Before James had much time to explore his new surroundings two familiar figures materialised across the room from him. One was a beautiful, naked young woman, the other a somewhat bedraggled old lady.
Melanie smiled warmly at James in a manner that instantly reassured him she wasn't upset at being brought here without her clothing. He had been worried she might have thought that was his idea rather than Elspeth's.
"Welcome to my real dwelling" Elspeth smiled, looking happy with herself at catching James by surprise yet again "I don't just invite anyone here so I hope you both feel suitably honoured."
"We do ma'am" Melanie answered for both of them, seeming to know how to handle Elspeth "it's stunning"
"I'm glad you think so" as Elspeth turned to face Melanie a wicked smile James recognised only to well played upon her lips. It seemed she had an idea involving the object of his affections.
"I tell you what, we have a bit of time to pass before dinner. How about we have some fun?" Elspeth suggested cryptically.
James and Mel both nodded. James looked nervous though Melanie seemed far less worried which reassured him a little.
"Melanie, would you be so kind as to sit on that table over there?" Elspeth gestured to a piece of furniture at the side of the room, not dissimilar to the one he had been made to sit on during class.
"Of course ma'am" the young woman nodded, apparently unphased by the request.
James gave Elspeth a quizzical look but said nothing. The old witch then waved a hand at him but, after a moment of panic, he realised nothing about him had changed. Nothing visible, at least.
"You were such a good sport in class today I think the students should pay you back in kind" Elspeth explained "as Melanie here is your preferred girl and the only one present she will represent the class as your transformation subject."
James' eyes widened in surprise, but he wasn't given the chance to interject.
"I have temporarily granted you some modest magical power and skill. About the level of an average member of my class" she continued "you will have time to transform your lady friend here a few times before dinner. As with my students, the choice of how you change her is entirely yours"
"But I don't want to" James lied. In fact something about the idea excited him in ways he didn't quite understand. But surely none of this was fair on Melanie and there was no way he was upsetting her over this.
"Yes, I know, she's perfect as she is" Elspsth rolled her eyes "don't be such a bore James. This is just a bit of fun. She'll be back to her normal, pretty self before the other guests arrive."
"It's fine, James" Melanie smiled from the desk where she was sitting casually and unconcerned "Me and the girls practice our spells on each other all the time outside of class. You'd have to be pretty inventive to think of something that hadn't been done to me already."
She paused gave him a look that almost seemed seductive.
"In fact I'd be interested to see what you do to me"
Ok, so it looked like he had Melanie's blessing for this. And it didn't seem Elspeth was giving him any choice anyway.
"Ok, so if you would like to approach the subject" Elspeth motioned for James to take his place for the first transformation. As he stood before Melanie she giggled at the seriousness of his expression. Clearly this was nothing to her.
"Whenever your ready" Elspeth nodded.
"Go ahead James, I'm all yours" Mel winked.
So he was really going to do this? But what should he do? What would Melanie prefer him to do and what would he like to do himself? There were so many possibilities.