Archive of Our Own

“I hope the mail will be here soon.” Tubbo peered up eagerly at the top of the Great Hall ceiling as he sat cozily between his two closest friends.

“You’ve been saying that for the past few days now.” Tommy said between bites of his sandwich.

“I’m sure the owls will be here any minute.” Ranboo reassured him.

The trio sat at the Ravenclaw table for today, nested between Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Their friend group typically spent breakfast and lunch at the Gryffindor table, but simply desired a change of pace. The red and yellow ties on Tommy and Tubbo respectively contrasted the blue hues from the students around them. Yet nobody appeared to care, continuing on with their meals.

It was the “cool nerd table” as Tommy’s older brother, Technoblade, described it. Though, he was away at quidditch practice today.

“Can you really blame me for being impatient? I’m dying to know what my family thought of the picture.” Tubbo kicked his legs in anticipation.

Earlier this week, the trio of friends took a group photo on a bench for memory’s sake. The enchanted flash camera ended up printing three moving photos. Tommy sent his copy home to his mother with an update of his new life at Hogwarts. Tubbo ended up doing the same with his muggle family, and since then has been waiting for his owl to return.

“Did you tell them how you wanted to print out a fourth copy, just to see what would happen if you cut off our heads. You fucking tried decapitating picture me!” Tommy placed his hands on his neck, not wanting to picture himself like his own house’s ghost.

“Hey, at least I didn’t try dissecting an actual living painting this time!” Tubbo shook his head, remembering that time he got points docked from Hufflepuff.

“I liked when you took apart the camera and were sad it was “just like a normal one.” I don’t even know what that means, but it was fun seeing you put it back together.” Ranboo commented with a slight chuckle.

Hearing the approaching beat of flapping wings, Tubbo’s blue eyes lit up. “They’re finally here!”

The three turned to the candle lit and sky, cloudy sky ceiling as many owls soared overhead. The birds passed over the four, long tables, dropping letters and packages to their designated students. Some circled back to the owlery, but others perched on nearby ledges, observing them with keen, amber eyes.

A familiar, nearly pure-white, snowy owl entered the hall, the sight making Tubbo smile widely. The Hufflepuff held out an arm as Benson landed on it. His snowy owl held a letter in its beak. Moving Benson to his shoulder, Tubbo wasted no time in tearing open the envelope and reading its content.

Hearing the commotion, Enderchest peaked his head out from inside Ranboo’s robe. The Ravenclaw picked up his black cat, who purred as he curled up in Ranboo’s lap. Observing his friends give affection to their pets while his parents denied him one, Tommy scoffed as he crossed his arms.

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud caw of a crow. Tommy smiled as he peered down at his family’s signature bird standing on the empty space on the bench beside him. It held a letter along with a larger packet envelope in its black beak. The crow perched on his shoulder as examined the letter, recognizing a familiar cursive that addressed his full name before opening it.

Turning to the package envelope, Tommy perked up as he felt a familiar weight, getting a good guess of what it was. Ripping apart the seal, he grinned as he held a disc in each hand. While his collection at home consisted of many vinyls, these two had always been his favorites. The green center label marked Cat, while the purple and white striped one represented Mellohi.

Witnessing the sight of Tommy holding the records, Tubbo smiled widely. “It’s your discs! I remember when I got you Cat before I moved to London. I’m glad you’ve gotten good use of it.”

“I have treasured it since that day.” Tommy mused as he glanced down at the green labeled disc, the color being a favorite of his.

“What’s a disc?” Ranboo tilted his head at unfamiliar black, flat and round items, not understanding its purpose.

“I guess it makes sense that you’ve never heard of one. Tommy has been obsessed with them since we first met. You’re going to love it!” Tubbo wrapped an arm around each of his best friends, pulling them closer.

“I can’t wait for you both to show me it then.” Ranboo nodded.

“You know, I’m more of a raven guy myself.”

At the sound of an unfamiliar voice, the crow let out a loud caw before taking off. Tommy let out a huff, turning his head to see the one responsible for scaring his family’s bird away. Standing behind the trio was a fourth year student, the same age as Wilbur and Technoblade. He had dirty blond hair, freckles and eyes the color of emeralds. His smile was too smug for Tommy’s liking, but it suddenly made sense as he noticed the green and silver tie.

“If anything, Ranboo is more of a raven guy than you.”

“Actually, our house mascot isn’t a raven. It’s a bronze eagle.” Ranboo politely corrected him as Tommy got a few glances from the Ravenclaws surrounding them.

“What the fuck?! Raven is literally in your house’s name! And you’re telling me your mascot is an eagle! How is it my fault that they look the same!” Tommy shouted.

“I’ve only been here a month, it’s not even my house, and I knew this. It’s better late than never I suppose.” Of course, Tubbo of all people knew this too.

Technoblade would’ve laughed at him if he were here.

Ranboo closely examined the older Slytherin with a narrowed gaze behind his rounded lens and a hand on his chin, “Have we met before.”

His emerald eyes quickly darted to the side, shaking his head. “No, you must be mistaking me for someone else, but you can just call me Dream.” His prideful smile returned as his gaze curiously fell upon the two discs in Tommy’s hands.

Without warning, Dream snatched the discs from Tommy. “–Hey! Give them back!”

The Slytherin ignored his protests, holding them high up as he thoroughly examined them. “What kind of weird plates are these anyways? There’s a hole in the center of them. Wouldn’t food just fall through the middle?”

