"Ah Imogen, you look a little more like the PE teacher I am so fond of now," Amelia said kindly as Imogen entered the Staff Room. "How have you been?"
Imogen smiled. It was so nice to see Amelia. She was such a warmhearted human being.
"Good. We have talked a lot and well...it has been a strange but very memorable week so far," Imogen explained.
"Yes, I must admit I have many questions but top of the list has to be...magical paintball? How on earth did you get Constance to show you that?" Amelia said with questioning eyes.
"It was her idea. She wanted to do fun things this week so we have done some amazing stuff. Walking on water, sinking to the bottom of the lake, floating around the Great Hall and then paintball today," Imogen expanded and Amelia's eyes couldn't get any wider in disbelief.
"She isn't one of Midlred's clones is she?" Amelia asked half seriously.
"Ha ha, no no, it's definitely her. To be honest, she has been opening up a bit and I think she just wanted a short break from all the control. I think she wanted to put some distance between her and her past," Imogen said sensitively. She wanted to reassure Amelia without giving away anything confidential that Constance would see as a breach of trust.
"Say no more...I understand," Amelia said softly. " Though I do wish I had timed my entry better," she added looking down at her paint splattered black cloak.
"Yes, well it did get a little competitive," Imogen admitted with an apologetic smile.
"So I saw. You looked like you were in the midst of a big battle. Actually, before anyone else joins us you have got to tell me how Mildred won!" Amelia said with a chuckle.
Imogen explained in detail how Mildred had fought and how she had apparated onto a beam. Amelia was at times quite animated with her laughter and appreciation of how dramatic the sport had become.
"So you walked in just after Mildred had sent another straight into Constance's face. I saw the look in her eye...she was livid!" Imogen explained as she drew the story to a close.
"Never in my entire time at Cackle's have I ever seen Constance Hardbroom engage in any form of frivolous activity unless I have forced her to," Amelia said, still shaking her head in disbelief. "I think I am actually quite proud of her," she added with a touch of sentiment.
"I am very proud of her. She has gone through so much and lately there have been different sides to her character shining through. You just can't help but admire her...when you're not being irritated by her sarcasm that is" Imogen said with a knowing sigh.
"I think you have all handled yourselves impressively my dear," Amelia said as she patted Imogen's hand. She admired her colleagues equally for their bravery and individual talents.
On exactly the 30 minute mark Miss Hardbroom appeared in the Staff Room and startled both her colleagues.
"Ah it is lovely to see you looking less...pink," Amelia said with another warm smile.
"Yes, well, it is safe to say I wouldn't have chosen that activity had I known you were coming," Constance said self-consciously.
"Well I am pleased you did, Constance. This is your free time, you have all earnt the right to kick back a little," she said with ease. Constance looked flustered but managed a flat smile.
"Mildred looked very comfortable apparating...before she fainted," Amelia stated with a little concern and surprise.
"Mildred is a worry," Constance said sitting down heavily in a chair near Amelia. "In summary, she is full of soul magic which looks like it is staying, she can apparate with use of her imagination at a remarkably accurate rate, and she appears to have established a deep rooted and sensory connection with her own magic, the likes of which witches in their 30s are still struggling to achieve!"
"Well, Glendar Fox was certainly impressed. She told me that Mildred had accidentally apparated. She made it clear that I was to keep that to myself though," Amelia confessed as Constance raised an eyebrow. "She said both you and Mildred were extremely powerful, in short, she was very impressed."
Constance scoffed loudly, "she got all that from meeting us both once."
"She is a telepath, Constance," the headmistress said carefully. "I gave her permission to visit you both because I thought it might be the only way to protect you both. Your power on that roof raised alarm bells, and Mildred's abilities...well there is a lot we don't know," Amelia said with sensitivity.
"Ahhhh a telepath, I should have realised," Constance said as she understood. "I wondered why her visit was so short. So we passed the test then," she added with derision.
"Yes, very much so, she is quite inclined to protect you both," Amelia said gently.
"Yes well an insight into my thoughts on that particular day…" Constance looked away to mask her horror and anger at the violation, but mostly the upset.
"I know how much of an invasion you will feel this was Constance. Glendar gets only small insights and they are mostly feelings rather than thoughts. She wanted to tell you but we agreed it would be best coming from me," Amelia said and her heart broke as she saw her deputy slump a little with the weight of her feelings.
