It's Just Life...

It took almost a week for the excitement over the new "royal" students to die down and for the Prince Brothers to be able to walk freely around the campus without being harangued by rabid fans. (Still, they almost always traveled in a pack with their new friends acting quite like body guards.) And, in that time, Aurora and Maleficent still had not made amends. Now that Aurora and her very popular friends had adopted the Princes, she found it very easy to never be in the room she shared with Maleficent, even going so far as to sleep over with some of the other girls if she was truly desperate to avoid her green-faced roommate. And, Aurora was so involved in her and Phillip's charming courtship, she hardly ever thought of the other girl.

Maleficent was more than satisfied to finally have the excessive alone time she'd always craved. Being secluded in her own room with only her books for company was the closest thing she'd ever felt to pure bliss. She was always excited to return here after classes. The most socialization she'd had since Aurora started taking off more and more was only with her instructors (her classmates ignored her existence at all costs) and her sister. She actually would see Grimhilde a few times during the week, passing each other in the halls, but they would never acknowledge each other in public. (Apparently, Grimhilde had had some luck making friends- even somehow wormed her way into Aurora's little clique- and obviously didn't want to ruin her new reputation.) From time to time, the sisters would bump into each other in Ursula's quarters, when Maleficent would come by for her private lessons, and have a little talk. But it was obvious that Grimhilde was displeased by Ursula's attention being diverted from her own lessons, and would quickly leave before Ursula even had to ask for privacy with Maleficent.

Now Maleficent was sprawled across her bed, pouring over her tomes, studying her spells in silence. She'd been like this for the last hour, between classes. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd seen Aurora, and didn't bother trying to. The blond hadn't even crossed her mind in a number of days, and she was perfectly content that way. However, she did remember that she had to leave right now if she wanted to get to her next class on time... Which, for her, was ten minutes early, so she could snag her usual seat in the back of the room and have some extra quiet time before the other students milled in.

She'd found a relatively private way to travel through the academy by now; She'd learned the ins and outs of the campus easily, and became familiar with the other students' usual hangouts and routes so she could avoid as many eyes as possible by sneaking around behind the buildings and through the trees. But, eventually, she'd come to a point where sneaking was no longer an option and she'd have to step out of the shadows.

Maleficent paused to savor her last peaceful moments before being forced to walk into the torrent of rude stares and whispers. She gazed up at the sky, longing more than anything to fly away from this place and go somewhere else, far away... Maybe even through a portal and to another realm... Much like her previous notions of disappearing into the forest to live freely with the wildlife, she now fantasized about being able to show all these people exactly what she was capable of just before taking off to a distant land where she could just...be.

Maleficent took a deep breath and stepped out into the courtyard, which was alive with mindless chatter and languid movement. As soon as the sunlight hit her, a strange hush fell over the place. Maleficent held her head high and strode in the direction of her next class. The few people who blocked her path practically leapt out of her way to avoid contact, some theatrically yelling in fright before cackling with their amused friends. Maleficent kept her expression blank and continued on, ignoring the blatant laughter and insults being hurdled her way.

"Oh, look who it is!" A deep voice boomed from nearby. Maleficent spotted a large, dark-haired figure in her peripheral vision and immediately recognized it as Gaston, though that voice was enough of a giveaway.

Gaston chuckled haughtily, nudging Charming with an elbow, and continued, "It's the cold-blooded beast who terrorized Aurora into hiding!"

Maleficent froze in her tracks while the laughter of Gaston and nearly everyone else in the courtyard rolled over her. She rolled her eyes and slowly turned to regard Gaston with a snake-like focus, her eyes narrowed and her unwavering stare leveled on the behemoth of a boy. Gaston crossed his burly arms over his broad chest, wearing a smug expression as though to invite her to argue with him. Charming and Florian Prince were both with him, laughing along. Hercules was also there, but was just sheepishly shaking his head. Jasmine and Snow White both looked on in absolute horror.

"Gaston, come on. Just don't." Hercules meekly reprimanded his friend. Despite matching Gaston's physicality, Hercules was dwarfed by him in temperament.

"Don't what? " Gaston petulantly demanded.

"Gaston, please just leave her alone." Snow whimpered, obviously fearful of the consequences that might come from harassing Maleficent on a bad day. Florian caught on to Snow's tone and sobered up quickly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned and peered up at him in slight surprise, blushing.

Idiots, Maleficent thought, rolling her eyes and turning to continue on her way to class. As she was passing, she heard Jasmine saying, "Seriously, Gaston, just back off..." Her voice dropped to a whisper that she seemed to think Maleficent couldn't hear. "Do you want her to hex us? Or do some kind of voodoo on Aurora while she sleeps?"

Maleficent abruptly started to cackle, causing the rest of the students to fall silent as her unsettling laughter rippled through the air, which had taken on an unmistakable chill. She turned sharply to face Jasmine, who was obviously stunned to be meeting those lizard-like eyes. Maleficent started to stroll toward her roommate's quivering friends, who stepped back from her in response. Gaston wore a stubbornly brave expression as he used one arm to pull Jasmine behind him, as if to protect her.

Adorable...

"It's always about Aurora, isn't it?" Maleficent asked airily, crossing her arms and smirking bitterly at her hecklers. "Yes, I see... She is the embodiment of everything that's good in the world, all light and happiness and immeasurable beauty. And I'm just..." Maleficent lifted her hands to flourish around her face. "Well...Vile and tragic-looking. The epitome of darkness... The Mistress of All Evil!" Maleficent clapped her hands once, and unleashed one grating "HA!" that echoed overhead, making everyone else jump. "I think I like that... That'll be my title when I become the Wizard's right hand."

Gaston chuckled now. "You really think that you're going to take the Blue Fairy's position? Please! If you're lucky, you'll get to be the Wizard's secretary." Gaston erupted with laughter at his own joke, and a few others tentatively followed suit, as it seemed by Maleficent's bristling that he may have regained control over the situation.

Then, Maleficent's narrowed eyes, pinched mouth and flared nostrils melted into a prideful expression. "If that's so, then why did I receive an admission letter from the Blue Fairy herself?"

Jasmine openly balked at this news. "You didn't."

"Just this morning, in fact... I did." Maleficent replied, examining her black, talon-like nails as if she were bored.

The crowd was obviously astonished by this claim. A few started to whisper amongst themselves in disbelief or shock. Maleficent heard a few voices snicker derisively and quietly insist that she must be lying.

"You were accepted into the Blue Fairy's class?" Gaston demanded haughtily. He scoffed. "I think my father was right about this school going downhill..." He once again led the crowd in laughter while Maleficent rolled her eyes.

