is preparing for the week-long tour they allow people of the Island and visitors to do.”
“Visitor…Dumbledore! They are risking the sanctity of their institution by allowing all manner of people in and-” Flintwick began, gasping for air as Dumbledore turned to them all.
‘As I said, this would have happened with or without us. We are on the thinnest of ice and I will not have you all making things worse for us and our students. We have had no less than 6 fights in the last few weeks break out because of your inability to accept that we are not in the right and your inability to reign in the student body,” he berated them.
“I say that we are not in the wrong-”
“I will not hear it, Minny.”
“Oh don’t you Minny me,” she gasped, looking affront. “We should be working on making sure they are working to getting us back home, so we not only can focus on getting that pest of a ministry worker out but we can also prepare our students and report this hogwash school to the Ministry and have her deal with it.”
“...How blind have you all become,” Dumbledore marveled. “This is now greater than him and the ministry,” he explained but the pinched faces told him he had lost them. “You will instruct your students to stay away and to make sure to not hinder the NRC students obligations to the tour-”
“The tour should not be happening-”
"This is not your decision to make Fillius, and Severus…I will have no shenanigans,” Dumbledore warned.
‘As if I care to do anything to their tour-”
‘I mean about my newest disciple, same goes for you Minny,” he turned to her.
‘...It is him, isn’t it,” she demanded, scoffing as Dumbledore refused to answer. "That name is unique Albus, I sent out all the letters,” she reminded him. “He was the boy that vanished off the very face of the earth,” she hissed out like her animagus form. “They have STOLEN him-”
“It’s hard to be stolen when you willingly go away,” Dumbledore stopped her. “Minny…do not approach him. None of you approach him,” he gave them a warning look over his half moon spectacles. “Keep to the students we have, not the students we should have had.”
‘Indeed, the student whe should have had,” Minerva shot back, bunching up her robes as Dumbledore took in a calming breath.
“I can't defend you all anymore. I must train the boy-”
‘You need to be on our side-”
“I cannot be on your side if your side is wrong Minny. And so far I have seen nothing worth fighting for. I see a chance to better ourselves and our students, but you are all stuck in your old ways-”
“Do not make this about the past and the impending future Albus,” Minerva demanded.
“...I see this will be getting us nowhere. I will be retiring for the night. See you in the morning,” Dumbledore waved them off as he turned to his rooms; entering without another word and closing the door with a ward over it.
“Now, now, trouble in the workplace. I think you should file a complaint,” a cheery voice spoke, Dumbledore turning to find Lilia perched on his armoire.
“...Sir Vanrouge,” he inclined his head.
“...You know who I actually am,” he hummed, grinning a full grin as Dumbledore motioned to his desk where his old picture from the war was displayed. “You youngesters,” he commented, hopping down with a toothy grin. “I am sure I don’t need to bully you into the answer so….explain?”
“I would need to know the exact question. Much to go over,” he told the other, sitting down as Lilia sniffed.
“Yuu and his wand. The wand is strange, what is it made of.”
‘...The Rarest Wood that a wand can be made of. Only those destined for greatness can ever hope to have such a wand made of such a material.”
“...And what is it’s material?”
“Elder wood.”
“And you have…cores, right,” he asked, humming as he looked around the sparse room.
“Indeed. His core is rare as well. Everything about him, from his intelligence to his wand proves him to be someone who will do great deeds.”
“And what is this core?”
“If I might inquire why this is important,” Dumbledore asked, sitting in the plush armchair provided in his room. “I am capable of handling the boy’s magical education, I get the reservation but I ask that you have faith in me.”
“....elder wood is sacred to the Briar Valley, our Queen reveres it. Unless I understand the components of his wand, I can't cross compare yours to ours,” Lilia explained.
“...A phoenix feather core,” Dumbledore told him. “From my own personal Phoenix. The Elder wood came from my wand….a wand gifted to a wizard many centuries ago by a man he once cheated.”
“...A man he once….Death,” Lilia hissed, eyes flashing a dangerous fuschia. “How dare you gift him a wand made from wood Death had touched,” he demanded. “A wand death no doubt cursed?”
“...I made sure the boy knew what he was getting into the moment he took the wand in hand.” Dumbledore assured him but Lilia gave another hiss of warning.
“How dare you! How dare you taint his visage with death,” he was angry.
So, so angry.
“....I took a piece of the boy’s hair. I am limited in how I can give him a wand and the only wood responding to him was that of my own wand,” Dumbledore defended, Lilia pacing as he glowered upon the man. “Any other wood, one not in tune with him and his magical core will end up hurting him in the end,” he explained. “Would you rather him be tainted with the stench of death or always be on the verge of it with a wand he will never bond with?”
“...Do not play mind games,” Lilia warned him.
“I am not. It is a simple question.”
“...You will teach him to…to harness it…Harness the wand touched by death,” Lilia demanded, voice soft and filled with worry.
“I failed genius boys twice. I cannot….I will not fail a third time…despite what I have told him.”
“I shall hold you to that.”
With that Lilia vanished and Dumbledore was left to his thoughts and the bumpy road ahead.
FIRST DAY OF THE STAMP TOUR
“Welcome! Welcome! Take a complementary water bottle and a mask! Line up for your stamp and make sure to not trample the flowers,” Yuu called out as the ghosts showed people the line, handed out the items he spoke of and posed with people.
“Can we please get a picture! You look like one of those Carnival people in the Land Pyroxene,” a mother gushed as her two children looked at him in awe.
“Of course! Of course! Get the masks on,” he urged them, the kids scrambling to do so as he placed the sister on a chair and stood behind her, her brother holding her hand in front of him.
“Say Halloween,” she called out.
“Halloween,” they called out, the flash blinding them for a moment before Yuu accepted their hugs and sent them off.
“Pretty popular huh Yuu,” Shoto asked as Yuu sighed, pushing his hair back as people began to filter out.
“Yeah, it’s a lot of work but at least I don’t need to go to class since I am so far ahead,” he shrugged. “You mind getting more water bottles?”
“No problem. I’ll also make sure Grim’s automic IV is working,” he smiled, Yuu nodding as more children came up.
“Wow,” the girl breathed, Yuu smiling as he patted his knee and allowed them to crowd by him.
“Halloween,” they cried out.
