Grace Woollyhop’s Musical Mystery

Chapter Six Magic at Harmony Hall

“Excuse me, everyone,” said Lily, as they looked at the choir of little animals.

Buzz Busywing flew into a spin. “Oh, no!” he cried. “Someone’s found us! Our surprise will be ruined!”

Lola, Sophie, and Emily turned around, looking wide-eyed, with their paws to their mouths. Then they smiled.

“It’s OK, Buzz,” called Sophie. “Lily, Jess, and Goldie are our friends. They’ll keep our secret!”

She bounded over for a hug, with Emily and Lola scurrying after her.

“It’s lovely to see you,” said Lola, as Lily dropped a kiss on her head.

Jess carefully scooped Sophie up.

“That song is a surprise for the concert,” the little squirrel explained.

“We’re having our last rehearsal before the audience arrives,” said Lola.

As the little animals talked excitedly, Lily noticed there were five music stands, but only four singers.

“Who’s missing?” she asked.

Lola shuffled her feet and Sophie became very interested in fluffing her tail.

“It’s Grace Woollyhop, isn’t it?” Jess said. “She’s in the choir! That’s her secret!”

Sophie, Lola, Buzz, and Emily looked at one another anxiously.

“We understand you want to keep Grace’s secret,” Goldie said gently, “but we really need to know.” She explained about Hopper and the spell. “Grace needs our help,” she finished.

Sophie and Lola gasped, and Emily’s prickles stood up in horror.

“Poor Grace,” said Buzz, his wings drooping.

“The only way we can save Grace is by casting a spell,” explained Lily. “But first we need to know her biggest secret.”

“We’ll tell you!” cried Lola. “You’re right, singing is Grace’s secret. Her family thinks she just plays the tambourine. They don’t know that she likes singing, too.”

“They’ll be so surprised,” added Lola.

“It’s really special for Grace,” said Emily, “because she wrote our song, and Harmony Hall is her favorite place.”

The girls looked at each other in sheer delight, and Jess planted a kiss on Emily’s turned-up nose. “Thanks!” she said. “Now we know Grace’s secret is singing, and her favorite place is right here! We’ve found everything we need to break the spell!”

Just then, Buzz zoomed upward. “Someone’s coming!” he cried.

The ivy curtain swished, and Hopper and Grace appeared. The little lamb was carrying a bucket around her neck, and behind her were all the Witchy Waste creatures.

“Let’s slime this place!” said Hopper.

Grace giggled as she sloshed slime from her bucket across the floor.

Masha and Snippit flicked green goo all over the pink rock seats.

Everyone stared, shocked at the mess.

Buzz fluttered down to rest on Lily’s dark hair. “What’s happened to Grace?” he buzzed.

“Jess, we have to do the spell now!” said Lily. “We have to save Grace and the theater, or there’ll be no concert!”

They darted around horrible puddles of slime as they placed the tambourine, clover honey, and Grace’s song sheet on the stage.

“That’s everything we need to turn her back into her normal self,” said Jess.

The little lamb was helping Hopper spread slime on the stage. Beside them, Peep, Masha, and Snippit were giggling with glee.

“Remember the spell,” Lily said. “If someone names those things aloud, yourself once more you’ll be.”

“Grace’s favorite hobby,” chanted Jess. “Playing her tambourine!”

“Grace’s favorite food,” Lily added. “Clover honey!”

“Grace’s secret!” finished Goldie. “Her surprise song!”

“In Grace’s favorite place,” they chanted together. “Harmony Hall!”

Purple sparks flashed all around the little lamb. She suddenly dropped her bucket and looked around. “What’s happening?” she asked, and shook herself. Her coat, no longer covered with slime, was as soft and snowy as ever.

“We’ve done it!” cried Lily.

“Hooray!” cheered the animals.

“I feel so funny,” Grace said. “I want my maa!”

The girls rushed to hug her.

“You’ve been under a spell,” said Jess, kissing Grace’s sweet little face, “but you’re OK now!”

They heard a miserable croak and turned to see Hopper with her head drooping. Behind her, Peep’s wings sagged, Snippit’s feathers flopped, and the flower in Masha’s hat looked droopier than ever.

“I guess our fun’s over,” said Peep. “I loved playing with Olivia Nibblesqueak when she was under my spell.”

“It was great playing with Chloe Slipperslide,” squawked Snippit.

“And I miss Evie Scruffypup,” squeaked Masha.

Hopper looked sadly at Grace. “I’m going to miss playing with Grace, too,” she said. “I know what will cheer us up. Let’s go home to the Witchy Waste, where it’s nice and messy!”

Snippit gave a happy squawk, and jumped in one of the slime puddles. It splashed over Masha and Peep, who squeaked with delight.

Lily couldn’t help smiling as she, Jess, and Goldie watched the Witchy Waste creatures play. “They’re not bad, are they?” she said. “They just really love being messy. No wonder Grizelda thought they would ruin the forest.”

Jess nodded. “We ought to teach that horrible witch a lesson,” she said. “And I’ve got an idea how!”