“Somehow, despite everything you’ve shown me, it’s still the horse I find the most mind-boggling. And not even because he’s a horse, but because we will have a gym teacher called Captain Lightspeed,” Phil said laughing loudly as he passed said horse another tray of tarts.


    “Yes, well, we can’t all have such great names as Phil,” Ethel replied, laughing herself. The dinner had gone off perfectly so far, thanks in no small part to Cal being in a galaxy far, far away. The adults were here to handle matters now.


    “So Phil, you’re really okay helping us train these kids,” Sarah asked, looking at the man.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    “I am. Is it still beyond eye-opening to realize I live in a world of magic? Yes, it very much is. But I would be remiss if I failed to help children when they needed me,” he answered.


    “A talking dog convinced me my job was evil and that by surrendering and following her back here, I could atone for the mistakes I’ve made. So, uh, you might have had a bit less of a strange entrance into this world than I did,” Hank Randolph said. In the end Ethel had decided to accept all three of Bug’s suggestions, mostly because she trusted the dog, but partially because the staff would be needed.


    “Alfred?” Phil asked.


    “No, Bug. Have you met yet?” Hank replied.


    “I haven’t,” Phil answered.


    “You will, but as she won’t be one of the main staff members, I had her skip tonight’s meal,” Ethel explained.