A/N1 : Okay, I know this story is cheating slightly as it's very "Drill Family" focused but well, this was a Tumblr dabble that got away from me,. Hopefully you'll forgive me :)

"Does everyone know what they're doing?", Tom looked at his family who were gathered in a relatively quiet part of the station platform.

It was April 24th and after months of training, Imogen was running the London Marathon. She had run several marathons over the years but this was arguably one of the biggest ones in the world and she had been thrilled to get a place. In addition, her friend and former pupil Maud Moonshine was also running and the two had traveled in on the train together several hours before.

"I believe we do.", Constance answered on behalf of the group.

Rather than sticking together the plan was to spread out in smaller groups to support Imogen along the way. Stephen had researched the lesser crowded spots where she was more likely to see them and would benefit most from the encouragement.

"I'm with Granny and Granddad.", Ava smiled as she held her Granny's hand tightly. She knew that there would be lots of people around and she needed to stay with her grandparents at all times. Not that she would have thought about leaving their side for a second, they were going to have too much fun.

"And Zara's with Stephen and I'm with Mama.", Abby added. She was so excited and proud of her Mum. Over the last couple of days they had spent lots of time creating playlists together that would hopefully be motivating and made Abby feel like she was helping out.

Zara giggled from her pushchair as her uncle bent down to give her a high five.

"We're going to be a great team aren't we?" Stephen was slightly nervous about taking Zara around London on his own but was reassured that she seemed to be on her best behaviour so far.

"Yeah!"

"Where are Davina and Elizabeth, they said they'd meet us here?", Amelia looked around the station, her jaw dropping as she saw the the vision in front of her. "Oh my goodness."

"Ha!", Abby immediately grabbed her camera and snapped a picture. "This is epic."

Walking towards them were the two witches in question. Elizabeth was dressed as normal in a flowing bohemian style dress with her auburn hair hanging loose.

Davina on the other hand, well normal wasn't a word that applied to her at the best of times but especially not now. She was still dressed in her standard black lace dress but had incorporated some rather interesting additions in the form of luminous pink leg warmers and a matching sweatband, lime green trainers and the most outstanding piece of all, a shiny silver bomber jacket.

"Don't say a word, just be thankful I talked her out of the leotard she wanted to wear.", Elizabeth warned through gritted teeth.

Davina didn't give a hoot and beamed at the strangers who were giving her odd looks as they walked past. "I'm here to support my friends and I wanted to dress for the occasion. And these shoes are so comfortable, I think I'll wear them all the time."

Constance's jaw dropped again as she thought of Davina parading around the school wearing those monstrosities but decided that was a discussion for another day. "Yes, well we'd better get moving. We'll meet at the Horse Guards Road when the race is over." She bent down to kiss the two younger girls. "Be good, have fun. I love you. Do you have your banners?"

The three girls had been very busy secretly creating banners to show their support. Abby had helped her sisters personalise theirs and they hoped they would boost their mother and their friend along the way.

"Yes Mama." Ava answered.

"See you later." Abby waved at everyone before walking with her Mama to head to their spectator point. "How do you think Mum is feeling?"

Constance smiled as she guided Abby out of Victoria Station. "Nervous, excited and knowing her, a little impatient to get started."

She was right. Imogen felt like she had been waiting around forever. She and Maud were both starting from the same point, they had handed in their kit bags, warmed up and were waiting near the top of the pen area.

"I just want to get started.", she whispered. "All these people are making me so nervous, I swear I need to pee again."

"Me too. I can't believe how many people are here and this is only one starting point."

Imogen nodded as she shifted from one foot to the other. "We just need to block them out."

Then suddenly things started to happen, the klaxon went and people began moving. "This is it, good luck."

With the crowds it took a while for the two women to start running and find their pace. Experience meant that Imogen knew not to push it too much now, instead she focused on her breathing and allowed herself to soak up the atmosphere. The first few miles were always great, there was the adrenaline and the buzz you were receiving from the crowds that made you feel invincible. As she got to mile six she felt that she was running a good pace and turned up her music slightly, smiling as she heard the unmistakable opening of "Edge of Seventeen" coming through her headphones.

