As they strolled hand in hand up the long pathway to the first house, Kevin felt an odd feeling throughout his body. Slowly at first, then a little more urgently the tingling spread. He frowned and rubbed his head to try to dispel the sensation to no avail. “H-hang on.” She stopped and smiled at him. “What? Is it starting already?” “My body feels…” He blinked. “Is what starting?” She laughed. “You didn’t think that was just a collar, did you fuzzy ears?” She laughed and pulled out mirror and held it up to his face. Kevin gasped. His ears were large and pointed, covered in black fur. His teeth were pointed, and as he watched his nose darkened. He reached up with a shaking hand and felt the moistness of his nose and a strange roughness on his hand. He looked down and saw small black pads on his fingers and palms. “Wha-what the!?” Maggie laughed. “Relax, Kevin. It’s just a little magic. I am a witch after all.” She chuckled and conjured two trick-or-treat bags out of thin air. “Now come on boy, let’s get a treat!” She laughed and headed for the door. Kevin sighed and followed, surprising himself with how calm he was, despite what was happening.

He caught up with her as she rang the doorbell. The door opened. “Trick or treat!” Maggie shouted happily. “Trick or treat,” mumbled Kevin. “Aaw, what a spooky witch!” the lady said as she put a candy bar in Maggie’s bag. “And what a cute doggy you have!” She reached out and tussled his hair and ears, much to Maggie’s amusement. “I think you deserve a Beggin’ Strip!” She closed the door. Kevin gave Maggie an incredulous look and the door opened again. “Here you go poochie!” She dropped a strip of bacon in Kevin’s bag, took a last look at them and closed the door. Maggie smirked at Kevin. “Nice haul ya got there. Next house!” Kevin followed her, feeling itchy as fur began growing across his body. “So… you’re actually a witch? Not just wearing a costume?” She smiled. “Aren’t you actually a dog, not just wearing a costume?” She smirked and pointed, causing Kevin to let out an involuntary cry as his spine lengthened and a bushy black tail grew. “Hey! Don’t do that!” He looked back and wagged the tail around… “Magic…” His nails turned white and bent over into dull claws, and whiskers grew from his face. “Don’t worry, you’ll warm up to it.” She smiled, and he smiled back, and as they went onto the next house a group of kids ran up to them. “Aww! Maggie’s puppy is so fuzzy! Can we pet him!?” asked a bumblebee. Maggie giggled and nodded. “Of course kids, he’s very friendly.” “Yaaaay!” the children crowded around him and began to rub his back and belly. Kevin rolled his eyes and shook his head at Maggie, who was trying not to laugh too hard. After a couple of minutes the kids had gotten their fill and ran off to enjoy the night. “Told ya’ people would like your ‘costume’ ” chuckled Maggie. “Maybe a little too much, that power ranger kept pulling my tail.” Kevin laughed and trotted next to Maggie, laying an arm across her shoulders.