Authors Note: Well, hello again! I have finally decided that this fic is to be the sequel to the first fic that I wrote: "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide", so if there are a few references that don't seem fully explained in this next chapter, I promise you that they are mentioned in the other fic!
A huge thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far, plus an extra little mention for LongVodka for playing ping pong over names with me!
DISCLAIMER: I do not (unfortunately) own any of Jill Murphy's wonderful characters
Reviews always make my day!
"I have need of your eyes…"
The piercing whisper awoke her in the night, the familiar tones of the Mistress seeping into her dreams, dragging her harshly back through the many layers of sleep, calling her to wake and obey the unbreakable demands.
"Take me to her…"
The witch sat bolt upright in her bed, snapping to attention like a soldier on parade, her eyes wide and glassy at the presence of her commander, "I am yours, to command," she replied in the customary flat monotone, any option for independent thought long removed beneath the crushing control of the voice following the disastrous liaison with the unseen spirit. She rose from her bed, ignoring her cosy dressing gown, padding softly along the darkened corridors at a purposeful pace, her bare feet unflinching at the contact with the freezing flagstones, her senses numbed to leave only necessary stimuli that would relay the required information to the invincible superior within. She paused outside the heavy oak door, cautiously pushing it open to avoid the tell-tale squeak of rusty hinges that would awaken the occupant easily from her light sleep, opening the door inch by inch to reveal the sleeping form of a tall, elegant woman, her bony chest rising and falling in a fitful sleep, a long tendril of ebony hair cast lazily across the perfect porcelain complexion, eyes fluttering wildly behind dark lashes, a faint sheen of perspiration glistening upon her cool brow being the only indicator of anything unusual taking place. She moaned lightly in her sleep and rolled over uncomfortably as the fever began to rise, a sharp, throbbing pain erupting within her temples like she was being stabbed by a knife as the curse wound its way deep into her heart, twisting and sealing its poison within the steadily thumping organ, the constant, ostinato lifebeat fluttering and struggling against the influx of the curse.
"Perfect…"
The voice mused within her head, permitting a humourless chuckle to echo around the insides of the possessed mind. The unconscious form emitted another shuddering sigh and then lay contentedly sleeping, oblivious to the events which had just taken place.
Xxx
Two weeks earlier…
Mildred Hubble smiled as she descended gracefully from the grey skies over Cackles Academy, feeling the familiar sense of contentment at seeing the familiar towers stretching into the sky, but the usual nagging twinge of uncertainty and nervousness, surely she would be able to rid herself of the "Worst Witch" label this year? She adjusted course slightly, her school bag swaying gently in the breeze, a faint yowling coming from the cat basket that was lodged securely on the bundle of twigs behind her reminding her that Tabby, despite his increased flying experience was still petrified of the giddying heights required by broomstick flying and usually spent the majority of the long flight from her home curled up into a tight ball, his eyes scrunched shut tightly, claws sunk into the wickerwork of the basket in a bid to establish some sort of stability. She flew lower in a descending spiral, concentrating hard upon not falling from the skies in a screaming wreck, but on landing with the dignity associated with a third year witch, gently easing her unsteady craft down to the awaiting cobbles and crowds of young witches ready to commence the new term at Cackles Academy. She let out the breath which she had been holding with a sigh of relief as her hob-nailed boots met with the solid ground as she touched down lightly, avoiding her usual brand of calamitous return to the site of magical education.
"Millie!"
Before she could breathe or gain any real perception of her surroundings, Mildred was enveloped in a tight hug from her friends, the usual blur of chatter and recounted stories being exchanged at a rapid pace as the reunited witches greeted each other after the eight weeks of separation. Ruby was proudly displaying the latest addition to her electrical collection, tinny sounding music emanating from the earphones placed in her ears, a constant rhythmic beat drumming away as she stood chatting happily to Jadu who was running her fingers through her intricately braided hair standing next to Enid who was pulling back loose strands of hair to reveal…
"You've got pierced ears!" whispered Mildred excitedly, all too aware that HB may well materialise from behind them and confiscate the earrings with the customary puffification spell. Her relationship with the strict deputy headmistress may have radically changed following the dramatic events of last term, a friendship and understanding beginning to form between the two witches, but nothing would change HB's stance on the possession of any contraband items. For all she may have changed away from the classroom, she still insisted upon portraying the character of the rigid disciplinarian in front of the school, maintaining her eternal mantra of "standards, standards, standards" if only to instil respect and obedience within the girls to ensure that they achieved their best in their time at the academy.
