Note: This is a revamp of my other story about a carnival coming to the academy. That story was just going to be for fun but I just wanted to get it finished and so, well, it wasn't that great. For some reason I couldn't get in and edit it so I'm just going to rewrite it because, it was just that bad. To make it a bit better I added a real threat, some real show drama, and basically made it a lead in to the real story I wanted to write about HB. I owed this revamp to you but more to myself because I am not that lazy. Also, look for more fanfiction action from me in the near future.

"….and the second years are once again distracted and very badly behaved indeed," clamored Constance Hardbroom. "This is even worse than the summer holiday fiasco and if we don't do something immediately I strongly feel that this whole school will be out of control. You heard me say it before headmistress, but it starts with undone bootlaces and…"

"Turns into gang warfare?" said Miss Drill, who had been waiting patiently at the door way to the staff room this whole time.

"Mmm yes, precisely"

"Well, Miss Cackle," Miss Drill began slowly, "I think I may have a solution to the problem." At this Miss Hardbroom rolled her eyes but kept dangerously quiet.

"Yes Miss Drill? What is it this time, more physical fitness or perhaps another play?" Miss Cackle also looked doubtful.

"No, a carnival"

Miss Hardbroom jumped up immediately to protest so Imogen spoke quickly. "Honestly headmistress, we just received a flyer about a fun fair coming in the area and I thought it would be a brilliant outing for the girls. I know some people in this room won't agree but the solution to the rabid distraction isn't assigning them more homework. Indeed, we saw what that did (here she looked rather pointedly at Constance). I think giving them a break will refresh them, give them a change of pace, and prepare them to take their finals." She sat down in the chair with a flourish, having finished her speech.

As Miss Cackle rested her chin in between her forefinger and thumb, Miss Hardbroom didn't wait to speak out.

"That is a most repulsive idea! The last thing we need is to give Mildred Hubble and company free reign outside the castle: eating sweets, playing jokes, and other general immoral behavior."

Miss Drill simply looked at Miss Cackle, refusing to indulge Constance.

"What they need to do is improve in their spell work," Constance said in a matter of fact tone, "Now, I have devised a brilliant Saturday morning class to make certain that they do not fall behind."

"Magic!!" Miss Drill couldn't remain still. "I understand they need to learn how to be witches but sometimes, Constance Hardbroom, there is more to being a witch than being about to make a potion or cast a spell. The girls need to learn how to relate to each other, how to be leaders, how to set goals, and, yes, have some darn fun once in a while. They are just girls. They absolutely need to go!"

With fire in her eyes Constance said, "They are not just girls, they are young witches and even though I don't doubt those qualities are important, a witch isn't a witch if she can't cast a spell."

"I see, so my classes are all irrelevant, is that what you are saying?"

Constance started to say something, but apparently thought the better of it and shut her mouth determinedly.

Miss Cackle finally felt like it was time to intervene. "Imogen, you know you are a valued member of the staff; I would not have hired a PE teacher if we didn't need one. And while I think Constance has a point, their parents are paying for the girls to learn spells and potion making, I also highly agree with you that the girls need to learn how to be strong independent moral (she added this as Constance hmmed on the word independent) women. In light of the current problem we are discussing, however, I feel that more potion classes are simply not going to get the response we want. No, even though it may seem dangerous, I think the girls do need a break."

"Miss Cackle!!"

"Constance, if it will make you feel any better, perhaps we can offer an ultimatum; the girls can only go to the fair if they are good for the entire week. No fights, no trouble, and diligence in their potion making."

Constance sighed, "Yes, well that does make it better, but if anyone gets into trouble or pulls a prank…."

"Then no one goes." Miss Cackle stated. Miss Hardbroom looked satisfied, Miss Bat looked satisfied (she had been experimenting on a new frog leg tart all this time), and Miss Drill looked quite pleased.


A few miles outside the school a witch in a blue and black robe stirred a large black cauldron. Another witch stood by her, holding a large yellow potion book.

"But mistress," proclaimed the witch holding the potion book, "how can we be sure that the girls will come to the carnival? You know that Constance Hardbroom will never let them go."

"Simple, I put a spell of longing on that paper. Whichever teacher picks up the faculty mail will be certain to argue until the faculty lets the girls go because that teacher will want to go so badly. If that doesn't work we can at least get the girls to sneak out of the school and come by giving them the same flyers. And don't worry about Constance Hardbroom; I know how to make her suffer. Are you doubting my ability to cast a spell?"

"No mistress," Both witches murmured.

"That's right, you shouldn't, because we will gain control of the academy for once and for all."


Note: okay raise your hand if you know who the three witches are. Yep, I know it's expected but, from me at least, always expect the unexpected.