Chapter One: The Party Winter brought three things to the big purple house where Hocus and Pocus lived. First: tiny sweaters. Second: cozy time in front of the magical fireplace. Third: an invitation. Jinx, the witch who lived in the big purple house, brimmed and bubbled with joy as she read the card. "Everyone in Inkwell is invited to the Winter Solstice Party." "What's a winter solstice?" Pocus asked. "It's the shortest day and the longest night of the year," Jinx said.
"The whole town celebrates!" Ofelia said. "Every witch, wizard, and warlock in Inkwell brings magic to this big party. And apprentices get to put on a magic show." "My favorite part is the snow," Tam added. "I have always wanted to play in snow!" Pocus cried. "I have always wanted to eat snowflakes," Hocus said. "I'm not sure about this party, though," Pocus said. "What if it's too big? Or loud? Or long? Or cold? Or--" "Oh, bats," Jinx said.
"There's only a week left until the party! I've barely started getting ready!" "How much getting ready can you do for one night?" Hocus asked. "Even if it is the longest night of the year?" The answer was: a lot. Jinx flew around town and helped dec- orate. She cleaned out cauldrons to fill with party drinks. She helped the apprentices with their special talents for the magic show. Archer whizzed around the tower of the big purple house on his broom, going faster and faster as Jinx gave him tips. He was planning to race a snowflake on the night of the solstice, but for now, he only had a paper one to practice with. Tam worked on calling the winter creatures of the woods in their own languages.
When only one little fox turned up in the garden, Jinx said, "Don't worry, Tam. The rest will come after the snow starts." Ofelia wanted to make a snow sculpture, so she tried using ice from the freezer, but it just wasn't the same. And it kept melting! She waved her wand to refreeze it. When that didn't work, Jinx cast a circle of protection so it wouldn't spill all over the kitchen. Jinx and the apprentices were having a very busy week. Much too busy for cozy time in front of the fireplace. Jinx didn't even notice when Hocus unraveled half of her tiny sweater with her teeth.
"I miss our witch," Pocus said. "Me too," Hocus said. "We will have to get her attention. We're such good dogs that she doesn't see how much we miss her." "I think you might be right, Hocus," Pocus said. "But how do we get her to notice us?" Hocus and Pocus tried being extra adorable. Hocus and Pocus tried being extra magical. Hocus and Pocus tried being extra mischievous.
"I know what we have to be!" Hocus said. "Extra helpful . We'll help with the party." "Does that mean we have to go to the party?" Pocus asked. Hocus huffed. "Of course it does." "I think I can do it," Pocus said bravely. "For Jinx.
" "We will be the best helpers in the history of Inkwell," Hocus said. "This Winter Solstice Party is going to be perfect!".