“They aren’t plates you, dickhead! They’re discs, and they’re mine!” Tommy tried jumping to retrieve them, but his youthful height proved to be disadvantageous as Dream held them high above his head.

“Ah, so they must be some sort of muggle invention. What do they do?” He inquired, only to be met with more of Tommy’s aggression, sighing with a smile. “I should’ve expected as much. I hope you don’t mind me taking them then.”

“Hell no! If you want them, you’re going to have to get through me!” Standing his ground, Tommy pointed his tulipwood wand.

“So, be it.” Dream grinned, holding the discs in one hand as he gave his fir wood wand a wave. “Petrificus Totalus.”

As a misty beam hit him, Tommy’s arms and legs became straight and stiff as they snapped towards his body. He started to fall over, but was caught by Tubbo and Ranboo. Tommy had a catalog of curse words he was ready to spew, but in his cursed state, he was unable to move a muscle. He could only watch in festering fury as Dream put his wand away and grinned.

“That was way too easy. Thanks for the disc. I’ll see you around.” Dream waved with a disc in his hand before departing from the Great Hall.

His friends were stunned in shock by the events that had just taken place. They decided to move Tommy to the Ravenclaw table’s bench, where he rested in stillness as the curse subsided. Once the effects wore off, Tommy sprung up, shouting in anger as he made a determined fist.

“What are we waiting for?! We need to get them back!”

After his last class for the day, Dream left with a sly smile as he held the two discs. He eagerly rushed up the windy, stone, spiral staircase as he headed towards a discrete location. Climbing up a rickety ladder with ease, the wooden floor creaked as Dream set foot on the highest level of a smaller, abandoned spire.

The room was filled with abandoned crates, and cobwebs in the upper grafts, that he and his friends desperately needed to clear but never got around to doing. Peering over his shoulder, Ravenclaw Tower loomed through the panned, glass window. Dream’s smile widened and emerald eyes softened as his gaze fell upon his two students already here.

“I was wondering when you were going to get here. You took long enough that George decided to take a nap.” Sapnap happily greeted his long-time childhood friend.

The third year had dark eyes, matching his unruly hair of the same color. He kept his bangs out of his eyes by using a spare Gryffindor tie as a headband, the loose ends dangling. The brunet Ravenclaw the same year as Dream remained in deep slumber, wearing a pair of spiral, black-lens and white-rimmed Spectrespecs.

“I swear I had my reasons. Look what I got!” Dream showed Sapnap the two discs.

“Ah shit, man. These look really cool. I’ve seen them before, but am not entirely familiar with what they do.” Dream let him hold the discs as he stared at them in fascination. “George was born to muggle parents. If anybody would know what they do it’s him. Should I wake him?” Sapnap pointed his Pine and Dragon-Heartstring wand at the sleeping Ravenclaw.

Dream shook his head as he quickly intervened. “There’s no need to disturb him. We can just ask George when he wakes up.”

There was a loud ruckus from directly below, causing the two to halt their conversation. There was yelling between people, banging, and the creaking of a ladder as they got closer. Dream and Sapnap readied their wants against an intruder, while George slept surprisingly sound through it all.

Dream’s emerald eyes widened as Ranboo set foot on the top level, who momentarily stared back at him. He proceeded to offer a hand to Tubbo, then Tommy. The three caught their breaths after their long journey before confronting the two older students.

“Dream, you have something of mine! Give it back!” Tommy furiously shouted as Tubbo and Ranboo both stood with crossed arms behind him.

“What is going on?” Sapnap turned to the Slytherin in confusion.

“I was curious about the gift he received in the mail, and tried asking questions, but he was being really rude about it. So, I decided to take them for myself.” Dream smirked, holding up the two discs as Tommy gritted his teeth.

“Wait, I recognize you.” Sapnap peered at the blond, his expression warping into displeasure. “My brother told me all about you. You’re the newbie that is going to make Gryffindor lose the house cup this year. God knows how many points you’ve already cost us.”

Tommy was already fuming, itching for a fight as he readied his wand. “Now listen here, you bastards!”

Before a fight broke out, Ranboo jumped between Tommy and Dream, smiling nervously. “Maybe there’s a better way to go about this. I think this is all just one big misunderstanding and we got off on the wrong foot. How about a negotiation for the discs back?”

“Back bone of an eclair.” Sapnap muttered in response, causing Dream to shoot him a sharp glare.

“I have a better idea.” The wooden floor creaked as Tubbo calmly joined the fray. “Flipendo.” He quickly waved his oak wand at Dream, catching him off guard.

The Slytherin was knocked back towards a stack of abandoned crates. The impact caused dust and cobwebs to be knocked down from the high support beams. Dream let out an annoyed huff, brushing the debris of his shoulders as he rose to his feet. The sight made Tommy and Tubbo burst into boisterous laughter as Ranboo appeared mildly horrified.

“Way to go, Tubbo!” Tommy gave him a high-five.

“That’s for stealing Tommy’s discs! I got him Cat, you know.”

“Incendio.” A burst of flames emitted from Sapnap’s wand.

The embers touched the edge of Tommy’s black and red robe, causing it to ignite. The blond immediately started to shriek, throwing in a lot of curse words. Ranboo started to panic, shouting out suggestions of how to put it out. As Tommy was rolling on the floor per Ranboo’s advice, Tubbo was trying to figure out a spell to resolve this.

