In the early morning, Astrid was in the basement, also known as the Bishop Family Wizard Lair, where she received magic lessons from her father.

The Lair is accessible from their house and features a portal to the wizard world that serves as an entrance for visitors.

The dimly lit space is illuminated by flickering candles that cast eerie shadows along the stone walls lined with shelves of dusty tomes and mysterious relics. Strange, glowing symbols are etched into the floor, and magical runes shimmer faintly in the air, pulsing with energy. Ancient scrolls and forgotten potions are tucked away in ornate wooden cabinets.

A grand fireplace crackles with an otherworldly light, casting dancing shadows across a room filled with oddities. There is a crystal ball resting on a velvet cloth, an enchanted mirror that reflects unseen things.

In one corner, an ancient oak desk is adorned with parchment, quills and bottles filled with glowing liquids. A celestial map or arcane chart may be spread out, detailing the stars or the flows of magic. The overall atmosphere exudes secrecy and power, creating a space where time appears to slow down, and the very air hums with the potential for magic.

All wizard families have a family Lair, and relocating it involves appealing to the wizard court and filling out a 4000 page form. Without a magical Lair, wizards are unable to contact the wizard world.

Astrid found the wizard world interesting.

There are several governing bodies in the Wizard World, one of which is the Wizard Family Competition Commission Office, responsible for overseeing the Wizard Competition. While their exact duties are unclear, they may be tasked with regulating the Stripping Power Device to ensure that no individual possesses powers that could be considered dangerous.

Then there's the Wizard Tribunal, who are responsible for handling crimes against Wizard Law. They utilize various magical devices, such as the Replay Crystal Ball and an infinite table of judges.

There are also Crystals of Justice located in mountains that resemble the Alps. These enchanted crystal formations serve as an independent panel of judges within the Wizard government. Professor Crumbs appears to hold more authority than the council.

The Wizard World has a significantly higher technological level, powered by magic, compared to non-magical humans. Their magic devices include scanners, a magical version of the internet, a vast network of portals, and teleportation similar to email. Wizards also have the I.P.P, a high tech teleporter that can transport anyone to any location at any time.

Wiztech is a magical school for young wizards, where they learn to harness and control their magical abilities. Students attend classes on magic, potions, spells and other wizarding skills. It is a prestigious and somewhat strict institution that offers a formal education in the wizarding world. The structured curriculum is designed to enhance students' magical powers and they are taught by various magical instructors, some of whom are quirky or eccentric.

Astrid was puzzled about not being at Wiztech, but her father reassured her that she was smarter than most Wizards students at the school.

"Edgebono Utoosis" Astrid casted, waving her wand.

The rabbit in the cage in front of her, sitting on a small table, suddenly multiplied. There were now two rabbits inside the cage.

Astrid smiled triumphantly as she settled into her desk, while her father stood a few meters away positioned behind a podium next to the rabbits.

"Good job, Astrid. That is how you execute the duplication spell properly." Morgan praised his daughter. He then looked down at the rabbits and hesitated. "Real rabbit. Duplicate... rabbit. No... Duplicate rabbit. Real..." He trailed off, causing Astrid to raise her eyebrows. "It's- anyways, there's two now. Remember, as with any spell, if you don't concentrate, it doesn't come out exactly right."

All of a sudden the duplicate rabbit barked.

Morgan crossed his arms over his chest and gave his daughter a pointed look, curious about what had caused the rabbit to bark like a dog.

Astrid shrugged her shoulders. "I was thinking about dogs when I cast the spell."

"Okay, do you have any questions about the spell?" Morgan asked.

"No, I think I'm good." Astrid replied, fiddling with her wand. Her wand was 10¾ inches long, made of vine wood and had a dragon heartstring core.

"Okay, it's time to go to school."

••••

Today was a beautiful sunny day, filled with warmth and light. The sky was clear, vibrant blue with only a few wispy clouds drifting lazily by. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow across everything it touched, creating sharp contrasts between light and shadow. The air was fresh and comfortably warm, with a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of nearby trees and carried the scent of flowers or freshly cut grass.

