“The key is to focus on being yourself and remembering who you are,” said Gigi. “Don’t think too much about other people. Otherwise, you’ll start to change.”

Ali’s eyes bugged; that was pretty much all she did at school.

Digger leaned down so he was looking straight at her. “It sounds weird, but Copycats need to always be themselves.”

“But you spend half your day as a dog!”

“Yes, because I need to.”

“But why do you need to?” she pressed.

Digger stood up. “I just do.” It was clear that subject was closed. “When you go to school tomorrow, focus on your thoughts, your memories. Don’t worry about anyone else. If you start to feel like you’re about to change, go to the washroom until the feeling passes. It doesn’t last long if you haven’t changed.”

Gigi jumped in. “In the beginning, you’ll be like a foal learning to walk, Alison. Everything will feel awkward. But the most important thing to remember is to not use your powers against other people or for gain.”

“What does that mean?”

“Some of us use our abilities for personal gain or for horrible reasons. And we have more than our fair share of thieves. There is a rumor that Jack the Ripper was a Copycat.”

The hair on the back of Ali’s arms stood up.

“It’s a lot to take in,” said Digger, anxious to change the subject. “In the end, we have to live by the same rules as Constants: be kind, don’t hurt other people, and don’t take what you don’t need. And for your own safety, don’t let anyone know you have these abilities.”

“But you told Mom when you met her.”

“Not for quite a while, and not until I was sure I could trust her. People can’t always be trusted. . . .” His voice trailed off.

Ali sensed there was an untold story, but given Digger’s personality, it was unlikely she’d ever learn what had happened. It occurred to her that she didn’t need to know the details. Just thinking of the horrified expression on Cassie’s face was proof enough that Digger was right. But she wouldn’t dwell on that tonight. Not when she’d just discovered that her new skills were also fun. She was itching to change into something else. “Can I turn into something and show Mom?”

Digger beamed.

Ten minutes later, Hermione Granger and her dog joined Ali’s mother in the kitchen.

“What am I going to do with you two?” her mother asked. “I am now officially outnumbered in this house.”

Gigi, who had hobbled down behind Ali and Digger, shook her head. “Nope—it’s even steven, Ginger. I haven’t changed in years.”

Ali morphed back. “Don’t worry, Mom. I don’t think I’m going to be running around as someone else all the time like Digger does.”