A Brand New Beginning

In the Dark of the Night

"You're a monster!" Andrew sobbed, firmly gripping the staff. "Thank you, I hear it quite a lot," Maldora smirked. "Murowa!" Andrew chanted, using the staff to send a heat blast. Maldora dodged the spell for just inches, then used a spell to send it back at him. "You silly little boy," she laughed, "you think you can take me down that easily?!"

--"You are underestimating my power!" Andrew hissed. "And what can a pathetic little child like you do, huh?" Maldora laughed, "You're just as weak as your mother. I strongly advise you to run."

Andrew had no other alternative than to burst through the door, running down the hall and trying to attract his classmates' and teachers' attention. "Whoa, hey!" Daisy gasped as she and the others ran into him, "What's wrong, Andy? Is everything okay?"

--"Maldora killed my mother," Andrew replied, "she's coming for me!"

--"Wait, what?!" Daisy gasped. "What is she doing here!?" Akko asked. "Well, I should've guessed that there would be more guests at this party," Maldora smirked, "but do not worry, I bought gifts for everyone!"

--"Don't you dare touch them!" Chariot shouted. She and Croix aimed their wands at Maldora. "Ah, Chariot du Nord," Maldora laughed, "and her ineffable lover, Croix Meridies. Lovely to see you both after all these years. Have you heard the news about Ophelia Oxford?"

--"What did you do to her, you monster!" Croix snapped. "She's dead and gone by now," Maldora replied with a smirk, "let's say it was all an accident."

--"You truly are the most despicable being in this world!" Chariot said. "Thank you, that is such a lovely compliment!" Maldora giggled malevolently. "Maldora LaVoy! What are you doing here?" Professor Finnelan shouted. "Have you come back to torment us? Have you not had your fun yet?" Professor Holbrooke added. "I already have my fun, headmistress," Maldora replied, "Ophelia Oxford is dead, and her son is next!"

--"Arae Aryrha!" Akko shouted. The Shiny Rod shot a white rope at Maldora before she could move. "Maldora LaVoy, the Magical Council will punish you," Holbrooke said sternly. "You will never stop me," Maldora smirked, "I will always be one step ahead of you!" she then vanished into thin air.

Night had fallen over Luna Nova. The entire school had gathered around in the cafeteria. "Today we gather to mourn the loss of our dear Professor Ophelia Oxford," Professor Holbrooke said, "Professor Oxford had only been teaching for a few months, but she was beloved by not only her students but also her family. She was taken from us in a very unfair way, she will be missed."

Akko tried hard not to burst into tears. Every Luna Nova student held their heads down in respect, holding a white flower in their hands. Andrew stood in the middle of the place next to a photo of Professor Oxford. Thick tears ran down his face as he held tightly to Augustine's staff. "And now, a few words from Professor Oxford's son, Mr. Andrew James Hanbridge," Professor Holbrooke moved aside. "My mother was a great witch," Andrew sighed, "unfortunately, after being out for two days, I did not have the opportunity to say goodbye. My mother's life was taken away from me, from all of us. It hurts so much to me, especially after being away from her for ten years. I will forever miss her," he then walked back to his previous position. "Let us all hold a moment of silence in memory of Professor Oxford," Professor Holbrooke said. The entire cafeteria fell completely silent--nobody would bat an eye or make a single noise. One by one, the students, teachers, and staff faeries dropped their white flowers underneath Professor Oxford's picture, forming a pile of white flowers. As they walked by, they all gave Andrew their condolences. "My most sincere condolences, Andrew," Diana sighed, "I hope you can soon recover from this."

--"I sincerely do not think I'll ever recover, Diana, but thank you," Andrew said somberly. Diana and the rest of her team then walked away. "Babe, I am so sorry for your loss," Daisy sobbed, hugging him tightly, "I know exactly how you feel."