"Well, obviously." A new voice sarcastically droned. Everyone in the courtyard turned to see two girls approaching from the south entrance. They were both tall, both compelling to look at, immediately garnering the attention of everyone around them. Maleficent imagined that the presence of either girl was enough to leave a crowd spellbound whenever they entered a room. One had deep, coffee-colored skin, vibrant green eyes, thick black hair with bold, dark eyebrows to match, and full red lips. Her hair was tied back by a colorful printed scarf, putting her bewitching face on display. One corner of her lip was constantly quirked upward in a playful smirk, and her emerald eyes glowed with curiosity and wonder. Optimism emanated from her being in waves. Maleficent narrowed her eyes at the aura that danced around this girl: mostly bright green, ribbons of lavender weaving in and out, and then, somewhat startlingly, the occasional pop of scarlet blooming forth. This girl's jewel-toned spirit would be visible even to an amateur witch, her energy was so powerful.

It was the other girl at her side who'd just spoken, though. While the first girl was lean yet curvy- a body fit for a dancer- this girl was strikingly thin and slinky, and was at least two inches taller than her more colorful friend. This girl had long, curly brown hair, pulled up in a high ponytail, with gravity-defying bangs shielding her forehead, one long curl falling between her dark purple eyes. She had elegant, almost nymph-like features; dramatic, angled eyebrows, a dainty, slightly pointed nose, thin, supple lips pursed in obvious distaste. Her purple eyes were narrowed at Gaston and his followers in what could easily be described as disgust. Her aura was of a much deeper hue than her friend's. She was surrounded by a cloud of rich plum and dark amethyst tones, intermittent with subtle swaths of indigo that would go unseen by an untrained eye, but Maleficent had been reading auras for a long time. This girl's energy read like the night sky. Unending, mystifying, deep and rich and encapsulating... And to most, obviously, overwhelming. Half the crowd was staring at her as if entranced, the other half practically recoiled.

The flock of students that had stood between these two girls and the show Gaston was putting on parted as if on cue at the sound of the brunette's voice, granting the two young witches immediate access to the spectacle. Florian and Charming were both obviously confused by the general reaction to these girls, and seeing the looks that passed over the faces of Gaston, Jasmine and Snow White didn't put them at ease either. Hercules seemed remarkably calm about the whole thing. In fact, he seemed almost charmed by the girls' presence. Maleficent had a suspicion as to what this could mean, but couldn't bring herself to care when the talking started again. In spite of herself, she was curious about these two girls.

"How else would you have been accepted to Shiz, Gaston?" The brunette continued in an apathetic drawl, stopping to cock up one hip and place a dainty hand upon it. She tilted her head toward the raven-haired girl at her side and asked, "What do you think, Esme?"

Her friend's stunning green eyes took on a hard edge as she looked Gaston and his troop up and down, taking a moment to appear deep in thought...or scrutiny. Then, she hummed in amusement and replied in an almost hypnotizing tone, "I think the school board had some new dumb-jock-asshole quota to fill when they accepted this one."

The brunette nodded along. "Not your most creative insult to date, but on the fly, it did in a pinch. I'll let it slide."

The girl- Esme- winked at her sardonic friend playfully.

"Stay out of this, Meg." Gaston growled at the purple-eyed girl. His expression had transformed from one of unpleasant surprise to one that Maleficent could only describe as disgusted rage.

Meg was unbothered. She crossed her arms. "You don't own the halls, you know. You're not entitled to do whatever you please to whoever's passing by at the time. And although generally I could care less about you, this is a particular brand of malicious intent that I just cannot abide."

"You honestly expect us to just walk on by when we see injustice taking place?" Esme tisked. "Honestly, you should know us better by now."

Gaston scoffed. "You're right. I should have known you'd come running to defend this..." he rolled his eyes toward Maleficent to give her a heavy glare, "...thing." He shook his head and waved a hand dismissively. "You freaks oughtta stick together. Just makes sense." He turned to his friends. "Come on, guys. We have better things to do, any way."

As Florian, Charming, Jasmine, Snow and Hercules gathered up their things to leave, Gaston sneered at Meg and Esme and spat, "Amazing how busy you get when people actually like you." With that, he and his friends practically scurried off. The only one who lingered was Hercules, who peered back at Meg as if he were silently trying to communicate something to her. She blatantly ignored his gaze and he quickly ducked his head, turned away and followed his friends out of the courtyard.

Maleficent popped one eyebrow up, mildly curious about what message was hidden in that stare.

"Oh, I am so tempted to hex him right now..." Meg muttered to Esme with a dangerous edge in her voice as she glared at Gaston's retreating form.

"Hey, there." Esme said to Maleficent in a soothing tone, taking a few steps toward her. "Maleficent, right?"

Maleficent silently nodded in response.

"You okay?" Meg asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

She hesitated to answer for a moment. She didn't know these girls, and yet... She felt akin to them, in a way. They didn't seem to be afraid of her at all. She almost felt indebted to them for coming to her aid, whether she'd asked for it or not. They were the only people in this place so far who weren't treating her like a disease or monster. And she was undoubtedly intrigued by these two who, for whatever reason, were ostracized like she was. She felt a kind of connection pulling her in...almost like a familial tie, or like some cosmic force was pushing these three together...like their paths were fated to cross. Like they were meant to protect one another. Distant memories from her childhood whispered in Maleficent's ear, reminding her of when she and Grimhilde were bonded like this when they were young, before the social order was made clear to them, and Maleficent was forcibly bumped a few rungs down the ladder while Grimhilde glided up and flourished...

Finally, Maleficent collected herself from her distracting thoughts and said, "Yes...thank you."

"It was no problem." Esmeralda assured her with a smile so genuine that Maleficent was overwhelmed.

"Always a pleasure to take Gaston and his buddies down a peg." Meg added with the closest thing to a grin that Maleficent had seen on her yet. But it became apparent that Meg's face wasn't accustomed to such expressions, and the muscles quickly relaxed back into a blank mask of cool indifference.

"I'm Esmeralda, by the way." Esme said now. "You can call me Esme, if you'd like. And this is Meg."

"Nice to finally meet you." Meg put in now, carefully regarding Maleficent in a way that didn't seem too scornful.

"And that means a lot coming from her. She never gets excited to meet new people." Esme said, smirking and teasingly poking Meg's arm. Meg playfully rolled her eyes while Esme turned back to Maleficent. "But we heard so much about you before now, and something told us we had to meet you for ourselves. Well, I mean, I just thought that...um..."

"Esme has premonitions. You've appeared in a few of them since school started." Meg cut in bluntly.

Maleficent raised her eyebrows at the sheepish Esme. "Is that true?"

"Well...yes."

"And what am I doing in these visions you have?" Maleficent asked, equal parts suspicious and curious.

