It was true. Studies since the worldquake had shown that the world had gone back to the temperature it had been at the beginning of the twentieth century, before anyone had invented nuclear weapons (which had also mysteriously vanished after the worldquake), microwaves or mobile phones.

“But that wasn’t because of an individual,” said Cait. “No one even knows why that happened.”

“Anyway, you’ve got me off track as usual. The point is that selfishness can actually be useful. I’m going to try it. Tomorrow I’m going to act like a totally selfish individual and see what happens. I think we should all have a go. See what we can do for our local community.”

“Right,” said Cait, with a half smile.

“Effie?” said Orwell. “You’re even quieter than usual. What do you say to a day of extreme selfishness?”

“I’m not sure we’ll even notice,” said Cait.

“What do you mean?” said Effie. “I give Luna her breakfast every morning, do the washing up, get myself ready for school. . . .”

“I actually meant your father,” said Cait, smiling.

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” said Orwell. “Let our heroes’ journeys commence!”

“Good lord,” said Cait.

“I need some fashion advice,” said JP to Lexy when Marcel and Hazel had left. “I can’t decide on my lecture outfit. I’ve brought tweeds, robes and an ancient academic gown that may have been nibbled here and there by moths, alas. What do you think?”

“I have to go and do my homework,” said Lexy, turning toward the stairs.

“Homework? But there’s no school next week, I believe?”

“I have my evening class on Monday.”

“Your evening class.” JP raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t have those in my day. What do you learn?”

“Nothing important,” said Lexy.

As they’d been speaking, JP had been moving closer to Lexy, and she’d been moving backward. She now found herself sort of clinging to the banisters at the bottom of the stairs while JP loomed over her.

“I think perhaps you learn magic in this class,” he said.

“Well—”

“You don’t have to hide it from me, you know. I’m magical as well.”

“Right.”

“Of course, I expect you’re still a Neophyte. I, however, am a Master.”

“That’s nice,” said Lexy. “But I actually need to—”

Jupiter Peacock now put his arm around Lexy in the way a friend might if they wanted to tell you a secret. But friends didn’t normally squeeze each other quite this hard. As JP began speaking again Lexy could feel his hot breath on her cheek.

“You must know that magical people don’t keep secrets from one another. We epiphanized folk trust one another.”

“I know,” said Lexy. “But I really do have to—”

“Do you want to see some magic now?” said JP.

“Not really,” said Lexy, wriggling out from under JP’s oppressive embrace. “No offense, but—”