AN; Because of the helpful comments of readers of this story, I have made a few changes. Now, the setting is not Salem, Massachusetts, due to historical inaccuracies. It is any place going through witch trials. In addition, I know that the majority of the witch trial cases did not involve people who were actually possessed, or even witches. Also, who the real witch is is supposed to be obvious, the character is just somewhat dense and doesn't realize it. So when she figures it out, it won't come as a shock to you. So, please read and review, while taking into account that this was written when I was ten years old. Thank you!

Saturday April 8th, 1692 Dear Diary,

My name is Laura Blacksburg. I turned 16 today. I just received this diary for my birthday. This evening to celebrate we had a feast of candied sweet potatoes, clam chowder, chicken, and blueberry pie, all of my favorites. My father (who is a successful and rich farmer) made this all possible (we have three cows, two goats, five hens, one rooster, and two horses). My parents gave me this diary... and a kitten! She came from over seas. She is black and fluffy with green eyes and a white mark on her forehead. I named her Pat. My 19 year old brother gave me nothing at the party, which is unusual for him. He is growing apart from me, but that is normal for boys his age. I was in my room playing with Pat. There was a knock on my door.

"Laura. May I come in? It's me, Kevin." "Yes," I said. He entered and sat down beside me on my bed. He handed me a black velvet pouch. "A little something for you. You'll understand when the time comes." Leaving me puzzled, he left. My kitten hissed at the pouch. "What's wrong, Pat," I asked her. I opened the pouch and dumped the contents on my bed. I was shocked at what I saw. On my bed were a ravens claw, a packet full of some sort of foul smelling powder, a human finger bone, and a doll with pins through its heart. I put the hideous contents back in the bag. What kind of gift is that? My mother is telling me to get ready for bed. I hope I won't remember this in the morning.
Laura

Sunday, April 9th, 1692 Dear Diary,

I did not have a very good sleep last night! My kitten Pat slept on my face! I could barely breathe. When I tried to roll over, she dug her claws into my face, which was very painful. I will have to coax her to sleep on my legs instead. It is time for breakfast, and after that is Meeting. I will write more later.

******************************************************

At Meeting, Fillian (our minister) said something strange. After the beginning prayers and hymns, he began speaking. "As some of you may have noticed, strange things are happening. Evil creatures kill our livestock more than ever before. A strange presence is lurking. I can feel it." "Just what are you trying to say, Fillian," asked an impatient man in the crowd. Fillian took a deep breath, as if dreading what he was about to say. "I am saying," he said, " We have a witch."

After that, he began talking about witches. A murmur arose from the crowd. People gasped. But none of this reached me. I was shocked. And scared. A witch? I looked around at all the familiar faces. It could be any one of them!

******************************************************

On the bright side of things, I saw Scott today. We have been close friends for as long as I can remember, (our families know each other very well) but for some time now, I have grown to like him, as a boy, not just a friend. He is 18 years old. Anyway, it was lunch time. My mother had packed me a picnic lunch for two, assuming Kevin was coming. He wasn't. I wanted time to think. I picked up the basket and Pat and set off. At the meadow I stopped. I put out the blanket and sat down. Pat went off to chase butterflies. I started lunch. "Hello, Laura." A strong hand rested on my shoulder. I jumped up and spun around. " Oh, it's you, Scott," I said, relieved. "What are you doing here?" "I was about to ask you the same thing," Scott said. "I'm having lunch. Join me?" Why had I just said that? Too late. "I'd love to," Scott said.

We ate lunch talking and laughing. When it was time for dessert, Pat came frolicking up. She sniffed Scott's shoes busily and when she was satisfied with that, she jumped up into my lap. I laughed. "Fillian said witches use cats as familiars," Scott said suspiciously. " Scott Chandler, are you implying I am a witch?" I teased. "No, no," Scott stuttered. "You can't be a witch. I like you too much." Just then, Scott realized what he had just said. He turned a sickly green and then beet red. He ran off. Boys are so strange.

Laura

Monday April 10, 1692 Dear Diary,

I awoke feeling fresh. Another day! I was happy, not only because there was school today, but because I remembered what Scott had said. I got dressed and walked to the well out back. I pulled the rope to raise the bucket. Strange. It seemed much heavier than usual. With one last tug, I realized what was wrong. The bucket was full of thick, red blood. Some splashed up onto my hands. Bobbing in the bucket was one of my fathers prized chickens, beheaded. The body was still twitching. I was so startled that I dropped the rope. I had seen chickens slaughtered before, but I never got over how gruesome it was, the chicken still running around without a head. "Father! Come quickly," I cried when I was finally able to speak. After a moment, my father came running up. "What is it, Laura," He asked. He looked at the blood on my hands and seemed concerned. I pointed at the bucket, unable to speak. He tugged the rope. "Oh my god," he gasped. "The witch."

