Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

GRYFFINDOR 

HEAD OF HOUSE- ZOE ANDERSON

Wand in right hand, teacup in left. Reverse that and you’re expelled.

♤♤♤

TIM BRADFORD 

Do you even lift… broom?

♤♤♤

NYLA HARPER

Yes, I read the rules. No, I don’t follow them.

♤♤♤

JOHN NOLAN 

Rules are important. But so is dramatically breaking them at the right time.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER-2

HEAD OF HOUSE- LUNA GREY

Keep talking. I’m grading your logic, and you’re failing.

♤♤♤

WESLEY EVERS

I’m not a know-it-all, I’m a know-it-better.

♤♤♤

LUCY CHEN

I brew tea and potions with equal precision

♤♤♤

CELINA JUAREZ 

Don’t hate me because I’m spell-efficient.

♤♤♤

MILES PENN

Catch feelings? Nah, I catch Snitches

♤♤♤

CHRIS SANFORD 

I don't have a qoute cause author couldn't think of any.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER-3

HEAD OF HOUSE -NELL FORESTER 

Winning fair is better than winning fast.

♤♤♤

BAILEY NUNE

I’m basically a golden retriever with a wand.

♤♤♤

RANDY

Friendship goals? I’ll bury the body with you… and bring snacks.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER-4

HEAD OF HOUSE-OSCAR HUTCHINSON 

Safety is optional, but dramatic flair is mandatory.

♤♤♤

ANGELA LOPEZ

We don’t stab backs. We stab fronts. Politely

♤♤♤

ROSALIND DYER

I don’t hold grudges. I nurture them like rare plants.”

♤♤♤

CALEB WRIGHT

Charm is just manipulation with better lighting.

♤♤♤

SETH RIDLEY 

I don't deserve a qoute.

♤♤♤

ISABEL

Power isn’t given. It’s taken and accessorized.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER-5

WADE GREY- Headmaster 

Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, unless you’re Smitty’s student.

♤♤♤

N.ARMSTRONG 

I don’t hate all students. Just the ones currently in my class.

♤♤♤

DEL MONTE

Every charm has a secret it won’t reveal until you earn it.

♤♤♤

Q. SMITTY

If you can’t read the inscription, just pretend it’s Latin.

Chapter Text

Headmaster Grey's office September, 2025

Headmaster Grey's office was in complete contrast to the man's personality and also, the rest of the building. Compared to the warm, bright red walls and the antique yet sturdy furniture that adorned every corner of the castle, the office was a cold disappointment. No colour except a stormy grey with the occasional historic red brick could be seen on the walls. 

Stood up against said walls and chairs were the portraits with sombre expressions. Boredom and self-importance etched in their long, serious faces. Headmaster Grey sat in darkness in silence behind his enormous teakwood table, with an equally serious and solemn expression, he looked tired but who could tell with the little light that illuminated the room.

The only source of light in the office came from a medium sized pentagonal window, from where the sunlight was illuminating the peaceful specs of dust in the otherwise vast cold and dark silence of the office. A round wall clock with a very peculiar pentagonal design hung on the wall next to the window. The clock had a rusty brown frame and a white clock face adorned with black numbers and hands, the hour hand pointing to 12 o'clock. It was tick-tocking in a rhythm that was all too clear to the seven occupants of the room, who were sitting in a ghostly silence on the chairs arranged in a circle as if awaiting the result of a long forgotten debate.

John Nolan, was one of the occupants. The only one who currently had his head up, looking straight at the headmaster with curiosity while others' heads hung in shame of an unsaid crime. A crime that was the reason behind them being in this room. 

To his right sat Tim Bradford, the no nonsense, courageous boy. Sitting next to him was his best friend Angela Lopez, the fiery Slytherin. John knew two things about her, first to never mess with her and second, to never ever mess with her. 

On his left sat Nyla Harper, possibly the most beautiful girl in their house, but as much as she was beautiful she was brave. Nolan had seen a lot of courageous women but Nyla was the epitome of courage. In a sea of Salmon’s she was a fucking piranha. Next to Nyla sat Celina the strange Ravenclaw, not everyone understood her or her talk about auras and whatnot but Nolan knew she was good at heart.

Right in front of him sat Seth Ridley, he didn't know much about the guy other than the fact that he was slytherin and liked singing. He remembers having heard the guy a few times at a party. And next to Seth sat, Pete Nolan. His half brother. People say that he is a trouble magnet, but if he is a magnet Pete is the goddamn electromagnet. He knows he shouldn't be thinking about this, but he wonders if the reason they all are here is because of Pete.

Before he could think more, the gate opened and entered Professor Quigley Smitty, who looked not the least bit surprised on seeing the band of students there, in fact he looked at all of them, one by one as if assessing something. His eyes lingered on him then Pete followed by Celina, Nyla and finally on Tim for the longest time. 

Nolan looked around and saw Tim and Angela looking at him with equal parts suspicion and confusion and he immediately knew what they were thinking. They knew that matter had to be huge if even Smitty was serious about it. 

Nyla, guessing by her face, apparently had the same thought. They all knew they were in for something deeper than they initially thought. This wasn't going to be one of Grey's prep talks about future and career and maintaining discipline, it was serious.

Smitty, now across the room, stood near the front of Grey's desk, looking expectantly at the man in front of him. Grey looked up on cue and stood up with an exasperated sigh.

Clearing his throat he began “John Nolan, Tim Bradford, Nyla Harper, Pete Nolan, Angela Lopez, Seth Ridley and Celina Juarez you all are here in this office right now because you all are suspects in a robbery of a priced possession of Professor Smitty” Grey punctuated the line with the drop of a heavy folder on the desk. “Now, I know you must be wondering, why the suspicion has fallen on you and… No Nolan” Grey put his hand up to stop Nolan in his chair from where he was raising his hand. “Before you ask, I absolutely take no pleasure in having this conversation with you all, but be as it may, the stolen object is very important and I am not going to stop until we get to the bottom of this, until I get my hands on the perpetrator.” Grey continues “So if you have done it, you know who you are, I give you a week to come clean and maybe, Just maybe, you will be exempted from any severe punishment.”

