Chapter Text
Vil stood outside NRC's meeting room alongside most of the other housewardens and vice-housewardens as they waited for Headmage Crowley to begin the meeting.
The last time the headmage had summoned them all like this was during the final meeting of the previous school year, when they had been informed that every student at Night Raven College would be repeating the year due to the "extraordinary circumstances" that had led to a decline in academic productivity.
It had been utterly preposterous, in Vil's opinion.
Regardless of individual academic performance, everyone had been held back. He still remembered the murderous expressions that had swept across the room the moment Crowley had announced it.
Since none of the third-years had graduated and a new group of freshmen had arrived, Night Raven College was now severely overcrowded. To remedy the situation, Crowley had assigned the incoming students to Ramshackle Dorm after Yuu discovered a stable pathway back to her home world.
Even now, thinking about Yuu's departure left Vil with conflicting emotions.
He would never forget the devastated look on Grim's face as she disappeared through the mirror. At the very least, Crowley had allowed Grim to remain at Night Raven College as an official student.
Still, that was hardly something Vil wished to dwell on now.
The point is that the mere prospect of another meeting like this was enough to put him on edge.
Just as he turned toward Rook, the hunter smiled brightly.
"Ah, Roi du Poison, it seems the headmage has finally graced us with his presence!"
Rook's voice carried its usual theatrical delight, as though Crowley's questionable punctuality were itself a fascinating rarity worthy of admiration.
Vil merely straightened his posture, every movement precise and composed.
"I had noticed," he replied coolly. "Time appears to be a rather flexible concept in Headmage Crowley's personal philosophy."
Ruggie let out an amused snort from somewhere nearby.
Leona, meanwhile, didn't even bother opening his eyes, continuing his convincing imitation of someone taking an afternoon nap across one of the couches.
A moment later, the meeting room doors creaked open.
Crowley swept inside as though expecting applause rather than restrained hostility.
"Ah! My esteemed students! Thank you all for your patience!"
A heavy silence answered him.
Crowley clasped his hands together, entirely undeterred.
"Now, now! No need for such gloomy expressions! I bring excellent news!"
That alone caused Riddle's expression to tighten.
"Your definition of 'excellent news' rarely aligns with ours, Headmage," he replied crisply.
Crowley placed a hand dramatically over his chest.
"How cruel! I assure you, this is a matter that will greatly enhance the reputation of our esteemed college. All of you ought to be thrilled to receive such an extraordinary opportunity, particularly after last year's... unfortunate incidents in which many of you were involved."
Vil immediately recognized that smile.
It was the sort of smile that promised trouble.
"Naturally," Crowley continued, "your enthusiastic cooperation would reflect quite favorably upon each of you. Why, it might even make it easier for this exceedingly kind headmage to overlook certain... regrettable incidents from last year."
There it is, Vil thought, the thinly veiled threat.
"And what exactly is this 'excellent news,' Headmage?" Azul asked smoothly, steering the conversation back on course.
"Ah, thank you, Housewarden Ashengrotto!" Crowley beamed. "As you all know, Night Raven College has recently established a stable connection to our dear prefect's dimension. During one of my visits, I ingeniously discovered a magical society hidden from the ordinary population—"
"...I'm sorry?" Jamil interrupted, frowning. "A magical society?"
Crowley's smile widened.
"Wait," Kalim said, blinking in confusion. "I thought Yuu's world didn't have magic."
Azul adjusted his glasses.
"That is certainly what we were led to believe."
Appearing through his tablet, Idia stared blankly at the screen.
"...So you're telling me we've basically been isekai protagonists this whole time, except the other world also has wizards?"
Ortho tilted his head.
"Brother?"
"The worldbuilding just got a massive retcon."
"If the ordinary humans are truly unaware of the magic surrounding them," Malleus mused thoughtfully, "perhaps Yuu herself never knew it existed."
The room fell quiet for a moment.
Crowley, delighted to have everyone's full attention, spread his arms grandly.
