Chapter 1
It had been weeks now. Weeks of avoiding everyone, but mainly the lion, Hawks. It was not like he did anything wrong, per se. Dabi needed to think. Everything that had happened, had not gone according to plan. The ministry.. getting attached, etc. Each mishap had become a fumble in the plan. That of which embarrassed the Slytherin exponentially so. Walking the main floors felt so discordant nowadays. He felt like a joke, a colossal one at that. Turning to the left, Dabi decided to continue the original plan. Striding down the hallways, he noticed students were just… around now. Teachers were lacking, and the headmistress was barely around too. It was a free for all amongst the houses. Owls were going to be so stressful, with teaching the younger ones as well as studying for themselves. Being stuck in his thoughts, Dabi walked right past the house door. Before pausing, and backing up. Sighing, as well as opening the door, the boy walked into the Slytherin house. Confusion immediately played on his features as he looked around, seeing no one. Calling out once did nothing, no answer. Which was normal and abnormal all at the same time. There was no loud exchange student, no planning, nothing. It was like everyone disappeared, left. Chewing on his lip, he walked up to the boy's dorm side. Opening the door. Calling out to make sure he didn’t walk in on anything, he sighed in relief, seeing Monoma reading at a desk.
Fixing his tie, he closed the door behind him, hearing the creak and scrape against the floor, that it made. Wincing at how loud the doors were, remembering how privileged he had been at the lions' den, he shook his head. Looking up, he saw the familiar silver eyes rest on him. Dabi stood up straighter, clearing his throat. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled a piece of paper out. his hand resting in midair as he awaited for Monoma to take the paper. Glancing at the floor, he grinned, speaking up in a swift explanation. As he assumed from Monoma's expression that he was rather confused. Presumably by the sudden “breach” of the plan by Dabi being there in the first place.
“Monoma, please take the paper, it is the end to the plan we sought so meticulously at the start of the year. It has everything we need, to my belief. I sacrificed a lot for this, so please take it. I am ready to complete this final plan. ”
Watching, he sighed in relief once more as Monoma took the paper. Reading the words slowly, the Blond also eyed him. Leaning against the wall, he nodded with each shocked pause. Following along with his fingers as he counted on them. This went on for a few minutes. Sighing as he wanted Monoma to hurry up, Dabi ran his fingers through his hair. Yet, soon enough he noticed Monoma set aside the paper with a slight smile as he glanced at Dabi. The older Slytherin sagged into a more lax stance as he saw the smile did not waver. Relieved.
“Welcome back, our leader. Our prefect. I am glad we did not lose you to the lions. It… was quite the tribulation. Shall I continue the finale? Or would you like to? I would rather not have Shinsou, he has been missing since you two got caught. ”
Dabi smirked as Monoma spoke up. This was comforting to the boy. Being away from his family for so long, was stressful. He could not be around Marcy, Monoma, or Shinsou the entire time they were going for this plan. All for vastly different reasons, that Dabi wanted to take to the grave. stretching, he took a few seconds to respond. Though, shock played on his features as he heard Shinsou had been missing. His palm rubbed against his chin and mouth as he thought. Taking a deep breath, he nodded, replying.
“I can do it, at least the first part. Between the two of us, I have a better chance of convincing. Don’t you think? I mean, sure I may be rusty from my… not so luxurious vacation. It would take accountabilities from you and the rest of the Slytherins. Plus, I can see if I can find Shinsou while you make the new speech to the Slytherins. Deal? Besides, I am sure the lions would love to be angry at me once more. It is a historical.. tradition, don’t you think? ”
Putting his hand out, he nodded as Monoma handed him the paper back. Chuckling, Dabi Pocketed the paper. dusting off his robes as well, as the dorms were dirty. He watched as Monoma stood in front of him, hand extended out. Raising an eyebrow, Dabi shook Monoma’s hand, smiling softly. Though neither said it out loud, they were both glad to have Dabi back with the Slytherins. Pausing, they stared at each other. The room grew quiet before they hugged like siblings. Looking back at eachother, Monoma spoke up.
