“I don’t think so, Doctor Finnell. I’m sorry but I have other visits to make,” Zoe said as she moved inside, keeping her eye on the man’s hands. “You are Hugo Smith’s guardian, correct?”
“Quite so,” he said as he shut the door. “He is just in the sitting room awaiting your visit. There was another matter I wanted to speak with you about, but that can wait until after you see to Hugo, I think. We will–”
He stopped. Just stopped and stared. His already wide eyes opened wider.
“Doctor Finnell?”
“That ring,” he said in a quiet voice, though the wide smile never left his face, “it is quite… eye-catching.”
Zoe frowned and took a step back, covering the ring with her thumb. “It’s just an old heirloom,” she lied.
“Is it? I’m a collector of antique metals. I don’t suppose… no.” Doctor Finnell shook his head. “I apologize for my distraction.” He gave a light tug at his apron and said, “I do need to finish dinner prep. I trust you can handle yourself?”
“It shouldn’t be long.” Zoe said with only a hint of hesitation.
He nodded and started towards the indicated sitting room door. His hand gripped her arm so suddenly, it was a miracle he didn’t wind up with a dagger in his stomach. “Hugo is,” he started. “Well, be patient with him.”
Zoe’s hand held her focus in a firm grip. “Is there something I need to know?”
“No, no.” He pulled away from her. “I’ll leave you to it. If you need anything, I’ll be right in the kitchen,” he said with a gesture towards the back of the house. He trod off to the back, leaving Zoe alone in the entryway.
Most parents liked to be present when their children were interviewed. Some, especially those without any magical background, would insist on sticking beside their children. They tended to ask more questions than the child in question.
Not many parents, magical or otherwise, would leave their children alone with a stranger they had never met before.
Still, it would be fewer questions. And he wouldn’t be in the room. Zoe didn’t like to be too judgmental, but the man gave off some creepy vibes.
Inside the sitting room, a little boy sat in the dead center of a three-seat couch. His back was straight with near perfect posture. He kept his hands right on his kneecaps as he stared straight ahead. He didn’t so much as glance up when Zoe entered the room.
“Hugo Smith?”
He blinked. His gaze turned up towards Zoe. “I am Hugo,” he said.
“My name is Zoe Baxter. Were you told why I came here today?”
He blinked again. His eyes unfocused, dilating slightly before returning to normal. “You are an instructor at a magical academy. You recruit students. I am a potential recruit.”
“Good,” Zoe said with a small smile. “Do you mind if I take a seat?”
“I do not mind.”
Zoe took a seat in a large, wingback chair that was angled to face the couch. She settled in and pulled an envelope from her breast pocket.
“I teach magical theory at Brakket Magical Academy. The academy is prepared to offer you a full ride scholarship. That means all food, board, and necessities will be paid for or provided. There is also a small monthly allowance for you to use as you choose.”
As Zoe spoke, Hugo’s eyes returned to their unfocused state. When she finished speaking, he blinked and nodded his head.
That must have been what Doctor Finnell was talking about.
“I understand,” he said.
“Good.” Zoe waited just a moment, but Hugo didn’t seem about to say anything. “Do you have any questions, Mr. Smith?”
“No, ma’am.”
“No wonders about magic or classes or teachers?”
A blink. “I am familiar with magic. Father uses magic.”
“Oh?” Zoe suppressed another frown. “You’ve watched him then?”
A nod and a blink. “Father uses magic to–”
“To assist with minor chores around the house.”
Zoe whirled around to where the voice had come from. She barely realized that she had drawn her focus until Doctor Finnell glanced down at it.
His wide grin didn’t falter in the slightest as he looked it over. If anything, it grew wider. “Do you always draw a dagger on people who startle you?”
“I apologize, Doctor Finnell.” Zoe quickly sheathed her dagger. “I didn’t hear you approach.”
“Quite alright, quite alright. In any case, I am a mage. Sadly, I have no formal education. I am very pleased that young Hugo has the opportunity to attend a proper institute.” His slate gray eyes turned towards Hugo for a moment before he looked back to Zoe. “Is he acceptable?”
“There aren’t any problems. We detected his magic, so that is no issue. So long as he wants to go, he’ll be accepted.” Zoe held out the envelope towards Doctor Finnell. “This contains some informational material as well as a plane ticket. One of my business cards is also within. If you tap it three times, I can come and answer any additional questions.”
He opened up and glanced through the packet. It didn’t last longer than reading a word or two on each piece of information. He folded it back up with a nod. “You’re leaving now? I had hoped you might change your mind about the meal.”
