Chapter 1

Speed Of Life

- Professor Ursula! A moment of your time, please!

A young woman, no more than thirty years old, stopped her stroll through a vast hall. Though the only thing "hall" about this space was its uninterrupted length, stretching straight for dozens of metres. With the ceiling disappearing somewhere high and tall windows, placed in rhythm with pylons supporting the ceiling, reaching almost the same mark it was hard to consider this merely a hall. Though that was expected from a magic academy of old and venerable history. Albeit recently the most finest among world's establishments on the question of teaching sacred art of magic was experiencing problems of particular kind. Despite the academy being located in the separate space, divided from the world of mortals and their insignificant problems that bear no weight in front of arcane traditions passed down under these roofs, it didn't change the presence of most vulgar question a witch can face – means of supporting your material presence. In short, the most renown of Magic academies – Luna Nova, the feminine house of things most Arcane, was short on money. Well, not exactly short. More like desperate for any way to find funds. Turns out a witch can't just make the gold rain. Without diving into the complications surrounding transmutation of gas into metal, an obstacle the finest of adepts among sorcery followers faced was – the damn magic gold was easily distinguished from a normal, earthly aurum. As was a bank note, a check, and everything else. The trace of magic was ever present among anything a witch influenced by her miracles. And regular cases of witches being busted only proved the point – you can't make money out of nowhere. Every generation had enough wizards of both genders who thought that this time, the crime would be untraceable. And once again, there were small notes among trivia pages in the newspapers describing another fool bein' busted. And once again magicians all over the world let out a sigh. All of them had to find a way to support themselves with magic for at least another ten years. And Luna Nova was no different.

And so was a tall, brown haired witch catching up to this Ursula woman. Both of them, dressed in teacher uniforms with sweet pointy hats and curve-nosed boots. Professor of magic has to look the part, after all.

- Yes, Professor Finneran?

Ursula kind of knew what the response would be. Someone in her position would quickly catch up on the pecking order among faculty. She clearly understood simple reason why a "moment" of hers may be needed. Manual labor, what else.

- Have you finished preparations for the new semester of Astrology and Astronomy? Everything in order, I believe?

Ursula felt not an inch of desire to lie. Why? Not like it would get her out of whatever is to come.

- Yes, Profess...

- Wonderful! Professor Astrid requested help with final preparations in the Arcane Geography classroom. Would you kindly lend her a hand?

- Yes, of course!

- Wonderful, and when you are finished, please see to Professor Badcock. She needs assistance in final papers check.

- Yes...

- Now, don't get so upset. Such commotion is expected from the first day of a new semester, isn't it?

- I suppose. Are we expecting any new students?

- Only two, I believe. Both from the orient. Surprising coincidence.

Ursula's ruby eyes widened in honest surprise.

- Orient?

- Yes, if I remember clearly one is from Japan and the other...Malaysia or Indonesia, something island-ish.

What a rare event! It was seldom that Luna Nova got students from East, much less two on the same day. Ursula clasped her hands excitedly.

- Ooh.. Well isn't this wonderful? Two young girls desiring to practice our ancient craft!

Seems like Professor Finneran didn't share the sentiment.

- We have yet to articulate their level of expertise and assign them to proper trios. If I'm not mistaken the Japanese one comes from an ordinary family. Who knows what she can do, if anything...

- But if she is accepted that means she knows enough, doesn't she?

Silence was Ursula's response. Finneran took a moment, staring into the window overlooking a charming inner yard. At least the grass was flawlessly green, an emerald carpet of ideal height, each leaf blade being almost a copy of its neighbor. Not for long albeit.

- We have to finish the preparations. Only a handful of hours remain until students start arriving through the Leyline. And I believe Professor Astrid had quite a mess to fix in her classroom.

- A-all right, I'll hurry and help her!

- Wonderful.

And with these words, Professor Finneran left blue-haired witch on her own, walking away in fast, brisk pace. Important matters had to be addressed so the coming semester would proceed flawlessly as usual. Well, as good as possible. Tolerably.

