Imogen knocked on Constance's door at precisely 6.31am.
"Come in," Constance said.
Imogen entered and a surprised Constance Hardbroom was sat reading in bed.
"I was leaving you to sleep in until 7," Constance said.
"Well I decided to compromise. Would you like to discuss anything while I make sure you are healing okay?" Imogen asked as she set the bag down on the dressing table.
"Like what...the weather?" Constance replied sarcastically.
"I was thinking more like how horrific Hecketty Broomhead was to you," Imogen said directly which made Constance wince slightly. "Sorry I didn't mean to...I just thought you might wish to face the issue as I work and say what's on your mind rather than trying to brush past it?"
"I see," Constance said. Imogen had disarmed her somewhat and as she took her bottoms off and laid on her front her mind had gone quite blank.
Imogen tended to the wounds in silence.
"I don't think this is about her," Constance said awkwardly. "I just hate you...looking at…" she left the sentence unspoken.
"You don't think about her then?" Imogen clarified carefully.
"No, I just...This position. You looking at me. I feel redundent and stupid," Constance admitted.
"You are not good with nudity, so you get angry at me because?" Imogen said with an even and respectful tone.
Constance moaned at the subject matter which was making her uncomfortable. She thought it might actually be easier talking about Mistress Broomhead.
"Because you see me like this. And you see how awkward I am. I don't like feeling…" Constance struggled to find the right word.
"Self-conscious? I think I wind you up because I take it in my stride and you just can't yet," Imogen simplified.
"I am a very bad patient. But I am not good at friendship or social events either. I don't fit in. I feel awkward. You find it funny that I can't relax or handle what you deem to be a normal scenario," Constance elaborated and then wished the bed would swallow her whole.
"You are good at a lot of stuff Constance. Isn't it okay if you can't handle partial nudity and someone tending to welts on your butt cheeks. I mean it is a little out of the ordinary. There are plenty of people who would feel self-conscious. But, it's me and you shouldn't feel angry or upset about feeling like that with me," Imogen offered kindly. "Oh I'm done by the way."
Constance got up and sat on the edge of the bed. Her long satin pyjama top covered her thighs but her bottoms were still strewn on the floor. Her hair was so long and wavy, Imogen marvelled at how she managed to wrap it up into such a tight bun.
"I think I am over it," Constance said with a puzzled look. "As you were talking I just felt better. You're right, I'm good at a lot of stuff," Constance said.
"That's the part you honed in on?" Imogen said with a smile.
"I can't be good at everything," Constance said with a shrug and then transformed herself into her daily attire.
"I like the chinese print dress," Imogen commented approvingly.
Constance considered her for a moment, "I particularly like this one too," she said simply.
"Oh and Constance," Imogen said as she made her way to the doors.
"Yes?"
"I don't need to look at them again. They are fully healed without a hint of redness in sight," Imogen said with a smile.
Constance brightened instantly. "Well I will miss our morning chats terribly, Imogen," she said sarcastically.
"I believe you will," Imogen said, attempting to call the deputy's bluff as she walked out of her room.
Imogen went off on a morning run while Constance transported herself to the lake to do her magical routine.
Mildred woke up at 9am and was delighted that she had managed a lie in and had slept through. She felt so well rested and eager to see what they were doing that she was downstairs for breakfast by 9.10am.
"Moning," she beamed as she walked into the kitchens.
"Good morning Mildred," Miss Hardbroom said politely.
"Morning," Imogen said with a big smile. "Let me warm you some porridge," she said walking to the stove.
Mildred sat down and looked at HB expectantly.
"Can I help you with something?" Constance asked as she looked over the top of her book at a bright eyed Mildred Hubble.
"Well...can you tell me what we are doing today?" Mildred asked hopefully.
"Ah today…" Constance said slowly, "you wish to know what we are doing."
Imogen threw a tea towel at Constance who caught it with her left hand. "Tell her!" Imogen said.
"Today Mildred, you are in charge of the activities. You may draw whatever you please," Constance said rather formally.
"Me!" Mildred's face lit up. "Can I draw a bouncy castle?"
"Yes," Constance replied.
"And horses so we can go horse riding?"
"Yes," Constance replied again.
"What about a zip wire from the top of the castle?" Mildred asked but then wondered if that was such a good idea given her fear of heights.
"If you wish," Constance replied.
"I need to get drawing!" Mildred said. She was too excited to eat.
"You will sit down and eat some porridge first. When you have eaten the last bite you will be able to leave this table," Constance said firmly.
"But Misssss" Mildred moaned.
"Eat your porridge or spend the rest of the day at this table, the choice is yours," Constance repeated.
Mildred huffed and then felt like an ungrateful brat so concentrated on finding something nice to go in the porridge.
"There is honey on the shelf Mildred," Imogen said realising what Mildred might be looking for.
Imogen served her a bowl of porridge that Mildred dribbled honey into and then ate as fast as she could.
"Two cups of tea as well Mildred," Constance said as she was reading her book.
Mildred rolled her eyes.
"And I saw that!" Constance stated.
Mildred looked surprised and carried on eating and drinking as quickly as she could.
Finally, Mildred was given permission to leave the breakfast table and ran to get her sketchbook. She brought it down to the Staff Room where she started drawing a number of pictures.
