Halloween at Kit's Place

Good Boy

He was an adorable puppy. Small and slobbery, like most, but he had the strangest scar on the side of his tail. Aunt Wendy said he'd had a tumor removed. He was also unusually aggressive towards my family, except for his owner and me, but in time he grew docile, and my aunt's moving in with us was a success.

His name was Pumpkin. And he was a Russel Jack Terrier.

Or so I thought.

**********************

"Are you sure you don't want to come trick-or-treating, Hayley?" my mom asked persuasively.

"No, it won't be the same without Aunt Wendy. Or Pumpkin," I added sadly.

"I'm sorry," she sighed, "But you know she's been in a better place for a year now. And Pumpkin's probably with her by now, licking her face off."

I laughed, closing my album of the dog and me in matching costumes. "Yeah, but I'm still gonna hang back this year."

My mother smiled sympathetically, "Alright, stay safe, honey. We'll be back in a few," and she left with my brother. Just then, I heard a scratch at the back door.

***************

I hugged Pumpkin close, filled with joy.

"Where did you find him?" My brother asked as my mother tried to usher him to bed.

"How is he still alive?" She added, perplexed. She was concerned at his displeasure to see her, as he was growling ferociously.

"I don't know," I squealed, "but my Pumpkin is back!"

**************

I woke up groggily, but became suddenly alert when I heard my brother crying from the room across the hall. I raced outside, pushing my hair out of my face.

"Wha-what's goin' on?!" I asked in a ninja pose, not yet fully awake.

"A wild animal must've got in!" My mom shrieked, covering my brother's head. I gasped.

It was stained with blood.

"I'm taking Brandon to the hospital. Stay here with your father and take care of Pumpkin until I get back." She hurried out, and I sat down, shocked. Pumpkin jumped onto the couch beside me, and I looked over at him.

"Please tell me you had a tomato!"

**************

I took Pumpkin out for a walk, after cleaning his mouth. He had been extremely docile towards me, but I still wanted to be wary.

"Can I pet your puppy?!" a small girl squeaked enthusiastically. Before I could say anything, she reached for his head, and he nearly bit her hand off.

"I'm so sorry," I explained to her mother as he continued growling, "I don't know what's wrong with him." She gave a huff and pulled her daughter towards her, leaving.

As we continued the walk, I noticed thatPumpkin was aggressive to nearly everyone. He was only friendly with a few, strange-looking people.

What was going on?

**************

I read the letter again.

"So you're telling me that Pumpkin's a crup that's been living with wizards for the past year, and I'm a witch?"

"They're aggressive to muggles, but love wizards. We can re-train him." My mother assured me, "But best keep him away from Brandon for now."

I laughed weakly.

WHAT.