More mysteries revealed and resolved. I am melding chapters together otherwise I will have well over one hundred so please leave yourself plenty of time to read.

Chapter 50

Both girls were now clean and ready for bed Sybil made sure that her hair was dry, Cecilia was tucking them both into bed. "Alright you two you may talk until eight o'clock. I have set the light to go out then. Once it goes out you two are to stop talking at once and go to sleep. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Aunt Cecilia."

"Yes Mummy we promise." CC answered yawning and making sure to cover her mouth.

"I don't think CC is going to last too much longer anyway Aunt Cecilia." Sybil stated looking over to CC's bed. In fact CC was almost asleep. It had been a very long and exciting day,and she had put out much effort in her magic as well.

"I do believe you are right Sybil,in fact I think she has already fallen asleep." Cecilia leaned down and kissed CC on the forehead. "You may read if you like Sybil,the light will be going out in about ten minutes."

"Actually Aunt Cecilia I am rather tired myself as well. I think I'll just go to sleep."

"Alright dear I'll just cancel the spell and put out the light. There is the light in the window as well as one in the corridor. Now if you need anything in the night your father is just down the corridor and Conrad and I are on the main floor. Sybil? If CC wakes and needs us would you please come with her?"

"What if I don't wake up?"

"Believe me if CC wakes up in the night so will you. Only two things awaken CC at night. One is Pumpkin and she is at the Academy. The other is a particular nightmare and the sounds CC makes while having it would wake the dead."

Sybil looked at her aunt a bit fearfully but managed to answer with only a slight quaver in her voice. "Alright Aunt Cecilia, I promise I'll bring CC down to you if she awakens."

"Thank you Sybil. See you in the morning and hopefully not before. Sleep well." Cecilia leaned down and kissed Sybil's forehead. Sybil smiled and snuggled down under the covers. Cecilia removed the spell from the light and then turned it off. Sybil smiled closed her eyes and was almost instantly asleep.

Cecilia turned on the light in the corridor and then 'popped' down to the Lounge. "Right well the girls are already asleep. Conrad I have asked Sybil to bring CC down if her nightmare happens this evening." Cecilia gave Conrad a meaningful look.

"CC suffers from nightmares?" George asked.

"Not usually George but Tiny has been sending out a particular nightmare to CC. We think it is an attempt to pinpoint CC's location. So far she has not had 'The Dream' at school,but now that Tiny is in your town it makes me wonder if she suspects that CC is near. George make sure you never look Tiny directly in the eye. Please warn your family as well."

"Why what happens if you do look at her straight on I mean?"

"She brings you over to her side,the evil side as it were."

"Oh well that's not good. How about if I wear dark glasses?"

Conrad shook his head, "it doesn't matter she can see in the dark and through it as well. George the woman is pure evil and she wants CC because of CC's power. It is why we have tried to protect CC for so long,but Tiny was getting too close and after the foiled kidnapping,well she is more determined than ever."

"If you defeat her will CC be staying at Cackle's?"

"When we defeat her we will decide then. It all depends on how CC feels about it."

"You would let an eight year old make that decision all on her own!?"

Conrad wiped his face with his right hand. "Well George, CC, as you well know is not your average eight year old. We try to include all of the children in decisions on their educations and their futures if at all possible. It seems to make for happier children." Conrad gave George a sideways look. He was well aware that George and Kirsten told their children where they were going. Until now their children had all complied. Emmeline and Bertha were the first to rebel,and even they had not done so completely.

"Right well whatever works for your family I suppose. Listen I need to call Kirsten and warn her not to use that bakery. There are plenty of others in town she can patronize."

"That would be wise George. I cannot stress this enough,be very careful around Tiny and any of her minions they are all very dangerous. I'll give you photos of the minions so you will know who they are. Tiny is constantly recruiting new followers but Oliver has been a very big help in keeping the photo album up to date. I think it would be wise of you to warn the rest of your children,even your 'littles'."

"Do you think maybe I should warn the entire Hallow Clan?"

"It wouldn't hurt,though if they check the website faithfully most of them can get to the information there."

"What prevents Tiny and her minions from doing the same thing?"

"They cannot get to our website George,if they try it crashes their system. CC said that Tiny does not like using any technology."

"Oh? A bit like Miss Hardbroom?"