Esme pursed her lips in thought for a moment, obviously caught off-guard by the question. Maleficent sensed that, to some extent, she didn't want to answer. But Esme soon pulled herself together and answered, taking the time to choose her words carefully, "It's difficult to explain... To put it plainly, I believe it would benefit you greatly to have friends."

Maleficent reared back at the sound of this, then laughed bitterly. "Well... I believe it's impossible for a person like me to have friends."

"I don't think that's true." Esme replied with a soft smile. "Your willingness to accept help from strangers indicates otherwise."

Maleficent opened her mouth to spit back a reply, but Esme cut her off.

"I know that not many people have been kind or even treated you fairly up to this moment. But, please, give us a chance to prove to you that not everyone here is the same. You don't have to feel alone any more."

Maleficent was unsettled by these words, not because she doubted the sincerity of them, but because they revealed that Esmeralda may have been more perceptive than Maleficent initially thought. She didn't like the idea of this girl she didn't know before today knowing so much about her.

"We sit with our friends in the West Wing during lunch. It would be a safe space for you, if you're interested." Meg said now, catching Maleficent by surprise. "You should eat with us today. Just to give it a shot. And if you don't like it, you never have to talk to us again if you don't want to. How's that sound?"

Maleficent started to walk away now. Why were they being so nice to her? No one else wanted her around... They had to be up to something. "I have to go to class."

"But you'll think about it?" Esme asked hopefully.

"Fine." Maleficent practically growled without turning around or even stopping. Before Esme or Meg could say anything else, she was gone.

Normally, Dr. Doppler's classes were a welcome distraction for Maleficent. But today, she sat in the back of the class like a ghost, not fully present enough of mind to be involved in the hour-long lecture. She knew she'd have to copy the notes out of Aurora's notebook later, but for now couldn't bring herself to focus at all. Her mind was still reeling from her brief interaction with those two oddly intuitive girls.

Maleficent kept trying to convince herself that she wouldn't get involved with them, that she was worrying over nothing. She would not be eating with them and their other friends at lunch. She didn't need them; she didn't need anyone. She could take care of herself. She totally had that situation with Gaston handled earlier... Public humiliation was nothing she couldn't handle. And everyone knew what she was capable of. The other students wouldn't dare mess with her beyond harsh words. They were too scared of her. And these girls must have known that. But they didn't seem afraid at all... Why was that?

What did they really want with her?

The easy answer was good standing with the Wizard. If these girls knew as much as Maleficent suspected, they had to know that she had a chance to be Jafar's Grand Vizier a few years down the road. Befriending her now was a sure way to secure their own place of power, in her good graces.

Just like Aurora... She thought, shaking her head. At least the people who are cruel to me make their intentions known straight away... At least they're honest.

Still, Maleficent felt an unnatural link to these strange girls. Something deep within them called out to something deep within her, rooted to her core. She couldn't get them out of her head. She couldn't ignore them, she couldn't forget about them, she couldn't even pretend the exchange didn't happen. It left her shaken. And the only reason she could come up with it was that talking to them hadn't been unpleasant, and that stuck with her. But no, there was something else, something that ran deeper.

Somehow, Maleficent believed... She knew that those two girls were meant to be in her life.

It was very strange.

After her class was lunch, a period of time that filled her with a sick thrill. She wasn't sure if the feeling in her gut was dread or excitement. As she moved robotically toward the West Wing with her lunch tray in tow, she became more and more uneasy, a feeling she wasn't used to. Maleficent never considered herself as one who feared the unknown. But thinking about seeing Esme and Meg again, as well as meeting their other friends for the first time, was almost terrifying. At the forefront of her conscience, Maleficent was sure that it was idea of belonging somewhere that had her so riled up... She'd never really had friends before.

Still, the darker part of Maleficent was sure that some plan of sabotage was afoot. That it was all a cruel joke and these people meant her only harm, like everyone else. But she had to know for sure.

Esme had asked her to give them a chance. And she would. But if they crossed her, she vowed to herself that she would turn them all to stone.

Maleficent slowed her pace as she wandered into the darkened section of the school's corridors, hearing rowdy voices echo from a little ways away. She took a deep breath, steeled herself for whatever awaited her, and followed the voices, taking many turns to find a group of students taking refuge in these older, shabbier halls. They weren't exactly hiding out, with the way they talked and laughed boisterously, and how the boys rough-housed, but the West Wing was so dark and unwelcoming that it made for a perfect shroud against the rest of the student body.

Esme was the first one to see Maleficent coming. Her emerald eyes lit up and she jumped to her feet to welcome her. Meg, who was lounging on a stone bench with one languid arm over her closed eyes to feign sleep, stirred and raised her head to see what had made Esme move so suddenly while everyone else went quiet. Meg smirked and sat up, watching the excited Esme lead Maleficent over for introductions. Maleficent stood there stiffly, taking in all her surroundings while Esme announced her to the rest of the group.

"Guys, this is the girl Meg and I were telling you about. This is Maleficent." Esme gestured to her.

Maleficent suddenly felt like an insect under a magnifying glass. The way they all stood and stared at her, as if they were inspecting and scrutinizing every inch of her, made her feel flushed, suffocated...almost violated. What exactly had Meg and Esme told these people about her? What were they expecting?

"Can't believe you actually came." One of the boys said after a moment, smirking. "I was sure Esme had scared you off with her 'premonition' talk." He cracked a devilish grin, putting Maleficent off her guard immediately. He was an older student, probably in his last year of study, with shaggy brown hair and an unkempt scruff on his chin. There was unmistakable mischief in his deep hazel eyes. He was tall and lean and wore the top buttons of his uniform shirt unbuttoned to reveal his collarbone. He exuded charisma and confidence, and had an intelligent-yet-uncaring nature about him that Maleficent immediately found appealing. And she couldn't help thinking that he was quite handsome. He stepped forward and stuck out a hand for her to shake. "Name's Flynn Rider. Nice to meet you."

Maleficent hesitated, staring at the hand as though it was a viper waiting to strike. Everyone watched in anticipation of what would happen next. Flynn patiently kept the hand extended, waiting but not pressing her. Finally, Maleficent reached out one lithe green hand and slipped it into his, gently grasping it. She was careful not to scratch him with her nails, but was temporarily distracted by how exhilarating it felt to have her palm pressed to his. His hand was so warm... Was it normal for it to be so warm? Maleficent hadn't shaken many hands before. Though her father was a diplomat, the politicians and higher-ups who came to his events avoided contact with her at all costs. And, after her mother passed away, Maleficent quickly became accustomed to having no one touch her beyond the occasional hug from her sister. And Grimhilde definitely never felt this warm.

