Chapter 7

Chapter SEVEN 'Wow!' said Wilbur when I landed back down on the ground beside him. 'You were amazing up there, Mirabelle!' 'Thank you,' I said trying not to blush. Wilbur never usually compliments me. Dad was frowning but I could tell he was a tiny bit impressed too. What on earth has been going on?'

he asked. Mum looked at me and I gulped. But I had to tell Dad the truth. 'I made a potion using witch magic,' I said. 'And it got a bit... out of hand.' 'A bit!' exclaimed Dad. I looked down at my feet. Suddenly I felt really bad.

'I'm sorry, Dad,' I said. 'I didn't mean to ruin your special night. It just all went wrong. 'I told you not to bring any witch magic to the summer dance!' said Dad. 'You promised you wouldn't!' 'I know,' I said. 'I'm sorry. I promise I'll try to use my fairy wand more!' Dad sighed and I could see that Mum was looking a little uncomfortable too. I know you feel more witch most of the time, said Dad, 'and that's completely fine. I married a witch after all! There's no need to try and use your fairy wand more-it's important that you feel like you can be yourself. But I was just asking you

to leave the potions at home for one night! You always end up causing mischief with them!' 'I know,' I said. 'I won't do it again.' 'That's what you always say,' said Dad. No, I think we need another solution. I've got the perfect punishment for you.' 'A punishment?' I gasped. 'Yes,' said Dad. 'It's obvious you need to learn more about making potions properly so that you don't keep getting into messes like

this. I think you need to go and work with Mum in her Witch Turret every day for the next month!' 'What a good idea!' said Mum and her eyes twinkled. 'Really?' I said. This didn't sound like a punishment at all! 'Yes,' said Dad. 'She can teach you to use magic responsibly.' 'OK!' I said, trying not to sound too pleased about the idea. 'And,' continued Dad, 'you will come and help me in the garden twice a

week after your lessons in the turret. It's important to learn about your fairy side too. It's what makes you YOU after all.' 'Oh... OK,' I said. Gardening with Dad wouldn't be nearly so exciting as making potions with Mum but I supposed I might learn something interesting. There are some very magical things about being fairy after all. I heard Wilbur snigger next to me and Dad shot him a look. 'You can join in too Wilbur,' he said. 'I know you're more drawn to your wizard side but the