"Ah, but that is where matters become truly fascinating! I contacted the most prestigious magical institution in that world, along with the ministry overseeing it, and through my exceptional diplomacy, I successfully arranged a year-long academic exchange program! And naturally, as the leaders of Night Raven College, you shall all attend! "
I was right to be uneasy.
Vil resisted the urge to rub his temples.
That wretched crow has found yet another way to make his problems ours.
For the first time since the meeting had begun, Leona opened one eye.
"...No."
Crowley blinked.
"Pardon?"
"Whatever you're planning," Leona drawled lazily, "don’t make this our problem."
"But, Prince Kingscholar, you haven't even heard the details!"
"Don't need the details to know it's a stupid idea. "
"But surely—"
"Sounds like work."
Several students silently nodded in agreement.
Apparently, Vil wasn't the only one who had already reached that conclusion.
“As much as it pains me to agree with Kingscholar, this 'exchange program’ appears to have been poorly planned.” Vil said coolly. “ Your habit of making promises on behalf of Night Raven College before determining whether any of us are willing or suitable to fulfill them is unbecoming of your position as headmage. "
"Indeed," Riddle agreed sharply. "Assigning students to a program of this magnitude without first obtaining their explicit consent violates several established procedures. Such negligence is wholly unacceptable."
"While I understand your concerns," Rook said with a cheerful smile, “I cannot help but feel exhilarated. Every unfamiliar land conceals beauty waiting to be discovered, and every encounter offers a new perspective through which to admire the world. To witness another magical society with my own eyes... ah, what a marvelous opportunity!"
Of course he'd say that, Vil thought.
“Well, it might be fun!” Kalim said enthusiastically. “I’m sure there are lots of nice people in that school!”
“Hm, an exchange program with another world.” Lilia mused. “How entertaining! It’s been quite some time since I’ve visited a place with completely unknown magical customs.”
Behind Kalim, Jamil let out a weary sigh.
"While I appreciate Vice Housewarden Hunt's optimism," Azul adjusted his glasses, "I would first like to know the exact terms of this agreement. Surely you did not commit Night Raven College to an international exchange without negotiating conditions...?"
“Ah…do not concern yourselves with such minor details! I, of course, arranged this exchange program in Night Raven College’s best interest!” Crowley said nervously.
“I haven’t had the chance to share the full specifics of this unique opportunity yet!”
“Seeing as we now possess a stable method of travel between worlds,” Crowley continued brightly, “the selected students will, of course, be permitted to return to Night Raven College on occasion. One must not neglect their academic duties or their dorm responsibilities! And, naturally, preparations have been made for emergencies.”
He coughed lightly, adjusting his hat.
“However… I must ask that these travels remain discreet. The situation is, shall we say, delicately balanced, and it would be preferable to avoid unnecessary attention from their governing authorities.”
I see. So not only is he forcing us to attend but the incompetent crow also deceived their authorities. Ugh, what a troublesome predicament. Vil noted exhaustedly
“Here is the list of students selected to go alongside you. Behind it is the list of material you will need in order to attend this school. The supplies will be acquired at a later date.” Crowley continued, undeterred by the protests, handing papers to every housewarden.
Vil read the letters given to him:
To: Headmaster Dire Crowley of Night Raven College
Dear Headmaster,
We are pleased to inform you that your students Ace Trappola; Deuce Spade; Cater Diamond; Trey Clover; Riddle Rosehearts; Jack Howl; Ruggie Bucchi; Leona Kingscholar; Floyd Leech; Jade Leech; Azul Ashengrotto; Jamil Viper; Kalim Al-Asim; Epel Felmier; Rook Hunt; Vil Schoeneit; Ortho Shroud; Idia Shroud; Sebek Zigvolt; Silver Vanrouge; Lilia Vanrouge and Malleus Draconia have all been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a year-long exchange program.
Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Of course he chose the troublesome group, Vil noted. Yet he couldn’t help but think there was someone that should have also been included…
Vil skimmed through the list of the material. It was a collection of textbooks, a cauldron and…a wand?
He clearly wasn’t the only one with this in mind, because soon Jade spoke.
“A wand? Is that their equivalent of a magic pen? If that is the case, there is the risk that our kind of magic might not be compatible with theirs.”