Flynn seemed surprised by her touch as well. Maleficent shrewdly thought to herself that maybe he was expecting to feel scales, or for her to be covered in a layer of putrid slime. Instead his skin met with a cool, dry, but otherwise normal hand.

Maleficent quickly pulled her hand away, and Flynn didn't attempt to stop her. She gripped her lunch tray like a safety blanket while he stuffed his hands in his pockets. They never broke eye contact the whole time.

"It's nice to meet you, too." She said lowly, surprised by how breathless she sounded.

Flynn smiled easily at her, making her feel more at ease.

The rest of the group took this successful first introduction as their cue to follow suit. Maleficent patiently waded through the group of new faces, meeting each of them one by one. The first one to catch her attention was Kida. Maleficent was immediately drawn to her wild appearance; her dark skin, painted with silvery-blue tribal tattoos, her shock of ivory hair, choppily cut and styled unusually, and her striking icy-blue eyes, all attributed to a strong, otherworldly visage. Looking her over, Maleficent could glean where she came from. Her suspicions were confirmed when Kida said, "I come from the kingdom of Atlantis."

Maleficent nodded knowingly. "I thought I recognized those markings..."

Kida's eyebrows popped up in surprise. "You know of my culture?"

"I read a lot." Maleficent replied.

A brunette that she hadn't met yet perked up immediately upon hearing this.

Kida grinned, obviously impressed. "No one else around here seems to know anything about Atlanteans. You know the language?"

"I can pick up bits and pieces when reading it, but I couldn't imagine trying to speak it aloud." Maleficent admitted somewhat sheepishly.

"Well, now you have someone to practice with. If you would like to, of course. I have a few old tomes of Atlantean spells that may interest you." Kida responded with thinly veiled excitement.

Maleficent couldn't deny that she was indeed interested. "Well, that sounds...lovely. I would like that very much." For the first time in a very long time, Maleficent smiled. Though she feared that it might have translated as more of a grimace. Nevertheless, Kida seemed more than pleased.

Next came the brunette who seemed interested in Maleficent's reading hobby. She was fairly tall for a teenaged girl, and really quite beautiful. Slim and curvy, with pale skin and light hazel eyes. She was an all-natural beauty, with slightly flushed cheeks and wavy brown tresses pulled back in a low ponytail. Her round cheeks and slightly upturned button-like nose rendered a picture of child-like curiosity to an otherwise mature, heart-shaped face. She'd had to put down a textbook to come meet Maleficent and offer a handshake.

"I'm Belle." The girl said in a sweet, almost melodic tone. "It's nice to meet you."

Maleficent nodded toward the book that had been carefully bookmarked and placed on the bench where she'd been sitting. "You like to read?"

Belle nodded eagerly. "It's my favorite past-time."

"Hardly a minute goes by that Belle doesn't have her nose stuck in a book." Flynn commented.

"Any genre in particular?" Maleficent asked.

"Oh, I love them all. But I supposed fantasy calls to me the most." Belle said.

"I have quite the collection in my room. You can come look through them if you'd like. I've read them all a million times already." Maleficent said.

Belle's eyes widened in excitement. "Oh, that would be wonderful! Thank you very much."

"It's no problem." But really, Maleficent had surprised herself with the offer. She'd never trusted anyone else with her books before.

The next person was Quasimodo, the only other boy in this rag-tag group. It didn't take a genius to understand how he earned the name. The boy was a hunchback, eternally bent forward by the boulder-like lump of one shoulder, his burly arms so long that his knuckles dragged on the ground as he limped around on his short legs. An unruly mop of red hair hung over his face, as though he were trying to shield it. Maleficent peered past the stringy bangs and saw a set of blue-green eyes, one of which was practically engulfed by a swollen eyelid. He had a large, round nose, and was unable to close his mouth due to his oversized teeth. He ducked his head to avoid meeting her eyes, nervously twiddling his fingers.

"I-It's very nice to m-meet you." He said shyly.

Maleficent tilted her head back and curiously regarded him for a moment, putting everyone else on edge. She immediately recognized the dilemma; though Quasimodo was not nearly as monstrous as her, he was far from normal-looking. He was undoubtedly a target for ridicule before she came along and captured everyone's attention. Perhaps he was the reason this group gathered in these old halls, the reason why girls like Esmeralda and Meg were met with disdain. Maybe they all banded together to protect this malformed boy. Her reaction to him would be a pivotal moment for all of them; the deciding factor in whether or not she would fit in here.

Of course, Maleficent was no stranger to being met with unjust malice based on appearance. She didn't even blink when Quasimodo shuffled toward her, bowed forward automatically in shame and fear. It was difficult for anyone looking on to guess what she might be thinking, her expression was so blank. But she already knew that this boy would be her kin.

Without really thinking, Maleficent reached out and gently pushed his bangs away from his eyes, revealing his face. There was a sharp whistle in the air as everyone else around them suddenly inhaled. Quasimodo gawked up at her in terror, obviously shocked. Maleficent imagined that this boy may never have been touched in a non-threatening way before, but quickly cast the thought aside. It wasn't important now. However Quasimodo had been treated before would not reflect on how Maleficent acted toward him.

"You never need to hide from me." Maleficent said, matter-of-factly, already pulling her hand away from him, as quickly as it had brushed by his wide eyes. "Understand?"

Quasimodo stared up at her for a moment, seeming utterly confused. "Y-Yes... I understand." His expression melted into what Maleficent guessed was a grateful smile. "Thank you."

She nodded, offering a tiny smile of her own in return. She glanced arpund to see the others relaxing and looking at her with admiration or approval. Flynn was smirking at her, which left her thoroughly disoriented for a moment, but she was quickly able to collect herself after turning away from him.

A girl with a wild mane of fiery-red curls came bounding toward her now, her blue eyes bright and her thin lips spread in a grin. She practically threw out her pale hand for a handshake, catching Maleficent off-guard with her brazenness and overtly friendly demeanor.

"Name's Merida." She greeted Maleficent with a heavy accent. Maleficent didn't immediately recognize It, but judging by the family crest that was carved into the wooden bow the girl had proudly slung across her back, she would guess that Merida was of Gaelic descent. She carefully placed her hand in Merida's, and nearly had her arm pulled out of its socket by the girl's surprisingly strong shake. "Pleased to meet ya!"

Maleficent nodded as she took her hand back. "Likewise." She watched Merida turn to walk away and noticed a leather quiver of arrows that bore the same crest as her bow strapped to her back.

Another girl chuckled as she approached Maleficent. This girl was tall, and curvy but also lean and athletic-looking, with deep, copper-colored skin, doe-like brown eyes, and sleek black hair that fell like a thick curtain down around her hips.

"Merida's the best shooter on the school's archery team. Can't blame her for being cocky about it..." She bowed deeply. "I am Pocahontas."

