(Zelda's POV)

I don't know what to think about last night. Everything seemed so natural and real; it felt like I was outside the academy and talking to Oliver. Then I woke up in the Intuitous Student Lounge as if I'd never left in the first place. I don't have time to dwell on this as I need to prepare for class.

I got dressed and started heading for my morning lessons in potions.

"Miss Cromwell, I've been expecting you," Professor Luma smiled.

"Good morning, Professor Luma!" I smiled at her.

"I was delighted to see your name on the roster for Advanced Potions," Professor Luma said.

"I was looking forward to your class; potions are one of my favorite subjects," I smiled.

"I'm always thrilled to hear that from a student. Let's find you a seat, shall we?" Professor Luma giggled. "Ah, how about that empty seat on the front left?"

I looked at the seat, and my blood froze when I saw who I would sit next to, Oliver. I can't catch a fucking break, can I? Moon Goddess, why do you hate me? I sat next to him, and he didn't even acknowledge my existence. Well, at least he's ignoring me. Last night was a dream.

An hour passed, and Professor Luma started to talk about our semester project. "Now, class, before you head off to your next lesson, I want to discuss your semester project. As you all know, the most difficult potion frequently takes the longest to brew. I want you to select an A or S Rank potion for your project. You'll be partnered up in pairs and must work together for the rest of the semester. I expect a finished product in hand by the first week of December. Now take a look at the person sitting next to you." Professor Luma said.

Oh no. Professor Luma does not mean what I think she means. Oliver and I stared into each other's eyes. Fuck Me!

"Feel free to spend the last five minutes of class discussing what potion you two want to make," Professor Luma said.

Oliver looked at me coldly. I just wanted to disintegrate right then and there. "I already have a potion in mind for his project, so we don't need to discuss that," Oliver said with venom.

Wonderful. Working together will be difficult if Oliver plans to act like this. I need to play it smart here to stay on his good side and prevent future issues. "Of course, I am open to hearing your ideas. I'm sure it's a good one, but I insist we discuss it as partners. I want a shot at contributing my input," I said.

Oliver looked surprised at my tact and maturity, and he smiled. "Of course, we can talk more about it," Oliver nodded.

"Maybe we should find some time outside classes to strategize more then?" I suggested.

"Sounds good. Are you free after this period, Zelda?" Oliver asked me.

"Yeah, we can get started right now," I said. Goddess, I hope I don't regret spending more time than necessary around him. "We can talk in the academy gardens."

Oliver and I walked to the gardens together, and there was silence between us. He was being stoic the entire way there, and it freaked me out. "The gardens are one of my favorite places to study, aside from my dorm and the library," Oliver said.

"Yeah, same here," I said as Oliver gave me a weird look. Shit, I need to remember not to act like I'm familiar with the school. "I mean, I explored the castle on my first day here. The gardens struck me as a nice and quiet spot to study."

"You have decent intuition, Zelda. It makes sense why you got placed in Intuitous," Oliver smirked.

I can't tell if he's teasing me or mocking me. I laughed at him. "Wow, was that almost a compliment? Better ease up, or I might start thinking you don't hate me," I said sarcastically.

Oliver laughed. "You're a lot more easygoing than you look. I don't hate you, Zelda. I'm sorry I made you think that, as I have quickly judged you. We haven't gotten off on the right foot, and I see that you're different than what I initially thought of you," Oliver said.

"Don't judge a book by its cover?" I said.

"Well, some covers can be misleading," Oliver crossed his arms.

"Ha, spoken like a true bookworm," I laughed.

"Hey, take one to know one," Oliver countered back, then he blushed a little.

What the hell am I doing? I'm cracking jokes with The Nightingale right now. Wake up, Zelda. "Can we start brainstorming for our project now?" I asked him.

Oliver coughed. "Yeah, let's do that,"

(Later That Night)

After dinner ended, Headmistress Caroline asked the Senior Class to stay behind for an assembly. Even without tuning into all the exciting whispers that kept the student body astir today, I already knew what this was about. The Trials, an annual school tradition since Elysium's founding. Every year, a competition is held solely for the Senior Class to compete against one another. I'd always thought that by the time senior year rolled around, Shawn and I would fight together side by side. No, I won't sit here feeling sorry for myself. Shawn would hate that, as he would say,

"Zelda quit it with the pity party. Champions don't wallow. Get your head in the game, get your balls out of your purse, and kick some ass,"

Yeah, he'd say something like that. I laughed to myself silently, but Brooke gave me a weird look. "What's so funny?" Brooke said.