She couldn't draw fast enough, such was her excitement. Fancy HB letting her choose their activities. She wondered if the potion teacher would take part. She couldn't imagine her on a bouncy castle, or a horse!
As she finished her drawings she sat back and took a moment to appreciate the moment. She could do anything she wanted and not only that but HB was going to join in...probably. She hoped her imagination hadn't run away with her. It was all possible she just wasn't sure if her magic was strong enough for this many adventures.
First up was a simple bouncy castle. Well fairly simple. She wanted one big enough to fill half of the courtyard.
Constance and Imogen met her outside. The potions teacher had brought her black bag just in case they needed any revival potions or a recovery potion in case Mildred passed out again.
Mildred brought the bouncy castle off the page with relative ease.
"Wow!" Imogen said as she kicked off her trainers and ran at it. She stopped just before she jumped on, "can I?" she asked suddenly, conscious that Mildred might want to be the first one on.
"Go ahead," Mildred said happily and was in the process of taking her own boots off.
"Ironic that you have managed to tie your laces this morning, Mildred," Miss Hardbroom was happy to point out.
"Yeah such a nuisance," Mildred said, "I must remember not to do that," she added with a grin and ran away from her teacher at pace as she jumped on the bouncy castle.
The two of them bounce around like idiots. The joy of a bouncy castle that has just been blown up and is empty, bouncy and full of possibility, is quite unbeatable.
"Miss Hardbroom," Mildred said, deciding to use her second name, "are you going to join us?"
"Come on Constance," Imogen added eagerly.
"I don't think it is really my scene, thank you," Constance said. She had watched them enough to know what happened so she understood the mechanics. She was just struggling to find the point. "I'm not certain what the purpose of it is?"
"It's fun! Miss, you have to let go sometimes. Not everything has a purpose," Mildred reasoned.
"Okay Mildred, here I am letting go," Constance said as she walked onto the bouncy castle. She managed a few awkward bounces and then walked off.
"That was exhausting...and people find that fun!" she remarked as she was putting her shoes back on.
"Misssssss, you didn't do anything!" Mildred complained.
"I got on the thing! You have Imogen who is perfectly capable," Constance retorted sharply.
"I'm not the one who is meant to be letting her hair down," Imogen piped up right before she bounced off the back wall and into a seated bounce.
"Cool," Mildred remarked, wishing she was that co-ordinated.
"I will be back in a moment...I need something," Constance said mysteriously and then vanished. She returned moments later with a potion in her hand.
"Mildred try this...I want to test a theory," she said, handing the girl the potion, "just one sip."
Mildred sipped it and shrugged as she didn't feel any different.
As she went to bounce again it felt far more powerful than any she had done before. As she left the bouncy castle she knew she was going to soar upwards. She shut her eyes at the top and a short squeal escaped her lips because she was so high.
Constance held her hands out in front of her as she cast a spell. Mildred opened her eyes and felt herself float down. When she hit the bouncy castle she did another enormous bounce but this time floated down on her own accord.
"That looks much better," Constance said as she sipped the potion and offered it to Miss Drill.
The deputy headteacher had dulled the exertion involved but created bigger bounces, bigger views and a much bigger rush. Mildred and Imogen were speechless as they put all their efforts into bouncing higher and enjoying more of the scenery around them. Constance was able to float down serenely and barely bend her knees to get the desired effect of the bounce.
"Well that was cheating...but it is too good to chastise you for," Imogen said with a smile at her friend.
"Miss, this is awesome," Mildred said with a grin from ear to ear.
"I believe I am a fan of the bouncy castle," she said, announcing each syllable with caution.
Mildred and Imogen laughed.
As they floated down the last time Mildred returned the castle to her pages and they landed safely on the courtyard floor. Constance magicked their shoes towards them all so they didn't have to walk across the concrete.
"What's next?" Imogen asked excitedly.
"Well...I thought before lunch we could create a beach by the lake with donkeys…" Mildred started but felt foolish.
"I wonder if you could change the composition of the lake to look more like the sea?" Miss Hardbroom wondered aloud, "perhaps you could make waves and go surfing."
Imogen and Mildred went silent and stared at Constance. They didn't looked surprised, they looked shell shocked. Neither of them could speak, or move...or understand what had just happened.
Constance tutted loudly. Still there was no reaction from Mildred and Imogen.
"Well I am going to sit by the lake...you two can continue impersonating statues if you wish," Constance said as she walked off in a huff.
Mildred finally looked at Imogen, "Did she just say surfing…?"
"I think she did," Imogen replied. "Can you do that?"
"I don't know...I'm not sure how I would. But I can try," Mildred said, starting to get excited.
"Mildred what are we waiting for!" Imogen said as she started to run towards the lake.
Mildred followed suit and they both overtook Constance.
"Ah good, you have remembered how to talk and walk," Constance said.
"Miss, can you help me?" Mildred asked as she opened her notebook to draw the sea.
Miss Hardbroom smiled at the request and went to sit next to Mildred. They worked on a plan. The first two attempts to lift the sea off the page and merge it with the lake didn't work.
"I think you will have to ignore what is already there and overlay this whole area. Draw a swimming pool...a big one. And then add movement to it when you lift it," Constance advised.
Mildred finally managed to lift off the page a pool which was huge and mimicked the sea. Then she surrounded it with a beach. She then lifted off two surfboards.
"I don't think this is your scene Miss," Mildred said to a grateful Constance. Mildred threw up a palm tree and then lifted off a cocktail for her potion teacher.
