Page 50 of Monster's Baby

“That’s right.”

“But the ring would still be valuable.”

“That’s true.”

“I’m sorry I lost it.”

“You didn’t.It was stolen.It sounds like there’s a thief in the academy.”Grandfather’s expression darkened.“They will regret it.”

I swallowed hard.I hadn’t seen himthisangry, well, ever.“Is there anything I can do?”

“Focus on your studies and the Olympics.I’ll see you tonight.”

“You’ll have a plan?”

“I hope so.”

“Déan deifir!”shouted a tiny voice from our adjoining room.“Hurry up!I’m hungry!”

“He’s up early,” Aiden said around a yawn.

“And talking in full sentences,” I added.

“Sounds like he’s grown again.”Aiden went to get the professor.“Good morning.Are you feeling more like yourself today?”

“I’m hungry!”Professor Reynolds said petulantly.

“Let’s change your clothes.What do you want to wear?”

I headed into our bathroom to get ready for the day, and didn’t hear the child’s answer.I’d find out soon enough.

“What do you think Professor Dunlop will have us do in Qualitative Spellcraft?”I shouted to the other room after I got washed.

“More research on how to reverse this curse?”Aiden suggested, from much closer than I had realized.

I peeked at the two over my towel as I dried my face.“Any ideas on how to do that, Professor?”I asked the child.

“No,” he replied, crossing his arms and scowling.

Professor Reynolds was dressed in a t-shirt and sweatpants, no shoes or socks.

I raised my eyebrows at Aiden.

“He says that socks hurt his feet.”

“I don’t blame you,” I told the child.“We’ll just put a warming spell on your feet so you don’t get cold, okay?”

“Kay.”He obediently held up one foot and then the other while I attached the spell to his pant cuffs.

“Nice and toasty?”I asked.

“Hungry!”

Aiden chuckled.“Let’s get you fed, bud.What do you want to eat?”

“Spaghetti!”

“I’m not sure they’ll have it for breakfast, but maybe we can transfigure oatmeal into spaghetti, what do you think?Do you want to try that?”

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