The next couple hours were a total blur to Yuu, who was being pulled every which way by eager visitors who gushed about him and his area. He smiled through it all, explaining to the parents about the decorations, as well as the criteria for the school when they asked. He talked to potential applicants who were hopefuls of getting into his dorm.
“Ahahah,” he would simply laugh, sending them on their way to get the candy to finish off the tour or back to the tour.
“OMG! Are you Yuu Fujimaru,” a girl, no older than 12 it seemed, gasped as she and her gaggle of friends came into the area.
“Indeed,” he smiled, turning to wave at them.
‘You look amazing! This place is so cool,” they gushed, squealing as the ghosts came over with the complimentary items he had out for them all.
“I am guessing you want a photo?” He asked, smiling as he shifted his stand, grabbing his sword with his caped side.
“If you could! We have photos with all the dorm leaders…except for you,” they giggled, blushing like mad as they gave coy glances at him.
“Of course…oh! My other dorm member! Luna,” he called, the other coming down in her silk gown adorned with pearls. ‘A friend of mine who came to help,” he lied with ease.
“....So pretty,” they gushed, rushing to stand beside them.
“How about Masquerade,” he laughed.
“Masquerade,” they all cheered out happily.
“Thank you so much,” the first girl giggled, taking her phone back as Yuu nodded, motioning them out with a sweep of his hand that had them all blushing and giggling like mad.
“You have a very princely air about you,” Luna decided as Yuu turned to her.
“...I do,” he asked, confused as she smiled with a nod. “...Okay,” he shrugged.
“You can take a break,” she assured him, motioning him out of the area. “You have been here since it opened. I know you don’t need the classes, but you should go and eat,” she urged him.
‘...Is two hours okay?”
“Of course!”
“Okay, let people know I will be back if they come looking for me. Also! Tell Malfoy to stop hanging around the property too. Or else I sic the ghosts on him” he waved her goodbye, taking off the mask with a sigh of relief and a shiver.
It was wet and sticky…
Uuuggh, gross.
Shaking his head he took off his black gloves, fruitlessly attempting to get the wetness from his face off as he took the backroads to the school cafeteria, unaware of the photo’s being snapped of him as he did so.
“This is gold…”
#DeVilWinter’95Collection
#GleamingHonor
#YuuFujimaru
#NRCHalloween
#LivingART
Current likes 1.13 Million.
*Holy shit! He looks amazing!
*Madam De Vil had to have given him that! No way he got it otherwise!
*Ummm…hello? He looks like someone who is on your side but is secretly on his own side! Like the charismatic Information Guild Leader!!!
*It’s official, he can’t wear anything aside from that for any formal function!
*It is disgusting he is using a piece of art HISTORY for a HALLOWEEN costume when it has barely left the vault since it came out over 20 years ago!
*I agree, he couldn’t have gone for something simpler? I mean sure, Masquerade is nice and all but this a literal piece of modern history!
*@DeVilFashion. We are proud to give Gleaming Honor a new life with the adopted Grandson of Madam De Vil and new head model for the De Vil Brand. He wears it as if it is a second skin and we couldn’t be happier.
*OOF! BUSTED!
*Hey! Doesn’t Yuu have a dorm with three ghosts that are visible all the time? And NRC is open for the Halloween tour?
*....Photos here I come!!!
*OMG! I AM AN IDIOT! INFAMOUS 23 HERE I COME!!!!
*Booking tickets now!
Yuu stopped as he was about to enter campus, looking down at his phone only to roll his eyes at the notifications from Magicam and turning it off fully.
It was a mistake getting social media.
With a shake of his head he pocketed the phone, entering the campus with a smile to his classmates as he walked through the crowded halls; rolling his eyes at the cat calls he got along with a cry of ‘oh prince’ every once and while.
“Hecklers,” he grunted, smiling as they gave him another cat call. “I don’t give handouts,” he called, smirking at the boos he received before fully entering the cafeteria.
“They weren't kidding,” Lothric commented, coming up beside him in his Vampire Costume. “Gleaming Honor…” He looked him up and down in awe, reaching out to touch the rope as Yuu shrugged.
“It’s not all it’s hammed up to be you know,” Yuu snorted, both of them getting in line as Lothric shrugged.
“It’s a nice piece,” he said, Yuu nodding as they grabbed trays. “How are things on your end?”
“Not too bad! The ghosts are a great help and Luna gets a fair amount of traction thanks to you guys,” he told him.
“She is a lovely girl, and makeup helped her reach the newest of heights.”
“Luna did ask me about using my own makeup after this,” Yuu snickered.
“Shouldn’t the newest brand be sending you some samples?”
“I was thinking the same thing! Later Lothric!”
“Bye,” he waved goodbye to Yuu before heading back to his Scarabia boyfriend who waved at Yuu as well.
“What a weird couple,” he shook his head, moving to dine outside to prevent heatstroke in the outfit. Settling down he placed out all his foods, grinning at the grilled mackerel, miso, edamame and tofu; and of course rice.
No Asian dish is complete without rice.
“...Thank you for the meal,” he sighed happily, digging in with a happy hum when the mackerel hit his tongue, melting on it with ease. He was in bliss for a few moments before he opened his eyes, looking up to see a pest he had been ignoring for the past couple days. “What do you want Malfoy,” he demanded, leaning back as the boy came out of the shadows.
“...What is all this about?”
“...Halloween celebrations to share with the Island and the people,” he explained, as simple as it could be. “It’s a big Holiday.”
“...Why?”
“Why do you care,” Yuu challenged, cocking his head to the side. “Of all the things to get twisted about, why this,” Yuu demanded, placing his chopsticks down. “You're not even doing the tour or a part of it.”
“But one of Hogwarts Students is.”
“...I was under the impression that the other houses don’t give a shit about those outside of their own,” Yuu told him honestly. “Or are you simply projecting?”
“...I don’t want to be a part of your muggle-”
“Sure, sure,” Yuu sighed, rolling his eyes. “Your hang around my dorm all the damned time, you always seek out Luna during classes under the pretense of helping her out, you are always-”
“Shut up and leave me be.”
“I should be asking the same of you,” Yuu snapped, getting up with a huff. “How about you actually grow a damned pair and take advantage of the freedom you have now to find who YOU are.”
