Fred Tries Again

The book's weight had increased by a factor of 125 (five cubed). Not surprisingly, Fred - who had been holding it as he recited the spell - dropped it. Luckily it missed his toes. Even more luckily, it missed Astra, as it would have squashed her flat.

Unfortunately, when Fred had dropped the book it had closed itself to minimise the risk of its being damaged by the fall. (Magical books know how to take care of themselves.) Fred found that it was now too large and heavy for him to open it again. "Not to worry," he told Astra. "The spell is quite straightforward and I can remember it perfectly. I'll just start again at the beginning."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Astra asked nervously. But Fred didn't hear her, because of her voice now being so soft. So he tried again.

1. Success. Astra is restored to her correct size.
2. Nothing happens. Fred can't have recited the spell quite perfectly.
3. It's just as well that the ceiling is now five times higher than it was originally, as Astra is turned into a giantess.
4. Astra is returned to her proper size, but unfortunately her hair grows so long that it all but reaches the floor.
5. Astra remains tiny. And now she has mouse ears and tail to go with her mouse size.

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