Treasure Hunt by Titania Woods Page A

we’ve got to!’
    As Twink and her mother crested the grassy hill, Glitterwings Academy came into view: a large, spreading oak tree rising up from a field of flowers. Tiny arched windows wound their way up the tree trunk, and the grand double doors at its base stood open in welcome.
    While her mother went off to find Teena, Twink flew slowly to the third-year area, thinking of Gran. The Doldrums sounded so scary! Would her grandmother really be all right?
    â€˜Welcome back!’ said Miss Twilight, ticking Twink off on her clover-leaf list. She was a tall, dramatic-looking fairy with bright silver hair and purply-grey wings. ‘Looking forward to the new term?’
    â€˜I suppose,’ said Twink. Miss Twilight gave her a considering look. ‘I mean, yes!’ Twink went on hastily. ‘I just love the summer term. Glitterwings is so pretty then!’
    Oh great – I sound like Mum! she thought. Twink’s mother used to be a student at Glitterwings herself, and was always exclaiming over its beauty in every season.
    To Twink’s relief, Miss Twilight agreed. ‘Yes, it is pretty now, isn’t it? And I’ve got a special surprise for the Third Years this term, too!’
    â€˜What, Miss Twilight?’ asked Twink, interested despite herself.
    Her year head laughed. ‘Now, it wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, would it?’ The tiny moonstones on Miss Twilight’s robes shimmered as she turned away to greet another student.
    Twink’s mother flew up, shaking her head. ‘Teena’s already checked herself in – I just caught up with her before she and Zuzu took off to Snowdrop Branch. The independent little beetle!’
    Twink smiled. Yes, that was just like Teena!
    Her mother’s expression grew serious again as she drew Twink away from the crowds of arriving fairies. ‘Now, Twink, promise me that you won’t worry.’
    Twink stared down at her pixie boots. How could she promise such a thing? Suddenly she remembered something, and she looked up. ‘Mum . . . Gran went to school here too, didn’t she?’
    Her mother nodded. ‘Yes, she did. And I’m sure she wouldn’t want you to spend the summer fretting about her, Twink – she’d want you to have fun and enjoy yourself, just like you always do. All right?’
    Twink took a deep breath. ‘I’ll try.’
    â€˜That’s my girl.’ Twink’s mother gave her a warm hug. ‘I’ll send a butterfly as soon as there’s any news about Gran. Have a good term, darling – and don’t worry!’
    Twink stood waving as her mother flew away. When she could no longer see her, Twink lowered her hand with a sigh. Not worry? How, when Gran had that awful-sounding illness?
    Lost in thought, Twink picked up her oak-leaf bag and flitted towards the school. Suddenly a laughing voice called her name.
    â€˜Twink! Were you going in without me?’
    Turning, Twink saw her best friend, Bimi Bluebell, come flying up. ‘Oh! Bimi!’ she gasped. She and Bimi always waited for each other on the first day of term, but this time Twink had completely forgotten.
    The two fairies hugged tightly. ‘It’s so good to see you!’ exclaimed Bimi.
    â€˜I know,’ said Twink. ‘It seems like ages!’
    Bimi was easily the most beautiful fairy in the school, with her midnight-blue hair and silver and gold wings. But she was very down to earth, and hardly seemed to notice her looks. Now she narrowed her gaze, looking at Twink closely.
    â€˜What’s wrong?’ she asked.
    â€˜Nothing!’ said Twink. She fluttered to one side as a stream of chattering second-year students flew past. ‘I’m fine.’
    â€˜No, you’re not,’ said Bimi, following her. ‘You look really pale.’
    â€˜I, um . . . caught a wing-chill over the hols, that’s all,’ said Twink quickly. The wing-chill made her