After a week of fun and games Miss Hardbroom was keen to get back to some structure the following week. She had two weeks to make sure Imogen passed all of her potion exams and ensure that Mildred was safe to unleash on the world with her new found talents.
"We are going into lockdown, ladies. Compared to last week this week will seem diligent, regimented, disciplined and quite traditional. I wish you to become the very best witches Cackle's has ever produced and the only way you build greatness is with precision," she said in a strong tone. "Confidence and control is what forges great witches. This week you will obey my rules and you will work diligently. If on Friday I am satisfied you have both done enough then I will allow you the weekend to relax," Miss Hardbroom said addressing the room as though it was packed full of disobedient school children.
Mildred and Miss Drill daren't even look at each other. There was something very witchy and foreboding about Miss Hardbroom that made them both keen to avoid any backlash.
The week felt to Mildred like she had re-entered the fifth year. There was more than an air of zero tolerance about the formidable HB. Oh yes, they were not dealing with Miss Hardbroom, or Constance...HB was most decidedly back.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday Mildred and Miss Drill drilled tasks that HB saw as cornerstones to the witch's repertoire. Mildred drilled the very simplest of drawing tasks, over and over again. She drew rectangles and then brought them off the page as wooden, plastic, metal, electric, magical and invisible shields. She altered their shape, size, weight and even their colour. Drilling the same simple rectangle and imagining a hundred possibilities for it as it was brought off the page.
Miss Hardbroom then attacked her with different potions and spells giving Mildred mere seconds to select the right shield. Miss Drill had supplied Mildred's shield potion. She had created the same potion four times in one morning. She had to recite the ingredients and process before lunch. The whole week Miss Drill constantly practiced different shield potions until she could have created them blindfold. Miss Hardbroom fired questions at her that contained scenarios. Miss Drill had seconds to shout out the correct shield potion to use for the attack. At times these exchanges bordered on becoming quite heated.
"An electrical attack, Miss Drill?" Miss Hardbroom asked.
"A none water based shield potion," Imogen responded instantly.
"A magical attack," Miss Hardbroom asked next.
"A standard shield potion," Imogen replied.
"And?" Miss Hardbroom queried.
"Depending on the witch, an energy or a matter shield," Imogen said with a frown.
"And how might you spot the magical energy of a witch?" Miss Hardbroom asked.
"By studying how the standard shield potion handles the magic it absorbs, whether it deflects or grows from it," Imogen replied. "Really Constance, we have been through this already!"
"It is Miss Hardbroom when I am teaching Miss Drill, and these lessons are important. Do I question your methods?" HB snapped back.
"Yes you do, very publicly. You think PE is unnecessary," Imogen said stubbornly, and she wasn't wrong.
Constance sighed loudly, she had heard that response before and still hadn't worked out a suitable reply to it.
"Once more through the practical demonstration and I will be satisfied you know your shield potions," Constance said.
"Yes, Miss Hardbroom," Imogen said with a fiery dose of derision. Mildred bit her lip to stop herself smirking at that response. Constance narrowed her eyes but chose not to respond.
Mildred had mostly struggled with sheer boredom.
"Lift off a magical shield," Miss Hardbroom requested.
Mildred silently lifted off the rectangle and imagined a magical shield which absorbed the bolt of magic Miss Hardbroom hurled at it.
"Turn that same shield into a wooden shield," she commanded.
Mildred frowned, "Miss you know I can't turn the same one into wood. I have to return it to the page and then lift it off again," she said annoyed.
"Yes I am aware," Constance said rolling her eyes, "what I mean is I want it quicker."
Mildred did what she was asked with a sigh.
"Am I boring you, Mildred?" Constance asked sarcastically.
Mildred really wanted to say yes but last time she had shown a hint of rebellion she had to apparate around a small square drawn onto the floor of the Great Hall until each journey was within a second of the command. It had made her dizzy and she was even more bored by the time they had finished.