“Sir, with all due respect, if I may ask?” John spoke up, trying to stand from his chair.

“No. You may not, Nolan.” 

“Sir, just one thing.” Angela spoke. Grey did roll his eyes but didn't stop her further so she continued “What if the person responsible is not one of us? I mean, it would be more beneficial to announce it to everyone, in that way whoever took it can return it.”

“Do you think of me as someone incompetent Angela?"

“No sir.”

“Then I assure you I know what I'm doing. ”

“Sir, Statistically speaking, it’s unlikely all six of us are guilty. Unless this is some sort of group heist. In which case, impressive teamwork.” Nyla butted in, Grey looked unimpressed but Smitty looked as if he was trying to imagine that possibility.

“Did someone steal money or something from the locker room?” Nolan asasked.

“Well that would narrow the suspects down to someone who knows how to crack open a locker” Angela supplied.

“ Not necessarily,” Tim said. “I could open it. My uncle’s a locksmith, he taught me a few tricks. But I didn’t steal anything.”

“Wonderful. I have a suspect who knows how to do it but claims he didn’t.” Grey spoke flailing his hands in air “Anyone else want to confess unusual skills? Fire juggling? Safe-cracking? Invisible ink?”

“Sir” Celina paused and huffed out a breath of air before continuing “…I can whistle through my nose.”

Grey looked close to combusting into fumes at this point, rubbing his temples he looked at,the extraordinary group of students in front of him who were looking at Celina with varying degrees of impress, and Celina who was currently well on her way to show off her unusual skill. And he will not believe that he just saw Smitty try to whistle through his nose through the corner of his eye. He did not see that at all.

“Brilliant. I’m surrounded by a criminal mastermind, a statistician, an escape artist and a nose-whistler.”

“Sounds like the weirdest superhero team ever.” Pete joined smilingly but quickly shut down on seeing Grey's horrified expression.

“Stop joking. And, no it's not about money or lockers, weren't you paying attention when I said a possession of Prof Smitty? Now, unless someone speaks up, all of you will be under my radar. And if you keep whistling, Celina, I will consider it a confession.” Celina shocked to hear her name, stopped at once and mumbled a quick apology.

“Is this about the necklace?” Seth perked. And Grey's eyes widened as he turned to look at Smitty. It seemed as if Grey and Smitty had a secret conversation of their own before turning and asking “Mr Ridley, would you care to elaborate your previous statement?”

Seth at this point looked like a deer caught in headlights as 7 pairs of judgemental eyes were trained on him waiting expectantly for an answer. He looked frantically at his classmates who were all boring holes into his skull with their piercing gaze, especially Tim.

“Mr Ridley, have you done anything you weren't supposed to do?” Grey asked with calculative and accusatory eyes fixed on Seth. Besides Grey, a very confused looking Smitty was also staring right at him, looking as if he had already found his culprit in culprit.

“No sir, with all due respect I haven't done anything wrong. Maybe occasionally, I engage in a few harmless drugs but that's it. unless it is about them?” Seth replied borderline shaking with all the extra unwanted attention he was receiving, it was making him panic more than he thought was possible. To make matters worse Tim kept on side eyeing him as if searching for something that only he knew about. 

“It's about the necklace.” Smitty piped in pointing his finger at Seth “My necklace. That I got for my girlfriend. The ancient necklace of Harmonia or Eriphyle. You said something about that boy, elaborate that.”

“Yeah, your necklace, your anti-aging necklace. You were crying about it being stolen outside my dorm two days ago.”

“No I wasn't.”

“Wait. Hold up. Anti-aging necklace? Is it imbued with a potion or a curse?" Celina spoke up.

“Don't know, curse maybe” Seth replied ignoring Celina's attempt to further ask another question and turned to look at Grey and Smitty “look I promise I'didnt steal anything, ok. I only guessed the necklace because Smitty is here and it made sense when you combine it with the precious possession thing that the headmaster mentioned, but I have nothing to do with it.”

“For your sake, I do hope you are Right Mr. Ridley.” 

“I am sir.” 

“Let’s keep this simple." Grey began. “An expensive necklace was stolen. Its last location was the astronomy tower two days ago and all six of you were spotted there, at midnight or at some point or the other. So, here is what I want. Explanations, and they’d better be good.”

“You first. Why were you there?” Grey began pointing to Angela.

“Honestly? I was trying to see if the telescope could spot the bakery delivery boy before anyone else. Midnight snacks are serious business, sir. Especially with the stress of new semester and all.” Angela replied in a heartbeat.

“So, you were stargazing for bread rolls. Inspiring.” Grey looked uninspired. “Next you go Nolan.”

“I was charting the Orion constellation for extra credit.” Nolan announced proudly “You told us to “reach for the stars.” I took that literally.”

“I meant academically, not nocturnally.” Grey Sighed as he watched Nolan's smile disappear “Pete?”

“Um, I thought the Astronomy Tower was um.. the library. It was dark. I got lost.” 

“You mistook a spiral staircase to the roof for the library?” 

“Maps are confusing, sir.” Pete supplied

“They are..” Smitty joined.

Grey spoke, pinching his nose “All Right, fault of the maps. Tim?”

“I was looking for a quiet place away from these lunatics. Turns out the only thing brighter than the stars was Pete trying to balance bread on the telescope.”

“It was an experiment!” Pete defended.

“Nyla?” Grey continued ignoring Pete's verbal defense of his actions.

“I was practicing my dueling skills…on the tower door. For, uh, future usefulness.”

