Chapter 21: Return to The Andrews School

By: Asa Montreaux

The crisp winter air greeted the students as they stepped off the bus, excitement buzzing like electricity around them. The imposing structure of The Andrews School loomed ahead, its stone façade shimmering under a light dusting of snow. For Fiona, Eliza, Sam, and Hugh, it felt like returning to a second home—a place where they could truly be themselves, away from the expectations of their old lives.

As they made their way towards the grand entrance, the familiar sight of friends reuniting filled the courtyard. Laughter and cheers echoed in the air, mixing with the sounds of snow crunching underfoot. Fiona spotted Clara and Tom, their faces lighting up as they spotted her.

“Fiona! You’re back!” Clara exclaimed, rushing forward to pull her into a warm hug. “How was your break?”

“Great! It’s so good to see you guys!” Fiona replied, her heart swelling with joy. The warmth of their friendship wrapped around her like a cozy blanket.

Nearby, Eliza was swept into a group hug by Amy and Ryan, both beaming at the sight of her. “We missed you! How was Christmas?” Amy asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Wonderful! I’ve got so much to tell you!” Eliza replied, her excitement bubbling over. She couldn’t wait to share her experiences and hear all about her friends' holiday adventures.

Hugh and Sam shared a fist bump, their faces brightening with the thrill of being back. “You ready for the madness of the new semester?” Sam asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“Bring it on,” Hugh replied, his confidence unwavering. He glanced around, taking in the energy of the school as students milled about, exchanging stories of their breaks. “I can’t believe we’re finally back.”

As they made their way inside, the school felt alive with the spirit of a new beginning. Students chattered excitedly in groups, some showing off new spells they had practiced over break, while others compared their holiday stories.

In the main hall, banners hung from the ceiling, welcoming everyone back. A large board displayed announcements for the upcoming semester, including details about classes, clubs, and events. Hugh spotted a poster for an inter-house talent show, which immediately piqued his interest. “We should totally enter this,” he said, nudging Sam.

“Only if you promise to sing,” Sam replied with a laugh, imagining the possibilities.

Fiona and Eliza exchanged glances, both of them smirking at the thought. “I’d pay to see that,” Eliza teased.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the chatter. “Hey, newcomers!” It was Agent Macomb, striding toward them with his usual confident demeanor. “Welcome back to The Andrews School! I trust you all had a lovely break?”

“Definitely!” Sam replied, his enthusiasm evident. “What’s on the agenda for us this semester?”

“Well, you can expect more intensive training, especially with your upcoming wizarding exams. But first, let’s get you settled back in and ready for class,” Agent Macomb said, glancing at his watch. “You’ve got just enough time to unpack before your first session.”

The group nodded, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within them. They headed to their dormitories, each carrying their own sense of anticipation. 

In their shared room, Fiona quickly unpacked, her mind racing with thoughts of the spells they would learn. Eliza chatted animatedly about her holiday, while Hugh sent a quick message to Sam, confirming they would meet for lunch to strategize their plans for the talent show.

Once they were ready, the group gathered in the common area, where they were greeted by their friends from other houses. Mish was the first to spot them, her vibrant energy radiating as she approached. “Look who it is! Did you all survive the holiday?” she joked, pulling them into another group hug.

“Barely!” Hugh replied, laughing as they all exchanged stories. The warmth of their friendships melted away any lingering doubts or uncertainties about the future.

As they shared their adventures, the group’s bond felt unbreakable. They were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the new semester. The halls of The Andrews School were once again alive with magic, and this time, they were prepared to embrace it together.

The chatter gradually shifted as the first bell rang, signaling the beginning of the new semester. The friends gathered their belongings and headed towards their first class, the excitement building within them like a fire waiting to ignite.

“Let’s make this semester unforgettable,” Sam declared as they walked through the corridors, their laughter echoing in the air. Together, they stepped into a world of magic, adventure, and friendship, ready to carve their own path in the enchanting journey ahead.