"No, Miss," Mildred replied whilst biting her lip.
Miss Drill had been shown how to chop herbs correctly. She had spent half a day chopping parsley. Her technique needed refinement according to HB so she was given a crop of parsley to chop finely. She was timed on how long it took and then judged on the precision of each chop as well as the texture of the final product. Next she was given mint and then dill. In the end she had been chopping herbs for three quarters of the day.
Mildred found it comical to say, "Miss Drill is chopping dill," which amused Imogan and led to less uniform chopping. That led to her session being extended past the morning but she didn't mind because she had really craved a distraction.
That particular task was only surpassed by what Mildred and Imogen had to do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This contained theoretical teachings. Tuesdays they copied from books out of the library that discussed witching traditions as well as their chosen disciplines. Mildred's revolved around creative magic and its uses while Miss Drill copied paragraphs out about potion making. At the end of the day they were set a quizz. It made both of them worry about how many books in that library their esteemed leader knew cover to cover.
The only thing worse than Tuesdays was Thursdays which involved reciting the Witch's Code. Miss Hardbroom gave them anecdotes and they had to apply it to the correct code number. They were allowed to research their answers in the morning but the afternoons had to be supplied from memory.
"Mildred, this is one of the common codes you must have been aware of since starting Cackle's," Miss Hardbroom complained when Mildred was confused.
"I didn't really...what I mean is I didn't know...I don't think I…" Mildred just didn't have an excuse because the fact was she had never read the witch's code. She had copied lines from it so she probably knew those codes, but the rest was a mystery.
"You have never read it, have you Mildred?" Miss Hardbroom asked her sternly.
Miss Drill winced for her ally because she knew this would be deemed a sacrilegious offence.
"Not fully," Mildred replied as she gulped.
"Mildred you just earned yourself homework. I would like you to copy out two codes each evening before bed for the duration of this holiday," Miss Hardbroom asked clearly.
"Erm Constance...that isn't much of a holiday," Imogen reasoned.
"Miss Drill, how many times must I remind you to address me as Miss Hardbroom while I am teaching and Mildred knows very well that a basic understanding of the witch's code is essential for any witch. Especially one that is likely to establish quite a reputation for herself," HB said authoritatively. "What do you think, Mildred? Do you think the witch's code might be significant to your career path one day?" She asked evenly.
"I think I started from behind and it is probably quite important to learn it," Mildred said diplomatically.
"I will study it with you then," Imogen said defiantly, "I find revision is easier with company."
Miss Hardbroom nodded as though she had accepted the gesture but more importantly her win on the subject.
At the end of the first week there was one telling difference to the way HB was approaching her role. She gave some praise!
"You have both done extremely well this week. I am impressed and humbled by your work. If you can stand me for another week I believe you will emerge from this school as the best versions of yourself you can be," she nodded approvingly and then vanished from the stage allowing Imogen and Mildred to breathe a sigh of relief.
"God I am so glad it's the weekend," Imogen said with genuine exhaustion and relief.
"Me too! It was like training for my exams all over again! I'm not sure I can survive another week," Mildred said with a yawn and a shudder.
"Well now we are not in class, her overlord routine better die down!" Imogen said with more than an edge of threat
"I'm used to it," Mildred said casually.
"Oh Mildred, where has your fight gone!" Imogen demanded.
"I might feel differently when I have slept in until lunch tomorrow," Mildred said with an apologetic face.
Imogen laughed, "Some things will never change, hey."
Saturday came and Imogen and Mildred were in for a surprise.
Constance came down in her formal witching attire.
"Are you expecting company?" Imogen asked in surprise.
"No...well actually yes...I meant to tell you but I organised it quite late last night. Glendar Fox is visiting me today. I requested an audience and she is coming before lunch," Constance said in quite a flustered state.