"No George not like Constance at all. Constance can use technology and has when the occasion calls for it,she just chooses not to. Tiny cannot use technology at all. She seems to be how shall I put this? Well for lack of a better analogy she seems to be allergic to it."

"Allergic? What happens to her Conrad?"

"Well according to CC she breaks out into huge boils and itches like mad. Her minions seem to develop the same problem albeit on a smaller scale. Part of CC's escape was due to technology. Listen George I really don't want to go into too much detail right now. Why don't you go call Kirsten, Cecilia and I will be up for another few hours."

"George I'm doing a quick wash of the girl's clothes shall I wash yours as well?"

"Thank you Cecilia that won't be necessary I purchased another outfit while Sybil and I were out. Sybil did not want any new clothes. She is so unlike Ethel or any of her older sisters. She says she has plenty of clothes."

"She is a very sensible and sensitive girl George. I have always felt privileged to be her aunt. Conrad has begun to see her in a whole new light as well. I think Sybil will continue to make our family proud in many ways. But George do remember the sensitive part as well. Sybil feels things very deeply and is easily hurt."

"Thank you Cecilia I am just starting to realize that Sybil has more depth than any of us thought. I think I'll look in on the girls first and then call Kirsten. Is that alright?"

"Yes George thank you,it will save me a trip upstairs. Though I will check on them once their clothes are dry."

"Right well I will see you later then." George Hallow pulled himself out of the chair and left the Lounge. He made his way upstairs, just as he reached the top of the stairs there was a bloodcurdling scream from the girls room. George sprinted down the corridor and flung open the door. "Sybil are you alright?"

"Yes Daddy,it's CC she just keeps screaming and I can't wake her!"

"Sybil run down and get Conrad as fast as you can Sybil."

Sybil opened her broomstick case and pulled out her new broomstick. "This is the fastest way Daddy."

"You have my permission Sybil to fly in the house. Now go!"

Sybil hopped on her broom and was downstairs in seconds. "Lounge" her broom responded immediately. Sybil held on tightly and was at the Lounge doorway in only two seconds. Cecilia was just coming out with the girl's clothing in her arms. She was so startled by the sight of Sybil that she threw her arms in the air. The clothes scattered everywhere.

"Sybil what on earth?"

Sybil said just one thing, "CC" Cecilia 'popped' out of sight. Conrad had heard Sybil's voice and he also 'popped' out. Sybil flew back upstairs. She did not want to miss anything. She arrived just in time to hear Conrad say, "Damn it why didn't we bring Pumpkin?" Sybil hopped off her broom and peered into the room.

"Conrad I can't wake her we need to get out of here now!" Cecilia had a note of panic in her voice.

"Right" Conrad saw Sybil standing in the doorway. "Sybil please put your broomstick away and meet us downstairs please."

Sybil grabbed her broomstick case and slipped the broom inside. "Uncle Conrad what about CC's things?"

"George could you get the crate and the bag of wool in the wardrobe please?"

"Sure Conrad. Come along Sybil, we will meet you downstairs. Shall I inform The Turtlewells that we are leaving?"

"Yes George, thank you that would be a big help." CC let out another bone chilling scream. George went to the wardrobe and took out the crate and the wool and then followed Sybil out of the room. CC screamed again her face was a vivid red.

"Daddy will CC be alright?" Sybil's voice had a definite shake to it.

"I'm sure she will Sybil apparently these nightmares have happened before."

"They are really scary Daddy. I don't remember ever having dreams that scary. These aren't night terrors are they?"

"No Sybil it is not that simple. I really can't tell you anything more. It is up to Conrad and Cecilia to inform people about these dreams."

The Hallows were now downstairs. "Alright Daddy. This is the door that leads down to the kitchens and The Turtlewell's rooms. Please don't leave me alone Daddy."

George looked down at Sybil and saw how pale and frightened she was. "Alright Sybil come along with me. You may leave your case here."

"I would rather not." Sybil stated.

George looked down at Sybil again. He put down the crate and set the wool bag on top. "Very well let's go." Sybil and Mr Hallow went down to The Turtlewell's door. George knocked rather sharply and Mr Turtlewell opened the door. "I am very sorry to disturb you and Mrs Turtlewell but there is an emergency. Conrad wants you to know that we are leaving right now instead of in the morning."

"Is Miss CC having 'The Dream' again sir?"

