The Witch's Apprentice 4/4

"Now let's go inside and see if we can make friends again with Lieutenant Moonshine," said Abigail and Jennifer Jane followed her through the door.

The warehouse did look strange inside. It was unusually quiet. Some fairies were sitting in small groups chatting but there were no bells ringing or any of the usual bustle. All the shelves were empty and as Abigail and Jennifer Jane walked towards Lieutenant Moonshine's office, their footsteps echoed in the empty building.

Lieutenant Moonshine was sitting behind the desk in her office with her head in her hands, looking very miserable.

Jennifer Jane went up to her. "I'm really sorry for flying Abigail's old broom," she said, "I know it was very dangerous and that I upset you. I promise I won't do it again."

Lieutenant Moonshine smiled gratefully at Jennifer Jane and then stood up and looked at Abigail, who pulled out a piece of paper from a pocket in her cloak and looked back sternly at her.

"Fairy Moonshine, you have been accused by the Grand Order of Wizardry of using a wish without the proper authority. Is there anything you want to say before I tell you of our decision?"

Lieutenant Moonshine just shook her head and stood very still.

Abigail started to read from the paper she was holding. "The Council of the Grand Order of Wizardry, having previously heard the case for the defendant and taking into consideration the plea for leniency by the victim, hereby orders that an official reprimand be entered on the defendant's record, that the strike is to be raised and that the case is considered closed."

Lieutenant Moonshine sighed with relief and sat down again.

"That's the official bit over," said Abigail. "You've both had a fright and I think you've each learned a lesson. Now we can all be friends again and get back to work. We've brought two carriers full of puffs of wind to get your transport moving again."

"I helped make them," said Jennifer Jane, "I think I might become an apprentice witch."

Lieutenant Moonshine and Abigail looked at each other and smiled.

"Ring the bell on my desk please, Jennifer Jane," said Lieutenant Moonshine.

Jennifer Jane did so and one of the fairies who had been waiting outside ran in.

"Fifty boxes of wind spells to go in Bay 15 Shelf 6, please," said Lieutenant Moonshine, "no, wait a minute, leave one here, just book in forty nine."

They all went to the door of the Wish Warehouse. Lieutenant Moonshine had brought an official looking book with her and Jennifer Jane watched her write "one puff of wind to return Jennifer Jane to the end of her garden".

"Now open the box," said Abigail.

Jennifer Jane undid the seal and opened the lid. She looked inside and was just quick enough to see the spell before it disappeared as the daylight was let in.

There was only just time for everyone to say goodbye before the spell worked and then Jennifer Jane was whisked off her feet and rushed through the air to the end of her garden.

"Do you feel better after your walk?" asked Mother as Jennifer Jane came into the house.

"Yes, thank you, Mum. I don't think I'll have any more nightmares."

"That's an interesting looking box," said her Dad, "you do seem to have a knack of finding things on your walks!"

Jennifer Jane suddenly realised that she was still holding the box which had contained the spell. "I could use it to keep my necklace with the goblin charm in," she said.

Both her parents thought it was a good idea. Jennifer Jane knew that, as well as being useful, the box would remind her of the first time she had been a witch's apprentice.