“Well, it looks like our secret meeting place is no longer a secret.” Dream let out a disappointed sigh amidst the chaos.

“I guess we’ll just have to look for another one then.” Sapnap replied.

The two older students ended up slipping past the trio and descended from the unkept spire. Tommy eventually put out the flame after throwing his robe on the ground as he and his friends repeatedly stepped on it. Once fully extinguished, he put it back on, frowning in annoyance as the bottom tailend was partially signed.

Hearing a groggy grunt, three shot up in alarm as they faced the other end of the room. Their shouts were loud enough to wake George from his sound slumber. The older Ravenclaw let out a yawn as he slowly sat up and stretched, examining his surroundings.

“Who the hell are you?! Did Dream take you as his hostage?!” Tommy asked.

“We may be of the same house, but I don’t recall ever meeting somebody with his description. He’s not in my Memory Book either.” Ranboo quickly took notes of his Spectrespecs, flipping through the pages of his journal.

“I could ask you the same. I’m George Notfound.” He pulled his peculiar lens up to his forehead, revealing his dark, brown eyes as he curiously stared up at the trio.“And no, I’m not a hostage. I’m actually a friend of Dream and Sapnap, who it looks like left without me. Oh well, I’ll just catch up with them later.”

“Well, Dream stole something precious of mine and I need it back!” Tommy told him.

“I wouldn’t be too concerned. I’m sure he will give them back eventually.”

“How long might eventually be?” Ranboo worriedly asked.

“I can’t give you a specific time, but until he gets bored with them. It could be days, months, even years or until we graduate.” George shrugged nonchalantly.

“There’s no fucking way I’m waiting that long! I need my discs back!”

“Tommy, we’re only first years and don’t know a lot of spells. We can’t fight Dream, especially now that he has help.” Tubbo informed him.

“Your friend is right. And from the looks of it, you’ve already tried that.” George snickered as his gaze fell upon Tommy partially singed robe.

“Hey, now listen here bitch boy! So, what if you’re that dickhead’s friend–”

“I wasn’t done. Do you want my advice on how to get your discs back or not?” He said flatly, making Tommy go quiet. “What you need is someone who can take on Dream.”

“But who?”

“Gee, I wonder who stands a fighting chance against Dream? Somebody who is well known at this school? Somebody who has bested him before? Somebody who is really into books? Somebody who is older than you?” George stated sarcastically.

“Oh, I know! It has to be Ranboo! He’s older than me and likes doing nerd stuff!”

“What? There’s no possible way I could defeat Dream!” He nervously adjusted his round-lens glasses, ruffling his black and white hair.

“It’s a miracle you got accepted to Hogwarts.” George muttered underneath his breath. It’s somebody you live with!”

“Wilbur?”

“It’s Technoblade. He beat Dream in a duel last year. If anyone can help you, it’s your brother.”

“Oh.”

“Now you have your answer. If you’ll excuse me–” George took a sip from a dark, purple potion in a glass bottle before putting his Spectrespecs back over his eyes.

“Hey, we’re not done here!” Tommy tried waking him, but it was too late as George had instantly fallen back asleep.

“What an interesting guy…” Tubbo commented.

“It doesn’t matter. We might’ve not gotten my discs back, but now we know to ask Technoblade for help.”

The following lunch period of the next day, the trio searched for Technoblade. He wasn’t where was usually at the Ravenclaw table. They could’ve sworn today wasn’t quidditch practice. If anyone knew where he would be, it was his twin, Tommy’s other brother, Wilbur. Turning to the Slytherin table, they remained cautious of any signs of Dream. As they approached, they noticed a mixed-house crowd gathered around, watching something they couldn’t fully see.

“What are we doing again?” Ranboo asked as they nestled through the crowd, trying not to bump into anyone.

“Like I said, we are getting my discs back.” Tommy wore a determined expression as he led the way.

“Oh, right.” He briefly glanced at his most recent memory book entry. “What I don't get is why you won’t ask your father, Professor Minecraft for help. Dream has to listen to him.”

“We don’t need it. Besides, if anyone can do it, it’s Technoblade.”

Tubbo saw a fellow Hufflepuff with auburn hair, tapping on his shoulder as he sat next to him, “Hey Karl!”

“Oh hello, Tubbo. It’s wonderful to see you again!” He turned around, revealing his bright hazel eyes, along with a plethora of colorful accessories. “You look upset. What is bothering you?”

Before he could reply, Tommy spoke up. “Wait a minute, you two know each other? When the hell did this happen?!”

“Karl and I are in the same house, so we’ve met before. I am allowed to talk to other people in the school besides you and Ranboo, clingy.” Tubbo smirked, causing his friend to scowl.

Meanwhile, Ranboo examined Karl’s person, noticing his colorful nails and bandages, his shimmering earring and several watches, but there was something that caught his eye in particular, “–I umm… like your necklace.”

“Oh, thanks…” He awkwardly laughed before tucking his golden necklace with a miniature hourglass away.

“Do you have any idea what this crowd of people is for? I have something important going on and really need to find my brothers.” Tommy asked.

“Right, I know where at least one of them is.” Karl pointed towards the center of the crowd.

Peering over people’s shoulders, they noticed Wilbur in the middle of it all, playing a game of chess against another Slytherin. His opponent had black hair, brown eyes, wore a green beanie and had a vertical scar across his lips. The other students were invested in this match, intently watching as there was a small pile of galleons stacked.

“Kick his butt, Quackity!” Karl excitedly shouted.