"Yes Mr Turtlewell I'm afraid she is. We cannot seem to awaken her,Conrad wants to get her away from here rather quickly so as to not put anyone in any more danger."

"We understand sir. Excuse me dear." Mrs Turtlewell pushed past her husband and Mr Hallow. "Miss Sybil how about you help me make some sandwiches and tea for your trip?" Mrs Turtlewell took Sybil's free hand and nodded to Mr Hallow.

"Thank you Mrs Turtlewell what a wonderful idea. Mr Turtlewell would you come with me to help Conrad and Cecilia?"

"Yes sir just let me get our cat."

"Your cat?"

"Yes sir I know Miss CC did not bring Pumpkin. Our cat Mouser is Pumpkin's sister she may be a help."

"Ookay if you think it will help." George being a wizard, and a low ranked one as well just did not completely understand this whole cat business.

"Mouser come Miss CC needs you." An enormous tortoiseshell cat jumped into Mr Turtlewell's arms. "Are you proficient in 'popping' sir?"

"Not really Mr Turtlewell."

"Ah well put your hand on my shoulder please." George Hallow followed Mr Turtlewell's instruction and placed his right hand on the valet's shoulder. He closed his eyes as well. "You may open your eyes now sir,we have arrived." Mouser jumped out of Mr Turtlewell's arms and landed square on CC's chest. CC had been screaming again but the scream was cut off as soon as Mouser landed.

Mouser started to cat sing and purr. She also kneaded CC's chest softly with her paws,she of course kept her claws in. CC's eyes fluttered and then opened. "Hello Mouser. What are you doing on me?"

"Oh thank The Goddess you are alright darling."

"Mummy my head hurts."

"I know darling you have just had a bad bout with 'The Dream' don't you remember?"

"No I suppose I will later though." CC hoarsely replied. "My throat hurts as well."

"That is no surprise you have been screaming non-stop for at least ten minutes." Cecilia conjured a potion in a mug and handed it to CC. "Here darling drink this it will make the hurt go away. Stop making that face and drink it down it is not that bad!"

"You are not the one drinking it Mummy it's horrible,but it is helping." CC hastily said when she saw the look on her papa's face. "Mummy I've always been able to wake up before what happened this time?" CC coughed and took another swallow from the mug. She also patted Mouser with her other hand.

"Pumpkin was always there before darling. We left her at The Academy. Thank The Goddess Mouser has the same talents as her sister."

"I think the entire litter does. Mummy I am so tired."

"Yes darling I know but we have to leave. Try not to fall back asleep until we get to the van alright?"

"I'll try."

"Miss CC Mouser will stay with you until you leave alright?"

"Yes thank you Mr Turtlewell." CC whispered.

"Turtlewell could you please carry CC and Mouser downstairs?"

"Certainly sir it will be my pleasure." Mr Turtlewell bundled the blanket around CC and Mouser and cradled them both like a baby. CC giggled and snuggled against Mr Turtlewell's chest.

"You are very comfortable Mr Turtlewell. Ow Mouser I am not falling asleep don't do that!"

Mr Turtlewell laughed, "poked you did she?"

"Yes quite hard. Ow she did it again."

"I think she is trying to tell you something Miss."

"Well Mouser what is it?" CC looked into Mouser's eyes. "Oh right. Papa don't forget my essay!" CC called back into the room. Mr Turtlewell had already started the 'pop' but CC's voice was heard in the room.

"How does she do that?" Conrad asked Cecilia.

"Do what? Communicate with cats or send her voice?"

Conrad grabbed the essay from the nightstand. "Both."

"I'm not really sure. Have you asked her?"

"No and now is not the time,we need to leave." Conrad and Cecilia 'popped' down to the front hall.

Sybil and Mrs Turtlewell finished making the sandwiches and hot tea was poured into several hot flasks. "I'm afraid we need to 'pop' dear, here eat this crystallized ginger and you won't get that jumpy dizzy feeling that seems to plague The Hallow girls."

"Thank you Mrs Turtlewell, how come 'popping' doesn't affect Aunt Cecilia that way?" Sybil put the crystallized ginger into her mouth, chewed and swallowed.

"Oh it used to dear quite horribly,but she has managed to overcome it. Just as you have with your broomstick flying. Now put your arm through mine. Off we go." Mrs Turtlewell 'popped' with Sybil to the front hall. "Champion dear you did quite well."