Headmaster Grey stares in disbelief for a moment before realizing It was Nyla and it was very on brand for her to be doing that. “Seth? And you better think before answering.”

“I only went there to get my stuff, that I had left behind during our class, you can check with Prof. Luna, she had us do extra work and I forgot my stuff there.” 

“I don't believe you.” Smitty supplied. 

“Ok.” Grey motioned for Smitty to stop. “And finally, Celina.” 

“I was listening to the stars.” Celina spoke with a full smile.

“The stars don’t talk, Celina." 

“Maybe not to you.”

Grey leans on the table, exhausted.

“So, according to you all, no one was there to steal a necklace. Instead, you all were, bread-watching, star-charting, getting lost, hiding, practicing duelling, and listening to celestial whispers.”

“When you say it like that, it almost sounds suspicious.” Angela spoke. 

“Almost? It sounds exactly suspicious. And until the necklace turns up, all seven of you are grounded. From the Astronomy Tower. Permanently.”

“The stars won’t like that.” Mused Celina.

“Then tell the stars to file a complaint.” Grey barked “and dismissed. All of you.”

Chapter Text

September 2025, Later that evening in an empty classroom.

The seven students were still trying to process the information, huddled around a desk, whispering furiously to each other.

“Okay, someone here definitely swiped that necklace. Let’s just confess now so the rest of us can get on with our lives. Preferably to the bakery.” Angela spoke first.

“No one’s going to confess to you. This requires logic. Evidence. Deductive reasoning.” Said Nyla

“Oh, brilliant. Nyla’s about to turn this into a science fair project. “Who Stole the Necklace: A Statistical Analysis.” snapped Seth.

“Could we maybe not accuse each other? The Headmaster already thinks I'm guilty because I can’t tell a library from a telescope.” mumbled Pete.

“Well, technically you did look the shiftiest. You were sweating like a burglar at a police parade.” said Tim.

“I sweat when I’m nervous! And I’m always nervous!”

“That’s true. He sweats just picking lunch.” Nolan spoke as he came in defense of his half-brother.

“Look, we should consider the motive. Who even wanted the necklace?” quipped Nyla.

“It’s not exactly my style. I prefer accessories that don’t scream, “Arrest me.” Angela joked.

“Maybe the necklace wanted to be stolen.” Celina spoke quietly, in a whisper. “Things have their own voices. If you listen.”

“Right. Great. We’ve got cosmic jewelry conspiracies now.” Said Nyla.

“Wait, Celina was the last one to leave the tower, wasn't she?” asked Seth.

“Maybe. Time runs differently when you’re listening to stars.”

“Okay, I don’t like this. Either she's guilty or she’s haunted.” said Pete.

“Honestly? Could be both.” added Tim.

As they were busy throwing allegations on each other, the classroom door creaked open. They all froze, staring at the doorway in Silence. Waiting for someone to enter. But, then, nothing. Nobody came.

“Well, that wasn’t terrifying at all. Definitely not the ghost of the necklace that came to strangle us.” Joked Pete.

“Oh, shut it, Pete! You’re probably the one who took it anyway. Always sneaking around, always joking to cover something up.” shouted Anglea.

“Excuse me! If I stole it, would I still be here? No, I’d be halfway to Paris, living off baguettes and glory.”

“Actually, Angela makes a good point. Thieves do tend to deflect suspicion with humor.” added Nyla.

Pete snapped at Nyla. “And know-it-alls tend to ruin the vibe. Your point?” 

“What if it was Nyla? I mean, you're obsessed with grades. Maybe you thought wearing a priceless necklace would impress the examiners?” began Seth.

“Oh, brilliant deduction, Seth. Yes, nothing says “top student” like grand larceny.” 

“She’d probably footnote the theft. “Necklace stolen, see appendix B.” joked Angela.

“Alright, enough. Let’s face facts. The tower is always locked, and I admit to having opened it that night. Which means whoever took the necklace had me to thank.” said Tim

“So you’re basically confessing.”

“No! I’m saying I’m an accessory at best. There’s a difference.”

“Alright. This is getting us nowhere. We’re accusing each other, but we have no proof.” Angela spoke finally making some sense.

“No proof, just a missing necklace, a picked lock, and Celina communicating with the cosmos. Totally normal.” Said John in a tone that indicated anything but normal.

“Look, Sorry to interrupt. But, my brain only works properly with snacks. I say we take a break, get some food, and meet back later.” Said Pete clasping his hands, in a way to indicate that he was done here.

“Wait, you want to…split up? Isn’t that how people disappear in horror stories?” asked Seth.

“Relax. Nobody’s going to vanish. Unless the necklace really is cursed.” said Angela.

“Tell you what, if the necklace comes after us, I’ll throw Seth in front as a sacrifice. Problem solved.” Spoke Tim.

“That’s not funny!” argued Seth.

“Actually, it’s a little funny.” 

“Focus! Let's each go our own way, clear our heads, and meet again.” said John.

“Fine. Break time. We’ll reconvene again. And hopefully, no one else will go missing in the meantime.” announced Angela.

All of them stood up lazily and gathered their bags. Tim and Angela were the first to leave along with Pete. Despite being friends they eyed each other warily before heading for the door especially Seth. Celina lingered for a moment, looking back at the classroom, whispering something no one could hear before she slipped out, leaving the room empty.

Angela wasn't satisfied. She wasn’t ok with the outcome of their previous meeting, but she thought it was no use talking to Seth and Pete about the robbery. Especially because, first she didn't trust them and second they were as helpful as a bag of potatoes. So despite being tired and annoyed, she called in for another secret trusted meeting, consisting of the 4 people she trusted.

“Alright, let’s get this straight. A necklace worth more than the entire school budget vanishes, seven suspects, us included. What do we do?” asked John.

