AN: an idea I had back in December 2021, but never got around to writing until now. Hearing the voice of the 80's Magica for this character in the first chapter - though I do love the '17 Magica too!


The latest attempt by to steal Scrooge McDuck's No. 1 dime was headline news, and although the culprit hadn't been named the four cousins discussing it were fully aware of who she was. As usual she'd failed, but Magica DeSpell's plan wound up causing damage to a number of Duckburg buildings - including the Mayor's home - and the city had been overrun with green-coloured rodents. It was the number one topic of conversation in the café where Donald, Della, Fethry and Gladstone had met for lunch, they could hear the other diners muttering about how bad it was having such a rich target in their neighbourhood.

"We should do something," Della told them.

"Like what?" Donald frowned as he noticed a slice of tomato had fallen onto his shirt from his sandwich, "the only way the crazies will stop coming after Uncle Scrooge's wealth is if he gives it all away."

"I don't think that will happen," Fethry waited until no-one was watching before putting half his sandwich under his hat.

They all pretended not to know he had his latest rescue-critter under there. Fethry had a habit of picking up odd creatures during their childhood.

"What we need is a plan," Gladstone was really only half-listening, his eyes had wandered over to a sign on the counter about a competition.

"Maybe if we capture his enemies, lock them up, it might serve as a warning to the others? SHUSH could hold even Magica, I bet."

"Shouldn't we start with someone a little easier? Glomgold's not the brightest..."

A waitress came over to the table to see if they wanted anything else. Gladstone's drink order won him the cafe's competition, which he accepted with his usual thanks. As she left, Donald folded his arms and slumped down into his seat, leaving Della to pick up the conversation. She pulled a pen and paper from her pocket and placed the paper on the table so they could all see it.

"Junior Woodchucks are always prepared," she reminded Gladstone before he could comment. "Now, we'll start with a list of his enemies - just the local ones, no deities - and then we'll brainstorm ideas."

"So that's Magica, Glomgold, Ma Beagle and her clan..." Fethry started listing names as Della wrote.

She'd filled a page before she realised and suggested they stop there, "we can probably cross Goldie off, even if she is in town we'd never trap her, and she might want the dime but she's not really an enemy."

Della crossed out her name. A number of the high profile enemies had bodyguards so they came off the list, and they worked their way through the names until they were left with Magica and Glomgold.

"Glomgold's the easiest target," Donald insisted.

"You really want to tangle with his sharks?" Gladstone asked.

"Better them than whatever spells Magica would use on us."

"Let's vote," Della suggested, before their raised voices could get them thrown out.

"Fine," they each agreed.

Donald won, which surprised them all. Gladstone decided to lose gracefully and help with the planning.


Coming out of the pet store with his arms full of free products, Gladstone didn't notice the woman headed into the store. Shark repellent, shark toys (who knew they were a thing? Gladstone hadn't, but he suspected Glomgold bought enough of them that they were kept in stock) and books about sharks went flying.

"Idiot!" she cursed at him.

He'd only remained on his feet because the door had closed behind him and only opened outwards. Gladstone held out a hand to help her up. Pushing her hair back from her face, Magica glared up at him and ignored his hand.

"You need a lesson in looking where you are going."

"My apologies, it was completely my fault," he agreed, finally recognising her.

Could it be his luck, he wondered? Was it some kind of destiny, bringing them together knowing he could help stop her from trying to steal Scrooge's dime again?

Magica stood up and brushed down her clothes, "you're lucky I'm in a hurry otherwise I would ensure you never troubled anyone ever again."

"You're not hurt, I hope?"

"Hmph," Magica didn't reply and headed into the store.

Gladstone picked up his shopping and waited. Magica came back out after ten minutes or so, looking satisfied. She didn't seem to notice him, so he trailed along behind, trying to look innocent. When she went into a bookstore, he counted to ten before following her inside.

She went straight to the section on magic, the store owner waving her through to the curtained-off room. Gladstone waited until the store owner was distracted with another customer before heading out there. This was his chance to discover whatever spell she was planning on using next, perhaps it would help them find a way to stop her.

"Oof!" Gladstone hadn't realised the magic section was only dimly lit, and he bumped into Magica after the curtain blocked out the light from the main store.

He wondered if the lowered lights were supposed to give the area a more spooky feel, or just to keep the less serious browsers away.

"You again," Magica raised her hand, creating a ball of witchlight to look at him. "Are you always this clumsy?"

"Never."

"First outside the pet store and now here, why are you following me?"

"What makes you think I'm following you? I was at the pet store first."

"Because you don't look like the type to be interested in reading books on magic."

"Oh, what does that 'type' look like?"

She looked him over again, "I bet you can't even perform a basic spell."

"Then this would be the best place to find a book to teach me, right?"

Magica shook her head, "just another pathetic mortal with no real power."

"Hey, I could be powerful."

"Oh, really?"

"Would a pathetic mortal have survived the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh whose name cannot even be mentioned because it is as cursed as his pyramid?"

"Really?"

Gladstone took a pen and piece of paper from his pocket, scribbling the name down in hieroglyphs - the only way to avoid the curse. He passed the paper to Magica, who looked up at him a little more impressed now.

"Do you understand Ancient Egyptian?"

"A little. My grandma used to read me stories about all sorts of ancient gods and myths, it's interesting to travel to those places now and pick up some of the basics of modern languages too."

"Then you might have more luck with magic. Many of the best texts are written in other languages."

"Perhaps you could recommend one or two?"

Magica wavered, but shook her head, she didn't need any distractions, "find them yourself. I have important things to do."

Gladstone pretended to look sad, and wandered over to a bookshelf. He picked up a book at random and opened it, pretending to read while sneaking glances over at Magica. She turned her back on him and began browsing the shelves, taking out books and flicking through the pages before putting them back. Eventually she worked her way around to his section.

"Which one is that?" she asked him, grabbing the edge of the book to lift it up and read the cover. "Creative curses and... yes! That's the one I've been looking for."

"Really? It's certainly an interesting book."

"It's far too advanced for you," she grabbed another book off the shelf behind him and shoved it against his chest, "try this one."

He refused to release his original book though, "no, I think I'll buy this one."

If it was the book Magica wanted, they might be able to learn something about her next plans for Scrooge's dime. Magica wasn't going to give up easily.

"At least let me read chapter eight again before you go," she smiled at him, her voice a little deeper, desperate to learn where her plans had gone wrong.

"Uh..." Gladstone was temporarily spell-bound, and she hadn't even used magic on him.

"I would really appreciate it," she added, tossing the book she held aside and leaning in closer.

"Uh... perhaps I could let you read it. Over dinner?"

Magica was surprised. Gladstone wasn't sure where the offer had come from, but as soon as he suggested it he realised it was the perfect plan. He couldn't stop her on his own, but if he knew where she would be then he could get the others to meet him there.

"You're paying," she told him. "If you don't have the book I will curse you and your entire family."

Gladstone smiled and suggested a time and place. Magica accepted.