“Just for you, Karlos, I will,” He winked before turning his gaze to the chess board. “It’s just someone here likes taking his sweet fucking time. Hurry up Wilbur, we don’t have all lunch period.”

“Hold on, I’m thinking…” The other Slytherin muttered, going over his options, only to realize he’s been backed into a corner.

“Hey Wil, do you want me to take over?” A Ravenclaw girl with red hair in a braid, freckles and amber eyes, looked over his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Sally. I got it figured out.” Wilbur reassured his girlfriend.

“I don’t know. I’d consider listenin’ to her if I were you. She probably has some useful advice.” Technoblade said, analyzing the game over his twin’s other shoulder.

“Like I said, I’ve got this covered. Bishop to B5,” Upon saying the command, the white piece moved on its own, sliding across the board until reaching the occupied space, where it took out its staff and cut the other piece in half, “Take that Quackity, I just eliminated your Queen.”

As the dust settled around the board, his opponent started to cackle, “Oh Wilbur, you idiot. Room to E4.” The black piece slid across the board until reaching the white king piece, “Checkmate,” Quackity smugly smiled as the game was over.

Wilbur stared in shock, processing his swift loss, “Fuck you, this isn’t fair. I demand another rematch.”

“Language!” Bad, a Hufflepuff with sleek, black hair, and pale, silver eyes shouted.

“How is it my fault that you were dumb enough to fall for my trap? Better luck next time. Maybe you’ll beat me one day, with the help of your girlfriend and brother.” Quackity distributed the money to those who bet on him, but pocketed most for himself.

“This game seems dark… but a lot of fun! Why can’t regular chess have murder too? I want to play the next round.” Tubbo excitedly watched the conclusion, holding himself back from joining in.

“Hey, remember why we’re here. To get my discs back.” Tommy pushed through the crowd until reaching his brothers. “Hello my favorite brothers in the whole world. What is going on?” He put on a cheerful smile as if not begging for their help.

“Heh, nothin’ much. Wilbur just lost a round of Wizard’s chess, again. At this rate, he’s going to be broke.” Technoblade explained.

“No offense, Wil, but I’m going to take over this game for a little while, or maybe forever.” Sally smiled, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“Oh, Sally was it? You must be the girlfriend that Wilbur has never told me about.” Tommy mischievously grinned upon seeing the couple together.

“And you must be Tommy, the little brother my boyfriend is too embarrassed to talk about ever since the sorting ceremony incident.” She amusingly rolled her eyes.

His head snapped towards his brother, taking offense, “What the hell, Wilbur?! This is what you say behind my back?! Does dad know you're seeing a woman?”

“Sally was just messing with you, and yes, he knows we’re dating. I didn’t want to tell you last year for this exact reason. I don’t need you telling the whole school about my personal life. Now what do you need?” Wilbur let out a deep and annoyed sigh.

Noticing the blond, Quackity put on a bright smile and eagerly shook his hand, “Oh my god, you must be Theseus! Wilbur has told me all about you. It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you!”

“Just call me Tommy, and how do you know my brother?”

“We’re obviously best friends!”

“He’s a constant thorn in my side.” Wilbur said at the same time, crossing his arms and shooting a glare. “Quackity and I are roommates, not that we really had a say with who we’re bunked with.”

Quackity returned the glare right at him, smugly smiling as he held up a galleon. “He’s right, my number one patron is a much better term. Calling him my best friend would be offensive to Charlie.”

“You mean your imaginary friend.” Wilbur slyly leaned over to butt in.

“Oh, he’s fucking real alright! You just have never met him.”

“Yeah, my best friend just goes to another wizarding school in America.” Technoblade added teasingly, causing the shorter Slytherin to start to fume.

“What’s with the scar?” Tommy pointed to the vertical mark across Quackity’s lips.

Tubbo gasped. “Tommy, we’ve been over this! We don’t bring things about someone’s looks. They could be sensitive about that.”

“Hey man, it’s no big deal. If you really wanted to know I got it when stopping one of those fucking chupacabras from eating a duck back home.”

“Language, Quackity, and that wasn’t the same story you told me and Skeppy. You told us you got it during a magic duel against a Death Eater.” Bad mentioned.

“Quiet, Bad. Also how the hell would you know how I got it anyways? You weren’t there when it happened.”

As they continued to bicker, Technoblade turned his full attention towards Tommy, “So, what’s up? It ain’t like you to come bargain’ on in here unless you needed me or Wilbur for something.”

“Tommy, what did you do this time?” Wilbur amusingly inquired, resting his head on his hand, elbow sitting on the table.

“Why do you always assume that it was me?! I’m the victim here!”

“When is it not you?” Technoblade laughed.

“Alright, fine.” Tommy heaved a reluctant sigh, seeing no use in avoiding the topic, “So, yesterday I was enjoying my lunch with my good friends Tubbo and Ranboo like usual. The mail came in and mum sent me my discs. Get this, some bastard called Dream that acts like he owns the school came along, decided they belonged to him, and stole them. We tried to get them back, and fought a dangerous and close battle, but Dream and his lackeys were too powerful.”

Upon him mentioning that name, the entire table went silent. All of their gazes turned toward Tommy as they wore shocked expressions.

“Why the fuck are you all looking at me like that?! Did somebody place a jinx on me?” He shouted back, unable to handle the awkward silence.

