Thank you to anyone who read the last chapter! I'd love to hear what you think of this one. :)
No response. Again. How odd, never have I known Hiccup to ignore my mirror calls. For Hecate knew of Pippa's distaste for the mirror form of communication; the friendly witch always preferred to talk face to face, usually with the aid of a transference spell. However, she didn't want to interrupt Hecate's work by turning up unannounced, hence the need for a mirror call. Yet Hecate had once again not answered, and Pippa was left sitting rather deflated in her office, a small frown lingering on her pink lips. She was already under an immense amount of pressure - not being able to see or speak to the one witch who knew her best added another unsettling weight to her shoulders. Sighing, Pippa called the only other witch who might have some idea as to where Hecate had gotten to.
With a sudden flash, the screen of Ada Cackle's mirror came to life. Gracefully putting down her cup of tea and weekly paper, Ada answered the call with a gentle smile.
"Well met Miss Cackle." An ever-glamourous Pippa slightly bowed her head, the worry clear in her tone.
"Well met Miss Pentangle. Please call me Ada, we've known each other too long for such formalities!"
"Agreed. Call me Pippa. Anyways, sorry to interrupt you but I've been desperately trying to get in touch with Hic-Hecate, only to have no response." Pippa's quickly corrected herself. She knew from years of experience how private Hecate was and the witch didn't want to break her confidence by revealing their private pet names. Anyways, Pippa rather liked their little secrets.
"Ah yes, that could be an issue. She is currently predisposed helping to coordinate the...renovation of the East Wing." Little did Pippa know that Hecate was in fact trying to reverse Agatha's anhiliation spell earlier revealed by Mildred, in an attempt to prevent the whole school from collapsing. Ada despaired just thinking about it. "Anything I can help with?"
Pippa shook her head, the sadness and worry clear in her hazel eyes. "It's rather a desperate situation. One of our students has ingested a dangerous potion and now he cannot stop violently hiccuping. We have no idea was was added to the potion. We have tried everything we can think of, from reversal spells to wellbeing potions - however, nothing is working. I am at a loss how to help this poor young boy." Pippa took a breath, nervously drumming her manicured fingers against the desk. "As I'm sure you are well aware, none of my staff are gifted specilaistics in potions." Ever since the beginning of witchcraft, specialisms have been in existence. They can run in families or are occasionally a random mutation. Most teachers own some sort of gift; for instance, Ada was a specialist in casting protective spells, Pippa in transformation spells and Dimity in broomstick control.
"Ah, now I see why you needed Miss Hardbroom." Ada replied - there was good reason why Hecate was such a proficient potions teacher.
"Indeed. She is the only witch I know with the rare gift of potions. I witnessed her extradonaily skills for potions many times in our childhood." For a moment, Pippa was transported back to St Hubbard's, the school where both witches had attended. Both were in love with potions, but for very different reasons; Pippa adored the beauty of each individual ingredient combining to create something truly magical, whereas Hecate had always appreciated the set in stone nature of potions. There was never any room for error. "As a result, I mirrored to ask whether we could borrow Hecate for only a couple of days - I can personally promise to take great care of her."
"Of that I am in no doubt." Ada agreed, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "Despite this, we will be needing her for a little while longer - as soon as we can afford to 'loan' her out, as it may be, she is yours."
"Thankyou so much Ada. My students and a few of my staff are in such a tiz over the whole debacle, I'd really appreacite any help at all."
"Understandable. Goodbye now Pippa."
"Goodbye Ada."
As the mirror glass returned to its clear state, Ada smiled. She couldn't wait to tell Hecate the good news - last time Pippa had visited, Ada could feel the warmth and happiness radiating off the usually controlled potions teacher like waves. Humming, Ada blissfully returned to her tea and newspaper.
—
A short while later, as Ada was pouring herself some more tea, Hecate transferred into her office.
"Ah Hecate. Just the witch I was hoping to see. Would you like some tea?" Ada offered, a glint in her eye.
"No thankyou. I just came to say that all is going to plan. Miss Bat, Mr Roman-Webb and I have been checking every stone. I've also put Miss Drill in charge of the Year 1s."