Okay, so they can manage yet another agonizing school year. But not the last, she hoped...

- A-ah my dear Professor, about time you finally showed up your beauty here!

- Y-yes Professor Astrid, I went here as soon as I got the word! *But to be honest I would rather not. Though not like I would ever say it...*

If Ursula was allowed to be honest with herself in her own head, she would explain that this mysteriously beautiful woman with some sort of gem in her forehead, long fuchsia hair and strange, slanted eyes of tomato-paste-with-a-bit-of-starch-for-smaller-cost colour was really making her nervous. She tried to put as much distance between the two of them as possible, but the Geo-everything-in-school always managed to cut close. Guess that was some really powerful magick in work. Or simply lack of luck on Ursula's side. But this woman, she really unsettled our poor astronomer. Her eyes, sultry voice and mannerisms, suggestively sensuous words she always chose when talking with Ursula. And the wind of conceited condescension that hanged around her whenever the two women were tete-a-tete, which happened suspiciously often, much more often that Ursula would've preferred, that broke down any hint of flirting. It's not like she was being mean to blue haired sorceress, but there was a certain aura that hanged over their meetings and poisoned every minute of their mutual presence.

*But these words, these words you'll never hear. Never. These words, they will be buried with me. Right here, in this school. At least judging from my salary.*

From the first glance, the lectorium was in order. Desk rows, benches, blackboard, bookshelves – everything was clean and tidy. The new volumes of text-books were lying in front each person's seat waiting neatly for their new owners. What more could Astrid want that would require second pair of hands?

- Professor Ursula, would you kindly go fetch fresh Magic Geography work-books from the storage room?

Now that doesn't sound so hard, does it?

- Of course.

*Why not? The storage is just up in the end of the class. Sounds tolerable.*

- Ah, not that one. The storage that has them is the one two floors down!

*So that's the catch. No wonder this slave driver called me*

- But why won't you ask one of the goblins or dwarfs to assist you, Professor? Surely he would arrive faster than me?

- Now now dear Professor, fairy staff has their hands full with preparations just like us here! I can't just tear one away from his duties, can I?

*But you sure can tear me away from mine...*

Trying to suppress a sigh, that would be provocatively rude to do in front of a senior and Ursula didn't want to take risks, astrologist briskly paced out of the door. The faster she finishes, the sooner she will be left to her own devices. Well, after Badcock sucks her blood. That old bag always found the worst things to do. At least she was not discerning and anyone caught by her hand would be suspected to menial, horribl-

*Now now Ursula, with such demeanor any job would be loathsome. And that is surely no way to live a live, isn't it? Think happy thoughts and try to find nice things in any situation. Just as that book said. You like books, right? Well time to put it to the test!* - whispered Ursula to herself in her own mind. Probably only safe haven outside her chambers. She never felt safe in the halls and even green meadows near the halls left her feeling constantly observed. Even right now, as she was strolling through the vast, empty hall towards an exquisitely decorated staircase, pride and joy of goblins constantly taking perverse delight in polishing every nook and cranny of its intricate, sea wave and foam like ornamented handles, our astronomer could vouch being observed. *Speaking of which – Ursula wondered – am I an astronomer, or an astrologist ?* She sometimes lost the difference between two. Well, she liked stars. And she could discern the difference in their type and distance between them with a simple telescope. But she didn't know anything about their weight and how to measure it. But she sure knew the weight they put on peoples' life and could calculate it. Just like she did to her own every week. That gave her a bit of security. Whatever happens, she would be ready for it. Or so she lied to herself every day. But not today. The horoscope promised her a change and a person. Whatever that would be. *Good old horoscope. You never lie, my close friend. Though I wouldn't mind a human one for a change...or a disciple. Wouldn't it be nice? I could share more than textbooks demand, we could look at the stars, discern complicated schemes, have field trips to old observation temples, enjoy tea together. She would ask questions and I would share my knowledge with a grateful follower... Ahh everything would be so nice...* Lost in her pleasant expectations, Ursula found herself in front of a storage room door. *Yes...maybe she would even ask me for a tip, a life advice in a new situation! - A wide smile spread itself across Ursula's blissful face, eyes lost in a starry reverie as she puts her palm over the doorknob - Trusting, she turns to me for a word of wisdom and I... - it was like a pocket light bulb inside Ursula's joy suddenly went out with a small snap and a bit of smoke rose right into her eyes. Staring vacantly in front of her she finished her thought joyless – make sure she doesn't follow my footsteps... Or at least try to warn her... Somewhat... Not like she would listen anyway. Ha-akh-haaah.* A heavy, coarse sigh escapes her throat as joyful mood brought by a daydream flies away somewhere up top. Probably lost in the dusty ceiling. With a heart certainly heavier than a minute ago Ursula looks up, at the top of a door and higher, to the stone domes, dimmed in shadows. *When was the last time they were cleaned? Better not wonder, or else I will attract this chore. The more you think about something, the bigger the chance to pull it to yourself. Though it only works with displeasing things, but without fail. At least I have learned this much. - With a sharp and deep sniff she draws fresh air into her lungs and smiles – So happy thoughts, happy thoughts girl! At least your eyes are pretty!*