"Right, okay," Imogen said surprised but trying incredibly hard to stay calm and neutral so her anxious friend didn't feel defensive. "How about we get some breakfast and tell about why you asked her here."
"I need to talk to Mildred," Constance replied.
"She is in bed still, it's Saturday," Imogen reminded her colleague.
"Well she will have to get up," Constance said looking stressed again.
"Okay, I will go and wake Mildred. You go and get some breakfast. We will meet you down there," Imogen said lightly.
"Imogen, I'm not an invalid!"
"No I know but I don't think Mildred deserves a rude awakening and you seem agitated so I think you should go eat, drink some tea and calm yourself," Imogen said more forcibly.
"Ugh well yes, very well," Constance said and walked down to the kitchens. Considering Imogen had just seen her walk down from her bedroom too she realised the deputy headteacher was certainly more than a little out of sorts.
Imogen woke up a sleepy Mildred who grumbled immensely at the intrusion.
"I'm sorry Mildred but Constance looks quite stressed so you are going to have to get up early," Imogen repeated.
At the mention of HB being stressed Mildred sat up in bed.
"What's wrong?" she asked anxiously.
"I think it is best if she tells you. She is alright just being a stress head. We will be in the kitchens," Imogen said.
Mildred jumped out of bed and made it to the kitchens in record time. She rushed in with such force that when Imogen and Constance stared at her she felt incredibly self-conscious.
"I'm here," Mildred said, which was the most unnecessary statement she had probably ever made but she didn't like how quiet they were.
"Constance, I think you have something to tell Mildred," Imogen said nudging the potion teacher who looked lost in thought again.
"Yes...right," Miss Hardbroom said with a firmer tone. "I sent word to The Council that I would like to visit Ms Fox. She immediately granted my request and has chosen to visit us today at 11am."
"Really! On a Saturday," Mildred said surprised and sounded disgruntled because her weekends were sacred after all.
"Yes, Mildred. It is not like you are being deprived of your leisure time after a particularly gruelling week!" Constance snapped, noting Mildred's slight annoyance.
"No, Miss," Mildred said, feeling suitably bad.
"Mildred, I wanted to meet her at The Council because I am adept at blocking telepathic connections when I am aware of them. However, you are not. It is not that I see Ms Fox as a threat...far from it. But, you do hold quite a few memories and we have shared a lot over the years. I wish to be careful about what information we give to The Council," Constance explained.
"What do you want me to do?" Mildred asked.
"I want you and Imogen to go for a picnic so you are not in the castle while she is here. It is not a command. I will not make you do anything you do not want to," Constance said with a pained expression.
"I know you are trying to protect me," Mildred said simply. "But, I think I will stay," she added as she went to make herself some toast.
Constance looked imploringly at Imogen. Imogen shrugged her shoulders and surveyed the girl.
Mildred was racing through reasons in her head. Her calm exterior was certainly not reflected on the inside. She didn't want to be too far away from her teacher was one good reason. She liked Glendar Fox and probably even trusted her...she had a feeling. That would not go down well. She thought her absence would look suspicious was valid but why would a picnic look out of place? Mildred needed to explain. She could feel their eyes on the back of her head.
"I don't think she will pry," Mildred said carefully. "I think she likes us and I don't want to distrust her. Why did you ask to see her?" she asked boldly.
Constance eyed her student. She was far more calm and collected these days. She should have made it a command.
"I wish to know why my teachers never did anything about Mistress Broomhead. I want to ask her if she will investigate the people I remember turning a blind eye," Constance bit the bullet and levelled with Mildred.
"Then I don't want to be far away. I think we should be here," Mildred said firmly and Imogen couldn't help but nod her head.
Constance laughed quite uncharacteristically.
"Mildred Hubble, when I got stuck with you I was perhaps the most cursed and luckiest witch there was. Fine! Stay! I'm sure she will be thrilled to see you again," Constance said sarcastically, throwing her arms up in the air.
"I will try not to apparate myself into the middle of your meeting," Mildred offered.