"Extreme!" the others clustered around Enid, staring in a mixture of awe and surprise at the gold studs which were glittering in the autumnal sunshine. Mildred smiled along, wishing that she could have chosen to confide in one of her friends over the events of the past year, but had bitten back any explanations despite her friends questioning over her sudden disappearance for the fortnight following the schools inspection. She could hardly say that she had faced death in protecting Constance Hardbroom and fought against a witch channelling the black powers of Harriet Hogweed, the greatest dark sorceress who had ever lived. She had spent the majority of the fortnight in a state of permanent exhaustion, her body recovering from the strenuous exertion of having cheated death and lived. She could tell that Maud and Enid in particular had been upset at the fact that she was obviously hiding something from them, but had chosen to keep the tale to herself. Merely comprehending the staggering revelations revealed to her on that day was draining enough without being forced to recount the entire tale over and over again. Miss Hardbroom knew, and that was enough for the time being.
"Good to see you Millie," smiled Maud, hugging her best friend tightly, "Long time no see!"
"You too Maud," said Mildred, pleased to hear the note of forgiveness in Maud's voice. She had wanted to meet up with Mildred during the holidays, but following the need to recuperate after her ordeal, Mildred had politely declined the suggestion, her drained reserves restricting her mainly to bedrest for the first five weeks of holiday, her weakness blamed upon a particularly vicious dose of flu to appease her concerned family, a handwritten letter from Miss Hardbroom bearing testament to the white lie that had been carefully formulated by the two of them.
Before another word could be exchanged, a familiar voice echoed through the courtyard, the authoritative tones announcing the arrival of the formidable deputy head, Miss Constance Hardbroom who appeared with her arms folded tightly across her bony chest, her long ebony hair scraped back tightly into her trademark bun, her porcelain skin creating a stark contrast with her velvety black dress, the usual set of keys jangling merrily on a chain around her narrow waist.
"Brooms in the broomshed girls!" her voice cleaved effortlessly through the idle chatter, a hushed silence falling immediately, "And take your cases up to your rooms and unpack, there is to be an assembly in an hour's time which you are all expected to attend."
She dematerialised promptly, leaving Enid to victoriously smile at her earrings going undiscovered.
"Got away with it!" she punched the air in triumph, grinning at her friends disbelieving looks.
"I wouldn't agree with that statement for one moment, Enid Nightshade…" the sarcastic tones echoed from where Miss Hardbroom had last been seen. A bolt of green light appeared from nowhere, puffifying the earrings into thin air, abruptly wiping the smile off the young girl's face.
"Now, to your rooms before I give you 500 lines each "I will not loiter in inappropriate places," she snapped tersely.
The girls exchanged knowing glances and set off towards the main door, laden with their many bags and cases.
"Just one moment, Mildred Hubble…" HB's voice rang out clearly, stopping the tall girl in her tracks. "It has been decided that you are to be taking extra potions classes this year to improve your general dismal standards if you are to achieve your Witches Higher Certificate, please kindly report to the potions lab this evening for your first lesson…"
"Yes Miss Hardbroom," acknowledged Mildred, secretly pleased at the prospect of spending time with the witch who had until recently been the bane of her existence.
"Nice to see you again, Mildred," the familiar voice of the deputy head muttered the quiet greeting in her ear as she passed, inaudible to the others, "We have a lot to discuss..."
"Bad luck Millie! Extra potions!" Enid smiled sympathetically at her friend. Mildred's lack of prowess in potions was somewhat legendary following the near destruction of the laboratory in her second year exams. Explosions and detonations were a frequent addition to lessons including the accident-prone witch.
The girls continued into the building until they found their path blocked by a familiar witch, her arms folded smugly across her chest, a condescending look of patronisation already present upon her sharp features, viewing her year mates like a particularly bad smell beneath her upturned nose.
"What's the matter Hubble Bubble?" she jibed, her loyal henchman Drusilla standing by her side, "Can't cope with ordinary classes? In need of even more help than you already get?
"Leave her alone Ethel!" protested Ruby and Jadu, trying to walk past the obstruction.
"Tell me," sneered Ethel, "how much are your parents paying in bribery to Miss Cackle to allow their talentless little failure to skip around playing at being a witch when she really doesn't have enough magical ability in her little finger to be compared to her fellow yearmates from magical families?"
