Sorry it took me so long to post this chapter. I do not own any of these characters. They are creations of Diana Wynne Jones. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Two

"The Witch of the Waste?" Howl says, shocked, "Michael, are you ill? We defeated that witch a couple years ago…you were there, we couldn't have done it without you!"

"Yes Howl that is true," responds Michael, a look of despair in his eyes, "but it seems we didn't dispose of her…remains properly."

"What do you mean," asks Sophie, clearly nervous, "we reduced her to nothing but dust!"

I am lost in this conversation. I've heard the stories of the battle between Wizard Howl and the Witch of the Waste. They all clearly end with the defeat of that horrid witch. What is this man talking about?

" So what is it Michael? The old windbag is back?" asks Calcifer.

" Well…not necessarily back, her powers stayed in the dust and…this creature did some kind of magic to bind her powers to them." Michael says, uneasily.

"Creature?" Sophie questions.

"Rumors say he's descendant from some kind of insect," answers Michael.

What? An insect? A feeling of dread passes through my body when I think of the lubbock I met at Great Uncle William's.

"Is he purple?" I ask suddenly. Michael looks over at me, surprised. This is the first time I've really spoken after his grand entrance. What a great first impression I must be making. He must think me a rambling child with useless questions of the colour purple!

"Purple? Well I don't know…what's your name miss?" asks Michael politely

"Charmain. Charmain Baker," I answer, "If he has a purplish complexion he could possibly be a lubbockin!" I say, trying to prove to him that the question actually has a point.

"A lubbockin!" Howl exclaims, "You mean those awful creatures Calcifer destroyed?"

Calcifer shudders, remembering his near death experience. I sure hope it's some awful coincidence. I hate lubbocks! I've had my share of their trouble!

"I'll have to look into that, Miss Baker," Michael says

" Please, call me Charmain,"

A whiny Morgan (cranky from staying up late last night) interrupted the conversation soon after lunch. Morgan gets along really well with Waif and her puppies. They were playing until eleven at night yesterday. Waif seemed happy to let her three puppies burn off their energy. Sophie, on the other hand, wasn't so pleased with Morgan's late bedtime.

"Have a nap, my darling. Then you may join us again," Sophie negotiates.

"NO! I wanna play!" cries Morgan while Sophie carries him upstairs.

Michael and Howl go into the living room. I suspect to talk of grown-up issues that they don't want me to hear. Well, I think I should be allowed to hear such issues, I am not a child anymore! I walk towards the room, staying just outside the door that has been left ajar.

"Do you think we should be concerned?" asks Howl, "It sounds like a serious situation, Michael. The Witch's powers are quite strong and lubbockins are very evil creatures,"

"I think it would be wise to take a few precautions," Michael says.

"Yes, I think that would be best. Don't talk about it too much around Sophie. I don't want her to worry." Suggests Howl.

I don't like this remark. Sophie is a very talented witch and they would be lucky to have her help! She should be kept up to date on this matter. Sometimes Howl can be so inconsiderate of others' powers. His intentions are good but Sophie would be a wonderful asset to their defense team.

Reviews are greatly appreciated! I like criticism, good or bad!

P.S.: if you're a fan of Twilight (who isn't) you should check out my dear friend's story! It's called Black Sheep. Search Smileyface55 for other stories by her like the sequel to black sheep and some Harry Potter stories!! :D