With a heavy push, old oak with metal bars door reluctantly turned inside. Despite the ease of pushing instead of pulling the door was still a nuisance.

- Okay, now where are these books? Ouhhh she didn't tell me where exactly...

Young teacher found herself in a room, or rather a cage she knew far to well simply by being sent here way to often. The spacious hall was a resting place for loads of things. Long and tall walls of wardrobes and shelves cut the space in segments, equally littered with heaps of "knowledge". That being pretty much everything unwelcome in halls. From books and maps to chests and flasks. From buckets and brooms to bed sheets and rat tails. Most of the materials were stored here, and so were the instruments and commodities for studying, teaching and lodging. You could find an old globe standing on a shoe shelf filled with magic history books neighboring spare pipe valves right between shelves of uniform cloth that was obtained in batch big enough to last hundred of years. The date was ever prolonging. All thanks to the magic of dropping admittance. Thankfully there was little broken items present. Witches didn't waste a thing since repair spell used quick enough could save them a lot of funds. And since they used little to none mechanisms which could simply come to the end of exploitation from a part running out from constant torsion, requiring substitution, Luna Nova was having little problems with broken junk littering storage "cavern".

-Miss Professor, do you need assistance per chance?

A coarse voice took Ursula out of her reverie, coming from somewhere below. A goblin janitor was standing near her, with a dusting mop and a bucket in his hand. He sounded grumpy, but that was fairies usual demeanor. They fed on magic power, and the witches didn't leave much after taking their share from the Philosopher's stone. Feeding of crumbs from witches already poor table – that was a tough bargain to go with, but fairies still took it. The alternatives were non-existent, since they could only live in magic juiced places, which were rare and ever disappearing. Even Luna Nova grounds themselves were useless if the Stone was to be removed. Long gone were the times, when Fairies could terrorize the commoners and prank villagers. With magic diminishing they had to stop their appetite for misbehaving, going with contract labour. They knew that magic dying out was not humans' fault. They knew the Stones were man-made. No envy was running between them. So they were hired hands on a desperate check, and were accepted. Although witches knew that the more energy fairies got, the livelier they were, what they gave was already the max they could share. Good enough for fairies to live on a close and tight balance, pretty much like humans themselves, potatoes being their main nourishment. But that doesn't mean they were not grumpy about it.

-Y-yes please. I have to find a batch of books, workbooks on geography, recently dropped here, but I have little idea where to start? Perhaps you can show me to them?

