Austin's confidence wavered as the professor spoke. If he thought one dummy about to give a bear hug was hard, then this was going to be a nightmare. Instead of just a fatal blow to the neck or torso, he had to actually get away from a dummy. At this rate they were going to have to fight off each other. Which was worse than the dummies. A real person meant actually getting hurt. And the professor wouldn't let these things hurt them... right?

He wasn't so sure.

The teen was all about potions. Sure the wrong thing could mean an explosion. But the worst harm was the loss of eyebrows. A potion didn't reach out and try to break your wrist. Potions were safe. And as everyone lined up across from the dummies, Austin was wishing to be across from his cauldron.

He gulped and stood his ground, hoping to regain some of his confidence.