“...Find who I…I know who I am! I’m Draco Malfoy! I am part of the most noble and ancient houses, one of the most-’
“Is that who you are or who you were told you are,” Yuu challenged, Draco trailing off as he stared at Yuu like he had uncovered his darkest secret. ‘How about you stop fearing people who could do nothing more than tattle on you at the moment to that stupid pink idiot and actually find something YOU want to do. YOU! Not what people expect OF you,” Yuu told him.
“...It’s not that simple. Someone like you could never understand,” Draco murmured, blinking as Yuu shook his head.
“I know about that feeling a lot more than you think I do. We are very similar, as much as you might hate the very idea of it,” Yuu sat back down. “We are simply too alike to even be friends, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t help you in your time of need because I know what it is like to want to have something for yourself but you are scared.”
“I have nothing to be scared of-”
‘Aside from losing everything,” Yuu told him, not even looking up from his food. “That fear prevents you from doing anything you want to do. And I might not like you, but I will help you,” Yuu assured him.
“....” Draco said nothing, turning on his heel leaving Yuu alone with his food.
“Idiot,” Yuu sighed, moving to finish off his food before sitting there, under the trees of the courtyard to contemplate the things he spoke of. He soon found himself getting into a dour mood, deciding it would be best to head back and finding himself walking back to Ramshackle. It was too quiet as he walked the path, a foreboding feeling building up inside of him the moment he broke through the line of bushes to see his attraction.
What he saw stunned him.
A small group of at least…oh, 4 to 5 people were pushing their way through the crowd of people formed and digging through the table of masks he had instead of letting the ghosts gift them one; they all had selfie sticks, making stupid faces as children cried at the masks they wanted boeing stolen from them. Half empty water bottles were scattered all around his attraction as some of the potted plants were knocked over.
“What the hell,” he breathed, placing his mask back on before marching up to where Luna was trying to urge some of the teens to back off and allow her to fix the…
They broke his busts?
Oh hell no.
“Have you no respect for the attraction you are in,” Yuu demanded, turning around to the group who stopped what they were doing. “I am going to ask you to leave and to not come back to his attraction,” Yuu pointed to the exit. “I will not ask again.”
‘....OMG! Is that your like…persona,” a boy asked, grinning ear to ear like a fool as Yuu turned to a tired Luna who nodded.
“...No, it’s not,” Yuu sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Leave, I mean it.”
‘We really wanted to meet you, we’ve been waiting like an hour-”
“And I apologize for that, but coming to NRC for the simple reason of meeting me is not a valid reason-” Yuu began only to be cut off by the five of them coming onto him with their selfie sticks in his face.
“Are you actually going to be the young mystic from the Lands of the Fae!?”
“Omg can we like get the inside scoop!”
“Oh! Oh! Is this a promo for it! Are we in a promo for the Lands of the Fae: Springtime Parley!!!”
“....Sicherheitshunde!” Yuu called out, turning to his dorm where some slamming grates were heard before a small number of mechanical hounds appeared circling them all. “Your third and final warning,” Yuu gave a tense smile. ‘Leave.”
“...COOOL!!!!’
“Vertreibe sie!” Yuu barked out without a second thought, the dogs barking in confirmation at the order before they surrounded the fools who thought they could just barge into the attraction he had made and Ruin it.
“Woah! Is he going to have magical hounds,” they gasped as they were captured in nets before being dragged off to the entrance of the school.
“....I was gone for barely two hours,” Yuu demanded, turning to Shoto.
“I don’t know Yuu chan! The other places have had similar incidents,” Shoto explained, Yuu scoffing as he brushed it off.
"We have six more days, we will be fine but I better not have to deal with more of these idiots,” Yuu scoffed, motioning for the ghosts to clean up as he corralled everyone back into a line and some semblance of order.
A buzz in his pocket told him someone was messaging him, Yuu smiling through the confusion as he worked to regain order as Luna worked with her magic to repair everything that was damaged or broken.
After about an hour things began to slow down and get back on track. Did Yuu open up his messenger to see a barrage from the committee about things being out of order and people being disruptive.
Spade Idiot-I had someone try and pull me into a hug when I was unaware and I almost punched them! They said it was a joke but it’s happened more than twice!
Soft Wolf-Many people have tried grabbing my ears and tail, wanting photo’s holding it despite me asking them to stop as well! It’s getting annoying.
Apple Farmer-You have no CLUE what is going on here in the Mirror Chamber! People are hounding me and Vil for photos and it’s getting to be a problem!
Magicam Addict-How’s about we calm down! Things overall haven’t been bad right? We should have expected this because of our sudden fame! Right? Azul? Vil?
Mafia Octo-Indeed. With being as famous as we are, some level of fan obsession is sure to come. We shouldn’t worry about it and work to make the Stamp Tour as enjoyable as every other year.
Beauty Queen-I agree with Azul. This is the price of fame. We need to get used to it and we need to come to terms with it. Besides, nothing bad has happened. I am sure things will be fine in the long run.
Chef Snek-Still, doesn’t mean it isn’t inconvenient in the slightest. Luckily me and Kalim had a slightly better time it seemed.
Fellow Old Man-Well, we best be careful and make sure to set up stricter rules and regulations. I am sure a hearing later tonight would be best.
Tsunotaro-Shall we meet in Ramshackle?
Ortho-Yuu san? Has anything happened on your end?
Yuu-Yeah, nothing major I couldn’t handle. But sure, come over and we can make some sort of plan.
“...It’s fine,” Yuu assured himself as confirmation texts were being sent through from his fellow members. “It’s just some idiot fans and the like, we can handle it and we can make sure that the tour goes smoothly.”
“...Yuu, the tour has ended,” Luna told him, Yuu turning to her with a nod of his head.
‘Kay, thanks for all the help,” he smiled.
“Of course. I like this place…better than my house,” she told him earnestly. “Better than Hogwarts really, I feel….appreciated.”
“...I probably have Nargles don’t I,” he asked, smiling as she nodded eagerly.
“You do, but it’s because of your worry for me. So I am thankful,” she shrugged, hands collapsed in front of her as her pearl accessories dangled.
“Let’s go rest inside and get ready to have a meeting,” he grinned, both of them linking their arms togethers as they walked up the path to the dorm to make a solid game plan for a good counter to the mess that was sure to come.
They would survive it.
6TH DAY OF STAMP TOUR
“I am going to murder them,” Yuu decided at the end of the sixth and nearly final day, after they managed to…hopefully get all those clout chasing idiots out. For the time being. “If they come and ruin my fuckin dorm and attraction one more time I WILL murder them.”