People were outside, enjoying the weather, perhaps walking through parks or sitting on patios, soaking up the sunshine. Birds chirped cheerfully, and the world seemed to move at a slower, more relaxed pace as the beauty of the day encouraged everyone to pause and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature.

Astrid wore a white and green striped sweater, ripped jeans and brown lace-up boots.

She headed to the Waverly Sub Station, a sub sandwich restaurant located in Waverly Place in Manhattan's Greenwhich Village neighborhood in New York.

The restaurant is owned by the Russo's.

The Russo's live above the shop in their apartment, known as The Loft, which is accessed through a spiral staircase. The Sub Station has a cozy and casual atmosphere, designed to resemble a small neighborhood sandwich shop with a magical twist.

Astrid walked into the Sub Station with a smile.

The interior of Waverly Sub Station exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere with a retro vibe. The walls are decorated with quirky and fun signs and posters that reflect the shop's unique personality.

A large counter serves as the focal point where customers place their orders for subs. Behind the counter, the family that runs the place can often be seen working together to serve customers.

The layout features several booths and tables where customers can sit and enjoy their food. Additionally, there is a large chalkboard menu that lists the various sub options, often with humorous or whimsical names that reflect the quirky nature of the shop.

The sub shop's décor is modest yet charming. It has an easygoing vibe, a place where both magical and regular customers would feel welcome.

The food is the main attraction at Waverly Sub Station, but there's always a hint in the air that sets it apart from your typical sub shop.

"Hey guys!" Astrid greeted her best friends as she approached them at the counter.

"Hey, Astrid." Harper said just as enthusiastically.

Alex furrowed her eyebrows. "Where were you? We were supposed to meet up here twenty minutes ago."

Astrid gulped nervously. Though she tried to maintain a calm façade, there was a subtle change in her demeanor whenever the subject of her frequent tardiness due to her magic lessons arose. She forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, hoping it would conceal the anxiety simmering just below the surface.

"My dad insisted that I quickly do the dishes before I left. He can be so annoying." She lied, rubbing her hands nervously. Harper and Alex nodded in understanding.

Astrid's attention shifted to behind the counter where Max and Justin Russo were preparing their lunches. Max was throwing together whatever ingredients he could find and stuffing them into a sandwich.

Max is twelve years old, of Mexican and Italian-American descent. He has wavy medium-short brown hair and eyes to match.

He is a friendly, funny, goofy and mischievous character, but his lack of intelligence is evident. He enjoys playing pranks on his siblings, often taking things too literally and confusing words like 'aunt' and 'ant'. He struggles to grasp insults directed at him and has been known to do foolish things. Despite his simple and innocent nature, he remains unfazed during difficult situations, showing little sadness or distress.

Then there's Justin. He's a tall and handsome young man who stands out as the tallest among his siblings. With short dark brown hair and striking green eyes, Justin proudly embraces his Mexican and Italian-American heritage.

He is incredibly intelligent and has a wealth of knowledge in various subjects. He excels in topics like mathematics, history, geography and robotics. He has the ability to construct robots and water motors.

"Now, this is why it's great we own a sandwich shop. Everybody in the school caf bows down to this bad boy." Max said, showing his older brother his unique sandwich.

Justin looked at the sandwich in disgust. "Are those mashed potatoes on a sandwich?"

"On a bed of chicken strips with a peanut butter blanket." Max explained before noticing that Justin had his own sandwich. "What'd you make?"

"A sandwich, not a dumpster- Tuna fish on wheat." Justin replied.

Harper chuckled. "Tuna fish on wheat. That's gonna be our sandwich." She said, leaning over the counter to get closer to Justin. "Do you know what our song is?"

Harper had a noticeable crush on Justin and becomes jealous of any girl he has dated or liked, leading her to display open animosity towards them.

"Hey, there's my girlfriend." Justin informed, pointing to a girl in the distance.

Astrid turned around and saw Miranda standing at the entrance of the sub shop.

Miranda is a goth, friendly with a cold personality. She's supportive of her friends, and always willing to help out, even in challenging situations. With her smile and easygoing nature, Miranda is confident but not overbearing and maintains a grounded, down to earth perspective.