As if that wasn't motivation enough, as she got to mile eight she saw her first lot of supporters cheering her on.

"Mummy! Look there's my Mummy." Ava was on her Granddad's shoulders holding up her banner with Granny's help. Unsurprisingly the banner was pink and sparkly and read, "I love you Mummy" on one half and "Yay Maud" on the other

Imogen felt her heart soar and her pace pick up as she waved at her family. She could do this.

"Did she see me?" Ava asked anxiously.

"She did Princess, I promise. Look there's Maud."

Maud also saw them and waved happily, delighted to see her name on the banner too.

Amelia helped Ava down from Tom's shoulders and hugged her close. "You're a great cheerleader. I'll bet you're hungry so why don't we go for something to eat before going to the meeting point?"

Ava rubbed her tummy, breakfast had been a long time ago and she was very hungry. "Yes please." Besides as much as she loved her sisters, eating out alone with Granny and Granddad always made her feel special.

As they got to mile twelve Maud had caught up with Imogen who was distracted by something, or rather someone, sparkly jumping up and down on the spectator line.

"Look." She gestured at Maud who immediately started laughing when she saw her former chanting teacher.

"Some things will never change.", she shouted as she waved at the two witches.

"I told you they'd see us.", Davina said smugly.

"Of course they did, you could be seen from the moon in that get up." Elizabeth sighed as Davina was approached by someone else who wanted to take a picture, her partner was loving the attention as usual.

Coming up to mile sixteen Imogen still felt confident. The crowds of both runners and spectators had thinned out quite a bit so she had moved over to the left where she was hoping for a glimpse of her next cheerleaders.

"Look, there she is."

Zara looked at where her uncle was pointing, squealing as she saw who was coming towards them. "Mummy, Mummy." she shouted loudly, waving her banner that said,"Run, Run, Run." in big green letters alongside multicoloured hand prints.

Imogen waved and blew a kiss at them both before carrying on. "I'm well over halfway now, only…" she shook her head to stop the thought. Counting the miles left was the worst thing she could do now. Instead she concentrated on her music again, it was time for a choice from Abby and she went into mile seventeen with the sound of The Police and the very appropriate song 'Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" ringing in her ears.

"How cool was that?", Stephen grinned at his niece as he strapped her back into the buggy. The awed, lovestruck expression on her face was adorable.

"Mummy runs fast."

"She sure does, I bet you'll run like her one day. Are you ready to get the bus back?"

"Bus?", Zara had never been on a bus before but she had seen them in her books.

"Yes a bus and you've been very good so let's get some sweets to eat on the way."

A bus and sweets? This was a great day to be Zara Drill.

Meanwhile, coming up to mile eighteen Maud kept a sharp eye out for her parents and someone very special who had gone along with them. She knew she was blushing as she waved but figured it didn't matter, her face was red enough at this point.

All through the race Imogen had kept positive. Running was great, it cleared her head, it felt good, she loved it. Except now. Now she hated it. Coming up to the twentieth mile her legs felt like lead and she was regretting ever signing up for this.

"I could be at home, eating a nice dinner, maybe drinking a glass of wine but no, I had to show how great I am by running the bloody marathon." She found herself getting frustrated by the people around her but most of all by herself, all that training and she could feel herself beginning to flag. Was it even worth it?

"Can you see her?" Abby was right near next to the barrier on Poplar High Street but due to her small size was relying on her much taller Mama to keep a look out.

For both there was no question that this is where they should watch, knowing that for many runners this was where they "hit the wall". They just hoped that Imogen would see them and know how much they believed in her. And of course the same with Maud.

Constance peered into the distance. "No. oh wait, I think that's her coming and Maud is just behind. Hold on."

Abby felt a strange tingling sensation as her feet started to float off the ground. Times like this made her very grateful that her mother was a witch because it meant she got a proper view of what was happening. Luckily nobody near them seemed to notice as she rose the extra few inches needed to to take some pictures while her Mama held the banner.