Sybil smiled she didn't feel dizzy or ill at all. "Wow Mrs Turtlewell that was great. Thank you."

"You are most welcome Miss Sybil. Now since your nightclothes have no pockets why don't you tuck this bag of crystallized ginger into your broomstick case."

"Oh Mrs Turtlewell you are the best." Sybil gave Mrs Turtlewell a large hug around her generous middle.

Mrs Turtlewell wiped a tear from her eye and patted Sybil's back. "Alright enough of that." Mrs Turtlewell leaned over and whispered into Sybil's ear. "I have tucked a bag of biscuits in with the sandwiches. Make sure that everyone eats their sandwiches first."

Sybil giggled and winked at Mrs Turtlewell. "I will I promise."

"Right enough you two we need to leave. I'm sorry about your clothes Sybil but we can't do anything right now. Once we are on our way I'll zap uniforms onto you and CC alright?"

"Sure Uncle Conrad,please don't forget the boots and the ugly itchy gray socks!"

Conrad laughed back, "I won't I don't want or need the wrath of Miss Hardbroom on my head!"

"Sybil I will get your clothes and shoes to your parents later alright?"

"Sure Aunt Cecilia I won't need them for awhile anyway. We wear our uniforms for everything even when we go off campus. Well usually."

Cecilia laughed. "Alright hop into the back dear next to CC. Store your case under the seat please. Mouser you may come out now." Mouser jumped down and stalked back to the house. She jumped into Mrs Turtlewell's arms and started to purr.

"Good job Mouser you do us proud. I'll make sure to report this to Miss Denham." Mrs Turtlewell scritched the top of Mouser's head. Mouser meowed and purred even louder.

CC called out " yes Mouser I'll tell Pumpkin everything as well as send your greetings." Everyone in the van turned and looked at CC. "What?" said CC in a puzzled way.

"CC we really need to talk about this connection you seem to have with cats,but not just now. Buckle up everyone. We are off!" Conrad eased the van into the street.

"CC how are you feeling now? Any symptoms?"

"I'm fine Mummy just really tired. No I don't feel anything, except tired." CC yawned making sure to cover her mouth. "May I go to sleep now please?"

"What do you think Conrad?"

"Let her sleep. I don't want to 'pop' unless we really have to. Sybil you try to get some sleep as well. Since it is not too late I think you should call the school Cecilia. Tell Miss Cackle that the girls should be there in time for morning classes."

CC and Sybil wrinkled their noses at each other. CC then fell asleep, Sybil yawned making sure to cover her mouth and then she too fell asleep.

George Hallow called his wife. "That's right dear slight change of plans I will be home tomorrow morning. Pardon? Oh around ten I think. I'll let you know if I'll be any later. Oh and Kirsten please stay away from that new bakery. What?! When did that happen? Right I'll let Conrad know. I love you too dear see you tomorrow goodbye."

"Let me know what George?"

"Well it seems Tiny's new bakery just burned down. Something about a weird bolt of lightening, purple in colour just coming out of nowhere and hitting just that building. The flames from the fire that started were purple as well. Conrad you don't think CC?"

"I'm not sure George and we can't exactly ask her right now can we?"

George looked toward the back of the van both CC and Sybil were deeply asleep. "No I suppose not. I don't know about your children but mine get extremely cranky and stubborn when awakened too many times at night."

"Yes ours too and I really think CC needs to sleep. George,Cecilia I think we need to 'pop' to our estate and then go on to Cackle's from there in the morning. George I need you to concentrate on The Hallow-Hardbroom estate. Without CC we may not land right on the estate but we should come very close." Conrad pulled the van over to the side of the road. "Let me call Oliver to let him know we are on our way. He should know more about the bakery as well. Cecilia did you get through to Miss Cackle?"

"No with this new news I'm not sure about CC being there in the morning. I'm sure Oliver would be happy to drive you and Sybil back there George."

"Right well please call Miss Cackle now and I will call Oliver and then we will 'pop' alright?"

"That is fine darling." Cecilia hit a memory button on her mobile. "Hello? Hello Miss Cackle I am sorry to call so late in the evening this is Cecilia Hallow-Hardbroom. Pardon? Oh yes there has been another change of plans, Sybil and George should be there in the morning but we are not sure about CC. Hmm? Oh well it is a Tiny development . Constance? Well yes we could use her help,we should be at the estate in about ten minutes. Do you think you could convince Constance to come? Alright all you can do is try. Here let me give you my mobile number..." Cecilia continued to speak with Miss Cackle.