"And Mildred...she is going to leave her under my protection?" Constance asked. She had been sure that Glendar would be true to her word but telepaths could sense power so Mildred no longer had any secrets whatsoever from the vice principal of the Council.
"She couldn't think of a more suitable tutor, Constance. I know this will be hard for you to digest. I wish I could have warned you…" Amelia said with emotion.
"It was necessary...I understand that," Constance said, dismissing Amelia's guilt. "And it is the best thing for Mildred...I think Glendar and I will need a frank conversation at some point however," she added more pointedly.
"Yes, I believe she is expecting that," Amelia said with a knowing smile.
"Very well," Constance said, clearly dismissing the problem and deciding to move on. "Mildred then...is less of a worry," she said as she picked her head up and looked directly at Amelia for the first time.
"I don't think she will stay that for long," Imogen said with a chuckle. It was the first time the PE teacher had dare speak throughout the whole exchange.
Constance smiled at the sentiment and Amelia chuckled as the air in the Staff Room flowed freely once more.
As if they had summoned her to them, Mildred arrived in the centre of the Staff Room. All three ladies jumped back in surprise.
"Mildred...must you insist on arriving in that manner!" Constance blurted out.
Mildred just stared at her ex-form tutor. She was fighting the urge to say something. Imogen was willing somebody to say it and Amelia was sucking her lip in a feeble attempt to remain impartial.
"Well it works for you!" Mildred shot back and waited for the inevitable backlash.
"Exactly!" Imogen added with animation.
"I am reluctant to say that Mildred makes a very good point, Constance" Amelia added with a conflicted expression in an attempt to diffuse any outbursts.
"Mildred Hubble...you might be correct. However, I am the deputy Headteacher of Cackle's Academy, do not think for one second that the rules that apply to me will be the same that apply to you," she said slowly with menace.
"What are the rules for witches who can apparate at Cackle's? I would be happy to follow them," Mildred asked without hesitation though her stomach was doing flips and she was actually quite drained by that last transportation. It may have come a little too soon after her recovery.
"Well, we don't have any Mildred. I don't think we have ever needed any," Amelia said openly.
Imogen tried to conceal a smirk. Constance glared at the girl.
"Mildred sit down and get some food, you have overexerted yourself again," Constance said disapprovingly.
Amelia smiled to herself. Trust her deputy to change the subject when she had lost the argument.
The three of them ate their lunch and allowed Miss Cackle to run through everything that had happened at The Council.
"It is safe to say that Glendar Fox is not going to let one person gain that much power or influence over The Council every again," Miss Cackle said as she finished her story.
"Mistress Broomhead was never a fan of Ms Fox. I recall her saying when she joined The Council that she was too manipulative and already too powerful," Constance wondered aloud.
"I liked her," Mildred said and then felt incredibly self-conscious as everyone realised she was there and turned to look at her.
"I think my late Mistress would have seen her as a threat. She is a telepath, Mildred. There is often a lot of fear and criticism of witches with that level of power," Constance explained delicately.
"What is a telepath?" Mildred asked curiously. She partly understood but needed to hear the words said aloud.
"It means a witch can use their magic to sense someone's emotions and even some thoughts or memories depending on how open or closed that individual is. You can protect against such magic...if you are aware the witch has that ability," Constance explained clearly.
"So she could read our emotions...and what we were thinking?" Mildred asked in surprise.
"Well, your emotions are not usually hard to guess Mildred...and neither were mine on that particular day," Constance admitted.
"I think we are all fairly open with our emotions," Imogen said.
"Could she have...did she...read my mind?" Mildred asked with a frown.
"Not exactly. She would have got snippets perhaps as you thought things through or considered what she was saying. If you were concentrating on not telling her something then she would have picked up on that immediately," Constance explained patiently.
"Oh," Mildred said realising she really didn't have anything to hide but HB was notoriously fond of her privacy. She looked at her teacher intently and remembered what she had gone through that afternoon. Her eyes turned sad before a flicker of anger crossed them. "She should have told you she was a telepath," Mildred stated firmly.
"There you go making your emotions quite clear again, Mildred," Constance said with a smile.
"It was a very unique situation Mildred. One that it might be tricky for you to understand fully but suffice to say Glendar Fox needed to know Miss Hardbroom and yourself were no threat to the witching community. She left both impressed and rather taken by you both. Sometimes what doesn't seem quite right is better than any alternative," Amelia explained respectfully. She understood Mildred's anger. She herself had felt very uncomfortable with it all.