“...Same,’ Idia nodded as Vil took some migraine medication.
“Is there nothing we can do,” he demanded, turning to Crewel who was stressed as well.
“My Mystery Shack is infested with bugs! My food wares are wasted now and I have students needing ingredients for their lunches they need to make,” Sam complained. ‘I have nutritional substitutes ruined and my vegan options are contaminated!” He looked angry as his shadows tried to calm him down to no avail.
“We have these idiots damaging the trees of our school, tearing apart our campus and attempting to get ONTOour inner campus,” Trein pressed.
“They have tried to break INTO my fucking dorm! This is the second time THIS WEEK,” Yuu screamed. “AT NIGHT! THEY ARE STILL ON CAMPUS WHEN WE ARE SLEEPING!”
“We have had a myriad of these…Magicam monsters attempting to gain access to the dorms,” Lilia informed them all. “So much so we have put guards out in the mirror chamber to prevent them from getting in.”
“...They are running rampant in NRC,” Kalim offered up, a bit nervous as Jamil stewed beside him in silent rage.
“They are going to cause an explosion,” Azul snapped, annoyed with a push of his glasses all the while Jade was eerily silent.
“Not to mention they are trying to touch the props, after we told them not to,” Jack deflated.
“We have more and more of these fools coming in by the day and we are losing the battle so to say,” Cater admitted. ‘Riddle is about to blow his own head off with how much he is holding himself in and Trey isn’t a saint either,” he reminded them.
“Yeah, Trey Senpai is getting really upset,” Deuce breathed, shivering at the memory of his Senapi’s face.
“And we can’t do anything…because they are laymen,” Yuu sighed, leaning forward to cup his face with his hands, hiding himself from them all as he tried to quell the pounding going on in his head.
“Well,” they all turned to Crowley who sighed.
“I am afraid…we have no choice but to cancel the Halloween Party.”
“.....”
Silence.
Pure silence.
“....I’m going to fucking murder you,’ Jade whispered, then all hell broke loose.
“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR GODDAMN MIND?
“THE ONE THING I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TOO!”
“CAN’T WE HANG A SIGN THAT SAYS NO ASSHOLES ALLOWED!”
“NOOOOO!!”
Pandemonium continued for a good 45 seconds or so before the doors to the headmasters office slammed open, the music teacher rushed in with a red face before blubbering out something.
“M…Main street! Main…Main,” he wailed, looking scared and about damn near ready to piss his pants.
“What about Main Street,” Crowley yelled.
“The Monuments,” he wailed out.
“What did they do?”
“Oh fuck,” Cater breathed, Deuce choking on his water as he caught sight of his phone.
“Oh no,” Yuu breathed through his teeth.
10 MINUTES LATER.
“.....”
Silence.
The statues were gone.
GONE.
“....How….” Yuu breathed.
“The…the Statues of the Great Seven,” Crowley wailed out as Crewel steadied himself on a tree while Trein looked ready to murder someone. “Who would do this?”
“They don’t have a hint of shame,” Lilia marveled as Vill tried to gather his thoughts all the while Azul was stunned into silence. “They truly believe they have a right.”
‘...Honestly, I knew this was going to happen,” Cater sighed to himself, all the while Kalim was sniffing beside Jamil who looked ready to murder someone or explode.
‘I’m done! I’m so fucking done with this bullshit man,” Yuu yelled, throwing his hands up in the air. “You fucking deal with this! I can’t give anything good to you all!”
“Go cool off, all of you,” Trein ordered them all. “We need to have SERIOUS talk…..NOW,” he barked.
“I need…I need to be alone,” Yuu breathed, heading off back into the school as Lilia began to speak to Malleus and the others received distress signals from their dorm members.
Yuu was furious!
Fuming.
“One year,” Yuu scoffed, shaking his head as his footsteps echoed all throughout the halls of NRC, his visage one of pure fury within his Gleaming Honor that many thought him a spirit of vengeance. He ignored them all, going further and further into the school in hopes to find somewhere to hide and listen to the heart monitor of Grim until he fell asleep or someone came to find him.
Unbeknownst to him he managed to walk into the one area he had avoided like the plague, the halls of the Hogwarts students and he cursed to himself. Of all the places to end up!
Shaking his head he stuck to the sides, watching as the younger years, those his age, hurried like little worried ducklings to class. He rolled his eyes, honestly this was nothing more than school; nothing to get your panties in a twist about.
With a hum he decided that some payback was needed, being nosy was simply in his right since they decided they had a right to enter his dorm when he was away. With a self satisfied smirk he set about to bring them headaches as he peered into classrooms, rolling his eyes at the childish explanations and raising a brow at questionable subject matter.
His eyes kept going back to the wounds on some students' hands, all of them working to hide them away as the teachers walked the classrooms, droning on and on all the while Yuu was further bugged by WHAT they were all hiding and WHAT they were ALL afraid of.
Something wasn’t right with the school, but since he wasn’t a part of it, he didn’t have much information to go off of. Not to mention he really couldn’t give to shits and simply was a nose bastard that wanted to give them grief.
With a shake of his head he continued further into the vipers nest, his eyes drawn to a hidden door that he had noted in his past adventures in NRC, but never paid attention too. Nothing more than a special sensory room to be more in tune with your magic, but he was drawn to it.
Deciding to fuck it all he kicked his leg up and kicked the door open, raising a brow once more at the screams coming through it before sauntering in with a hmm.
“...Secret meeting,” he asked, looking around to see students from most dorms assembled with their wands drawn. “Or a dueling club…if so…nice, you actually practice practical magic,” he commented, snickering as he leaned up against the wall. “Well go on, don’t let me stop you.”
“....Why are you here,” a female with ginger hair demanded.
“...I’m bored,” Yu admitted. “And those assholes destroying our dorm can’t face my wrath, so you are going to be the ones who get it,” he deadpanned.
“That’s not fair-”
“You know what’s not fair,” Yuu scoffed. “Having my dorm being used against MY will to house people who see me as less of a person and then being told I am not worthy of MY dorm. Going on a relaxing mini vacation only to have my dorm BROKEN into by you idiots and it was by MY grace you all weren’t kicked out of the school and left for dead in Twisted Wonderland. I am owed retribution,” he hissed. “Don’t push me.”
