Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A knock came at your dorm door. You elected not to answer it, but someone twisted the handle and pushed it open anyway. It only opened a crack and you heard a voice, “Y/n, it’s Principal Weems. Can I come in for a chat?”

You wiped your eyes and sniffed, trying to put on a brave face, but your voice cracked as you spoke, “Y-Yes, come in.”

Principal Weems was gentle in everything she did when she entered your room. Her heels were quieter against the floor as she walked slowly towards the bed you were sitting in. Her hands were crossed in front of her as she stood in front of you, “May I sit?”

You only nod, not wanting to look at her so she couldn’t see your tear stained face. There was no hiding your sadness though. Larissa could tell how upset you truly were. She had a whole speech prepared, but now that she saw you, she was struggling to find the proper words.

She pulled her lip between her teeth and finally spoke, offering you the only thing she could, “Would you like a hug?”

You didn’t answer, rather you threw yourself into her arms., your arms wrapping around her middle. Principal Weems hugged you tight and rocked you back and forth. Her hand came up to the back of your head and stroked your hair. You allowed yourself to sob into her shoulder and she responded with a soft shushing sound, “Shhh… I’m sorry, sweetheart… I’m sorry…”

You sat like that for a long while. You found that the warmth of her hug and her sweet perfume became a comfort to you. Her embrace couldn’t mend your broken heart, but in this moment, it was as close as you would get to feeling better for now.

Chapter Text

"Where have you been, Mx. L/n? Your teachers couldn't find you for your normal study spots and you missed your first two classes today!" Principal Weems was relieved to see you, but after the relief washed away, you were left with a very angry principal. Her eyes wander down to the game in your hands and she cocks her head, "What are you doing?"

"Taking a break." You shrug, eyes not leaving the game. You had been working insanely hard since you arrived at Nevermore. You were taking a higher course load than any of your peers and you were excelling at it. Today you decided to just take a break.

Larissa was a bit taken aback by your response, but she took a seat next to you, her curiosity taking over. She glances onto the screen and watches you collect an item box in Mario Cart and then use the powerup to zoom past a player in front of you.

"What is this? It seems fun." Larissa seemed to ignore the fact that you were in trouble so she could sit and watch you.

You explain the game to her while you continue playing. You point out the mild intricacies of the game and show her secret paths on the different tracks. You place first each time and with each win she praises you in a subdued tone, "Very nice, y/n."

After a while of her watching, you are between games when she finally stands and looks down at you. You raise your eyes to her and her tone means business, "Don't be skipping class. We were worried about where you were. Do continue taking breaks. That is important."

Chapter Text

You were so nervous to come out to Principal Weems. There was always a sign out front of her door that read ‘all are welcome and protected here’ with various pride flags decorating the boarder. You assumed that she would be the person to talk to about this, but it didn't make it any less nerve wracking.

You sat in an armchair in front of her desk when you came out to her. You felt your hands shaking and you couldn't help it when tears stung at your eyes. Her reaction was more than you could have hoped for, "That's incredible. Thank you for telling me."

Principal Weems pushed a bowl of chocolates to you, "Please take one."

As you reached into the bowl, she circled the desk and pulled a second chair closer to you so she could be next to you as she spoke, "I'm so proud of you. It can be so scary being yourself. Thank you again for trusting me so much."

You didn't know exactly what to say to her, "I-I'm not sure what to do next. How do I talk to my teachers?"

"Well you have a few options. All of the teachers have been through weeks worth of training and discussions about helping students such as yourself. However, would you like me to send an email or I could help you send one? Or perhaps we could go to their classrooms and talk to them in person?"

"Email... I'm not ready for in person."

"That's perfectly fine, dear." Principal Weems helped you draft up an email that could be sent to all of your professors. She was extremely serious in crafting the email, checking and double checking every sentence with you. By the end of the email, you were smiling and feeling much more confident about Nevermore accepting you for you, "Ready to send?"

You nod with a smile, "I think so."