"Good news. Sounds like everything is going as well as it can be, given the circumstances."
"Indeed. For once, Mildred Hubble's nonsense has actually been, dare I say, useful." With a slight roll of the eyes, Hecate raised her hand, poised to transfer back over to the East Wing.
"Oh Hecate-"
"Yes?"
"Just before you go, I've been meaning to ask you something. Miss Pentangle mirrored me earlier-" At even the mention of Pippa's name, Hecate stood up a little straighter, her tight lips loosening into the smallest of smiles. "And she asked me if you could visit Pentangles, as they've had something of a potion problem."
"What about the East Wing?"
"I will take care of my sister's doing, don't worry. Pentangles needs you Hecate, and I know Pippa would love having you." As Ada peered kindly over her half moon glasses, Hecate's heart began to hammer against her ribs. She felt crimson flush across her pale cheeks as her breathing became shallower. Does she know? She can't. But she is Ada...does she know? Hecate worried, trying and failing miserably to get emotions under control. As always, clenching her fists right, nails digging into her palms, helped centre her. "Hecate?" Ada asked, her eyes full of concern. Althoguh rare, it still frightened the kind witch whenever her deputy got into these states - and they had always surrounded Pippa Pentangle. She decided not to push any further.
"Y-yes." Hecate breathed, her spine still taught. "Thankyou Miss Cackle." Without another thought, Hecate raised her arm and transferred into her private bedchambers.
Carefully placing her broomstick on her bed, Hecate packed a few items: silky, black robes, the purple pyjamas she knew Pippa loved, some essential potion ingredients. With a sudden urgency, Hecate surveyed her room until she found what she was looking for. Medicinal and Magical Flora by Merle Hitchcrook. As she tucked the book between her robes, Hecate smiles at the private memory. She would never go anywhere without this book. It was far too special.
After applying some more lipstick (the pinkest one she owned), Hecate perched on her broom and made sure her belongings were secure before slowly flying through the open window into the cold evening air. Although usually choosing to transfer everywhere, the brunette had decided to fly to Pentangles; it was only around an hour on the broom and there was little Hecate loved more than riding over the beautiful valleys. She had to admit that the scenery surrounding Pentangles was breathtaking - not so different from the headmistress, Hecate noted.
—
When Hecate had finally arrived at the Pentangles ground, the amber sun was just setting against the valleys. Golden streaks had tempted Hecate to stay longer in the air, just to watch the sunset - however the thought of seeing Pippa was, as always, more pursuasive than anything else.
Setting down her broomstick, the brunette was brushing down her flying cloak when she heard an unmistakable squeal. Just as Hecate looked up, she was bombarded by a huge hug.
"You came!" Pippa squealed into Hecate's ear, her dainty arms tight round the witch's waist.
"Of course." A slight grimace flitted across Hecate's face - she wished she'd been so reliable and sure of herself instead of causing Pippa to wonder whether she would let her down again.
"Oh Hiccup, thankyou."
"Always." Hecate murmured. Slowly, she extracted herself from Pippa's tight grip. Admittedly, she wanted to stay there for much longer; however, she was afraid her heart would jump out of her chest had she stayed any longer. "Sorry."
"Don't apologise darling." Pippa knew, even from childhood, how Hecate struggled with a lot of physical contact. Her parents had never shown her much love; in their house, academics presided over everything and anything else. Pippa's heart dropped whenever Hecate said sorry to her - she always sounded so upset and disappointed with herself. Thinking about Hecate's childhood made Pippa want to cry. Shaking her head slightly, Pippa gracefully waved her hand to transport Hecate's belongings to Pentangles nicest guest room.
"So what's this situation that you needed me so desperately for, Pipsqueak?" Hecate smirked. As always, her signature sarcasm didn't go unappreciated by the blonde, who giggled as they began to walk towards Pentangles. Pippa absentmindedly linked their arms together and Hecate didn't even dream of pulling away.
"I assume Ada didn't say anything...?" Pippa asked, gazing up at the imposing castle she called home.
"She only mentioned a 'potion problem'."