“Not to change the subject but Yuu…aren’t….aren’t you busy,” Neville spoke up, people turning to him with varying looks of confusion, anger and shock. “I mean…the Halloween Tour and the….people…”
“Yeah…yeah…Fucking toppled the statues of the Great Seven and it makes me wanna hex them to next week,” he scoffed, shaking his head as he took off his mask.
“...You can’t use magic,” Lavender spoke up, flinching as he turned on her.
“A lot of things have changed since I purged you from my dorm,” he hummed, smiling a cruel smile that had her shaking like a puppy. “What is this anyway? I never got an answer.”
“None of you business-”
“It’s Dumbledore’s Army,” Luna’s airy voice spoke up, appearing from the crowd with a grin and wave. “Our Defense Teacher isn’t teaching us spells, only theory. We thought it best to train ourselves-”
“Luna,” Dean yelped, grabbing her before backing off at Yuu’s glare.
“...Dumbledore’s….Army,” he asked, looking to Luna who nodded before his eyes went to the Twins and Neville, who looked unsure of what he wanted from them. “P…PFFF….. PFFFTTTTTT,” he choked out a laugh, hunching over while clutching his stomach while bursts escaped his mouth. “Army! Army! That’s so funny! Really,” he laughed, shaking in his costume as many of them turned red.
“You don’t get it,” Ron snapped, pushing his brother’s hands off of him. ‘We have to do this! We need to be able to protect ourselves!”
“Yeah! You don’t have the threat we face! A maniac who wants to keep Britain pure and destroy good, honest people,” Ginny cried out.
“And what is this army learning,” Yuu challenged, pushing off from the wall to come into the middle of the room. “Come on then.”
“Dismaring spells, stunners, classic defense! Things everyone should know,” Ron snorted. “More than you are capable of-”
‘Mate, shut it,” Fred warned his brother. “I mean it.”
“...Alright. Expelliarmus. Petrificus Totalus. Stupefy. Ascendio. Confundo. Immobulus. And all those good spells,” Yuu spoke off some, smiling at their confused faces. “...I read Luna’s textbooks,” he told them. “You honestly expect me not to?”
“Just leave,” Ginny shook her head, motioning to the door which was still open. “We have to make sure we are ready-”
“Fight me,” Yuu stated, Luna tensing as Yuu had barely used his wand since his freak out but was working on mastering his spells as much as he could in secret away from Dumbledore. “Me and you,” he smiled, his wand sliding into his hand like he was born for it.
“...What,” Ginny turned to him. “Why would I fight a Muggl-”
“Silencio,” Yuu pointed his wand at her and Ginny turned silent before she could finish, everyone gasped at the sight of Yuu’s wand as well as his use of it.
Luna on the other hand took a step back.
He was baiting her.
“Finite Incantatem,” he spoke, the girl glaring at him as her wand slid into her own hand and she fired off her spell.
“Expelliarmus!”
“Protgeo!”
The spell bounced off the shield Yuu had flawlessly summoned, the boy smirking as he witnessed the others face turn a red to match her hair.
“Stupefy!”
Yuu spun out of the way, sending an Immobulus at her that she managed to put up a weak protego to. They continued to yell out their spells, the duel intense as neither gave an inch before Yuu…got bored.
“I’m done with this,” he sighed, moving out of the way of another stunning spell.
“You yield,’ Ginny demanded.
“Oh no,” he scoffed. ‘I’m just done playing,” he informed her before twirling his wand in a nonsensical manner, summoning a lot of water toward Ginny. She screamed as it slammed her into the wall before she was held up by her ankles, Yuu smiling at her as he swung her through the air. He dropped her before flicking his wand, making the stone behind her crack and fall around her, the girl scrambling for her wand as she stumbled about under the confusion curse. Yuu sent a wave of air at her, dizzying her before he stopped, walking forward to grab her arm and twist it behind her.
“ARRRGH!” She wailed in pain.
"What are you going to do…when someone has managed to get your wand away, do you think the battle is over,” Yuu asked her, facing her to the people.
“Let my sister go,” Ron demanded.
“Hmm,” Yuu turned to him. “Answer me this. The moment your wand is taken is the battle over? Is all you can think about is how to get your wand back,” he demanded. ‘Because if it is, then the war you are all preparing for is going to drag on far longer than it needs to because all of you can’t get it into your skulls that fighting with your fists is as valid as fighting with magic,” he snapped, pushing Ginny away from him. “You need to look at every angle, every opportunity given to you and you need to take it. If you can’t…you’ll end up as fodder,” he scoffed.
“...How do you know wandless magic,” Hermione spoke up, coming forward as Ron helped Ginny.
“...That’s all you took away,” he asked, annoyed at her shocked look as everyone around him grabbed their wands. “...Power is fueled by determination. Determination is fed with belief. Belief is fueled by want. I wanted to be a magic user that does not rely on conventions to do my magic. The very will to do my spell is all I need to do it,” he hissed. “I won’t be hindered by my opponent knowing my every move. You should all focus on that too.”
“...Determination,” Hermione breathed.
“...Yes,” he nodded, brushing past her to the door. “Determination can get you far. But working toward it is also a factor. You should all think about it,” the turned to them all. “Might save you in the long run.”
*She, Queen of the Kings. Runnin’ so fast, beatin’ the wind-*
“Yes Vil,” Yuu sighed, answering his phone while turning his back to the DA.
“We have an idea on how to deal with the Magicam monsters. Bring Luna too if she is applicable to it.”
“And a way to save the party,” Yuu whispered.
“Yes.”
“On it. Ramshackle in 30.”
“Right.”
“Luna, we have an idea on how to deal with the Magicam monsters,’ he turned to her as she perked up. ‘....You in,” he grinned.
“...Yes,” she laughed, rushing up to grab his hand. “I am tired of them all.”
“Great. Halloween might be saved yet,” he giggled, both of them rushing out into the halls to Ramshackle, ready for the promise of a Halloween Party of the Century after a victory against massive clout chasing idiots.
LATER THAT NIGHT
“Are you sure everything is going to be alright,” Luna asked once more, dressed up in her gown and dolled up.
“Yes, don’t worry,” Yuu assured her. “Come on. Let’s get ready to put on a performance huh,” he asked, smiling as Shoto warned him some of the Monsters were coming.
“Right!”
“Thankfully the Weasley twins needed some prank items tested, so let’s get going!’
“Right!”
Each took their spot, Luna position just in ear shot with Shoto who held a frown on his face; both waiting for the precise moment.
