“Hush, my darling girls! We should begin our lessons. Do please sit down. As Fairy Mary isn’t well, we’ve got something a little different for you today.”
Melody and Jackson sat down together at the very end of the table, folded their arms and stared at Fairy Fifibelle.
“We’d like to learn something useful,” Jackson said. “We’ve been talking about it. It’s all very well being able to make things float, or to solidify things so they crash to the ground, but we want to be able to change things.”
Melody gave Emma a spiteful look. “Like being able to turn annoying people into spiders.”
“Spiders?” Miss Scritch had appeared at the other end of the table. It made me blink, because I’d been watching the door to the sitting room, and I was absolutely certain I hadn’t seen her walk through. “Who’s talking about spiders? Oh, it’s you, Melody. Why am I not surprised?”
Melody shuffled a bit, and began picking at her nails. “Well, maybe not spiders. But some kind of change.”
Miss Scritch gave her a cool stare. “And you think that might be helpful?”
“It might be fun,” Jackson said boldly.
“I see.” Miss Scritch nodded. “Well, let’s see what happens today, shall we? Please raise your hands. I would like to see everyone’s secret star.”
Oh no!
I forgot to tell you about our stars … they’re very special. When we first came to the Academy, we were each given a tiny star of our very own on the tip of our littlest finger. Mine was on my right hand, because I’m left-handed, but everyone else has their star on their left hand. I can’t see it very well when I’m at home, but if I hide under the bedclothes at night I can see it glowing … and it reminds me that I’m a Stargirl, and that makes me SO happy.
We raised our hands. Pete watched us before holding up his own grubby little hand.
“I can do it too,” he explained. “And can I turn into a spider? I like spiders.”
Miss Scritch paused, and looked at him thoughtfully. “I have a suggestion,” she said. “Sophie, take your little brother next door to meet Fairy Mary. He might like her to tell him a story, and I’m sure she’ll find him something nice to eat.”
Pete slid down from the table at once, clutching his aeroplane. “Come on, Sophie.” He gave Fairy Fifibelle a reproachful look as he walked past her. “You never did give me a biscuit, fairy lady!”
I grabbed his arm and whisked him away to the sitting-room.
The sitting-room is my favourite room at Stargirl Academy, even though we don’t get to spend much time in there. There’s always a roaring fire, and portraits of the Fairy Godmothers who trained at the Academy in the old days are hung all the way round the walls … and they quite often smile or wave at us. Madison says they can help with spells if you ask them, but I’ve never dared. They do look very friendly, though.
Fairy Mary was sitting on one of the big squashy sofas, wrapped in a soft blue shawl. Her old dog, Scrabster, was curled up at her feet, and his tail thumped a welcome as Pete and I came in. Fairy Mary smiled at me, beamed at Pete and patted the cushion beside her. Even though she’s the head teacher of Stargirl Academy, she never looks fierce or important – just cosy and comfortable. Pete didn’t hesitate. He climbed up beside her and snuggled under the shawl as if he’d known her all his life.
Fairy Mary put her arm around him. “Such a dear child,” she said. “Sophie, my love, could you move that little table nearer?”
I did as I was told, and the moment the table was in position Fairy Mary waved her hand … and there was a glass of milk and a plate of biscuits. Scrabster sat up, looking hopeful, and Pete’s eyes shone.
“Those are my most favourite biscuits ever,” he said. “Thank you!”
“I like them too,” Fairy Mary told him. “And now, while Sophie’s learning her lessons next door, shall I tell you a story?”
Pete, his mouth too full of biscuit to speak, nodded, and I left them as Fairy Mary began to tell him about a boy who had a magic red aeroplane…
Chapter Five
Fairy Fifibelle Lee was looking out of the window when I got back, and Miss Scritch was tapping the table impatiently.
“What’s happening?” I whispered to Ava.
“We’re waiting for someone new to arrive,” she whispered back. “Apparently, they’re going to teach us today’s spell!”
That sounded exciting, and I looked towards the window too and there was a sudden WHOOSH!!! Something had come through the window … something that looked exactly like a flying carpet … and sitting cross-legged on the carpet was a little old woman dressed all in black. The carpet landed in the middle of the workroom table, and the tiny woman carefully smoothed it out on either side of her before looking around.
