A new year meant another year of exploding salted melons in the kitchen, a hunt for all the horned whippets that "accidentally" escape from Professor Abernathy's classroom, a brownie revolt, pixie tantrums and much, much more.
But, like years past, Esmerelda would stop and think about all the good, amusing and occasionally, joyous moments. A corner of her mouth would tip up ever so slightly in a rare attempt at a smile. Two pixies would appear with napkins to blot her brow. She'd raise an eyebrow and think to herself that perhaps this year .....this bright, shiny new year could very well be the best yet. With a nod of her head and hope for
the future, she'd continue on her way.