“Look! It’s one of ghosts and hottie with Yuu! Maybe his girlfriend!’
“Man, check this out! We gotta turn on the lights and get some aesthetic pics!”
‘I know!”
The sound of sobbing was heard, making them still before whipping their heads to see Luna sobbing into her hands as Shoto consoled her the best he could. They looked at one another in confusion before words were spoken and they approached.
“....I’m scared! What’s going on,” Luna sniffed, tears pouring down her face as Shoto shook his head.
“I don’t know but Yuu has been obsessing over that mask since he found it a week ago,” he admitted, humming as he looked to the moon. “He’s taken to eating with it…and even sleeping in it. I tried to get it off of him but he’s been stubborn about it!’
‘Huh,” the group blinked.
“Hey! Hey!”
A skinner ghost floated over, a book in his hands as a worried look painted his ghostly face.
“Sen?”
“I think I know what is wrong with Yuu! That mask! It’s cursed!”
“Huh,” all of them gasped, the intruders silent as they tried to get closer to hear better.
“It’s an old mask made during the golden age of Carnival,” Sen explained. “But it was also a time when Magic was used inappropriately and the people up top sought to capture and execute as many trouble makers as possible! In the land of Pyroxene a famous Judge named Claude Frollo would go out personally and deliver sermons with the intent of reestablishing the church as the highest figure!”
“But the cursed mask…”
“He was a magician too but was rejected by the women of his dreams,” Sen explained. ‘He imbued his mask with his hate fueled magic unconsciously! But he died before he managed to do what he needed to, some say his spirit was attached to the mask!”
‘Where did he die,” Luna demanded, worried as she looked around with her teeth gnawing at her lip.
“Here! In Ramshackle!”
“...What,” Luna breathed.
“He tried to attack NRC and failed, he was rushed out of the school and forced into Ramshackle! House had been burnt down and rebuilt so many times this flew under our radar,” Shoto remembered.
“But the mask remained after the old building burned down!”
“...The one Yuu is wearing-”
“Dearest Lamb, what are you doing out in the cold,” the intruders froze at the sickly sweet voice, turning to see Yuu approach, face carefully blank with a rosary in his hand. “I thought you were ill,” he asked, humming at the moon.
“...I needed air,” Luna whispered.
“Are you lying to me,” he demanded, voice carefully blank.
“Dude, what do we do,” he asked his companion.
“I…I don’t know! If it is cursed then Yuu isn’t himself.”
“...Are you one of those heretics my dear,” they both jolted at the venom in Yuu’s voice. “Are you?”
“No! No I swear! I…I’m only here to celebrate the schools’ Halloween!”
“...Halloween,” he scoffed. “A heretic's delight! Do not lie to me again,” he boomed, zeroing in on her and grabbing her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Are. You. A. Heretic?”
“....No,” she whimpered.
“...Lies,” he hissed, pushing her into the ground. “You have been lying to me this whole time! I am not in Notre Dame! I am in a heretics school,” he screamed, the group stumbling back as they saw something attached to the mask Yuu wore. “I am…I am in the belly of SIN,” he hissed out with such venom ice shot down their veins.
“...You're not real,” Luna wept. “You're just a vengeful spirit clinging on! Release my friend!’
“...If I cannot have him I will find another vessel and I will continue my work,’ he spat, ‘but first I will show the world I and my just cause...have returned.”
“No,” Luna screamed.
‘Hellfire,” he swore to the heavens, the plants and wood around them catching on fire.
‘Holy shit! We need to leave!”
“I will continue on! Purge this world of you heretics!”
“You can’t,” Luna sobbed as a ghost emerged from Yuu’s back. “Yuu managed to bind you to the school! You can’t hurt anyone anymore!’
“...But I can take those who are here,” Yuu told them, turning to look straight into the intruders' eyes. “Heretics,” he sneered. “If I can’t continue, then my resting place shall be yours as well!”
“Run!”
“Hellfire!!!!”
“Arrrgh! I’m never coming back! Never! Never,” they screamed, rushing off out of the school as Yuu continued his maniacal laughter, smirking as he watched more foolish idiots rush out the gate.
“....I think they are gone,” Luna commented calmly, getting up with Sen’s help as Yuu snorted, snapping his fingers to stop the magic dust.
“It worked well,” he shrugged. “I am sure it will be a bestseller.”
“Though, I am worried. Couldn’t they have spread word of you being a homicidal maniac and ruin your career,” Luna fretted, face painted with worry as she turned to Yuu.
‘No,” he snorted, shaking his head with a small smile. “I took precautions and had jamming bugs with auto delete software on it that would delete anything with the ghosts, you or me in them,” he assured her with a shrug. “I had a feeling it might come down to it so I decided to pull out all the stops.”
Luna nodded, turning contemplative as more screams were heard throughout the campus, small masses of people rushing out of the various exhibits of the Stamp Tour telling Yuu how his friends were doing.
“Will the party be on for tomorrow,” Luna inquired, cocking her head to the side while Yuu cleaned off the dress.
“Hopefully,” he shrugged. “Won't know until the morning.”
“I hope it does!”
“Me too.”
Just then a buzz was heard, Yuu moving to grab his phone only to have a smile break out onto his face.
“....We did it.” He settled on.
“HAPPY HALLOWEEN,” the rest cheered, Yuu giggling as he nodded.
“Happy Halloween!”
THE NEXT EVENING
“What the bloody hell is going on,” Sprout marveled as a massive ship floated around the school.
“Happy Halloween,” Yuu cried out from his spot on the float, Vil and the other dorm leaders beside him as they waved to the folks below.
“Happy Halloween,” the rest of his friends cried from the windows, throwing out candy as children laughed, parents took pictures and girls screamed out their Magicams.
“Ah!~ It is time for the annual Halloween Party,” Crowley smiled, appearing behind the small gaggle of Hogwarts people who went to watch. "You are invited to join, I would not prevent anyone from coming into the festivities, after all we have had such a trying week and I think a bit of merriment is what the doctor ordered,” he laughed, clapping his hands out as the ship docked.
“Who wants a party,” Ace cried out, coming out of the ship in his costume with a grin, bucket full of candy as kids rushed him and Deuce.
“I have some pastries if anyone wants any,” Trey called out while Jamil went to the roasting Chicken and Lamb racks, nodding at the Octavinelle students who asked him to test the seasoning.