“I’m sorry, did I hear this wrong or did you just mention Dream?” Wilbur worriedly asked, to which his brother nodded, “And he has your music discs? Oh, this is bad… This is really bad… What are we going to do?”

“What’s the deal with this Dream guy?” Getting freaked out by the cloud of gloom that came over the table, Ranboo shifted in his seat.

“You guys don’t get it. He’s one of those pure-blooded Slytherins. Obviously not everyone in my house, including the purebloods aren't like that,” Wilbur motioned to himself, Quackity and Skeppy, “But Dream, he’s different from the rest of us.”

“Relax Wilbur, this is perfectly fine. If Tommy and his friends couldn’t do it, I’m sure we can figure somethin’ out to get his discs back.” Technoblade reassured his twin.

“Oh, how about a game of wizard’s chess? Dream picks his champion and you pick yours. Whichever side wins gets the discs.” Sally suggested, her amber eyes twinkling.

“Pick me to be your grand champion, Tommy. I can promise you won’t be disappointed.”

“No offense, Wilbur, but we’ve all seen you play, and it ain’t good. Besides, I’ve got a better idea in mind.” Technoblade grinned.

“Where are we going?” Tommy followed Technoblade as they exited the Great Hall and headed directly for the Grand Staircase.

“To find Dream to get your discs back. What else do you think we’re doin’?” He let out an amused huff as they started to descend along the moving stairs.

Following behind them was Wilbur, Tubbo, Ranboo and a small herd of students, intrigued how this was going to turn out. The many pairs of mixed house footsteps against the stone bricks caused the nearby paintings to whisper to one another as they passed by.

“So, how do you know where he is? Do you have some kind of secret map that tells you everyone’s locations?” Tommy asked right after flipping off a painting who was giving him a mean look.

“No, but that would be nice.” Technoblade shook his head.

“So, you admit to being a stalker.”

“Heh, I got better things to do than worry myself with the teletubby. We just happen to share potions class after lunch, so I have a good guess of where he might be headin’.”

Reaching the ground level, Technoblade headed straight for the dungeons. They traveled deeper and deeper, the warm light of the brightly lit Grand Staircase being replaced by the occasional torch as they traversed the dim halls. The cobbled walls appeared nearly black with the occasional green and silver Slytherin banner. As it only became darker, Tommy stuck closer to his brother, trying his best not to trip in the shadows.

“Hogwarts’ grounds are so vast I find myself getting lost all the time. You do know where we’re going, right?” Tubbo’s head started to spin as they took many sharp and windy turns along identical looking hallways.

“Well, I’m basically a human GPS.” Technoblade laughed in certainty.

“What’s a GPS?” Ranboo tilted his head.

“There’s no way you’re getting lost with Technoblade. He spent our entire spare time in our first week memorizing the school’s entire layout, at least the non-restricted areas.” Wilbur said.

“And some restricted, but they don’t need to know that.” Technoblade gave his twin a nudge. “Though, if I remember correctly, the main reason I learned to navigate the dungeons is because someone used to be scared to walk to his common room alone at night.”

“Wait, are you being serious?” Quackity, who decided to tag along, burst into cackles as Wilbur blushed furiously.

They entered a spacious underground corridor with stone archways supported by marble pillars. The candelabras served as their only guiding light as they navigated the hallway shrouded in darkness. Hearing casual approaching footsteps, a pair of brilliant emerald eyes emerged from the shadows followed by the dirty, blond hair and freckles reflected off pale skin accustomed to the dungeon. True to his word, Technoblade was able to find him.

Nearing the Ravenclaw, Dream’s neutral expression warped into an intrigued smile. “Technoblade, my former friend, to what may I owe the pleasure?”

“Former friend?!” Tommy blurted out in shock, only to be silenced by Wilbur before he could comment more.

“Eh, it’s a long story that didn’t end well. We’ve since gone our separate ways.” Technoblade brushed it off, his tone carrying no particular sense of regret. “But you do have somethin’ I want, Dream. Well, more like somethin’ that rightfully belongs to my brother.” At his cue, Tommy stepped forward with crossed arms and a prideful expression.

“So, this is Theseus…” Seeing the brother side by side, Dream crinkled his nose. “I find it hard to believe that someone like him is related to someone as skillful as yourself.”

Before Tommy could spill a spew of insults, Wilbur jumped in for his brother. “You find it hard to believe?! He looks almost identical to our father! Someone who you’ve taken many potion classes with by now. I suspect maybe you aren’t all bright as you set yourself up to be.”

As the atmosphere started to get heated, Technoblade heaved a tired sigh. “Look, as much as I want to, I’m not here to start any trouble. Just give Tommy his discs back and we’ll be on our way.”

His words caused Dream to grit his teeth and he protectively gripped the discs he currently held. “From how I see it, I won them fair and square. Perhaps if Tommy was as talented as you were in your first year, he’d have no trouble getting them back.”

“I was afraid it would have to come to this, but I’m given no other choice.” With the flames of candlelight reflecting off the single pink streak in his hair, Technoblade readied his wand. “I’m requestin’ a rematch. One hour from now exactly, same location as last time. If I win, you give Tommy his discs back, and never bother him, Wilbur or any of their friends again. Unless you’re too scared?”

“Me? Of course not. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for a rematch.” In the face of the challenge, Dream grinned with determination, a shine in his otherwise dim emerald eyes. “However, if I win you relinquish your title as Hogwart’s Champion Duelist and finally admit who’s truly the best around at this school.”

