New Novel Chapters 19 and 20

By: Asa Montreaux

Chapter 19: Home for the Holidays

The familiar sights and sounds of his hometown enveloped Hugh Clark as he stepped off the train, the air crisp and biting with the scent of pine and freshly fallen snow. The small station was adorned with cheerful decorations, and a faint jingle of holiday music echoed from the nearby shops. It felt surreal to be back in Maplewood after the whirlwind of excitement at The Andrews School.

As he made his way down the snowy streets, memories of childhood flooded back—building snowmen with his friends, racing down the hill on sleds, and cozying up by the fire with his family during the holidays. He felt a wave of nostalgia mixed with the thrill of new adventures he had just begun at school.

When he reached his family’s house, the warm glow of the lights shone through the frosted windows, and a sense of comfort washed over him. He opened the door to find his younger sister, Lily, eagerly waiting to greet him.

“Hugh!” she squealed, running toward him and throwing her arms around his waist. “You’re back!”

“Hey, Lil! I missed you!” Hugh lifted her off the ground in a joyful embrace. “How’s it going? Have you been behaving?”

Lily rolled her eyes playfully. “Of course! Mom says I’m the best little sister ever!”

As he stepped inside, Hugh was greeted by the comforting aroma of his mom’s famous holiday cookies baking in the oven. His mother emerged from the kitchen, flour dusting her apron, and her face lit up with a smile when she saw him.

“Welcome home, sweetheart!” she exclaimed, pulling him into a warm hug. “We’re so glad you’re here for the holidays. How was school?”

“It was amazing, Mom,” Hugh replied, a smile creeping onto his face. “I learned so much, and we had a holiday spell showcase that was really fun! You wouldn’t believe the things I can do now.”

His father joined them from the living room, carrying a mug of hot cocoa. “Hugh, good to see you, son! We’ve been looking forward to your return. Let’s hear all about this showcase of yours.”

As they settled in the living room, Hugh shared stories of his adventures at The Andrews School—the friends he made, the classes he took, and the magic he was beginning to understand. His parents listened intently, their pride evident in their eyes.

After a hearty dinner, the family gathered around the fireplace, the warm glow casting flickering shadows across the room. Lily was restless, her excitement bubbling over as she jumped from one topic to another.

“Hugh, can you show me one of your magic tricks?” she pleaded, her eyes wide with wonder.

Hugh chuckled, feeling a mix of pride and hesitation. He hadn’t performed magic for his family yet, and the idea of showcasing his abilities made him nervous. “Well, it’s not exactly like a magic show, but I could show you something simple.”

Lily clapped her hands in delight, and their parents settled back to watch. Hugh took a deep breath and focused his energy. He decided to demonstrate a levitation spell he had mastered at school. He found a small ornament from the tree, a shimmering star, and gently lifted it into the air, letting it hover for a moment before spinning slowly.

Lily gasped, her eyes sparkling with amazement. “Wow! That’s so cool, Hugh! Can you do more?”

Hugh smiled, feeling a swell of confidence. “Sure, just give me a moment.” He proceeded to create a few more simple illusions—making the star change colors and even forming tiny snowflakes that floated gently around the room, eliciting delighted squeals from Lily.

His parents watched, their expressions a mixture of awe and joy, feeling grateful for the glimpse into their son’s new life. “You’ve come so far, Hugh,” his father said, pride evident in his voice. “We’re so impressed.”

As the evening wore on, they shared laughter and stories, a sense of togetherness wrapping around them like a warm blanket. After they finished the cocoa and cookies, Hugh excused himself, heading up to his room. The familiar space felt comforting, filled with memories of late-night studying and childhood dreams.

He sat at his desk, gazing out the window at the snowy landscape. The magic of The Andrews School felt like a world away, yet it was a part of him now—his experiences had opened his eyes to new possibilities and friendships. But in this moment, he felt grateful for his family, the anchors in his life that reminded him of who he was.

As the stars twinkled in the night sky, Hugh pulled out his journal and began to write. He documented his thoughts on the holiday showcase, the friendships he was building, and his hopes for the coming year. Writing helped him process everything, and he felt a sense of clarity as he poured his heart onto the pages.

As he drifted off to sleep, Hugh couldn’t help but think of the adventures awaiting him when he returned to The Andrews School. The magic he had yet to discover and the friendships he had formed were just the beginning. For now, though, he was content to enjoy the warmth of home and the love of his family during this special time of year.

Chapter 20: A Time for Reflection

Fiona:

Fiona Graves stood in the center of her family’s cozy living room in Rothbury, England, surrounded by the flickering glow of fairy lights strung around the mantle. The festive spirit filled the air with the scent of pine and cinnamon, but Fiona couldn’t shake the feeling of restlessness that had settled in since she left The Andrews School.