Principal Weems sent the email and you felt your phone buzz in your pocket from the new email in your inbox. You began grasping at your backpack strap and Principal Weems stopped you, "Now, before you go, would you like a hug, a chocolate, or both?"

You hesitated for a moment before quietly speaking, "Both..."

She took the bowl from the desk and offered it to you. You plucked a chocolate from the bowl and stood. Principal Weems followed suit and gathered you in her arms, offering you what you felt like was one of the best hugs of your life. When she pulled away, she held you by your arms, looking you dead in the eyes, "Now if you need anything, you come speak to me. I won't tolerate any hate at this school. Pardon my language, but nobody fucks with my students."

Chapter Text

It was a Saturday at Nevermore and you sat getting a head-start on homework that wasn’t due for another two weeks. You were ready to do anything as long as it didn’t relate to your family or the loss you felt. You stopped what you were doing when a shadow fell over you. You glance up and it was none other than Principal Weems

“Let’s go for a walk, shall we?” Her smile seemed kind, but you knew that students only took walks with Principal Weems when something was wrong. You nod, closing your math textbook and depositing it back into your book-bag. You sling the bag over your shoulder and glance at her to lead the way.

Together you begin walking towards the greenhouses, which then led out to the gardens. She talked to you about meaningless thing like classwork and other weekend plans. You wondered what her true intent was.

It was when you were seated side by side on a bench in the gardens that she finally confronted you about her worries, “It’s been a couple weeks since you returned… I’m worried about you, dear.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” You lied. This wasn’t something you wanted to talk about, but Principal Weems pushed onward.

“That’s not true. Now, I can’t imagine what you are going through, but I’m worried about you. You came back and you seem like you are just fine, but… Are you really?” Her words cut so deep. You felt the tears prick at your eyes. This wasn’t something you wanted to do today.

You shrug, feeling the tears spill over onto your cheeks. As soon as Principal Weems saw your tears, she enveloped you into a hug. She smelled of orange blossom and tea and the rise and fall of her chest was so soothing.

Now that she was hugging you, you let yourself go, crying as you needed. She held you there stroking your hair and rubbing your back, “Yes… Let it all out, dear.”

Her hug was so warm and strong. It was beyond comforting, even if it was just for these few minutes. Your tears were staining her jacket, but she didn’t care. Finally, you turn your face so your your ear rests against her chest, and her hand comes up to your face, gently stroking your cheek.

She let you stay there in her grasp until you began to pull away. When you did her hands moved up to your face, wiping some of the tears with her thumbs, “Feels good to cry doesn’t it?”

You no, moving your own hand up to your face to wipe away the tears. She drops her hands to hold onto your free hand, her voice was so gentle and sincere, “Will you tell me about them? Tell me about their favorite things and your favorite memories of them?”

Chapter Text

"Up you go, sweetheart. Time for bed." Larissa had been doing her nightly check of the common areas, checking for troublemakers when she spotted you sleeping in the library.

She rubbed your back gently and you slowly came out of your slumber, "What time is it?"

"It's only 11. You fell asleep in the library, dear. Let's walk you back to your dorm, okay?" Principal Weems shook your shoulder a bit, not wanting you to fall back asleep against your textbook.

"Mhmm..." You mumble and slowly push your belongings into your bookbag before standing up. Your eyes were half closed so you couldn't see the sympathetic smile that graced Principal Weems lips.

Her hand remained on your back as she guided you back to your dorm room. You unlocked the door through sleepy eyes and turn back to her, leaning you head against her chest, "Goodnight, mom."

Larissa was a little shocked at your actions, but in your tired state, she assumed you weren't thinking properly. She pulled her arms around you and gave you a hug, pressing her lips to your forehead, "Goodnight, sweetheart. Now, go to bed."

She released you from her grasp and ushered you into your room, leaving you to crawl into your bed and fall back asleep.