Word of mouth quickly spread about the rematch between Hogwarts top two biggest prodigies and top duelist. Long before any matches had even started a large crowd was already forming in the Transfiguration Courtyard, leaving a circular center clearing open. A group of students from the school's newspaper were already interviewing bystanders on their thoughts of the matter.

Tommy rolled his eyes as they expressed their excitement, not knowing what was on the line. Their quidditch teams along with the duelists’ other housemates had shown up to support Technoblade and Dream respectively. Quackity and another Slytherin, who appeared to be the twin’s age with ram horns, had already set up a stand for betting. Tommy was setting up a record player in the front row of clearing. He remained close to Wilbur and his two dearest friends, waiting for the match to start.

“Tommy, what is going on?” Eryn fought through the crowd to find his friend and housemate of the first year. “I heard that Technoblade and Dream are fighting and you knew something about it.”

“Well, it all started when that Dream bastard stole my discs. Tubbo, Ranboo and I tried to get them back ourselves, but Dream and his friend weren’t having it. So, I asked big brother Technoblade for help, which ended in this.”

“Someone is just too afraid to admit we lost the first time around.” Tubbo teased, getting a nudge from the blond.

“Wait, his friend you say?” Eryn curiously narrowed his red gaze.

As if speaking of the devil, Tommy spotted Sapnap. Making eye contact with Eryn, he frantically approached them. Tommy took out his wand, expecting another confrontation. Yet to his surprise, Sapnap brushed past him, paying him no attention as he eagerly spoke to Eryn.

“Eryn, I was looking all over for you. The fight is going to start soon. I had to make sure you weren’t missing this.”

The way the friend of Dream spoke so casually to his own friend caused Tommy to gawk. “Wait, you know Shitnap?”

Eryn just peered back at him, unenthused. “He’s my brother, Tommy. I’ve spoken about Sapnap to you before.”

Given their similar association with the colors black and red, use of bandanas, and both being in Gryffindor, it suddenly started to make a lot of sense.

A wide grin crept across Tubbo’s face as glanced towards an oblivious Karl, who tilted his head at Sapnap from a distance. “In that case, I think I have a strong guess of the Hufflepuff he may have a crush on.”

His comment caused Sapnap’s face to turn a bright red. Before the third year Gryffindor could bite back, the silence befell the audience, replaced by silent, excited mutters as the duel was fast approaching. Moments later, the crowd parted, revealing Dream as he made his way towards the center of the grassy clearing.

Cheers and gasps of amazement were uttered from students as he passed by. Those from the Slytherin team or his housemates of pureblood status were the most vocal in showing their support. Dream indulged in every single second of the attention, waving back with a huge, prideful grin. Tommy, Tubbo and Wilbur all scoffed as Ranboo blinked in confusion. Someone else appeared to share similar sentiments.

Sitting under a stone archway at the far end of the Transfiguration Courtyard was none other than George. The Ravenclaw was there for some time, invested in his Mycology book. The forming crowd that came to witness the duel interrupted his reading.

Seeing Dream take in the praise caused George to roll his eyes, walking away. “Of course he starts things like this. Always needs to put himself in the spotlight somehow.”

Taking notice of his friend’s departure, Dream frowned disheartenedly, taking a step in his direction and extending a hand. Yet was cut short as the crowd across from him started to part. Head held high, Technoblade headed directly for the center of the clearing. He paid no attention to the whispers of other students besides giving his brothers, their friends and his quidditch team a casual wave. The two duelists finally stood face to face. Technoblade wearing a relaxed smile as Dream kept a neutral and focused expression.

“Tommy, start us off like how I told you to.” Technoblade said to his younger brother.

“Right.” Kneeling on the ground, Tommy placed Pigstep into the record player borrowed from the Muggle Studies classroom.

Music started to play, causing Dream to open his mouth in curiosity, but decided to concentrate on the fight in front of him. The Slytherin put the black hood of his robe over his head. Technoblade twirled his single, pink strand of hair amongst a sea of brown. They both took out their wands, pointing them at each other as they readied their stances with determined, narrowed gazes.

Bolts of pink and green were cast from their respective wielders. Some stray projectiles shot over the audience as they lifted their heads in wide-eye awe. The two duelists shifted back and fourth, switching between offense and defense. Technoblade spun, gracefully dodging a green bolt that nearly sliced his bangs. He managed to back Dream into the edge of the arena.

“Protego.” He summoned a protective green bubble around him.

“Reducto.” Technoblade instantly shattered the barrier.

Expecting this outcome, Dream was able to act in the opening. “Expelliarmus.”

Technoblade’s blackthorn wand was knocked out of his hand. Rushing to pick it up, Dream was able to advance into the offensive position. With a wide grin he fiercely fired more bolts, most of which Technoblade was able to avoid, but ended up getting knocked to the grass by one.

“Ready to surrender and forfeit your title to me?” Dream pointed his wand, standing tall over him.

“Incarcerous.” Technoblade rolled his eyes before casting the spell.

Ropes wrapped around Dream’s wrists, restraining them together. The Slytherin fought to break free, attempting to find a way to use his wand to incinerate them. Technoblade pushed him back. With the fire of a pink bolt, Dream blocked it with his wrists, managing to cut the ropes.

“Petrificus Totalus.” He froze Technoblade and started to charge at him full force.

“No fair, he’s using the same trick that he did on me when he stole my discs. Dream only knows how to fight dirty.” Tommy complained from the crowd as it started looking grim for his brother.