“Worry not, Mr. Leech, you should be capable of performing all the required spells.” Crowley said, dismissing their worries.
“I’m sorry, headmage, for interrupting but what do they mean by ‘We await your owl’. Please don’t tell me they use birds for carrying messages.
“Well, you see, their magic interferes with the technology from their world, so they still use what one would call… antiquated methods. To answer your question, Mr. Clover, yes they are requesting a letter sent by an owl as our response to their letter.”
“They don’t have technology?”, Idia screeched.
“I am certain that will not pose an issue, Housewarden Shroud!” Crowley replied undeterred.
“Saying that is like hearing a noob say that not having any pulls in a gacha game is not a raid level problem.” Idia muttered in his room.
After these last desperate complaints, silence filled the room. No one had anything to say. They were all contemplating the fate that had been thrust upon them.
Suddenly Malleus broke the silence.
"...Will Yuu be joining us?”
Everyone turned to Crowley expectantly.
“I…was planning to ask her right after this meeting. Yes, I, of course, realised the importance of our dear prefect’s presence and was making the due preparations for another travel!” Crowley exclaimed.
No, he did not. Who does he think he is fooling? Vil sighed. Useless crow.
Crowley ignored the unimpressed stares with practiced ease.
"I shall speak to Prefect Yuu immediately. And if there are no more questions, this meeting will be concluded."
Ugh. There is truly no way to sway him. This ridiculous program is happening and we will have to deal with the consequences, just like last year. However, if there is a silver lining is that Yuu will be given a chance to join us. Vil mused. I hope she accepts, I’m certain everyone would be thrilled to see her again.
_______________________________________________________
Yuu's empty apartment felt smaller every time she returned. Ever since she returned to her world, she felt as if she no longer fit in anymore. Granted she never held much love for her life in Japan. She was always alone, her parents always ditching her to do whatever they felt like in the moment. And, as usual, school was unbearable. They still eyed her strangely after her return. They whispered in the halls when they thought she couldn’t hear them and the other students kept avoiding her as if she was a dangerous magical beast. You would think that the students of the most conceited Japanese magical school would be a bit more discreet, but that would be just wishful thinking.
I’m tired of this. She realised. A bit ironic that now that I successfully found a way home…It’s just not home anymore… I miss them…
Well, no use crying about it now.
Still… The silence felt wrong. No Grim shouting about tuna, no Ace and Deuce arguing over something ridiculous, no sound of students filling hallways, no distant explosions from Sam's shop… There was just silence.
She dropped her bag beside the sofa and looked around the tiny apartment. It was exactly as she'd left it…
Suddenly her phone rang. It was an unknown number.
Weird. She noted. No one ever called her. Maybe it’s an accidental call.
She took the call.
"My dear Prefect! It is I, Dire Crowley."
She laughed despite herself.
"Hello, Headmage."
"I bring marvelous news!"
"...Should I be worried?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that when I say I have good news?"
Crowley sighed dramatically but continued anyway.
"Night Raven College has accepted an invitation to participate in a year-long exchange program at a magical school ... in your world, most specifically, Britain."
Yuu froze.
"...What?"
"The housewardens and numerous students shall spend the academic year there."
Her pulse quickened. For a moment she forgot to breathe.
"They're... coming here?"
"Indeed. Aren’t I gracious with this offer?"
Crowley smiled.
"...I wished to ask whether you would like to accompany them."
The question barely finished before she answered.
"Yes."
Crowley blinked.
"You needn't decide so quickly."
"Yes."
"...Perhaps you should think—"
"YES."
“Ah, very well. You will be contacted with the details soon. Any questions, my dear Prefect?”
The words echoed through the apartment. Silence followed. Then, for the first time in months...
Yuu smiled. A real smile. The kind that reached her eyes.
I’m going back. Yuu thought emotionally. I’m going back… home.
Because somewhere beyond a mirror stood a school full of impossible people who had somehow become her family. And for the first time since returning to her own world...
Tomorrow looked like it would be a good day.
“What school are you thinking of?”
“Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Farewell, Yuzuha Tsujimura.”