Chapter Text

You had always struggled with sleeping and now that you were at Nevermore, your sleep schedule became even more erratic causing you to sleep in much later than normal. Principal Weems wasn't having it, however. She wanted you in your seat at each one of your classes, bright eyed and ready to learn.

Together you formed a solution. Almost each night before bed, she brought you a small cup of herbal tea and then you enjoyed a small stroll around the school grounds and corridors to help you get tired. As you walked and talked, you became closer to one another. You would talk to Principal Weems about home and your friends there while she shared stories of her time at Nevermore.

Tonight was one of those nights that you were sharing a walk before she sent you to bed.

“How were classes today? I hear you started a new project in literature.” Principal Weems asked as she shortened her strides so you could walk side by side.

“Classes were good. Yes, we get to research a different author. I’m choosing Mary Shelley.” You explain, drawing the cup of tea to your lips.

“Frankenstein… Very nice.”

"What were your favorite topics in literature class?" You walk in tandem with Principal Weems, taking a turn down the corridor that leads back to your dormitory.

"Well I used to teach literature before I was the principal, so I have many favorites. But I would always have my students read Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu. She was one of the first vampires in literature." Principal Weems seemed to glow as she revealed a new aspect of her interests and personality.

"I thought Dracula was one of the firsts." You respond quickly enjoying the bit of knew knowledge.

"Certainly a great story, but no Carmilla predates Dracula." Principal Weems smiled triumphantly as she now stood in front of your door. Gingerly, her hand came up rest on your arm, her expression turning gentle once more, "Time for bed, dear."

"Good night, Principal Weems."

"Good night, Mx. L/n."

Chapter Text

Principal Weems took a seat next to you in the quad. Sometimes during study hours she would come down from her office and mingle with the students. Today you were the student she set her sights on for some casual conversation and bonding. She sat next to you at the picnic table, facing outwards, "How are you today, Y/n?"

You pause for a moment, unsure what to say. Since beginning at Nevermore, you limited conversations to your closest of friends as your stuttering and stumbling over words made talking with others challenging, "I-I'm g-g-good."

The response was as quick as you could make it. You would rather avoid the potential embarrassment of feeling like you were taking up too much of Principal Weems' time. She smiled, continuing the conversation like she hadn't even noticed your stuttering, "I've heard that you are quite talented in your literature courses. Your professor sent me some of your writings and I must tell you that they are wonderful. What's been your favorite assignment this year?"

"I r-really liked t-the... P-Poe unit-" You thought of continuing the sentence, wanting to tell her more, but you were feeling more and more self conscious by the second. You look back down into your textbook, biting the inside of your lip.

Principal Weems smiles at you, her eyes filled with genuine interest, "Please continue, Y/n. Take your time, dear. I'm listening."

With that you start again, slowly but surely telling her about the Poe unit where you were able to analyze major words and connected many of them together. Principal Weems and you proceeded to have a wonderful conversation about literature and both of your favorite authors. You felt a warmth spreading through your chest as she never seemed disengaged or annoyed by the time it took you to speak to her.

"You truly are a brilliant student, Mx. L/n." Principal Weems reached a hand out, squeezing your forearm, "Please don't silence yourself. You have many wonderful ideas and you should share them."

You nod at her, glance shifting back down to the table beneath you. Principal Weems stood and patted you on the back before she bid you farewell and wished you a wonderful day.

Chapter Text

You loved going to see Principal Weems in her office. You would sit and chat about school and mutual interests. After a while, you even found it impossible to keep anything from her. The easiest way to describe how easily you flowed together was that you were platonic twin flames, born at two different times in two different countries, yet understood one another perfectly.

Today was not a good day. You couldn't explain what triggered your mood, but it felt like there was a hole in your chest where your heart should be. You sat at your desk, crying, for most of the morning. Your roommate had been unable to console you, so they went to get Principal Weems, knowing the strong bond the two of you held.

The desperation that grew within you made you feel worthless and weak. In the moments you weren't crying, you idly pushed a pencil across your desk to distract yourself. A soft knock and a creak of your dorm room door interrupts your thoughts.