"Thank you, Mildred," Constance said with a happy smile as she settled down with her book.
Constance waved her hand and transformed Mildred and Imogen into their swimming gear.
"Thanks, Constance," Imogen said with a grin. "Right Mildred, let's see how good your balance is."
"Miss, I think we both know I am spending most of the morning in the water," Mildred chuckled.
How right she had been.
Constance watched a dishevelled Mildred keep trying to stand on the board and keep wobbling and falling into the water.
On her final attempt she cast a spell and watched as a surprised and then elated Mildred managed to stand on her surfboard and hold it for a whole minute.
"I did it," she announced looking at HB.
"Yes, most commendable, I am sure that skill will come in useful one day," Constance said with her usual dose of derision.
"Wow I didn't know you had that in you Mildred. Nicely done," Imogen said and her surprise was palpable.
"Miss, do you want to build a sandcastle with us?" Mildred asked Constance shyly.
"If I must," the woman clad in black replied evenly. Mildred looked so pleased.
Mildred and Constance made one sandcastle while Imogen made her own. Naturally, it became an epic competition. Mildred giggled at how seriously they were both taking it. Imogen was so focused and Constance was her usual precise and perfect self.
"No magic, you two," Imogen warned.
Constance smiled at her colleague's paranoia. Having said that if Mildred wasn't watching her so intently she might have taken a shortcut by now.
Constance watched Mildred with an amused fascination. The girl constantly stared so hard at what she was doing, trying so meticulously to get it right, that she brushed the rest of the sandcastle with her sleeves, her butt as she turned, or even her feet at times. Constance silently restored the damage. Mildred was meticulous, she just didn't keep an eye on the big picture. The potion teacher was grateful for this insight into her student. A wave of understanding came to her. The potion mishaps made sense. If you are not keeping an eye on the potion and committing too strictly to each task then you miss the subtle changes that happen. The level of concentration she was seeing was quite admirable but the execution was clumsy. Constance smiled to herself, Mildred might be clumsy and leave a trail of disaster frequently in her wake, but it wasn't from a lack of trying.
"I'm done," Imogen declared proudly as she stepped back to admire her handiwork. She had made a football stadium complete with pitch, goal posts made from twigs, and 11 players each side that looked a little like skittles. It was impressive and the stadium had a great deal of detail in it.
Constance admired what Imogen had done though she had very little idea what it was supposed to be.
"Okay...I'm finished," Mildred declared as she stood up, wobbled and kicked through one wall of the potion laboratory her and Constance had created. "Oh no!" Mildred said with a forlorn expression.
"May I?" Constance asked as she waved the fingers on her right hand.
"Of course," Imogen said with a smile at Mildred.
Constance restored the side of their lab in a second. "No harm done, Mildred," she said kindly.
"Thanks Miss," Mildred beamed.
"Well I think that might be a draw," Constance said lightly.
Imogen looked at her in amazement. Her stadium was good but the detail Mildred and Constance had achieved with desks, benches, cauldrons and even some representative ingredients, was mind blowing.
"Me too," Mildred said happily. Of course the girl prefered a draw to anyone winning, she liked everyone to be happy.
"I think yours is much better than mine...I know when I am beat," Imogen declared.
"Nonsense, we had two working on ours. Definitely a draw," Constance said. "What do we do with them now?" she asked curiously.
"Well...nothing. Usually, the sea washes them away," Mildred stated.
"After all that effort! You let the sea just wash them away!" Constance asked, appalled.
"Well we don't have much of a choice do we?" Mildred said, shrugging her shoulders.
"But, you put in the same amount of effort the next time...knowing it wont amount to anything?" Constance said having a tough time getting her head around it.
"It is about the joy of creating something with friends or family, Constance. It's for the experience," Imogen explained.
"I see," Constance said though it was clear from her expression that she really didn't.
"Mildred didn't you want donkeys?" Imogen just suddenly thought.
"Nah...I'm a bit old for them. They are just part of the beach aren't they?" Mildred replied.
"Donkeys...on a beach?" Constance asked curiously again.
"Yes children...and some adults...ride them on the beach," Imogen explained.
Constance looked like someone had just thrown something unpleasant at her.
"I think our esteemed leader has had enough firsts for one day Mildred," Imogen said with a giggle.
"Yes I think it might be time for lunch," Constance agreed. "Mildred do you realise you have maintained these drawings for over an hour!"
Mildred grinned. She had spent the morning grinning.
"I think we should pierce the sea pool so it washes the sandcastles away," Mildred said as she admired them for one last time.
"Really!" Constance asked in surprise.
"It's tradition," Imogen stated.
"Oh very well," Constance said looking sadly at her and Mildred's potion lab. "I suppose it will make a change if I destroy it this time, Mildred," she said with raised eyebrows.
Mildred laughed as her potion teacher shot a spark at the pool and unleashed a tsunami of water through its side. It washed over the sandcastles slowly turning them into silt and finally settling each grain into the rest of the sand.
"Rest in peace," Imogen said with a sigh.
Constance frowned at her and Mildred. She would never understand their human ways.
Mildred returned all of the images back to her notebook.
Constance waved her arm and apparated them back to the school's kitchens.
"I opted for chicken soup with crusty bread today," Imogen said eagerly as she put the hob on. "Mrs Tapioca said the bread would be cooling slightly in the oven and I could warm the soup up."