She has long, straight hair that is typically styled in a simple yet stylish manner. She has a youthful, fresh faced look and is usually dressed in goth outfits that complement her nature.

"That sounds like a cute song." Harper beamed as she followed Justin, who hurried to his girlfriend. "Justin!"

Astrid rolled her eyes and sat on the stool at the counter, absentmindedly fidgeting with her fingers. She glanced over her shoulder to see Justin and Miranda walking around the sub shop together. Without much thought, she resumed fidgeting with her fingers.

Alex meanwhile had to work at the moment. She stood behind the counter and operated the cash machine.

"That's a nice looking sandwich." A man in a suit complimented Max, gesturing to his lunch as he walked over to the counter. "What do you call it?"

"To the Max." Max answered.

"Okay. I'll take one of those."

"Well..."

"Sell it, dummy." Alex whispered to her little brother. "You can make another one."

Max smirked and looked back at the man. "That'll be $80."

"What?" The man asked in disbelief.

"Okay. For senior citizens, $4" Max offered.

Astrid couldn't help but chuckle as the man rolled his eyes, paid for the sandwich and carried it to his table.

"He's hanging out with that goth girl- Morticia." Harper moped with a frown, walking back to the counter as Justin and his girlfriend walked out of the Sub Station together.

"It's Miranda." Astrid corrected.

Alex walked over to the red-head girl and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Look. Harper, as one of your best friends, I'm gonna give it to you straight. I think he really likes this girl."

Harper sighed deeply. "Fine, but it's so totally obvious that he's dating her because she looks like me."

Alex and Astrid exchanged wary glances. They couldn't bring themselves to tell their best friend that she and Miranda were completely different, total opposites.

"Yeah..." Astrid spoke hesitantly with a force smile. "You both have.... faces."

With that, Astrid followed her two friends up the spiral staircase to the Loft to gather school bags. The modern apartment, located above the Sub Station, reflected a blend of family warmth and the quirky, magical world of the Russos.

The Loft has an open and airy feel, thanks to its high ceilings and large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in. The interior design is casual and cozy, with an eclectic mix of furniture and décor. In the living area, there was the comfortable orange soda, a couple of armchairs and a large coffee table that is often cluttered with books and magazines.

The space exudes a sense of hominess, with mismatched throw pillows and soft rugs scattered around the hardwood floors.

A central feature of the loft is the spacious and functional kitchen. The counter is often filled with dishes, reflecting the family's daily life. The kitchen area provides plenty of space for cooking and hanging out, with a dining table nearby where the Russo family gathers to eat meals together.

The open-concept layout allows for easy movement between the kitchen, living area and the stairs leading to the second level where the bedrooms are located.

Once Alex and Harper grabbed their school bags, the three of them went down stairs and were about to leave the Sub Station but stopped when they saw Jerry and Theresa dancing awkwardly. They continued dancing into the kitchen.

"Unbelievable." Alex stated, her mouth agape and eyes wide with disbelief.

Harper chuckled. "I know. Your parents are so cool."

"I think it's cute." Astrid said with a soft smile.

Alex stared at her best friends in confusion and appalled as the three of them made their way out of the Sub Station. She rolled her eyes and followed after them.

••••

After school, Astrid, Harper and Alex strolled down the bustling city block, surrounded by buildings and businesses. The sidewalks were crowded with people going about their daily routines.

The street featured an array of small shops, cafes and stores, with Waverly Sub Station serving as a prominent and familiar landmark.

The buildings in the area were tall, providing rooftop views of the surrounding skyline. The architecture was typical of New York City, featuring brick facades, fire escapes and the occasional small storefront. Streetlights illuminated the sidewalk and there was a constant buzz of city life- cars passing by, people walking to and from work, and street vendors selling their goods.

The area was urban but also had a touch of charm with its family-owned businesses and close-knit community atmosphere.

"I don't get it. Justin is so full of life, and she's so full of Halloween." Harper complained as they walked down the street.

They stopped in their tracks when they saw Justin and Miranda at the entrance of the Sub Station.

"I don't know, Harper. Maybe on Halloween, she'll dress up as you." Alex joked.