"I'm surprised I didn't know she was a telepath. I have admired much of her work and known of her since she joined The Council," Constance said thoughtfully.
"Ah well...apparently they have previously kept it very quiet at The Council. Her rise to the top has led to a lot of changes. I don't think she was keen on being their secret weapon. I think you might quite like her eventually Constance," Amelia said.
"I didn't dislike her," Constance stated. "Of course my defences will be tighter next time she visits."
"You're letting her visit again then," Imogen said with a smirk.
"Well I could do with the company. Sharp witted minds are hard to come by in these parts," Constance retorted instinctively will her razor sharp sarcasm.
"Shall I tell Glendar you are open for a visit before or after your next session of magical paintball?" Amelia interjected in a very rare demonstration of humour at her deputy's expense.
Mildred and Imogen laughed as a shocked Constance Hardbroom turned to look at Amelia.
"What happens this week, stays in this week," Imogen said with a grin.
"Quite!" Constance agreed.
"I'm sorry Constance. You might have got away with referring to yourself as a sharp mind if an hour ago you hadn't been covered in paint," Amelia chuckled, "but don't worry your secret is safe with me."
Meanwhile, Mildred had managed to grab a second slice of cheesecake while the rest were distracted.
"Mildred I keep forgetting you are there, you are so quiet," Amelia said fondly.
Mildred was chewing a piece of cheesecake so just went for a simple nod in agreement. As she swallowed she said, "I'm tired from apparating, Miss."
"I'm sure you are!" Amelia said. "So what else do you have planned for this week Constance?"
"Well I have not fixed anything in stone and my emphasis was on...well...fun," Constance said, rather embarrassed to be put on the spot. "But, I have pencilled in Mildred's drawings of say bouncy castles, a fairground, and perhaps horse riding, then I have fireworks for one evening, bubbles, ice skating on the lake, dancing in the rain...and explosions," she finished and had never looked so self-conscious in her life before.
"Explosions?" Amelia asked with a concerned expression.
"I thought Mildred might like to blow things up in a more controlled setting, rather than in my potions lab," Constance said avoiding eye contact with Mildred or Imogen.
"Well you have certainly put a lot of thought into it," Amelia said with a smile that suggested she was in support of their plans.
"How can we ice skate on the lake, when are we doing fireworks, and what are bubbles?" A very excited Mildred asked.
"Ditto, those questions," Imogen jumped on with an equally eager expression.
Constance rolled her eyes. "I have to hold back some secrets otherwise there will be no suspense" she said, secretly enjoying their enthusiasm.
"Well now that I know you are all safe and quite well, I think I should give you some space and finally get back to my own home," Amelia said with her signature warm smile.
"Have you not been home yet?" Constance asked with concern.
"No but I soon will be," Amelia replied.
"Let me transport you most of the way," Constance suggested.
"Oh no no, that won't be necessary. I quite enjoy a broom ride over the countryside on a sunny day," Amelia said with a thankful smile at her deputy.
As they saw Amelia to the door Mildred felt a huge warmth for Cackle's Headmistress. She was physically tired, there were small signs of it, and yet she didn't complain and always shouldered the responsibility of sorting each aftermath out. The administration and the conversations she must have had to manage. Miss Hardbroom would never in a million years be able to tolerate that side of the battle. They were all incredibly thankful that they had a responsible, approachable and immensely likeable woman at the helm. She gave her all for her students and staff.
"Mildred, I wish you good luck for your studies at Weirdsister College and I trust you will visit us whenever you wish," Amelia said as she stepped forward and hugged Mildred tightly. "Do make sure Miss Hardbroom and Miss Drill play fair too," she whispered in the student's ear.
Mildred grinned and winked at her.
"I will see you both at the beginning of term, try to make sure the school is in one piece," she said in a half serious tone.
"Of course," Constance said as if she was standing to attention.
Imogen just smiled.
Once they had waved Miss Cackle off, Constance surveyed Mildred to see how 'with it' she was.
"I think you will need another revival potion, Mildred...we have plans," Constance said with purpose.
"What sort of plans?" Mildred asked wearily, she didn't want a repeat of the apparition lesson.
"You shall see," Constance replied mysteriously as she vanished.
She was back moments later with a revival potion for Mildred who dutifully took it and felt an instant surge of energy zip around her body.
"I am going to show you what bubbles are," Constance said as though she were introducing them to a perfectly normal potion.
"Yes!" Mildred said though she had no idea what they were. She knew what bubbles usually were and when she was younger blowing bubbles had been fun. But, what did magical bubbles look like?