But Technoblade did not fall over, countering the spell with enough time to cast, “Protego.”

“Diffndo.” Dream broke through his shield with one slicing spell.

“Depulso.”

Summoning the banishing charm, Technoblade pushed Dream back. The spell ended up being stronger than Dream predicted, knocking him far out of bounds of the arena and into the audience. Dream ended up falling on top of a couple students. He didn’t even bother apologizing to them, brushing off the dust and gritting his teeth as the audience cheered for Technoblade’s first victory.

The Ravenclaw didn’t appear that phased by their approval, turning to Tommy with a content smile. “What did I tell you? Gettin’ your discs back is goin’ to be easy.”

“Way to go Techno!” Wilbur shouted to his twin.

“You got this!” Tubbo jumped up and down as Ranboo clung to his arm with a smile.

The second match happened shortly afterwards, starting out similar to the first.The duelists were closely matched, frequently switching between offensive and defensive stances. Technoblade appeared to have taken a clear advantage throughout their fight. Tommy eagerly turned to his friends in anticipation of his brother’s approaching second victory.

“Obscuro.” Casting the spell, Dream’s vision was obscured as a magic blindfold covered his face.

The Slytherin was left maintaining his balance, letting out a frustrated sigh. “Finite Incantatem.”

As the blindness got removed, Technoblade utilized his opening. “Impedimenta.”

Dream found his movements slowing down before reaching a sudden halt. Struggling, he attempted to break free, but his movements were delayed. Technoblade circled around him with his wand ready to finish this round off.

“I’m not going out like this! I’m not embarrassing myself again! Not like last time!” In his desperation, Dream managed to conjure a counter spell to keep going. “Finite Incantatem.”

The fight resumed as the two gave it their all, fighting on equal footing. Though, the winner of this battle ended up being Dream. The Slytherin stood tall and smiled pridefully, taking in the applause as he knocked the out of breath Ravenclaw to the ground with a wand pointed at his neck. The winner was ultimately decided by the best of three rounds, and currently the two were tied. With Tommy’s discs on the line, Technoblade knew he had to give it his all in this final match.

“Heh.” He grinned confidently as he conjured his most powerful spell. “Expecto patronum.”

A blue and white wispy haze emanated from the tip of his blackthorn wand. The luminous wave soon took shape, manifesting in the form of a wild-boar. The ethereal beast was pale blue, partially see- through with large tusks. A trail of sparkling mist followed it as it circled around Technoblade before taking place at his side. The Ravenclaw smiled as he kneeled down to touch his protective animal guardian, his hand phasing through it.

“Isn’t that a fifth year spell?!” Tubbo gasped in amazement at the sight of the patronus.

“Yeah, he learned it last year. It’s pretty cool, isn’t it?” Wilbur crossed his arms as he looked to his twin in pride.

“This is why Techno is the best! I doubt Dream can’t do anything nearly as cool.” Tommy cheered on his brother.

Murmurs of awe came across the crowd as the wild boar remained at his side. Technoblade rose to his feet, ready to fend against Dream’s next action with his protective charm at his side. As the crowd continued to mutter in astonishment, the Slytherin’s emerald eyes twitched slightly as he kept a blank expression.

“Expecto patronum.” He casted the same spell, with the same amount of relative ease as his opponent.

“I bet Dream’s is totally something stupid and pathetic like a grass snake. Fitting for that bastard.” Tommy cackled to himself as the mist started to take corporal form.

An enormous pair of bat wings emerged from the cloud. The front hooves of a thin, skeletal horse were raised in the air. The bellowing screech that came from its pointed snout forced the audience to duck down and cover their ears. The strange magical horse continued to drag its hooves against the ground as it flapped its wings in intimidation.

“What the hell is that?!” Tommy shouted.

“A thestral.” Ranboo replied in complete certainty as his friends were taken aback.

“Isn’t that kind of patronus exceptionally rare?” Another student chimed in.

The utters of awe and some terror shifted to Dream with his thestral. Unlike the last round, he did not relish in the praise of his fellow classmates. The Slytherin frowned, keeping an emotionless yet focused expression. Unlike Technoblade, he kept his patronus a distance from himself.

The Ravenclaw wasn’t frightened by the skeletal beast in the slightest. Obeying his command, the wild boar started to charge. The two patronuses started to clash, blinding flashes of pale blue shining every time they made contact.

“Holy shit, this is like some kind of kaiju or pokemon battle!” Quackity gushed as he started to snap a bunch of photos.

The guardian animals appeared to be evenly matched, much like their masters. The wild boar repeatedly charged and used its sharp tusks to uproot its opponent. The thestral utilized its pointed beak-like shout, hooves and ability of flight. As the battle only intensified with no obvious winner yet, the students leaned in closer for anticipation. Tommy crossed his fingers as the fate of the was looming on this.

“Avis!” A third party entered the fray.

A murder of crows started to swarm the Transfiguration field, their caws followed by a loud bang and cloud of black smoke. The sudden interruption caused both Technoblade and Dream to lose focus on the duel, their patronuses disintegrating to speckles of sparkling dust.

As the smoke started to clear, Phil was revealed with his black-feathered robe, crow on his shoulder and sakura wand pointed. Standing behind him was Headmaster Xander Dee Watson with his green robes, piercing emerald eyes. Both wore expressions of deep displeasure as their gazes fell upon the students, focusing on the duelists.

