"Vlad Jr., why do I feel like teacher's late today?" Drake said suspiciously, chewing on his tiny fingers one by one as if counting each minute that passed.
Vlad Jr., who was sitting properly in his chair with the air of a little nobleman, pulled out a miniature antique pocket watch from his bag and clicked it open. "Because teacher is late. Exactly ten minutes and thirty-four seconds late," he said seriously, tapping the glass with his small hand.
"I knew it! I knew it!" Boo cried dramatically, spinning midair with his arms flailing. His transparent ghost tail puffed with frustration. "This is how it starts! First she's late and next thing you know—she's kidnapped by Professor Egg!"
"Professor Hobb," Vlad Jr. corrected patiently, closing his watch with a soft click.
"Egg! Hob! Same thing!" Boo said angrily, puffing his tiny cheeks.