"Go and fetch your broomstick Mildred," Constance commanded. "Miss Drill, you may wish to fetch a racket, perhaps?" she added a little unsure of whether that was the correct term.
Miss Drill went into the school to fetch her racket from the PE storeroom while Mildred went to the broomshed to collect her broom.
Once they were back they walked out towards the lake until they found a flat green space.
"Bubbles are made out of water and unicorn tears," Constance said authoritatively, "as such they are very light, very bouncy and quite versatile."
"Unicorn tears!" Mildred said in surprise. "They are really really rare, aren't they?"
"Yes Mildred. Honestly girl, classes have ended and suddenly you know your potion ingredients!" She added with derision and a stern frown.
"I think what she is trying to say, Constance is 'are they not a bit special to be using on bubbles'?" Imogen interjected.
"Well yes I understood that, thank you Imogen," Constance said impatiently, "they are very rare but I happen to possess two bottles and have very little use for them."
Mildred and Imogen shrugged, who were they to argue.
"So what we are going to do is create as many bubbles as we can as big as we can. Mildred you can then attempt to fly into the centre of one...I am told that is possible, and Miss Drill you can see how hard they are to break with your racket" Constance said as though she was walking a class through their next hour of work.
"How are we going to make them?" Mildred asked, her excitement was building.
"One potion, two hands and the patient process of drawing the hands apart...I will show you" Constance said as Mildred looked at her in total confusion.
Constance took out three vials of the potion she had prepared already and handed one each to Imogen and Mildred.
"You pour a small amount into one hand then put your palms together and rub them very gently. Once they tingle you very gently open your hands. You will see a bubble appear. It takes a very steady and patient hand to create larger bubbles. They are easy to pop while you are making them. Once they have reached a satisfactory size, rotate your hands 90 degrees and pull your hands away. The bubble will either float or bounce depending on what trajectory you give it" Constance instructed two amazed students.
She carried out her instructions in demonstration and created a large bubble that she aimed towards the floor. It was roughly the size of Imogen. As it bounced gently on the floor her audience stepped forward to touch it.
"It's quite firm," Mildred marvelled.
"It's bouncy," Imogen said surprised. "Can I hit it?" She was eager to see what happened.
"If you wish," Constance replied.
Miss Drill stepped forward with her tennis racket and tapped the bubble towards the floor. It bounced with more momentum. As it came up she hit it harder and saw it fly through the air.
"Mildred would you care to fly into it and see what happens?" Constance asked, though she sounded faintly intrigued herself.
"Is it safe?" Mildred asked, wondering if she was going to collide with the bubble.
"The small surface area of the broom handle will penetrate it. The skill is in slowing so you match the pace of the bubble and fly within it," Constance explained. "They can sometimes burst," she added.
Mildred jumped on her broom and flew towards the bubble. She considered her approach and in the end just decided to get through it, she still wasn't convinced it would go smoothly.
She approached the bubble at speed. As the broom handle penetrated it, Mildred relaxed. The bubble burst in spectacular fashion and covered Mildred in a translucent gunge. She flew down to the ground haphazardly as she could only just make out her path.
"I'm covered in gunge...and it's sticky," Mildred complained.
"Yes, I was just returning the favour having taken three paintballs to the face this morning, Mildred," Constance said with a dark chuckle.
"Misssss," Mildred whined.
"Yes unfortunately if the bubbles are pierced they do pop quite spectacularly," Constance added in case her audience had missed it. "Don't worry Mildred water dissolves it completely."
Mildred stood there scowling at her potion teacher. The gunge was literally dripping off her.
"Oh apparate yourself into the lake for heaven's sake...you have your drying spell girl," she said half impatiently and half amused.
"Constance you can't tell her to wash in the lake! You can clean her. Stop being mean" Imogen said, she was also part amused but also part annoyed.
"Oh very well," Constance said as hoses of water shot out of her hands and soaked Mildred. She followed it with a drying spell and a wave of her hand.
"You didn't have to soak me first!" Mildred said in her sternest tone.
"I can be petty," Constance said dismissively.
"Constance Hardbroom, play fair," Imogen chastised her.
"Mildred, see if you can make a bubble," Constance said to distract the girl who was giving her daggers.
They were quiet while they all concentrated on making as many bubbles out of their potion as they could. Nobody broke any, probably because they feared the gunge that would likely follow. They managed to create 14 bubbles in total and the largest was slightly bigger than HB.