“I say, We mind our own business, that’s what. The Headmaster’s already breathing fire. If we poke around, we’ll end up next on his hit list.” said Nyla.

“But don’t you see? That’s exactly why we should poke around. Whoever stole it is still out there. And if we find it first, we’ll be heroes.” spoke Angela.

“Or we’ll be corpses. Either way, a very dramatic ending to the semester.” Continued Tim.

“You’d joke at your own funeral, Tim.”

“Of course. Someone’s gotta keep the mood light while I’m in the coffin.” grinned Tim.

“Focus! Look, out of us, I suspect either Seth or Pete. I trust you all and also Celina in some way. Of the two of them, One is lying.” said John.

“Exactly. If we can figure out who, maybe we can prove it before the Headmaster does.” added Angela.

“And how do you suggest we do that? Interrogate them? Wear trench coats and magnifying glasses?” Mocked Nyla.

“Elementary, my dear Nyla. The thief always returns to the scene of the crime.” added Tim seriously.

On hearing this, Angela stood up snapping her fingers. “Wait. that’s it! We should check the Astronomy Tower ourselves. Maybe the thief dropped something, or hid the necklace nearby.”

“Or maybe we’ll get caught sneaking into a restricted area and land in detention until graduation.” hesitated Nyla.

“It’s risky, yes. But if Angela’s right, the Tower might still hold clues.” said Tim. 

Angela stood up. “So, we go tonight. Quietly. No one else needs to know.”

Nyla also stood up groaning,“I can’t believe I’m saying this…but fine. If you’re all going to be idiots, I’d better come along to keep you alive.”

John also, joined grinning “That’s the spirit! Nothing says “friendship” like breaking into a tower where a priceless necklace vanished.”

“Alright. Tonight, Astronomy Tower. We’ll find out what really happened.”

The Astronomy Tower- Later that Night

True to their words, the four friends crept up the winding stone steps of the tower with lantern light flickering against the walls. They knew what they were about to do was probably not going to end well, but nobody had the courage to say it out loud, especially when they were all suspects.

Nyla whispered ”I cannot believe I let you people drag me into this. If we get caught, I’m blaming all of you equally.”

“Don’t worry, Nyla. If we get caught, I’ll heroically trip John so we can escape while he gets detention.” Tim whispered back.

“You’re all heart, Tim.”

Angela spoke hushing them “Quiet! We don’t know who might be up here.”

As they reached the door to the top of the tower. John pushed the door open slowly. The astronomy unit, stretched before them, moonlight pouring in through the domed glass roof, dust motes hanging in the air. The telescope stood at the wide end of the chamber, in the balcony which was made of old oak wood and looked like it could fall anytime.

Angela whispered awestruck “It’s so quiet”

Slowly they stepped inside cautiously, looking around to find something, anything that could give a hint about the necklace, their innocence or someone's culpability. Angela being the brave and curious one wandered far off from the rest of the group in the direction of the wooden balcony. 

“Look, scuff marks. Like someone dragged something heavy across the floor.” said Angela as everyone gathered around to view it.

John kneeled next to the mark “Could be the box the necklace was kept in.”

“Or a body …” started Tim, but abruptly stopped when they heard a noise. And suddenly, another noise. He looked around at his friends to confirm whether they had also heard it, and their faces, laced with fear, confirmed his suspicions.

There was no mistaking the creak of a footstep on the staircase. The very staircase they all had climbed to reach here, when they should have been sleeping.

“Someone’s coming! Hide!”

They waste no time and duck behind the telescope and crates. The first and the worst place they could hide, the telescope did nothing to hide Tim's bulky figure or even Angela's small one. John, although visible, was still snugly behind the crates. And from his point, he could see the exact moment when the shadow stretched across the floor as the door creaked open.

Lucy had no idea why she was doing this. No one had asked for her help, but she couldn't help herself especially if she knew Tim was in trouble. She had a soft spot for the Gryffindor ever since he had saved her 2 years ago, and when she heard him and his friends, brave but still stupid friends, planning to come here to investigate something she couldn't stop herself.

“Okay, Lucy…you can do this. Just act brave. For him.” Lucy whispered to herself.

“Lucy?! What is she doing here?” Tim whispered to Angela.

“Looks like someone’s admirer followed us.” Angela spoke up , revealing her already very revealed position from behind the telescope.

“Not funny!” said Tim. 

“Oh, it’s hilarious.” smirked Nyla

“Lucy, what are you doing here? This is dangerous.” asked John, avoiding the teasing.

Lucy started nervously, but trying to sound confident

“I heard you four planning in the classroom. I thought…maybe I could help.”

“Help? You nearly scared us to death!” Snapped Nyla.

“Well, excuse me for caring. Someone has to watch someone's back.” answered Lucy and she knows Angela definitely noticed the way her eyes drifted to Tim’s for a second, but that wasn't the priority here.

“Uh…thanks, Lucy. But you really shouldn’t be here, this isn't some..” argued Tim.

“Oh no, let her stay. She’s clearly motivated.” butted Angela.

Lucy, ignoring Angela, stepped forward to try and bring everyone back on topic “So? Did you find anything?” 

John spoke “Just the scratch.”

Before anyone could reply or show Lucy the scratch, the group heard another voice. They all looked at Lucy who just shrugged her shoulders to indicate that she didn't know anything about it.

“Tell me that was just the wind.” 

John started “Given our luck. No. Someone else is up here.”

“This is insane. First Lucy shows up, now shadows are moving by themselves. I’m done.” said Nyla.

Angela looked at Nyla grinning, “Oh come on, Nyla. You wanted to save us. Well, here is your moment. Don't you want to ..”

“Wait…do you hear that?” Lucy asked.

It was footsteps again. But lighter this time, almost hesitant. It wasn't a long wait as only a moment later, a girl peered around the door, Celina.

