Alice Hoffman Practical Magic Novels & Stories

Margot turns back to the mirror, just staring at her reflection – my reflection twice, really. She shakes her head, raising a hand to her cheek and softly touching it like she’s not sure it’s real. “This shouldn’t be possible.” I hesitate. “Why not?” “The magic,” she murmurs, leaning over the sink to inspect her face, turning it this way and that to observe the incredible effects of the spell. “It’s not that powerful. It’s just a little cantrip – a joke spell…”

“S-sorcery? Like Merlin or, um, Harry Potter?” “Harry who?” She shook her head. “Certainly like Merlin, or Solomon. If you are taught well your power could be considerable. I can help there, but you really need to practice in the real world. Magic is very easy here, where reality can be easily manipulated.” She waved a hand at the scenery and the room changed from Egyptian bedroom to Medieval torture chamber, complete with the rack that Michael was now lying on. Her own clothes transformed into a leather dominatrix set as he watched, and he was now wearing a small pair of leather shorts. She looked back towards him and they were back in the bedroom overlooking Alexandria. “See? You can't cha

I tell her, “It’s something I definitely need to learn!” “Exactly,” she says with a smile, “That’s why we’re here. This might be one of the most useful spells there are in magical defense. But it’s not easy, and you will need to practice both with me, and at home. So you will have homework today. But trust me, it’s worth it.” I have no doubt that it will be. Hope really is an incredible teacher!

They all went home. Alex,when he got home, picked up the book he bought from the store, 'dark practices of magic'. As he opened the book and starts reading it, he begins to learn a lot from magic stances up to spells. For the stances, Alex loves it and even practiced some of it but for the spells, Alex find difficult to use. Each time he tries to cast a spell, he feels an opposite movement of power and the spell won't work. Alex told himself maybe spells casting is not his thing and keeps practicing. As Almond has told him, he has to be more powerful to take control as an alpha in this realm.

Sort of, anyway. “Oh! Hey, Ophelia.” He smiled, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “We’re practicing household charms today! Did you study the worksheets Professor Merriweather gave us?” I nodded, then sighed. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy being partnered with Henry, I’d just been so agitated as of late. It didn’t help that any time he used magic, it exploded from him like an excited puppy dog. The only problem was rarely did it do as he commanded.

Her eyes met mine, and I could see the guilt etched across her face. "Sit down, Ethan," she said softly, gesturing to the couch. I complied, my heart heavy with anticipation. She began her story, her voice trembling with emotion. "I found myself in a hypnotic trance, Ethan. I don't know how it happened, but I woke up in the arms of Alpha Roger, the Wizard. It was as if I was under a spell, unable to resist his advances." My heart sank as I listened, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. The magician had used his powers to manipulate Aline, to control her actions. My jealousy and doubts had been fueled by dark magic.