-- Author's Note -- Hey all! Sorry for the delay, but I'm sure you saw about updating something. Anyway, first thing is first. As many of you are painfully aware, school is starting again and summer is coming to an end. I will be starting school on Monday. This, along with my regular job and work study, will mean updates may be cut back to once a week. I'm sorry, but you know how these things go. I'm not saying that they will, but I will try my best to keep updating at least twice a week. Now, on to some notes about this chapter.

This chapter may be slightly offense to some readers as it contains non-Christian beliefs, etc. I am in no way bashing Christians, or any other religion. So no flames that I'm a godless heathen, okay? Thank you. Next, the 'book store' that the group visits is actually a real place. One of my favorite places to shop, but that's not the point. I in no way shape or form own of have anything to do with Magus Books and Herbs. Magus is owned by a very nice man named Joseph. If you would like to learn more about Magus, feel free to visit the website. www . magusbooks . com Lastly, there is a cameo in this chapter. A very poor cameo, but one none the less. This cameo has nothing to do with Magus in any way shape or form. While they do not work there, they wish they did. Thank you again for reading, and as always, reviewing.

Chapter 9 Potions and Problems

"I can't believe you did that!" Tucker told Jessica as they all left Casper High.

"I can't believe he fell for it," Danny mused.

The girl beamed at the two boys. "I did what I had to do. You know he starts half the rumors in school just for fun."

"And I can't thank you enough!" Danny told her.

"Don't thank me yet. There's still a whole week ahead of us."

"She's right you know," Tucker commented.

"Don't remind me." Danny smacked his forehead. "Anyway, let's just go find this place."

"Remind me again why we're going to this weed store," Tucker said.

"It's not a weed store, Tucker! Is it?" Jessica asked turning to Danny.

"I don't think so. All Mandy gave me was the address."

The trio stopped at the corner of Maple Street and 5th Ave. "So where is it?" Jessica asked looking around.

"No idea," Danny sighed.

"Well, let's ask someone," Tucker said.

A moment later a jock walked by wearing an Amity College jersey. "Excuse me, hi," Jessica said with a shy smile as the boy stopped. "Do you know where we can find 1313 Maple Street?"

"1313 Maple Street?" he repeated. The group nodded yes. "It's just down another block. Can't miss it."

"Thanks!" Jessica said as he headed off muttering something under his breath that sounded like 'witch.'

Down a block the three of them stopped in front of the store. He hadn't been kidding when he said you couldn't miss it.

It was a hole-in-the-wall sort of place, but there was a large sign over the door that read 'Magus Books and Herbs.'

"It's a book store?" Tucker asked.

"I dunno," Danny commented.

As they opened the door a bell rang. It was a small landing with a pop machine and a large zodiac mirror on one wall. The other wall was plastered with flyers. In front of them was a flight of stairs leading down into a brightly lit room.

"Bright blessings!" the short girl behind the counter said as they reached the bottom of the stairs. The room was larger than they had thought it would be. Shelves filled almost all of the available space. And the shelves themselves were packed to the brim with books, candles, tarot cards, cauldrons, chalices, incense, and other knick-knacks.

"Welcome to Magus Books. Let me know if you need help finding anything," she said with a smile.

Tucker and Jessica went to browse through the shelves. Danny noticed the wall behind the long counter was filled with glass jars with white labels.

The girl behind the counter noticed Danny staring at the jars. "Where you looking for a certain herb?"

"Those are all herbs?" Danny asked in shock.

She gave a small giggle and nodded. "Yep. Oh, my name's MoonHawke by the way." She had brown hair and eyes and was dressed in what looked to be a Gryffindor school uniform. She wore black Mary Jane's, maroon and gold striped knee socks with the Gryffindor shield, a black pleated skirt, a white dress shirt, and a maroon and gold neck tie with another Gryffindor shield.

"I'm Danny. My friend thought I should try drinking this tea for my burn."

MoonHawke nodded, "Echinachea Purpurea?"

"Yeah, that's it."

She smiled now. "Figured. It makes a really nice tea and it increases the number of while blood cells you produce, which is why it improves healing. I'll get you half an ounce and a few tea bags."

"Thanks."

As MoonHawke pulled a jar gown and began measuring out the right amount Jessica came over. "What song is this? I've never heard it before," she asked the girl behind the counter.

For the first time Danny was aware of the music that filled the shop. It had a slight punk sound to it. At least until you listened to the words.

My Lord applauds my Pagan ways, and in my heart He'll always stay. Pagan born!

"It would say not! This is 'Pagan Born' by Incubus Succubus. They're a new age band from England, and once of my favorite," MoonHawke told Jessica with a smile. "We actually were just able to get a bunch in. The album is called 'Wytches' if you'd like a copy."

A rhythm stirs within the Earth that tells all nature of a birth.

"Totally!" Jessica told her.

A return to light, return of life and lead us from this darkest night.

"I'll grab you one for when you're ready to check out," MoonHawke told her as she tied the bag of herbs closed and put a white sticker on it.

God of Sun, now have You come. Your reign of light has just begun.

Jessica happily went off in search of Tucker. This caused MoonHawke to giggle some more.

Though all must die to be reborn. Return now on a bright new Moon.

"I'm sorry. You guys must not be into all this witchy stuff I take it."

"Yes and no, I guess. We tend to lean more towards ghosts and things like that."

She nodded, "Yeah, there have been a lot more restless spirits lately and I can't seem to figure out why."

Danny gave a slight blush. He knew why. It was because of him and Sam, not that he could tell her that.

"Anyway, I'm sorry for laughing. I always find it so cute when new people come into the shop because they always have these bright eyed looks on their faces."

"Nah, it's all right. I actually didn't think we had a shop like this in town."

"Most towns down, it's just a matter of finding us."

"Hey Danny, are you ready?" Tucker asked peeking out from behind a bookcase.

"Whenever you guys are."

Danny bought his herbs and tea bags, Jessica paid for her CD, and Tucker had found a book on ghosts.

Once at Jessica's house she brewed up three cups of the herbal tea for them.

Tucker and Danny each took their mug and followed her into her room. It was surprisingly neat compared to the rest of the house. They all took a seat on the floor.

Danny took a sip of his tea while Jessica began pulling comic books out from her closet. This stuff actually tastes pretty good, he thought.

Jessica dropped three large stacks of comic books in front of them.

"Okay, Tucker you've got Batman, Spiderman, etc. Danny you've got the Teen Titans. And I've got the rest, okay?" she said taking a seat.

Each one of them began paging through their pile. Danny couldn't believe how many different types of Teen Titans comic books there were. There was Teen Titans, Teen Titans Go, Robin verses some guy, and at least three other titles.

Five hours later the sun had set and Danny was getting frustrated.

"Something wrong Danny?" Jessica asked. She had finished her pile and was helping Tucker. So far they had found nothing and it was beginning to look like a huge waste of time.

"Yes! How stupid can they be? It's completely obvious that Robin and Starfire like each other! Why can't they just say something! And Raven and Beast Boy! I don't know if I want to get into that!"

Jessica giggled, "I know, but that's why there's fanfics."

"Look who's talking. Everyone else knew that you and Sam liked each other, but you guys were too thick headed to..." Tucker trailed off.

Danny looked almost heart broken. "Never mind. I'm done with these. I'm gonna head home and work on my homework."

"Should we walk you home, Danny?" Jessica asked.

"No, I'll fly home. Don't worry about it."

With that Danny transformed and grabbed his bag. He gazed out of the wall and took off for home.

This afternoon has been a complete waste, he thought. We found nothing. Nothing! he shouted in his head as he flew over Sam's house.