Maleficent watched this girl as she stood back up to her full height. This one was a witch, like Meg and Esme and Kida, but her power was more potent. Unlike the other witches that Maleficent had come across, who drew their power from a specific source or only had one set of magical skills, Pocahontas was like a beacon. A conduit for mystical energy, flowing through her from all directions, drawn to her. The power that emanated from this girl was almost overwhelming, yet she herself was serene and placid. Her aura was a veritable rainbow of watercolor streaks, free-flowing and endless, undulating and interwoven, vibrant and harmonious. She was truly unlike any other witch Maleficent had come across, and she suddenly found herself feeling very self-conscious. If this girl could read auras, as she could, then what was she seeing in Maleficent's?

Pocahontas thoughtfully tilted her head, as if Maleficent were speaking her worries aloud and she was considering how to respond. Maleficent held her breath and tried to remain composed. She'd gathered that Esme was an empath, but this girl was something else entirely. Maleficent couldn't help feeling threatened. But, at the same time, she recognized that she and Pocahontas were actually quite similar, at least in magical ability. It was just obvious that their powers came from very different places, and that Pocahontas had learned to control hers fully, while Maleficent still had much learning to do.

Pocahontas smiled at her, and a wave of calm rolled over Maleficent as a result.

"We're very glad to have you here." Pocahontas said in a soothing tone.

Maleficent knew that she was being manipulated by this girl, but she could sense that Pocahontas meant her no harm, that the magic was coming from a place of selflessness. She just wanted Maleficent to feel welcome.

"I'm happy to be here. Truly." Maleficent said. A deep, dark part of her wanted to be angry, to hate this girl for altering her emotions. How dare she take control of Maleficent's feelings like that? But a more rational part of her was grateful for the push, the comfort. She felt the same pull toward Pocahontas that she'd felt for Meg and Esme before, the same automatic bond that she'd forged with Kida. For whatever reason, she and Pocahontas were meant to meet.

Pocahontas relinquished her grip on Maleficent and nodded at another girl, who excitedly squealed and skipped over to say hello. Maleficent arched one brow as she took this girl in. She was the last witch of the group, one with a more concentrated power. She was a spritely, petite girl, with large green eyes, and blonde hair that had been done up in a thick braid, the end of which nearly brushed the ground as she walked. Maleficent imagined that if her hair was loose, it would drag behind her. The girl's aura was an energetic wash of emerald and lavender and sunshine-gold, popping in and out of view like splashes of paint.

"I'm Rapunzel. So nice to meet you!" The tiny witch cheered. "I can't believe this is the first time we've met! School started, like, two weeks ago! Boy, how time flies, right? But you've been quite the mystery since then. Honestly, do you ever leave your room? Any way, I can just tell we're going to be the best of friends! What do you like to do, other than read? I prefer art myself. Do you paint? If not, I can teach you! Wouldn't that be fun? Ooh, or we can play music together! Or perhaps do some baking? Dancing? Or maybe something more low-key, like sewing, or chess? I'm quite partial to pottery, myself..."

And it went on and on and on and on and on.

Maleficent started looking around at the others for help, because it seemed that Rapunzel wouldn't ever stop unless someone else stepped in.

Flynn chuckled and said, "Jeez, Blondie, don't scare her off so soon."

Rapunzel's cheeks burned bright red. "Right, sorry..." She gave Maleficent a sheepish smile, and Maleficent almost felt bad for causing her any embarrassment. But all that enthusiasm was just too much. Maleficent could already tell that she'd only be able to handle Rapunzel in small doses. Especially since the exuberant little girl reminded her of Aurora to an almost irritating degree.

"It's just that... Well, I was home-schooled up until last year, when I came to Shiz, and... Well, I just get so excited to meet people and make friends." She giggled, clasping her hands behind her back. "Sorry if I annoy you..."

Maleficent sighed quietly. "It's alright... I'm just not used to all that... energy. But..." Maleficent hesitantly reached out a hand to awkwardly pat Rapunzel's shoulder. "I'm sure you and I will be very good friends."

Rapunzel's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Maleficent almost immediately regretted saying it, but nodded and assured the girl any way, "Yes."

Rapunzel happily squeaked and threw her arms around Maleficent. "I knew it!"

Maleficent went rigid as a stone. "Alright, I don't really hug, though..."

Another girl came forward, laughing as she pried Rapunzel away with surprising ease. This girl had almond-shaped brown eyes, and her straight black hair pulled up in a bun, held in place by an intricate and beautiful jade comb. Aside from that single accessory, she was fairly plain-looking, with no makeup on. Maleficent could tell that she was quite strong, though .

"Eventually, her enthusiasm will seem endearing." This girl assured Maleficent with a grin. "I'm Mulan, by the way." She turned to gesture toward the last member of the group, a petite girl with long, thick waves of crimson hair and eyes the color of the sea. She had a strong aura herself, all blue and teal and seafoam-green, rippling off her creamy skin like a reflection of the sun's rays on the surface of a body of deep water. She wasn't a witch, yet she had her own magical energy about her, a well of power that Maleficent was unfamiliar with. Mulan said, "And that's Ariel."

Ariel beamed at Maleficent. "Nice to meet you."

"Why don't you sit?" Esme asked, patting the space on the ground between her and Meg.

Maleficent hesitated, eyeing the empty spot with unease. She couldn't remember ever sitting on the ground to eat before... What if she ruined her uniform? But they were all watching her now, wondering what she would do, if she was really fit to be one of them. She didn't want to seem uptight.

She walked over to the two girls and set her tray on the ground, then carefully sat with her legs folded under her, rather than try to sit cross-legged like most of the other girls were. She couldn't imagine trying that while wearing this ridiculous skirt. Maleficent leaned back against the wall of the stone corridor and pulled her tray into her lap, distracting herself by picking at her food while the others settled in around her.

"So, Maleficent, I heard that you were accepted into the Blue Fairy's class." Kida said.

"You were? That's so exciting! Good for you!" Rapunzel cheered.

"It's not that big a deal..." Maleficent muttered.

"What? Of course it is!" Esme cut in. "It's a very exclusive course. It's great that she's recognized your talent."

"I do have some competition." Maleficent stated tersely. She didn't like having so much attention on her. Though she knew that she stood a good chance at being the Blue Fairy's successor, she didn't want to let them in on her confidence, just in case they were trying to use her for her power.

"Well between that course and your classes with Ursula, you're bound to have a position in the Emerald City with all that experience. Regardless of if you get the Fairy's job or not." Flynn said with a callous shrug, ignoring the sharp looks and glares from the others.