“Ah, I knew you’d come up here, Lucy! You always get into trouble when you chase...” Celina stopped as she looked at Tim before continuing awkwardly “..someone.”

Lucy flushed bright red. She knew exactly what Celina meant and one look at Tim who looked like he wanted to disappear, told her that he knew it too.

“Celina! You followed me?!” hissed Lucy.

“Of course. You’re my friend. And besides…a stolen necklace, I'm also a suspect and it's midnight, a tower? How could I not come? It’s practically begging to be investigated.” 

John looked equal parts exasperated and relieved “Great. Another one. This is turning into a school field trip.” 

“Except the field trip ends with all of us expelled…or possessed.” added Nyla.

Angela, was eyeing Celina curiously, partly because she still doubted her and part because of her talking to the stars nonsense, “Why are you carrying a notebook?”

Celina answered in a matter-of-fact way, “To record everything. Robberies, shadows, stolen jewelry, people blushing over people, it all goes in here.” she continued. 

“But look around. Don’t you feel it? The air up here is heavy. Like the tower itself is hiding something.”

The others glance uneasily at each other, watching Celina as she steps into the room slowly, studying the floor, the walls, the telescope, muttering observations under her breath and scribbling in her notebook. She continued to talk to herself. “The necklace wasn’t just stolen. It was placed here. Or taken from here. That matters. Everything whispers if you know how to listen.”

Suddenly, Celina stops near the far wall, lantern light catching her face. She crouches and presses her hand to a loose stone on the floor. “See? Secrets. Always beneath our feet.”

Before anyone could react, the loose stone shifted slightly under her hand. A hollow clunk echoes in the chamber. The group stared, breathless, wondering if the strange girl had just solved the mystery or pulled them in further.

“What…what did you just do?” asked Nyla

Celina calmly, almost delighted, began “I think…I found where the necklace went.”

“That’s it. That’s definitely a hiding spot. The necklace could be right under there.” Angela whispered excitedly.

John stepped up cautious “Maybe. Or maybe it’s something else. Whatever it is, we shouldn’t open it now.” 

Nyla relieved “Finally, someone sensible! It’s late, it’s freezing, and if we get caught up here, we’re all finished. Plus, I’d rather not be eaten alive by angry ghost jewelry in the dark.”

“Do we…have to stay and do this now? I mean, it’s really late.” said Lucy.

“Late makes everything more interesting. That’s when secrets talk.” replied Celina.

“No. It’s not safe. Not for any of us. We’ll come back when it’s earlier, when we’re less likely to get caught.” said John.

Angela spoke up hesitantly, “But what if someone else finds it first?”

“Then they can have it. I’d rather be necklace-free than expelled.” answered Nyla.

Tim looked at Lucy, and started, “Nyla’s right. Lucy shouldn’t even be here. If the Headmaster found out…” 

“I’m fine! Really. I just…maybe going back now is a good idea.” said Lucy quickly.

“Fine. But the stone will still be here tomorrow. And so will the truth.”

“Alright. We go now. Quietly. And tomorrow…we come back prepared.” said John decisively.

Angela looked skeptical but slowly backed down away from the stone, leaving the chamber, Tim and Lucy followed her with one last nervous glance at each other, and the door creaked shut with the faintest metallic clink, behind Nyla, the last to exit. 

Great Hall - Next Morning

Tim and Angela were sitting on the stone steps, half-empty mugs of coffee beside them, along with parchments and inkpots.

Angela leaned in, with her eyes sparkling “Alright, Tim. I’ve decided.. we need structure. Rules. Purpose. A team.” 

Tim groaned, “Oh no. You’ve been awake for, what, an hour? And you’re already trying to start a revolution.”

Angela grinned, “Not a revolution. An organization. I’m calling it… The Necklace of Eriphyle Retrieving Department.”

Tim stared at her in disbelief, “…The what?”

Angela looking proud, “NERD. For short.”

Tim began as he snorted into his coffee, “Of course. Of course you made the acronym “NERD.”

“Think about it, we’d have official members, planned operations, designated roles. John could be a strategist, Nyla our skeptic to keep us grounded, Celina the …eccentric researcher, and Lucy th..”

“Wait. Lucy?” Asked Tim as he choked on his coffee.

“Yes. She’s sharp, and surprisingly brave. Did you see how she followed us last night? She could be really useful, and well we call ourselves NERD’s, we must have the biggest nerd in our team.”

“YYeah, but, uh. She shouldn’t be dragged into dangerous stuff. Not her.”

Angela raised an eyebrow at Tim, “Oh, so she shouldn’t be involved, but the rest of us can run around nearly getting caught in a haunted tower?”

“It’s…different.”

“Different how? Explain Timothy.” asked Angela teasingly. 

Tim didn't answer her but mumbled something into his mug that sounded a lot like ‘go to hell’.

Angela shook her head and paused to study him, “You’ve got feelings about this, don’t you?”

“What? No! I just. look, Lucy’s…Lucy. She’s…uh…nice.... and "

“And what Timothy?” Angela cut him off, grinning.

“What?! No, she’s not, she, okay maybe a little…” blurted Tim, a little flabbergasted with the accusation that Angela was implying.

Angela now laughing, “Oh, this is rich. No wonder you don’t want her in NERD. You’re terrified she’ll either get hurt or you’ll confess your undying love while we’re dodging booby-trapped floor tiles.”

“You make it sound ridiculous.”

“It is ridiculous. Which makes it perfect.”

Tim, burying his face in his hands spoke, “Fine. But, I’m not calling myself a “member of NERD.” I’m not.”

“Too late. I’m drafting the charter tonight. And Lucy’s on the list. End of story.”

Tim groaned, knowing it wasn't going to end well. Not while things with Isabel had still not come to a clean end. On the other side, Angela looked absolutely delighted with herself, sipping her coffee like a victorious general.