-A batch of books eh? Hmm... - goblin closed his eyes. His fingers, holding the mop started rhythmically making an Olympic wave over the handle. That was reasonable, since this particular janitor considered himself the best at ridding the school of ever gathering dust. Where was it coming from, if most of the windows were closed and halls unused due to the ever dwindling student body? Probably from old witches spreading their sand with every step and every sneeze. And since half of the faculty had age higher than the number of wrinkles on their sour faces (they didn't bother with glamour spells. "Have to keep the proper appearance, unlike that whore Shiny Chariot did!" they say.) and had insomnia the answer to this riddle was not that complicated. Finally janny answered - "Oh these ones! Follow me."

He led Ursula through the maze of shelves, surprisingly clean and organized. Despite the load of everything gathered here, the order was kept. If you really bothered with remembering where you put something, you could probably count on it staying on it's place neat and tidy. The goblin knew his craft, that fo sho. Nigguh. *gang sign*

They passed book stands with various textbooks and tutorials laying here in wait. "Newbie broom riding" "Potions and concoctions simply" "Fairies for everyone" "Baby's first troll" - Ursula glanced over the titles to pass time during the tedious walk. Despite the order the place was cramped. As they strolled near levels and heaps of crystal balls, gazing plates, crimson stones and spare cauldrons filled with magic wands for new adepts Ursula absorbed the understanding just how vast this storage is and how full it is now. And that showed just how big the previous courses were. What she caught back then, during her own student years was nowhere near the populace of Luna Nova during it's peak admittance.

"mm..mm.. ..." Hummed our astronomer.

*~White light, White light goin' messin' up my mind
White light, don't you know its gonna mae me go blind
White heat, aww du-du tickle down to my toes
Lord have mercy white light have it hum-um nows ~

Great tune* she thought, relishing the fact that her upbeat mood returned.

Finally, after Ursula lost count of how long they were traversing the maze, the two of them faced the workbooks. The way was so long Ursula blinked and realized that there were other things today besides the storage. That she was at different places, like sunny hall. That she spoke to Finneran and Astrid, that there was a reason for her to look at these brochures. During the walk, her mind drifted away from the shelves and goblin's back often enough for her to forget everything apart from dimly lit corridors she was inside. It was like for her, there was only twilight and shelves, and nothing else. But no, the day had actually just begun, it was around noon if she was right. And there was still something nice incoming, if the stars were read candidly.

-Here you go Professor, the workbooks requested.

-Thank you! *ough- there are a lot of them...*

She stared at the goods for a while, collecting thoughts on how to transport them in as little steps as possible. Plus she had to have a guide, no way she would find them again, or the way back. Well, maybe she could leave the magic beacon near the stacks, strangely tall, she didn't remember school having this many students in current new roll, but she didn't want to rub it into goblin's snout. There were reasons...

But rather than coming to a decision, she was dragging time, waiting for a outside help to come.

-You need help carrying them to the entrance?

-Oh yes! It would be wonderful!

In a snap of a finger the goblin managed to stack almost all of them on his arms, leaving just a couple for Ursula to carry. *How thoughtful of him, I would sure feel mean, seeing him moving them all, while going empty handed myself.* With a paper tower of biblical proportions obscuring his sight goblin started his brisk pace back to the entrance. It seems he knew the way and over-sized pantry's layout by hand, since not even once did he crash into something or stumble at the fork. In a jiffy the duo found themselves near the door. *Wow, the way sure was fast. Must be because I payed attention to his acrobatics.*

With a -Hup! janitor put all the books on a clean table near the oak door, even sorting them into small piles for handy.

-Thank you, I don't know what I would've done without you!

-Always a pleasure – said goblin, adjusting his cap with a small smile.

-I will manage from here - said Ursula. And with a nod, goblin went on his way with a mop and a bucket in hand. *Strange, I didn't notice him leaving them here or there, near the books. But how did he carry all of this together at once? Now that is a sleight of hand I can admire.* With a small smile astrologist opened the door.

Trying her best at holding it open with one foot while stretching for books, Ursula moved part of the books outside the door. Then came the other part, only this time she had to push the door with her hip. Most tedious of tasks. And only when everything was outside and the door was closed did she finally take out her wand.