“You have done well for us, and I agree, we both will not speak of this to anyone until the assemblage at one of the dinners. ”
Pausing at Monoma’s words, he nodded. his expression grew more serious as he looked at the younger year, getting ready to give goodbye to the fellow Slytherin. Dabi soon put his hand on Monoma’s shoulder, talking more like a parent or older sibling to him. Glancing away momentarily, as if he was pondering how to word it, he sighed. Looking at Monoma, he was extremely proud. This year had been more... problematic than most. But through each situation, Monoma stayed strong. Going to talk, Dabi's tone dropped into a more solemn one as well.
“If you need anything, Monoma, you know which area to speak upon, okay? You have made me quite proud as the next-in-line leader. I will come back as soon as I talk to McGonigal. Then, you can tell me how it is going with Sero~ ”
Earning a well-earned flick on the arm, Dabi chuckled softly. Amused by the blush that accompanied the action. Humming, he waited for the younger year's reply, rubbing his arm softly. Leaning back against the wall, he hummed, not used to Monoma's formalities anymore. He was far too used to the Gryffindor's roughness and ghosting. It did amuse the older Slytherin, crossing his arms, he chuckled, listening as Monoma got more formal with his response.
“I know, Top floor. Trust me, I am not second in command for nothing. Furthermore.. that seems like a good option- since dinner is soon. The lions will not take you in at all after that. And- you have no business in that discussion. ”
Monoma’s tone was light as he glared at Dabi, motioning for him to leave before supper. Though, a small grin accompanied the blond’s words. Humming, Dabi turned to leave, saying his goodbyes as he moved down the stairwell. Looking around, he grabbed a snack from one of Mei’s hidden snack bowls, hoping that the younger Slytherin would either not care, or was not around to care.
Soon, the Slytherin was out of the house, walking quickly towards the office. There was no hesitation this time. This felt normal, and the seventh year was finding comfort in it. It felt like a duty to complete as if he was making the house proud again. Something he had missed for so long. The fake clique plan had gone to his head, playing on emotions. Though, this felt as if he could go back. Be the Prefect the house needed. Even if there was a relatively small percentage the snake could shake off the horrid “Ministry” members. Tch- he was definitely with the lion too long. They had papers and everything to prove it.
Coming back into focus from his inner thoughts, he realized he was standing in the middle of the busy hallway. Getting pushed around. Sighing, grumbling a “this place never changes”, he started walking once more. Soon, and luckily, the hallways started to clear as younger years went to one of their few classes. Continuing forth, he got closer to the office. Before.. one hallway came up. There was.. what sounded like a crying girl in the hallway. Now, Dabi was never the one to check in on people outside of the house. He was softer on the Slytherins, like a dad. But outside of the house, he would never admit that. Nothing like having the lions exploit that somehow. And with the latest news with Deku… he was not going to risk it. Until now. Sure, it was probably a dumb decision. Though he could probably blame it on Keigo telling him to check it out. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he slowly walked into the hallway. Knocking on the door, opening it.
Only the light from the hallways lit up the room. Dabi could briefly see blonde hair in front of whoever this… person? Student? was. Looking around for a light of some sort, he sighed, casting Lumos. The person looked up, a terrified look on their face as they tried to plead through the tape over their mouth. Thrashing in the.. what Dabi presumed to be rope, he rushed over to them. Untying them, and taking the tape off of their mouth, he scanned over them for any wounds or bruises. Looking back up at the person, he wondered if a student did this to them, or if it was… Tys.
"Who did this to you?”
Was all Dabi said as he looked back up at the person, trying to see their face. However, he did not note anything about them. Panic and fear quickly rose. Backpedaling away from them as he noticed the disturbing smirk on their lips. Standing up quickly, he felt someone’s chest bump into his back. The hairs on his neck standing up in fear as he heard someone speak. The person he untied started to cackle as the student struggled to keep his calm composure.
“My apologies, Dabi. This is for your safety as well as ours.”
Trying to see who was behind him, he realised he dropped his wand, the light going off. Struggling, he tried to speak. However, before any words could slip past his lips, he heard “Stupefy” be whispered. After that, his world went black, sagging right into the arms of the person behind him. On the other hand, the person behind him, picked the unconscious body up, bridal style, sighing in relief.
Meanwhile, the person stood up from before, humming in contentment. Looking at the taller female, they stood right beside her. Watching her, they chuckled, brushing some of Dabi’s hair out of his face. Tilting their head, they grinned. Speaking up, they managed to turn on the lights, grabbing the wand on the ground while they spoke.