"It is indeed that. A few days ago, one of our Year 2 boys inhaled a supposedly simple singing potion that he and his friends were brewing." Frowning, Pippa opened the large front doors with a click of her fingers. "Clearly something went wrong as he hasn't been able to stop hiccuping since."
Hecate quirked her eyebrow, a small smirk playing on her lips. "So you called me...because of my nickname?" Sarcasm dripped from her velvet voice.
"Not exactly." Pippa creased her brow. "This is no ordinary hiccuping potion. Noah is genuinely ill and seems to be gettting worse. He's struggling to breathe and we've tried everything: pausing spells, well-being chants, potion reversal...nothing's working!"
"Pipsqueak, it'll be okay. I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this. Is there any leftover potion?" Hecate asked, gently leading Pippa down the corridors.
"Yes, I saved some for you. Darling I fear you are our last chance to help him." Blonde curls cascading down her shoulders, the witch lowered her head in shame. She felt like she'd not only let Noah down, but the whole school. She just prayed Hecate would once again know what to do. "He's in the Infirmary, which is just down this corridor." As Pippa naturally snuggled closer to the brunette, Hecate gently placed her thump atop her hand and slowly, tentatively stroked. I am here and I finally have the chance to help her. I will not run away and I will certainly not let her down.
Closing her eyes, Hecate slowly shifted her hands through the air, feeling the magic surrounding the young wizard. She was concentrating on trying to find the focus of the rather distracting hiccups that continued to escape the boy.
"Pippa, I'm going to take a look at the offending potion." Hecate murmured to the blonde standing close to her right. The hiccups seemed to be coming from everywhere: his heart, brain, liver and anywhere else. Every time Noah hiccuped, a wave of vibrations tumbled through the air; this at least gave Hecate a little comfort as at least she knew it was magic causing these problems. That she could work with. However, the brunette had never liked hospitals. Pippa knew that and a warmth filled her eyes as she responded.
"Certainly. I've left a small vial of it on your desk. Please transfer to me if you need anything at all." With a curt nod, Hecate transferred to her guest room.
—
Before she could start analysing the potion, Hecate felt the need to grow more accustomed to her new surroundings. Looking around the guest room, she couldn't believe her eyes; every molecule of this room and it's contents were so perfectly suited to her. A beautifully ornate broomstick was carefully balanced atop the most breathtaking bookshelf Hecate had ever seen. Imposing mahognhy adorned with intricate vines and ivy leaves. Vintage editions of all Hecate's favourite books, from potion books to travel encyclopaedia, lay on the shelves, just begging to be read. Touches of purple and dark green - Hecate's two most favourite colours - tinted the room, from the royal cushions to the delicate ink quills. Rather strangely, the brunette felt like she was in a dream; never had she felt so known. All her life, Hecate had felt like she'd needed to hide her emotions, let alone her personal feelings and things she was most passionate. Of all the witches in the world, she had only shown her true self to one - Pippa Pentangle. And Hecate knew she wasn't likely to make that mistake again, seeing as the last time she had felt such strong, overwhelming emotions towards Pippa that she thought it was better for her to abandon her best friend than actually acknowledge what she was feeling. Love. Not now. Pull yourself together. You can't let her down. Again.
Gripping the desk, Hecate's knuckles turned white as she steadied her breathing and controlled her heart rate. After what felt like hours, the witch sat down and gently opened the vial. Pouring a small amount of the green, flowing liquid onto a nearby watch glass, Hecate decided what she would do. She'd start by comparing the ingredients to an ordinary singing potion recipe, and then try to identify the remaining incorrect ingredients. Despite this, potion reversals were easier said than done; during the brewing of a potion, the ingredients bind together and, due to the strong magic, can often become indecipherable. Hecate felt her strong magic and gift for potions rush through her blood and knew she had no choice but to do this, no matter how long it took.
