#loris hart

After taking her fair share of the scenery, Lillias spun around and moved towards the mirror, she looked at the image of her figure reflecting through the clear surface. Slowly, the girl began to adjust the ribbon on her uniform. Though many questions were roaming through her mind, she wasn't filled with the slightest doubt that this was the place she was meant to be in. It just felt right.

It felt… familiar even.

There were many things she wanted to do: learn magic, go to the library, and most importantly, meet her brothers. It had been a while since they last met. But firstly, she had to eat breakfast. Anything else would come after.

She couldn't possibly go on with her first day without a delicious meal to fill her stomach now can she?

The young girl elegantly spun on her heels and made her way towards Elysse; the awkward mess of a sleeping roommate. She was still deep in her dreams, hands around her familiar as she breathed softly into its fur. "Elysse, wake up," Lillias started to gently shake her roommate's shoulder hoping to wake her up. The blond simply replied with a light grumble as she tightened her grip on the blue familiar and turned around. With a small sigh, the young female tried once more, "We'll be late for breakfast."

"Breakfast...?" Elysse mumbled absentmindedly, "That's right, breakfast!" With that, she quickly pulled the cover off, rushing out of bed and stumbling onto the ground. Still tired, she got up and promptly opened her wardrobe. "I should hurry up and get ready!" she rummaged through her clothes before finally finding her Academy uniform. "You go first, I'll be there in a minute!"

Oh what do you know, she didn't stutter this time.

Lillias giggled to herself feeling slightly proud, "Don't be late okay?" With that last statement, Lillias looked in front of her and stepped out of the room. She walked through the spacious hallway, passing by a few students.

As she made her way downstairs, the first thing on her mind was not breakfast, instead, she walked around looking from left to right in search of her sisters and quietly observing her surroundings in more detail. Naturally, the place was crowded with many female students, most were divided into groups. They chatted and giggled amongst themselves. Lillias quietly looked around, not noticing she attracted the attention of a few who started whispering among themselves.

"Who's that?"

"I've never seen her around before."

"A new student maybe?"

"Her hair looks so smooth!"

"Her looks are okay… but that's probably all she's got going for her."

"Agreed, she seems like the spoiled type too."

Paying no mind to the newfound attention, Lillias proudly strolled through the hallways, head held high as she gracefully proceeded forward. "Where could those two be? I really hope they didn't oversleep on the first day…" She continued glancing at her surroundings. "Liz should be fine… but Loris…" Lillias started mumbling to herself. She knew her sisters well and Loris was definitely not an early riser.

That worried her a bit.

No… it worried her a lot.

"You are quite the sleepyhead huh Liz?" An unfamiliar voice said followed by a laugh.

Hearing her sister's name being called, Lillias glanced behind her, there she saw Liz descending the stairs along with a girl with long orange hair and amber-colored eyes. "I had a very long day after all," Liz let out an awkward laugh as she averted her eyes, she felt embarrassed by her roommate's remark. Had she really slept that much…? It didn't feel like she did.

"First days are usually like that," Amelia smiled.

"There you are!"

Without hesitation, Lillias ran towards her sister.

"Oh, Lillias." Liz glanced over at her sister.

"I am glad to see you safely found the dorms, by any chance have you seen Loris? I can't seem to find her." Lillias took a brief glance at her surroundings, "She doesn't seem to be here yet."

Liz let out a loud grumble, "Yeah...I found the dorms after some time...as for Loris I haven't seen her yet either…" she glanced around left and right trying to catch sight of a certain brunette. "Maybe she overslept."

"Sounds like something she'd do alright," Lillias let out a soft giggle, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Um…." Throughout this whole scene, Amelia just stood there confused, not sure of what to say.

Finally remembering Amelia, Lillias turned towards the orange-haired girl, "Oh my, where are my manners," she quickly straightened her posture and smiled acknowledging her presence, "My apologies, I was too engrossed talking with my sister, I hope you forgive my rudeness."

"Oh, no. I completely understand!" Amelia giggled a bit, "The name's Amelia Nile by the way, I'm Liz's roommate."

"Oh! I am Lillias Hart, my sister tends to be a bit of a handful with how naive she is but she is a good person, please do take care of her," Lillias smiled as she shook hands with Amelia.

