Pure Dead Magic: Part 2

By DEBI GLIORI

Wedging the glasses on the end of her nose, she re-read: Energetic nanny/mother's urgently required for Titus (12), Pandora (10) and Damp (14 months). The ideal applicant will enjoy a spot of light housework, be well versed in plumbing and veterinary science, have some understanding of cryogenics and know instinctively how to make chips that are crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. Hours and salary negotiable.

'Take deep breaths, Flora,' Mrs Mclachlan commanded herself. 'Relax. This is a perfectly ordinary job requiring no magical skills whatsoever. Think nanny. Think nappies. Think nursery teas, fluffy bunnies and lullabies. . . ' She refolded the advert and tucked it back into her bag.

'You want to forget the past?' she continued. 'Here is your chance to put it behind you. From the moment you step through this door, you will forget that you were ever a witch.

Publisher: Random House

Price: $16. 95

Age group: 10 plus years