With a simple levitation spell all the books floated up in front of her. Of course Ursula could use the magic since the start, but she didn't want to rub it into fairy's face that she had some excess mana available to spend on menial task. When the times are rough, she didn't want to be mean in small things. Why show janitor, who is constantly fastening that she could use magic for everything, little and big. Needless mean behaviour. And she was thoughtful about the mood around.

Keeping the stack in the air in front of her, Ursula paced back to the class. Simple spell she maintained, walking through the empty halls, the calming silence of a cool air around her – everything helped her slowly slip back into daydreams.

Dreams. Relaxed by solitude, Ursula's mind returned to her morning, how rested she felt, laying on her couch today. Sleep rarely brought her this much bliss as it did today.

*The morning was so nice~ When was the last time I woke up like this? Fresh and happy, like I was a child again. A dream, yes I remember...a pleasant one. What was it about? I was...flying? And there were stars, so bright and many, I felt like there were only stars above me, shining all across the vast deep indigo dome. So tall, the end was impossible to imagine, stretching upwards for...for just how much you can believe. With the moon, so giant yet far away feeling like the king of these stars. And under us, us? Yes, I was not alone, there was someone near me, someone so close and dear...Like a second half, someone so intimate and understanding, like a second half, half that I lost long ago, or maybe didn't find until now...Right, we. It was "we" above the calm waves of an endless sea...And she sang. It was some song without words, or maybe with lyrics I don't remember. And was I crying? And I felt so warm. Everything felt so perfect, like the world finally came to the form it was meant to be since the beginning... And we were on the broom and then she laughed and we jumped down into the sea. A whole body of water covered us, and as we held hands we were swept away on a stream so fast and curved, with whales around us until we arrived to the gardens on top of tall, tall palaces...And we went together over the flowers under the trees on the roofs of these building. And everything was so right, and simple, and the way it was meant to be...And she was near me and I finally felt like I belonged. Like I was at home, home that was always with me. I turned to see her. I was so curious to see that someone so real and dear and for me... Hmm...I can't remember how she looked, it was like she was escaping mind eye. I only remember the colour of something dark... And red. There was something red...

When was the last time I saw a dream so nice? Usually when I wake up I feel like I was pummeled with batons like some sort of carpet being dusted out for the whole night.*

And here was the classroom, just a few steps away. Ursula carefully and quietly aimed the books to stand near the door and audibly stepped to them, taking a stack in her hands. *Better to make it look like I did everything by hands* - she thought as she entered the classroom.

- Ah Professor Ursula! Finally you are back my dear! - Astrid happily voiced her pleasure. Judging by the wand she was putting away and slowly rotating giant brown lacquered wooden globe around the corner of the auditorium she was just finished moving it. Ursula had to admit, there was no such item present when she left, so Astrid really did something useful while sending astronomer away. Somewhat fair. - Please be a star and spread the workbooks over each seat, would you?

- A-Alright

As she was doing her menial task of organizing materials over each spot she asked - "Professor Astrid, wouldn't it be much simpler to spread them with a flick of the wand?"

- Ah, no! We have to conserve the magic resource! If we can do it by hand, why waste magic?

Answered Astrid, standing in place with her arms crossed, giving her best impression of "overseeing an important task".

*"We?" Well, you're not helping right now so it is "Me". Besides, don't we all use magic for everything whenever we are alone?"*

