Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Marinette could not help but stare at the building in front of her. She knew the headmaster had said it was abandoned but she didn’t it would be this bad. The black iron fence was bent all over it and she couldn’t help, but think of how it would of been torture for her to even get in the building if she did not have her gloves on. The thought of purposely burning her hands made her shutter. The landscape or what she thought had been the landscape was either dead or in desperate need of care. The building itself was in need of repair from what she could see. Re-roofing being the most obvious. She could see a couple of gargoyles statues and couldn’t help but smile. The statues made her think of the Notre-Dame one of her favorite buildings. It was bittersweet to see them and remember that she may never see it again.

“Right, right. Please come inside.” Crowley exclaimed guiding her into the building.

They entered what appeared to have be the lounge at some point. There was wallpaper peeling away from the walls pictures crocked tears in the furniture’s fabric. Most obviously was the thick layer of dust that coated everything along many cobwebs.

Crowley spoke sounding a little sad, “Staying here will at least keep you out of the rain. I’m going back to do more research. Make yourselves at home. Don’t go wondering around the school! Goodbye!”

Crowley could not help but feel sorry for the girl. Being stuck somewhere she no idea when she would go home. Stuck in a dreary building that was no place for a girl but there was no other option for her.

Marinette looked around and couldn’t help but think of how much cleaning need to be done before they could start any repairs to see the full damage. She went upstairs to see what it looked like up there. She came to a hall that was in the same shape as the rest of the house and opened the door to the first room. Tikki and Plagg rushed in to inspect but stopped in their tracks staring. Confused at what got that reaction out of the two she looked around and also stopped in shock. There on the floor of the room where the boxes that she had packed in her room back in Paris for moving along with her suitcase. She rushed over and opened her suitcase not caring if the clothes she pulled out got dirty. She couldn’t help but let tears of relief run down her face as she pulled out the miraculous box, heirloom dagger, and family spell book. She then heard something back downstairs and slowly went back down to see what it was. She stopped still out of site to listen to what was making noise.

“Hye. It’s really coming down!” A familiar voice said. She went down to see Grim inside somehow. Didn’t he get kicked out?

“Gyahaha! You’ve got this stupid look on your face like a spider being attacked with a water gun.” Grim said rather rudely.

“How are you back here? Didn’t you get kicked out?” Marinette couldn’t help but ask the obvious.

“I’ll have no trouble sneaking back into school. Come on, come on. If you think getting thrown out is gonna make me give up on getting in you’ve got another thing coming!” Grim said arrogantly.

Marinette decided instead to ask what had been on her mind when he had been thrown out, “Why do you even want to attend this school so bad?”

“That’s simple! I’m a genius who is destined to be a great magician! I’ve been waiting for the ebony carriage to come pick me up. But... but...” He trailed off and she couldn’t help but feel sad for him.

Grim must have seen her expression. “Hmph! The Dark Mirror just doesn’t have an eye for this. So that’s why I came here on my own. Not letting me in would be a loss for the world, humans just don’t get it.” She couldn’t help but wonder how he didn’t notice that she wasn’t completely human from that comment.

“Nya! So cold! The roof is leaking!” Shouted Grim as water came through one of the holes in the ceiling on to him.

“Fygaa! It keeps coming! My adorable ear fire is gonna go out at this rate!” Grim cried in despair.

“Where is the leak coming from?” I couldn’t see the source of the roof leak.

“Magic should fix this leak up real quick.” Grim said looking at me expectantly.

“If you know where the leak is coming from than I can fix it.” She said sternly. She was not going to throw magic around like nuts and get exhausted.

“Gah! Your useless!” Grim said angrily.

She was starting to get irritated with Grim and his unhelpful behavior. “Are you just going to sit here and complain or I don’t know actually help me!?!”

“Huh? Help you? No waaay! I’m just a regular monster staying in a rainy place. You better get a can of of tuna ready before I do any work.”