"Okay, Mildred you can still fly after them but use your hands to push them back towards us, or throw small pebbles at them to burst them from a distance," Constance said helpfully. "As long as you are not using anything sharp or pointed they will bounce off any surface."
Mildred tested that theory immediately by bouncing one off HB's head. The deputy headteacher glared at her and then threw a smaller bubble back. Imogen thought that was a great idea and they spent ten minutes throwing and pushing them towards each other. It was like a giant game of volleyball that was slower paced and didn't involve a net!
Mildred took to the skies to collect the ones that had gone rogue. She pushed them back and heard Imogen shout "four" as she hit the bubbles as hard as she could towards the sky. She saw Imogen then show HB how to use a racket which was amusing in itself. The potion teacher hit several bubbles towards the skies herself and seemed to enjoy the experience.
"See, sports can be quite exhilarating!" Imogen said with a grin.
"I imagine they are excellent for anger management," Constance replied.
Mildred kept batting the bubble back and then started trying to pop some. There was only so much you could do with the bubbles but the three grown women managed to pass the time with a carefree connection to their pastime.
They watched Mildred soar back towards them. Miss Hardbroom took a moment to admire her broom handling. She really had come such a long way since that first day at Cackle's.
What the teacher did not notice was the very large bubble drifting above her. Mildred had spotted it and was hurtling towards it with some pace. Imogen saw what was happening and turned to look at Constance who seemed to be daydreaming as her student flew towards them. Imogen took a few steps to her right just as Mildred pulled up and let the wide end of her broom scrape the top of the bubble. It exploded.
An avalanche of gunge coated HB who snapped out her reminiscing with a start. A waterfall of gunge fell on the potions teacher. As she lifted her head up her eyes shone with fury. There wasn't a patch on her that was dry.
Imogen watched as Constance used her magic to move the bubbles through the air until Mildred was boxed in. Mildred panicked, realising the weight of that much gunge was probably going to plummet her to the ground. Suddenly Mildred and her broom vanished. The three bubbles collided and bounced away from each other.
Mildred reappeared above them. She was holding her broom but unfortunately she wasn't on it and was hurtling towards the ground.
Constance raised both arms and froze Mildred immediately. She carefully lowered a shell shocked Mildred to the ground.
"That would have been quite brilliant. But, unfortunately moving objects do not tend to apparate as intended," Constance explained to a shaky Mildred. "I think it might be time for some sweet tea," she added as she took in the shocked expression still etched across her students face.
She waved her arm to remove the gunge from herself in the blink of an eye. That received a scowl from Imogen and Mildred.
"Would you like transporting back to the castle or not?" Constance asked, taking in their angry expressions. .
"You are being really mean this afternoon! Just because you got hit in the face by three paintballs! How long do you hold a grudge," Imogen asked with irritation.
"Indefinitely," was Constance's reply. Imogen rolled her eyes at her.
HB turned and zapped the remaining bubbles so they all burst in a crescendo of gunge. The translucent goo coated the area until Constance waved her arm and removed any sign that they had ever been there.
She then transported them back to the castle. They arrived in the Staff Room. Constance waved her arm to return Imogen's racket to storage and Mildred's broom to its place in the shed.
She then clicked her fingers and an afternoon tea appeared with cream scones, a teapot, and fresh fruit.
When Mildred had finished eating she looked at her ex-form tutor with tired eyes.
"Miss, can I go for a nap?" She asked.
"Well Mildred, the amount of magic you have used today, I think it is worth considering you going to bed. With a sleeping potion and another revival potion you would likely sleep until morning," Miss Hardbroom said.
"What is for dinner today?" Mildred asked.
Constance rolled her eyes, "It is fish and roast vegetables today Mildred."
"I don't mind going to bed," Mildred said as she imagined her pillow with longing.
"What in the middle of the day!" Imogen said in shock.
"She is doing advanced magic, Imogen. It is actually quite sensible to let her body and mind rest. She has been through a lot in the last week and I would prefer to air on the side of caution," Constance said patiently.
"I don't mind, Miss. I really like my bed," Mildred said with a half grin as her face muscles were too tired to form it fully.
"Oh well that's true," Imogen smiled.
"Go and get changed for bed Mildred. I will bring you up some more tea and the potions. Perhaps another cream scone?" Constance asked lightly.
"Oh yes please, Miss," Mildred said, eyeing the scones up happily.