******************************************************

Turns out the rest of the well water was clean. Someone must have killed the chicken over the bucket. Fillian said it was a warning from the witch. I don't know. I really don't.

School was nice. The schoolmistress came a bit late, so we started right away. I practiced arithmetic, reading, and sewing. Most girls only learn housekeeping, but my teacher made an exception (probably from a large tip from my father. Sometimes it is nice to be rich. I love learning. School almost made me forget the ordeal this morning. Almost. Fillian's words seem more and more real.

Laura

Tuesday, April 11, 1692

Dear Diary,

My mother shook me awake this morning with surprising news. "Laura, get up. There is to be a trial today. They have found a witch." After she left the room, I hurriedly got dressed into nice church clothes. After all, it is not every day you get to see an evil witch sentenced. Then I sat down with my family to eat porridge. My parents took me and Kevin to the church which also serves as a courthouse. All the people in our town filed silently into the church seats. I sat up straight waiting for the trial to begin. "May this trial begin. Elizabeth Raskin has been accused of witchcraft. We are gathered here today to determine whether she is guilty or innocent," Fillian exclaimed.

I gasped. Elizabeth was engaged to marry Kevin. She was very sweet, and like the sister I never had. Kevin looked angry. He was muttering and shaking his head. A man stepped up to the front of the room. "This witch was singing and dancing with demons and the Devil himself! I saw her just yesterday with my own eyes," he exclaimed, and sat down. Another man came up, and dropped something into Fillian's hand. "I found these in her room." Fillian carefully opened the black pouch in his hand and pulled out the things inside. "Ravens eye, poison, voodoo doll," Fillian said calmly. "Clearly a witches things. Elizabeth Raskin, have you any thing to say?" "I am innocent! I have never seen the Devil! That bag is not mine! Please let me go," Elizabeth cried. But Fillian paid her no heed. "She is guilty! She tried to make me let her go with her powers," Fillian yelled. "I have no choice but to condemn this witch to death. This evening at sunset, Elizabeth Raskin will be burned to the ground. That is the only way to kill a witch. All who would care to witness this event, come to Larkins Hill tonight."

******************************************************

When I got back home after the trial, I gathered Pat up into my arms, and cried in her fur. Pat purred loudly to reassure me. "Is she really guilty? She can't be! She is too nice! No! She is not a witch! Oh, Elizabeth," I cried to no one in general. "Laura! Did you milk Daisy," My mother called from the kitchen. In my disbelief, I had forgotten to do my chores. I changed into an old dress and washed my face to hide the tears. Then I took the milking pail, milked Daisy, our cow, and did my other chores. Now I am in my room again with nothing to do. Elizabeth will die tonight. Knowing she is innocent, I will pray for her soul.

Laura

Wednesday, April 12, 1692

Dear Diary,

It will be very painful, but I must write this all down. The events of last night. Elizabeth's death. My family and I walked to Larkins Hill together. My parents had insisted that Kevin and I come. When we got there, I saw Elizabeth tied to a stake, looking grim. There was a smaller stake next to her. Elizabeth looked at me and smiled weakly. Then she gave Kevin a stony glance and looked away. A figure clad in black stepped up to Elizabeth with a torch in hand. Fillian moved to the front of the growing crowd. "Tonight we look at the face of evil and destroy it. We have not yet seen the worst of the Devil, but we will stop this in the making. The Devil uses witches as familiars. Witches also use creatures lower than themselves to do their dirty deeds. So now we will destroy this witch and her familiar," Fillian said. Another man dressed in black brought up a doll and tied it to the second stake. The doll wriggled and growled. I then realized that it was Elizabeth's dog Ralph. I guess Fillian thought Ralph was Elizabeth's familiar. The man holding the torch lit the bales of hay surrounding Elizabeth and Ralph. In just seconds, the hay was aflame. Ralph whimpered, sensing something wrong. The flames jumped up to engulf the two scared figures.