Constance laughed again. Perhaps the nerves were getting to her.
"That is very considerate, Mildred," she said.
"I take it she won't read my mind?" Imogen asked quietly.
"No that dark space is safe to replay volleyball tournaments and plot long cross country runs," Constance smirked, "though she may certainly pick up on your feelings," she added.
"Well annoyance and irritation wont tell her much," Imogen retorted with a glare. "Constance, why were you so anxious about her visit?"
"I am usually very adept at telepathic blocking but there was one exception. Mistress Broomhead took a potion that gave her similar powers to what I expect Ms. Fox has. I was unable to block her. I have…" Constance mulled over her words, "discussed memories with you both so some of my most personal exchanges are more accessible. I would have liked more time to prepare and practice my guard. Her power is unknown to me and as I will be talking about a delicate subject I do not want to give too much...away."
"You like your privacy," Imogen said and subconsciously stroked Constance's upper arm affectionately to offer the woman support.
Constance noted her touch and subtly raised her eyebrows but she did not react to the gesture.
"Can she choose not to use her power?" Mildred asked curiously.
"Yes. She should have complete control of it. There can be overlap though. If she needs to see some of my thoughts or feelings for confirmation then I could inadvertently flood her with more than intended," Constance tried to explain.
"You open the floodgates and cannot control the flow," Imogen simplified.
"It is much easier to keep the gates closed than try and let out a little water at a time, yes," Constance said clearly happy with the chosen metaphor.
"She can't hurt you with it though," Mildred said with a soft smile.
"No that is very unlikely," Constance agreed.
"I think you should be open about your worries with her, she is probably used to her powers making people nervous," Imogen suggested.
Constance looked at Imogen in horror.
"What? I thought you said that if you try and hide anything she will sense that?" Imogen said defensively.
"Well….yes," Constance said with a huff.
"It will be hard. But not as hard as…." Mildred lost her confidence when Constance looked at her with slightly sad, slightly anxious eyes. "As...what she put you through," Mildred said as her voice broke.
Constance smiled. "You are right Mildred. I am doing this, finally, because I am able to."
"We wont be far away when you need to vent your anger," Imogen added with a half smile.
"If I recommend magical paintball afterwards...run!" Constance said with a dark chuckle.
"We won't have to run, I can apparate us," Mildred piped up as the atmosphere relaxed a little.
"Indeed," Constance said with a proud glint.
They sat waiting in the Staff Room discussing what they could do on Sunday. They kept the conversation very light and easy and were careful not to upset Constance.
None of them quite knew what to expect.
Mildred and Constance both turned to look out of the window at the same time.
"She is here," Constance stated. "You two wait here and I will escort her in." With that Constance had gone.
Mildred and Imogen looked towards the window with intrigue. They both really wanted to know what would be said. Their hearts beat a little quicker and their thoughts flittered between worst case scenarios and best case, such is the human mind.
Miss Hardbroom greeted Ms Fox in her usual upright, formal manner.
"Good morning Ms Fox, thank you for coming so soon," she said with as much sincerity as she could.
"Constance please call me Glendar. I'm not sure my eagerness to call so soon would have thrilled you but I did feel duty bound to respond quickly," Glendar said with equal precision.
Constance felt sidestepped already. She wasn't used to not dictating the pace of conversations. She had started slow and carefully, while Glendar Fox had shown little fear of stepping into the fast lane.
"It was a surprise, please come through," Constance replied, giving very little away.
Glendar bowed her head in compliance before she was escorted once more into the Staff Room.
"Ah, Imogen and Mildred, how are you both?" Glendar asked.
"Good," they both said a little awkwardly.
"I see my talents precede me," Glendar said with a warm smile.
"It is a lofty talent," Constance stated.
Glendar sat down and Constance poured her some tea.