"Oh I love soup...and warm crusty bread," Mildred said excited for her food.
"Very good," Constance said in her usual non committal way.
"What food do you love Constance?" Imogen asked.
"I like an array of foods. I eat a range of healthy and nutritious meals," Constance said.
"Yes but what do you love?" Imogen pushed.
"Well I'm not sure. I enjoy vegetables, particularly kale and broccoli," she said with a shrug.
Mildred and Imogen looked at each other. They tried really hard not to smirk or make Constance feel self-conscious.
"Have you ever really wanted to start a meal, or thought about a certain type of food all day until you could eat it?" Imogen asked, hoping to find some passion for food nestled deep within her colleague.
"I look forward to my porridge in the morning sometimes," Constance admitted.
"I think this one is to be continued…" Imogen said with a wink at Mildred, "The soup is ready," she added as she served three bowls and took the bread out of the oven.
They all tucked in quite happily and Mildred even spotted Constance putting a scrape of butter on her bread.
"So Mildred, what have you got planned for us this afternoon?" Constance asked.
"I am going to create a fairground," Mildred said with huge excitement, "and then we are going for a horse ride by the lake."
"Very good," Constance said in her unreadable demeanour.
"I feel like a kid in a candy store," Imogen stated. "This week has been so magical." She looked at Constance with fondness hoping the deputy headteacher was getting some respite from her hectic life, and complex past.
After they had eaten they returned to the courtyard where Mildred was planning to create one attraction at a time.
"Okay first I thought we could try and knock coconuts off," Mildred said. "I have tried to recall the one I went to...erm...well before," she said awkwardly remembering that particular trip to the fairground nearly got her expelled.
Constance had a glint of amusement in her eye as the girl looked worried for a moment.
"Anyway," she ploughed on, "I have tried to remember the man on the stand as well."
"Oh excellent," Imogen said grinning, she was good at this game.
Mildred pulled off the drawing and a coconut shy stood before them complete with a larger than life character who was trying to interest people in buying wooden balls for a chance to win a prize.
Mildred pulled off some currency and gave it to Imogen and Constance.
"I will go first so you know what you have to do," Mildred said, suddenly quite self-conscious. She stepped up to the stand.
"Now then little missy, do you fancy your chances? £1 for three throws or £2.50 for 9. Look at the prizes you can win...knock em all down for the big bear," the stand owner said boldly.
"9 throws please," Mildred said brightly and collected her wooden balls.
"Keep ya eye on the coconut and breath steady...I can already tell you're a winner!" he said encouragingly.
Mildred missed with her first three shots and then celebrated when she knocked one off with the fourth. She knocked another off with the fifth, sent two sailing over the top of the coconuts, one into the side of the stand with a rogue throw, and knocked another down with her final ball.
"Three winning shots earns you a prize from the first shelf there," the man said and Mildred selected a small fluffy toy cat.
Imogen went next and rather impressively knocked down 7 coconuts.
"Well we have a natural here don't we. Third shelf prize for you madam," the man said.
Imogen selected a large cuddly tiger toy.
Constance looked reluctant.
Mildred considered her for a moment and wondered if there were a few too many people watching her for her to attempt anything outside of her comfort zone. She returned the stall owner to the page.
"He was a bit loud," she said, covering up her true motivation. "Miss, do you want to try it?"
"I am not known for my throwing skills, Mildred," Constance said bluntly and stayed put.
"Neither am I," Mildred said with a raise of her eyebrow.
"True enough," Constance reasoned.
"Try and let go of any expectation. If you fail, nothing is going to hurt you," Imogen whispered.
Constance stepped forward and took 9 wooden balls. She felt all eyes on her as though she were on a stage and didn't know the lines. Her breathing was more rapid and she could hear her heartbeat. This was a silly game that she wasn't expected to succeed at, so why did she feel so exposed.
Imogen went and stood next to her on one side and Mildred took her cue and stood on the other side of her.
"If you want, Mildred and I can look the other way," Imogen said softly.
Constance considered that. It sounded very appealing. But, it also felt like a show of weakness for her to accept the gesture.
"No, I am fine," Constance said as she felt the weight of one of the wooden balls in her hand.
She threw it and hit the cup that the coconut was sat in.
"Close," Imogen said simply.
She threw another and skimmed the top of a coconut.
"Awwwh" Mildred exclaimed as it had been super close and she was heavily invested in how her teacher performed.
Constance raised an eyebrow at her.
The third throw brought a coconut toppling off its stand. Constance nodded, accepting that throw had gone to plan.
"Yess" Imogen and Mildred said loudly.
Constance frowned at them both.
She skimmed the next coconut that looked like it might topple but held on. She struck the next three coconuts perfectly and they all fell to the ground. Her last three shots missed but they were never far out.
"You have a talent there Constance," Imogen said, genuinely impressed. "I think you were unlucky not to knock more down."
"You would have got a prize off the second shelf, Miss," Mildred informed her. "But I don't think any of them are your cup of tea," she added with a giggle.
"I had my eye on that Lama actually Mildred," Constance said dryly.
"Of course you did," Imogen laughed and gave her colleague an affectionate smile. "See, perfection isn't always necessary," she whispered.
"I think we should try again," Constance announced.