“He looks so peaceful! Are you suuuure we have to ship him off, Reverie? I could have used him for curses as I did for that pesky badger.”
Seeing the annoyance on Reverie's face, they crossed their arms with a huff. Even without speaking, Reverie could scold the younger ones quite well. Falling quiet, they followed the raven-haired woman out of the room, watching to make sure no students saw them. They continued to walk, before stopping in the hallway, the blonde almost bumping into Reverie. This plan of Reverie’s was… very extreme. A shock to the blonde, who had to use curses to get the headmistress to forget and send Dabi off, as well as accept the members.
“Mallacht, we both know that Tys will drive this boy into the ground. This is better, even if we had to knock out the poor headmaster, and even use curses. Now, come along, we need to get him set up fully in the room. ”
Huffing in annoyance, Mallacht nodded, following Reverie again, all the way up to the top floor. The trip was mostly quiet, as both were on the look out for any students who may notice them. Turning sharply, Mallacht watched Reverie open the door to the all too familiar crevice room, as Ascian called it. Closing the door behind herself, Mallacht helped tie the Slytherin student to the chair.
“There, now to wait for Dabi to regain consciousness. I do hope he follows our plan with no complaints. It would be quite bothersome if he did not. He, alongside that pet of his, have been rather pesky this last few months.”
Sitting on the desk beside Reverie, the blonde listened to Reverie’s little rambles. Time ticked on. And on. And on. Boredom kicked in, and soon Mallacht was throwing Dabi’s wand across the room and fetching it. Thankfully, the door opened, and the person who walked in was instantly recognized by the giggle that followed. Sitting up straighter, The blonde jumped off the desk, walking towards the small “Ravenclaw” child. Ruffling his dark hair while smiling softly as he huffed, fixing his hair.
“Oh thank god! Ascian! jeez- you look like you’ve been through a lot! Did you find the badger?”
“Shush, Malla- I did not find him. But, Reverie gave me a new task!”
The boy nodded towards the paper on the desk, crossing his arms. The Slytherin student must have caught his eye, and Ascian jumped in glee. Walking towards the student, he pulled out his Acadia wand, poking the student's cheek. Huffing as Dabi groaned and moved away, he was pulled back by Reverie. Putting the wand away, Ascian clicked his tongue.
“I gave you the mission of delivering the letter to the pet, not waking the snake up. Now, sit beside us as we wait. Or you may leave until later.”
Reverie’s tone was slightly scolding as she crossed her arms. Looking back at the snake, she watched as Dabi groaned once more, his head lulling back slightly. Humming, she stood in front of the Slytherin boy, watching him fight to consciousness. Putting her hand on the student's cheek, she hummed. Looking back at the others in the room, she grinned slightly, knowing the plan was going right as they wanted it to go.
Dabi groaned, moving slightly. Everything felt… heavy. Sluggish. He did not want to open his eyes. Too confused and nervous to even remember what precisely happened. Squinting one, and then two eyes he slowly opened them. His head lulled forward as he tried to pull his hands towards himself. His attempts were sloppy and getting more desperate as panic started to set in.
“Dabi... Dabi. Dabi. Dabi. Do not panic or thrash, you are not going to be hurt. Well.. so long as you cooperate. We need you to write a little.. note to your pet lion, could you do that?”
Glaring at the raven-haired ‘ministry’ worker, Dabi growled under his breath. Not speaking up, he looked around the room, seeing two others he did not exactly recognize at the moment. It was cold, mostly because the room was concrete, Dabi presumed. There was a blonde and.. the snake’s eyes widened. Looking at Ascian, he saw the Ravenclaw robe the boy donned.
“Who are they.. and what do you mean note.”
Mallacht and Ascian both giggled at Dabi’s response, sitting in front of him on the chairs behind Reverie. Humming, the boy leaned in, wanting to Crucify another student. On the other hand, the Blonde put her hand out, smiling. The boy, however, crossed his arms, drawing his wand out. Dabi's eyes widened slightly as he saw the wand, knowing full well that was never a good sign in this case. Panic was starting to set in immensely so. Keeping his focus on Reverie, he refused to egg on the others.