Great Grim wasn’t going to be any help unless he got his tuna. I had no idea where all the leaks are coming from with the state of the roof so it looked like I was going to have to find some buckets or pots to catch the water. I ran through a hallway looking around when I heard something else. All the sudden three ghosts appeared.

“Hihihihi.....ihihihi.... We haven’t had a guest in so long...” One ghost said with a terrifying look on his face that promised trouble.

“I’m itching for some action.” The second ghost exclaimed looking like he was about to have some fun.

“Ihihihihi!” The third one just laughed.

“Ggghhooossstts!” She screamed as she ran back to the lounge.

Grim turned his attention to the sound of screaming to see her running back into the lounge. Confused at her terror he asked, “What are you freaking out... Gyaaaaa!!! G-g-g-ghooooosts!!!”

“The people living here got scared of us and left.” The second ghost said and she can’t blame them if the got this done to them every time of the day.

“We’ve been looking for more ghost pals. How about you guys?” The third ghost asked with a malicious smile.

“Your going to kill us!” She shouted in fear.

“Uuu, uuuuh- -! Grim, the Great Magician, isn’t scared of some ghosts!” Grim said as he was visibly shaking and gathering flames in his paws.

“Punahh- - - nnn!” Grim launched a fire ball missing the ghosts completely.

“Where are you aiming?” The first ghost asked confused.

“Over here, over here! Hehehehe!” The third ghost yelled tauntingly.

“Shoot! Stop disappearing!” Grim yelled in frustration preparing another fire ball when she noticed he was closing his eyes.

“Open your eyes when you aim or else your going to burn the place down!” She shouted.

“Shut up! Don’t try to give me orders!” Grim snapped at her.

“I’ll give you a can of tuna if you win.” She bargained. She didn’t think she had any type of attacks that would affect ghosts or not destroy the building.

“Wah...!? Mmmmgmm, I-I’m a genius, I won’t let one....” Grim said seemingly in cooperation.

“Ihihihihi!” The ghosts gave taunting laughs.

Grim scowled at them, “Bunch of cowards ganging up on us!”

“Don’t burn the place down or else you won’t get your can of tuna!” She said.

“Hey you! Tell me where the ghosts are!” Grim shouted at her.

“They’re on your left!” She called hoping he actually hit them this time. She did not want to find out what would happen if they didn’t get rid of these ghosts.

“Hooot!” The first ghost yelled as he got hit by the fire ball. The ghosts started try and get away going back down the hallway they had chased her from.

“After them!” She shouted.

They chased them down the hall till they cornered them.

“Fugnaaa!!!” Grim shouted as he launched another fire ball managing to hit at the ghosts.

“Heee, heeeeee! We’re goners! Runaway!” The ghost shouted as they phased through the windows fleeing.

Marinette sighed in relief that the murderous ghosts were gone. She was going to have to look through the family spell book and see if there was anything in it for getting rid of or keeping ghosts away.

“E, eh? We... won?” Grim said in a state of shock from actually being able to drive the ghosts away.

“Thank you Grim. I don’t think any of my magic could have driven them away without destroying the building in the process.” Marinette gave a small sincere smile in gratitude.

“That was nothing for the Great Grim! How ‘bout that, ghosts? You done?” Grim said smugly in response.

She then heard footsteps and turned to see Crowley carrying a tray with covered dishes.

“Good evening. I have graciously brought supper for you” Crowley proclaimed as if he had just done a tremendous things. He didn’t seem to see Grim when he can in.

Crowley then took in the sight of Grim and said with an annoyed tone, “You’re the monster that ran amuck during the entrance ceremony! I threw you out of the school, what are you doing here!?”

“Hmph! I exterminated the ghost problem! Be grateful!” Grim said in response with his arms crossed smug.

“Nn? What do you mean by that?” Crowley asked in confusion.

She stepped in before Grim could say anything. “There was a group of ghosts that were trying to cause problems. They made the claim that they were going to turn us into ghosts as well. The only way that would happen is by death. They came at us will what seemed the intentions to kill us. Grim’s fire is what scared them away and none of my magic would have done anything to them without destroying the building.”

