A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1)

by Deborah Harkness

“Trick or treat,” they intoned, holding out their open pillowcases. “I’m a vampire,” the boy said, baring his fangs at Matthew. He pointed to his sister. “She’s a witch.” “I can see that,” Matthew said gravely, taking in the black cape and white makeup. “I’m a vampire, too.” The boy examined him critically. “Your mother should have worked harder on your costume. You don’t look like a vampire at all. Where’s your cape?” The miniature vampire swept his arms up, a fold of his own satin cape in each fist, revealing its bat-shaped wings. “See, you need your cape to fly. Otherwise you can’t turn into a bat.” “Ah. That is a problem. My cape is at home, and now I can’t fly back and get it. Perhaps I can borrow yours.” Matthew dumped a handful of candy into each pillowcase, the eyes of both children growing large at his generosity. I peeked around the door to wave at their parents. “You can tell she’s a witch,” the girl piped up, nodding approvingly at my red-and-white-striped stockings and black boots. At their parents’ urging, they shouted thank-yous as they trotted down the walk and climbed into the waiting car.