Constance waited for her student to go up and get ready for bed and then apparated to her bed side. She put the scone and tea on a tray for her and laid it next to her bed.
"You can take both potions once you feel satiated. If you need anything else just shout, I will listen out for you," Constance said.
"Thanks, Miss," Mildred replied.
"I may have been a little cruel today, Mildred...I am...," Constance explained tentatively.
"It's okay Miss, I understand. You don't need to apologise," Mildred said, cutting her off.
"I will try and be kinder tomorrow," Constance said softly, grateful for Mildred's compassion once again.
"I know," Mildred said happily and started knifing jam onto her scone.
"You were extraordinary today, Mildred," Constance said as she stood to apparate away.
"Confidence and control," Mildred said thoughtfully. "It is strange how important they are even if you're having fun," she said brightly thinking back to her vanishing acts in the Great Hall.
Miss Hardbroom looked at her pupil with astonishment. She didn't want to ruin the moment by saying a single word. She might actually burst with pride...and irritation that it had taken her this long to consider the sentiment important.
"Indeed," the voice of Miss Hardbroom echoed around the room as she drew a firm underscore underneath everything she had been saying for years! A happy Mildred noted the tone but was somewhat oblivious to her tutors 'I told you so!'
"How is she?" Imogen asked as Constance reappeared.
"Tired but very much her usual self. It seems she has just realised the virtue of confidence and control," Constance said with derision.
"So she got that from today. Was that before or after she covered you in paint do you think?" Imogen said and couldn't help but laugh at both the irony and the image of all that paint hitting her formidable colleagues face.
"Yes, yes, enjoy the moment Imogen. It seems you had a guardian angel today," Constance said shaking her head.
"Well I needed one, didn't I?" Imogen said gently.
Constance ignored the question. She sat rather regally sipping her tea from a china cup.
"So we aren't going to talk about how much of a HB you have been today then?" Imogen pushed.
Constance frowned, irked by Imogen's direct approach.
"I thought we might warm up to me addressing my attitude today...not every moment is suitable for the bull in a china shop approach Imogen!" Constance said defensively.
"Oh I'm sorry I didn't realise I needed to give you space so you could find the ability to be nice!" Imogen shot back in annoyance.
"I am tired of feeling attacked," Constance said and disappeared from the room.
"You're tired of being attacked! I got hammered by paintballs all morning which you know damn well wasn't fair and then you covered Mildred in gunge and soaked her. I know this is new territory for you but you can't exact revenge every time you open up or feel the tiniest bit vulnerable or exposed. Constance, get back here!" Imogen demanded as she ranted at the ceiling.
A heavy silence followed. Imogen's heart was beating faster than ever. She was angry but she was also incredibly worried that she had said too much and been too confrontational at a delicate moment. After a few minutes Constance appeared. She stood in the centre of the Staff Room with a tense, upright posture, that lacked the ability to soften.
"I'm sorry...you were not that bad and I expected some retaliation, it's understandable. I don't want you to go off and freeze me out," Imogen said as relief washed over her.
"I was unreasonable and petty. I still want to be," Constance said mechanically whilst she looked ahead, failing to meet Imogen's eyes.
"Talk to me. It is okay if you are mad or angry with me. Just talk, even if you feel you have said it before," Imogen urged. The moment Constance had returned her anger had dissipated and she realised she had to be the bigger person.
"You trivialise what I have to go through each time you tend to my wounds," Constance said awkwardly, "I know you are trying to put me at ease but I don't want to be."
"Ok," Imogen responded immediately, "I think I knew that really. Why don't you want me to try and put you at ease? I know how serious those marks are and I know the person who did them to you managed to inflict far more mental pain than physical when she gave them to you. But, why can't I reduce that pain, or at least try to?"
"Because I want to be reminded of the intention behind them. I have never been angry or sad or upset over what Mistress Broomhead did to me except in those moments you have facilitated. Control suffocates feelings. For once, I just wanted to feel. I don't have to fight her anymore because she is dead. Perhaps if I can feel sadness and anger then I will be able to feel more joy and happiness in my life," Constance said but her voice was still logical and even. Imogen could tell she had shut down.
Imogen was silent. She didn't know what to say to her. She deserved to feel whatever she wanted, of course she did.
"I am lashing out at the people that are closest to me and I know I can't do that," Constance added and finally turned to look at Imogen. Her eyes were filled with a helpless quality that Imogen had never seen in them before. "The problem is that the more you know of my past, the more I will want to attack you. The thought that Glendar Fox knows so much about my past has already left me feeling very exposed. I have no way of knowing what she knows, I find that unsettling."