Harper scoffed. "She could never pull this off. I make a lot of my own clothes, oh, which reminds me, I need some more egg cartons."

Just as Astrid was about to respond, Harper dashed up the street, leaving Alex and Astrid behind. The two of them shrugged and shifted their focus to Justin and Miranda.

Astrid furrowed her brows in confusion as Miranda attempted to kiss Justin, but he simply shook her hand instead before heading into the Sub Station.

Shocked and bewildered, the two teenage girls followed Justin into the Sub Station.

"Shaking hands? Were you saying good-bye or closing a deal? Why didn't you kiss her?" Alex questioned her brother.

Astrid nodded in agreement. "It did look quite awkward."

"It's none of your business." Justin told them before turning around and making his way towards the spiral staircase.

"Look, Justin." Alex called out to her brother. He stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. "You know a lot of stuff about stuff people really don't care about, which is great. But Astrid and I know about relationships. We know how girls think."

"So do I. They're right brain dominant, and they have a slightly larger hypothalamus."

Alex's eyes widened. "There you go again, knowing stuff people don't care about."

"That is just sad." Astrid muttered, shaking her head slightly.

Justin let out a heavy sigh. "Okay, okay. I'm saying that I'd be open to suggestions."

"Good, because Miranda really wants you to kiss her." Astrid informed him as the three of them made their way over to the counter. "I can tell because she brightens from tragic to just gloomy when she's around you."

"So?"

"So, if you don't do it soon. She's gonna think that you're really not into her, and then someone is gonna have to play chess by themselves."

"I already do that." Justin retorted. "Did you ever think of this? Maybe I don't want to kiss her."

"Okay. I'll be spreading that rumor around." Alex told her older brother.

Justin rolled his eyes and dragged the two girls into the back kitchen. The space was compact but well-equipped with all the necessary tools for operating the sub shop. There were prep stations with counters for cutting meats and vegetables, as well as refrigerators and shelves filled with a variety of sandwich ingredients.

"Look. Okay. Now, this is gonna be hard to believe, but I've never kissed a girl." Justin admitted with a hint of shame.

"Really?" Astrid wondered sarcastically, eliciting a soft chuckle from Alex.

"I find it hard to believe that you think that I find that hard to believe." Alex said.

"Hey, I'm on it. I thought if I picked a girl that I didn't like that it'd be less scary. That's why I picked Miranda." Justin explained. "Now- guess what- I like her, and I'm scared again."

Alex and Astrid exchanged glances, hesitated, and then nodded in agreement.

"All right. This is what we're gonna do. First of all, take out $5." Alex instructed.

Justin reached into his pocket and pulled out the money. "Why?"

"I need $5." She replied, quickly grabbing the money from her brother's hands. "Second, tomorrow when you walk her to school, take her by that old scary, abandoned house on the corner."

"Right, because she'll think I'm brave."

"No. You'll get scared, and she'll comfort you."

"And that's when you plant one on her." Astrid concluded.

Justin nodded. "Okay. That's a great idea."

"Thanks. Do you have five ones for this five?" Alex wondered, holding up the money.

"Uh..." Justin hesitated, searching through his pocket before retrieving the stack of money.

"Great because my five was lonely." Alex said, snatching the money out of her brother's hand before walking out of the kitchen, leaving Astrid and Justin.

Astrid snickered. "Even I saw that coming."

••••

Astrid walked into the school a few days later with her bag slung over her shoulder. She was dressed in a white button-up shirt with rolled up sleeves, paired with jeans and light brown boots.

She strolled down the busy hallway, smoothly weaving through groups of students chatting, laughing and rushing to their next class. She moved with a relaxed, almost indifferent stride, her hands casually tucked into her jeans. The gentle scuff of her boots on the polished tile floor blended with the sounds of lockers slamming, distant bell rings and the occasional shout of a friend across the hallway.

She then looked across the hallway and saw Justin and Alex talking by his locker.

"So, how'd the big first kiss go?" Astrid asked in a sing song tone as she approached the siblings.

"It didn't happen." Justin responded in the same tone, slamming his locker shut.

