They had to wait for several more minutes before Professor Rudolph finally decided to look at their newly groomed summons.
The students had gathered in the clearing, lined up with their familiars, each creature looking cleaner… or wetter than before.
Rudolph cleared his throat, tapping his staff on the ground.
"Well then… everyone has done rather well in tending to your familiars. I'll be judging them now."
His tired eyes scanned the group, pausing at every student and their companion.
The air was filled with soft growls, chirps, and squeaks as familiars preened or wagged their tails proudly.
He walked past Sylvia's immaculate Silverhain and did the same for Azel, paused to nod approvingly at Rain's carefully polished egg, and then stopped in front of a boy standing awkwardly near the center of the field.
The student had dirty blond hair and a streak of mud across his cheek.
He looked nervous, clutching the creature in his arms like a treasure.
