The Shadowseeker - Victor Kloss Page 0,25

chair. He was so small the table came up to his chin and his legs were too short to dangle off the chair. He had a long grey beard, which trailed down to the floor, tied together by a bunch of colourful elastic bands. His face was wrinkled and his arched eyebrows were accented by the bald head. In his long bony fingers was an expensive-looking pen. Three white diamonds hovered above his right shoulder.

Ben and Charlie stopped a respectable distance from the desk and watched with curiosity.

“Just a moment, please,” the man said. He mumbled something to himself, then shut the book and threw it with a flick of the wrist, sending it spinning upwards. It landed perfectly on top of the smaller pile of books.

He finally looked up, and Ben realised then that he definitely wasn't human. He had a long chin and a nose that would have rivalled your stereotypical witch.

“Ah, new blood! My name is Professor Rafakat. You can call me Professor, Rafakat, Professor Rafakat, Raf, or even Prof. I've been called them all and have no preference. What are your names?”

His voice was high-pitched and croaky, unsurprising given he was probably less than three feet tall.

“Greenwood, eh?” Rafakat said, after they had introduced themselves. He gave his beard a stroke. “An interesting family, with considerable history.” Rafakat turned to Charlie. “Hornberger? First generation to the Institute. Good luck to you.”

“You know about my family?” Ben asked.

“I know many people,” Rafakat said. When he smiled he revealed a set of yellow teeth. “I was friends with your parents. Your mum I especially liked. A fine-looking woman. Fantastic legs.”

Charlie made a choking noise and even Ben struggled to keep a straight face. His mum's legs were bigger than Rafakat's entire body.

“I'd love you to stay and chat, but as you can see, I'm snowed under for a change,” Rafakat said, nodding towards the huge pile of books. “Leave your books on my desk. They will be marked by tomorrow morning.”

Ben wanted to ask more about his parents, but knew it might not be a good idea to press the matter, especially if he wanted to pick the professor's brains at a later date. He and Charlie placed their handbooks on the desk. Rafakat took them and threw them into the air. The left pile must have been ten feet tall, but the books flew up and landed at the top with such deftness that Ben suspected magic was involved. Rafakat then pulled the bottom handbook from the pile with such speed that the remaining ones didn't even sway when they dropped down.

Ben and Charlie left the room, feeling in awe of the little man.

The Institute wasn't as busy as in the morning, but there were still plenty of people coming up and down the spiral staircase, creating an energetic atmosphere that Ben warmed to.

“There she is,” Charlie said, waving vigorously.

The three of them left the Institute and stepped out into the courtyard, which was bathed in pleasant sunshine.

“I know a great little café not far from here,” Natalie said. “For an extra five pounds they give you a silencer spell, so we can talk without being overheard. They also do fantastic cakes.”

“I'm sold. Let's go,” Ben said.

They passed the Institute's manicured garden, with its water fountain, and through the open gate. Soon they were heading down the hill along the cobbled path that was lined either side by trees and torch lamps. Halfway down, Ben caught a smell that made his mouth water. He turned instinctively and saw the most incredible cakes lining the front of a small café, with the words “Fuddleswell Tea Room” above the door.

“This is the place,” Natalie said.

Inside was busy – not surprising given the food on offer. Cakes, scones with cream and jam, and all sorts of teas and coffees created a feast for the eyes and nose. Small circular tables surrounded by chairs were laid out haphazardly across the room. By sheer luck, they managed to snag a table by the window.

A young girl dressed all in white with a black apron came over, took their order and gave Natalie a small white pellet. She loaded it into her spellshooter and, after the food had arrived, fired it above their heads. A shimmering field surrounded them and the external noise receded to an inaudible mumble.

“Privacy at last,” Natalie said, with a smile. “We can talk freely. The spell isn't that strong, but I can detect if someone penetrates the field.