Courtyard-Afternoon

Lucy sat on a bench, scribbling in her notebook. Angela ran up to her with a reluctant Tim tailing behind her.

“Lucy! Just the person I was looking for.”

Lucy looked up from her notebook to first Angela then Tim, smiling shyly when she saw Tim’s red face.

“Oh…hi. What’s going on?”

Angela starts dramatically, “Congratulations. You’ve been selected as a founding member of the Necklace of Eriphyle Retrieving Department.”

Lucy blinked and looked between the two, “The…what?”

Tim muttered, “NERD. Don’t ask.”

“NERD is our elite, highly secret organization dedicated to solving the great necklace robbery. And you, Lucy, have been chosen because you’re clever, resourceful, and you proved last night that you’re braver than most.” finished Angela.

Lucy, now stood up with wide eyes, “Me? Really?”

“Absolutely.”

Lucy looked positively curious and joyous, her eyes had lit up at the prospect of being a part of a secret group.. She glanced at Tim, then nodded eagerly.

“Then I’m in. What do I do first?”

“For starters, we’ll meet tonight to plan our return to the Astronomy Tower. John and Nyla don’t know it yet, but they’re members too.”

“This is going to end in detention.” groaned Tim.

“Lucy, ignore him. Your role will be…intelligence officer. You’ll help gather clues, keep track of what we find, and point out what the rest of us miss.”

“I can do that. I won’t let you down.”

“See? Perfect fit. Welcome to NERD.” said Angela smirking.

Lucy beamed at this. Tim tried to speak, but Angela nudged him hard with her elbow. He looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him, while Angela looked smug. Victorious. 

Chapter Text

Classroom- Morning

It was an old, unused classroom. Located just above the dungeons and looked like it had been forgotten by both, time and people. Dust clung to every surface, rising in little clouds whenever someone brushed against a desk. The blackboard at the front was cracked, its surface smeared with ghostly chalk marks from lessons taught years ago. Sunlight streamed in through a singular tall, grimy window, cutting golden beams across the room and highlighting cobwebs that stretched lazily between ceiling fans that no longer turned. 

Broken benches were pushed into a corner, leaving space in the middle where Angela and Tim had dragged a few half-intact desks into a circle to make their makeshift headquarters. 

On the teacher’s abandoned chair sat a pile of notebooks, snack wrappers, and a battered torch. 

Angela, being the self-proclaimed leader, had scribbled “NERD HQ” on the blackboard in huge letters. While Everyone else sat around the makeshift table. The group that Angela had assembled consisted of Tim, Lucy, John, Nyla and Celina, as they were already involved in the case. She had also recruited Bailey, Randy, and Miles.

Angela stood proudly, in the front, hands on her hips, “Welcome, everyone, to the Necklace of Eriphyle Retrieving Department. Or… ”

“NERD.” Everyone groaned in unison, except Lucy. She looked quite happy to be there.

Angela ignoring them,“Exactly. Tonight, we lay the foundation of greatness.”

“Or we lay the foundation of the world’s fastest group detention.” said John.

Nyla interrupted, “I’m here for the snacks, which, by the way, don’t exist.”

As Nyla said this, Randy, a muscular boy with messy hair and a mischievous grin, proudly dumped a sack of contraband sweets and fizzy drinks on the desk.

“Already handled. You can’t spell “NERD” without “nourishment.” supplied Randy in his German accent.

Nyla looked at him blinking, grudgingly impressed, “…Okay, he stays.”

“I still don’t know why I’m here.” Asked Bailey. 

John shrugged, “Because Angela cornered you in the library and gave you no choice.”

Angela cheerfully, “Correct. You’re the calm one. Every group needs a calm one.”

“Every group also needs someone who hears the whispers in the walls.” murmured Celina.

Everyone froze. Celina blinked up at them, perfectly normal, then went back to scribbling in her notebook. 

“Okay, she’s the spooky one. Got it.” grinned Randy.

Angela clearing her throat, soldiering on “Moving on. Introducing recruits: Lucy, intelligence officer,” at which Lucy smiled, nodding shyly. Miles, a broad-shouldered boy sitting beside her, leans forward protectively.

“I’ll be the muscle. Keep her and everyone safe.” 

Tim interrupts flatly, “We don’t need muscle, why are you even here?”

“Trust me, you do. You’ll thank me when something tries to crush us.” said Miles grinning.

Angela started again, “Perfect. Miles is our shield, then. Randy’s supply officer, Celina’s researcher slash spook. Bailey’s the mediator. Nyla’s skeptic. John’s strategist. Tim is ..”

“Reluctant babysitter.”

Angela said smirking, “Deputy Leader.”

“Wait, deputy? Who’s the leader?”

Angela beamed, “Me, obviously.” This resulted in generalised groans across The room, but everyone knew better than to interrupt Angela. 

Angela ignored them again, “Now, our first mission as NERD is returning to the Astronomy Tower tomorrow night.”

“And what exactly are we looking for?” Asked Bailey cautiously 

“Whatever’s under the stone. The hollow one.” said Celina softly.

“Exactly. Tonight…NERD takes its first step into history.”

Astronomy Tower- Night.

The NERD squad sneaked in, lanterns dimmed. The cold night air pressed in as they clclimbed  the chamber. They were more confident this time around, knowing what they were looking for. Their agenda today was simple, get up, look under the hollow stone and return to the makeshift hq.

Angela excitedly whispers, “Alright, everyone, this is it. The moment of truth.”

“The moment of stupidity, more like.” Muttered Nyla 

They gather around the spot where Celina had found the hollow stone the other night. But when the lantern’s glow falls across it..

“It’s…gone.” Gasped Lucy.

Everyone ffroze. The stone wasn’t there anymore, the hollow structure was exposed, dust scattered around it.

“Someone got here first.”

Celina scribbled furiously in her notebook, “The secret didn’t wait for us.”