"Is that… Oh." , Imogen's mood completely changed as she saw her wife and eldest daughter cheering her on. The banner that depicted both herself and Maud told her exactly what she needed to hear at that point, "You can do it. We believe in you."

There wasn't much time but as she ran past she caught Constance's eye for just a second and the love she saw aimed at her was the boost she needed.

From where they were standing Abby and Constance could see the smile that was spreading across Imogen's face and her pace pick up slightly and Abby took the chance to take some pictures and video clips. Likewise Maud smiled and waved as she too kept on running into the final stretch.

"I can do this, I want them to be proud of me." Imogen kept repeating the mantra as she found herself passing the runners in front of her. Her music was pumping and cheesy eighties tunes took her into the last five miles, then four, three, two. At the final mile she took out her headphones, wanting to take in as much of the atmosphere as she could. The finish was in sight and she tapped into her final energy reserves to sprint over the line as fast as possible.

"I did it, I did it." She quickly checked her running watch, her heart leaping she saw the time.

"Whew." Maud had been slightly behind Imogen but she didn't mind that in the slightest. They hugged excitedly, both elated to have finished.

"Now, the long walk to the meeting point." Even the thought of that wasn't bothering Imogen now, she just couldn't wait to see her family.

At this stage everyone was gathering at the assigned alphabetical spot.

"This is definitely the "D" section." Tom told them. "And she's finished, I've been tracking her on my phone. Here come Stephen and Zara."

Zara hugged her Mama as she was lifted out of her pushchair. "Big bus! It was fun."

Constance smiled, "Were you on a bus? How lovely." Then she subtly cast the same cleansing spell she had used on herself and Abby. Public transport was convenient but the problem was, you never knew who else was using it.

"How long do you think we'll be waiting?" All Abby wanted was to see her Mum.

"Maybe another half an hour or so." Tom told her. "She'll have to collect her bag and medal and walk up. It won't be too long."

His prediction was spot on. A little under an hour after she had finished Imogen was walking towards her family looking tired and sweaty but with a massive smile on her face and proudly waving her medal.

"Mum!" Abby spotted her first and took off like a shot towards her.

"Hi honey, mind, I'm sticky and disgusting."

"I don't care, you did so well."

By this time Ava and Zara were jumping up and down next to them and Imogen gingerly crouched down to hug them and answer their questions.

"Yes I saw you and it helped me so much. I loved the banners, thank you. Yes Maud saw them too and was very happy."

With a slight grimace she stood up again to immediately be enveloped in an embrace by her extremely proud wife.

"You were magnificent."

Imogen grinned. "Thanks Sweetheart." She turned to the rest of the family to tell them her news. "I did it in fifteen minutes less than my last marathon as well."

"That's brilliant pumpkin, all your hard work paid off." Tom gave his daughter a kiss. "I'd say you're dying to get home and have a bath and something proper to eat."

She nodded, "Yeah but I can't get on the train like this." She raised an eyebrow at her a certain witch, "Any chance?"

"Pictures first.", Abby wanted to make sure they had lots of photos to look back on in the future.

One the photo session was over, Constance took Imogen by the hand and lead her to the quietest place she could find, it wasn't easy but eventually she found somewhere. Once there, a softly whispered spell meant that Imogen was clean and dressed in her comfortable tracksuit in seconds.

"That feels so good. I still can't wait for a bath later though.' Imogen leaned up for a kiss, no longer conscious of B.O.

"I'll run one as soon as we get in. Here, take this now." Constance handed over a small vial. "That should stop any aches and cramps, you can have some more later."

"Thanks, it worked wonders the last time, I barely felt anything."

Before they walked back to their family and friends Constance asked a question, "Are you sure you're okay to get the train? I have my broomstick so if you'd rather we can fly back."

Imogen was tempted but then she saw the faces of her their girls who still looked so excited by her achievement. She knew they'd want to talk about their day and hers on the journey home. "I'll be fine besides our seats are booked so we can all sit together and chat while I cuddle the kids. Did you enjoy yourself?"