“Now that you mention it, there were some prankster ghosts living here so students keep away from this dormitory, and that’s why its now empty. I’d forgotten that. However, hmmmm....” Crowley replied as he remembered that important detail while thinking of something.

“For the two of you to work together to get rid of them.” Crowley began to say but was interrupted.

“I’m not gonna overlook that ‘together’ comment. She was just standing there watching. And I did this for a can of tuna.” Grim said rudely. She bristled at that because she had to be the one to tell him where to shoot the entire time.

“I still want that tuna!” Grim said clearly only thinking about food.

Crowley ignored him, “I’d like the two of you to show me how you exterminated those ghosts.”

“But we already got rid of all the ghosts! Before that. Give. Me. Tuna!” Grim shouted the last part.

“I shall be the ghost.” Crowley exclaimed.

This confused her as the only way she knew of was death for someone to be a ghost.

“If you beat me, I’ll give you two tuna cans. For I am gracious.” Crowley said as a bribe to Grim.

“Transformation potion!” Crowley yelled as he drank from a bottle of liquid. This got her attention making her think of the miraculous potions from the grimoire and how they could be similar. A puff of smoke came and as it cleared she could see a ghost wearing Crowley’s top hat and mask.

“Eeh. I don’t wanna. This is a pain and I have to team up with her again...” Grim bemoaned.

Well that was insulting but she just want to get this over with. “Come on once this is over you get two cans.”

“This is the last time! You absolutely, absolutely have to give me tuna!” Grim said clearly impatient for his promised reward.

Crowley start to move around and Marinette directed Grim on where to shoot. This went on for about ten minutes till finally the potion wore off.

Grim panting from all the magic use exclaimed, “Hee-haa... How ‘bout that!”

Tikki and Plagg came down sometime to see what was going on and watched from the side.

“I can’t believe... there is a person who can command monsters.” Crowley said with excitement.

“Hey!” “We’re not monsters!” The two Kwamis said simultaneously.

“Hmmmm.... Actually, my teacher-senses were telling me since the uproar during the entrance ceremony that you have talent as a animal or wild beast trainer.” Crowley said as he was in his own world not hearing any protests or seeing the looks he was getting.

“Maybe you could let Grim go to this school? He really just wants to learn.” She said trying to help Grim get his dream of going there.

“What... A monster...” Crowley exclaimed in surprise at the suggestion.

“You...” Grim said in shock that a human was trying to help him with his dream after all that he had done.

“Hah... this can’t be helped. Alright.” Crowley said coming to a decision.

“Great.” Grim exclaimed in joy.

“I can’t simply allow someone, let alone a monster, into school who wasn’t selected by the Dark Mirror. Also I can’t let you be a freeloader here until you return to your own world.” Crowley stated.

Grim deflated at what Crowley had said. “Well... talk about short lived joy...”

“Listen until the end. Concerning the fact your soul was called here the school has to take responsibility as the owners of the Dark Mirror. For the time being you’ll be permitted to stay in this dormitory for free. But, other necessities you will have to provide for yourself. Seeing how you have nothing to your name.” Crowley said and was about to continue when he was interrupted.

“Umm... sir? I don’t exactly have nothing.” Marinette couldn’t help but say.

This got Crowley’s attention, “What do you mean by that? I didn’t see anything will you when you came.”

“Some of my possessions managed to come with me. We found them in one of the bedrooms earlier.” She further explained.

“You still need a way to provide other things so here is my proposition. You will be doing some maintenance and odd jobs around campus.” Crowley proclaimed.

“Would you two like to become the ‘handyman’ of the school? This way you will receive special permission to remain on school grounds. You’ll also be able to research going home or study whatever you desire in the library. For I am gracious. However! Only after your work is done.” Crowley gave his offer.

It looked like this was the only way she would be able to stay and find a way back. She would have to take it even if the idea of being a handyman did not appeal to her.