“Too much pepper, not enough salt,” he commented, the line cooks nodding, going to fix the blunder as people began to be drawn in by the smell. “Meat is not yet finished roasting, we have sandwiches and snacks on the table next to us!’
“Smells great,” people gushed, going to fill up their plates as fellow students mingled with them, laughing and ‘scaring’ children who shrieked with happiness and fear, rushing around the costumed students who laughed.
Reporters were scattered all about as not only was this a big deal of an event of NRC, but due to the fact of the InFamous 23, it was a worthwhile place to be reporting, granted if they where abode to get anything good with one of the said 23.
“Hey! Hey! Hey! Can I get an editorial photo of Night Raven’s Inspiring 23!!!”
“....Da Faq,” Floyd asked as a reporter came up. “Inspiring huh?”
“The Five Pillars of Heartslabyul, Three Leaders of Savanaclaw, The Trio of the Octanivelle, Duo of the Scarabia, The Poison Triage of Pomefiore, The Magictech Duo of Ignihyde, The Fairy Court of Diasomnia and the Genius of Ramshackle!”
“....When did this happen, Vil,” Cater yelled, looking pale as Vil pulled out his phone.
“Get in the photo! Now,” he barked at all of them, the group of them rushing to the float with a lot of arguing and pushing as they went back onto the boat, popping out from over the railing or through the windows.
“Perfect!” The reporter cried out, smiling as he fixed his Camera. “Say….HAPPY HALLOWEEN!”
“HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!”
The photo would soon become trending in all major news outlets as the first official press releases of the oh so dubbed Inspiring 23 of Night Raven College.
Which was as promptly followed by-
23 STUDENTS BREAK ALL THE ODDS TO OBTAIN MYSTERY FRIENDSHIP THAT BREAKS ALL BOUNDARIES!
NRC is no stranger to amazing and powerful students, many famous Alumni of the school are often Leaders in countries, fields and industries; all thanks to the success inside NRC. But the school has a bit of a bad reputation of producing egotistical lone wolf types that are willing to trample over others for their own success.
Not these boys though. Despite the hardships they faced throughout the last school year and coming into the new year a full year behind they have struck up and maintained a beautiful friendship that goes across all the boundary lines many people expect and some even see them as prime examples of NRC themselves!
The Five Pillars of Heartslaybul are said to represent a different aspect of the house, blending together to create the house itself.
Riddle Rosehearts would be lauded as a genius, someone who embodied the Queen herself, strict and unbending as he worked to create a perfect environment for all sorts of folk under his purview. Trey Clover would be seen as the caring side of the Queen, someone the people could go to in times of chaos, who seemingly had everything put together with a bit of relaxed guidelines in order to obtain growth. Cater Diamond is someone who takes all the advantages of social media, never excluding anything that interests him and throwing himself into the deep end of research all in sake of never being ‘misinformed’ or ‘hurtful’! Ace Trappola is the definition of a budding youth coming into himself, needing discipline and rules to be able to mold him into someone great, but never losing humor! Deuce Spade, though having some trouble with his temper and spell casting, endeavors to better himself no matter what and make something of himself!
Three Leaders of Savanaclaw, naturally just that.
Prime example of leaders all around as they work to become great at casting magic and leading the pack as any prime male would do. Leona Kingscholar, the Second Prince, makes his intelligence and dominance in many fields known despite showing little interest in them, making a line for others to hopefully cross! Ruggie Bucchi, a close friend of the Prince, doesn’t use his money or his help to make something of himself as he works through the courses and the exams with ease, his Unique Magic matching his quick witted personality as he harshest out the Slums of Afterglow Savana. Jack Howl is the definition of a wolf, with his powerful pack dynamics within his friend group, is the ultimate show of honor and chivalry as he works to better himself in all fields he deems important, trying to get others in on this as well.
The Trio of Octanivelle, truly an inspiring trio!
Forming the now famous and sadly NRC Campus exclusive Monstro Lounge; Azul Ashengrotto and his twin best friends Jade and Floyd Leech have expanded their business to all facets of the school with promotions and even special deals. A businessman through and through Azul is said to have a prime spot for a public Monstro Lounge once he graduates! Jade and Floyd Leech are unparalleled in intelligence in the coral sea, while they may take over their father’s business, make no mistake they will still gladly be partners in the Lounge that is so iconically the Trio of Octanivelle!
Duo of Scarabia, the Heir of Al Asim and his genius servant from the Viper Family.
Kalim Al Asim is a bright spot in NRC, smiling and never expecting much of anything from his fellow peers. Bright smiles are a rarity within the doom and gloom of NRC, but it’s what makes him all the more important within it’s halls. Jamil Viper is extraordinary, a master class chef in the making as well as a potions master in the making, he has many options for him but seems to be content in his life as a Servant of Al Asim…only when he takes over of course! Much to do in this life that they both wish for, and a travel through the desert is nothing to put to the side for their youth won’t last forever, nor will the vigor of their parents.
The Poison Triage of Pomefiore, deadly beauty that packs a fierce punch!
A famous model and actor that has stepped out of the limelight for the foreseeable future as he works on his brand with various collaborations in the works, Vil Schoenheit is the definition of never stop working. Mysterious and flamboyant, Rook Hunt is an enigma we simply can’t solve and he seems so fine with it that it's a shame to break the mystery! Now a real fighter against all perceptions and misconceptions about him is the gentle looking, fighting ready country boy by the name of Epel Felmier. Always willing to break boundaries, he shows that looking delicate doesn't mean you HAVE to be delicate. You can surely pack a punch with a pretty face!
The Magictech Duo of Ignihyde, pushing the bounds of Magitech.
Set to take over the Shroud empire and all it’s subsidiaries, Idia Shroud is going to make waves in the world of tech. Point being his infamous ‘little brother’ Ortho Shroud who is an official student of NRC as of this year. Both work in the magitech field to improve their own lives, speaking of mass producing once the trials of their school years are finished, showing that they have the minds of College Students in their hearts at all times!
The Fairy Court of Diasomnia, the pinnacle of magical superiority is what they would call them.
