CHARMED BRACELETS

“Today we’re going to talk about something of vital importance.” That’s how Mrs. Kettledrum starts our special spells and potions class the next afternoon. We’re having an extra class to prepare for Friends and Family Weekend. We all look around the room at each other, wondering what could possibly be so very important.

“Class, does anyone know what an aura is?” Mrs. Kettledrum asks.

We stare blankly at our teacher. Nobody knows.

“An aura is the energy that comes from a person,” Mrs. Kettledrum explains. “It’s a feeling you get from somebody—a sense of who they are. It’s the energy that makes up your personal self.”

Sunny’s hand goes straight up. “Is it the same as the vibe you get from somebody?”

Mrs. Kettledrum nods.

“Yes, it can definitely be a vibe, but a vibe can also be the mood of a situation, too, like a relaxing vibe at the beach or a fun vibe at a dance.”

Then Mrs. Kettledrum calls on me.

Eek!

“Heidi, can you tell us what kind of aura your friend Sunny has?”

Well, that’s easy! I look at Sunny, who’s sitting next to me. She tries not to laugh as I describe her aura.

“Sunny is just what her name says. She’s upbeat, positive, fun, smart, kind, and easygoing. From the moment I was lucky enough to meet her, I knew we were going to be friends.”

Mrs. Kettledrum smiles, so I know she likes my answer. “Very good, Heidi. That’s a great description of Sunny’s aura.”

Then she asks Sunny the same question about me.

Sunny studies me, and I have to try to hold a straight face too, but I can’t. We collapse into giggles.

Then Sunny pulls it together so she can answer the question. “Heidi is daring, goofy, super-fun, bold, hilarious, headstrong, smart, loyal, and reckless. When I met Heidi for the first time, I knew we’d get along. I just felt like myself around her.”

We both burst out laughing, because it’s all true—even the reckless part.

I remember the moment we met on the beach—way before we ever came to Broomsfield Academy. We hit it off instantly.

Mrs. Kettledrum’s dog, Momo, barks her approval. Momo has a very friendly aura.

Mrs. Kettledrum claps her hands in approval. “Well done, both of you! What other kind of auras have any of you felt? Have you ever noticed the energy change when somebody walks into the room?”

Hunter raises his hand. “I remember one time when I came home from school and my dad seemed super-sad. I didn’t know why, but then he told me that my grandfather had passed away. But before he said anything, I could feel his sadness.”

Mrs. Kettledrum tips her head to one side. “I’m sorry, Hunter. That must’ve been hard for both of you. And, of course, that energy you felt was certainly from the sadness your father was feeling. Thank you so much for sharing.”

Isabelle raises her hand. “I can feel my grandmother’s kindness the same way I can feel warmth coming from a radiator.”

Mrs. Kettledrum’s face lights up. “Another wonderful example of an aura, Isabelle! Each one of us is broadcasting like a radio station without even knowing it.

“Now imagine when all those different auras arrive on Friends and Family Weekend, and then imagine mixing those different auras with all the magical energy at this school. What do you think could happen?”

We give our teacher more blank stares.

We have no idea what could happen.

Mrs. Kettledrum explains. “When non-magical students and guests and all their auras—which contain emotions and energy—get mixed with the auras of magical students, faculty, and parents, sometimes, for lack of a better expression, wires can get crossed. It can create chaos. It can be too much energy and emotion, and things can even become dangerous.”

The whole class gasps. Then everyone starts talking and whispering at once.

The last thing we need on Friends and Family Weekend is chaos! I think.

I have been looking forward to this weekend so much, but all of a sudden I feel unsettled.

Eek.

Mrs. Kettledrum claps her hands, and the classroom grows quiet. She smiles at us, and I instantly feel reassured. “Rest your minds, everyone. I only wanted you to know all this so you’ll understand why this next part is so important.

“The witches and wizards at Broomsfield Academy have developed a magical way to handle this situation.”

Mrs. Kettledrum pulls the lid off a plastic tub and pulls out a sparkly bracelet.

The bracelet shimmers as if it is covered with hundreds of tiny diamonds.

A collective “Oooooooooooh” circles around the classroom.

Mrs. Kettledrum digs into the tub again and loops more bracelets onto her fingers. Then she passes them out. Everyone gets at least six.

A string of sparkly gems spells out BROOMSFIELD ACADEMY on each bracelet. The rest of the bracelet is all sparkles.

“Class, please pull out your wands.”

Wands? We get to use wands today?

I love anything that involves wands and magic.

Obviously.

I open my backpack and pull out my wand. Mine has a purple gemstone on the handle and is absolutely bewitching. Did I mention how much fun it is to be a witch?

“So, what does everyone think of the new visitor bracelets?” Mrs. Kettledrum asks.

We all hoot and holler because we love the bracelets!

“Would you say they’re irresistible?” Mrs. Kettledrum asks.

“YES!” we shout.

Mrs. Kettledrum smiles. “Good. We want them to be so attractive that our visitors and guests won’t want to take them off. These bracelets will keep the emotions and energy this weekend at a manageable level.

“And there’s one more very important requirement. One that all students at Broomsfield Academy must adhere to, whether they are students in the School of Magic or not. Everyone must make sure their guests wear their bracelets at all times.

“Without the bracelets, there could be trouble. And your guests will want to keep them on not only because they look so fun but because visitors will also need the bracelets to get into events, meals, and dormitories. And then when the weekend is over, they can keep the bracelets as a souvenir.

“Is this clear?”

We all nod vigorously.

Mrs. Kettledrum picks up her wand. “Then let’s get started! You, class, are going to put the charm in these charm bracelets.”

The class cheers, especially me!

I know that my family and Lucy are going to love wearing theirs. I only wish I could get one. The bracelets are just so much fun.

“You will perform the spell at your desks. I’ll write the spell on the board. Then you’ll hold your wand over one bracelet at a time and chant the spell. When a ring of light is released from the bracelet, that means the spell has been cast properly. Please repeat for each bracelet.”

Mrs. Kettledrum picks up a marker and writes the spell on the board. Excitement wells up inside me.

This is so cool! I think.

How lucky am I to be a student at the School of Magic?

Answer: the luckiest!

Our teacher steps away from the board, and we read over the spell.

TAKE THIS BRACELET OF SPARKLE AND SHIMMER.

FILL IT WITH MAGIC TO MAKE IT GLISTEN AND GLIMMER.

PROTECT THE WEARER FROM A CLASH OF EMOTION.

AND STILL ALL AURAS FROM ANY COMMOTION.

PEACE AND JOY WILL RULE THE DAY.

AND YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR BROOMSFIELD STAY!

SHAZOO! SHAZING! SHAZAY!