Randy poking his head forward, whispering  “Does anyone else feel like we’re about to get murdered by cursed jewelry?”

Miles immediately put an arm protectively in front of Lucy,”Stay behind me.”

Tim snapped at him, “She doesn’t need you to..”

But before the argument could spark any further, a voice booms from behind them, making them all freeze.

Headmaster Grey's stern voice echoed in the chamber, “Care to explain…why nine students are sneaking into the Astronomy Tower at midnight?”

The group whirled around. The Headmaster stood in the doorway, robes billowing, eyes sharp as knives. The lantern light throwed his shadow across the floor, making him look twice as tall.

Angela gulped and whispered to the group, “Okay… new plan. Nobody says “NERD.”

“Well? Who will speak first?” asked headmaster Grey.

Angela nervously grinning, blurted, “We were…uh…stargazing! As a group project. For astronomy. You know. Stars.”

Nyla mutters “That’s the worst lie I’ve ever heard”.

Randy jumped in, grinning, “Actually, it’s true. I even brought snacks for the trip. Want some licorice?”

Headmaster raising an eyebrow,“Snacks. At midnight. In a locked tower.?”

Bailey quickly covered up earnestly, “We couldn’t sleep, sir. We thought some fresh air might help.”

Celina dreamily, without looking up from her notebook continued, “And sometimes the truth whispers loudest in the dark.”

Grey sighed, rubbing his temples, “Of course. You again.”

Tim stepped forward, stiffly, “It’s my fault, sir. I didn’t stop them. I should’ve.”

“No, none of us insisted. We just…thought we might find something.” Lucy spoke quietly. 

The Headmaster's eyes narrowed, “And what something would that be?”

The group goes silent. Angela opens her mouth, but John shoots her a look that says “don’t you dare.”

Angela spoke up, “Uhm…a better view of Jupiter?”

The Headmaster steps forward into the light, his eyes cold and sharp. His voice drops lower.

“You mean…the missing Necklace of Eriphyle.” Grey answered.

The words hit the group like a thunderclap. Lucy’s hand flew to her mouth. Nyla muttered a curse under her breath and Tim stiffened. Miles unconsciously moved closer to Lucy again which earned him a glare from Tim.

Randy tried weakly to laugh, “Heh…is that what they call Jupiter these days?”

The headmaster ignored him, gaze sweeping across the students, “So tell me…which of you took it?”

The group exchanges panicked glances. Nobody spoke.

The headmaster asked sternly,“So. No confessions?”

Angela squared her shoulders, “No, sir. Because none of us took it.”

John firmly replied, backing her up, “And if you think one of us did, then you’ll have to punish all of us.”

Nyla rolled her eyes, but stood straighter,

“Brilliant. We’ve officially formed a suicide pact.”

“NERD till the bitter end!”Randy said, saluting dramatically.

Bailey squeezed John’s hand, quietly, “We stick together.”

Lucy, who was hesitant at first, then strongly said “Yes. We…we trust each other.”

“None of us will turn on the others. That’s final.” Tim said.

For a long moment, the Headmaster studied them. Then, instead of anger, something weary flickers across his face. “Fools. Brave, loyal fools. You think you’re protecting each other…when in truth, you should be protecting yourselves.”

He steps closer to the hollow stone. His voice grows heavier, each word carrying the weight of something ancient.

“The necklace you chase is not merely jewelry. It is called the Necklace of Eriphyle…or by its older name, the Necklace of Harmonia. A relic forged in deceit… the cursed heirloom of Thebes.”

Grey continued, “Every hand that has worn it has bled. It destroys not only its bearer, but their family, their allies, their very house. Greed, betrayal, war… it leaves only ruin. That is its gift.”

Lucy horrified, whispering, “And now it’s loose.”

The headmaster turned sharply to her, “Exactly. That necklace is not to be played with, not to be hunted like treasure. You children do not grasp what you toy with.”

Angela spoke defiantly “But someone stole it. And if it’s cursed, then shouldn’t we be the ones to find it, before it hurts anyone else?”

The headmaster looks at her long and hard, then sighs, “You’ve got spirit, Miss Angela. But spirit won’t shield you from a curse that has toppled kingdoms.”

Headmaster grave, final, “Listen carefully. Stay away from it. The more you chase it, the more it will coil itself around your fates. The Necklace does not like to be found. It likes to choose. And trust me, you don’t want to be chosen.”

Headmaster Grey had long gone now, but the group was still reeling with the aftermath of what they had heard. Hearing the cursed History of the necklace did little to affirm them of their mission but the fact that all had stood for each other rather than against each other, when it really mattered, gave them hope.

“…Okay. That was terrifying.” Randy began

Angela's voice was trembling, but still stubborn, “Which means we have to find it.We can’t just walk away. The Headmaster’s right, it’s dangerous. But that’s why we can’t leave it alone.”

The group looks at one another, fear, determination, and suspicion all mixing. Somewhere deep inside, they all feel the same terrible truth, maybe the necklace has already chosen one of them.

John frowning, “Angela…”

Angela cut him off, fiercely, “If it’s cursed, if it destroys people, then whoever stole it is in danger. And so are we, all of us. We have to find it.”

Bailey started worried, “But what if the curse..”

“Then we fight it together.”

Celina eyes glittering strangely, “A pact, then. Bound by choice. Reckless, but pure.”

Randy grinning nervously, “NERD forever, baby! Even if we get turned into frogs.”

Nyla sighs, “This is the dumbest decision I’ve ever agreed to. Which is saying something.”

“I’m in.” came Lucy’s voice firm and clear.

“…Fine. So am I.” Tim said with a tense jaw.

They all place their hands together, some awkwardly, some reluctantly. But in the dim lantern glow, the circle of hands looked like a ritual. A reckless oath, sealing their fates. Bailey looked at John knowingly, while Angela looked deep in thought.

