MIDNIGHT MAGIC - ch 9

MIDNIGHT MAGIC – ch 9

Julie

(*)(*)(*)

Finola closed and locked the door; as she did, she snapped her fingers and the old woman’s form dissolved, and once again, the youthful looking Finola stood before her astonished family.

She smiled as she looked at her great-niece and asked, “Well? What are you waiting for?”

Mia laughed and said, “Well, Aintin, maybe I’m practicing.”

Her father almost choked on the Hennessey he’d just sipped. “Mia! What?”

She laughed a bit harder as she also snapped her fingers and allowed the baby bump illusion to disappear. “Relax, Dad. Francis and I have more than enough time. We both plan on finishing college before we even speak of marriage. I have too much to do right now. Have another sip of your drink. I’m going to enjoy a small glass of wine. I think I deserve it after that encounter. Don’t you?”

Finola joined in her great-niece’s laughter but became serious as she turned to her door.

“Hmm,” she said thoughtfully, then walked to her pantry where she retrieved four small mason jars halfway filled with things only Mia recognized.

She walked outside with her family following. Assuring herself the lids were tight, at every corner of her house, she carefully placed one jar. When she finished placing the last jar, with arms at her sides, she slowly raised her hands, palms facing upward and almost touching her shoulders, spread her hands apart and said, loudly:

“North, south, east and west, at these four corners, I set to rest

these jars containing earthly things. I place to form a protection ring.

God and Goddess, set this house and free, the building and contents from negativity.

Make my home a sacred place and keep all inside completely safe.

God and Goddess, protect all I see. So, I desire it; so, mote it be.”

The leaves on the trees rustled softly in the gentle breeze. Back inside, she explained what she’d done and promised, before her family left for the day, they’d each have jars of their own.

“Aunt Finola, I haven’t practiced magic in years. It probably wouldn’t work for me.” Brian looked at his aunt with a feeling of slight irritation at his own decision made years ago to allow his magic to slacken.

Mia, stood, placed her hands on her hips and a grin on her face, declared, “Uh, Dad! Yoohoo! Remember me?” Her mother, Morena laughed, poked her husband’s arm, and whispered in his ear, “I doubt you’ll have any trouble with her around.”

Finola looked out her window and assuring herself the road was empty, called out, “Mickey, Jules, Midnight. You can come down now.”

The couple, walked down the stairs with Midnight wrapped around Julie’s shoulders. Everyone noticed how much more relaxed Julie looked. While more relaxed, it was obvious that her nerves were still on edge.

“Mia, mo ghra (my love), will you put the kettle to boil for me? Show our Jules how to start the fire. Ian, build a fire in the hearth. Brian, please go fetch more firewood. Liz, Morena, Mickey, and Midnight, please join me upstairs.” She looked at the others, then uttered in an almost demanding tone of voice, “When all the chores I’ve just given you are done, please join us in my office.”

The family never questioned the orders Finola gave. Instinctively, they knew she’d explain when she was ready.

“Mia,” Julie said as she walked to where her friend was standing near the wood stove. Using her elbow, poked Mia in the arm, “Just wanted to say you looked amazing being pregnant. But I need to ask. How on earth did you and Aintin do that?”

“Just something we witches have in our little witchy minds. But to be more honest with you, Jules, it wasn’t until I came here that I realized I had these powers.” She took some water from the stoneware jug in the pantry and filled the kettle. Julie watched as Mia carefully stacked the wood in the designated spot in the stove for the burning wood, then struck the match and set the kindling afire.

She sat next to her friend and continued, “I mean, I always knew I was different. There were things I shouldn’t have known, but yet, I did. Right after Mo Deas, remember her?, found me, I realized I could fly. Oh, in case you forgot, my mom’s an elf and so am I; but since my dad’s family are witches, I am, too. It wasn’t until Midnight came into my life that my powers really became evident. And thanks to Aintin (Aunt) Finola, they’ve only gotten stronger.”

Julie told Mia how amazed and fascinated she was. “Mia, I’m in awe. I guess like so many, I always thought witches were bent over little old ladies with a greenish tint to their skin and a large hairy wart on their crooked noses. But, but, well, wow! Just wow!”

Mia placed her hand on her friend’s shoulder and stated, “Jules, my knowledge of my powers increases daily as does their strength, but, and this is how we white witches operate, we don’t use our powers unless we have no choice. Just like the ley lines. I won’t use them unless it’s necessary. I don’t want to start relying on them or my powers. I don’t want to get lazy about everyday things.”

She stood, held out a hand to help the still slightly rattled young woman and said, “Well, I guess we should go upstairs. And before you ask, the water will begin to heat but it won’t boil until Aintin brings us all back down here and flicks her finger.”

The friends began climbing the stairs to meet the rest of the family and knew that together they would discover what Finola was planning – for each of them separately and all of them together.