Malleus Draconia, one of the five great mages in the world, is the head of his own grandmother’s dorm, making her proud to what many sources say. With him is the queen's greatest general, Lilia Vanrouge who wants to ‘connect with the kids’ so to say as he watches over ‘his kids’ as he loves to gush about. Silver (Implied Vanrouge), is headed toward becoming the head of Malleus Draconia’s personal guard, his strength and skill with botch magic and sword nothing to scoff at as he proves himself in various tourney’s held in the Briar Valley. Sebek Zigvolt, a bright and enthusiastic first year is said to become Vice Captain of the guard for Malleus, loud and thunderous he works with all his might to be able to achieve what he wishes for.
The Genius of Ramshackle!
I think everyone’s favorite breakout celebrity of NRC; he’s wasted little time in making his own ventures out into various industries and it makes him all the more endearing. Yuu Fujimaru uses wit and charisma to be able to dip his toes into the fashion and makeup industries with ease, he’s enamored the big wigs of the Magishift scene and is expected to take up a spot in the Society of Alchemy and Runes when he becomes of age with all his advancements of mana purification and distillation. A boy who takes things by the horns and foes with it is one that surely is going to do amazing things!
As of right now we are unable to go and have a one on one interview with the students, but we are working on that and are hopeful to have a spread out within the next few months. For photo’s of the NRC Halloween Party proceed to page 4.
But that would all be addressed later, now?
It’s a HALLOWEEN PARTY!!!!
“Oi ass,” Yuu called, kicking Leona in the shins. ‘Stop hogging all the crunchy candy!”
“...No,” he settled on, smiling as Yuu made a swipe of the candy that leona held over his head.
“Very mature!”
“I know,” he laughed, rushing off as Yuu went in for another kick.
“Oh come on,” yuu whined, rushing after him as more and more Hogwarts students appeared.
“...Is this normal,” Neville whispered from beside the Weasdley twins.
“...Maybe,” they shrugged, unsure as they were handed some candy with a shrug given to them as well.
“Oh, you guys are here,” Yuu commented, stopping his chase of Leona when he caught sight of them. “Happy Halloween! We have lots of food, some music for dancing if that’s you grift or just walking around is fine too!”
“This happens every year,” George asked.
“Of course,” he snorted, smiling as he fixed his mask. ‘Not without it’s problems of course…but that’s another story,” he snickered, looking absolutely devious and devilish with his grin. “So enjoy, have some fun and make sure your fellow classmate’s aren’t assholes eh,” Yuu nodded.
“..Right.”
‘Great! Later guys,” he smiled, rushing off.
“Food Gred?”
“Right-o Forge.”
Neville watched as both of the Weasley twins left him for the food table, the meat done as some students were cutting it off onto pieces of bread for sandwiches. Turning he took in the sights of various people from the town below laughing, asking for photos and marveling at magic and not being afraid as they lamented about not having magic.
It was a pipe dream…his Gran always told him when he asked about telling muggled about them.
A pipe dream huh?
Shaking his head he turned, spotting Luna who was taking photos with some starstruck girls, smiling happily as they gushed about hoe pretty she was and he smiled; he was happy for her.
“Oh…your the one that Yuu hangs with,” a voice spoke, Neville turning around to see a tanned teen with wolf ears. “You helped him keep some of your classmates at bay…even though it didn’t work.”
“...I am sorry about that,” he swallowed, looking nervous before the other jolted.
‘Ah! No! I’m not mad,” he shook his head. “I wanted to say thanks for doing that…not many people would have…considering how Yuu can be…I understand that people want…revenge so to say…”
“I tell them to back off but they hex me or tell me to piss off to be honest,” neville sighed. “I don’t care much for it…I don’t deserve to be in the house of Courage.”
“...Isn’t your sorting process looking into your values or something? Similar to us, I would think,” he asked.
“...I mean yeah…but how can someone like me…” he trailed off.
“...I mean…body image can…” the other teen trailed off.
“I tried, but Hogwarts doesn’t really have a place to work on your body and I don’t want to be seen here as…” Neville cursed.
“Hey, it’s no shame in wanting to be better you know,” he assured the boy. “I’m Jack. Jack Howl. I run everyday with a friend of mine who would gladly give you pointers on how to eat better to help with weight loss,” he smiled.
“...Neville Longbottom…are you sure,” he asked sheepishly.
“I’m sure,” he grinned. “Come on. We can set up a time,” he urged him to follow, the two of them passing by Draco who watched it all with a narrowed gaze.
His eyes soon went back to Yuu who was laughing at something Luna said, both of them stuck with a group for photos as they gushed about their outfits and the like.
Honestly…he was so aggravating but…
Draco took stock of the situation around him and couldn’t help but feel…
Warm.
He felt very warm.
And he wished to feel warm all the time.
Shaking his head he turned on his heel and left, not wanting to be taunted with what he could not have, unaware of eyes on him.
One that saddened at his departure and one that scoffed.
“Yeah, yeah! I’ll be back,” Yuu grumbled, waving his friends off as he went to go check on Grim and get his newest feeding IV set up as the one he had was all used up. He briskly made his way back to his dorm, humming a merry tune as he waved to the ghosts.
Whistling Heigh Ho, something he will take to his grave to not incur Vil’s Wrath™, he unlocked the door leading to Grim’s hospital room, smiling as he looked down at his friend and noting he lacked any real progress.
“I guess I did get my hopes up,” he sighed, taking out the baggied along with the attachment, tossing it into the bin before moving to the cabinet where he noted he would need to order some more from Idia. “But I am sure you’ll wake up on your own time, Like you always do,” Yuu murmured, smiling as he attached the IV back on after ensuring there were no bubbles.
He stayed over Grim for a moment or two before leaving the room and his dorm to head back to the party, wanting to enjoy it as much as possible before it all ended. He continued in a bit of a daze for the next hour or so, nodding along as he laughed, danced and partied with his friends before Crowley cut the party.
“To bed you lot. Much to clean in the morning and to prepare for classes,’ he called as they all booed in good nature before heading off.
“Later guys…cleaning duty,” he sighed, all of them groaning in despair as they wobbled back in defiance of the party being cut short; Yuu smiling as he made the trip back in leisure, Luna humming as she danced along the path.
“This was a very wonderful Halloween,” she sighed, happily dazed as Yuu nodded.
“Lot’s of ups and downs, but one of the best I feel,” he agreed, both of them laughing before they heard it.
‘No! No! It can't be! I wanted to enjoy Halloween!”
“Ehe,” they both blinked, turning to look up the path to see two people conversing.
One of them Yuu knew well.
“Tsunotaro?”