"Yes Oliver about ten minutes. Say have you heard about the bakery? Good you can fill us in when we get there. Any trouble getting the children to bed?" Conrad sighed, "Darius again? I will speak with him in my study tomorrow. Anything else? Excuse me, who called? Constance? Are you sure it was her? Cecilia is speaking with Miss Cackle now. Oh you used the voice identifier so it was definitely Constance. You say she is already on her way. Fine we will see you in a few minutes Oliver." Conrad turned to Cecilia. "Cecilia?"

"Just a minute Miss Cackle. Conrad what is it?" Cecilia hated to be interrupted while on any telephone call.

"Apparently Constance is already on her way to the estate!"

"Oh Miss Cackle Constance has already left The Academy and is on her way home. I see well I guess we will straighten everything out when she gets there. Yes I will call and let you know what is happening. Good bye Miss Cackle." Cecilia pressed the end button on her mobile. Cecilia sighed. "How unlike Constance to not tell Miss Cackle where she was going."

"Maybe there wasn't time or she told Miss Drill or Miss Bat instead."

"I suppose she could have. Conrad do you remember when Constance last came home?"

"I think it was our wedding. She tends to stick fairly close to Cackle's."

"That's what I thought. Well we had better get 'popping', the girls are both still fast asleep. George are you ready?"

"Yes I'm ready."

"Right just concentrate on our estate George, Cecilia and I will so the rest."

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Back at The Academy, Miss Cackle is sitting at her desk and wondering why Constance did not inform her about leaving. How did she call Oliver when the only telephone in The Academy was sitting right here on her desk? There was a timid knock on her door. "Come in" Miss Cackle replied.

Miss Bat entered the room. "Miss Cackle I have a message from Miss Hardbroom."

"Aha I knew she wouldn't just leave without telling somebody. Well?"

"Oh right she has had to go home for a family emergency and she has taken Pumpkin with her."

"Pumpkin? Not Morgana?"

"Actually I think she took both. I seem to remember two pairs of eyes peering from the cat basket."

"Alright Miss Bat thank you anything else?"

"No Headmistress." Miss Bat replied in her usual nervous fluttering voice. She turned and hurried out of the office.

"Miss Cackle picked up the telephone receiver and called Cecilia back.

Cecilia answered her mobile. "Hello Miss Cackle. Pardon? Oh caller identification. Yes I know who is calling before I answer. We have just arrived home. Oh we did a major 'pop'. Do you have any idea when Constance left? Oh I see alright I suppose we will see her when we see her then. Thank you Miss Cackle good bye." Cecilia once again hit end.

CC mumbled something in her sleep. Conrad looked at George. "George did you hear what CC just said?"

"It sounded like 'I'm sorry Papa' Conrad."

"Oh dear I wonder what she has done now?" mused Conrad.

"But Conrad she is asleep how could she...?"

"George, CC has been known to cast spells in her sleep and they often manifest externally as well."

"Oh" was all George Hallow could manage. He then choked out "you don't think that is what happened back at the townhouse do you?"

"I'm not sure George,it is quite possible. We will have to wait until CC awakens. What news from Miss Cackle Cecilia?"

"Well Constance did leave a message but she left it with Miss Bat. Constance is bringing both Pumpkin and Morgana with her. Miss Cackle does not know when Constance left, so we have no ETA.

"Alright let me just 'pop' into the house and ... Oh I see I don't have to. Good evening Oliver."

"Good evening Conrad you made good time."

"Yes George gave us a boost."

"I see thank you George." Mr Hallow cringed he still was not used to his son-in-law calling him by his first name,but it was better than Dad he supposed.

"So Conrad what can I help you with? Shall I carry the girls in?"

"Can you handle them both at the same time Oliver?"

"Oh sure no problem, just hand them to me one at a time." Oliver was a very large and well built man. He was also in great shape and often doubled as Conrad's body guard. George carefully picked up Sybil and gently handed her to Oliver. Sybil did not awaken at all. He then picked up CC just as carefully and gently and placed her in Oliver's other arm. The girls each nestled closer to Oliver. Apparently even in their sleep they could feel his protection.