The holidays had always been her favorite time of year, yet this season felt different. She missed the thrill of using her powers, the rush of mastering her pyrokinesis in the safety of the school, and the camaraderie she had found among her peers. Even the thought of Agent Macomb and the offer he had extended lingered in her mind, adding to her unease.

“Fiona! Come help me with the cookies!” her mother called from the kitchen, pulling Fiona from her thoughts.

“Coming!” she replied, forcing a smile as she joined her mother, who was rolling out dough on the counter.

As they worked together, Fiona felt a sense of normalcy return. Baking had always been a tradition in their household, and the laughter they shared made her feel connected to her family again. They sang along to classic holiday tunes, mixing ingredients and shaping cookies into stars and candy canes.

“Are you excited to go back to school?” her mother asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Fiona hesitated, feeling the weight of the question. “Yeah, I am. I just… it’s a lot to think about,” she admitted.

Her mother paused, looking at her with concern. “You know, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s a big change, and you’re still figuring out who you are and what you want.”

Fiona nodded, grateful for her mother’s understanding. “I just want to make the right decision. The school feels like a place where I can be myself, but leaving you guys is hard.”

“We’ll always be here for you, no matter what,” her mother reassured her, wrapping an arm around Fiona’s shoulders. “And you have friends now, too. You’re not alone.”

After a few more hours of baking and decorating, the kitchen was filled with delightful aromas, and the cookie trays were stacked high. As the evening approached, the family gathered in the living room, ready to share the treats and watch holiday movies. Laughter and joy filled the air, reminding Fiona of the warmth of home, even as her heart ached for the excitement of school.

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Eliza:

In Maplewood, Eliza Carter was snuggled under a soft blanket on her couch, a steaming mug of hot cocoa in her hands. The flickering flames in the fireplace cast a warm glow throughout the room, but her mind was miles away. While she cherished the time with her family, she couldn’t stop thinking about her friends and the magical experiences they had shared at The Andrews School.

“Hey, Eliza! Want to decorate the tree?” her father called from the other room.

“Sure! I’ll be right there!” she replied, setting her mug down and moving to join him.

As they hung ornaments and strung lights, Eliza’s heart swelled with nostalgia. Each ornament had its own story—memories of family vacations, special events, and moments that made her smile. Yet, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing for the magical experiences that awaited her upon returning to school.

“Everything okay, sweetie?” her father asked, sensing her distraction.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about my friends,” Eliza said, forcing a smile.

“Missing them already, huh?” he chuckled. “It’s a big transition, but it sounds like you’re in a special place. Those friends will always be there for you.”

Eliza nodded, grateful for his support. “I know. I just wish I could share all of this with them,” she gestured around the room, the beauty of the decorations echoing the warmth of her home.

Later that evening, as the family settled in to watch their favorite holiday movie, Eliza’s thoughts drifted back to Hugh and the magical moments they had shared at school. The memory of him levitating that note to ask her to the gala brought a smile to her face. It was in moments like those that she realized the depth of her feelings for him.

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Sam:

Meanwhile, in a small town outside of London, Sam Bennett was sitting in his bedroom, the warm glow of fairy lights illuminating the space. The walls were plastered with posters of his favorite bands, and the faint sound of music filled the air. Sam had been spending his break in a mix of relaxation and restlessness, caught between the joy of home and the excitement of returning to The Andrews School.

“Hey, Sam! Are you coming down for dinner?” his mother called from downstairs.

“Yeah, just a minute!” he replied, setting down his guitar. He had been trying to write a new song, but his thoughts kept wandering to his friends and the adventures they had at school.

Dinner was lively, filled with chatter and laughter, but Sam’s mind was still partially in the world of magic. He had taken to practicing some of the spells he had learned, eager to show off when he returned to school. His parents were supportive, but he was careful not to reveal too much about the extent of his abilities.

Later that night, after dinner, Sam climbed into bed, pulling out his phone to scroll through social media. His friends from The Andrews School were sharing snippets of their holiday experiences, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie even from a distance. He quickly shot a message to Hugh, Fiona, Eliza, and Mish eager to connect with them.

“Miss you guys! Hope you’re all having a great break. Can’t wait to see everyone again!”

Mish, back in New York, wrote to them that she sent all her love, and that there was many a rumour to communicate to them when they returned. Her family was fine, she said, and her dog seemed happier if he got to levitate a little in the air for a few minutes every day.

Sam wrote her that he missed her and looked forward to hearing about everything while he’d been away. Sam turned off his phone and let out a content sigh. The next chapter of their lives awaited them, and he was ready to dive back into the world of magic, friendship, and adventure.