The teen remembered last year, and how they almost came in first. It wasn't a great feeling knowing you came so far, only to have lost. He was determined to get them to first this year. When it was his turn, he grabbed a new chess set out of the box. He had played a few times against his dad, but their chess set was old. It was his mom's moms, and no one had taught the boys how to play. So, they were figuring it out together. Austin figured a new set would help things along.

As soon as Austin put the set next to his bag, Mr. Kitridge was unlocking the chest. Many people were panicking, but Austin was as calm as could be. The family had gone out and adopted one over the summer, mainly for his younger sister, but the rest of the family took care of it. Lucy was just happy to have a friend when Austin and his dad were busy with the pub. They weren't so bad. The one at home would even fall asleep as Lucy pulled it's fur into ponytails.

It was strange to see the creatures jump around and bite. Normally they were calm creatures, who would be happy at the site of people. And although Thornton's cheering charm did work, it didn't make any of them sit still. Thinking hard, Austin realized that that's what they needed. For the Puffs to sit still. He pulled his wand out of his leg holster and pointed it at the Puffs that Tornton had just calmed. Each time the tip of his wand found a puff target, he said "Immobulus." He made sure he was calm, so as not to restartled some of the puffs. Also taking extra care not to hit any of the students.