"So Conrad shall I take them up to the girl's room?"

"Is Esther still sleeping in there as well?"

"Yes she insisted so I just moved her bed in there."

"That is fine. Just put CC in with Amy and put Sybil into CC's bed."

"Alright back in a moment." Oliver disappeared and then reappeared just seconds later. He was shaking his head . "It was the darnedest thing Conrad, I put CC down next to Amy and Amy put her arm protectively around her. CC snuggled right in and they were both sound asleep!"

"They are very in tune with each other Oliver. Amy has always been fiercely protective of CC,from the moment we brought CC home. Though Amy is not above teasing her now and then."

"Yeah same thing with my brothers and sisters but let an outsider try and bam!"

"I think it is universal with most families. Every now and then you get a child that doesn't quite fit."

"Maybe that is where the Tiny's of this world evolve."

"That is an interesting theory Oliver. Very interesting."

"Alright can you two philosophize later? I want to get inside!" Cecilia was getting impatient. "Any other news we need to know Oliver?"

"Yes The Hardbrooms are home. They went directly to The East Wing. Said they would see everyone tomorrow."

"Oh great why didn't they telephone? Oliver and George I want to warn you when my parents and Constance get together be prepared for fireworks. Make sure you warn Hep as well Oliver. Let's go in and put everything away. Oliver could you put these in the kitchen?"

Oliver opened the bag, "are these biscuits and sandwiches Mrs Turtlewell's creations?"

"Yes with Sybil's help why?"

"Well Hep and I have actually not had dinner. She is making a salad but these would help round everything out."

"A bit more trouble getting the children to bed then you let on. Hey Oliver?"

"Yes Conrad." Oliver answered sheepishly.

"Alright go ahead and enjoy. Here you may as well have the tea as well." Conrad handed Oliver the tea flasks.

"Anyone want to join us? How about you George? Hazel would love to see her Grandpa George."

"Aren't babies usually asleep at this time of night?"

"Well George usually she is, but she is cutting a tooth right now. Hep is keeping her close to help comfort her. She might be asleep or she might not. Come with me anyway Hep would like to see you as well."

"Alright but could we walk please? I've had enough of 'popping' today."

"Sure George come on." Oliver reached into the bag and pulled out the biscuit bag. "Here you carry the biscuits George. They might not make it to the kitchen if I am in charge of them." Oliver laughed and handed his father-in-law the biscuit bag.

"Keep an eye on George Oliver. He loves those biscuits just as much as you!" Cecilia laughed.

"Very funny Cissy." George used the nickname that he knew Cecilia hated most and then ran into the house before she could retaliate. Cecilia just glared at her older brother's retreating back.

"Wow Cecilia you showed great restraint."

Cecilia answered through clenched teeth. "Just wait Conrad. George will get his."

Conrad shuddered he had learned long ago never to call his wife Cissy. "Well let's go inside. I know you want to look in on all of the children. We can put CC and Sybil's things away in the girl's room."

"Alright Conrad let's drop these off first and then I want to check on the quads." Cecilia led the way into the house. Neither Conrad or Cecilia even wanted to think about the fact that The Grandparents were home.

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Meanwhile Miss Hardbroom was almost home. Luckily there was only a light breeze and it had been behind her all the way. Before she had left The Academy she had transferred Pumpkin into CC's cat basket. She had also stopped by the broom shed and picked out CC's broom. She was a bit surprised when it wrenched itself out of her hands when she tried to tap it. CC's broom hovered on its own and allowed Miss Hardbroom to hang Pumpkin in her cat basket at one end. Also a small bag, containing two complete uniforms including the girl's boots on the other. CC's broom flew along side Miss Hardbroom by itself.

"Well Morgana and Pumpkin you two will be happy to know that we are almost home. We should be there in a few minutes. At least the weather has cooperated." Not for the first time Constance wondered if Miss Bat had delivered her message to Miss Cackle. "Well no use worrying about it I'll find out soon enough. Right brooms down we go." The wind had picked up a bit and Miss Hardbroom arrived at her ancestral home a bit faster than she had anticipated. Miss Hardbroom landed behind her brother's van. CC's broom hovered next to Miss Hardbroom's left side. Her own broom hovered on her right after she had carefully hopped off. Miss Hardbroom took a deep breath, "right let's get this over with." Miss Hardbroom went to the front door,the broom followed she firmly rang the bell and then crossed her arms and waited. She did not have long to wait. The door opened and there stood Hep and Oliver.