"Oh, nothing. I was thinking of an old friend," I said.

"Well, you must have been pretty close to them to have you smiling like that," Brooke said.

"Yeah, we got in so much trouble together. I miss my friend so much," I sighed.

"I can't imagine how hard it must be starting over somewhere new by yourself. I do hope you'll eventually feel at home here in Elysium. I've always thought of it as something like that of myself, anyway, over the years." Brooke said.

"Thank you, Brooke; I have felt at home here already on some level while here," I smiled.

"That's amazing. This year, I can tell things are going to be very interesting. This is going to be the best year ever." Brooke winked.

I like Brooke; I was never the best at making many other friends outside of Shawn at home. But in the days I've known her, I can tell she's kind-hearted and fierce. Brooke is a force to be reckoned with, and anyone would be lucky to have her in their corner. I want to think that we would've also become good friends in my time had we met.

"Seniors of Elysium, may I have your attention, please?" Headmistress Caroline said. "Thank you for gathering here tonight. As many of you have expected, I've called this assembly here to talk about The Trials. I'm sure that most of you are familiar with this longstanding tradition of our great school. But to mark the official start of this event, I'd like to remind you of its significance. The esteemed founder of Elysium Academy created The Trials as a way to commemorate your final year at Elysium. Celebrate and pay homage to all you've learned and accomplished here at Elysium. This school is so proud to have always taught the brightest young witches and wizards the magical community has to offer. Your last year here may be seen as a summit you must cross before going into the world and continuing your journey. The Trials is Elysium's ultimate display of how well our great school has prepared you all for that journey. You are eligible to be nominated as a challenger for The Trials. However, only eight of you will be selected. One boy and one girl from each Circle. Those eight challengers will complete eight trials that will test the very limits of their magical abilities. The Trials will take place throughout the school year and end in May when we announce our winner. As per tradition, students and staff will help determine how the eight are chosen. Every student may nominate a boy and girl from their respective Circle, and professors may cast nominations for a boy and girl from every Circle. Our challengers will be announced by the end of this week. Please, take the next few days to consider who you think will be worthy of this honored tradition. Best of luck to you all, and enjoy the rest of your night." Headmistress Caroline dismissed everyone as she vanished into thin air.

"So, Zelda, are you interested in joining?" Brooke asked me.

"It sounds like a fun challenge. I wish I could compete." I shrugged. "As much as I'd like to, I figured I'm too new to be nominated by anyone. Everyone here has known each other since freshman year, and most people know who they want to represent their Circle." Brooke laughed at my words. "What's so funny?"

"Sorry, I wasn't laughing at you. It's just, you don't know, do you?" Brooke crossed her arms.

"Can't say that I do," I said. "Care to enlighten me?"

"I think you have a pretty good shot at The Trials if you want to," Brooke smiled.

"And how do you figure that?" I said with suspicion.

"The students have been talking about you, and it's not that you are the 'new girl.', Your title has leveled up to the brilliant genius new girl. Some guys may have called you a cute nerd.

"Brooke, I've been here for two days, and I'm already known as a nerd?!" I shouted.

"How are you this surprised, Zelda? You and Oliver have been going at it in every class together for the past two days. People can't stop talking about it, as no one's EVER matched his overachieving energy before. Not even the brainiacs over in Honestus," Brooke explained.

"Did you call me an overachiever? I scoffed.

"I'll say this with love, honey, but you 110% are. Just embrace it; it's who you are. I'll even go one step further and say this-- Own that shit, Zelda. I know we haven't known each other for that long, but you're destined for great things if you just fully allow yourself to go for it. Stop holding yourself back and doubting yourself." Brooke said to me.

"Jeez. I wonder if the Moon Goddess made you the best-hype woman ever." I said as Brooke giggled. "Thank you for saying all that, Brooke. I needed it. I'm not used to making friends this easily, let alone getting pep talks from anyone else besides,"

I stop myself from saying Shawn's name aloud. Not because I think I'd accidentally give anything away that I'm not supposed to, but because I'm suddenly reminded of precisely what I'd been working so hard to distract myself from these last two days. I'd been happily basking in the familiar comfort of going to class and using that to bury my anxiety. I was using my classes to conceal the crushing reality of how far away I am from my real life and how I might have to accept them as my new home if I can't find a way back to 2077.

