Y/n stood in the middle of Ramshackle Dorm's foyer.
Ghosts were still laughing somewhere in the walls.
Grim was actively setting one on fire.
The building creaked like it was reconsidering its life choices.
And Crowley—somehow still composed—stood in the center of it all like this was a normal recruitment process.
Which, apparently, it was for him.
Y/n's gaze shifted slowly from the ceiling (where something groaned ominously) back down to Crowley.
Then—
"...Would it be possible for Grim to stay with me?"
The entire room paused.
Even the ghosts stopped mid-giggle.
Crowley's head snapped toward her.
Crowley: "WHAT? A monster, stay HERE?"
Grim jolted mid-hover.
"Whoa, did you just...?"
He stared at her.
Like he hadn't expected to be included in anything that sounded even remotely like permission.
Y/n didn't look at him yet.
Instead, she simply reached down.
And picked him up.
Grim stiffened instantly.
Not because she hurt him—
but because she looked... unexpectedly still.
Quiet.
Not strategic.
Not analytical.
Just... low.
The kind of quiet that came right before someone decided something mattered.
"...I will manage him," she said.
Grim blinked.
"...Huh?"
Y/n held him slightly closer.
Not tight.
Not possessive.
Just steady.
And for once, Grim didn't yell.
Crowley hummed thoughtfully.
Crowley: "Hmmm... I suppose I cannot deny your plea. Very well."
Grim snapped out of it immediately.
"Myah?! Really?!"
Crowley raised a finger.
Crowley: "Let me be clear! Under no circumstances would I admit anyone to Night Raven College who has not been selected by the Dark Mirror—especially not a monster!"
Grim deflated instantly.
"...Hrmph. Never shoulda got my hopes up..."
Crowley continued smoothly.
Crowley: "Nor do I intend to allow you, Y/n, to freeload until you're able to return home."
Y/n didn't react.
Crowley clasped his hands.
Crowley: "Now, allow me to explain. It was the Dark Mirror that transported you here. Therefore this school does bear some responsibility for your well-being. So I will allow you to remain in this dorm, free of charge."
Grim perked up slightly.
Crowley continued immediately—
Crowley: "However, you will need to pay for your own food, clothing, and incidentals."
A pause.
Crowley: "As to how you will do so, penniless as you are... Ah. Ah ha. Yes. A fine plan."
Y/n spoke immediately.
"I will take commissions."
Crowley blinked.
"...Pardon?"
Y/n adjusted her grip on Grim slightly so he didn't slip.
"I can take hunting contracts or labor assignments. Payment upfront or upon completion. I will repay expenses by end of day."
Silence.
Grim slowly looked up at her again.
"...You're serious?"
Y/n nodded once.
"Yes."
Crowley immediately raised both hands.
Crowley: "Wait! I have an easier way..."
Y/n's eyes narrowed slightly.
Crowley pressed on quickly, sensing a loss of control over the narrative.
Crowley: "I'm simply going to ask you to do a few odd jobs around campus. From what you've done here, Y/n, I can tell you know your way around a broom."
Grim immediately scoffed.
"Whaaat? What kinda deal is that?! I wanna put on one of those sweet uniforms and be a student, not sweep up people's junk!"
Crowley smiled brightly.
Crowley: "If you're not satisfied with my offer, I can arrange to have you thrown out again."
Grim froze.
"...Myah?!"
A beat.
Then—
"...All right, fine! Let's do it."
Y/n exhaled softly.
"...Acceptable."
Crowley clapped once, delighted.
Crowley: "Wonderful. Then I beseech you both... to work hard as the newest members of the Night Raven College's janitorial staff!"
Y/n paused.
Then tilted her head slightly.
"...Janitorial staff."
A pause.
"...That is not what I agreed to."
Crowley was already walking away.
Crowley: "Splendid! I shall expect great things!"
Grim immediately started protesting again.
"HEY!! WAIT!! I DIDN'T AGREE TO BE A BROOM BOY!!"
Y/n looked down at him briefly.
"...We are employed."
Grim stared up at her.
"...We're WHAT?"
Y/n turned toward the broken, haunted dorm.
"...This is fine."
YOU ARE READING
I am an Archivist, not a Magician
FanfictionAfter returning home from Aranearum, where they survived the nightmare of the giga-hell spider train, Y/n Law thought the worst was finally behind them. During the hunt, they forged an unlikely partnership with a powerful demon after proving they we...