Astrid furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Why not?"

"Because when I went to pick her up, she didn't want to go to a scary house. She wanted to go through some dark alley instead." He explained.

"But a dark alley is even better than a scary house."

"But you and Alex said scary house. I was totally focused on the scary house."

Alex sighed. "The point is, she wanted you to kiss her. Why didn't you take our advice? Lots of people do. I'm the one that told vice principal Clemens to fix his dead tooth. Now he's getting married."

"Okay, I panicked." Justin admitted.

"Panicked? Well, now you got to kiss her quick, or else all she think you guys will ever be is just friends." Astrid advised him, as Alex nodded in agreement beside her.

"That's never gonna happen. She's really into me, and I'm really into her."

"That could change in a hurry. There are plenty of other guys who think she's pretty."

Justin scoffed. "No way. Everyone around here knows we're kind of going out. You know, people respect that."

"Oh, really? Well, let's see about that." Alex insisted before calling out to a classmate, who had just walked past them. He turned around to face them. "Hey, Matt, Miranda is pretty cute, right?"

Matt nodded. "Yeah. You know, I got a note from her in seventh grade. Said she liked me. Bet you she still does, too."

"Well, that's too bad. I hear she's going out with Justin." Alex informed.

"Who's Justin?"

"I'm Justin." Justin said, stepping forward and raising his arms in exasperation.

"So?" Matt asked.

"Okay. Thanks, Matt." Alex said.

"No. Thank you for the heads-up on Miranda." Matt said as he hurried down the hallway to catch up with Miranda, who was heading towards the stairs. "Yo, Miranda, wait up there a sec."

Justin turned to his sister in disbelief. "What did you just do?"

"I just proved that not only do I know girls, but I also know guys." Alex explained.

"No. You got Matt to ask out my girlfriend." Justin corrected.

Alex paused for a moment, then her expression fell as she realized her mistake. "Oh. Wait. I can fix this." She insisted, dropping her bag on the ground. She rushed to the closest girl and spun her around to face her brother. "Here's a cute girl. Kiss her."

Justin grimaced. "This is my Spanish teacher. Hola, Senora Gonzalez. Me llamo Biblioteca."

Mrs. Gonzalez chuckled and shook her head as she walked away from the teenagers.

"I think you just told her your name is library." Astrid told Justin with a small chuckle.

"Well, Mr. Library, you should check out a book on kissing." Alex hissed at her brother.

Justin frowned. "Thanks a lot."

••••

Later that night Justin's heart thudded so loudly in his chest that it felt like the whole world could hear it. He tried to steady his breath and calm his nerves, but it was no use.

His mind was a jumble of doubts, fear and an undeniable yearning. He wanted to kiss Miranda. He really wanted to kiss her. But he was terrified- terrified of getting it wrong, of ruining everything, of looking foolish.

Miranda was currently at the movie theater on a date with Matt.

But tonight, the impulse was too strong. Something snapped inside him. He wasn't going to sit back and let someone else win her over while he waited in the shadows.

He was done waiting. He couldn't. He had to act.

The gentle murmur of conversation filled the movies as it slowly filled up with eager moviegoers. The aroma of buttered popcorn and a hint of stale soda lingered in the air, mixing with the refreshing coolness of the air conditioning. The seats, plush and showing signs of wear from years of use, provided a comforting feel, though the fabric remained cool from being vacant.

Justin hurried down the aisle steps and spotted Matt and Miranda seated beside each other.

"Hey, guys... Matt." Justin greeted.

"Hey, Matt, why don't you go get us some popcorn?" Miranda suggested.

"Yeah. I'll buy." Justin offered as he reached into his pocket, pulled out some money and handed it over to Matt. "Here."

"Twenty bucks? Thanks, dude. I can go play some nitro-burning funny cars." Matt said excitedly as he jumped out of his seat and hurried out of the movie theater.

Without hesitation, Justin quickly took a seat beside Miranda. "Why are you here with him? We're kind of going out."

"I know we hold hands and stuff, but you act like we're just friends." Miranda told him.

Justin sighed in defeat. "They were right."

"Who was right?" Miranda wondered.