"Hey, you don't have to say their names if it hurts too much. I'd miss my best friend too if everything else had suddenly changed and I was somewhere unfamiliar. Adjusting to being here will come slowly, but trust me when I say it will happen." Brooke hugged me.

"Thank you, Brooke,"

"Witches stick together til the end. Always and Forever." Brooke said.

I smiled at her when the hug ended. "Always and Forever," I repeated.

"Come on, let's get out of here. We can hang out in my dorm, and I'll tell you more about the Trials if you want," Brooke offered.

"Oh crap. What time is it?" I looked at my wristwatch. "SHIT! I'm supposed to be meeting with Professor Portman." I got up from the long table.

"Oh?" Brooke said seductively.

"Don't give me that look, Brooke. That's nasty," I said.

"Zelda, have you seen that Silver Fox of a man? He's so dreamy." Brooke's mouth started to water.

"Dreamy? You better make sure your boyfriend doesn't hear you say that", I laughed.

"What? You know I'm right. He's a total daddy," Brooke said.

"I'm going to pray to the Goddess so she can wipe out that memory fragment from my mind. I'm not going to be able to look at him normally during our meeting now," I scoffed. "Thanks, Brooke,"

"I'll go in your place if you want," Brooke said excitedly.

I can imagine the horror on his face if you showed up. "Yeah, pass. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Brooke, and try to stay out of trouble." I said while walking out of the grand hall.

"Whatever you say, mom. Say hi to daddy for me!" Brooke shouted.

I shook my head while laughing at Professor Portman's office and knocked on his door. "Come in!" Professor Portman said.

"Hey, Professor! Sorry, I'm late," I said. "I got caught up talking about The Trails after the assembly,"

"Well, you are here now. Come and sit down and let's catch up," Professor Portman pointed to the chair, and I sat down. "Now, we haven't talked properly since your first night here. I'm sorry about that."

"You don't need to be sorry. Things have been busy," I said.

"No, I do. I said I would help you with everything you're going through, but I went MIA on your first two days. So, I want to know how your days went. Did they go well? How are you doing?

"One thing has been weighing heavily on my mind lately." Should I tell him about the future? Should I say that Oliver will become The Nightingale? I took a deep breath. "I'm not sure if I can tell you. I don't know the rules for being a time traveler. Can I share what I know about the future, or would that mess up the time-space continuum? I hate carrying the burden of knowing what will happen to myself, but I also don't want you to burden yourself with it," My eyes started to well up.

"Zelda, listen to me. It's okay. I don't know what the rules are, either. But if you've forgotten, you already shared some things with me for the future. The world hasn't imploded, and we're still here, right?" Professor Portman said.

"Or the Moon Goddess is at her wit's end trying to clean up the mess I already made, and she's holding everything together as we speak," I chuckled.

Professor Portman laughed. "The point I'm trying to make is that you don't need to carry this, whatever burden you're talking about, all on your own. If you'd like to tell me what you're struggling with, you can. I'm happy to help you carry the weight for you.

"Okay, let me start from the beginning if you want me to paint you the whole picture. Do you remember what I told you about the night before I ended up here? There are some things I didn't tell you on my first night here, and there wasn't enough time to explain everything. I wasn't sure if you needed to know as it didn't seem relevant at the time," I said.

"You mentioned a few things. There was a party, the blood moon, and an old journal that belonged to an unnamed dark wizard from your time." Professor Portman said, recalling what I told him.

"Yeah. So, it wasn't until after our talk on my first day that the journal began to make more sense, and you and I both suspected that it had something to do with how I was sent here. I told you how I could feel a presence coming from it as if it was calling out to me when I found it. I've never felt an incredible force of magic from another person, let alone an object." I took a breath. "That was until I met Oliver."

"Wait. what are you saying, Zelda?" Professor Portman said. "You think that journal belongs to Oliver Nightingale?"

"I'm not saying that I think it belongs to him. I know it belongs to him," I said with regret.

"Zelda, are you telling me that Oliver will grow up to start a war someday?" Professor Portman said with fear. "We can unpack and talk about that one later; let's focus on you for now. Let's assume that our theory is correct and that this journal was imbued with powerful signature magic. However, only the owner of that magic should have a connection to it. Oliver, in this case. It shouldn't have called out to you, as you mentioned." Professor Portman said. "Zelda, are you and Oliver bonded as Soulmates?"

"Yes, I'm pretty sure we are." I nodded.