Constance sat down carefully on a chair and surveyed Imogen, waiting patiently for her to sit down.
"A lot has happened very quickly. I think you need to give yourself time to adjust. I can handle a few HB outbursts if that's what it takes. So tell me, what makes you angriest?" Imogen asked.
"All the times I let her mark my body, cage Morgana, lock me in the dungeons, hurt my friends...everything really. I wish I could have stood up to her. I wish I could have found a way to save Rebecca by confronting her sooner," Constance said as she clenched her fists repeatedly by her sides.
"When you look back are there any times you had any chance of confronting her?" Imogen asked calmly.
"No. She trapped me mentally and physically. There was one time I came very close, at least I thought I might" Constance remembered. "She had put Morgana in a cage in her office. I decided I was going to rescue her. I mixed a potion that would set even the most powerful witch in stone. I planned to slip it into her afternoon tea which I always served to her. Once she was a statue I was going to rescue Morgana and go and tell the Principal everything. I was so full of rage and defiance, I had had enough. I poured her tea and slipped the potion into it. She was about to take a sip when she asked me to join her. She poured me a cup of tea herself. At the last moment she swapped the cups in front of me and encouraged me to drink out of hers. I was so afraid and so trapped. My hand shook. She told me to either drink the tea or say goodbye to Morgana. I sipped the tea and was instantly trapped in stone. She left me like that for an entire day and kept talking to me and explaining how imperfect and useless I was and how I was her biggest disappointment," Constance sat and considered those words for a moment. "When she turned me back I was aching all over from being cast into the same position for so long. I ached for weeks. She told me she would give me one last chance to restore her faith in me and safeguard Morgana's future. She said her next command had to be followed immediately and without hesitation. If I did that then my crime would not be reported to the Principal and she would give me Morgana back at the end of the week. After 24 hours as a statue I was weak, in pain and very upset with myself. She told me to take my shoes and socks off which I did. Then she told me to kneel in front of the wall with my back to her. I knew then what to expect but because I felt so frail I hesitated," Constance said with a pained expression.
Imogen gasped lightly. She was engrossed in the story but at the same time dreaded what would come next. Constance looked up and saw the fear in Imogen's eyes for something that had already happened.
"She leant close to me and said my punishment would be worse now that I had hesitated and asked if I wanted to make it worse by trying her patience further. I walked over to the wall and knelt in front of it. She struck me three times on the soul of each foot with magical fire and held each long enough to mark. I was crippled for two weeks. I was barely able to walk out of her office. She told me to walk properly and stop being a drama queen. Both feet still have scars on them from that day. She said she would always be a part of me and that was something I needed to accept. Her parting words as I left were, 'defy me again and it will be more than your feet that bare my mark'. I never fought back again. Her mere presence near me terrified me. I wish someone had noticed or I had been brave enough to ask for help."
Imogen shook her head as tears trickled down her cheeks. She daren't look up at Constance with any pity in her eyes as she knew the potion teacher would despise that. But, how had she endured that. How had people not noticed and failed to do more to protect her.
"I understand why you are so protective of the girls now," Imogen said softly. "You were failed, Constance," Imogen said and finally looked up as a glint of anger filled her eyes.
"Yes I think I feel that now. I do wonder how people let her get away with it. They must have known, must have heard rumours. The school buzzed with them constantly," Constance said heavily.
"Perhaps you should find that out? Maybe she alone wasn't the problem. The people who hid her activities or ignored them...they played a part in it," Imogen said passionately.
"You think I should go after the establishment," Constance said with a coy smile.
"Well one that failed in its duties...yes I think you should. Maybe you should talk to…"Imogen hesitated as she wondered if Glendar's name would be well received right now.
"Glendar Fox. Yes I have considered it," Constance said. "It was a long time ago now though."
"Do you know where the Principal and the other teachers are now?" Imogen asked curiously.
"The Principal sits on The Council and one of the teachers is at Pentangles while two more are in retirement," Constance said and then looked awkward, "What? I have kept an eye on their progress over the years."
"Yes you have because you knew it wasn't right," Imogen said, feeling like they had stumbled across something here.
"They will just deny any knowledge of her tyranny," Constance said dismissively.
"Against Glendar Fox? The Principal might know about her telepathic talent but I bet the others dont!" Imogen said.