Constance thought for a second. London wasn't her favourite place, there were too many people and she always felt she needed to be extra ready with her magic in case something happened. However today she had put all that aside to enjoy wife's big achievement and the pride and excitement they all felt.

"You know something, I did. We had a lovely train journey this morning, the girls were so excited by everything. Then Abby and I got to spend time alone together which is always nice. And of course we got to see you run which was wonderful."

"I'm glad. I'm also glad it's over. And let me tell you now, I'm going to eat whatever I want today and tomorrow and I'm going to enjoy every mouthful. And I am having several glasses of wine." She paused and gave a secret smile. "While I can."

Constance knew exactly what she was referring to. "And I will be joining you."

"But who's going to drive back this evening?" Imogen asked.

"Nobody. You've already rearranged your classes for tomorrow and I have done the same. Tom and Amelia will drive the girls back in the morning, they'll drop Abby to school and Ava to nursery then they'll take Zara as usual. Meanwhile, you and I will be spending the morning together, preferably in bed. Then I thought we could go for lunch before driving back. What do you think?"

Imogen smirked, "You seem very sure I won't be suffering from any aches or pains?"

Constance reached for her hand. "I believe I have perfected a potion to ensure that doesn't happen. But if you are sore I have also created a special oil and will happily massage that in if necessary."

Both were smiling as they met their family again. Maud was also there having used her own magic to freshen up.

"Maud, I meant to ask if you'd like to come to dinner tonight?", Constance offered.

Imogen smirked while Maud blushed. "Someone has plans tonight, don't you Maud?"

"With?" Abby made a strange gesture to indicate what she was talking about.

Constance was highly confused. "What?"

"Thanks Constance but I, well my boyfriend is taking me out tonight."

"Ah, I see."

Imogen stepped in. "We're around next weekend, why don't you come for dinner on Saturday instead?"

Maud lived in the same area and was a regular visitor to the Drill's house. She left promising that she would be there the following weekend before leaving to join her boyfriend Andrew. It was a pretty new relationship but things seemed to be going well so far and she was very happy.

"Text me.", Abby called after her, she couldn't wait to find out all the details.

"We'd better go," Stephen was keeping an eye on the time knowing there would be crowds all along the way to Victoria.

Luckily they made it in time for their train which was only slightly delayed. Then, just over two hours later after a very chatty journey home, they were pulling into their driveway.

"Did you lose any toenails?", Abby asked, causing Ava to look over in horror.

"Ewwwww."

Imogen laughed, "Sorry poppet but it happens. Not this time, though I cheated slightly. Mama made me something to stop it."

Ava nodded, "Good 'cause now you can paint your toenails pretty colours."

"I sure can." Imogen took advantage of the fact that Constance had gone ahead to open the front door. "And next time I do mine, if you're very good I'll do yours and your sisters' too." She knew Constance would roll her eyes but she used non-toxic polish and she and the three girls loved it.

"Yay."

Twenty minutes later Imogen was relaxing in a hot bath filled with herbal oils designed to compliment the potion she had already taken to heal her body. She was just topping up the warm water when the door opened.

"You deserve this.", Constance left a large glass of white wine on the ledge and tried not to stare too much.

Enjoying the fact she was being looked at, Imogen stretched before reaching for the glass . "Thank you." She took a sip, savouring the taste. It had been over three months since she'd had any alcohol and while many people said their first drink after a marathon tasted horrible, she disagreed, this was perfect. "God, this wine is so good. Please tell me we have several bottles."

"We do."

Constance was so tempted to get into the bath herself but knew she couldn't. She had people to cook for and although Tom and Amelia were helping she felt this was her responsibility. Jamie and Sarah were also coming, it was their first time bringing the twins out but they wanted to celebrate Imogen's success. Jamie had run several marathons with his best friend but obviously this year he was out of the running, literally. He had however text earlier to say that he had spotted her on TV and he was looking forward to seeing her.

Every seat at the dining table was taken that evening. Jamie and Sarah had arrived with the boys who had met Elizabeth and Davina for the first time, received plenty of cuddles from everyone and were now fast asleep in the sitting room.

