Disclaimer: All original characters and plot belong to Diana Wynne Jones. Nonprofit. Thanks Elena Kansi for beta reading!

Miracles—

Chapter Nine: Another Silly Saucepan Song

The couple left Sophie's room together. Calcifer watched them as he munched on a log. A smile curled on his flickering face, but he remained silent.

Howl raised an eyebrow before proceeding to the bathroom where he spent an hour primping and prepping himself. Even when he exited and sat down to eat, the fire demon did not taunt or tease or say anything. Just a suspicious grin and glinting eyes. When Sophie began to clean up Calcifer made a noise in the form of humming.

Howl temporarily lost grip on his glass of water. He peeked over at his wife. She seemed unaffected by the tune. Of course not! She's as ignorant about my original world as ever! Howl tried to signal to his old friend to shut up! But Calcifer began to hum louder and add coherent words. "...treetop...hmmm... hmm... blows...hmmmm...rock..."

The ever nosy Sophie interrupted the fire demon to ask about this new song. He shared other strange tunes with her and she looked forward to learning a new one.

"It's called 'Rock-a-bye—'"

"Calcifer!" Howl flung water from his cup and splashed it across the hearth, but the demon evaded the deadly substance by abandoning the fire place.

"It seems as if Howl doesn't like that one, so how about another!" cackled the whizzing ball of fire. "Sleep little darling don't you cry!" Calcifer trilled.

Howl struggled to keep composure, but red bloomed on his neck and spread to his cheeks.

"Stop blushing, you school girl!" jested Calcifer as he floated out of arms reach of the wizard.

"Me, blush! Ludicrous! You've simply caused my blood pressure to rise!" Howl lied. Desperate he turned towards the sink, "Sophie, get him to quiet down I have a horrid headache and can't stand this any longer!"

"Mr. Jenkins, if this... "blood pressure" does not affect your ability to have children than he has no qualms with me! Go on Calcifer— sing!" she huffed and continued cleaning dishes.

Calcifer buzzed around the defeated Howl's head, obeying the eldest Hatter's orders.

AN: Sohie's lack of knowledge is Howl's downfall.

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Word Count: 350