After you had realized your mistake, you made several attempts to reclaim your book but Hayley had been well trained in the art of keeping things hidden. Although you were being very discrete, Hayley knew that you were searching for it, and was just as discrete in keeping you away from it. You knew she had it but it was part of uncle Jack's final wish to keep your power of science a secret.
"Oh, Crap!" you thought, seeing Hayley sitting on her bed, reading a magazine. "I know she has my book but how do I get it back without causing a fight?" you sighed, thinking of the magic book you had. "Maybe... a trade?"
"He's really freaking out over no having his book." thought Hayley, rubbing your hand through your hair. "I would be too, if the situation were reversed." she sighed, then thought, "Grandma, aunt Catherine, and her kids should arrive any minute."
As if on cue, the doorbell rang and Hayley paused to hear mom answering the door. You paused as well, to listen, hearing a brief, hushed conversation before mom called out, Hayley, John, Mel, Hannah, get here now!"
Hayley placed her magazine onto her bed then left her bedroom, closing the door, before running passed you. Now wanting you to sneak into her room, she firmly grabbed your wrist and pulled you along as she ran. "Hurry up, John!" she said. "This sounds like it might be urgent!"
Minutes later, you and your siblings were all gathered in the living room with Brooke, Tim, Catherine, mom, and Elvira, who you, Mel, and Hannah knew only as Grandma.
"We called you all down here because we have something very important to tell you." said mom, serious. she took in a deep breath. "I am witch, so is Hayley, and your aunt Catherine and grandmother. Brooke, Mel, Hannah, you three will be witches too, when the time is right."
Mom, Hayley, Catherine, and Elvira all produced a test flame to prove their point. Tim, Brooke, Mel, and Hannah all gave a short scream of surprise. You did as well, after a split second pause, then began to gently rub your hand, fighting the urge to produce a test flame of your own.
"Oh, he's good." thought Elvira, hiding her smile. "He hides his emotions so well but he lacks in body language, it could use a little work."
After the initial shock, Brooke, Hannah, and Mel smiled while Tim remained shocked. Only, you seemed to be slowly turning pale. "Oh, God!" you thought. "My whole family is made up of witches! That's the real reason Jack wanted me to keep this a secret... I'm willing to bet only the girls have magic!"
"Is Tim and John a witch too?" asked Mel, looking at you and Tim.
Elvira cleared her throat. "Unfortunately, only girls can work magic." she said. "Both Tim and John have the power within them but it lies dormant, unusable unless they are transformed into a girl."
"No way am I going to become a girl!" wailed Tim, frightened. "Who needs magic!"
Elvira, again, hid her smile as she saw the longing look in Tim's eyes. "Nice try, grandson." she thought. "You are good at hiding your intentions but not your emotions, I know you're fascinated by the power magic offers."
"Outside of a few 'pranks', we would never deliberately hurt you, guys." said Hayley, looking at you and Tim. "There are a number of laws a witch must follow to ensure the safety of our male relatives."
"That is where I come in." said Elvira. "I am the head witch, the... err... leader of our people, you might say."
Again, everyone was in shock, including you as Mel said, "So, you would be extra hard on us if we get carried away using magic on Tim or John."
Elvira shook her head. "I would not be 'extra' hard on you." she said. "Understand, though, I would not be lenient either." she then turned to you. "John, you have been rather quiet through all of this, do have something to say?"
You swallowed hard. "I'm cornered!" you thought, sweating. "Does grandma know?"
"Is something wrong, John?" asked Hayley, keeping a worried look on her face. "You look as if your going to be sick."
You sighed, then reached behind you and discretely produced the magic book you had found earlier. you made it seem as if you had taken it from a table. "I found this shortly after I got home from school today." you said.
Mom and Catherine looked at you in complete shock, as did Hayley and Elvira, to keep up the act as you continued to speak, hoping to satisfy them with a partial explanation. Unknown to you, Elvira was waiting for you to make a mistake as only witches are supposed to be able to read the magic book. To her inner delight, you make that mistake.
"It was interesting reading, but... not really my cup of tea." you said.
Mom and Catherine looked horrified as Elvira and Hayley gave you a slight grin, telling you that you had fallen right into their trap. "How can you possibly be able to read the magic book, John!?" asked mom, startled. "Only witches should be able to do so!"
"I'm curious as well." said Elvira. "Would you care to explain yourself?"
You bowed your head in defeat. "Ask Hayley." you said, quietly. "She knows."
"I have no idea what you're talking about, John." said Hayley, looking serious.
Then, the magic book vanished from your hands and was replaced with your own book and you threw Hayley a glare as mom stepped up to you, worried. "Please, John." she said, gently. "Magic is a powerful tool but it can be dangerous in the hands of someone who is not trained. How are you able to read the magic book?"
You sighed, tearing up, causing your book to vanish. "I can't tell you, mom." you replied, tearfully. "Uncle Jack made me promise to keep it a secret before he died. I... I let it slip to Hayley when she saw me..."
Mom looked at you for a moment, shocked, then turned pale. "Oh, no!" she said, exasperated. "He didn't....!"
You then, finally, summoned a test flame of your own. "He did."
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