Murphy laughed, the sound rich and reassuring."Come now, lass, have a little faith in yer old da.Though I'll admit, this particular brew has required more...finesse than usual."
"What exactly are ye making?"Uma leaned forward, curiosity winning over caution."You've been secretive about it for weeks now."
"Ghost Draught," Murphy said proudly, his chest puffing out slightly.
“Which does what exactly?”Uma raised an eyebrow.
"Aye.Allows spirits to experience temporary corporeal form.”Murphy smiled a sheepish grin and cleared his throat.“We thought it would make a 'Last Hurrah' gift for all the convention attendees on their final night."
Uma blinked."We thought?Who's we?"
"Your brilliant idea as much as mine, if you recall.You're the one who suggested we do something special to commemorate the gathering."
That was true.Uma had mentioned wanting to create a memorable experience for their guests, but she hadn't expected her father to develop something quite so...ambitious.
"Right.And this Ghost Draught actually works then?"she asked.
"Like a charm, so to speak," Murphy beamed."Though it's powerful stuff, mind you.A few puffs allow temporary solidity for several hours.I've tested it extensively."
"Tested it how, exactly?"She smirked.
"Well, Evangelina's been most helpful with the trials.She's been the primary volunteer.The only really."
Uma felt a little chill that had nothing to do with the October weather.Evangelina Coal, their resident cemetery ghost and former dark creatures’ expert, was not exactly known for her caution when it came to experimentation.
"Da," Uma said carefully, "how powerful is 'powerful'?"
Murphy's grin faltered slightly."Ah, well, that's where things get a bit...interesting.Turns out when ghosts become fully solid, they can interact with the physical world in ways that might be, shall we say, unexpectedly enthusiastic."
"Define enthusiastic."
"Aye, never you mind.This is exactly why we're planning to give each ghost just a measured dose.Just enough for a proper celebration, not enough for...mischief."
From his perch by the window, Allen's voice drifted over with characteristic dryness."I've heard this song and dance before, kid.'Just a little bit' of magical potion never stays 'just a little bit' for long."
Uma looked between her father's slightly guilty expression and her familiar's knowing smirk.Outside, the preparations for the ghost convention continued in earnest, everyone bustling about their daily business while something extraordinary prepared to unfold in their cemetery.
"Right then," she said finally."What exactly do ye need from me?"
Murphy's grin returned full force."Help me finish the final batch, and then we'll need to move it safely to the icehouse."
"And after the convention?"
"After the convention, any remaining Ghost Draught gets sent straight to Assjacket for permanent storage, alongside Gloria's...other projects."
Uma nodded.That made sense.Some creations were simply too potent for general use, no matter how well-intentioned.The town of Assjacket had become the unofficial repository for Cauldron Falls' more dangerous spells and potions—a fact that probably said something about their community's tendency toward ambitious experimentation.
"Alright, Da," she said, rolling up her sleeves."Let's brew some controlled chaos and hope it stays controlled, yeah?"
"That's my girl," Murphy beamed."Though between you and me, lass, I've got a feeling this convention is going to be one for the ages."
Outside, the ginkgo leaves continued their golden dance in the autumn breeze, and the mist from Cauldron Falls caught the morning light like scattered diamonds.It was a perfect day in their little town, with just the right touch of anticipation hanging in the air.
What could possibly go wrong?
Chapter 2
Spray and Pray