Mildred couldn't wait to try and beat her score. She managed to knock off four coconuts in her second attempt which made her immensely happy. Imogen knocked off nine and then Constance matched her score knocking off nine also. She even skimmed the tenth coconut.
"Honestly, Constance, is there anything you aren't any good at?" Imogen asked with an astonished expression.
"Patience...or so I am told," Constance replied smoothly.
"And knocking on doors," Mildred added and then looked away to avoid any glares being fired at her.
"Well, actually, you are not very good at losing either," Imogen said with a smirk.
"Yes thank you!" Constance said with volume. "Would you like me to list your flaws ladies? Because I doubt we have enough time," she added curtly.
Mildred and Imogen laughed and then decided to move on.
Mildred returned the image of the coconut shy to the page and brought to life a Ferris Wheel.
"I have created it with three seats so we can all fit in one cubicle. I am going to sit in the middle because it really scares me," Mildred said looking up at the huge structure with terror.
"Mildred, why are you going on it if you are so terrified?" Constance asked.
"Because the view will be amazing and I like the going up part. And if I didn't do anything that scared me then I would miss out on tons," Mildred said as she climbed on the Ferris Wheel.
They spent a good hour riding the Ferris Wheel. Constance was rather taken with it. She enjoyed the view and the steady climb and descent. Imogen was also thoughtful and loved taking in the castle from that angle.
Mildred got more and more used to it the more times they went round. By the end she felt quite safe and secure and appreciated the view.
"This is so amazing!" She said, "usually people get on and off and you can get stuck at the top which I hate. This is so much better," she said, really appreciating what her talents had gifted her.
"You have an amazing gift, Mildred," Imogen said. They were all completely relaxed, enjoying the tranquility. The view of the lake and the castle was breathtaking.
"Yes, thank you for this," Constance said softly, "I think we discover a different way to view the Academy each day. This is one of my favourites."
Mildred felt quite moved by that. She was a difficult woman to impress.
As they headed to their last activity there was a lot of thinking and soul searching going on. Everybody had finally found a moment of relief and they were comfortable not only with the environment they were admiring but also the company they were keeping.
Mildred had brought to life three horses from her notebook. There was a black beauty, a smaller speckled mare and a large sleek brown stallion. Mildred saw her teachers gravitate towards the horses she had drawn for them and wanted to do a happy dance.
"That is Night Ninja," Mildred said to Constance who was stroking the black beauty, "and he is Ronaldo," she told Imogen who was stroking the large brown stallion. "This is Magic," Mildred said as she pointed to her speckled mare.
Constance nodded as though she was trying to accept all details as fact rather than query the name choices or look down on anything Mildred had put effort into. Imogen noted her lack of input with an amused smirk. She and Mildred both knew the potion teacher was making a concerted effort not to say anything but by being silent her thoughts were heard louder than ever.
Mildred carried on unphased. "Do you know how to ride a horse?" she asked Constance awkwardly.
"Yes, I do. When I was a child I had a friend who lived next to a stables. They were quite eccentric but they had a strong magical pedigree so I was permitted to go to their house once a week to ride with her if I wished," Constance said in her even tone.
"Really!?" Imogen said. She knew there was a lot she didn't know but she didn't expect her to be able to ride a horse.
"Yes. My neighbour keeps a horse and I have ridden him from time to time over the years," Constance admitted, "though his is quite unruly so I do sedate him with a little magic."
Imogen and Mildred looked surprised and wondered how much more there could be to the woman before them.
"I can ride too but it has been a while," Imogen said, "I hope he is friendly," she said nuzzling her face into the side of his affectionately.
"They all are," Mildred said with a big smile. "Miss, can you help me onto mine? I am alright once I have got on."
She was looking at Imogen who walked over and instantly gave Mildred a leg up.
"Do you need any…" she said looking at Constance and then realised she was in the process of jumping up onto her horse in a typically elegant fashion. She chose a side saddle position and sat with a prim and proper decadence above Night Ninja, waiting for everyone else to join her.
Imogen laughed and thought to herself, 'of course Constance Hardbroom could ride and make it look as regal and privileged as all of the other skills she possessed'.
Imogen jumped onto Ronaldo in one sweep and they were ready to walk on.
Mildred led the group. Her horse had a habit of stopping and eating plants as they went past them. Mildred tried to discourage him but secretly was content enough watching him munch and enjoy his time off the page.
Imogen and Constance said very little. They had found a relaxed groove and neither wanted to puncture that with meaningless conversation.
"Can you trot Mildred?" Constance asked after they had walked around half of the lake.
"Yeah...not very smoothly," Mildred said suddenly quite anxious and worried about looking silly.
"Ask Magic to go at a pace that suits you. You have a strong bond with this horse because you created him, perhaps you can even exchange thoughts if you wish," Constance suggested, reminding Mildred of the power she had over her animal and the bond she could stimulate.
"Okay," Mildred said and wondered what Magic might say...if he could say anything. She then realised that was likely up to her.
'Magic, can you trot...but keep it gentle please, I'm not very good,' Mildred thought, hoping the horse didn't find her request silly.
Mildred didn't hear any voices in reply but she felt a wave of warmth. It was comforting and so reassuring she knew it was Magic's response.
She started to trot and the rhythm felt easy. She was soon captivated by the bond she had with her horse and nothing else was in focus. As she grew familiar with the trot she felt the horse want to stretch its legs, it was urging her to cantar with him. She was reluctant and hesitant but a wave of security washed over her and she knew Magic would respond to her and keep her safe.
