Chapter 2

Chapter TWO There was much excitement in the changing rooms as we all scrabbled to put on our shorts and T-shirts for PE. I wasn't so sure about learning to play human football (sport is not my favourite lesson—I prefer making witchy potions!), but it was nice to be away from Miss Spindlewick, doing something different.

And I was looking forward to meeting Chrissy Gold, especially now that I knew she was also only half witch like me! Maybe we would have some kind of special connection? Maybe it would help me win the trophy! I loved the idea of carrying a gleaming trophy home to Mum and Dad. I had visions of myself bursting in through the front door with it and everyone congratulating me. Wilbur would be so jealous!

The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to win! And as we all traipsed out onto the school field in our PE kit, I started to wonder if there was a way to ensure that I would definitely win. 'It looks a bit dark,' said Tabitha, glancing up at the sky. 'Oh, I hope it doesn't rain,' said

Hazel, worriedly. 'I really want to show Chrissy Gold my football skills today!' I hugged my arms to my chest and shivered. It had suddenly got rather dark and cloudy. The sun had completely disappeared! Oh well, it would just make our PE lesson more witchy and atmospheric.

'There you all are, witches,' said Miss Toadflax. She had put a sweatband onto her head since we last saw her and was busy doing stretches on the ground beneath the darkening sky. Is everyone ready to learn how to play FOOTBALL?'

'YES!' we all shouted. 'Excellent!' Miss Toadflax grinned and leapt to her feet. She took a little book from her pocket and began to riffle through it. 'There are lots of rules,' she said, 'but I'm sure it can't be that hard to learn them all. The basic point of the game seems to be to kick a ball into a net...' 'The goal,' said Hazel, nodding sagely. 'Thank you, Hazel,' said Miss Toadflax. 'The goal. And to get the ball into the goal, players are supposed to pass the ball to each other using their feet. Did you hear that, girls? It's not witchball! You must use your feet in this game.