When you turn, Principal Weems is standing there, her head cocked and a smile on her face, "Hello, my dear."

You can only offer her a phony smile before feeling the tears well up in your eyes once more. You were starting to feel guilty that she had taken the time to come see you.

Larissa picked up your roommates desk chair and set it down next to you, gingerly taking a seat, "Tell me what's wrong."

"I don't know what's wrong with me." You sob, burrowing your face in your arms folded on your desk.

"Nothing is wrong with you." Her response was quick and her tone was light and you could hear the gentle smile on her face.

You almost see her response as something to be argued with, "I just don't get it! Why do you like me? I'm just so- so- so-"

"Honey, you are wonderful. Of course I like you. You are funny and so wonderfully you all the time." Principal Weems laughed, placing a hand at your back an rubbing gently. You sat there in silence, not wanting to believe her words. Averting your gaze, you looked back down to your pencil and Larissa took that as a point to keep talking, "You don't believe me, do you?"

You shook your head no, staring at the pencil that rolled back and forth between your fingers.

"Should I write you a big, long letter of how wonderful you are for you to read at times like this?" Principal Weems lighthearted mood didn't falter. She was looking to bring you up out of your funk, not fall into it with you, "You truly are remarkable. I wish you would see yourself like I see you: a young person who is meant for incredible, incredible things."

You still weren't completely in the mood to have discussion. You were seeking comfort instead.

Principal Weems always seemed to know what to do. She stood from her chair, gently pulling at your arm, "Come on... Stand up and give me a hug."

You did as you were told, burying your face into her and allowing her arms to envelop you. She hugged you tight and long, pressing two kisses to the top of your head. You felt the tears subsiding when she took your shoulders and looked at you from an arms length. You brought a hand to your face to brush away the tears as she spoke, "Now, let's for a walk, my friend."

Chapter Text

You were waiting at the Weathervane for your friends when Principal Weems graced the premises. Her head was held high as she pushed past the front door towards the small line of people waiting to order. You went back to typing on your computer, trying to complete an essay for anatomy class.

When she ordered, she sat across from you while she waited for her name to be called, "Now how are you today. Mx L/n?"

You had never had much of an opportunity to interact with Principal Weems while you were attending Nevermore, but from the few interactions you had, she always seemed nice enough.

"I'm good, P-p- I'm good. How are you?" You stopped yourself and restarted the thought, deciding to avoid saying her name all together.

"Very well. I'm just stopping in to get a coffee before my afternoon meetings." She gave you a theatrical eye roll, but it her tone suggested that she truly wasn't dreading any of her meetings. From what you understood, she seemed to like her job, apart from the occasional misbehaving student, "What are you doing here? Waiting for friends?"

"Yes, they were-were supposed to meet me here around 11, b-but they are running late." You explain, glancing down at your computer to check the time. It was only 11:15 and they had texted you that they would be there soon.

"I can keep you company until then if you would like?" Principal Weems offered. Just then her name was called and she gave you an apologetic glance as she lifted herself from the booth to retrieve her drink. She came back to sit with you, her hands on either side of the cup to soak in the warmth, "What are we working on?"

"W-well I started a p...paper on gorgon anatomy and I'm really enjoying it. It is very c-" You stop yourself and plan out the next few words wisely, "It is very interesting to learn about their abilities to stone p-people."

"Keep talking." Principal Weems was always one to make sure she encouraged students to find subjects they loved. In the end, she ended up helping you tons with your project that was due. It turns out that Principal Weems seemed to be well versed in many outcast subjects. You grew more and more comfortable talking with her, your stutter became slightly more subdued, but not absent.

When your friends arrived, Principal Weems was quick to stand, greeting the other students as she did so. She took her coffee from the table and big you a individual goodbye, "Great talking with you, dear. Have a wonderful day."

"You too!" You call after her before turning back to your friends to hear their story of why they were so late to coffee.