(Previous chapters are 1-9 available here.)
Arthur poured out the items from the shopping bag. “I knew those would come in handy” he said, looking at the scurtlkwibs. Amongst the pile of stuff, was a little black tome. In metallic gold lettering it read: “Beginners Witchcraft, by Etta Percival.”
Beatrix quickly grabbed the book, and ran her fingers across the lettering on the cover. She had never known that her grandmother had written a book. She gazed at the cover silently and felt a sense of home.
Arthur pointed at the book and said: “This book will help you on your journey to reaching your full potential as a witch. The spells are pretty simple, but once you learn the basics, you will be able to create your own spells.” Beatrix flipped through the book as he talked. “Not all magic uses spells. Some magic is created using your mind. Emotions like happiness or fear can result in wondrous magic.” Beatrix looked up at him. “Is that how I was able to float over the valley that night?” she asked. “Yes.” Arthur replied. He smiled and looked at her. “But that is only a small sample of the magic you are capable of.”
“Let’s open the book and begin” he said. The two of them sat next to each other on the end of the bed. Beatrix opened the book to reveal an introduction page:
Magic is curious. When used for good, it can be a beautiful thing. But if magic is used for heinous things, it can be wickedly destructive.
There is a turning point in every young witch’s and warlock’s life, when they learn that they can create magic. If they are not mentored, it can lead to the creation of a fiercely evil spirit inside of them; A spirit greedy for power. Magic, mostly, can give you whatever you want. But, in life, we are not meant to have everything. Because to have everything, you need to take from others.
Use your magic wisely. Love the world, and it will love you back.
I dedicate this book to my beautiful baby granddaughter Beatrix. May this book guide her someday on her journey.”
-Etta Percival
Beatrix turned to page one and they began. “How to Move Objects with Your Mind” titled the first page. Beatrix read the instructions:
Clear your mind. Forget of everything, except the object you would like to move. Imagine the item getting light as a feather, and floating up into the air. Believe it can float in the air. If you do not believe, it will not work.
Beatrix wasn’t sure she could do it. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind. She opened her eyes, and stared at a clock resting on top of an old dresser across the room. She looked at the little wooden clock, and imagined that it could fly. She closed her eyes, and envisioned it floating weightless above the dresser. She opened her eyes to see the clock still resting on the dresser. “I can’t do it” she said. “Sure you can” Arthur said in a reassuring voice. He put his hand on hers, smiled, and said “I believe in you. You can do it!”
Beatrix looked at the clock, blushing slightly. If she could float above a valley, she could certainly do this, she thought. Beatrix looked at the little clock once more, and closed her eyes. She imagined the clock lift up off of the dresser, hovering effortlessly above the dresser top. She opened her eyes and, to her surprise, the clock floated in the air like a balloon. Happiness and joy filled her heart. She turned and gave Arthur a big hug. Arthur said to her “See, I knew you could do it!”
Beatrix and Arthur spent the rest of the evening learning new spells and other magic. The night had gotten late, and they decided it was time to get some sleep. They each got ready for bed, and rested next to each other on a small, full size bed. They turned out the lights. The moonlight washed the room in a dim blue light. “Arthur” said Beatrix. Arthur turned and looked at her. “Thank you…for everything that you are doing for me” she said. He watched as her eyes glazed over. She smiled as a tear sailed down her cheek. Arthur brushed her tear away with his hand. She looked at him as he stared deep into her eyes. They looked at each other for a moment, and Arthur smiled and said “Goodnight Beatrix.” She smirked and said “Goodnight.”
I am using the tag "beatrix-percival", so you can easily find all the previous chapters, as well as see the new ones as soon as they are released!