"Of course! Don't worry I'll make sure she doesn't get herself into any more trouble!" With a smile, Amelia declared puffing her chest up.

".....why did you make me sound like the younger sibling here?" Liz couldn't help but pout slightly.

"Oh did I? But that's just how you are," Lillias placed a hand on her mouth trying to stiffen her laughter.

Joining in, Amelia started laughing as well, "Sorry Liz but compared to your sister you definitely look and act like a child."

"Jeez! Stop it you two!"

The two only laughed more as Liz's cheeks lit up in a red hoe. "Come on… I am not THAT childish…."

"Agh…so exhausting you two are as noisy as ever in the morning," Loris let out a small yawn as she walked downstairs accidentally bumping into Amelia who was standing in the way, "My bad," she mumbled, not even glancing at Amelia.

"Loris! Where are your manners? Apologize to her properly," Lillias quickly reprimanded her sister, not pleased with her actions. Of course, Loris let out a grumble, "I already apologized, didn't I?" Lillias and Liz simply sighed at the antics of their sister while Amelia just sweated profoundly, a feeling of discomfort seeping into her. Compared to Liz and Lillias, Loris was less approachable and her glare felt intimidating.

"Well, let us go eat breakfast," Trying to brighten up the mood, Lillias clapped her hands, she then grabbed onto Loris and Liz, "You join in too of course Amelia."

"Oh, I'd love to!"

"Well, then what are we waiting for?" Lillias tightened her arms around her two siblings. "Let's get going," She started dragging her siblings away. "I want to hear all about what happened to you two after we got separated!"

"Oh wait for me!" Amelia ran after the three of them.

****

"Pff…" Her shoulder started shaking as she tried not to laugh, covering her mouth with her hand did little to muffle the sound and before she knew it, Lillias let it all out, laughing till her heart's content. 

"Stop laughing!" Letting out a loud grumble, Liz glared at her sister, "It was the worst day of my life!"

"Listen, Liz. You're lucky that the person you met didn't trick you into going the wrong direction, that's what's considered the worst day," Loris retorted back before taking another bite from her food, she still felt irritated just thinking about what happened. "I swear if I see that jerk again-" she stabbed her fork into the food.

"No use dwelling on what happened," Lillias cleared her throat, "I did also encounter a small predicament but it was nothing compared to you two."

"Oh, what happened?" Amelia glanced at her, curious to know, her ears perking up.

"In my case, I accidentally knocked over the shelves at the library."

"Wait what?" Loris just stared at Lillias dumbfounded, "How do you even knock over the shelves…?"

"I bumped into someone and then… it just happened."

"Seems like this is becoming a 'who had the worst day?' competition huh?" Amelia couldn't help but laugh after hearing what happened to the three sisters, she just couldn't help but find it amusing, "You three sure get yourself in some incredible situations."

Lillias simply looked at her and said a few simple words "It runs in the family."

"Quite the unique family curse I must say."

"Yeah although calling it a family curse MAY be a little excessive," Lillias chuckled softly.

"Speaking of which, does anyone know something about a moving teddy bear?" Loris gulped down her food before placing her food down and looking at the others.

"A moving what now?" Amelia just stood there, eyeing Loris suspiciously.

"A teddy bear, or at least…what looked like one…it walked past me yesterday and then ran off," Loris stated once more, she really couldn't shake the image of that thing off her mind, it was so weird and out of place.

"You sure you didn't just dream it?" Lillias asked with an amused smile. "I wasn't hallucinating damn it!" Loris grumbled, not liking her sister's tone of voice, she knew she wasn't imagining things.

"Are you sure?" Amelia said while shoving some fries in her mouth to mask her laughter.

Loris shook her head, getting irritated from all the questions and doubts, "Yes!"

"100% sure?" Lillias questioned once more, still not sure about what her sister was referring to.

"3000% percent sure."

"Eh, I still think you were half asleep Loris," Liz bluntly stated.

****

The four girls walked out of the dormitory only to be greeted by the clear blue sky and the calm wind, Loris closed her eyes, letting her mind be one with nature. Peace and quiet, the two things the young woman liked the most. However, she abruptly opened her eyes and stopped hearing the murmurs and squeals of a couple of girls. When she looked in front of her, she noticed a person waiting near the entrance, there stood a certain man with blond hair.