"I apologise for reading your feelings and some thoughts last time I came. I know you understand why I did that. Nonetheless it is not how I wish to conduct myself, it is a need rather than a want," Glendar explained carefully to her audience.
Constance nodded to accept the statement.
"I expected you to be more vocal Constance," Glendar pressed. "Would you like to take this into the Hall or perhaps your Potion Lab where you are free to vent at will?"
"I am just gauging your talent," Constance admitted, looking slightly flustered by the directness of her address. "And I think what we need to discuss can be said here," she said eyeing Imogen and Mildred.
"I can read feelings and thoughts related to what you are discussing. I can control it completely and will never invade your privacy, unless you wish it, ever again," Glendar stated with passion.
"That's good," Imogen smiled faintly.
Mildred looked very relieved.
"I discussed quite a bit last time you were here..." Constance said delicately.
"Your emotions were very clear to me Constance. I got very little from you that I didn't already guess. I did not pry. But I appreciate it was an invasion at an emotional moment," Glendar said and it was clear she had rehearsed those words.
"Mistress Broomhead bullied a lot of girls for many years. I would like to know why those who worked alongside her did nothing to stop it. She was not simply controlling and manipulative...she was an abuser and that school failed in its duty of care to its students," Constance said with purpose deciding to get what was on her mind out before she bottled up.
"I could use a few examples Constance. The teachers and Headteachers I am already aware of. After our last discussion I did a little research. I thought your relationship with Hecketty Broomhead was grounds enough for a more thorough investigation. The Council has hidden behind family names and heritage for too long," Glendar said.
"Did you?" Constance asked looking surprised.
"A student you went to school with is murdered to hurt you and your pain...and fear...I'm sorry Constance, I just know trauma when I feel it's affects," Glendar said quietly.
Imogen and Mildred looked concerned.
"I can give you examples. Constance has discussed a few events with me," Imogen interjected. She knew Constance wouldn't accept the help but she felt obliged to try and shield her.
"No...I can discuss...some," Constance said, clearly moved with how Glendar was approaching this.
"I will not invade your thoughts or feelings, you have my word," Glendar said firmly.
"I have been trying to prepare for this. What I want to say is that I have nothing to hide and I want you to take the complete picture. But I was a very different person then, one who…" Constance looked up and looked at Imogen. She seemed to need to remind herself of the connections that mattered. The room remained silent as she considered her words. "I am quite ashamed of her. That is what makes this hard."
"I felt shame from you last time I was here. It upset me Constance. We all failed you and yet you are left feeling responsible. That's what I most wanted to change," Glendar said with conviction, there was a genuine softness to her eyes.
Constance had a tear in her eye as she locked eyes with Glendar Fox. She seemed like a very genuine and righteous sort of woman.
"I want you to use your talent. I wish you to know and feel what I do. I will discuss the first time I crossed Mistress Broomhead. Miss Blackstar, the Headteacher of the Academy may have known more. I genuinely never knew because I wasn't brave enough to ask her for help," Constance explained.
"Constance, I want you to be aware that I will also hear Mildred's thoughts and sense everybody's feelings in the room," Glendar said formally.
Constance smiled, "you only need to ask Mildred to hear her thoughts, she is very forthcoming with them. I do not think the girl has anything to hide."
"Are you comfortable with this Mildred?" Glendar asked with a smile.
"Yes," Mildred said and almost shrugged.
"Alright, raise your hand if you need privacy. Or just apparate away Constance," Glendar said, happy that everyone was onboard.
"I had been receiving private tuition from Mistress Broomhead for 2 months when the gruelling schedule started to wear me down. I had tuition seven days a week and some nights I did not get to sleep until 11 o'clock," she said.
"Was this your first year?" Glendar asked.
"Yes, my schedule got much worse in the second year," Constance confirmed.
"That is already too much!" Glendar exclaimed.
