

Ashton crept downstairs after hearing a funny noise. There stood a wizard in a bright blue hat. "Are you Ashton?" the wizard asked, smiling. Ashton nodded, wide-eyed. The wizard winked, "Would you like to learn magic?" Ashton replied, "Yes, please!"

The wizard handed Ashton a floppy wizard hat. It slipped over Ashton's eyes, making him giggle. "You'll grow into it," chuckled the wizard. Ashton lifted the hat, peeking out. "Ready for your first lesson?" asked the wizard. Ashton grinned and said, "I'm ready!"

The wizard taught Ashton some silly magic words. "Zippa-zappa-zoo!" Ashton repeated and waved a pretend wand. A puff of glitter appeared from the wizard's sleeve. Ashton laughed, "Did I do that?" The wizard winked, "Magic sometimes surprises us!" They both clapped with joy.

For their next lesson, the wizard placed an apple on the table. "Use your mind and heart," he said kindly. Ashton squeezed his eyes shut and wished. The apple wobbled, then rolled off the table with a plop! "Close!" cheered the wizard. Ashton giggled, "That was fun!"

The wizard whispered to a broom, and it started to wiggle. "Would you like a ride?" he asked Ashton. Ashton climbed on, holding tight. The broom swooshed gently around the room. Ashton squealed, "I'm flying!" The wizard laughed, "That's the spirit, apprentice!"

The wizard showed Ashton some colorful bottles. "Let's make a giggle potion!" he said. Ashton poured and stirred, tongue between his teeth. Suddenly, bubbles popped and both started to laugh. "See?" grinned the wizard, "You made magic happen!" Ashton beamed with pride.

One lesson turned the kitchen rainbow-bright. "Oops!" Ashton said, spotting purple pancakes on the ceiling. The wizard shrugged, "Sometimes magic is messy!" They cleaned up, laughing together. "I like making messes with you," Ashton giggled. The wizard ruffled his hair, "Me too, apprentice."

Ashton lost his floppy hat. He looked everywhere, feeling sad. The wizard knelt beside him, "Magicians never give up." Ashton took a deep breath and looked again. He found the hat hiding under a chair! Ashton smiled, "I did it with your magic advice!"

The wizard sat with Ashton under the stars. "The greatest magic is being kind and curious," he said. Ashton nodded, thinking hard. "So, I make magic when I try my best?" Ashton asked. The wizard hugged him, "Exactly, little apprentice." They watched shooting stars together.

Ashton's adventures had only just begun. The wizard handed him a tiny wand. "Remember, the magic is inside you," he said. Ashton waved the wand and whispered, "Zippa-zappa-zoo!" Glitter sparkled everywhere. Ashton laughed, feeling like a real wizard at heart.
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