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Tick stared at the shiny gold ornae placed the chain over his head like he’d just won an Oly on his chain, bringing it close to his eyes for a better look It was a miniature replica of a Barrier Wand, dials and all, solid and heavy

"Be sure and wear thee said as he stepped back in front of the group "No need to go around advertising you’re a member of the most important society in the world Plenty of enemies about"

As Tick tucked the Wand pendant under his scarf and shirt, feeling the cold hardness war out small pieces of thick paper to each of the kids "These are your official membership cards, so don’t lose them"

Tick accepted his, a stiff brown card that siinbottom, Realitant Second Class"

"Whoa," Paul said "No one will mess with us now I’ll just whip this puppy out and they’ll run like scared dogs"

"Very funny, younghis chubby arms "You just be sure and hold onto your Wand pendant and that card--you’ve earned thee said "And noe ins with an A, so let’s send you off first"

Tick’s stomach leaped into his throat "Um, okay" He stepped forward

"Wait a second," Paul said "We need a send-off to pump us up" He held his hand out to the middle of the circle

Tick joined hie chuckled and put his hand out, too Rolling her eyes, Sofia finally did as well

"Go Realitants!" Paul yelled He groaned at everyone else’s half-hearted atteuys need more team spirit"

"Please tell me we don’t have to do that every tireed "I think I’m with Sofia on that"

Paul looked devastated "She’s corrupted you"

Tick shrugged "It is kind of corny" He paused, grinning "Dude"

Master George cleared his throat "Time to be off Atticus, step up here, please"

Tick did so, adjusting the tattered and soppy scarf that clung to his neck like a frightened ferret Mothball began the good-byes

"Best of luck, little sir," she said, leaning down to give hiin’ ya a nice tall girlfriend from the Fifth, I will Better than a short fat one from the Eleventh, don’t ya think?" She winked and stepped back

"See ya, big guy," Rutger said, reaching up to pat Tick on the elbow "Sorry about all the rock-throwing"

Tick laughed "No problem"

"Later, dude," Paul said next "See ya on the e-mail"

"Definitely"