Galloglass by Scarlett Thomas

Author:Scarlett Thomas [Scarlett Thomas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canongate Books
Published: 2019-01-31T16:00:00+00:00

‘I need some fashion advice,’ said JP to Lexy, when Marcel and Hazel had left. ‘I can’t decide on my lecture outfit. I’ve brought tweeds, robes and an ancient academic gown that may have been nibbled here and there by moths, alas. What do you think?’

‘I have to go and do my homework,’ said Lexy, turning towards the stairs.

‘Homework? But there’s no school next week, I believe?’

‘I have my evening class on Monday.’

‘Your evening class.’ JP raised an eyebrow. ‘Didn’t have those in my day. What do you learn?’

‘Nothing important,’ said Lexy.

As they’d been speaking, JP had been moving closer to Lexy, and she’d been moving backwards. She now found herself sort of clinging to the bannisters at the bottom of the stairs while JP loomed over her.

‘I think perhaps you learn magic in this class,’ he said.

‘Well—’

‘You don’t have to hide it from me, you know. I’m magical as well.’

‘Right.’

‘Of course, I expect you’re still a Neophyte. I, however, am a Master.’

‘That’s nice,’ said Lexy. ‘But I actually need to—’

Jupiter Peacock now put his arm around Lexy in the way a friend might if they wanted to tell you a secret. But friends didn’t normally squeeze each other quite this hard. As JP began speaking again Lexy could feel his hot breath on her cheek.

‘You must know that magical people don’t keep secrets from one another. We epiphanised folk trust one another.’

‘I know,’ said Lexy. ‘But I really do have to—’

‘Do you want to see some magic now?’ said JP.

‘Not really,’ said Lexy, wriggling out from under JP’s oppressive embrace. ‘No offence, but—’

‘Your homework, I know.’ JP held up his hands in mock surrender. ‘Well, if you come upstairs and help me choose my outfit, I promise I won’t bother you any more after that.’

‘All right,’ said Lexy, sighing. ‘But please can we agree that it will only take five minutes? I really, really need to do some work.’

‘Agreed,’ said JP, starting to walk up the stairs. ‘Although I thought you’d be more fun to babysit than this. I’d imagined we might try on some outfits, then maybe bake some brownies, do a bit of magic, watch an unsuitable film, toast marshmallows . . . Anyway, we’ll start with the outfits and then maybe you’ll loosen up a bit and join in with some other fun activities. Perhaps I’ll show you some magic anyway. Magic that involves the sacrifice of a small kitten perhaps? Haha! Only joking.’

Lexy followed JP up the stairs. Why was she doing what he was telling her? Because he had promised to leave her alone after this. But did she believe him? Not really. Why was she just so weak all the time? OK, he’d given her no actual choice, but even so.

Lexy felt sick inside. This kind of thing surely wouldn’t happen to her friends. Effie would pull a sword on anyone who tried to make her do something she didn’t want to do. Raven would say something kind but firm and then get on her broomstick and fly away.

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