With that blond hair and a tall dignified figure, it was almost impossible for Liz not to recognize who it was from a simple glance, "Ugh…." As soon as the realization hit her, her entire body froze solid like Ice. It was none other than Prefect Klaus standing there in all his perfect glory.

You've got to be kidding me

"Isn't that…. Prefect Klaus?" Amelia could only look in shock and surprise.

"Oh? So that's Prefect Klaus you two were talking about?" Lillias glanced back at Amelia and Liz only to see her sister hide behind Amelia and Loris giving her all the confirmation she needed.

"Whatever...let's just get going…" Loris let out a yawn.

"Hmm…" looking at him, Lillias couldn't help but notice the familiar features, "Well since he's here," she started walking straight towards him.

"Lilli-" liz's eyes widened as she found herself unable to finish her sister's name, "what are you doing?!"

Confused, Lillias simply turned around and looked at her sister, "Thanking him of course."

"Wait what?! No!"

At that moment, all Liz felt was betrayal. Her own flesh and blood had stabbed her in the back.

Ignoring her sister's dramatic moment, Lillias walked ahead toward Klaus without any fear and stopped right in front of him, "Prefect Klaus?" She called out, smiling at him. It was not only Amelia and Liz who stood dumbfounded, the moment Lillias spoke to Klaus so casually most of the girls stood there in shock and bewilderment, whispering and mumbling amongst themselves.

"Ah perfect, one of the three I was looking for," Klaus replied, earning more whispers amongst the crowd. "You must be Lillias Hart," Klaus glanced towards Lillias trying to identify her from her brother's description.

"That's right," Lillias casually replied, smiling back at him, "A pleasure to meet you. I heard from Liz that you helped her when she was lost, so I came to personally thank you."

"This is only what's expected of me, nothing more. I do not need your gratitude."

The cold voice emitted out of him sent shivers down Liz's spine, recalling yesterday was giving her nightmares.

"Just because it's what is expected of you doesn't mean you shouldn't occasionally receive the gratitude of others for properly doing those acts," Lillias simply replied, unfazed by his cold facade. "And just as this was expected of you, isn't it expected for me to thank the person who helped out my sister?"

"You are as peculiar as your brothers have made you out to be," Klaus glanced at her, noticing no hint of fear or distress, unlike the rest she did not seem the slightest bit scared of him.

"Peculiar, me?" Lillias just looked at him confused, wondering just what her siblings have said to him.

"Oh, she really went and talked to him…."

"She was always the charismatic one amongst us," Loris simply replied, covering her mouth as she yawned.

Liz was in absolute shock and bewilderment hiding behind Amelia and Loris. How could her sister do this to her and talk to the person she least wanted to see? However, as she thought about it more, she realized this was her chance to slip away unnoticed and so, she carefully started crawling out of the way, silently slipping past him.

Thank you, Lillias! I am sorry for ever doubting you!

"Hold up, bunnyhead."

The moment he called out, her hopes came crashing down. "Gyah!" Liz let out a shriek of surprise when Klaus suddenly spoke to her, her body jumping up slightly.

"Bunnyhead?" Filled with a mix of amusement and confusion, Lillias glanced back at Liz whose only response was mumbling incoherent words, Lillias couldn't help but let out a muffled laugh, even Loris joined in as she stepped forward.

"I've been waiting for you," Klaus slowly made his way towards Liz.

"Huh? Me? I, uh…"

"Yes," Klaus responded, "I am talking to you Bunnyhead. Who else?" He looked down at her.

"That's not my name, it's Liz."

"I know that," Klaus replied, his voice sounding as calm as ever.

"Th-then at least call me by my given name." Liz looked at him, feeling irritated.

"I'm calling you by a nickname, so our psychological distances can get closer," Klaus replied back looking at her with a sinister smirk.

Lillias glanced back and forth between them, enjoying the drama unfolding in front of her very eyes.

He's such a liar! Look at his smile. I won't believe anything you say looking like that.

Liz gripped her hand, trying to compose herself. The last thing she wanted was to get on Klaus's bad side, especially after witnessing how he was like yesterday, "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I came to get the three of you," he bluntly stated, glancing at the three sisters in front of him, his sharp eyes assessing them, his expression cold and unchanging.