Constance looked at Imogen getting animated over the thought of another crusade for justice. She wasn't certain she wanted that. But, there was a possibility she needed it.
"Think about it," Imogen said persuasively.
"I will," Constance said honestly. "And I am sorry for today, Imogen. I knew you had little chance in the paintball and looked forward to taking advantage of that. It was mean, and petty, and you have been nothing but supportive," she said sincerely.
"Well it didn't hurt, I just felt a little like the odd one out again," Imogen spoke plainly because it had hurt her despite her brave front.
"I know. I am a bully," Constance said as her body slumped forward and she held her head in her hands.
Imogen knelt in front of her and grabbed her hand. "No Constance, you're not. You are hurting and you want to act out but you're not a bully. Besides, most of the day was a lot of fun," Imogen said carefully.
"I was covered in paint, hit Amelia, the Headmistress no less, with paintballs and then was covered in gunge," Constance said flatly.
Imogen suppressed a smile.
"It was a very un-Constance Hardbroom like day then, wasn't it," Imogen said attempting to appease her colleague.
"It was. I didn't mind it really, though I might have missed out hitting Amelia," Constance said with a smirk.
"I don't think Mildred and I would have enjoyed the day as much without that part," Imogen said with a laugh.
Constance shot her a dirty look and then laughed.
"Of all the times to come into the Great Hall!"
"At least they didn't hit her face," Imogen said.
A look of horror leapt onto Constance's face as she shuddered with the thought.
"I think we will give Mildred command tomorrow," the potion teacher decided.
"Well talk about pushing your resolve to the max," Imogen said with a giggle.
"She deserves it...and I think it will do me good to take a back seat," Constance said but she winced slightly as she spoke the last words.
Imogen realised she still had Constance's hand as she patted it, "we will get you through it," she said with a smile and then took her hand back.
"I expect so," Constance smiled.
The rest of the day was spent chatting about witchcraft. Constance explained long standing traditions to Imogen and also went through what was expected of a potion's witch. They ate their dinner in the Staff Room and continued their conversation long into the night.
"Constance, your passion for witchcraft, is magical in itself," Imogen said towards the end of the night.
"Well tomorrow you can tell me all about...PE," she said, trying really hard to keep the distaste out of her tone.
Imogen laughed. "I think that might be a step too far," she quipped.
"Well rules have been relaxed this week and I would very much like you to know that I respect your craft also," Constance said.
"I don't think it has many uses in your world," Imogen said with a shrug.
"Imogen...I think Mistress Broomhead would disagree. I would not know how to tackle anyone from a roof!" Constance said earnestly.
Imogen held her gaze with an amazed expression. "You really are quite surprising this week," she said lightly, "I am glad my craft could make a difference," she added with a heavy heart thinking back to everything Constance had opened up about earlier that day.
"Well it came in useful as a deterrent against the girls in their last year too," Constance said with a smile.
"I wish you wouldn't threaten them with running! None of my Cackle's girls are ever going to run in the Olympics are they!" Imogen said with a chuckle.
"I think witches tend to stick out at the Olympics, Imogen," Constance said and surprised Imogen by even knowing the sporting event existed.
"If they insist on wearing bonnets to outdoor events then yes I expect they do," Imogen said and enjoyed Constance's frowny response.
"Well I am going to read in bed before a good night's sleep," Constance said, sounding very much like a regular human being.
"I think I will do the same," Imogen replied with a content sigh.
Constance rose in her elegant and commanding way ready to transport herself from the room.
"Thank you Imogen. I will see you first thing," she said precisely.
"I wish I could kill her again for you," Imogen said and seemed shocked by her own words.
Constance smiled and nodded her head slowly. "You are, every time you listen to me and save me from her poisonous words and actions," she breathed and then disappeared from the room.
Imogen wished she could hug Constance tightly. She wished she could hold the young Constance who was alone in the world facing a bully each day and being beaten down with every word spoken.
Constance checked in on Mildred before she turned in. The young witch had left her lamp on and was cradling her drawing book which lay open. The potion teacher afforded the young girl her privacy by closing it and placing it on her bedside table. She wondered what time she had pushed herself to before taking the potions and giving in to sleep.
Constance considered her sleeping peacefully containing more power than any young witch she had ever seen. She still looked so innocent. She reached down and turned the gas lamp off before transporting herself to her own room.
This one is a long chapter - I will likely need a break of a day before I can upload the next one. I have caught up with myself so please be patient. I will do my best to add more chapters the moment they are ready.