Finally, after each textbook was paired with a workbook, and a mineral geode was present near each spot, and every seat was justified equally, and every book in the bookcases was ordered by colour, and every rock on the demonstration shelves was turned "just the right way" and Astrid finally cried just how "wonderfully orderly!" everything was Ursula was free to go. Walking out the classroom wearing her best satisfied mask she could manage after being enslaved for who knows how long she finally let out a sigh. *She could've offered me a cup of tea. Ah, even water would be sufficient.* But desired rest was far away. This was just a beginning of a tedious day. She still had to go see Badcock. Sure Ursula wanted to ditch that old witch, but she knew that old bag remembered and if she didn't come at all a chewing out was imminent. Pacing herself, professor went towards another chore. Passing near the windows in the hall she noticed the leyline portal being activated and a seemingly platinum-green haired girl flying out and landing gracefully. *So the students have finally started arriving* Ursula pulled out her pocket watch out of her robe. The thing resembled a clock only in it's circular form. Instead of a face with arrows and numbers the "watch" had what resembled a clockwork mechanism laid bare. She let the thing hang free by it's chain, with several concentrating metallic rings turning themselves in some strange order with what was presumably main clockwork staying in place in the centre. The little improvised sphere even had small round beads on each ring. How you decided time with this thing was probably part of astronomy secrets. *So it's already 13:07... gotta hurry, if I'm right the ceremony begins at 16:00 sharp...* And with a flick of hand closing the thing, Ursula hurried to meet her next torment, hiding the watch in her robe's pocket.

It didn't take long for her to reach Badcock's cabinet. With a deep breath to gather the spirits, poor soul turned the doorknob.

-Professor Badcock? I finished helping Professor Astrid. *Here it comes*

-About time Professor Ursula! Quickly, get to the papers, the students started arriving already and we have heaps! Heaps of documents to order! Come here so I can give you a quick direction and be on my way to show students to their dorms!

*My God, does she have to be such a worrywart about everything? I already feel like failing the task just from this welcome alone.*

After several excruciatingly feverish seconds Badcock slammed her hands on the table and with "So get to this, double time, and as soon as you finish help me show the students their dorms!" ran away. Blue haired gofer finally relaxed in the chair and let out a deep, tired breath she was holding for all this time. First thing first - at last pouring herself her well deserved glass of water, professor started working on the documents. Despite Badcocks tirade Ursula didn't feel like hurrying up. Why? As soon as she finishes this it is up to another unpaid overtime. So why bother? ...-... But wait, two new students, freshmen arriving today... There actually was a reason to finish faster – she could force herself on one last push against the wall of soul-sucking gray bore and go meet the students. If she was lucky, which was up for debate, she could meet new girls first hand! Why was Ursula actually interested in this she didn't quite understand, but something told her that this is the better path than meeting them for the first time tomorrow.

In fact, why not start with the main dish right off the bat! Surely, after all of work today she deserves a treat! *Now let's see. Students students, maybe in these stacks I have to sign? No...Then I have to check overall current year. (luckily- no wait, -sadly the amount of people she has to scan through is not big. Plus she already knows most of the class by names)* A quick swipe over the student books reveals two new names inside a binder of high school corresponding division. Well, actually three. The famous Diana Cavendish would be joining in person after being on external program for several years. But that didn't really interest Ursula. Unlike Badcock, who almost had a heart attack upon the news and had to get relaxation potion from Lukić, red-eyes blue-hair professor (? attack / 0 defense) didn't have particular interest in Diana. Sure, it was intriguing to see just how advanced the prodigy was but, what exactly is there to lose sleep about? There was a genius every decade, and for witch it was quite often. And since Luna Nova was still a (relatively) top school, the savant was inevitably enrolling into academy. Considering the witches' live span and Ursula's pitiful occupation prospects (well, she could try doing a science project or observation or research, but she didn't know enough actual astronomy, and she knew enough astrology to know just how dry the field was. Everything was already discovered. Including knowledge considered long lost. Several times. She could start a moderate private practice but the workload Badcock and Finneran were dropping on her was just too big...too big...well, if she had some time...then maybe...) she was bound to see enough of them over her time here. Who knows, maybe this Diana's children and grandchildren would be her students just the same.