“I am Mallacht, I do hope you liked my little performance from before! Oh and that is Ascian! Do you know a Badger? He kinda looks like a bird- oh! and is susceptible to Cr-”
“Mallacht. Enough. Let me tell him about the note now.”
“Yes Reverie, sorry.”
Clearing her throat, Reverie took Ascian’s wand away, seeing him slowly point it at Dabi. Glaring at the boy, she soon turned her attention back to the caught Slytherin. Hearing the huff from the boy, she motioned for Mallacht to take care of it. Pinching the bridge of her nose for a moment, she glanced back at Dabi. Pushing her hair back, she continued her offer, humming softly.
“My apologies, Dabi. The note is merely a goodbye. We want to… save you. Naturally by sending you to America. Before you resist, I want to bring up the fact Tys would like to kill you off. Our plan is simpler, and does not bring.. grief to that poor lion of yours.”
Listening, although wanting to rip out Reverie’s throat, Dabi glanced away. His expression was sharp with irritation, as well as frustration from the past few weeks. Trying to channel the ease Hawks had when dealing with them, he sighed. Glancing back at Reverie, looking her right in the eye, he sat up as straight as he could, speaking up with a sharp, yet frigid calmness. The anger was slowly starting to boil over for the Slytherin.
“I. Will. Not. Let. Either. Happen. You ministry members can take this damn master plan of yours and shove i-!!”
Before Dabi could even finish his sentence, he was cut short by a spell. Silencio, to be exact. The same one that was used on the Badger, Tokoyami, Mallacht thought joyously. Much to Dabi’s dismay. Dabi noticed Mallacht usher for Reverie to continue. Glaring at Reverie, he thought they were awfully lucky they could not be told what was running through his thoughts. Struggling in the rope that kept him bound to the chair, he tried getting his frustration translated through other means.
Sighing, The older ministry member pinched her nose. Taking her wand out, Reverie made sure to move the chair via magic, situating Dabi right at the desk. Specifically, right in front of the paper and writing materials. Sitting on the desk beside him, Reverie’s tone changed into a sharp, serious one. The tone was threatening, yet did not waver Dabi from his resistance. Glaring at Reverie, he spat on the paper in front of him.
“You will write the Lion a goodbye letter. Or else you will end up precisely like the Badger. Mallacht, reverse the spell please.”
Gasping as the spell was reversed, Dabi glanced up at Reverie. He felt as if he was some cursed puppet to them. All he wanted was to go back, go back to Monoma, or even the Gryffindors at this point. Being yelled at for taking points was much more preferred. Hearing the last part of Reverie’s comment, he looked up at her. Confusion riddled on his face, as he glanced between Mallacht, Reverie, and Ascian. Struggling more now, in the bonds, his tone reached an apoplectic one.
“What. did. you. do. to. him.”
There was no answer. Rather, his head was tilted back to the paper. Spitting on it once more, there was no consequence, which he thought was abnormal for the current situation. Sighing, the snake's eyes closed for a moment. As if he was pondering. So much was running through his head. What was Hawks do. What did Tokoyami do to get out of this mess. Was he even out of the mess at hand? Fear was also rising, as these people seemed to stop at nothing. What did they do to Tokoyami. However, his thoughts were cut short. Becoming startled as Reverie whispered in his ear.
“If you want to know, do not write the note.”
Her whispered hiss was accompanied by the untying of one of his hands. He felt Reverie stand behind him and noticed Ascian and Mallacht stand on either side of him. Staring at the paper, he did not move. Did not write. Did not speak nor utter a word. Merely trying to convey his annoyance and his opposition to the matter. His hand immediately jolted to the other, trying to untie it from the chair's arm rest. However, that too, was cut short. His hand was pulled back, and hit with a ruler. Though, no one said anything.
The room was deathly quiet, temporarily, of course. There was no warning. No spoken usher. Just pain. Screaming in agony, Dabi bucked himself backwards in the chair. Feeling as if every single nerve ending was feeling pain at a tenfold level. Thrashing in the bonds that kept him in the chair, the free hand was curling inward in suffering. Writhing around in hellish torment, he could barely focus on anything. This went on for what felt like an eternity.