Great cries of pain rose from the flames, those of man and beast mingling together. When all that remained was ash, everyone left, even my family. I walked up to the ashes and sat down on my knees. I prayed and cried. I don't know how long I sat there. It seemed like hours later when a strong hand rested on my shoulder. "Laura." I turned to him, eyes blurred with tears. "Who is it? Kevin?" I asked, unable to see well. "No. This is Scott. Are you all right? I was worried." I wiped my eyes only to see a concerned look on Scott's face. I nodded meekly. "I'm fine. Scott..." I started to say something but Scott stopped me by putting a finger to my lips. He pulled my face close to his and our lips touched. I did not resist, but returned the kiss, ignoring the scandal that could come of kissing someone. When our lips parted, Scott held me tight, as if he never wanted to let go.

After a few moments, I sadly realized that I would have to go home. I would have liked to stay there with Scott forever. But I didn't. "I have to go home soon. My parents will be worried." I whispered. Scott released me and brushed the hair from my face. "Don't cry." he said softly. He kissed me once again. "Good-bye, I hope to see you again soon." I said and walked off.

After I was out of Scott's sight I scolded myself angrily What did I do that for I asked? He probably thinks that I don't like him! I screamed into the darkness. An owl on a nearby branch fluttered off in surprise. I sighed and ran the rest of the way home. rambles and branches reached out to tear my clothes. "Ouch!" I cried. I had tripped over a root. I started to walk slower. The woods that were so comforting in the daytime seemed dark and evil at night. I stopped at my house. I brushed off my dress and walked inside.

My father was siting down at the table. He had a stern look on his face, as if I was in for a long lecture. Instead he said "Are you all right?" "Fine" I insisted. " All right, off to bed. It is late." I walked to my room. Through a crack in the door I watched Kevin chant something under his breath. He was holding something. When he heard me gasp, he stood up and put something in my cupboard. He walked out "Oh hello Laura. I was looking for Pat. I heard her moving in there. She is under the bed." I nodded and walked in. I looked into my cupboard to see the bag Kevin had given me on my birthday. I recalled the similar bag I had seen at Elizabeth's trial. And then I knew.

Last night I made the horrifying connection. Kevin was the witch.....

Laura

Thursday, April 13, 1692

Dear Diary,

Yesterday was uneventful. Kevin and I stayed in our rooms. I spent the day reading to take my mind off everything else. This morning I came out of my room. I had breakfast with my family. My parents looked normal. Kevin did not. He looked sick. I tried to busy myself with my chores, but it didn't work. I was terrified. But I could not let Kevin see that I knew. I thought about Kevin. He had condemned Elizabeth. He would probably accuse me as well. I think that Kevin had given Elizabeth the pouch of things to accuse her. That was why she seemed so mad at Kevin. Only in the end did she realize. By then it was too late. But I am aware.

I was in my room doing arithmetic when Kevin came in. He sat on the floor and said nothing. "Are you all right?" I asked after a while. Kevin grunted. "It's Elizabeth, isn't it." I said. Not a question, but a statement. "She was a witch," he said forcefully. He sat there for a moment and then left. I thought for a moment. Kevin had seemed sad and angry. He hadn't wanted to hurt the ones he loved. The Devil did not seem to be in him at this moment. But when the Devil is in him, he is trapped in his own mind. Trying to break through.

Laura

Friday, April 14, 1692

Dear Diary,

Late last night I heard a tapping on my window. I yawned. Who would come calling at this ungodly hour? And why would they knock on my window instead of the front door? I looked out the window. It was Scott. I opened my window. "Laura! Are you all right? I could not sleep. I heard your voice calling me, asking for help." Scott whispered. "That voice was in your head. But I do need your help, and I am glad you are here." I replied. I climbed out of the window. "I can't tell you here, but lets walk. I'm not that tired anyway." I said. So we walked. Nowhere in particular. Just away from the houses. I sat down in the meadow, in spite of the dew. Scot sat beside me and wrapped his arms around me. "Now what is it?" Scott asked. I spilled out my story. "And now he is trying to accuse you?" he asked once I had finished. I nodded. "I think so. I'm frightened. I don't know what to do." Scott held me close. "Don't worry. We'll think of something."

I went back home and slept soundly. I felt safe being with Scott. When I was with him, it seemed as if all my troubles disappeared, like a miracle. I pray that Scott can help me.

I don't really want to write right now. But I saw Scott again. It seems as if our meetings are less and less coincidental. I don't know. But I am glad. He had no ideas. But he said "Don't worry. I hate to see you so sad." We kissed and he said "I love you." Just as simply as that! My spirit soared. I was happy, and that is good in these grim times.

