Free Magical Mayhem by Titania Woods

for the next four weeks. You’ll also write me an essay on the importance of always casting precise spells – and avoiding human magic!’ Miss Shimmery paused as her words hung in the air. ‘And Teena, I think it would be wise to keep your part in this episode quiet from the rest of the school.’
    Teena let out a breath. ‘Oh Miss Shimmery, thank you !’ she burst out. ‘I’ll write you a brilliant essay, I promise! And Zuzu and Summer won’t tell anyone, if I ask them not to.’
    â€˜Good,’ said Miss Shimmery, patting Teena’s shoulder. ‘And now, I think we’ve all had enough drama for one day. Let’s join the rest of the school, and go inside.’
    Once the teachers had cast the complicated spell that protected Glitterwings and its surroundings, the students joyfully flew back to the school in long, colourful streams, chatting and laughing in the moonlight.
    â€˜Here, ah – I’ll take Sal,’ said Mr Woodleaf to Twink, picking up the salamander’s lead. ‘And well done for going after him, you two. I’m, ah – proud of you,’ he mumbled.
    Twink and Bimi exchanged a smile as Mr Woodleaf flew off towards the Creature Kindness log, with Sal trotting along below. Good old Mr Woodleaf! thought Twink. It made her feel warm inside to know that he was pleased with her.
    She and Bimi started off. It was fully dark now, with thousands of stars twinkling in the sky.
    â€˜Isn’t it beautiful!’ said Bimi, tipping her head back. She had been reunited with Chirpy, and held his cage gently under one arm. ‘I’m so glad that things are really back to normal now.’
    â€˜Not as glad as I am!’ said Teena, fluttering up alongside them. Moonlight glinted on her lavender wings. ‘Twink, thanks for sticking up for me,’ she added. ‘But it really wasn’t your fault, you know!’
    â€˜No, I suppose not,’ said Twink ruefully. ‘But I’m sorry anyway, Teena. I don’t blame you for feeling fed up when you made your wish – I was a real moss brain over the hols!’
    â€˜Just don’t dabble in wishes again, Teena, no matter how fed up you get,’ put in Bimi with a smile. ‘Unless you’re trying to rival Sooze’s record for getting into trouble!’
    â€˜Don’t worry!’ groaned Teena, linking her arm through Twink’s. ‘I’ve had enough excitement now to last me all year.’
    The tree beckoned them forward, its windows gleaming with golden light. Suddenly Bimi giggled. ‘You know what, Twink – we’re going to have to do our Weather Magic project all over again. I don’t think magical snowstorms really count!’
    Twink slapped her forehead with a laugh. ‘Oh no, you’re right! Teena, would you like to help me with Sal?’ she added eagerly.
    Teena grinned and shook her head. ‘I’d love to – but I’ve got an essay to write, remember?’
    â€˜Well, we’ll do something else together soon,’ said Twink, squeezing Teena’s arm. ‘That’s a promise!’
    The three fairies fluttered through the open front doors. Glitterwings towered above them, safe and warm. Students swooped in and out of its branches, delighted to be back where they belonged.

    A second-year girl started to sing. Soon the whole school was taking up the song, their voices ringing through the winter night:
    .
    Oh, Glitterwings, dear Glitterwings,
    Beloved oak tree scho-ool.
    Good fairy fun for everyone,
    That is our fairy ru-ule.
    Our teachers wise,
    Their magic strong,
    With all our friends,
    We can’t go wrong.
    Oh, Glitterwings, dear Glitterwings,
    Beloved oak tree scho-ool!
    Twink sighed happily as the song finished. With her best friend and sister, she flew towards the Great Branch. Their long-overdue dinner was awaiting them, along with all their friends.
    Another term at Glitterwings had