"I wanted to join my friends who were trying out for the magical quiz panel with an eye to getting on the Spelling Bee Team. I skipped a private tuition class to try out for it. When I walked in Miss Blackstar was sat at the back overseeing it. She seemed happy to see me enter. I answered all of my questions correctly. At the end of it all the Headteacher walked over to me and said she looked forward to seeing me represent the school that year in the Spelling Bee and winked at me. I went to the dorms excited for the first time since I arrived at the school," Constance spoke evenly trying to keep a matter of fact tone. She sipped her tea.
"When I got back to the dorms and reached my bed there was a note on it. Mistress Broomhead requested my presence in her classroom. I went down with trepidation. Until this point she had been stern and gruelling but not nasty or cruel. I had heard stories about her though from other students and they all warned me never to misbehave or get anything wrong. The chanting mistress once told me Mistress Broomhead could be survived but that was all any of her students could hope for," Constance recollected.
"Could be survived? She clearly knew more!" Imogen said with annoyance.
"I agree," Glendar said, giving Imogen a supportive look.
"When I reached my Mistress there was a desk laid out for me in front of hers. She spoke with a happy almost sing-song voice. I remember her exact words, 'ah Constance thank goodness. I need you to answer these questions for me. I am grading their appropriateness for something'. I didn't know what she meant but she just started firing questions at me and I had to write the answer down on the paper in silence. If I didn't know one then I had to write the question out in place of the answer. She kept me there doing that until midnight. When I asked her twice if I could go she said absolutely not until I had finished as it was very important." Constance sipped more of her tea. "I thought it must be important so I continued."
"The next day the Headteacher asked me to her office. I walked in and sat down. I noticed Mistress Broomhead in the corner of the room only when I was seated. Miss Blackstar asked me why I had not told her I had been working on the Spelling Bee questions and answers before I tried out for the quiz team. I said that I hadn't. She showed me the papers I had been writing on the night before which also contained the answers I gave during the try outs. Mistress Broomhead had dated each page for several days before the try outs. Apparently my Mistress had been charged with creating the questions for that year's Competition. Miss Blackstar wanted to know why I had lied and cheated. I told her very strongly that I had only just written those pages the night before. The Headteacher looked at Mistress Broomhead who said 'she wrote the final page last night but I created the rest of those questions with her input days ago. I don't know why she is lying'. I was banned from joining any clubs or societies in year one. When I left her office Mistress Broomhead caught up to me and told me I would be cleaning out the first years Cauldrons for the rest of the term and if I skipped a private tutorial again I would be doing so for every other year," Constance paused while she considered her next thoughts. She looked up with surprise when she remembered every thought she had just had was readable to her acquaintance.
"Don't be afraid Constance, I do not judge the actions of a child. I am here to judge the actions of the adults who failed you," she said reassuringly.
Constance sighed. This style of reminiscing was exhausting.
"Miss Blackstar saw me cleaning out cauldrons. She used to go past the classroom to an outdoors area for an afternoon walk. She saw me in there every day. On my way to lunch one day she asked me to walk with her. She asked me how I was fitting in. I lied and said I was fitting in fine. She asked me if I had friends and I gave her the names of two students that I talked to sometimes at lunch. Then she said, 'I think you would have done very well in the Spelling Bee, Constance. But you will emerge from this Academy our brightest student anyway'. She said it with a smile and a warmth but what I recall most was pity," Constance recounted.
"Okay, Constance, tell me the piece you are avoiding...if you can?" Glendar asked respectfully.
Constance looked at her and nodded slowly.