Laura

Saturday, April 15, 1692

Dear Diary,

I am going to start my lessons again on Monday. My parents said that I should. That is fine with me. It will keep my mind busy. Things are so strange lately. I love being with Scott, but I don't know what to do about Kevin. I used to hope that Kevin would not convict me, but that is just wishful thinking.

I got an idea. I had to see Scott. I brought this diary along. I knocked on the door of his house. His mother answered it. "Hello, Mrs. Chandler. Is Scott home?" I asked. "You two have been together quite a bit lately. Is something going on?" She asked. I blushed. She smiled. "Don't worry. I have a way of telling. I'll go get Scott."

After a while, Scott came to the door. He smiled warmly. "Hello, Laura," he said. We walked together silently until we reached the forest. We sat at the foot of my favorite oak tree. "I have an idea," I said. "I'm not sure it will work. Here. Read." I thrust the diary into his hands. It was pretty personal, but I didn't care. If it worked, it would save lives. Scott read the diary from the beginning on April 8th, to the beginning of today's entry, which I hadn't finished yet. When he was through he looked puzzled. "How will this help?" he asked. I started to explain. "If we give this to Fillian, perhaps he will understand. It is evidence. It seemed like a good idea when I had it, but I'm not sure it will work."

Scott smiled. "That just might work. You're so smart. Laura .I know this is sort of sudden, but will you marry me?" This was a big surprise, even for me. "Yes, yes" I exclaimed. We lay back in the grass and stared at the clouds. All the clouds melded to form what I hoped was our future. I could see us in the church, our families gathered around cheering, Fillian pronouncing us man and wife, us moving to a little cottage and starting a family. I looked at Scott and he had the same dreamy look in his eyes.

Scott and I walked to my house. He asked my parents if we could be married. They said yes. They were very pleased that one of their children was finally getting married. I think that they had secretly wanted Kevin to marry Elizabeth. Both of my parents said they would gladly give us their blessings. Even Kevin seemed happy. He shook Scott's hand and said, "I am glad to see you and my sister together." Then we went to Scott's house. He parents had already known. His mother smiled at me. "I will be so glad to have you as a daughter." Everyone happily started planning the wedding.

Laura

Sunday, April 16, 1692

Dear Diary,

I have been out with Scott a lot lately. That is good for us, since we are getting married, but even better for Kevin. On more than one occasion, I have seen him in my room, talking to the Devil. My parents left the house this morning to go to Meeting, but Kevin and I stayed home. He came into my room and nonchalantly took the witch's bag out of my cupboard. He toyed with it for a while, and then said, "You know, don't you." I nodded. "I know what you're up to. I'm not afraid." My voice trembled, proving otherwise. Kevin cocked his head in mock surprise. "Really? I think you are." "I have a plan to stop you," I said. Kevin laughed evilly. "It won't work. My Master wants you to die, and you will," he said. "But you seem so sad at times," I said. Kevin's face twitched. "Sometimes my emotions get in the way," he said. Then, "Laura, help," a different voice choked out. I realized that it was the real Kevin who had gained control for a moment. He ran from the room.

Laura

Monday, April 17, 1692

Dear Diary,

He has done it. I saw him go to the church and talk to Fillian. I watched him and heard every word he said. "Fillian, may I please speak to you for a moment?" Kevin asked. Fillian nodded. "It's my sister. I've seen her do strange things lately. In her room, talking to someone when nobody is there. Once I went into her room and saw a bag like those that you found from other witches. I think she is a witch." Fillian looked surprised. "I would have never known. Do you have any other evidence against her?" Kevin nodded. "I know where she keeps that pouch of things. If you want, I can bring it to you." "Yes, yes." Fillian said. "I can arrange a trial for tomorrow. For now, stay away from your sister. Be careful." With that Kevin left.

I stood there for a while dumbfounded. I had known he would accuse me, but somehow this was still a surprise. Tomorrow - that didn't give me much time, and now my plan was seeming to be more impossible than ever.

Laura

Tuesday, April 18, 1692

Dear Diary,

Kevin was right. There is no way I will be able to use my diary as evidence. I will still try it, but it won't work. I have talked with Scott again and again, but we can't think of anything else. He assures me that my plan will work just fine, but I don't know. The strange thing is - I am not afraid. I had this part in me that always knew what was going to happen. I just didn't pay any attention to it. But if my fate is death, then so be it. I am sad though. I wish it didn't have to happen this way. Otherwise I would have a pretty much perfect life. I would have gotten a good education, married Scott and who knows what else. It would be nice. I just wish I had the chance to have my life all over again. The same life, but different. This time, witches wouldn't be involved. That's what I would want.