"Good Evening Miss Hardbroom" intoned Hep and then she burst out laughing. "Oh my I sound just like a student."

"Good Evening Hepzibah. Yes old habits die hard I suppose. May I come in please?" Miss Hardbroom gave Hep a slight smile and looked pointedly at Oliver.

Oliver had Hazel strapped to his chest with the baby facing outward. Hazel studied Miss Hardbroom's face and broke out into a big grin showing off her new bottom tooth. It had finally broken through her sore gums. "How do you do Miss Hardbroom I am Oliver." Oliver did not extend his hand he had been thoroughly warned by Hep about Miss Hardbroom's likes and dislikes.

"Very well thank you. Could we please go inside. I don't think this wind is very good for Hazel. She seems to be leaking." Miss Hardbroom looked pointedly at the baby.

"Oliver wipe Hazel's face she is drooling again." Hep handed her husband a dry flannel as she stepped aside to let Miss Hardbroom pass. The two broomsticks followed. "Shall I help you with the cats Miss?"

"I'll take care of Morgana myself. You may take care of Pumpkin."

Even though Pumpkin could have 'popped' herself to CC she was a very wise cat. She did not want these humans knowing about the magic that she possessed. Hep removed the cat basket and then the bag from the broomstick. CC's broom then took itself to the broom closet.

"That is a very well trained broom." Miss Hardbroom was very impressed.

Pumpkin was getting more impatient and let out a very loud meow. "Alright Pumpkin hold on." Hep released the catch on Pumpkin's cat basket. As soon as the door was opened Pumpkin streaked out and headed straight up the stairs. "I guess she is anxious to get to CC." Hep said standing up and laughing.

"I suppose." Miss Hardbroom said dryly. "I think I will go wait for Conrad and Cecilia in the Lounge if you don't mind."

"Of course. Do you know the way?" Oliver foolishly asked.

"I did grow up here young man. Unless there has been a major renovation I think I can find my way. I would like a hot cup of tea if it is not too much trouble." Miss Hardbroom's voice fairly dripped with contempt.

Hep squeezed Oliver's arm to keep him from replying and making things worse. Hazel gurgled and drooled again. Miss Hardbroom let out a sigh,she took the flannel from Oliver and wiped Hazel's mouth. She then handed Hep the flannel. She crouched down and let Morgana out of her cat basket, grabbed her own bag,sent her broom to the broom closet, stood up turned on her heel and marched to the Lounge.

Oliver started to ask a question,Hep put her index finger to his lips. She then took his arm and 'popped' her family back down to the kitchen. "I can't believe Miss Hardbroom wiped the baby's mouth!" Hep exclaimed.

"Why not?" asked Oliver shrugging his shoulders.

"Wait a minute Miss Hardbroom wiped Hazel's mouth?" George Hallow had stayed in the kitchen. He saw enough of Miss Hardbroom at the school.

"Yes Daddy she took the flannel out of Oliver's hand wiped our dear Miss Drooly-Face and then handed the flannel back to me! Oliver why don't you see if Hazel will go to sleep now? I have put her portable cot in the room Uncle Conrad and Aunt Cecilia asked us to use. We will move back to our cottage tomorrow morning."

"Right see you later George." Oliver waved and 'popped' away with Hazel.

"I'm glad we have the tea Mrs Turtlewell made. Luckily she sent plain along with the milky-sweet. Miss Hardbroom likes her tea plain and hot."

"Do you think it is still hot enough?"

"Probably not,but I can zap it. Don't worry Daddy I can handle Miss Hardbroom. Are you staying the night?"

"Yes but I don't know which room to use."

"The room next to ours is free. Hold on a moment." Hep 'popped' out of the room. She had used her locater 'pop' and appeared right outside the girl's bedroom. She carefully opened the door and stuck her head in and hissed, "Aunt Cecilia, Uncle Conrad?"

Cecilia came out and closed the door quietly behind her. "Conrad is tucking Esther back in. We had to make a potty run." Cecilia said smiling.

Hep smiled back she understood completely. "May Daddy have the room next to ours?"

"Yes that is fine the sheets are in the linen closet outside your door."