Mildred had tried desperately not to allow herself to be riled by the cruel taunts, but the final barbed insult was enough for her to push forwards and attempt to grab Ethel by the collar, however, before she could make contact, her hand was rebuffed magically.
"Stop it! Stop it at once!" came the unfamiliar voice from outside Miss Cackle's office. A young woman was standing there, her casting fingers outstretched confidently, a look of serious concentration present upon her elfin face, her blonde hair cut into a neat pixie cut which accentuated her flawless bone-structure. She was fairylike in her stature, short, shorter than Mildred and most of her friends, slender, almost waif-like, but dancing with vibrant magical intensity, her blue eyes flashing fiercely as she surveyed the two miscreants in front of her.
"Would an explanation be too much to ask for?" she questioned lightly, but with an underlying thread of authority.
Ethel Hallow cast a contemptuous look at Mildred before clearing her throat and adopting the wounded tones of the victim. "It was Mildred Hubble, miss. She just attacked me with no reason and tried to pin me up against a wall!"
Drusilla nodded frantically, "Its true!" she agreed, "It's all Mildred's fault!"
Mildred opened her mouth to protest, but the blonde haired witch had got there first.
"If there is one thing that I cannot stand," she began, an incensed glint appearing in her blue eyes, "It is a liar…"
"But-" Ethel attempted to interject, many threats and intimidations surrounding her father's position as Chair of the Board of Governors dying on her lips as she met the angry gaze of the stranger.
"I don't think that insulting a witch's background or abilities is exactly text-book behaviour, young lady," she replied, her voice remaining completely level, but taking on a steely edge that stopped even Ethel Hallow in her tracks, "Regardless of one's parental connections…"
She stepped forward, her lack of height in relation to the witch she was reprimanding not causing her to experience any feelings of intimidation as she planted her hands upon her slender hips.
"Detention, I think…" she began silkily, "For you and your loyal friend, 1000 lines apiece "I will not belittle or discriminate against my fellow peers in any circumstances" to be handed into me by lunchtime tomorrow please, or I shall double the amount required!"
Drusilla opened her mouth to protest, but Ethel grabbed her by the wrist and stormed off with her nose in the air, threating under her breath that "Miss Cackle will hear of this…"
"Thank you," breathed Mildred in relief, "It's always my word against hers..." she stared sadly after the retreating figure of her arch-enemy.
The elfin-like witch smiled, a wistful ghost of a grimace passing across her elfin features as she kindly reached forward and patted her gently on the arm, "I know what it's like to be misunderstood..." she whispered before walking off smartly around the corridor carrying an air of confidence about her petite frame that was only usually associated with the majestic presence of HB.
"Who was that?" asked Enid, her eyes alight with curiosity.
"Don't know," shrugged Maud non-committedly, "but we've got assembly in half an hour, I'm sure it will be sorted out then, come on, let's go and unpack before HB gives us all 1000 lines before term has even properly begun…"
Xxx
"Well, Miss Nightdew," beamed Amelia Cackle, surveying the trainee teacher over the top of her horn-rimmed glasses as she caringly straightened the new arrivals robes as the assorted members of staff assumed their usual procession outside the assembly hall, "I hope you will be very happy here at Cackles Academy and take the chance to pass your final teaching assessment with flying colours!"
Lina Nightdew grinned, her features lighting up with joy as she filed onto the platform in the Great Hall with the rest of the staff, surveying the assembled student body with a critical eye, determined to prove herself and her abilities from the very first moments of her placement.
Following the demise of Hecketty Broomhead, Amelia Cackle had been approached by the Witches Guild to take a considerable promotion within the organisation, taking on the management of Of Witch as well as juggling her duties as headmistress of the school, a weighty extra commitment which had led her to propose the appointment of a temporary teaching assistant to cover spells classes when she would be unable to manage her usual timetable due to the influx of extra paperwork, the only real downside of the substantial increase in salary which she had inherited along with the influential post.
Lina had impressed instantly when she had attended the interview, her mature approach and vast knowledge of complex enchantments had captivated even the notoriously hard-to-please Constance, her quietly confident manner and flawless presentation making it easy to forget her tender age as she demonstrated a genuine magical flair and the perfect temperament for a teacher, leaving the nervous, stammering competitors with barely half the magical capacity between them of the powerful young woman to pale into insignificance.
The young woman stood patiently alongside her fellow members of staff, determined to make to most of her new start, to move on from the events of her past and bury the skeletons firmly in her closet, resolving to use, perhaps even exploit this opportunity to the furthest extents that she could possibly manage…