"Suborned? You can do that to them? With what?"

"The cards are willing to work with me, even though I'm not their master. A powerful enough sorcerer could have manipulated the book; no one else could repeat what Clow did, but corrupting the book after it was made, that's different."

"Yiiikes. Okay, yes, this makes me want to learn magic even more."

"If you're sure you're up for teaching her..."

"You think I can't do it?"

"I'll tell your uncle you want his help, then."

"Works for me. You call him, me and-."

He pauses.

"Uh. Sorry, I don't think I got your name."

"Oh. Sadde. I didn't catch yours either I don't think."

"Victoria," she interrupts, offering her hand.

"And my son Alistair."

She shakes Victoria's hand. "Nice to meet you two!"

"Would you like some cookies? I can set some to bake while you two study."

"We should go to my room, so we can practice without you hovering."

"You can go to your uncle's room, he'll be here soon enough."

"Cookies sound like a great idea, if they're not too much trouble," she says, trying to defuse whatever Victoria must've imagined Alistair would be up to in his room with her.

"Of course not, they were my suggestion. Chocolate chip is generally a crowd-pleaser, any objections?

"None whatsoever."

"Then I'll get started. Alistair, you can set up some teaching materials in Kit's room while Sadde helps me with baking."

"I could do that."

He glances at Sadde.

"Sure, sounds like fun," even though it's not quite as much fun as being alone in a room with this cute boy would be, she does not say. It probably wouldn't, anyway, they'd do magic and stuff.

So Alistair goes upstairs.

Victoria would like some help gathering ingredients, and Sadde can mix the dry ingredients while she handles the wet ones. The process is much quicker with two.

Sadde is quite practiced at making food, and is a quick learner to boot.

Then they will soon have cookies.

But not before a man arrives and kisses his wife.

"Hello. It's always nice when Alistair brings home friends. My name is Chris, though I'd prefer Mr. Argent in front of my son."

"Chris, dear, this is Sadde. She's waiting for Kit and Alistair to teach her magic."