(This story is set about six or seven years after the events in The Pinhoe Egg. It will be based of the settings and events in Charmed Life, The Pinhoe Egg and possibly some other Chrestomanci books.)
Cat walked into Chrestomanci's office and was rewarded with the sight of a splendid forest green dressing gown covered with leaves.
"Cat" he said, "I'm glad you're here. I have some news for you." Cat wasn't surprised by this. Ever since he had turned sixteen Chrestomanci had been summoning Cat to his office for help with whatever misuse of magic Chrestomanci needed help with. Now that Cat was older, Chrestomanci deemed it appropriate that Cat accompany him to learn practical, on the spot magic. However, Cat still had lessons on Enchanter's magic with Marianne most afternoons.
"Who's misusing magic this time?" Asked Cat. "Is it the Warlocks in Underhelm again?"
"Not this time, they got the message after I threatened to remove their magic. No, it has nothing to do with misuse of magic. I am going on holiday."
"Oh." Said Cat, wondering what this had to do with him.
"Yes, for three weeks to the south of France. Just Millie and I."
"What does this have to do with me?"
"I expect you to cover for me while I'm away. Michael Saunders and the other staff will be helping you, but as you're the only nine life Enchanter around, so you'll have to help." Cat nodded his head in agreement. He was prepared for something like this to happen. After all, Chrestomanci was getting old, not that old, but sign of age were appearing on his face. His hair was still as black and perfectly smooth as ever, but Cat knew that it was thinning.
As Cat left the study, he though about how he had changed. Cat himself was also older, no longer a boy but not quite a adult. He had spent nearly nine years at the castle now, and had come to love the place. He no longer spent all his time in the school room, but was free to do what he wished, when he was not helping Chrestomanci or other members of the household. Or spending time with Marianne. Cat and Marianne had become very close over the years, forming a bond due to their similar magic. Marianne got on well with the other girls, but never was as close with them as Cat.
The children at Chrestomanci Castle, though they could hardly be called that now, still got along well. Rodger and Joe spent all their time inventing, often to he vexation of Michael Saunders, as they were always late for lessons. The flying machine that was once a few tables, two bikes and a stool was now better than ever. After many prototypes, remakes and accidents, it was finally safe to fly, and deeply impressed the wizards of the royal patents office in London. It still used dwimmer, but no longer required a dead ferret. The frame was wooden, with metal joinings and seats, and was similar to early aircrafts in world Twelve B. But Roger and Joe had been busy with much more than that, when they were able to decide on what to make.
Julia and Janet were as close as ever, and one they were older would spend time in the village eyeing off the boys there, many of whom were intrigued by the girls of the castle. Unless they were Farleigh boys, who turned their backs on any who live in That Castle. For the Farleighs had never forgiven the Big Man for taking their magic. Once Julia had finished her schooling she went Italy, and was living in Casa Montana, and became good friends with Renata and Angelica Petrocchi. Janet was saddened by the loss of her friend, but spent a lot of time with Cat and Marianne, although looking forward to Julia's return. Janet still had no magical talent, but enjoyed learning about herb lore from the Pinhoes and Marianne.
Meanwhile the seventh pupil of the school room was still a child, although he was for too big for people to remember that. Klartch was a treasured inhabitant of the castle, even if the castle wasn't very griffin proof. Expansions to the schoolroom and Klartch's desk were required a few times, and he lived in the room below Cat's, even though it was only just big enough. Klartch had a fondness for history, and a great memory for names and dates. The other children found this very helpful when they were revising for tests, or writing history essays.
As Cat left the study, he bumped into Marianne.