"I was desperate to watch the Spelling Bee. It had only been held at the Academy once before and everyone was talking about it. I went to watch it with everyone else. Classes hadn't been officially cancelled but everyone was in the Hall watching. I had to stand at the back with others because there weren't enough seats. I watched it through to the last question when Mistress Broomhead appeared next to me. I looked up in time to note Miss Blackstar see her arrival. In a second we were gone and in her classroom. She demanded to know why I had not been in potions class. I said that nobody was in class. She said I was not 'nobody'. I used the words 'it wasn't fair', words I knew never to use again. She sat me at a desk and used magical ties to fasten me to the chair. My wrists and ankles were tightly restrained. She locked the door and told me I would understand soon what unfair looked like. She disappeared from the room. I was in there for hours. I had no dinner and I remember being thirsty. My arms started to ache and I tried to struggle against the ties numerous times. I noted the light fade and finally I was in a pitch black room. I tried to sleep but the position was too uncomfortable. She appeared, lighting the room up on entry, and released me as though she had only been gone a moment. She said 'that is what unfair looks like, speak a word to anyone and I will see how loud Morgana can scream'. I had only had my kitten for three weeks. I ran from the classroom to go and find her. As I ran down the corridor I collided with Miss Blackstar. She looked me over and asked me what I had been doing. I told her I had a class with Mistress Broomhead. I must have looked like death. She said 'at six o clock in the morning, very commendable Constance' and carried on her way. I had enough time to check on Morgana and shower before I was heading to breakfast. I hadn't slept, I had marks on my wrists and my body was exhausted and aching all over. It was one of many ordeals I faced but I hadn't realised before how much Miss Blackstar must have seen, even suspected, and yet how little she did to protect me," Constance finished. Her tone was far more defiant and frustrated than it had ever been. She was feeling less haunted by these thoughts and feelings and more angry about how they were carried out without any obstruction from anyone.
"Constance, please stop me immediately if I have picked up on something too sensitive. I felt a fear in you and a few times you were thinking about how Mistress Broomhead's behaviour escalated. You thought the words, magical fire?" Glendar asked and instantly regretted it. "I have shut off my ability ladies, I think we should take a break," she said instantly and patted Imogen's arm compassionately.
"She used to mark me with magical fire. The souls of my feet, the backs of my legs, and on my lower back," Constance summarised very briefly before she vanished from the room.
"Damn it," Glendar said and looked to Imogen, "I am sorry. I realised from your emotions that it was too personal."
Mildred looked at Imogen in confusion.
"Mildred would you go and see if you can find Constance...just sit with her," Imogen requested.
Mildred nodded needing no further suggestion and apparated out of the room.
"I see she has mastered perfect apparition already!" Glendar said surprised.
"Ah...yes...I don't think you were meant to see that," Imogen said awkwardly.
"See what?" Glendar said immediately.
"I want to tell you about what Constance went through. There is no way the other teachers didn't see her injuries. Or at least see her struggling and in pain," Imogen said passionately.
"Please do. I will be careful not to repeat anything that you tell me Imogen, in front of Constance, or anyone else" Glendar assured her.
Imogen recounted the story Constance had told her. Glendar was beyond appalled.
"That explains the fear. I understand why she has never come forward. She was tortured by that woman. And people stood by and let it happen," Glendar said with any angry tone that surprised Imogen. They had only seen a nice side to the powerful woman, she wondered what the angry side looked like.
"Yes and how many more did she hurt?" Imogen wondered with sadness.
They were sipping tea and discussing next steps when Mildred and Constance appeared.
"Mildred did you just…!" Glendar asked totally gobsmacked.
"She can transport a passenger and is very efficient at apparating into small spaces," Constance said with pride. She also noted Glendar's ability to sense who was transporting who, another impressive skill.
"Constance, we will need to teach her how to disguise her talents," Glendar said.
"Yes, that is what the next week will involve. I will be brooching it soon," Constance reassured her. "I take it Imogen has filled you in for me?"
There was an awkward silence.
"I do not wish to discuss it. But, I will say this. I have noticed every day of Mildred's school life when her boots have been untied. So why did nobody ever notice that I couldn't walk properly or sit without grimacing?" Constance said quite forcibly to keep her front up. "I always thought I had done something wrong, I am beginning to realise I didn't," she said with a warm smile at Imogen.