As they started to canter Imogen grew concerned.
"Constance…" She said firmly knowing that was all she needed to say to convey what she was thinking.
Constance held up her hand to suggest all was well. "They have a magical bond, Imogen, Mildred is quite safe." Constance stepped into a canter all the same to keep an eye on her pupil.
Mildred felt the wind in her face and established a rhythm with the horse that was effortless. She saw the woods fly past her and felt their speed turn up a notch as they reached the flat open space near the school. They galloped across it. Mildred felt so free and the exhilaration took her breath away. As she started to get tired and became aware of her body again Magic slowed to a trot and finally to a walk.
Constance was just behind her. She trotted up to the side of her and held out her hand.
"Take some magic, Mildred, we just need to make sure you can maintain the drawings until Imogen is safely back," she requested and Mildred understood and raised her hand to hers without a word.
The magic washed into her and she felt the fatigue lift and the bond with Magic pulsate at the tip of her consciousness. 'Thank you,' she thought to the horse and the mare returned a content glow of warm energy.
Imogen cantered into the clearing and saw a very gormless, happy Mildred, receiving magic from Constance. She beamed at them both. She had found the ride particularly exhilarating herself and having only cantered once before was secretly quite happy with her achievement.
"Shall we dismount?" Constance asked their leader for the day.
"Yes," Mildred said with a content smile. "That was…" she couldn't find the words.
"A speechless Mildred Hubble, that must have been quite the ride," Constance offered.
"It really was," Mildred said with a long happy sigh.
"I don't think I have ever seen you so content," Imogen said grinning as she jumped down from Ronaldo. "These horses were so...responsive, and well special," Imogen said as she patted Ronaldo's neck with affection.
"Yes, I think we should do that again sometime," Constance said, patting her horse, "I think Night Ninja would like that." Her horse nuzzled its nose into her neck in agreement.
Mildred hugged her horse tightly and Magic nuzzled into her. "I will miss you," she said lovingly, not wanting to let her go.
She reluctantly returned the horses to the page and let out a long sigh of dismay.
"Well you will have them with you always, Mildred. You can see them whenever you wish," Constance reminded her.
Mildred smiled a flat smile. She just hadn't wanted that to end. But she was super tired.
"I think I best transport us inside for some tea and a sit down. That has been a very full day," Constance said as they appeared in the Staff Room.
She magicked up tea and observed Imogen and Mildred who seemed quite satiated.
"That was an incredible day," Imogen announced.
They all nodded in agreement.
"You have quite the imagination, Mildred. Thank you for sharing it," Constance said.
Mildred just smiled. She was tired and no words seemed enough to sum up what she was feeling up. To think HB was now grateful for her imagination. She had landed in a parallel universe or this week had been the very definition of a juxtaposition.
"I requested fish and chips for this evening," Constance said.
"Really?" Mildred asked excitedly.
"Well Imogen said takeaway was essential this week and Mrs Tapioca knows the local shop so I am to take your order apparently?" Constance stated.
Mildred smiled at her formal tone.
"Large fish and chips with mushy peas, please," Imogen said as she all but licked her lips.
"Large fish and chips with curry sauce," Mildred said happily.
"Very well," Constance said, somewhat amazed by their speedy responses.
"I think you might like a fishcake, or you can get a non battered fish these days with a small chips," Imogen said helpfully as she saw Constance looking lost. "You could always try some of my mushy peas and Mildred's curry."
"A fishcake sounds reasonable," Constance agreed, "I will let Mrs Tapioca know."
"Oh Miss, can we have some diet coke too?" Mildred asked hopefully.
"This once, I will add that to the list," Constance said with an impassive expression.
She disappeared from the room and left Mildred and Imogen grinning at each other in amusement.
"She really has made a massive effort today...and I think she might have enjoyed herself at times," Imogen said.
"I find her fascinating," Mildred admitted thinking back to the coconut shy, the horse riding and the bouncy castle potion.
"I know what you mean," Imogen agreed quietly. "I think we are very lucky to see this side of her."
"Me too," Mildred beamed.
Constance appeared and frowned at them both grinning like idiots at her.
"Your orders have been made," she said ignoring their stupid expressions.
"Oh, yes," Mildred said excitedly.
"Is there anything you would like to do while we wait for our food?" Constance asked.
"I might go for a run if that is alright?" Imogen suggested.
"Of course," Constance replied wondering how Imogen had enough energy left for a run. "Mildred?"
"I think I will just draw," Mildred said, taking out her notebook.
"In that case I will read my book," Constance said as the book appeared in her hand.
Imogen went to get changed and fit a short run in before their dinner.
Mildred set to work drawing a stables. She wanted to create a whole scene next time she lifted the horses off the page.
Constance observed her from over the top of her book. She saw what the girl was doing and understood the sentiment completely.
"Mildred, do you mind if I ask what kind of connection you established with your horse?" Constance asked. Her voice pierced the silent air and Mildred's concentration. She had actually forgotten her tutor was there which was odd in itself. She was such an imposing figure and yet today she had blended into the background.
"I felt waves of feelings," Mildred said, trying to capture the bond. "I knew what she wanted and she made me feel safe."
"You established an empathetic bond. I imagine that was quite powerful," Constance said.
