1.28

Professor Nightshade said, "Alright, since this is solved, get out of here!" They all ran out of the door, and Professor Luminos walked with them to ensure nothing happened.

As they neared their room, Thorn noticed Evander acting strangely but decided to let it go for now. Just as they were about to enter, Evander's father teleported in front of them. "Can I talk to my son for a moment?" he asked. Professor Luminos nodded, and with a snap of his fingers, they were transported home.

Evander's father stood face to face with him, fury evident in his eyes. "How can you disappoint me like this? The human world?" He shook his head in disgust and grabbed Evander's arm. Without warning, he started beating him. Evander struggled to breathe as his father cast painful spells on him.

After what felt like an eternity, his father left. The fairy, Lerky, quickly flew to Evander's side. "Young master, the wounds are not as deep as they first appeared," she said soothingly. She cast healing spells that cleaned the blood and made the scars disappear, but the pain lingered.

Evander's father returned and said, "Time to go back to Shadowcrest. Don't make this mistake again." He took Evander and snapped his fingers, teleporting them back.

Back at Shadowcrest, Evander tried to maintain his composure. His friends noticed something was off, but he brushed them off, unwilling to reveal the ordeal he had just endured.

Evander ran as fast as he could to the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror, then at the scars on his stomach. Closing the bathroom door behind him, he finally let the tears flow. How long have I been here? he wondered. He murmured, "Crystal," and saw he had been there for an hour. "Let tomorrow come," he whispered to himself. "I want Sipry here. He's the only one I can talk to about my dad."

He stood up, unlocked the bathroom door, and walked back to their dorm, holding his stomach. Lying down on the bed, his thoughts raced. Sipry knows what it's like. I've told him more than I've ever told Sylvan and Melody. Sipry had shared his own experiences, their fathers' punishments creating a bond between them. Despite everything, Sipry felt like the closest friend Evander had.

With that comforting thought, Evander drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Athena knocked on Felix and Rowan's door. "Guys, it's almost time! We need to greet the new student, remember?"

Rowan groaned, "Rumble up, Athena! I want to sleep."

Athena sighed, "You know if we don't attend, Professor Nightshade is going to be mad."

Felix, still half-asleep, mumbled, "But we are so tired! And we just got back from the human world. Can't we get some rest?"

Athena rolled her eyes. "That's a lie. We came back from the human world yesterday. Now, get up!"

Reluctantly, they stopped arguing and finally decided to get up. They showered, brushed their teeth, and joined Athena. Rowan, still yawning, grumbled, "Bloody Athena, it's so early. Why are you all hyped up?"

Athena took a deep breath. "Well, first, I wanted to say sorry to you."

Rowan crossed his arms. "What you will do, I will not forgive you."

With a sly smile, Athena pulled something from behind her back. "Not even for rumble muffins? I bought 10 packs because I know you like them so much."

Rowan's eyes lit up. "Nevermind, I forgive you!"

Professor Nightshade called all the students outside with a commanding voice, "STUDENTS OUTSIDE NOW!"

Rowan playfully challenged, "Whoever is last outside is a mirmika!" The students dashed out quickly, all wearing their house robes. Some witches had their hats on, but most did not. 

Finally, he arrived: Sipry, the new student, flying on his broom. As he reached the school, he remained on his broom and suddenly cast a spell, "Ramidio Racalus!" A shield appeared around everyone. Confusion and fear spread among the students as Sipry laughed evilly and pointed his wand at the shield, chanting "Electrotrampius!" Thunder crackled everywhere, causing chaos.

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Sipry's evil laugh echoed. Students were terrified, and some tried to run, but Julius' mother intervened. "Julius Adarcus Sipry! Don't scare your schoolmates like that," she whispered in his ear, "If you want to scare them, do it right." She raised her wand and cast, "Remilicus Avramali," making the thunder even more dangerous.

Just then, Julius' father flew in, took his wand, and chanted, "Lampri Dromunus," stopping the chaos and dissipating the shield. He looked sternly at both Julius and his mother. They flew down to the ground, and his father apologized to Professor Nightshade, "I am very sorry, Professor. Sometimes they get out of control."

Professor Nightshade reassured him, "Don't worry about it."

Julius spotted Evander and waved enthusiastically, "Ev! Ev!" Evander ran to him and gave him a hug. Julius patted his head and teased, "Didn't know you'd be this emotional."

Evander smiled, "Oh well, I just haven't seen you in a while."

Julius nodded, "True, I was busy bringing trouble to my old school."

His father gave him a stern look, "Julius, you are not bringing trouble to this school. This is already your sixth! We won't send you to a human school again, that's useless."

Julius rolled his eyes and nodded, "I know, Dad, I know."

Professor Nightshade cleared her throat and announced, "A warm welcome to Mr. Sipry. Flate will give him a tour."

Julius' smile faded as he crossed his arms and glared at Flate. "Silvermoon," he said curtly.

"Sipry," Flate replied with equal disdain.

Professor Nightshade interrupted, "Alright, alright. The tour can begin."

As they walked, an awkward silence settled between them until Felix ran into them, chasing after Lucian. Flate noticed Lucian running and asked, "Felix, what did you do this time?"

Felix, catching his breath, explained, "I saw scars on Lucian's arms and—"

"Scars?" Julius interrupted, his interest piqued.

Felix nodded. "Yes, I saw scars on his arms. And Flate, you know how I am with people; if I see even a little bit of danger—"

Flate nodded, "True, you can be a bit impulsive."

Felix sighed, "Yeah, I can be a little impulsive."

Julius pressed, "What kind of scars did you see?"

Felix described, "They were small, red scars."

Julius' expression darkened. "Don't worry about it. I'll talk to him. And next time, mind your own business."

Felix rolled his eyes and walked away. Flate turned to Julius, "Be nicer to my friends next time."

Julius shrugged defiantly, "No promises."