“Good morning, Stargirls,” she said, and her voice was like a bird’s – very sweet and high and clear. “Good morning!”
“Stargirls,” said Miss Scritch, “meet Fairy Trilling.”
We were far too surprised to manage much more than a murmured “Good morning,” but Fairy Trilling nodded back in a cheerful kind of way. She was the oldest-looking person I’d ever ever seen; her face was covered in deep, deep wrinkles, and her hair was nothing more than a few straggly wisps. There was a little brown mole on her chin, and for the tiniest moment I wondered if she was a witch – but then I told myself not to be silly. Fairy Mary McBee would NEVER allow a witch into the Academy! And Fairy Trilling’s eyes were so bright that I just knew she must be incredibly clever.
“So you want to learn a Changing Spell?” she said, and she pointed straight at Jackson.
“Erm…” It was the first time I’d ever seen Jackson lost for words. “Erm … yes. Yes, I’d like that.”
“So what do you want to change?” Fairy Trilling asked her.
Melody sat up. “We want to be able to change people into spiders,” she said, and then, as if feeling Miss Scritch glaring at her, added, “if they deserve it, of course.”
Fairy Trilling’s eyes gleamed. “And you think some people do deserve that?”
“Oh, yes,” Melody told her. “I do.”
“We’d better get started, then.” It was as if none of the rest of us were in the room. The tiny fairy was concentrating entirely on Melody and Jackson. “So, which of you would like to be the first spider?”
There was a very long pause, and I saw Jackson swallow. “Does … does it have to be one of us?”
“It certainly does.” Fairy Trilling sounded astonished. “You don’t imagine that anyone can perform a spell they haven’t tried out on themselves, do you?”
Melody looked at Jackson, and Jackson looked at Melody.
“Supposing it wasn’t a spider,” Jackson said slowly. “Maybe that wasn’t a good idea. What about…” She looked around the room, but nothing seemed to catch her eye.
“I know!” Melody nudged her friend with her elbow. “What about a great big hairy spot on someone’s face?”
Miss Scritch stepped forward. “Be careful, Melody,” she said.
Melody waved her away. “It’s OK, Miss Scritch. We want to learn something useful for once.”
Fairy Trilling nodded. “Something useful. I see. Well, that’s easy enough. Repeat after me: Armitty charmitty, slithery dithery. And hold up your star finger.”
“Armitty charmitty—” Melody began.
But Jackson interrupted her. “Hang on a minute,” she said. “What’s going to happen?”
Melody frowned. “Be quiet, Jackson. If you don’t want to do it, that’s fine, but don’t get in my way. I want to be able to do this. Armitty charmitty, slithery dithery!”
She waved her little finger in the air. The star was shining brightly, then suddenly dimmed … and we all gasped.
Melody had an enormous spot on her chin. It wasn’t the usual colour, though. It was bright green with red whiskers, and it was hideous.
It was obvious that Melody had no idea what had happened to her. She was staring at
Emma instead, and she looked surprised. “You’re just the same,” she said accusingly.
Jackson sighed. “I just KNEW something would go wrong,” she said. “Melody, it’s YOU that’s got the spot!”
“WHAT?” Melody put her hand to her face. “Oh, oh, OH! Take it off! Take it off right NOW!”
The tiny fairy sitting on the table put her head on one side. “Tell us how you feel, Melody.”
Melody ran to look in a little mirror balanced on one of the shelves. “YUCK! It’s horrible. It’s really, really, REALLY ugly! Why didn’t you tell me that would happen? Take it away – oh, please PLEASE take it away!”
Fairy Trilling folded her arms. “I’m afraid I can’t.”
And it was then that I noticed something seriously weird. The mole on Fairy Trilling’s chin had vanished as if it had never been there at all.
Chapter Six
None of us could think of anything to say.
Melody rushed to Fairy Fifibelle Lee. “YOU take it off! PLEASE, Fairy Fifibelle! I didn’t mean it – you know I didn’t. I only wanted to pay Emma back for saying that I was mean—”
Fairy Fifibelle Lee was looking really shocked. She put her arm round Melody, but she was shaking her head. “I can’t help you, dear child.”