"Yeah," Mildred said awkwardly.
"You don't need to pull back from expressing yourself Mildred. I might not understand a lot of your thoughts and feelings but magical bonds I do," she said reassuringly.
"It was amazing. I feel a little sad without it. I felt so understood and so connected," Mildred said as her feelings rushed out. She could almost cry because the connection had been so intense and so special.
"Your magic is growing to understand you and you will nurture each other. Magic, the erm horse that is, was the ideal conduit for that growth," Constance explained delicately.
"So...do I...I mean can I…" Mildred hesitated, she didn't want to sound foolish.
"Say what you are thinking, Mildred. For once, I do not think there are any wrong questions...or indeed answers," she said softly.
"Can I love my magic?" Mildred asked finally after a few moments of hesitation.
Constance sighed. She knew what she should say in response to that but she had felt quite vulnerable of late and the story Mildred deserved to hear would leave her feeling more so. She eyed the student carefully. Her most loyal and compassionate ally. She was very fond of the girl and she knew she deserved to hear her best response. The truth was always painful to explain.
"I think I know the answer," Mildred said, sparing her tutor from answering because she could see how torn Constance had become.
"I was once a very isolated, scared, and victimised young woman," Constance stated. "I did not have friends, teachers, or even family to turn to. I was expected to bear what Mistress Broomhead threw at me," she said with a careful even tone. Mildred grimaced at the mention of her former Mistress.
"I was alone, except for my magic. Though I was taught control and prohibited from showing any level of creativity or feeling when wielding magic, I felt its bond nonetheless. I focused on that bond with every fibre of my being. My magic saved me, it became who I was, and was something I could depend upon and trust. An ally if you like. So yes, Mildred, you can love your magic, and it can love you back," Constance said with emotion and felt a release as she spoke the words. Her aura was humming and Mildred's eyes widened as she saw it glow.
"You are glowing," Mildred said in wonderment.
"I have friends and even family now Mildred...but my connection to my magic will always be the strongest one I know," Constance said in conclusion with a sense of pride and belonging.
"I love my magic and I know it loves me," Mildred said knowing the sentiment was no longer whimsical or ridiculous.
"As do I," Constance said with a warm smile.
The fish and chips arrived just as Imogen came down from her shower.
"Oh yes I am starving," the PE teacher exclaimed.
They all tucked into them including Miss Hardbroom who tried the mushy peas and curry sauce but passed on both accounts. She ate her fishcake and her chips though it was a lengthy process.
Imogen and Mildred rolled around the Staff Room trying to find a comfortable position after they had eaten too much.
"I don't know why you didn't stop filling your faces," Constance said disapprovingly.
"Because the aftermath is all part of the experience," Imogen said groaning.
"And adding gassy liquid to the meal was quite preposterous," Constance added.
"It's not fish and chips without pop though," Mildred argued back.
"Your traditions are quite ridiculous," Constance stated.
"Oh yeah because all of yours make perfect sense," Imogen said with a frown.
Constance let the matter lie so they didn't end the day on an argument.
"I suggest we all get an early night tonight. I have ice skating and explosions planned for tomorrow," Constance said and even she realised how insane that combination sounded.
"Can we just take a moment to laugh at that sentence," Imogen said.
Constance was amused herself. The ice skating she had done before with a male acquaintance, but the explosions she had never permitted herself to indulge in. She had wanted to though. She had imagined blowing up Mistress Broomhead a few times.
"Can we sit by the lake and watch the sun set," Mildred asked, she didn't want an early night.
"Yes," Constance said simply, "Imogen?"
"Oh I'm in if we can have some comfy chairs" Imogen replied, her legs were quite tired now from the bouncing, horse riding and running.
Constance thought for a moment and then zapped them to a position overlooking the lake. She cast a spell, waved her hand and three outdoor recliners appeared with a pot of tea.
Constance made herself an early grey and then sat up in her recliner sipping it gently.
Mildred and Imogen ignored the tea as they couldn't possibly swallow another thing and laid almost horizontal on their recliners.
"This is the life," Mildred said with a content sigh.
"Mildred, do you think you could draw a shooting star? I'm just curious if you could conjure something in the sky," Constance pondered. "I can conjure one...once the sun has set of course."
"I will draw one so I can see," Mildred said now curious herself.
"I expect you could do fireworks if you wanted too," Constance suggested.
Mildred didn't respond but her eyes widened in joy. She started doodling with purpose.
Imogen laughed. "It is like you have become a complete rebel," she said.
"I have given myself one week to indulge in things I wouldn't normally. I am actually using it as a research mission now. Perhaps the odd thing might stay with me," she said with a small shrug.
"Next time I go to the beach I will make sure I invite you in case you feel the urge to make a sandcastle," Imogen mused.
"I doubt that will be one of them," she said sternly considering all that wasted energy when the sea came and washed it away.
When the sun had set and they had watched it in silence as the rays withdrew from the lake's surface, Constance magicked up a fire to keep them warm.
"Right Mildred, this is my shooting star," she said raising her arms towards the skies. White light shot across the sky leaving a stream of light in its wake before dissolving into the night sky.
Imogen and Mildred marvelled at it.
"Now take my hand in case the magic you need is greater than you have in this moment," Miss Hardbroom offered as she held out her hand again to Mildred for the second time that day.