First, Hecate closed her eyes and focused solely on the aroma of the potion. Strong, heady aromas of hollyhock seeds paired with fairy wings swirled in the air, followed by the lingering scent of nux oil. She could hear the distinct scream of mandrake roots and ribbits of a frog tongue. Hecate noted to herself that all the ordinary singing potion ingredients were there and they worked in perfect harmony - the lack of dissonance told the witch that they were each used in the right amount. As a result, a foreign ingredient must be the culprit. Hecate frowned slightly as she felt the mandrake roots twist and writhe in the cold air. There was something about them that didn't feel right. They felt too...slimy. Too slippery. With a start, Hecate opened her eyes - slime of a slug! Even the smallest drop of the slime would've contaiminated this potion; the boys must've done it by accident. This is what happens when the power is potions is not respected.
With a delicate click of the fingers, Hecate transferred Pippa into her room.
"I hope this is ok-"
"Hiccup it's absolutely fine. How may I help?" Pippa smiled before approaching the desk, placing her arm gently around Hecate's shoulders.
"Well.." Hecate hesitated, trying to keep the smile off her face. As always, it was impossible to control her emotions around the blonde witch. "Pipsqeuak I figured it out!"
"Oh darling I knew you would! That brain of yours really is spectacular." Pippa squealed, gently tapping Hecate's temple. A faint blush crept up her neck - Pippa's touch alone was amazing, but her compliments never failed to overwhelm Hecate. She rarely heard them growing up and she'd always associated praise and feeling appreciated with being around Pippa. It was an unusual but wondrous sensation. "So what was the problem?"
"It was a perfect singing potion up until they added a drop of slime of a slug. Then it turned into a mixture of the singing and weather potion."
"Oh dear!" Pippa groaned, a smile on her glossy lips. She was so relieved that it wasn't more serious; using the weather antidote, Noah would be fighting fit within a week. "And I suppose, as they didn't chant the weather incantation, Noah had thunder trapped inside his body, which would explain the hiccups! Oh darling you really are clever. Please wait here whilst I just pop and tell the nurse!"
For a few moments the blonde disappeared, leaving Hecate to begin unpacking her belongings. She was already starting to feel at home here (Pippa was very good at that) and decided she may as well hang up her flying robes. As she unfolded the robes, she unsheathed her precious book and placed it carefully on the bed.
"You kept it." Pippa whispered, making Hecate jump. As ever, Pippa's transferrence spells were silent and extremely skilful. "All this time."
"Y-yes." Hecate replied, her voice wavering with uncertanity. Is she happy? Or upset at another reminder of how close we once were, before I ruined it all? "It has always been my most treasured gift."
Tears welled in Pippa's large eyes as she placed her hand on the worn book. Pictures of Hecate sitting in front of the fire, thumbing through the pages over and over, filled her mind. Happy nostalgia overtook the blonde; when they were best friends, Pippa was always the only one to ever get Hecate presents. When she had spotted this book of plants, filled with the most exquisite illustrations, she immediately knew how much Hecate would love it.
"Oh darling. I know I've said it before, but I really and truly have missed you Hiccup."
"And I you Pipsqueak. This book, it has always reminded me of you. Delicate. Elegant." Hecate murmured, her voice barely audible. It had taken an extraordinary amount of courage to put her thoughts into words; she could barely lift her head to look at Pippa, scared to see how she might react. She had always loved her illustrations, but the fact that Pippa had brought it for her, knowing for well she'd love it, made the book priceless.
"H-Hiccup!" Pippa sobbed, tears falling down her porcelain cheeks. Hecate looked up suddenly, her eyes filled with sadness. I've done it again. But, as a huge smile lit up Pippa's lips, Hecate's frown only deepened. Seeing her confusion only made Pippa laugh more. "Darling I'm not upset! I'm just very happy to have you here." She placed a warm hand atop Hecate's arm. However, seeing the blush creep up the witch's necks, Pippa decided she didn't want to overwhelm Hecate. "Are you ready for dinner?"
"C-could we stay here a little while longer?" Hecate whispered into Pippa's halo of blonde curls.
"Of course Hiccup." Gently resting her head on Hecate's shoulder, she placed both hands atop Hecate's arm and closed her eyes, letting a familiar feeling of comfort wash over her. Both women would've happily stayed for hours, years, forever. How beautiful it was to finally be reunited.