Realizing they’ve been caught by the potion’s teacher and headmaster, Quackity screeched, “Scatter!”

The crowd of students broke apart as they sprinted in all different directions. The once clear ground with an opening in the center for the duelists was now in a frenzy as students tried to avoid getting in trouble. Amongst the chaos, Tommy fought to stick close to his friends and older brothers.

He was about ready to make a run for it as Phil placed a hand on his shoulder. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Once the dust had settled all that was left was Tommy, Tubbo, Ranboo, Technoblade, Wilbur, Dream and the two faculty.

“I was this close to bestin’ Dream in a duel fair n’ square for the second time. Why did you have to stop it?” Technoblade crossed his arms as he spoke to his father, his tone carrying disappointment.

“Yeah, how did you even find out this was going on?” Wilbur asked.

“Well, it’s hard not to figure out what’s going on when literally half of the fucking school has skipped their classes to see this.” Phil replied with crossed arms.

“Well, it’s not like we wanted to skip class for fun! Dream stole my discs and the only way he’d agree to give them back was if Technoblade beat him in a duel!” Tommy explained, shooting an icy glare towards the blond Slytherin that held the two records.

“You mean to tell me this is true?” Emerald eyes widening, Xander snapped his head towards Dream, who nervously shifted under his sharp gaze, a stark contrast from the prideful attitude they were used to from him. “Dream, you have a reputation to uphold. I expected better from you.”

“Sorry dad…” Dream muttered, lowering his head.

“Dad?! You mean to tell me that Dream is the headmaster’s son?!” Tommy put a hand to his head, processing this sudden reveal.

“The resemblance is uncanny. Isn’t it obvious?” Tubbo rolled his eyes.

As they stood side by side Dream was nearly an identical younger reflection of his father, albeit with some minor differences. They had the same piercing emerald eyes, incorporating green into their outfits with Xander’s being a personal choice and Dream’s his house. Xander’s blond hair was slightly darker than his sons, combed back instead of loose and wavy. Dream also had distinct freckles which his father lacked.

Ranboo squinted until it suddenly clicked for him. “Oh, so that’s where I know Dream from! I saw his picture in Headmaster Watson’s office!”

“Since when did you go to my father’s office?” Dream cautiously narrowed his gaze.

“I don’t exactly remember…” He started to flip through his memory book, finding illegible notes.

“It doesn’t matter. I have plenty of students stop by my office everyday.” Xander waved him off before glaring at his son. “Dream, give young Mr. Minecraft his discs back.”

“Alright, fine…” The Slytherin reluctantly obliged before returning Cat and Mellohi back to Tommy.

“Let’s go!” With a disc in each hand, Tommy hollered, repeatedly jumping up and down as he made his two friends join in. “In your face Dream!” He stuck his tongue at the Slytherin, who grumbled under his breath.

“Now, if you’ll excuse us, my son and I will be having a word alone.” Xander took his leave, walking a few paces before turning over his shoulder sternly, to which Dream hesitantly followed.

“I wouldn’t be celebrating so soon, you know.” Phil mentioned, causing his youngest’ cheers to immediately cease as he raised a hand to his chin. “I still have to figure out a punishment for you for causing an entire scene. I would take off house points, but this is an all house matter…”

“Why are we the ones getting punished while Dream gets to walk away scott free? He’s the one who started this!” Wilbur motioned to his housemate as he and Xander walked away.

“I can assure you, he’s not. Besides, you have no idea of the pressure of being the headmaster’s son or coming from a pureblood family. It certainly isn’t easy, mate.” Phil said wistfully. “Due to his limited access to muggle items, I bet he had never seen anything like Tommy’s discs before.”

“But Dream is an American, and therefore acts like he’s entitled to everything.” Wilbur mentioned.

“But Xander isn’t. His late wife Dahlia and her family are from Florida, so as a result their two children were born and raised there.”

“Well, my point still stands.” Wilbur crossed his arms, raising his chin.

“Sure, Dream may be kinda annoying, but I don’t think it’s fair to group Ranboo or our mother with him. By that logic you're no better than him.” Technoblade told his twin.

“Techno has a point, you know. You were born in the United States after all.” Phil said.

“Wait, what?” Wilbur went pale at his father’s revelation.

Phil started to rummage through his wallet with a focused expression. Finding what he was looking for, he presented an enchanted photo to the group. The picture displayed Phil and Kristin each holding a twin as they stood in front of the “Welcome to Utah” sign. Phil rocked Technoblade, who was distinguished by his pink highlight in his tuft of straight, brown hair. Kristin carried Wilbur, who could be told apart by his waiver hair.

“I used to live in Utah when researching alchemy. You two just happened to be born there. I didn’t move back to the U.K. until there was an opening for a potions professor at Hogwarts.”

“I’m a natural born U.S. citizen. I think I’m going to be sick.” Placing a hand on his stomach, Wilbur curled over, laying on the grassy courtyard.

“I’ve known this for ages. How were you not aware of this?” Technoblade nudged his twin with his foot before flopping on the ground next to him.

Meanwhile, Tommy took the photo from his father, examining it with a wide grin. “Oh my fucking god, this is hilarious!”

“You shouldn’t be talking. You’re just as American as us.” Wilbur shot his younger brother a nasty glare.

“Actually, Tommy was born after we moved here.” Phil added slyly as his youngest and friends burst into joyous laughter.

“I got to see Techno duel, got my discs back and learned Wilbur is American! This is the best day ever!”