"Us!" Alex and Astrid said in unison, both appearing behind the seats with triumphant smirks as they wrapped their arms around each other's shoulders.

"We were so right. I'm the one who told him that if he didn't kiss you soon, you would start to think that he wasn't really into you. And that's what you're thinking now, isn't it?" Astrid explained to Miranda, who looked at Justin and nodded.

Justin looked at Alex and Astrid in confusion. "What are you two doing here?"

"Look, we felt bad, so we came down here to make sure that you kiss her." Alex replied, giving Miranda a smile.

Miranda looked at Justin in shock. "You were gonna kiss me?"

"Well, it's not a surprise now, is it?" Justin responded, giving Astrid and Alex a pointed look.

"Sorry." Astrid apologized in a whisper tone as she stood up and began to drag Alex towards the aisle. "We'll be back here if you need us."

"Shh!"

"Shh!"

"Shh!"

Astrid glared angrily at the people in the movie theater who had just shushed her and Alex. "All right. Just for that, I'm leaving my cell phone on.

They both moved to the back row of seats and took a seat, glancing over at Justin and Miranda who were being cute together.

Astrid is the type of person who constantly strives to ensure others feel acknowledged, listened to and valued. She is the one who recalls everyone's favorite songs, birthdays and small details about their lives that bring them joy. However, when it comes to her own emotions, she frequently experiences a yearning sensation, as if something is absent, like a part of her is always reaching for something just out of reach.

At first glance she appears confident and independent. She exudes warmth and welcomes others with a smile that radiates sunshine, a contagious laugh and eyes that sparkle when she discusses her passions and cherished moments with loved ones. However, beneath this façade lies a vulnerability that she finds challenging to reveal. She longs for a profound and secure love that will make her feel truly cherished.

She is known for her selflessness in all her relationships, be it romantic or with friends. She is a compassionate listener and a caring individual who is always there for others in their time of need. However, in moments of solitude when the day's chaos subsides, she experiences a subtle ache, a sense that despite her generosity, she may not always receive the same level of care and attention in return.

She desires someone who truly sees her- the subtle moments of doubt in her eyes, the way she nervously fumbles with her hands, and how she can get lost in thought when overthinking. She longs to be deeply understood, for someone to know her so intimately that they can anticipate her needs, whether it's a comforting word or the mere presence of someone who genuinely cares.

In a relationship, Astrid desires a love that is stable and reliable, not temporary or ambiguous. She seeks a sense of security- not just in terms of physical safety, but in the assurance that her love is reciprocated, her emotions are valued, and her vulnerabilities are met with empathy, not apathy. She longs for a partner who truly understands her, flaws and all, and willingly chooses to stand by her, not out of duty but out of sincere affection and concern.

She dreams of moments that feel like home: quiet evenings together, small gestures like a hand to hold when she's feeling overwhelmed or a surprise note left in her bag just to let her know she's on someone's mind. It's the kind of love that doesn't need grand declarations but thrives on the little, everyday acts that speak volumes- words of encouragement when she feels unsure, a hug that lingers a little longer than usual, a reassuring glance that says 'I'm here, and I see you'.

Astrid doesn't demand perfection; she simply desires to be cherished and validated in the same way she often uplifts others. Deep down, she knows she deserves a love that is unwavering and genuine, not based on conditions or temporary feelings.

"Oh, look at those lovebirds. It's so great when things work out." Alex said with a wide smile. She then turned to her right and jumped when she noticed Harper disguised as a movie seat. "Harper! What are you doing here?"

"I'm not Harper. I'm just a theater seat keeping an eye on my boyfriend." Harper explained determinedly, pointing at Justin.

Astrid raised her eyebrows. "You made an outfit to match the theater seats?"

"Don't be freaked out if you can't see me." Harper whispered with a smirk Then the lights slowly dimmed, casting a soft shadow over the movies, and the quiet murmur of conversation faded into a low buzz of eager anticipation. "It's time to go to work."

Harper started crawling along the row of seats, closely watching Justin and Miranda. She held her popcorn bucket, which matched the color of the seats, in front of her face.