Maleficent watched him with a guarded look. "Yes, I suppose you're right..." It dawned on her now that maybe this motley crew really did simply admire her abilities. It seemed as though none of them had earned any recognition for their own talents. For whatever reason, these kids were overlooked. Placeholders in the school's system. Honing their abilities, with nothing really coming of it.

"Well, you're not the only one who's gotten the Blue Fairy's attention." Ariel giggled, looking over at Pocahontas .

Of course, Maleficent resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

Pocahontas chuckled while the others whooped and clapped for her. She tilted her head forward to hide her blushing, letting her hair fall in front of her face. Maleficent watched her, narrowed her eyes, tried to ignore the envious bile rising in her throat. Then she glanced toward Flynn and saw the way he looked at Pocahontas. It was a way that Maleficent figured most boys looked at Pocahontas, because she was not only quite beautiful, but also absolutely bewitching. The same way that Esme and Meg were, yet somehow more magnetic. Maleficent was forced to swallow the wrathful jealousy that had gotten her into trouble many times before.

"I'm not sure I stand a chance against some of the others." Pocahontas said demurely, raising her face toward the single shaft of sunlight leaking in from a window above them.

Humble, too. Makes sense, Maleficent thought ruefully.

"Well, I think that both you and Maleficent stand as good a chance as anyone." Esmeralda said.

"Moreso, actually." Meg cut in dryly. "The pair of you are actually talented. You don't even need the training wands."

"Imagine all the progress the two of you will make together." Ariel said with an infectious smile. She radiated hope and positivity.

Pocahontas smiled at Maleficent. "It's a thought, hm?"

"Yeah, whattaya say, Mal?" Merida jumped in now, her mouth full of apple. "Partners in crime?"

Maleficent thought carefully about her next words, because the less agreeable part of her was instinctively saying, I don't need anyone. I'm fine on my own, I always have been. That won't change just because these freaks are nice to me. But looking around at all of them, she felt a tug in her gut; something deep within her was drawn to this group of outcasts. Though they weren't what she was expecting at all. She had been hoping that for once, she wouldn't be the most awful to look at, that she might finally meet someone more ghastly than her. The only one who came close was Quasimodo, but she hardly found him atrocious. He actually kind of reminded her of the munchkins back home.

Her eyes were more naturally drawn to those of Esme, Meg, Kida, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, and even Ariel, all of whom had their own unique magical signature. And, looking at each of them, Maleficent felt a magnetic force pulling them altogether. She felt like she belonged with them.

She felt like she'd found home.

Maleficent smirked. "Strength in numbers."

A few hours later, before heading to her lesson with Ursula, Maleficent had the pleasure of being met by an unhappy Aurora in their room. The blond stormed in, slamming the door after her, and stood in the center of the rug. Maleficent stood by her desk, looking at her with eyebrows upraised

"Yes?" Maleficent asked in mild interest. This was their first interaction in a week, and Aurora was acting particularly bold after being in hiding for so long. She was looking at Maleficent as though she was hoping to burn a hole through her skull.

"You were accepted into the Blue Fairy's class?" Aurora demanded, crossing her arms.

"Well-"

"She actually chose you over me? After how hard I worked to get here?!" Aurora cut in petulantly, throwing her delicate hands up in the air. "After everything I've- Ugh! And what exactly is so special about you? Hm?"

"I-"

"I also heard that you were terrorizing my friends earlier today. Where exactly do you get off, treating people that way? You may treat me however you like, I've come to expect that from you at this point. But I won't tolerate you behaving like that with the people I care about! I'm putting my foot down!" Aurora stamped her foot- quite childishly- to prove a point. Maleficent had to fight a cackle as she went on, "I'm tired of hearing from them about your antics. I want you to just stop it! "

Maleficent scoffed. "And I suppose you're going to be the one to protect them from me? You know, in my defense, your little friends did start it."

"Sweet Oz, do you actually have to be so awful? You just like scaring people, don't you? You want everyone to be afraid of you. Well, I'm not going to give you what you want. I'm not scared of you... Not any more!" Aurora went and sat on her own bed, crossing her legs in front of her and her arms over her chest, staring Maleficent down with a look of complete defiance. "This is my room, and I'll be here if I like. In fact, I'll have friends over if I want to! And if you don't like it, you can go meet up with those other miscreants you've befriended and leave us normal people alone!"

It was silent for a moment, the two girls just staring at each other. Aurora was seething while Maleficent hardly seemed affected by the harsh and much-rehearsed words.

"Are you done?" Maleficent asked in an airy, elegant tone.

Aurora gaped at her for a moment. Obviously, she was expecting more of a reaction than that. She quickly collected herself and spat out, "Yes."

"Good. I have to get to my lesson. Also, I need to copy some of your notes later." Maleficent replied, breezing by and disappearing out the door without looking back. Aurora stared at the door in amazement long after it was shut.

Maleficent's lesson with Ursula went quite well that day, surprisingly for both of them. Maleficent wasn't as stiff as usual, was willing to open herself up more to her teacher. Ursula was absolutely delighted. And Maleficent couldn't help feeling some pride over the progress she'd made during her lesson.

"What is it that has lifted your spirit so, child?" Ursula asked her with that phony sweet tone.

It was enough to make Maleficent's scales bristle, but she hid her distaste with ease.

"You seem...elevated somehow." Ursula pressed on, circling around her pupil. Maleficent heard the slithering from under Ursula's skirt, saw a trail of moist...something left behind her, and turned away to hide her revulsion. She supposed she shouldn't judge her teacher so harshly, shouldn't think of her as disgusting. Given her own "condition", she should probably view this woman as kin, and be grateful for her interest and her guidance. Instead, she left this room each day feeling like a piece of her had been taken. She wondered if one day she would walk away completely hollowed out, and be blown away by a gust of wind.

"I made some friends today." Maleficent offered a simple explanation, keeping her back to the woman.

Ursula gasped theatrically, clasping her chubby hands over her heart. "Could it be that you've finally found your coven?"

"I'm sorry?" Maleficent turned to her now.

Ursula laughed and strode toward Maleficent, reaching out to put her hands on Maleficent's shoulders. "Oh, it makes so much sense! Your newfound sense of belonging has contributed to your enlightenment! Your powers are only growing stronger as a result. Oh, I'm so proud of you, dearie!"

"How can you be so sure they're my coven? It's just a group of students. Only about half of them actually have any magic ability."

"Oh? Do tell."

"Well, five of them are witches, and one of them... I'm not sure what she is. The rest are humans."

"Intetesting... Have you been wondering why they've accepted you so willingly?"

Maleficent looked sharply at her mentor. "Please don't do that. I hate that."

Ursula feigned innocence. "Don't do what, my dear?"

"Look inside my head." Maleficent started packing her bag. "I like my privacy."

