Taken Over (10 page)

‘Come, then!' Von Strasser called and clicked his horse forward.

‘Can Boris come too?' Jasper added quickly.

‘Of course,' said Von Strasser.

‘It's about Boris,' Jasper began, when they were all outside the food hall, away from the teachers and prefects.

Von Strasser nodded. ‘Already done. It's what I came to tell you, in fact,' he winked. ‘Welcome to Monstrum House, Boris.' Von Strasser held his arms wide in welcome. ‘I have already switched your enrolment details. You've more than proven your ability to think outside the square, and shown that you know when to follow your gut rather than orders. And, of course, your bravery and strength will be useful as a monster-hunter.'

Boris blinked.

‘Well?' Saffy asked impatiently. ‘Do you want to hunt monsters or not?'

Boris's smile was all the answer they needed.

‘Good, good, a new recruit. Excellent. Just what we need. Of course, you should be a year behind these three,' said Von Strasser looking closely at Boris. ‘But you seem to have learnt quite a bit already. And I think with some extra tutorials, you'll be able to start as a second-year student, given your age and experience.'

Boris grinned even wider. ‘That would be awesome, sir.'

Jasper thumped Boris on the back. Felix hugged him, and Saffy grinned.

It was going to be a great year at Monstrum House.