"I will make a note."

“Is this how you got in last time?”

“Yep,” says Meg, slowly lowering herself to the floor of the sealed section of the Pynchplum Library. It’s night outside. The dusty shelves, loaded with ancient books, tower high over your heads. “That window’s easy to jimmy open.”

“What are you looking for, exactly?”

“Any other books on controlling demons we can find. There must be a way to take over somebody else’s demon once they’ve summoned it.”

“I’ve had it done to me once or twice. But it’s not easy.”

“We don’t have a choice.” The floorboards creak under Meg’s feet as she creeps cautiously through the library shelves, scanning titles for any word that could indicate they might be helpful. “I can’t volunteer for another demonstration! Amy said next week she’s going to show the whole class what a scold’s bridle is!”

“What’s a scold’s bridle?”

“I don’t know!”

“Just be extra careful. I know you got in easy last time, but it’s possible Amy’s added extra magical protection since last time. I did my best to shield you with my magic, but if those wards have somehow failed, she might just possibly be able to detect we’re here!”

“Really?” says Amy. She’s standing about a foot behind the pair of you. Meg jumps a mile in the air. “How?”

“Just ordinary detection magic. Happy to take you through it.”

“Thank you, Sitri. That’s very thoughtful. I will make a note.”