"Of course, lovely. I'm sorry. It won't happen again. I'm just so excited for you. The day a young witch finds her coven, she finds home. She finds a piece of herself she never knew was missing. Now, it sounds like you've only found half of your sisters. A typical coven is comprised of about 9-12 women, though of course there can always be more. This is only the beginning of your journey, pet... Now, tell me, how are things coming along with Aurora?"

Maleficent rolled her eyes. "There's been some progress, but we're far from being friends. I'm not interested in that, any way."

"No, of course not. A witch of your caliber needn't worry yourself with such a simple-minded amateur. Aurora has enough friends. And now you have your own. All that's left is for the two of you to co-exist, hm? Regardless of how each of you turn out, she might be a good person to have on your side in the future."

Maleficent gave her a quizzical look, but said nothing. She couldn't imagine having anything to do with Aurora in the future.

Ursula laughed, flourishing her hands. "It's just life, my dear. One big popularity contest. You'll catch on."

"I have to go." Maleficent said. "I have my first lesson with the Blue Fairy tonight."

"Ah..." Ursula said. "Right." She seemed bothered, which made Maleficent both perplexed and suspicious. She gestured toward the door. "Best of luck, dear. I have no doubt that you're on your way to do amazing things."

Maleficent nodded and headed toward the door.

"Oh! Are there any messages you want me to give to your sister?" Ursula called after her.

"No."

With that, she was gone.

Ursula hummed in displeasure, magicking the door shut with a wave of her hand. She drifted over to her black marble vanity and practically fell into the cushy seat before the lavish mirror. She silently regarded her reflection for a moment, as if it might have some important input. Then she leaned forward and clicked one long, red fingernail against the slick tabletop.

"She's a stubborn one..." Ursula mumbled to herself. She reached down to pull open one of the drawers and fished out her favorite red lipstick. "She'll have to learn to play nice if she wants to get anywhere..." She laughed deeply and applied another layer of the lipstick.

Maleficent hurried across the campus, which was practically deserted now that the sun was going down. The other students were seeking refuge from the cool and dark of night in their rooms, but now was the only time that she knew complete freedom. She sought her solace under the cover of the night; she'd found a friend in the Man in the Moon. She sighed to herself as the wind picked up around her, whispering a warning of the coming of autumn. She imagined that she wasn't walking, but that the wind was carrying her, so that her feet never had to touch the ground. She almost laughed aloud when a couple of students saw her dark silhouette approaching and just about ran away screaming. Nothing could get to her right now.

She found her way to the Blue Fairy's private classroom purely through instinct. After weaving her way through some labyrinthine corridors, she went up and up a seemingly endless, winding staircase and eventually found her way to a tall, narrow set of double-doors, adorned with gleaming, silvery wisps and coils, intertwining and curling like vines. Maleficent started to reach up to knock on the door, but it suddenly pulled away from her, opening by itself. She paused, then stepped into the room. No point in hesitating now.

The classroom appeared to be empty. Maleficent cautiously proceeded inward, feeling a bit confused. Where were the other students, and the teacher? Was she early? Or worse, late? Maleficent had never been late to anything in her life. She was absolutely sure she had the time right...

"No need to be alarmed." A calming voice sprang up in the silence, surprising Maleficent. She turned and was immediately stunned by the sight of the Blue Fairy herself. She was tall, almost as tall as that statue in the courtyard, and no less imposing. Her shoulder-length waves of finely-coiffed golden hair framed her face and radiated outward like a halo. Her bright blue eyes were framed by long, dark lashes. She had a positively angelic face: porcelain white, rosy cheeks, full, pink lips set in a welcoming half-smile. She was dressed all in blue, hues the color of the sky and sapphires and robin's eggs. Her long layers of skirts flowed around her legs like water, trailed below and behind her feet like clouds as she floated toward Maleficent on strong, translucent wings that resembled those of a dragonfly. Her aura was the strongest and purest that Maleficent had ever seen, all silvery-white and pale, crystalline blue. Maleficent wasn't sure she believed in a Heaven, but she caught a glimpse of it in that aura. No wonder this woman was idolized.

"I purposefully invited you here earlier than the others." Blue told her, landing silently on her heels a few feet before her. She clasped her hands in front of her abdomen, folded over her iconic wand. Maleficent's eyes briefly flitted toward the wand, then refocused on Blue, giving the Fairy her full attention. Blue smiled at her, revealing a set of perfect white teeth. "I apologize for the dishonesty. But I felt it would be appropriate for you and I to have some private time. I've heard so much about you. I believe we'll both benefit from getting to know each other." Blue gestured with one hand toward a wiry silver table with two seats nearby. "Come, sit."

Maleficent followed her to the table, silently wondering how Blue would be able to sit with those wings on her back. Then she noticed that the seat Blue took was actually a dainty silver stool, with no back to it. Maleficent took the seat on the other side of the table, a high-backed silver chair with a nice blue cushion.

Blue waved her wand, and a tea set on her desk across the room seemed to come to life. Maleficent watched in wonder as the teapot and cups danced across the floor and glided up onto their table. Then, Blue lifted the lid off the teapot so Maleficent could watch the hot tea quickly fill up the pot, pooling up from out of nowhere. In disbelief, Maleficent reached out a hand to feel the steam that wafted up from the hot liquid. Blue's eyes sparkled playfully as she gently put the lid back. Then the teapot started to serve them of its own volition, floating upward and tipping over to pour tea for each of them. Blue watched Maleficent for a response.

Maleficent was biting her lip on a joyous laugh, her yellow eyes lit up in a way that Blue hadn't thought possible before.

"That was...impressive." Maleficent admitted, trying to keep her composure. But inside, she was practically giddy. Here she was, getting a private demonstration of the Blue Fairy's magic... Having tea with one of the Wizard's esteemed confidantes! If only her father could see her now.

Blue's pale eyebrows popped up. "You're impressed? Here I thought that would be a difficult feat."

Maleficent nodded, a little too eagerly for her own taste. "Yes, it truly was wonderful."

Blue laughed. "Thank you, dear. But I promise you'll be learning more than making tea in this room. Sugar?"

"No, thank you. This is fine." Maleficent picked up her teacup and took a sip, watching as Blue conjured two sugar cubes out of thin air with a wave of her wand. The sugar cubes landed in Blue's cup and she set a small spoon in it at well. With a small gesture of her wand, the spoon started to silently spin around to stir her drink.

"I want you to know that I only have the best intentions for you, Maleficent. After hearing the rumors, I couldn't help being curious about you. I accepted you into this course because I felt a need to take you under my wing. To give you your best chance."

"I understand."

"You do?" Blue plucked the spoon out of her cup, then lifted it up and took a graceful sip of her tea.