“Eeh?! I’m not okay with that! I want to wear the fancy uniform and be a student!” Grim shouted his displeasure.

“It’s fine if you’re unsatisfied. I’ll simply toss you out again.” Crowley threatened.

“Fgnaa!? I get it! I just have to do it. Just do it!” Grim shouted in fear.

“I understand.” She said accepting that this was for the best.

“Wonderful. Then you two starting tomorrow, endeavor to be the best handyman at Night Raven College!” Crowley exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Crowley picked up the tray and handed it over to Marinette. “I hope you find this satisfying. I will go fetch the tuna as promised.” Then he left.

Marinette went down to the dining room and uncovered her meal. To her surprise it was a beef stew with a roll and side salad. She started to eat and Crowley came back with the two promised cans of tuna then left for the night. She gave Plagg the mozzarella from her salad and part of the roll to Tikki. She went upstairs to the bedroom to go to bed. Grim tried to follow her in. “No you’re not sleeping in the same room as me. Go find another room to sleep in.” Grim was about to protest but noticed the hard stare Marinette, and the Kwamis were giving him then went off to find another room. Once he was gone she went into the room to see all the other Kwamis and couldn’t help but smile. They all tackled her talking over each other asking if she was alright. After they had all calmed down she noticed that they had been busy cleaning the room to the best of their ability. She took of her robe and decided to just go to bed. She feel asleep with the Kwamis all around her that night glade she was not alone in this world.

Marinette woke up the early and rubbed her eyes to see it had not been a dream last night. The Kwamis woke up as she dug around her stuff and found her cloths she wore when doing maintenance on the motorcycles with her grandma. The clothes of a old grey t-shirt, brown cargo pants, elbow length work gloves. She put her clothes and made sure her gloves were on correctly before putting on her shoes. The problem with finding the most protective shoes is that they are reinforced by steel in some part so she had to be careful with putting them on. Once she was done she went downstairs to the kitchen with the Kwamis following they spent thirty minutes cleaning to have it be clean enough to make breakfast. She heated up the leftover stew from the night before and was chatting on what needed to be done in the dorm when she heard a scream. She could only assume was Grim.

She ran upstairs and opened the door to see the three ghosts from last night surrounding Grim.

“Are you all going to be living here? You’re going to get pranked.” The first ghost said.

“Shoot we’ll get rid of you eventually!” Shouted Grim cranky from being woken up.

“Good morning you two! Did you sleep well?” Crowley came in entirely to cheerful for the morning in her opinion.

“I was all sprawled out then fell off the bed! Just how ramshackle did you let this place get? Then the ghosts woke me up, this is the worst!” Grim snapped back.

“It was fine.” Was her simple reply in truth she was so emotionally and mentally exhausted she couldn’t really care.

“I came to speak about your work for today.”Crowley explained as they walked down to the lounge.

“Today, you are to clean the campus. ...But campus is quite large. Cleaning it all will take sometime with only yourselves. So I’d like you to clean Main Street from the main gate to the library. Understood?” Crowley explained with his arms folded. We nodded with Plagg doing the Kwami version of thumbs up.

Crowley then turned to her, “Please watch Grim closely so he doesn’t cause a scene like yesterday.”

“I can try but I can’t make any guarantee that he won’t.” I already had Plagg to look after and he was literally chaos.

Crowley just sighed, “I suppose that is the best you can do with you already having your own familiars to watch over. You have permission to have lunch in the school cafeteria. Take care of your work enthusiastically.” Crowley left after that to the school.

“No way I’m doing any cleaning. I wanna go to class and, bang! Boom boom boom! Use a bunch of awesome spells!” Grim said dreamily.

“Come on the fast we get done the sooner we can go to the library, and then you can find some awesome spells.” Trying to get him motivated to at least help for the idea of finding something he wanted. She went back into the kitchen and told the other Kwamis to try and get what they could done while she was gone, and warned them about the ghosts. Grim was muttering as they left. Tikki and Plagg sat on her shoulder chatting as they went. Hopefully today there would not be any trouble like night.