I am going to see Scott again - sort of to say good-bye. I will write more later.

******************************************************

Believe it or not, Scott and I actually had fun. It's hard to, if you are near death, but we just tried to ignore that fact. He is still confident that I will be set free, but I am still not so sure. I don't know why, but I am still being pessimistic. I shouldn't. What else is sad, is that along with me, an innocent kitten is going to die - Pat. I'm going to miss her, but then again, if she dies, I do too. And I have the feeling that both of us will go to heaven, if there even is one.

The time draws near. I am ready. Scott just came to my window, and I am finishing my last entry before I give this diary to him. You have been a good friend in times of need, even though you are just a book of papers. For my last few days, or even hours, I will miss confiding in you. I hear a knocking on the door. They have come to take me, and I am not afraid.

Laura

AN: This is the end of Laura's diary. The next section is what happened next.

What Happened Next

Laura Blacksburg shivered in the chill of her small prison cell. She was wearing a thin grungy dress. The jailers had taken away all her nice clothes. 'They might as well freeze me to death,' She thought bitterly. The jail smelled like death. A grate at the bottom of the door creaked open, and something was shoved inside.

'Food!' Laura thought excitedly. She hadn't eaten for a while. 'At least I wont starve,' she thought happily. She crawled over to the food. It was stale bread and dirty water. That was to be expected. It was what she had always heard about prisoners eating. Laura ravenously ate the bread. She was wise enough not to touch the water.

A mouse had come out of the wall to sniff the crumbs at Laura's feet. When it saw Laura, it slowly backed off. "It's all right, I won't hurt you," Laura said softly. She held out a crust of bread. The mouse slowly came back and grabbed the bread. It ran off with its food before eating it. The mouse eyed Laura and collected the remaining crumbs. "See? It is safe. You and I are the same. People condemn us. They think that I am a witch." Laura said. She sighed. 'I am so lonely that I am making friends with a mouse,' Laura thought. She reached out and picked up the mouse. She didn't care if it was disease ridden. The mouse squeaked. Laura pet it like a cat. How she missed Pat, her kitten! Pat had run off in fright when the men had come to take Laura away. As if answering her prayers, the grate opened again. In bounded Pat, who ran over to Laura. Then Pat noticed the mouse. Before Laura could do anything, Pat opened her jaws and... started licking the mouse! She was giving it a bath. At first the mouse squeaked in surprise, but then seemed happy. The mouse climbed up Pat's back and gently bit her on the neck. Pat swatted at the mouse playfully. Laura laughed at the animals playing. She hadn't laughed for a while. "I think I will name you Mila," she told the mouse. "But it isn't like I am going to know you very long. I am going to die." She sighed. Laura hoped that this was not true.

"Laura," a voice hissed. Laura spun around and looked out the bars of the windows. She had been expecting Scott, and here he was. "Laura, are you all right?" Scott asked. Laura nodded. "Fine. A bit hungry though." Scott pushed something through the bars. It was an apple. "Thank you," Laura said. "All they gave me was bread." Scott's attention turned to Pat and Mila. He laughed. "Who would have thought a cat and a mouse would be friends?" he asked. Laura shrugged. "But this is sort of amusing," she said. "I found this mouse crawling around in here, and decided to name her Mila. A cat and a mouse are good company, but not as good as a human - some humans that is."

"I'll give your diary to Fillian. Don't worry. I have a feeling that this will work. I am ready to defend you, even if it will put me in jail." He held onto Laura's hands through the bars for a few minutes. "I have to leave now." Scott said. He started to go, but then turned around. 'Oh yes, here." He handed me a blanket. "It will keep you warm. Goodbye." Laura looked after him. "I love you," she whispered into the darkness.

The next day Laura awoke at dawn. The door creaked open. Two guards came and grabbed Laura. She sighed and came with them. They walked to the church and had Laura sit down. People filed into the seats. After a while, Fillian began speaking. "Laura Blacksburg has been accused of witchcraft. We will determine whether she is guilty or innocent." A man came up to the front of the church and claimed that he had seen Laura speaking with the Devil. Laura figured that Kevin had put him up to this, so he would not be suspected. Another person came up and gave Fillian the black bag. Fillian examined the items carefully, as he did in Elizabeth's trial.