"Yes. I understand everyone's concerns..." Maleficent set her cup on the table and stared down at the earthy liquid inside. "I know that everyone's concerned that I'll turn out wicked."

"Does that worry you?"

"Sometimes."

"Does it make you feel like you aren't accepted, like many of your peers?"

Maleficent nodded. "Yes... Well, until today."

"What happened today?"

"I made some friends." Maleficent took another sip of her tea, then chuckled mirthlessly. "For the first time ever."

Blue tilted her head in immediate recognition. "You've found your coven."

Maleficent sighed. "You and Ursula are both very good at that. Does anyone around here understand boundaries?"

"I don't need to look inside your head, dear."

Maleficent looked up at her in slight surprise.

Blue leaned in and added in a hushed, conspiratorial tone, "I just know."

Maleficent smirked. "Eerie."

"It's not my goal to spy on you, or any of the students. But, you must understand, given my position in Oz, it's my job to know most- if not all- things." Blue explained. "However, I'm not one to pry. Magically, at least. I prefer actual conversation. So, tell me about your new sisters. This must be quite a revelation for you. I'd very much like to hear your feelings about it."

As far as Blue was concerned, this was a step in the right direction. Belonging to a coven of her peers could help Maleficent stay on the right path. As long as they were a group of witches that were strong, like-minded, and irrefutably good.

"One of them is Pocahontas..." Maleficent started hesitantly.

Blue nodded immediately in recognition of the name. "She's a lovely girl. Very talented witch. I look forward to teaching you both. And it will be good for you to have a friend in class, hm?"

Maleficent looked back at her, stoic. She hadn't decided yet if Pocahontas was really a friend or just competition.

Maleficent went on, "It's basically her and five of her friends. Esmeralda, Meg, Rapunzel, Kida..."

Blue nodded along, seeming pleased. Each of those girls was talented in their own way when it came to magic, and decent to each of their cores. Though, Megara did sometimes cause some concern...

"And Ariel..." Maleficent frowned. "She's not a witch, but... There's magic in her. Somehow."

Blue smirked at her. "Ariel? She's a mermaid."

Maleficent's eyebrows popped up. "Oh..." She wasn't expecting that.

"I'm surprised that you could read it in her. It's rare for a mermaid's magic to project that way."

"These girls... when I met them... I mean, with only a look, before we even said a word to each other... I felt a sort of...pull. Like somehow we were meant to be together."

Blue nodded in assurance. "Then, yes, it sounds as though you've found your coven. Or part of it, at least."

Maleficent pursed her lips for a moment in thought, then went on, "It was almost overwhelming. The sense of belonging. Like up til today, It's as though I was lost, drifting. And I didn't even realize it until I met them."

"That's because, in a way, it's true. You've found the home you've always wanted, the family you never knew you had. It's a very personal experience. The bond that you share with these girls is not only magical, it's in your blood. They are nothing less to you than sisters..." Blue saw the doubtful look on Maleficent's face and carefully reached over to take her hand. She was expecting the girl to recoil from her touch, but amazingly, Maleficent remained still. "The bonds that you make during your time here is important, Maleficent. From this point on, you and those girls support and protect each other, no matter what. As for the friends you make outside of your coven-"

Maleficent scoffed. "Yeah, so far no luck on that front. Beyond the humans that the girls hang around with..."

"What about your roommate? Aurora."

"She despises me because her friends despise me. And because I got into this course and she didn't..." Maleficent bit her lip. When she spoke again, her voice had a bitter edge to it. "She's jealous of my power."

Blue pursed her lips for a moment in thought, as though considering how to proceed. Then, she slowly pulled her hand away from Maleficent's and leaned back into an elegantly relaxed position, once again picking up her teacup. "You mentioned earlier that Ursula has a habit of looking in your head?"

Maleficent nodded. "Yes."

Blue furrowed her brow for a moment, in a way that Maleficent guessed was in disapproval of the Headmistress' practices. Then, Blue softly said, "Maleficent, if it's alright with you, I'd like to give you some extra lessons. I think we both have the time for it, hmm?"

"Extra lessons? For what?"

"I can't say much about it right now, but I will say that, in a way, you are right to be cautious of your peers and of...others at this school. There are some people in our midst who simply cannot be trusted. Do you understand?" Blue gave Maleficent a stern but meaningful look.

Maleficent suddenly felt like she was a part of something far beyond her emotional bandwidth. But she nodded any way and said, "Yes. I do."

"I will teach you ways to guard your mind from unwanted attentions. But there are some skills you'll have to learn for yourself. Having a coven in your corner can be useful, but developing the ability to reach across the aisle and find allies in people who are...different than you... that is power unlike any other. And, if utilized properly, will take you very far in life." Blue smiled now, seeing the semi-suspicious look on her student's green face. "I do see great potential here, Maleficent. I believe that you will go on to do amazing things for Oz. And that is because you are different from your peers. But I do think that the way to prove that is to go above and beyond. Do not treat them the way they treat you. Though you may feel ostracized and alienated, do not allow yourself to be shunned. Don't shut people out. Always find a way to do better."

Maleficent looked down at her teacup, seeming sad. "Dr. Doppler says things like that to me, too..."

Blue leaned in a bit and whispered, "Well, he knows better than most what you're going through."

"Because he's a Hybrid?"

"Yes, dear. And because he's brilliant."

Maleficent smirked slightly. "Yes, he is."

Blue's eyes lit up. Maleficent seemed to be grasping the true meaning of her words. Everyone had a place in this world.

"My dear, I can teach you all I know, or sit here and give you every bit of advice I can muster, but there are certain things you'll have to decide for yourself in your life. Such as...who to trust." Blue said, once again taking Maleficent's hand.

Maleficent had been touched in this way more in the last 24 hours than ever before in her life. At first, it was startling and uncomfortable. But now...she didn't mind so much.

She looked thoughtfully back at Blue. "Do you think Madame Ursula means to do me harm?"

Blue seemed slightly surprised by the question, then just plain sorrowful. "The fact that a student feels the need to ask that about their Headmistress... I must admit, it sickens me. Especially since I am unsure how to answer." Blue now protectively enveloped Maleficent's hand in both of hers. "Be on your guard, Maleficent. Do not allow darkness to conquer your mind or break your spirit. Instead, be open to all the new experiences and friendships you may have here. And, most importantly, no matter what you are told by anyone else, look within if you are ever discouraged."

"Within?"

"I will teach you to create harmony and balance within yourself. A centered being is capable of making the best decisions and doing the most good. Most do find that the only sure way to find true happiness is by following their own heart." Blue smiled sweetly and went back to drinking her tea while Maleficent furrowed her brow in thought.

Well... That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, Maleficent thought, continuing to frown as she sipped from her own cup.