I have had some very strange hours at work so no time to update sorry. A bit short but I know people are waiting.

Chapter 51

Miss Hardbroom knew that Conrad and Cecilia were using the same wing of the house for the children as her parents had used. "Well Esther which room are you supposed to be in?"

Esther pulled Miss Hardbroom down the corridor and stopped in front of her door. Miss Hardbroom was a bit surprised this was her old room! "Esther do you sleep in here alone?"

"No Aunt Constance." Esther shook her head.

Miss Hardbroom sighed with impatience, "well who else sleeps in your room child?"

"Amy and CC and tonight my cousin Sybil." Esther answered in a matter of fact way shrugging her small shoulders.

"I see, well let's be quiet so we don't awaken them." Esther nodded solemnly. Miss Hardbroom opened the door very carefully,Esther pulled Miss Hardbroom over to her bed. She then let go of Miss Hardbroom's hand and then crooked her index finger. Miss Hardbroom leaned down until her face was even with Esther's.

Esther gave Miss Hardbroom a hug and then kissed her cheek. Miss Hardbroom was very surprised and touched. Esther then climbed into her bed and Miss Hardbroom tucked her in. She brushed the hair away from Esther's face, Esther clutched her teddy bear,turned onto her side,sighed and fell asleep. Miss Hardbroom turned and looked around the room. It was much more pleasant and done in much lighter and brighter colours than when it had been hers. She saw that Pumpkin had settled in her usual spot on the end of the bed on top of CC's feet. Amy still had her arm protectively around CC. All of the girls were sleeping peacefully. Miss Hardbroom went to the door and quietly left the room as she closed the door she met Cecilia out in the corridor.

Cecilia whispered, "Constance what are you doing up here?"

"I have met Esther." Miss Hardbroom whispered back. "Let's go down to the Lounge and I will explain more." Both women 'popped' down to the Lounge. Conrad was already there. He had made a stop in the kitchen and brought up more tea and biscuits.

"Ah I see you found Constance. So where were you?"

"I've met Esther. Really Conrad you two could have warned me,she is the spitting image of CC! CC also tells me that Esther is showing prodigy witch craft traits as well."

"Yes she is and she is even more stubborn than CC. I'm sorry we didn't tell you about Esther and her likeness to CC but Constance I never thought you would meet the children you never come home!"

"You could have sent me pictures. CC is a partial namesake after all. And you know why I don't visit Conrad!"

"Yes and I should warn you Constance..."

"Warn me about what?" Miss Hardbroom interrupted.

"Mother and Father are here." Conrad stated flatly.

"What?! I thought they were touring Canada."

"They were. They decided to come home early. They do still live here Constance. They have the entire East Wing of the house. They even have their own kitchen. Though they do enjoy eating with their grandchildren quite a bit."

"You are talking about our parents Conrad?"

"Yes Constance they have changed. I think it has something to do with the children along with a few other things."

"So who came up with Gammy and Gampy?"

"Well actually that was Helena,she is the oldest grandchild she had trouble pronouncing Grandmother and Grandfather when she was eighteen months old and it came out as Gammy and Gampy. Nobody could get her to change it once she could speak clearly. So Gammy and Gampy they remain."

"I see, so I suppose Cressida has been forgiven then?"

Conrad shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Yes she has. I'm sure you will be as well Constance."

"I have not done anything that needs forgiving Conrad! At least from my point of view,they on the other hand." Miss Hardbroom gave Conrad a chilly look.

"Alright Constance this is really something you need to discuss with Mother and Father not us."

"Fine. Well I know you and Cecilia want to know why I am here. Now Conrad I want you to try really hard to keep your temper and hear everything I say before you take any action."

"Does this have anything to do with the purple lightning and purple fire?"

"Most probably."

"Alright I promise to try to keep my temper. Cecilia will you help me if needed?"

"Well actually Cecilia will probably be keeping her own temper in check."

"Constance this all sounds very ominous just what is going on?" Conrad's patience was wearing a bit thin.

"Oh alright Conrad keep your shirt on. I know the reason you left the townhouse was because CC had 'The Dream' while you were there. I did not get this information when I called here, I got it from CC."

