Chapter 19 : House Alliances and Unexpected Encounters

Upon leaving the library, I encountered Lily making her way towards the classroom. I remember that She also wanted to get into leonheart so badly, I'm glad she made it. She seems like a nice girl. Let's find out if the looks are deceiving. 

" Hi lily. How are you? "

" Oh hello there. You .... Wait ... I remember... James, right" 

It's always nice when a cutie remembers your name. " Yeah . Congratulations on getting into leonheart like you wanted. "

" Thank you. It couldn't have gone any other way . Just impossible. But I was so happy in that moment. You got in , too . right ?"

I replied" that's right. "

She smiled at me " That's great I'm so glad for you. "

" Oh really, you are? Why is that ? "

She answered" I knew away there was something special about you . And you seem really nice at first glance. 

Plus we're both from leonheart. We have to stick together. And the house needs mages like us . Me and you. "

She's new here . And she's already talking like a perfect. Elijah should be worried about his position. 

" Oh don't make me blush . I'm glad to be on the team with you too, lily . Though I really don't know how freshmen can help the house. Maybe we can ask Elijah about that? "

She cast a disappointed look in my direction." are you kidding me ? It's all in our hands. "

" really. You're so enthusiastic , I love it . "

" He he thanks . Anyway, listen , every point counts. It's every student job to fight for their house . "

" So that's how it is . Still. Isn't it more important that we study now ? I just don't get it, if the house wins the competition, so what ? "

She began speaking passionately. " So what ? So what ? It's prestige and influence. The whole magical world watches the results of house battles. It's a great line on a resume. At the very least. "

That's cool " Whoa okay , if you say so " so you're just an adorable little careerist? " I should admit that it sounds very useful. I'm in "

She smiled and uttered " really? Yay " 

why is she so surprised? How many people has already tried to impose her housebattles on? 

" Yeah I'm going to try at least. "

" Oh great. The two of us Together are much more able to stand up to Naomi and her stupid adderin. "

Oh , so that's the real reason . You have a fundamental disagreement with your girlfriend. I bet you'd do anything you could rube her nose in . 

" It's decided. "

" What's d decided? "

She replied " we are definitely not going to lose the house competition to Naomi. "

" Ah hahahahahhahahah. "

She appeared irritated due to my laughter. " what's is it ? " 

I answered " No, no , I'm sorry. You're so cute when you're motivated. It's a adorable. "

" Stop it , I'm blushing. He he he. "

" And that just makes you prettier. "

" Ah you're insufferable. Let's just focus on our goal. "

" Sure. No problem. Our main goal is house points . "

" That's right "

" Then we should start with studying. Let's go to class , look around and make plan. "

" James... You're so meticulous about this. I didn't expect. "

" Is it bad "

" Are you kidding? If it wasn't crowded, I'd kiss you "

Wow that's great ." ah ha ha , I'll keep that in mind. ".

" So we go to class now , and then ..."

 We meet and discuss the plan " 

" Great it's a deal. "

" Then see you later ." 

Upon entering the class, I observed Haley sitting alone, and not spotting Victoria yet, I opted to greet her.

" Haley , hi "

Haley seemed happy to see me. " James it's good to see you"

" How's it going? Getting ready for class "

She replied " Yeah . Have you opened your magic book yet? I'm so excited."

" I haven't had the chance yet . What's the big deal? "

She responded" What do you mean? Everything! It's got everything. All the answers, the history of magic . Practical advice. 

It's objectively the best textbook I've ever seen. And I know textbooks, believe me . "

" I believe . No doubt. He he . " Although I've never met such a fiery Cramer before ..

" I also spoke to Ms. Lapis. She agreed to discuss about the nature of magic . After class ."

" An after-class? Wow! "

" I'm dying to make a start. This place is just a treasure trove of knowledge. I've never Been so happy in my life. "

" I'm happy for you . But are you only one interested in knowledge? "

Haley appeared confused by my question." What do you mean? We're in the academy. "

" So what? We still have a few more years studying and leaving within these walls. "

" What's your point ? "

I answered" I'm saying it's worth exploring more than Just the library and the classrooms. Have you been to the local cafe yet. "

Embarrassed, she sought to find a response." Ummm.... I don't remember"

" There. Let's start there . "

" I don't know . I have so much to learn. I'll check my diary and I'll....

I stopped her " I didn't say today . "

" Then when ? "

" I won't tell you. "

" And why not? "

" You sorely lack spontaneity in your life. So I'm on charge now. "

" But....."

" Objections will only be accepted via email. I'll pick you up. "

" Wait, wait , wait , wait , wait , wait. Let's just make it tonight. Okay ? "

" Okay no problem , date are usually at night, right ? "

She blushed " dates ? "

" All right it's a deal. "

I parted ways with Haley and settled into my seat, anticipating. Until a voice from behind called out to me. " hi , James " 

I turned around to discover Naomi. " hi Naomi , how are you . "

" Fine "

" You got into the same house as lily right ? "

I replied " Yeah , leonheart. "

" Sorry you had to end up there. But don't upset yourself. It's not your fault. 

Well , what can you do , adderin only picks the best." 

Hahaha, waht a naive girl. If you only knew how hard Katrina tried to make me choose her. 

" I'm very happy with the way things turned out , actually. Especially since I could have easily been in adderin "

She started mocking. " Pffff . Keep telling yourself that and someday you'll believe it. "

She's so stubborn and tactless. " Let's change the subject. "

" Is it hard to face the truth. "

" I don't understand what kind of truth you're talking about. And yet, I believe you didn't engage in conversation with me just to argue, right? " 

She started laughing" Haha , for real . What Did you think ? "

 " Well I thinked you want us to know each other. And you look like a nice girl . "

" hahaha, nice girl " 

Let's see how prickly the cactus is. So to speak.

" Maybe we're kindred spirits. What do you think ? "

" You and me ? Ha ha ha. That's funny. "

" You'll never know until you try , Naomi. And what's funny about that. "

" Have you heard the saying about the eagle and the hen ? "

" why fly like a hen when you can soar like an eagle ? And even a hen can soar like an eagle is she sets her mind to it .

If I were a wizard with a little more experience. I'd prove it to you "

" What , you'd turn into a chicken? "

" What, no...."

" That's a shame , I'd watch that . "

" Why are you trying so hard to act cold to me ? Have you ever tried to make friends before. Does your method even work ? "

" Why would I want to make friends? Especially with you. And why are you picking on me anyway? "

" Why are you behaving oddly about this? I simply wanted to get to know each other better."

There must be something human under all your barbs. 

" All right, I get it "

" You get it? "

" Do you want to get to know me better? Okay . But not right now . I'm getting ready for class. 

" Sure, I understand. Let's meet after your class , okay ? "

" Whatever you say "

" Great , I'll find you . "

" Now I'm leaving . "

After Naomi left , Victoria walked into the classroom.