The group dispersed off quietly, after finding nothing in the tower. On the way back Tim caught up with Lucy as they walked down the stairs.

“Lucy. Can I talk to you?” 

Lucy surprised, smiling faintly, “Of course.”

Tim looked at Lucy, his voice strained, “You shouldn’t be part of this. The Headmaster wasn’t exaggerating, this curse doesn’t just ruin lives, it targets them. You’d be safer if you walked away.”

Lucy shook her head, “No, Tim. You don’t get to decide that for me.”

Tim, frustrated, stepped closer, “I’m not deciding for you, I’m trying to help out."

“I don’t need help. Not from this. I chose to help because I can help.”

“…Fine. Just…be careful, Lucy. Please.”

Lucy's lips turned into a small smile, “Always.”

Luxy didn't wait for an answer, and walked ahead, leaving Tim glaring at her back in the half-light, with a confused expression.

Next Morning- Nerd HQ

Angela clapped her hands and began, “Alright, NERD is officially back in session. Our mission: locate the Necklace of Eriphyle before it destroys, curses, or explodes something.”

Randy mouth full of biscuit, “Or turns us all into toads. That too.”

Nyla rolling her eyes, “Can we please be serious for once?”

Celina scribbled absently in her notebook, ”Seriousness is an illusion, like shadows pretending to be real.”

John groaned, “And here we go again.”

Angela ignoring them, leaning forward, “We need intel. We know it’s cursed, but we don’t know exactly how. The headmaster gave us scraps, but scraps won’t save us.”

Lucy cleared her throat, softly at first, “I… I might know more.”

Lucy gathered courage, voice steadying, “So, I was wondering about the necklace and thought about researching it and found that, it was forged by Hephaestus, the god of fire, as a wedding gift for Harmonia. But it wasn’t a blessing. It was a trap.”

Celina eyes glittering, “A curse wrapped in beauty.”

Lucy nodded, “Exactly. Every family who possessed it tore itself apart. So in Greek mythology, the necklace is said to have brought misfortune to its owners, primarily queens and princesses of the House of Thebes. As I was saying, it was Crafted by the god Hephaestus as a wedding gift for Harmonia, it was intended to punish the adulterous affair between Aphrodite who is Harmonia's mother and Ares. The necklace was both beautiful and offered eternal youth and beauty, and was also a source of immense suffering that ultimately led to the transformation of Harmonia and her husband, Cadmus, into serpents. Wars began over it. Bloodlines ended because of it. It’s not just cursed, it wants destruction”.

Bailey hugged herself, nervous,”So… anyone who wears it…?”

“They’re doomed. Their family, their friends, their allies, are doomed too.”

Miles said, “Then whoever has it now is already in danger.”

Tim, unable to hold back, said “Or already dangerous. “

“The necklace feeds on mistrust. That’s how it spreads. If we start suspecting each other, we’ve already lost.” Explained Lucy.

Angela nodded, inspired, “She’s right. That’s why we need this group. The necklace destroys families, it doesn’t get to destroy us.”

Randy spoke half-joking, half-serious, “NERD versus cursed jewelry. Who ya betting on?”

Angela finally, with forced brightness, “So we find it. And when we do, we destroy it. Together.”

Same Morning - Breakfast

The vast hall hummed with chatter. Sunlight poured through enchanted windows, glittering off the long rows of benches. Students from various houses sat with plates in front of them, some eating while some chatted away animatedly. The NERD members sat clustered together, bleary-eyed from their early morning meeting. 

Randy yawning, “If the Headmaster announces porridge again, I’m rioting.”

“You’d riot for porridge?” Asked Nyla.

“I’d riot without porridge.”

Angela hissed, “Shh! He’s here.”

The Headmaster quickly made it to the front. His robes swept the polished floor, and as he walked he looked at the group, which had mixed reactions. While Tim looked straight at the headmaster. Randy pretended to fill his mouth with bread.

“Students. Good morning. In three days’ time, our institution shall once more host the event that has tested courage, skill, and resolve for centuries. The Grand Competition… the Gauntlet Games.”

Gasps rippled through the hall at the announcement. Of course the students were aware of the games, but hearing it made it solidify more. Even the usual troublemakers straightened.Tim looked at Angela and smirked at her knowingly.

Bailey whispering, “The Gauntlet Games? Already?”

John grim, under his breath, “Every three years. Last time, the East Wing roof nearly collapsed”.

Miles' eyes narrowed, “It’s dangerous.”

Lucy leaned forward, whispering, “But it’s also full of relics and trials. If the necklace is hidden somewhere…”

Tim cut in, tense, “Then it’s the worst place to be.”

“Silence. This year, the Games shall be fiercer than ever. Only the bravest shall enter. Glory awaits the victors… but failure, as always, bears its price.” continued Grey.

His eyes swept the crowd, and for a fleeting moment, seemed to linger on the NERD table. Lucy shivered at the moment and Celina tilted her head with a peculiar smile, as though she knows something the rest do not.

The Headmaster continued, “ Choose wisely.”

The hall erupted in chatter again as the Headmaster departed. The group leaned together, whispering fiercely over the noise.

Angela exclaimed, “This is it. If we enter the Gauntlet Games, we might find clues about the necklace..”

John cut her off, low and sharp, “No. It’s too dangerous.”

Lucy soft but firm, “We already made an oath, John. This might be our only chance.”

Miles nodding, protective glance at her, “Then we enter. Together.”

Randy grinning, rubbing his hands, “Finally! Something fun!”

Nyla sighs, muttering, “Fun, he says. Until we’re all skewered.”

“The necklace will like this. The Games are blood and secrets. Just its kind of stage.” said Celina

The group falls into a heavy silence at her words. The excitement in the hall feels suddenly sharper, almost sinister, as if the Gauntlet Games are not just competition, but part of the necklace’s design.