But instead, the door was wrenched open by a man Virgo took a moment to recognize as Mr Sopweed. His floppy grey fringe had gone; he had a new, sharper haircut and his beloved cardigan had been swapped for a dark suit.

‘Good morning,’ he said confidently, giving them all a firm handshake. ‘Mr Hooper, thank you so much for bringing the children in this morning during their leave of absence.’

‘Not a problem,’ said Dave, looking as surprised as Elliot and Virgo.

‘Please, take a seat,’ said Graham, gesturing to three new office chairs in front of his desk. Virgo looked around the familiar office. There was something different about it. It was somehow . . . bigger. Neater. More purposeful. Gone were all the self-help books, the battered cushions, the embroidered pictures asking people to be nice. Instead there were inspiring slogans about being the best you can be, and being yourself (because everyone else is taken). Call Me Graham was no longer twitching and shuffling, but striding confidently around his office. Virgo couldn’t put her finger on it . . . Ah, yes! That was it. There was a total absence of hedgehogs. She silently congratulated herself on her powers of observation.

‘Anna, I am so sorry to hear that you will be leaving us,’ Call Me Graham began kindly. ‘You have been such a colourful presence in our midst and you’ll be sadly missed.’

‘Thank you . . . sir,’ Virgo replied. It didn’t seem right, somehow, to call him Graham any more.

‘And Elliot,’ said Mr Sopweed, looking sincerely into Elliot’s eyes, ‘I cannot tell you how relieved I was to hear you were safe and well. What you have been through is unimaginable, and I will regret for ever not supporting you better. You have my solemn promise that from now on, Brysmore Grammar School will be offering you and your family every assistance as you begin your new life with your father.’

‘Thank you . . . sir,’ Elliot replied. Virgo smiled. Clearly Elliot felt it too.

‘Now Mr Boil will arrive any minute – are you happy to proceed with him in the room with us, or would you prefer to provide your testimony in private?’

‘It’s fine,’ said Elliot. ‘Have him here. I want him to hear what I have to say.’

‘Are you sure, son?’ Dave asked, taking Elliot’s hand. ‘You don’t have to. That pig can get what he deserves without you having to look at his vile face ever again.’

‘It’s cool, Dad,’ said Elliot, smiling gratefully at his father. Virgo found this sight curiously satisfying. She had no idea why.

‘All right, then,’ nodded Mr Sopweed. ‘But if you feel uncomfortable at any time . . .’

‘I know,’ said Elliot calmly. ‘Thank you.’

Mr Sopweed gave him a wink. Virgo couldn’t recall him ever winking before. Perhaps the hedgehogs prevented it somehow.