"What?! The only way she could do that..." Conrad started.

"Was to mind walk yes I know Conrad calm down. CC was not really mind walking."

"How can you say that Constance? That is exactly what she was doing and after giving the..."

"Conrad stop and listen to me! CC was dream walking not mind walking. No one even thought to ask her if she could dream walk."

"Probably because we have never heard of it before."

Cecilia laid her hand on Conrad's arm. "Darling let's hear Constance out please."

"Go on Constance." Conrad said through clenched teeth.

"Remember you told CC to come to me if she had 'The Dream' while at school. Now technically she was not at school but she may have felt that she was in school mode so to speak. Anyway she screamed my name in her dream and I responded. I tried to get her to wake up but the evil forces were too strong. How did you awaken her?"

"The Turtlewell's cat Mouser. Mouse is one of Pumpkin's sisters."

"And just who are The Turtlewells? Hepzibah told me about a Mrs Turtlewell earlier."

"Oh right you don't know about them. Mrs Turtlewell is our housekeeper and cook at the townhouse. Her husband is my valet there."

"I see."

"Constance they are needed there. I often use the townhouse for conferences and emergency meetings."

"You don't have to justify their existence to me Conrad. With a family as large as yours I am quite surprised you do not have 'help' here at the main house."

"Well actually Hep and Oliver are helping us now,but not in the same capacity as The Turtlewells."

"Conrad I really don't need to known this unless it will help with CC. Now have you calmed down?"

"Constance you are one crafty witch."

"Thank you. Now what is all this about purple lightning and purple fire?"

"Well Tiny had opened a bakery in The Hallows town. Tonight it was destroyed by a streak of purple lightning and the flames of the fire were also purple."

"Ah and you think CC sent the lightning bolt?"

"I'm starting to lean more and more in that direction. Constance CC can cast spells in her sleep. I don't know why we didn't also come to the conclusion that she could dream walk as well."

"Well as you said Conrad this is the first time any of us has heard of this phenomenon."

"Yes. Well now I know why CC murmured 'I am sorry Papa' in her sleep."

"She did?! When?"

"On our way here. George heard her."

"That child's conscience amazes me. Even in her sleep she is apologizing?"

"Yes as you have seen at Cackle's CC has a very high moral compass. Though she does, as we all know too well, test the waters." Conrad laughed.

"I'm glad you can laugh Conrad. I have brought CC's broom with me. Will she be returning to Cackle's with me and Sybil?"

"Probably. Constance how did you know that Sybil can fly now? No wait don't tell me CC again."

"Oh yes she too is a crafty witch. She took full advantage of her dream walk."

"Well I will be speaking with her tomorrow in my study after breakfast. Of course I need to get George back to Cackle's to pick up his car. I think I may just ask Oliver to do that. He can take CC's wool and supplies with him as well. Constance how long did it take you to fly here?"

"About four hours. The wind was behind me all of the way."

"Well you could fly for awhile I suppose and with CC and your talents you could 'pop' the rest of the way to Cackle's. That way you won't miss so many lessons."

"Conrad I think it would be safer if we flew at night."

"You would give up a day at school?!"

"I think I will have to. You know I have to work things out with Mother and Father, and do you know what happened to Tiny?"

"No Oliver did not get the chance to update me. I will be speaking to him tomorrow as well. I think I might have George call Kirsten and have her come and get him. She also may have more news. She can bring Mona and the triplets as well. You just may need to stay two days Constance."

"We'll see about two days Conrad I will have to check with Miss Cackle. Do you really need more children around here? Don't your lot have lessons tomorrow?"

"Well yes of course though Amy and Esther now go to the village and have private tutoring with Effie. Constance since you are staying why don't you take Amy and Esther to their lessons. Then you can also visit and catch up with Effie."

"That sounds fine Conrad. Does Esther ride a broom already?"

"Only around the estate by herself. To go to lessons she doubles up with Amy. Amy sits behind Esther, it is best to keep a close eye on Esther."

