The Winged Witch 12/15

A lady was stepping out of a hovercraft just as they reached the field. The machine looked very similar to those Jennifer Jane had seen when she’d visited another high tech world some time ago. Although this one wasn’t quite so streamlined as those she’d seen before, while the roof was open and the screen totally transparent, more like that of a car at home.

The lady was dressed in the most extravagant costume that Jennifer Jane had ever seen. The witches in the alternate world looked far more workmanlike even when tricked out in their Sunday best.

This person looked more like a stage version of how people supposed a witch to appear. For some reason she even held a wand painted with glittering spangles. The whole outfit seemed to be intended only to impress and probably cover up the lack of any real talent. Well she’d soon find out!

The lady had her back to the laboratories as Jennifer Jane approached. “I’m told there’s some kid around here who’s supposed to be a witch,” she was saying, “will somebody wheel her on, I haven’t got all day!”

‘Not a very pleasant person,’ thought Jennifer Jane as she got nearer. “I’m right behind you ma’am,” she said out loud.

“Greetings!” Said the lady in a grand manner as she turned round. Then she took a good look at the young girl standing in front of her. “You don’t look much of a witch to me,” she said, “you haven’t even got any special robes!”

“Clothes don’t help you perform magic, whether they’re special or not. Can you give me a small demonstration of your ability please, only I’m not allowed to pass on secrets to anyone outside the profession!”

“What makes you suppose that my group is any different? You show me some of your magic first; after all I’m the senior here!"

Jennifer Jane turned round to Sam, who by coincidence had brought the empty bag that had been used to carry the teeth, back from the laboratory. He had intended to give it back to the owner, but guessed what she wanted and gave it to her without being asked.

He grinned as she took it, “Give her the works kid,” he murmured, “she’s about as much a witch as I am!”

Jennifer Jane turned the bag inside out. “You’ve noticed that I don’t wear any sleeves and that there’s nothing in the bag.” She turned the bag back the right way and put her hands inside. She stepped closer to the lady in the strange clothes, before pulling out a chocolate Swiss roll and giving it to her.

“Simple conjuring trick,” snorted the lady sarcastically, “any amateur magician could do that!”

Jennifer Jane just smiled sweetly. “Look at my legs!” she said.
The woman gasped as she saw the child in front of her apparently sitting in mid-air. She swiped her wand through the space where any support would have been and found nothing.

Jennifer Jane rose slightly and looked the woman straight in the eyes. “You aren’t really a witch at all are you?” she asked.

“Of course I am, a couple of stage tricks don’t impress me young lady.”

“Well then don’t be frightened by this stage trick,” replied the young lady, “but I suggest you look down.”

As they had been talking Jennifer Jane had raised them both using her T.K. powers. Now they were floating thirty feet or so above the ground, whilst still maintaining their eye to eye contact.

The lady did as she was asked, then screamed and fainted in mid air. Jennifer Jane lowered them both gently to the ground, letting the lady lie in a heap to recover.

“I don’t know where you found her,” she said, “but if that’s the best you can do then I suggest there aren’t any real witches in this world at all!”

Most of those present looked slightly frightened at the result, but Sam had a huge grin on his face. “Well done miss, that’ll show them what magic is really all about!”