Mildred pulled the shooting star off the page and filled the sky with a white light that slowly made its way in a curve across the sky. It shone so vividly against the black backdrop.
As it disappeared both Mildred and Constance looked quite drained.
"I think that is enough for one day. You two look like magic junkies right now,"Imogen said firmly.
"Oh but I wanted to try some fireworks," Mildred moaned.
"I have enough energy for one firework," Constance said evenly.
"You can do it tomorrow night," Imogen said stubbornly. "We need to get back to the school yet."
"Oh very well," Constance said rolling her eyes at her colleague.
"But, Misss," Mildred whined.
"But, nothing, Mildred. Your teacher has spoken," Constance said with a firm tone.
Mildred sulked but wasn't about to push her luck either.
Constance waved away their seats and the fire.
"I think I will have a hot toddy before bed this evening. If you stop sulking you may have one too, Mildred," Constance said. She apprated them all back to the Staff Room.
Imogen sensed something was wrong because the upright form next to her looked slightly less upright. She stepped forward instinctively and caught Miss Hardbroom right before she fainted to the floor.
"Constance, are you alright?" She asked as she lowered her onto one of the comfy chairs. "Constance?"
Constance was awake but groggy.
Mildred went to the potions lab to fetch a revival potion.
"Ohh...I must have pushed myself a little too much" Constance said, annoyed with the outcome.
"Was it the shooting star spells?" Imogen asked, curious.
"Mildred didn't have much magic left and the effort of lifting hers off the page drained me somewhat. I keep forgetting how advanced that talent is. Please don't fuss," she said pushing herself upright.
"Relax Constance," Imogen ordered as the potion teacher fought a wave of nausea.
Mildred entered with the room with the potion and handed it to Constance.
"Thank you," Constance said but her annoyance was palpable. She drank the potion and eyed Mildred accusingly.
Mildred had seen this response before and knew to avoid eye contact and pretend everything was just fine.
"Right I am off to bed," Mildred said as calmly as she could. "Do you think I could top up my magic before I go up?" she asked cautiously.
"That is likely for the best," Constance said with an even tone, "a revival potion will not hurt either. I assume you can be trusted to take one yourself."
"Yes Miss, goodnight," Mildred said politely and then got on to the other side of the Staff Room door as quickly as she could. She sighed with relief as she made it out alive.
"What was that all about?" Imogen asked, having noticed how odd they were both acting.
"I have fainted twice in Mildred's presence. This makes the third. The first time I hit my head. The second time was in front of Miss Cackle and Mildred provided a mattress for my fall. This time I was fortunate enough to have you catch me. Mildred has fainted twice. On one occasion I was being very mean to her. I do not like fainting in front of people. Mildred knows this and chose to avoid any retaliation," Constance said succinctly.
"You two are weird!" Imogen said simply which brought a glare from Constance. "What? You push yourself to the max and then get all uppity when your body has had enough," Imogen said sternly. "I mean you really ought to know better. It's not like it hasn't happened before."
"Yes, well that is exactly what I am aware of Imogen. That is exactly what Mildred of all people knows too! I have been reckless. Now could you please drop the matter!" Constance said, annoyed.
"All those battles you have survived and you get dropped by a shooting star spell," Imogen said with a smug expression.
"I forget to top up my magic. I don't like to do it for frivolous means," Constance said with an icy tone.
"Well let's hope you learn from your mistake this time. Poor Mildred running off because the sleeping dragon has woken up," Imogen said with a laugh.
"She is perhaps the wiser of the two of you," Constance growled.
"She is the scarder. But, you stopped scaring me a long time ago Constance Hardbroom," Imogen said.
"Oh for heaven's sake. I am going to walk to the potion lab to top my magic up and then I am going to bed so I can get some peace and quiet," Constance snapped.
"Well I am going to make sure that Mildred is alright. Try not to die from a wounded pride while I'm gone!" Imogen said as she strode out of the Staff Room.
Constance wished she had enough magic to throw some paintballs at her as she left.
Mildred was skipping out of the Great Hall fully restored when she bumped into Imogen.
"Ah Mildred, I just wanted to check you were okay," Imogen said brightly.
"Yes, Miss. My magic feels full but I am really tired," Mildred admitted.
"You have done a lot of big magic today. I just wanted to say thank you. I have had an amazing day!" Imogen said.
"Me too," Midlred said with enthusiasm.
"I'm sorry if Constance put a downer on it," Imogen added gauging Mildred's response.
"Nah. She gets embarrassed when she faints. I think she forgets when she is supporting me to remember her own limits," Mildred said dismissively.
"You don't mind her being prickly then?" Imogen questioned.
"It's who she is isn't it? She can't fail. Not that she did...but you know what I mean," Mildred explained.
"Yes I do. She is very lucky to have you, Mildred," Imogen said with an affectionate smile.
"I am lucky to have her too," Mildred said easily and skipped merrily on to bed. She hesitated when she went past the potion's lab. She was tempted to say goodnight to Miss Hardbroom who was just outside the door in the shadows. She thought better of it and left the woman to her peace.
The three slept soundly once more that night. Constance might feel foolish but she knew what had taken her past her limits. She was just as keen to see what Mildred was capable of as the girl was herself, perhaps more so. The day had been a lesson in creativity and imagination. Mildred had a child's mind at the moment, as she should. When that turned into an adult mind she would be powerful beyond even her imagination.