"Yes I witnessed that this evening." Miss Hardbroom pulled a biscuit from her pocket. "Esther thinks she got away with taking this biscuit. I had told her she could not have a biscuit,so she took one when she thought I wasn't looking. I did not think it was my place to discipline her for it. I leave that up to you. Though I did admonish her for bad grammar and speaking to me rudely. She made a very nice apology."

"Oh yes she is always very quick with those. I'm not sure that she always means it though. If you ever see Esther's nose turning orange..."

"Orange?"

"Yes orange,when Esther is stretching the truth or even just hiding her true meaning of things her nose turns orange."

"Well Conrad you and Cecilia certainly have very colourful children."

"Oh Constance that was an awful pun." Cecilia laughed, Conrad was chuckling.

"Yes but I did get the result I was looking for. The mood in here needed lightening. Now you two look done in, if you will let me know which room I am to use. I will let you two go."

"Well let's see. Hep,Oliver and Hazel are in the floral room, George is in the room next to theirs..."

"Cecilia I am very familiar with that wing of the house. Now I assume you and Conrad have the master suite?"

"Yes."

"So that is near the children's wing."

"As you say Constance you know every room in the house. You may use any of the available rooms you choose."

"Is the attic bedroom still available?"

"Well yes the children don't like it up there. Too spooky I suppose."

"Good that will do then."

"Are you sure Constance? It might be a bit dusty and untidy. We do keep the chimney in working order so if you want a fire..."

"Thank you Cecilia I will be fine. I will see you in the morning at breakfast. Morgana come." Morgana stretched and then jumped into Miss Hardbroom's arms. Miss Hardbroom zapped her bag and then disappeared with Morgana.

"Conrad why does Constance like the attic bedroom?"

"Well when we were young and Constance got into trouble or was in disgrace our parents would send her there as punishment. What they never knew is that Constance loved the attic. No one ever bothered her there. It gave her plenty of time to develop her craft. Constance always liked to study, she eventually moved all of her books up there. She would have slept up there but that would have alerted our parents and then they would have forbidden her to use it."

"I see. Your parents were awfully strict with the three of you. I can see why Cressida rebelled. Of course the way she chose..."

"Yes well luckily that all turned out fine, I think Cressida is part of the reason they are sometimes such softies with the grandchildren." Conrad yawned.

"Oh really Conrad cover your mouth. Sometimes you are worse than the children! Now come along darling morning will be here before we know it and the quads still like to get up early!"

"Did you call Miss Cackle and let her know that Constance arrived?"

"Goodness I completely forgot. You don't suppose she will still be awake?"

"Well call and see,she may be worried. I'll see you in a few minutes. I think I will check the children just one more time."

"Good idea." Cecilia pushed the memory button on her mobile. Miss Cackle picked up on the first ring. "Hello Miss Cackle I am so sorry. Yes she has arrived. No she needs to stay at least all day tomorrow. She plans to fly back with the girls tomorrow night,but she might have to stay longer. Yes Sybil as well,yes the new broom seems to have done the trick. Alright I will have her telephone you in the morning. Good night Miss Cackle. Cecilia pushed the end button on her mobile and sighed. She 'popped' to the master suite, let Conrad take care of the children she needed a nice hot bubble bath.

Conrad checked the quads first. They were all awake. "Just what are you lot doing up?"

All four said at the same time, "wet!"

"Oh great. Well I will just have to change your nappies won't I?" Conrad was a very efficient nappy changer but tonight he took the easy route. He magically changed all four at once. "There now you are all clean and dry. Anything else?"

Conrad knew what they wanted next but he liked to hear them all ask at once. It was just too cute. Gemma looked at Harrison, Harrison looked at Iris and Iris looked at Jamison then they all looked at Conrad and said, "Twinkle Song Papa."

Luckily Conrad could sing solo. He had learned to control the weird effects that seemed to happen when 'THE ONE' sang that way. "Alright you lot lie down and I will sing 'The Twinkle Song', all the way down." The quads had put theirs heads down but their bottoms were still up in the air. Conrad chuckled. By the time he finished the song all four of the quads were fast asleep. He next checked on Bertie. All was quiet there but Bertie had kicked off his covers again. Conrad gently recovered Bertie and winced slightly when Bertie whimpered in his sleep. He felt guilty for the hard Level Two that he had administered earlier. He removed the Leveling completely. "I'm so sorry son." Conrad whispered and he left the room. He next checked on Darius and Fenner. The boys shared a room he also removed their Level Twos and recovered them as well. He left their room and made his way down the corridor toward the girl's room. "Oh Esther not again!" Conrad sighed and picked up Esther.