Then finally, Scott came up to the front of the room. He gave Fillian Laura's diary. Fillian read the diary silently. Afterwards he summarized it by saying, "Laura was given this diary by her parents on April 8th. She has written several entries and it says how Kevin gave her this bag as a gift. The diary then goes on with her suspicions that Kevin is the witch I have been searching for, and that Elizabeth was innocent. I would like some time to review the evidence, for this is a difficult decision to make."

People in the church talked quietly amongst themselves. Soon Fillian cleared his throat. "Through the evidence, I believe that Laura Blacksburg is innocent. Does anyone have any objections?" Kevin rose from the crowd. "I know I am not the witch. I am innocent. You have been blinded by this witch. With her powers, she has tried to convince you," he said. Kevin stared directly into Fillian's eyes, as if hypnotizing him. "The boy is right," Fillian said. "I was blind to this, and Kevin Blacksburg has brought me out of this trance. Therefore, I believe that Laura Blacksburg is guilty of witchcraft."

"No! No!" Laura screamed, out of control. This could not be happening. It was all her fears combined. Scott tried talking with Fillian, but it did not work. The minister was convinced. "This witch will be burned on the site of Larkins Hill tonight."

Laura was taken to her prison cell where she sat crying. Even though she had expected this to happen, she had not given up all hope. Pat and Mila came over to comfort her, but they didn't quite understand - not as much as Scott. Laura hoped that he would come. But as she waited, he never did.

The guards once again opened the door and took Laura out. This time they grabbed the two animals as well. Laura knew that this was happened - they had burned Elizabeth's dog Ralph. They came to Larkins Hill where a crowd was slowly gathering. In the front was a wooden stake. Beside it stood two small ones for the animals. Laura, Pat and Mila were all tied to the stakes. The hay she stood on tickled Laura's feet. A man in black came up to the stakes with a torch. Fillian said, "Laura, if you confess your guilt, we will make your death quick and painless. If you do not, however,.." he gestured to the man holding the torch. "I am not a witch." Laura said calmly. Fillian nodded, and the man set the hay on fire. Laura bowed her head in silent prayer before the flames reached her. 'Please God, don't let it hurt,' she prayed.

Scott sat solemnly in his house, staring at the fire in his hearth. He sighed. He reminded him of what had happened just hours ago. Scott shook his head. He did not want to think about it. But he had to, for Laura's sake. He got up and slowly walked out the door.

Scott knocked on the door of the Blacksburg's house. Mrs. Blacksburg answered it. She looked as if she had just been crying. "Hello, Scott," she said quietly. "Don't worry. I'll fix everything," Scott said, leaving Laura's mother puzzled.

Scott walked to Kevin's room. He entered without knocking. "You." Kevin sneered. Scott walked over the Kevin and grabbed him roughly by the shoulders. "Why? Why did you do this?" Scott choked out. Kevin did not answer. Scott shook him. "Answer me!" he yelled. Kevin crumpled in a heap on the floor and began crying uncontrollably.

Kevin and Scott were still sitting there 15 minutes later. It seemed as if the Devil had finally left Kevin once and for all. Kevin's work as his servant was done. Kevin told Scott all about how he had felt trapped in his own mind, and how he had not wanted to hurt Laura or Elizabeth. Scott began to feel an attachment to the young man, perhaps because they were both so sad over the deaths. Whatever it was, Scott comforted Kevin and told him, "It is all over." Kevin nodded sadly. "I just wish there was some way to bring them back."

Kevin and Scott went to see Fillian. They told him the whole story. Kevin said he wouldn't mind if he was burned, because of the pain he had caused the others. Fillian examined Kevin and said, "The Devil will not be coming back to you. I think it is safe for us to let you live." Kevin nodded, not knowing what to say.

Scott and Kevin held a private memorial service the next day. They looked back on the good times and the bad. When dusk fell they stared up at the stars. Scott could have sworn he saw a new constellation. It looked like Laura.

EPILOGUE

Scott never completely got over Laura's death. He never married and thought of her often. Kevin did not marry either. He lived with his parents until they died of old age.

Years later, the townsfolk still remembered Laura and her extreme courage and dignity. Fillian had told them about Kevin being guilty and of the Devil leaving him. Everyone felt sorry for Laura and Elizabeth, whose deaths had been wrong. Fillian was always careful about accusing witches after that. In fact, only a few more witches were accused after Laura, and Fillian found them all innocent. At Scott's request, Laura's diary was placed in the town hall for all to read and remember.