Much more interest was invoked by two new names. Girls named Sucy Manbavaran and Atsuko Kagari. Ursula took out the files and dug into them with zest. From the photo on the first file a disinterested murky rose madder haired girl stared into nowhere in particular. Sucy Manbavaran (noted: possible pronounce – Manbabaran). Age: 16, country: Philippines *let's see – parents...magical aptitude...previous education...Oh! A special interest in potion and magic fungi noted! Well, it does suit her. She looks like a solitary person. Seems like a promising girl.* Acquainting herself with Sucy's file, Ursula returned it to the binder. And then she took out the next one.

It was like a wave. Just glancing at Atsuko's photo made Ursula feel a strong surge of...what exactly? She couldn't find a right word. Just like me, the author. It was like she has already seen this girl somewhere, like they knew each other for a long time. And now, long time past, they met again. But astronomer was certain that this is the first time she saw the lass. *(gulp) So...Atsuko Kagari. Japanese, 16 years old, finished middle school, previous magic connection – none... That would be a problem, girl would have to catch up on a lot. Hope she got somewhat acquainted with theory while preparing for Luna Nova. Magical aptitude test – positive. No words about her practical skills or interests.* But the look the girl had showed it all. With wine coloured eyes beaming towards camera, wide smile barely contained for the official photo purpose, brown haired girl with porcelain skin was practically beaming with excitement. When was the last time Ursula saw such emotion for anything? *She looks...nice. I wonder, what she likes? Maybe we would have something in similar.* Still having her thoughts centered on the new girl, professor looked through the rest of the file and returned it into the binder. For some reason her previous monologue about apprentice rose from the back of her mind.

-Alright, time to finish the papers.

After the amount of time that felt like a week, but judging by the clock was much much less, astrologist straightened the batch of papers she had finally pulled through and stored them away.

-Sooo, now to go see the students. - and with certain giddy impatience professor hurried to the front yard.

In front of school, where the main leyline gate stood, leading into one of the few magical streams remaining several girls were chatting. Some were waiting for their teammates or friends, some probably catching up on gossip after a summer break. But there certainly were no new faces. Upon noticing Professor Ursula, girls politely greeted her.

-A-ah welcome back girls, I hope you all had a refreshing time away from school and are ready to study once more!

-Certainly professor Ursula!

At this point Ursula could have overstayed her welcome by starting a chit-chat torture like "O'Neil, I hope you will be more reasonable this year" or something like that, but astrologist was never the one to be condescending towards students. Whenever she said such things, it was because she just wanted to get amiable and friendly with students, shorten the distance between the positions of pupil and teacher. Make them more humane, so to say. But it just came off as awkward and clumsy, soiling Ursula's reputation among students and teachers alike. This time, she was interested in different thing.

-So girls, there would be three new students joining us from this point forward!

-Yes, we already saw Diana Cavendish. - She's so cool! - Looks so refined – I wonder in which dorm she would stay? - I saw Professor Badcock leading her inside (*Oh, so that's where she hurried off to* noted Ursula) - Wow, you think she would be given a special room? - Well she is special – But she looks so modest... - Who are the luckies to be her partners? - I heard it's Hanna and Barbara – Oh these two? - Well they were lacking a teammate – Since when? - This summer, their third one got into an accident – Like, accident accident? - More, the fatal kind – Ohhh!...what kind of? - Well I don't know exactly – I read that the second half was not found – Ghastly! You have any photos?

*urgghh I better go* The memories of grim news were still fresh in Ursula's mind. She remembered the school opening the letter and what followed. Plus it was obvious that the girls would be occupied by discussion now, paying no interest in whether new faces already showed up. So there was only an option to just stand here in the yard and wait. Not a bad one actually... The sky was blue, the sun shone warmly, a nice breath of zephyr coiled around Ursula's face, giving her a pleasant touch after the hectic morning... But at the same time she just felt tired. Maybe she should just go and rest in her room until the ceremony. She can always introduce herself to Atsuko afterwards. Atsuko? … Well yes, no point hiding it from herself – she was interested only in one out of three (or two) new girls. For reasons unknown to even herself. But studying astrology gave Ursula a somewhat firm belief in just trusting obscure gut feelings. Sometimes. Like now.