"Thanks. Oh Miss Hardbroom has arrived she is in the Lounge. Hazel is quite taken with her. She showed off her new tooth with a big drooly grin!"

"Well that is a surprise. Though I always suspected that Constance had a soft side. Is she alright for now?"

"Yes as soon as I tell Daddy which room to use I will be taking her some tea. I assume Pumpkin is in the girl's room by now?"

"I wondered where she came from. I'm sorry Hep I'm just a bit distracted right now." Conrad came out of the girl's bedroom. "Constance is here."

"Well I figured that out dear when Pumpkin jumped onto CC's pillow." Conrad took his wife by her elbow, "come along darling Hep can take care of things downstairs. Tell Constance we will be down in about twenty minutes alright? We need to check on the rest of the children and sit for a few minutes before we come downstairs."

"Sure Uncle Conrad I'll take care of everything." Hep 'popped' back to the kitchen. She then took her father upstairs showed him which room to use and handed him the sheets from the linen closet. She knew that he could make up his own bed. He had been sent to a very strict wizard's school that practiced lots of self reliance. She returned to the kitchen poured the tea into a heated teapot. She also gave it an extra zap to make sure that it was extra hot. She placed one teacup and one saucer along with a plate with two biscuits onto a tray and 'popped' to the Lounge.

Miss Hardbroom was pacing in front of the fireplace. It was a rather cool night so there was a nice warm fire. Morgana had made herself comfortable in a chair near the fire. She watched as her mistress paced. Miss Hardbroom was just about to 'pop' to the kitchen when Hep appeared.

"I'm sorry I took so long Miss but I had to get Daddy settled and also find Uncle Conrad and Aunt Cecilia." Hep poured the tea into the teacup. She then carefully put the rather full cup onto the saucer and handed it to Miss Hardbroom.

"And did you find them?" Miss Hardbroom took a sip of the tea. It made her feel warm all over. "Where is this tea from?"

"Yes I found them,they will be down in about twenty minutes. The tea is from Mrs Turtlewell the cook and housekeeper at the townhouse."

"Ah that explains the warm feeling. Twenty minutes? Why so long?"

"They need to check on all of the children,and I think relax just a bit. Do you need anything else Miss?"

"No Hepzibah, thank you go on back to your family. I'll be just fine." Miss Hardbroom waved Hep away.

"I'll see you tomorrow then. Good night Miss Hardbroom." Hep 'popped' away.

"The Hallows' did a very good job with Hepzibah. Though I like to think Cackle's had some influence on her as well Morgana." Miss Hardbroom finally sat down.

A small voice came from the doorway of the Lounge. It was a very demanding voice from such a small person. "Who are you? What are you doing in our Lounge? And may I please have a biscuit?"

Miss Hardbroom looked up and was a bit startled. Standing in the doorway was a miniature version of CC! The child's hair only reached her waist however. Miss Hardbroom answered the child's questions in order. "I am your Aunt Constance." The child entered the room and stood in front of Miss Hardbroom's chair. "I am waiting for your parents,and may I ask your name?"

"Yes. I am Esther-Emily Hallow-Hardbroom. I am four years old. Now may I have a biscuit?"

Esther's resemblance to CC was uncanny. Miss Hardbroom was a bit taken aback but quickly regained her composure. "Aunt Constance may I please have a biscuit?" Esther asked again with a bit of a whingey tone.

"Well it is a bit late. Why are you still awake?"

"I want a biscuit!" Esther gave up being polite.

"Now look here young lady that is no way to speak to your elders. I am quite sure your parents would not approve of this sort of behaviour." Miss Hardbroom looked sternly at Esther.

Esther looked back sizing Miss Hardbroom up. "I'm sorry."

"As well you should be. No you may not have a biscuit it is far too late for you to be eating anything. Esther where are your slippers?" Miss Hardbroom's tone was even sterner if that was at all possible. Miss Hardbroom could see Esther's feet were cold. Of course the fact that Esther kept holding them up to the fire was a really good clue as well.

"I forgotted them." Esther replied.

"Pardon me?" Miss Hardbroom stood up and looked down at Esther.

Esther replied again. "I mean I forgot them."

"That is better. Just because you are four years old is no excuse for poor grammar. Now come with me." Miss Hardbroom took Esther's hand and 'popped' upstairs with her.