"What? Why us?" Liz almost shouted in the question.

"Logically, it would be because we are new students, plus if yesterday is any indication, we definitely need directions and if possible an orientation," Lillias glanced back at her sister, noticing her expression as it changed into a frown.

"It would seem one of you has got some semblance of a brain," Klaus smirked, enjoying Liz's reactions. "Hurry up, we're out of time."

"Where are you taking us?" Liz followed after him, giving one question after the other.

With a sigh, he glanced toward Liz, "Just be quiet and follow me. No. more. questions."

"Y…yes."

"Agh, how annoying…." Loris kept following after Klaus and Liz, mumbling from time to time. She really hated waking up early and now she had to do it every day.

"You have to get used to it, you'll be waking up this early every morning," Lillias glanced towards her sister.

"Agh, hell no," Loris grumbled loudly, "I'd rather have like…. a Night class or something, then maybe I'd think about it."

"There's no such thing, Loris," Liz looked at her sister before chuckling.

Klaus stopped and glared towards them, "I said. Keep. Quiet." They all remained silent and continued following after him.

"Um…. How far are we going?" Liz asked glancing at Klaus who didn't reply back, instead, he stared straight ahead of him. "H- hey!"

"Didn't I tell you to be quiet and follow me?" His tone showed annoyance as he finally stopped and faced them. "Or don't you understand what it means to be quiet?"

"Y- yes….sir." Liz averted her gaze and looked down.

"I can't believe I have to drag you three around first thing in the morning…. I Have the worst luck ever." Klaus mumbled, shaking his head as he started walking again.

"It IS sort of your job as a prefect though, is it not?" Lillias simply smiled as she pointed it out.

"...." Klaus didn't respond and continued leading them all through the grounds.

"Um… let me guess, you're not a morning person?" Liz curiously glanced at him. It felt like it to her, he still acted the same but something felt off, he looked more tired.

"....Shut up," Klaus glanced back at Liz, giving her a cold penetrating glare. Not only did he have to wake up earlier than usual but he also had a lot of work to do, the last thing he wanted was to act as an escort to the new students.

"Seems like that's a yes," Lillias giggled.

Can't really blame him…. I am not a morning person myself.

Loris thought to herself, keeping quiet as she simply continued following Klaus and her sisters. Occasionally, she'd glance around the building, taking in her surroundings. "We're here," Klaus suddenly announced, stopping in front of a large door. He removed his cloak, holding it with his left hand before knocking thrice on the door.

"Come in."

The four of them heard a man's voice ordering them from inside the room. Prefect Klaus twisted the door knob and heaved the door open, the massive rusty old door creaked as its hinges swung open. Following in Prefect Klaus' footsteps, the three sisters walked inside, their cloaks trailing behind them.

At the center of the room stood three teachers but one familiar presence stopped them in their tracks, "You're…" Liz Stiffened, her eyes wide from shock. Standing before their very eyes was the Academy's headmaster; The great mage Randolph. He stood there with a welcoming smile, greeting them with a simple nod, his brown eyes staring directly at them. "Headmaster Randolph!" Liz practically shouted.

"Indeed that is I. It is wonderful to see all of you, especially you Lillias Hart," Randolph took a brief glance towards Lillias.

"It's my honor to be given a chance to attend this academy," Lillias replied, closing her eyes as she gave a slight bow in respect to the headmaster.

"You four, come closer." A man with black hair stood next to Headmaster Randolph, a bitter expression etched onto his face as he addressed them, his arms folded in front of him. He wore long, black garments and had a dark aura radiating from him.

Liz glanced at her siblings briefly before reluctantly stepping forward with the others, she gripped her hands tightly and eyed Headmaster Randolph, "Tha-Thank you so much for inv… inviting me to this stool! I mean school, ACADEMY!" She stuttered out, trying hard to keep herself calm but she was failing miserably.

Ohhh… I screwed up big time….

She wanted to facepalm, she wanted to curse her luck. Of course, she'd mess up in front of the headmaster of all people. Could there be anything more embarrassing than that?

Randolph started to laugh, "What an interesting girl we have here."