"I want Aunt Constance!" Esther demanded.

"Your Aunt Constance has gone up to her room to go to bed. You belong in your bed as well young lady."

"I want Aunt Constance now!" Esther's voice got even louder. Conrad was afraid that she would awaken the other children. Esther took a deep breath but before she could scream Miss Hardbroom appeared. Esther smiled.

"Give her to me Conrad." Miss Hardbroom said in her sternest voice. Esther's smile quickly left her face. She frantically shook her head no. "You wanted me little miss and now you have me. Conrad?"

Conrad handed Esther to Miss Hardbroom. He knew Esther was safe and no harm would come to her. "Are you sure Constance? Do you think you can handle Esther?"

"I handled you and Cressida just fine didn't I?"

Conrad shuddered. "Remember Constance she is only four years old."

"Yes a very stubborn and trying four year old. Don't even think about it young lady." Esther was about to bite Miss Hardbroom's hand. She quickly closed her mouth when she saw the stern look on Miss Hardbroom's face. "Conrad go on I'm sure that Cecilia is wondering where you are. I will see to Esther and I will also make sure that she gets back to bed and stays there."

Conrad whispered into his sister's ear. "You may tell her about finding the biscuit Constance. I leave the punishment up to you." Miss Hardbroom gave her brother a look and then 'popped' up to the attic with Esther.

Esther started to whinge. "I don't like it here."

"Too bad this is where I am staying. Now let's get things straight,then you will go to bed and stay there until it is time to get up. Do you understand me Esther Emily?"

Esther knew her aunt meant business. Adults always did when they used both of your names. Also Miss Hardbroom had her hand under Esther's chin. "Yes Aunt Constance." Miss Hardbroom dropped her hand from Esther's chin.

"Right. Now I don't want you to think you got away with anything earlier. I know about the biscuit." Constance put Esther down and looked at her sternly. "Your Papa has given me permission to punish you. What do you thinks is a fair punishment for sneaking a biscuit after you had been told you could not have one?" Esther looked up at her aunt in surprise. She had been expecting at least a Level One. "Well young lady I don't have all night and neither do you."

"No pudding?" suggested Esther.

"Yes that is a very good suggestion. Now how many days?"

Esther swallowed and then answered, "four?"

"Well this is your first offense. At least with me, how about two?"

Esther nodded. "Thank you Aunt Constance."

"We will tell your Mummy in the morning alright?" Esther nodded again.

"I'm sleepy."

"You should be it is after eleven pm. I am going to take you back to your bed. Now as I said before I expect you to stay there until CC gets you up for the morning. If you do get up again tonight I will raise your punishment to four days without pudding. Is that clear?"

"Yes Aunt Constance very clear. Aunt Constance?"

"Yes child what is it?"

Esther beckoned with her finger again. Constance got down on her knees,she was now level with Esther. Esther threw her small arms around her aunt's neck, "I love you Aunt Constance." Esther gave her aunt a big hug and another kiss.

"I love you too Esther" she whispered back. Constance 'popped' back down to the girl's room and placed Esther back in her bed. "Now be a good girl and stay there!"

"I will I promise." Esther once again clutched her teddy bear and fell asleep.

"Aunt Constance?" CC was now awake.

"CC why are you awake do you know how late it is?"

"Yes but I heard you come back with Esther. Is everything alright?"

"Yes CC lie back down and go to sleep I will see you in the morning."

CC yawned making sure to cover her mouth. "Alright I am rather tired,it has been a very long day." CC snuggled back down, Constance pulled the blanket up and tucked CC in. She then leaned over and first kissed Amy and then CC on their foreheads. Amy smiled in her sleep and once again put her arm around CC. "Good night Aunt Constance thank you for everything." CC fell back asleep. Constance Hardbroom wiped a stray tear from her eye and then 'popped' back to the attic.