Upside down magic - Andres x oc

the beginning

It was early in the morning when Sam and Reina left with their father for their new school. Both felt the weight of their nerves, Sam especially knowing he wasn't like the others.

Sam frustratingly pushed his hair out of his face as he stepped out of the car near the rusted Sage Academy sign. "Do you think they'll accept us?" he muttered, glancing at Reina.

"I hope so," His sister murmured back quietly, checking over her bags cautiously.

Both siblings were unsure of what to expect as they lugged their bags out of the old vehicle, awaiting whatever was to come. They shifted their weight awkwardly, Reina focusing on keeping her anxiety under control, and Sam praying he wouldn't do anything to trigger his odd power.

"Reina, Sammy, do you have everything?" Their dad asked, turning Sam's head from side to side to get a good look at him. "All your important clothes, medications?" He listed worryingly, paranoid as this would be the last time he saw his kids for a while.

"Yes, dad!" Sam sighed, rolling his eyes at his nitpicking. "We've got everything you listed, and then some. You really don't need to worry so much."

He didn't seem convinced. He continued fussing over their appearances, brushing imaginary lint off their shoulders and double-checking. "I know, I know, but it's a father's job to worry. Just promise me you'll be careful, okay?"

Sam fake-smiled, patting his bags on the ground as he gave him a thumbs up.

"I promise, dad. We'll be fine." Reina spoke quietly, smiling sweetly at her dad.

"Good, good!" Their dad puffed, taking in the information as he continued to ramble about random things.

The siblings took a moment to look at the others, seeing a variety of students around them. Some were harmlessly practicing their magic to pass the time, while others conversed with parents and friends.

Sam recognized a loud girl amongst the crowd, bouncing up and down excitedly. "Hey, Reina," he chuckled, pointing her out. "spotted your best friend!"

Sam could see her face light up, quickly whipping her head in the direction of the familiar curly haired girl. "Nory!" Reina shouted out to get her attention, watching her trip on her bag when turning around and fall face-first into the pebbly ground.

Sam burst out laughing, failing to hide it as he instantly knew she would be a handful at the school.

"Hi guys!" Nory chirped, regaining herself and running over. "My fall wasn't that noticeable was it?.."

"No, I barely noticed it!" Sam shook is head as Reina nodded in agreement, both acting like Sam wasn't just laughing his ass off at her collapse.

Everyone froze in place suddenly, their breath catching in their throats as they heard the bushes crackle ominously next to them. The unsettling sound was accompanied by the harsh cawing of crows overhead, creating a somewhat eerie atmosphere. Parents instinctively held their kids close, their protective instincts kicking in as they scanned the area for any signs of danger.

"What's happening?" Reina asked nervously, holding Nory's hand fearfully.

"Something amazing and magical!" Nory jumped energetically, her eyes glittering with excitement.

As they waited in anticipation, a shaggy middle-aged man finally popped through the leaves. "Is he something amazing and magical?" Sam whispered awkwardly to the two girls, earning a weird glare. The man had salt-and-pepper hair sticking out in every direction, an itchy beard, and was wearing dirty clothes with shorts over long underwear.

"Hey! Come on, let's go!" he shouted, flailing his arms around wildly. "The school won't come to you, you know? Bye-bye, parents, see you at Thanksgiving!" He waved energetically, urging the teens to part ways with their guardians. "It's time to start your magical adventure, kids! Don't dawdle!"