The fact that she was ordered to show the girls towards their dorms was already long thrown away. They were to occupy same rooms in same teams anyway. And it was obvious that Badcock just wanted to welcome Diana herself. Because she didn't say where to lead the newbies. Not like Ursula could just lead them to any free dorm room and leave them there. Plus there was a teaming question present. All in all, there was no reason to stay in the yard.

Upon returning to her room and finally making herself a well-deserved pot of tea Ursula sat on the couch, soaking in the relaxing atmosphere of the cool, spacious, dome-tipped room.

- Ahhh. Sometimes I forget that I'm not a handy-woman-gopher and actually teach here. You get me, right Alcor?

- Caw!

A white crow, Ursula's trusted pet, or how witches called them – familiar, and confidant sharply replied from his perch in the corner of the room.

- Thank you Alcor.

Ursula took another sip and closed her eyes. Oh pleasant relaxation of the deep red brew with added herbs for accent take her away from the manual labour for a while. Such merciless exploitation of this pretty, young red-eyed professor was, sadly, the norm in Luna Nova. Pecking order put her, a mere sapling compared to everyone else, at the bottom of the food chain. So whenever there was a need for a qualified, or not, pair of hands, or when the sand popped far to loud in the dry joints of the older witches, she was the go-to girl. Being young faculty member was an arduous cross. Luckily no one envied her young looks since prettying yourself up to the young facade was possible with magic. Being old, looking old was simply a kind of honour badge for the local witches. Only the bare minimum magic to oil the knees or keep the teeth was used by those, whose wrinkles could count up to the number of stars on the great ceiling we call night sky. And so Ursula inevitable dozed away, once again remembering the glimpses of her dream. Such pleasant visions were a rarity in her nightlife, so she double cherished each one of them. But this one. This one was something else. She just knew it. The mystery, the feeling it evoked – everything felt meaningful.

As she dozed off, Ursula wondered if the girls already arrived onto the grounds...

- Caw-Caw!

Suddenly, panicked vocal came from Alcor, dragging Ursula out of her siesta.

- What is it boy? Trouble in the leyline?!

Ursula dashed towards the green holographic sphere, littered with dots, on the old-timey globe stand near her work desk. The mysterious contraption showed a disturbance in the force in the form of drifting, pulsing red dot.

- Can't be! Into the Arcturus Forest! Could it be... Alcor if anyone asks I'm off to assist whatever's the problem! - Shouted Ursula, reaching for the broom and running to the round window on the second level of her chamber. Glancing on the clock proved that it was merely loose change of minutes until the Welcome Ceremony was to begin.

For those who are wondering, everything about Astrid is made up. I loaded it all onto the Pink haired professor from the Cronicle page. I just wanted to enrich the faculty with various characters, and we already have a lot of quirky and colourful teacher designs in that databook, so I grabbed the one I saw fitting. It is not the last time I commit this crime, so expect more whenever a new teacher pops up. I don't know their names or if they are even given ones, except voiced ones from the animated versions.

This is my first fanfic, so don't mind typos or editing mistakes. I'm getting used to the formatting thing. Also english is not my primary language, so some things will be... well the usual deal of non-native speaker.

If any of you are wondering the story behind this one, this is the fanfic I've been nurturing in my heart for quite some time. I even posted on /a/ that I'm working on ChariAkko one since I was and am horribly displeased by the lack of anything related to them. Don't worry about this one being dropped midway - I already planned everything, including major and minor events. I'm currently raped in the University daily, so the update pace would be around week and a half for a chapter. The length of them will probably vary. But I don't hurry, I'm taking my time making something that pleases myself, and if you are also happy by the result, then we all are winners. The story will deviate from the show like a sinusoid over the straight line on the graph. Some things will happen earlier, some will differ, but the end result won't be OC character battle or Mary sue invasion or some crap like that.

Enjoy~