

At witch school, Nellie raised her wand at a teacup. 'Kitty-kitty, cataloo!' Sparks fizzled. 'Nellie No Spell!' Cora sneered in black-and-teal. 'You can do it,' whispered Marie, straightening her pink-and-black sleeves.

Nellie slumped home, red hair drooping. 'Everyone calls me names. Maybe I'm not a real witch,' she sighed. Auntie Agnes, purple-haired, hugged her. 'Keep studying. Some witches need time,' she said.

Nellie dove into books, green-and-black skirts swishing. 'Again,' Marie coached, quizzing tricky words. Candles flickered; chalk danced. 'Cataluna felina, gentle and kind,' Nellie practiced nightly. Her wand hand steadied, heart glowed brave.

Nellie raised her wand at a teacup. 'Cataluna felina!' Light bloomed; a tiny cat purred; soon her spells shone brightest. Marie cheered, 'You did it!' Cora whispered, 'Sorry.' Nellie smiled, 'Want help?'