At one point, Harper fell, causing both Astrid and Alex to chuckle.

Alex and Astrid turned their attention to Miranda and Justin, who were leaning in for a kiss, but ended up bumping their noses. They attempted a second time, but he accidentally spilled the drink all over her. The two quickly stood up from their seats.

"Miranda, I'm so sorry." Justin apologized before turning around and running up the aisle. "I'll get some napkins."

Alex jumped from her seat and met her brother on the stairs. "Where are you going? Why didn't you kiss her?"

"I spilled soda all over her. She's never gonna kiss me now." Justin said dejectedly.

"Wait. Do it over."

"What do you mean?"

"The spell that dad used on the crystal ball." Alex whispered.

Justin shook his head. "No way. Dad said that that's for emergency use only."

As soon as the words left his lips, Harper, who had changed her outfit to blend in with the theater wall, stepped forward and poured her drink on top of his head. The liquid cascaded down his front.

Justin stared at Harper in disbelief.

"Just because you don't know I'm your girlfriend doesn't mean you can sneak around behind my back." Harper snapped before storming out of the theater.

Alex smirked. "How does that do-over spell sound now?"

"Like it should've already happened." Justin responded in an annoyed tone.

"Now we're talking. McCreary, Time Reary."

All of a sudden there was a shift in reality, like stepping into a ripple of air that isn't quite where you were, but somehow is. For the briefest moment, everything around Astrid warped, as if the world held its breath. The present, with all its familiar sights, sounds and sensations, blurred into a misty, fleeting memory.

Her surroundings flickered like a broken film reel, where the present and past intertwined, creating a palpable heaviness on her chest. She sensed a gentle tug, a pull backwards, as if gravity had momentarily weakened its hold. A profound disorientation set in- a sudden wave of familiarity, then the odd feeling of existing in two places simultaneously.

And then, just as suddenly as it began, Astrid was pulled back into the present. The world snapped into focus, and the brief flash of the past faded like a dream that she could barely recall.

Astrid realized she was in the past, yet it felt like the present. Alex was seated next to her instead of standing in the aisle with Justin, who had returned to sit behind Miranda.

Astrid was left with a lingering sense of awe, mixed with a touch of confusion, as she tried to grasp the fleeting moment she had just experienced. Memories of the past seemed to echo in her mind, but they were already slipping away- fading as quickly as they arrived, leaving only a faint, bittersweet trace of what could have been.

She realized she was in the past, yet it felt like the present. Alex was seated next to her instead of standing in the aisle with Justin, who had returned to sit beside Miranda, failing to kiss again.

"What the...." Astrid trailed off in confusion.

"This is gonna be a long night." Alex muttered under her breath. "McCreary, Time Reary."

For a moment, everything stood still. Astrid's breath caught in her throat as her mind tried to process the reality of what she was witnessing. Her best friend, who had been there for her through every moment of doubt and every disagreement, was doing what appeared to be... magic. And not just any magic- it was real.

Alex didn't seem to notice Astrid watching her, completely engrossed in the do over spell. The spell was beautiful, almost mesmerizing, but it also gave Astrid a sense that the world had shifted on its axis, a sudden change that she couldn't quite comprehend.

Her heart thudded in her chest as her mind scrambled for answers. She had always known Alex was different. There were subtle signs, moments that didn't quite add up, like when things would mysteriously fall into place around her or when Alex's eyes would glint with an otherworldly quality. But this? This was a whole new level.

Alex did the do over spell seventeen times. It felt like stepping into a strange cycle, a loop where the world was constantly resetting and shifting beneath their feet. Each time, it was as if reality held its breath for a moment before being pulled back into alignment.

Throughout all of this, Justin's sincere, if sometimes misguided, affection for Miranda is clear. He puts in his best effort, but it seems like the universe (and his own nervous energy) are constantly working against him. He often finds himself on the brink of kissing her, only to have something disrupt the moment.

His lips often fail to find their target, resulting in a comedic collision with an awkward object or an embarrassed step back instead of a romantic kiss. The anticipation built up quickly fades into embarrassment as he awkwardly chuckles, blushes and struggles to find the right words.