“Would you like to cooperate now, Dabi? We have all day for the note to be written and sent. I can assure you. Mallacht is very skilled at the Cruciatus curse, I can assure you of that too. Though, you are witnessing it currently.”
Reverie’s words in his ear barely registered. Dabi found himself nodding in agreement just to end the pain. Even just for a moment. Eventually, the pain did stop, as the student lulled in the chair. panting, blood mixing with tears rolling down his cheeks. Panting, his head lulled once more, too tired to even move or try to plan any sort of action out. That, however, was before Reverie spoke up once more, another threat that barely registered in his head.
“You have five seconds to pick up the quill. One..”
The snake tried to plead for more time. As he was unable to think clearly from the curse that just previously plagued his entire body. Glancing up at Reverie, stuttering and stumbling over incoherent words, his pleads got faster with each number. Moving in the bonds, trying to ask for even just a minute of talking so he could maybe stall.. or get them to do something else.. but with each word he said, it was countered by another number. Another quip by Reverie.
“Two.. come on Dabi.. don’t subject yourself to more to be the hero. You were never the hero. Just give in. the pet lion would understand. Now, write. The. Note. Three… Four… Dabi. Tick. Tock.. tch- Mallacht.”
None of his words registered with the woman, nor would they. As they blended back into screeching and screams of hellish torment. Thrashing in the chair, his body contorted and curled in on itself. Trying to desperately get away from the intense, agonizing pain it was going through. This time, felt longer to Dabi. His vision even became somewhat blurry, on the verge of passing out. However, the three around him did not allow him even that satisfaction, ending the curse. Lulling back in the chair, no words were uttered from the Snake's mouth. No words, no movement. Only sluggish breathing.
“Now now.. write the note. Then you will be... mostly free. I promise you we will give you a reprieve if you write the note now. We even promise peace for your precious lion if you do so.”
Dabi stared at the ceiling, all words catching in his throat. All resistance was just gone. He could not trust a single word that came from these ministry members. But if there was an ounce of truth in those words, he was going to take it. He needed it. His head was foggy with the unregistering pain. Moving slowly, he lulled against the desk. picking up the quill, ink sputtering on the desk from the shaking. Slumping slightly to the paper, he wrote on it. Never saying anything.
“I truly do not have enough words for this letter.
However, if you are seeing this, it means that I am gone.
I left Hogwarts for a more secluded place. That place… I am not exactly sure of… yet. My apologies, lion, that our fates untangled like this. Untangling into an unwanted collage of house colors, and ministry forms. Moreover, lion- if you are seeing this, remember that I hate Marcy, and love the Gryffindors and teachers like Thalmeir. - D“
Some parts of the letter were smudged as he wrote quickly, hoping the seventh year Lion would pick up on the last part. Slumping back in the chair, he watched Reverie pick up the note. Closing his eyes, he heard Ascian and Reverie whisper to each other before the door was opened and someone left. Opening his eyes to look around, he noticed Ascian was gone, wincing slightly. Glancing up at the ceiling, his breath hitched in his throat, the ridiculing taunts from Reverie made him burn in shame.
“Good job, now. That shall be given to the pet lion, for now. We shall get you to Ilvermorny. Do not worry, the only concern you will have is no contact from here. Now, Mallacht, the potions. ”
Growling in defeat, the Slytherin boy glared softly at Reverie. Too tired to argue with her, he nodded in shame. He hoped Keigo understood the sacrifice he was making, and that he needed help. As well as Monoma. Being untied, he watched Reverie and Mallacht turn into other people via potion. Being held by Reverie, knowing full well he was powerless currently, he looked at the ground. Hearing a crack, he jumped slightly, feeling everything get woozy. Stumbling, as well as falling to his feet, he realised the ground he was feeling, was dirt. Not concrete as before. Looking around, his jaw clenched as he realised they apparitioned to somewhere else. Looking up, he noticed the castle-like building in front of them.
“Wow.. so this is what it looks like! I’ve never been to America before! Wow.. look at the evergreens, Rev!”
Mallacht cheered, too focused on the natural aspect to notice the castled school in front of them. Sighing, Reverie ushered both of them forward. There was a kind of.. hesitation from Reverie. One that Dabi was not used to in the time he knew Reverie. He was wishing to be with the lion at this point. He felt powerless again. The same powerlessness he felt when he first met Tys. They walked amongst the trail that led to a path of paver.