Melody was very pale, and tears were running down her cheeks. “Miss Scritch?” she begged. “Can’t you do something?”
Miss Scritch also shook her head, but she turned to Fairy Trilling. “How long do you think it will last?”
Fairy Trilling laughed, and she sounded even more like a little bird … a little bird that was enjoying itself. “As long as it takes.”
“As long as it takes to do what?” Jackson didn’t sound at all like she usually does. She sounded genuinely anxious. “What does Melody have to do?” She paused, then added, “Can I help her?”
“Darling Jackson! So generous!” Fairy Fifibelle spread out her arms, but Jackson stayed where she was.
“It was kind of my fault,” she went on. “I mean, it was both of us who wanted to be able to change things.”
“Changes come in many ways.” Fairy Trilling laughed again.
Lily nudged me. “She doesn’t seem very sorry about it,” she whispered.
I’d been thinking exactly the same thing. “Is she trying to teach us something?” I whispered back.
“Of course she is.” Miss Scritch was right behind us, and we jumped.
Fairy Trilling noticed, and she looked amused. “What would you like me to do?” she asked. “You’re Sophie and Lily, I believe. What spell would you like to learn?”
I felt nervous. What if I got it wrong, like Melody? I thought as quickly as I could, but before I could suggest anything, Lily said, “I know! A spell to make people feel happy.”
Fairy Trilling gave her an approving nod. “A good choice. Would that be acceptable, Miss Scritch?”
“The girls are only meant to learn one spell a day,” Miss Scritch said doubtfully. “We’d have to ask Fairy Mary McBee.”
Fairy Fifibelle Lee clapped her hands. “But a Happifying Spell would be such fun!”
“If you think it’ll make ME happy, it won’t.” Melody was sitting at the table, her head in her hands. “I’ll NEVER be happy until this horrid thing’s gone.” A sudden thought seemed to strike her, and she gave a little wail. “It won’t be there when I go home, will it?”
“That,” said Fairy Trilling, “will depend on you.”
Melody wailed again, and Jackson put her arm round her. Olivia stroked her back, and Madison leant across the table. “It’ll be OK, Melody. I’m sure it will.”
“That’s right,” Ava agreed.
Emma hesitated, but then she nodded.
Fairy Trilling’s bright little eyes twinkled. “There, Melody. See how your friends are looking after you … even Emma wishes you well.”
Melody pulled out her hankie and blew her nose. “I suppose I should say I’m sorry,” she said. “Sorry, Emma. I can’t say I didn’t mean to put a spot on your chin, because I did, but I shouldn’t have. It wasn’t very nice of me.” She blew her nose again.
Jackson looked at Melody, and then at Fairy Trilling. “Shouldn’t Melody’s spot have disappeared?” she asked. “I mean, she’s said she’s sorry. Isn’t that how it works?”
Fairy Trilling shook her head. “Spells and wishes are never as simple as you might think, Jackson. Now, shall I teach you the Happifying Spell, or not?”
“ATCHOOO!”
Fairy Mary McBee was standing in the doorway, her blue shawl wrapped round her. “Good morning, my dears. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t here to greet you. I’ve had SUCH a horrid cold, but it does feel as if it’s beginning to get better now. I’ve had the best possible company to cheer me up!”
Pete appeared beside her, holding his aeroplane in one hand and a chocolate biscuit in the other. “We’ve been flying my areoplane,” he announced. “We’ve had FUN! Look, Sophie! I can fly it all by my own!” He threw the plane into the air, and it circled the room before landing neatly back in his hand. “See? You just have to do Very Hard Thinking! Fairy Mary says I’m ace at it!”
Fairy Mary beamed at my little brother. “Very well done, dear. But our Stargirls must decide who they would like to help today. Lily, would you bring me my golden wand? It’s time for the Spin.”
Pete turned to me. “What’s a spin?”
“It’s magic,” I whispered. “Fairy Mary spins the wand, and whoever it points at gets to choose what we do for the rest of the day.”