Alex stood up from her seat, hurried down the aisle and knelt beside Justin's seat. "Justin, that's seventeen do overs already. What's wrong?"

"I'm nervous. I'll get it this time." Justin reassured.

Alex sighed. "Okay. Fine McCreary- " She stopped herself when she realized her father was standing right behind her with a stern look on his face. A fake, wide smile appeared on her face. "Hi, Daddy. So, how'd the sandwich tasting go?"

"I don't know. It's still going on and on and on." Jerry replied, crossing his arms.

Justin got out of his seat and rushed over to his family. "Dad, what are you doing here?"

"No. The question is, what is Alex doing the do over spell for? I specifically told you never to use it." Jerry told his children.

"Actually, it's my fault, dad. I'm here with Miranda, and I'm-"

"He's trying to have his first kiss, and he just can't get it right." Alex explained, interrupting her brother.

Jerry furrowed his eyebrows. "First kiss? I thought that happened years ago."

"I'll just take Miranda home." Justin said with a small frown as he started to make his way back to Miranda.

"Wait, Justin." Jerry called out. Justin stopped in his spot and turned to his father. Jerry then turned to Alex and asked, "How many times did you use the spell?"

"I don't know. Seventeen?" Alex answered.

Jerry was about to speak to Justin but stopped and looked at Alex, shocked at how many times they had to do it over. "Well, I guess if you break a rule seventeen times, an eighteenth doesn't make a difference. Justin, do you think you can get it right if we do it over one more time?"

Justin nodded. "Yeah."

"Okay. Alex, do your magic."

Alex smiled. "Thanks, dad. McCreary, Time Reary."

••••

The following day, the bell above the door jingled as Astrid stepped into the Waverly Sub Station, a mysterious air hanging around her like a cloud.

Alex was behind the counter, wiping down a table, her trademark smirk never leaving her face. Justin was engrossed in a book of wizard history at a nearby booth, his brow furrowed in concentration but occasionally smiled due to the fact he had his first kiss last night. Their parents, Jerry and Theresa, were chatting with some familiar customers by the door.

"Hey, Astrid! What's up?" Alex called out from the counter, forcing a smile as she wiped her hands on a rag.

Astrid locked eyes with Alex, pausing before responding. She took a step closer, her expression inscrutable. Her typically cheerful demeanor had vanished, replaced by a more guarded façade, leaving Alex feeling confused as her stomach twisted.

"I need to talk to you," Astrid said quietly, her voice low and serious.

Justin perked up from his seat when he overheard her tone, his eyes narrowing slightly. He closed his book, sensing that something wasn't quite right.

"What's going on, Astrid?" Justin asked, his voice filled with concern.

Astrid momentarily ignored him, maintaining her focus on Alex, who was still trying to comprehend the situation. The way Astrid gazed at her and stood there caused Alex's heart to skip a beat. It felt as though she was on the verge of revealing something monumental.

"I need to tell all of you something," Astrid said, her tone unwavering. "And it's important that you hear me out. All of you."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "What's going on, Astrid? You seem... different today."

Astrid hesitated, glancing around to ensure no one could hear or see her. She opened her mouth to speak, but then seemed to change her mind. Instead, she reached and pulled out her wand from her back pocket.

"Commakus Pancakus." Astrid cast, waving her wand.

Suddenly, a stack of pancakes appeared on the counter, drenched in syrup. Alex and Justin were taken aback as Astrid lowered her wand and looked back and forth between the siblings, curious about their reaction.

Justin's eyes widened. "What... You just... With your wa...."

"You're a wizard?" Alex asked in shock.

Astrid nodded. "Yeah, I know you are too. The do-over spell at the movie theater. I had to experience it all."

And just like that, the bond between them shifted, deepened and solidified. In that moment everything Alex had ever wanted everything she had longed for in her magic and in her friendship, was right there before her. She was no longer alone. She had Astrid by her side.

Together, they would navigate the journey of being wizards, side by side.

_______________
PUBLISHED: 24.11.24

A/N: This chapter is over 6000 words long. Wow!

I hoped you liked this chapter!

Votes and comments are very much appreciated!