Spooky Buddies Junior Novel by Disney Book Group

Fernfield, USA
Halloween night, 1937
    I t was a dark and stormy night. Lightning sparked across the sky. An owl named Hoot flew toward a large Victorian manor on the outskirts of town. Hoot glided through a window of the manor’s tallest turret. Inside stood a man in dark robes. He held a staff with a large black jewel at the top.
    â€œTonight is the night,” the man said as Hoot landed on a perch beside him. “All Hallows’ Eve, and the moon is full. I’ll show those fools how powerful Warwick the Warlock really is!”
    â€œMaster, you are the evilest,” Hoot said in approval.
    Five beagle puppies sat at Warwick’s feet. One of the puppies, Pip, stepped forward.
    â€œExcuse me, Mr. Hoot, sir,” Pip said politely. “When do we get to meet the Howlloween Hound?”
    â€œI think Master is almost ready,” Hoot replied.
    Warwick touched a candlestick, and a secret panel in the wall slid open. Behind it were shelves of potions and a large leather-bound book.
    Meanwhile, several cars arrived outside. Sheriff Jim jumped out of one, along with his loyal bloodhound, Deputy Tracker. More townspeople got out of the other cars.
    One was a seven-year-old boy named Joseph. His father was with him. “Pip!” Joseph called through the tall iron gates. “We have to find him, Dad! He’s my best friend!” Five puppies had gone missing, and Joseph’s puppy, Pip, was one of them. The sheriff and Deputy Tracker’s detective work had led them to the manor.
    Deputy Tracker was sniffing around. He picked up a scent almost immediately and let out a howl.
    Sheriff Jim looked up. A light was burning in the mansion’s highest turret.
    â€œThat no-good Warwick must have the puppies!” the sheriff said. He pulled at the chain on the gate. “Give me a hand with this.”
    As the sheriff tried to break open the chain, Warwick heard the commotion and looked out the window. “Drat,” he muttered when he saw the intruders cutting the chain. “We’d better hurry,” he said to Hoot.
    A tall mirror stood nearby. Warwick stepped in front of it. It was time to recite one of the spells from his leather-bound book. The gem on his staff began to glow as he spoke:
    â€œOn All Hallows’ Eve,
    When the moon is full and bright,
    Open a portal to beyond the light.
    Call three times to summon
    A hound with great might.
    The souls of five puppies
    Will be yours this night.”
    â€œMaster,” Hoot said, “what do you mean about ‘souls being his’?” That didn’t sound right to Hoot.
    â€œSilence, you birdbrain!” Warwick ordered.
    The gem on his staff burned with an otherworldly light. He pointed it toward the mirror.
    â€œHowlloween Hound, Howlloween Hound, Howlloween Hound!” he cried.
    A beam of moonlight hit the gem, then the mirror. The mirror glowed, causing a mysterious light to swirl around the room.
    In the glass, a new reflection was forming. Large. Dark. Scary. Canine.
    Warwick smiled. “Come to our side, Howlloween Hound!”
    The shape solidified. “Who summons me?” a deep voice howled from within the mirror.
    Warwick took a step back. He couldn’t help feeling a little nervous.
    â€œI have, Hound,” he answered. “Warwick the Great! I have five puppy souls of the same blood who are dying to meet you. I believe that is what you need to open the portal.”
    â€œWhy should I open the portal for you?” the Hound growled.
    â€œWith your help, we will unleash all creatures of the underworld into Fernfield!” Warwick declared. “You and I can rule the land, Hound!”
    â€œI like the sound of that,” the Hound said.
    â€œWe must hurry,” Warwick warned. “We only have this night, Halloween, while the moon is full.” He glanced at the puppies. “You can meet the Howlloween Hound now,” he told them with a sinister smile.
    Suddenly, the