Stan Swanson - Author

CHAPTER ONE

​     HOBART Hucklebuck threw his heavy book pack over his shoulder as he reached the front door of the Hocus Pocus Magic Shop. Though school had only been in session for a couple of weeks since the end of spring break, his book pack already overflowed with boring books. Not to mention the homework he needed to finish before the next day.

     “Who cares that the Amulet of Aristocracy was discovered near the Isthmus of Ickkymouth by Professor Percy Prattle?” he muttered, pushing open the door. “Or was it the butler in the belfry with the butter knife?”

     He smiled at his little joke and stepped into the store where he immediately tripped, sprawling headfirst to the floor. He sat up and groaned, rubbing at the knot beginning to form above his right eye. This seems way too familiar, he thought, recalling events of recent weeks.

     When Hobart turned the corner, he found the kitchen empty and eerily quiet. Even more strange was the lack of familiar smells that made the mouth water and taste buds tingle.

     His stomach growled with a loud complaint.

     “I’m just as disappointed as you,” he told his unhappy midsection.

     He grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it to the brim with Mother Mooberry milk. He drank half a glass of the cold liquid in what seemed like one long gulp and wiped his mouth on his sleeve.

     “Flora? Grandpa?” he shouted.

    He scrunched up his face as he pondered the problem, pushing an unruly crop of reddish-brown hair from his eyes. Hearing laughter from outside, he turned. His jaw dropped as he gazed through the kitchen window facing the backyard.

     It took a moment for his brain to process what his eyes were trying to communicate.

     He shook his head, rubbed his eyes, and looked again. “Holy Hot Dogs and Mystic Mustard!” he gasped.

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