My little brother looked hopeful. “Is that when we go to the park?”
“Maybe,” I said. “Wait and see. Look, over there!”
Pete watched Lily carefully unhook the Golden Wand from where it was hanging on the wall, and put it down on the table.
“That isn’t a wand,” he said.
I put my finger on my lips. “Sh!”
Fairy Mary smiled at Lily, but before she could say a word, Melody gave a dramatic scream and flung herself at our head teacher’s feet. “Fairy Mary, PLEASE help me before you do the Spin. I can’t go round looking like this! It’s HORRIBLE!”
Pete looked at Melody with interest. “It’s only a spot,” he told her. “Sophie gets spots too. She doesn’t get green ones, though.”
Jackson glared at him. “You’re not making Melody feel any better,” she said. “You shouldn’t be here anyway. Little kids!” And she snorted before she helped Melody get back up.
Fairy Mary leant forward and patted Melody’s hand. “Give it a little time,” she said, and then she turned to Fairy Trilling. “Thank you so much for your lesson, Birdie dear. I have to admit that it wasn’t quite what I had in mind, but I’m sure it will come in useful for the girls. Would you care for a cup of tea before you go?”
Fairy Trilling laughed, and blew Fairy Mary a kiss. “Always the schoolteacher,” she said, but she didn’t say it in a nasty way. “Do call on me again. Your girls are delightful! Goodbye, children. Be good for Fairy Mary!” Then she pulled up the sides of her magic carpet, and whizzed out of the window.
As Fairy Trilling disappeared, I found myself wondering again about that strange little mole on her chin, and the way it had vanished. Had I just imagined it was there before? Was it something I should remember?
Chapter Seven
Pete stared after Fairy Trilling, his mouth open in disbelief. “She FLEW!” he said.
“So she did,” said Fairy Mary. “Now, things have been a little out of order today, so I suggest we try and get back to our normal routine.”
“We haven’t learned a spell yet,” Ava said. “Well, we know the armitty-charmitty one, but it’s not like the other spells you’ve showed us.”
Madison grinned. “I really like Floating and Solidifying,” she said. “They’re great!”
Miss Scritch shook her head. “Only one spell per lesson,” she said.
“But that’s not fair.” Jackson scowled. “None of the rest of us wants spo
ts, thank you very much.”
“And that spell was HORRIBLE!” Melody was scowling too.
Sometimes I wonder why Jackson and Melody are at Stargirl Academy. They can be really helpful, but at other times they’re grumpy and cross about everything. When we first arrived, they insisted on being a team of two, and not joining our Team Starlight. I wondered if Fairy Mary might get angry with them, but she was her usual smiling self. Fairy Fifibelle Lee was smiling as well. Only Miss Scritch looked sour, but then she often does.
“The Sliding Spell will be a challenge for you,” Fairy Mary said. “There may well be different ways to use it.”
“SLIDING Spell?” We stared at her.
“It’s one of the Shining Spells,” she went on. “It works in a different way to Floating and Solidifying.” She settled herself on the nearest chair. “We’ll have the Spin now. Pete, my dear, come and sit next to me. We’re going to do something very special, so you must be quiet and watch carefully.”
Pete nodded, and climbed onto the chair next to Fairy Mary. Our head teacher waited until we were all sitting around the table, then leaned forward and set the wand spinning. It began to glow, and there was a faint humming sound as it whirled round and round. The room gradually darkened until the only light came from the flickering Golden Wand, and we all held our breath.
“Spin, spin, spin,” Fairy Mary sang. “Who will choose? Who will it be? Whose destiny will change today? Spin, wand, spin…”
The Golden Wand seemed to spin for ages and ages, but at last it began to slow. As the golden light faded, so the room grew brighter, and I could see everyone watching the wand intently. I was SO hoping it would point at me or one of the others in Team Starlight! But it didn’t. It hesitated, then twitched, twitched again – and stopped. It was pointing straight at Jackson.
“YES!” Jackson punched the air. “I’ve been waiting for AGES! And today’s the best day it could have happened! I know EXACTLY what I want to do!”
Sophie's Shining Spell Page 2