"Errr, what's Davina wearing?", Jamie asked Constance as he helped her bring the food out. "I'm just glad the boys can't see too clearly yet."

"Don't ask but let me tell you, that awful jacket and those revolting shoes will be magically vanishing as soon as I'm back at the castle." She paused after taking a tray from the oven. "So, how do you feel after one week of parenthood?"

Jamie laughed, "Exhausted, overwhelmed and still not quite able to believe it. We can't stop staring at them and I don't think that will change anytime soon."

Constance smiled, "No, and you won't want it to. They're not babies for long, enjoy it all."

"We will."

Imogen beamed as she sat at a table filled with her favourite foods, Constance hadn't wanted to leave anything to chance.

"It all looks so good. What will I have?"

"A little of everything, that's what I'm doing." Abby started to fill her plate with risotto, salmon pasta and chicken with couscous, taking some roasted vegetables and flatbread on the side. She was also really looking forward to the chocolate gateau and lemon strudel that was waiting in the kitchen courtesy of her granny.

Everyone did something similar and once their plates were full Tom raised his glass in a toast to his daughter.

"Imogen, we all know how dedicated you've been over the past few months and today it paid off. We are all so proud of you and glad that we got to see you tick another goal off your list."

"Yay Mummy." Zara added as she waved her beaker of lemonade.

"Thanks everyone." Imogen grinned as she felt Constance's hand reach for hers under the table. "And just in case anyone was wondering, there was no magic involved in my training, I did it all myself." She fixed Jamie and Stephen with a pointed look.

"We know you did Im and you truly deserve that medal and you especially deserve that drink in your hand." Stephen clinked glasses with his sister.

"So do you, thank you for not losing our child in London."

At Constance's words everyone burst out laughing before starting to eat.

Despite the potions a mix of the busy day, a heavy meal and a couple of glasses of wine meant that by 10PM, Imogen could barely keep her eyes open. The girls were already in bed, Stephen had left with Jamie and Sarah and Elizabeth and Davina had gone back to the school to help Gabrielle.

"I think someone is ready to sleep." Amelia smiled as she finished cleaning the kitchen. She was correct.

"But I wanted to…" , Imogen whispered as Constance helped her get ready for bed.

"Shhh, that's why we're off tomorrow, now drink this potion and then we're both going to sleep."

As soon as the potion was gone Imogen dropped off, only waking at seven thirty when the girls came in to say goodbye.

"We'll see you this afternoon, have lovely days."

After hugs and kisses the three girls were gone leaving their mothers alone in the house.

"How are you feeling?" Constance asked as her wife came back from the bathroom.

"I feel." there was a pause as Imogen took off her nightdress. "Amazing. I also feel very lucky to be married to such a powerful witch who made sure that I'm not suffering any marathon related aches and pains."

"Is that the only reason you're lucky to be married to me?"

"Oh no.", Imogen straddled her before bending down for a kiss. "Let me remind you of the other reasons I feel so lucky."

Several hours later they were wrapped around each other, as close as possible. Both were feeling extremely relaxed and very grateful for the healing potions which helped make the things they had just done possible.

"Sarah was asking me if you would do the marathon next year.", Constance whispered as she stroked Imogen's hair.

"What did you say?"

"I said maybe not the London one but it depended on a few things."

Imogen smiled before going in for another kiss. "Well if things go to plan I may be rather busy this time next year. And as for any other marathons, I guess that depends on how I'm feeling but they won't be my priority"

Constance stole a few more kisses before softly asking a question she already knew the answer to,

Many people compared pregnancy to a marathon but in Imogen's experience running 26.2 miles was far, far easier than giving birth. But as proud she was of her achievement the day before she knew it paled in comparison to what they had both achieved when it came to their family.

Yes Sweetheart, I'm going to enjoy that wine over the next few weeks because after that I'm hoping that I won't be able to drink it for quite some time."

A/N 2. Coming up in the next couple of weeks, challenges ahead for two former pupils…