"Indeed," The other man chuckled, "quite the unique girl that set foot into the academy, wouldn't you say?" his red eyes held a glimmer of amusement.

"I'm… so sorry," Liz mumbled, her face glowing red from embarrassment.

Lillias bit her lips, fighting the urge to laugh, it was just too amusing to resist, she heard her sister let out a small sigh beside her.

"Don't embarrass me in front of the Headmaster." Klaus glared at Liz sharply.

"Aww… I am…sorry…" the brunette shrieked back.

"We all make mistakes," the man with black hair and red eyes chuckled, glancing back at the young wizards. "You need not fret over it too much, this is just your first day after all."

"Now that you're here, I'd like to personally welcome you to Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy, I wish you a fruitful stay from the bottom of my heart." Randolph's warm smile never left his face.

"Thank you, the three of us are honored to be here." Liz straightened up, trying her best to hold onto her composure. One embarrassing moment in front of the headmaster was enough for a lifetime.

"I am the headmaster Randolph and those two right here…" Randolph glanced over at his two companions.

"I am a professor at the academy, Conrad Schuyler." The man in black introduced himself.

"Pleased to meet you." Liz bowed slightly.

"And I am Zen Reinhard, a new professor in the academy," the red-eyed man glanced over at the sisters. "Like you three, today is my first day."

"Oh… is that so?" Liz looked at the man surprised.

"Well then back to business," Randolph cleared his throat, "I brought you here today for one purpose, that is you must be told one more thing before you three begin your life here."

"Yes sir," Lillias straightened up as she focused on what the headmaster was about to say.

"You must understand the buddy system." He went on.

"What… is a buddy?" Liz asked, confusion clear in her voice. "Buddies are a pair of students randomly selected from all of the students in the academy, to put it simply, buddies are partners." The headmaster clarified with a slight chuckle.

"Partners? What for?" Loris glanced over at Randolph. "When two students with favorable conditions meet, their emblems react and thus are chosen," Schuyler said with a stern tone. "From then on, students share the same fate. If one student's grades deteriorate, the other will fall as well," Zen went on as he walked towards the sisters, "To that end, partners are encouraged to work together so they both may do well."

"However it is not that easy to find a buddy, some students graduate without ever finding one as such you shouldn't worry yourself about it too much," Randolph assured the sisters.

"Yes, I understand." Liz nodded.

"That is all you three need to know about buddies for now, do any of you have any questions?" Randolph took a brief glance at his new students. "Yes… it's not about the buddies though, is that okay?" Liz hesitated for a brief moment.

"What is it?" Randolph asked, patiently waiting for her question.

"I was just wondering how a novice Wizard like me was chosen for the Academy… I can sort of understand Lillias and Loris, they each have their own talents but me... " Liz trailed off awkwardly as she tried to express herself in words. "Hmm…" Randolph thought for a moment before smiling, "Listen here Liz, you mustn't judge a book by its cover."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Liz asked, more confused than before. "Some things are better explained if you discover the answer yourself." The headmaster chuckled slightly.

"I see.." Liz let out a soft sigh. "I take it that you heard about the scale of judgment from Klaus?" Randolph inquired. "Yes I was told about this and that our acceptance is provisional…." Liz trailed off, a troubled look on her face.

"Correct, your fate will be determined on the 13th day of your trial period." Randolph confirmed, "But do not worry, stay true to your heart and many paths will open to you."

"Stay true..?" Liz echoed, doubtfully looking up at the older man.

"To my heart?" Loris asked, "What does that even mean?"

"You three tell me something," The headmaster ignored the question as he stepped forward, a small smirk on his face, "What does magic mean to you?"

"Meaning... of magic?" Lillias mumbled as she exchanged glances with her two siblings, yet all three of them remained silent. 

Chapter Preview:

Loris: "The meaning of magic? Listening to your heart? What the hell is this headmaster talking about?"

Elias: "As he stated, those are answers you're better off finding on your own."

Loris: "Agh… that's such a pain…"

Elias: "Moving on… The Hart sisters are ready take their first official class but something unexpected happens. Next time, "Most Dreadful Buddy"... that doesn't sound reassuring…" 

Loris: "....... By the way, who the hell are you?" 

Elias: "NOW you ask?!"  

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