"Right now I only see one way out of this,"

I explained.  "We must convince the town and the rabbits that Didelphis is lying.  She actually is, so it shouldn't be that hard.  There are several ways to do it, but I need to hear back from my Ixies before I can work out the details.  Whichever way it winds up being accomplished, there are two possible outcomes:  One in which Didelphis dies and one in which she lives."

"The rabbits are out for blood," Chloe observed, "and the townsfolk are too scared to stop them.  If you manage to turn all of this around so the blame falls on Didelphis, how could she possibly make it out unscathed?"

"Allow me to elaborate," I elaborated.  "The easiest and safest way to convince the mob that Didelphis is lying would be by planting evidence that incriminates her and exonerates everyone else, coupled with a well timed removal of her transmogrification.  If everyone believes she has the power to transform herself, it wouldn't be that hard to make them believe she bewitched the minds of the coven to follow in her sinful ways.  That scenario would most likely end with Didelphis being handed over to the rabbits and subsequently being burned alive.  This is, of course, not ideal.  Fixing this debacle in a way that saves everyone - including Didelphis - would hinge on successfully convincing the mob that Didelphis actually is just a bratty child making up stories for attention."

"How do you expect to pull that off?" Petunia asked skeptically.

Before I could answer, an Ixie flitted up to me and saluted.

"That was fast," I remarked.

"We are all still gathering intel, Sire," the Ixie replied.  "But the first thing we learned is that no one hath yet searched Didelphis's hut.  This seemeth like an important linchpin for any of thy possible plans, so we decided to tell thee right away.  More information to come, as we discover it."

"Excellent work," I stated, as the Ixie saluted and buzzed briskly away.

"That's good," I continued, turning to address Petunia.  "It gives us more wiggle room.  Now then, to answer your question:  I have the ability to transmogrify people.  That's what started this whole mess, and it's a perfect way to end it.  I could transmogrify one of you to look and sound exactly like Didelphis.  That person could then convince the mob that Child Didelphis is just some bratty relative having a gigantic tantrum."

"Sounds risky," Petunia shrugged.

"It's dishonest too," I admitted.  "The thought of it makes me sick.  The only reason I would even consider such a course is because the whole mess is my fault.  I just wanted to teach that old bag a lesson in humility that would guide her onto a better path, but I failed to consider her mental state.  She was already unstable and obviously this pushed her over the edge.  If I can manage to solve this in a way that keeps everyone alive, including Didelphis, it might not be too late for her.  Yes, yes, I know that sounds like idealistic tripe when I say it out loud.  You all obviously know her much better than I do, so let me ask you:  Is Didelphis worth saving?  Is it worth the extra risk?"

I turned to face the rest of the coven as I posed this question, and immediately followed it up with another.  "What on Fuma's earth are you doing?"

"Gretchen's mascara was running," Rebecca explained.  "And her hair was a mess."

"Is this really the right time to preen?" I demanded.

"A big part of being a witch is looking spookily hot at all times," Rebecca insisted.  "And until they learn some magick, it's the only part these femmes can actually do."

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