Evergreens fenced the walkway in, leading them to the castled building. Dabi could barely look around at his surroundings. Getting pulled along, They stopped at the stairs in front of them. Reverie glancing up them in a sort of shock. She muttered something, though Dabi could not hear it over Mallacht's excited screeching. Reverie tsk'ed in annoyance. Turning away from Dabi, though still holding onto him, she was ready to lecture Mallacht, which she immediately did.
"Mallacht, act appropriately, or I will make sure Ascian takes this role. Do you understand me?"
Mallacht's excited nature immediately deflated as she nodded, getting closer to Reverie as a scolded child would do. Getting the blouse she wore dusted off by Reverie, her posture was fixed as well, standing more tensely. Reverie pushed Dabi forward, motioning for him to move. Sighing, Dabi did move forward. Walking up the grand brick staircase. Looking up, Dabi noticed the grandeur of the castle. It was bigger than Hogwarts. However, it was less complex in some cases. He watched as Mallacht opened the door for them, before once again he was forced to move forward.
he was moved inside the school almost immediately by Reverie, whose hold became more lax, as if she was a scolding teacher to him. Looking around, the entrance hall was smaller than Hogwarts. And less formal. Beige was the main colour. with a red carpet leading the way down the hall. The pillars were more eccentric, opening up to the weirdly geometric roof. There was also... guns on the wall, as well as animal heads. Dabi noted not to anger anyone here, their formalities seemed to be lacking in his opinion. Looking back to the middle of the entranceway, he saw what he presumed to be the officials at this building. Looking at all of them, he heard Reverie clear her throat, stepping up with a sort of decorum and formalness.
“Mr.Fontaine, greetings. I presume the letter got through relatively quickly. I am glad to see it. As you know, this is Dabi. The seventh year we, Amelia and I, were tasked with transporting. The ministry has issued that his consequence be moving to be in a tougher school, Ilvermorny. Dabi, this is Mr.Fontaine, the headmaster here. ”
The main man in front of them stepped forward, his hand extended forward. His silver hair was slicked slightly to left, and paired with the silver beard, created a gruffness for the man. He too, had a formalness about him that was different from McGonigal. The other hand stretched behind his back, almost in a military stance. Reverie stepped forward once more shaking his hand. Dabi was passed to Mallacht as this transaction occurred. Smiling, Reverie drew her hand back, quite content how well this was all going to plan. Fontaine started to talk with a slight southern drawl, motioning towards Dabi with a precise ease.
“Mrs.Hopkirk, greetings to you as well. I can assure you that this boy will be well taken care of and will be… led to a more righteous, passive path. Ilvermorny is a good choice, seeing the way Hogwarts is going with the teacher issue. I can promise you, you will- nor Mrs.Bones- will not be disappointed. We shall sort him out quickly since we also got his luggage as we were waiting for you to arrive. ”
Reverie blushed slightly, humming, as she indulged this man. Smiling, she nodded, taking Dabi by the hand and leading him to the man in front of him. Reverie raised an eyebrow sternly at Dabi, as if scolding him for a past action, she looked back up at the man. Her hands rested on his shoulders, as she conversed and joked slightly in small talk with Mr.Fontaine. Seeing Fontaine look down at him with a seriousness yet soft smile from Reverie's sweet-talk, made Dabi sick to his stomach. Glancing away, he was regretting each passing moment. However, he was sure that if he spoke up now, he would be hit with the killing curse immediately. Playing it safe, the boy decided to play into Reverie's story. Whatever that may be. He was going to get in contact with Hawks or Marcelline as soon as possible. However, that must have played on his features, as Reverie spoke up to draw attention to herself.
“I agree, and we are rather glad you can reshape this student, whose path has been slain with such events. I am sure that you will do the ministry proud. Now.. I will leave you guys to get more acquainted.-” Leaning in, Reverie whispered in his ear. “You contact the Lion, and it will be the last thing he ever reads before he goes through immense pain.”
Standing straighter, Reverie fixed the collar of her jacket. Each of them- Reverie and Mallacht said their goodbyes as they exited the school. Leaving Dabi there. In America. Alone.