Mildred instinctively looked at her boots which were untied. Imogen smiled to herself at the crestfallen look on the girl's face.
"How indeed?" Glendar asked with sorrowful eyes. "I will be interviewing every teacher Constance, but I will be starting with Mistress Blackstar. I doubt she will still hold a Council position at the end of this week."
Constance could cry but she was absolutely refusing to feel anything right now. After all this time she had finally given someone enough information to do something to avenge her suffering.
"Now as much as I have been made to feel quite welcome, I think it might be time that I left you all to heal once more," Glendar said with a smile.
"Stay for lunch, perhaps Mildred would like to show you a clone of your aura. It is a colour version of what you already know...if you do not have a magical palette that is?" Constance asked lightly to help ease the mood in the room.
"Alas I do not. I know I cannot complain but to see magic in colour, I would have liked that talent. And I would be delighted to stay for lunch, thank you Constance," she said warmly. She had so wanted to stay but didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable. Constance was beginning to get the impression that there were not many places where Glendar Fox could feel entirely comfortable.
"Mildred, how are your energy levels?" Constance asked.
"Fine, Miss," Mildred said with a smile.
"Fine, full of energy, or fine as long as you walk everywhere and don't think too hard?" Constance pressed concerned for her student.
"Fine, full of energy, except that I am starving," Mildred said with a big grin.
"Good, I will have Mrs Tapioca bring up the food," Constance said and vanished.
"You three have such a tight bond. I expect it is one that has been forged through war," Glendar said with sympathy and great respect.
"We care about each other and we worry about Constance. What she went through was unimaginable," Imogen said emotively.
"It was and I intend to do something about that. They will all be held accountable," Glendar promised. "So Mildred...what does my aura look like to you?"
"It is very colourful and the black has really blended in now," Mildred said admiring the woman's aura like she was watching a light show.
"You can still see black?" Glendar asked, surprised.
"Yes, it's more blended. Like a shadow around the edge now," Mildred tried to describe what she was seeing, "I will show you."
Mildred scribbled furiously in her notebook and produced a familiar mess of swirly lines that looked like a toddler's doodle.
"Well I had hoped for a little more character if I am honest," Glendar said laughing with Imogen.
Mildred smiled, she loved this part. She lifted the aura off the page and put it in front of Glendar.
Glendar's face was one of total shock.
"That is just how I imagined it but you can't imagine that level of vibrancy," Glendar said in wonderment. "I see what you mean with the dark magic. I am a little concerned that I could not still detect that," she went on.
"I might be able to help your magic consume it?" Mildred wondered allowed. "Once, I patched Miss Hardbroom's aura. We removed a dark seed from it which had left a hole. I gave her magic the right paths to go down to seal it and when I took the paths away the magic was still patching the gap," Mildred explained.
"So you could encourage my magic to surround the darkness and hopefully overwhelm it," Glendar asked curiously. "I think it is worth a try. If Constance trusted you with hers I see no reason to doubt it."
Mildred drew an intricate pattern that would sufficiently envelope the dark edges of Ms Fox's aura.
"Last time it lifted me off the floor and was quite tiring," Mildred admitted.
"Perhaps we best wait until Constance comes back then dear. She will be able to make sure you are quite safe I'm sure," Glendar explained.
"Mildred waiting patiently...that could be a first," Constance announced as she materialised in the room.
"Ah very impressive Constance. Voice projection and extended hearing during apparition. I understand your reputation as the formidable deputy of Cackle's Academy now," Glendar beamed.
"Yes...well, they suit a purpose," Constance said, looking perturbed by the praise and commentary to her entrance. Imogen smirked at the exchange.
"Mildred has drawn a magical cast for my aura. It seems I still contain some black magic and I am quite keen to purge it if possible," Glendar said hopefully.
"Ah yes, this is Mildred's most baffling talent. I actually wondered if she could emerge as a healer," Constance explained.
"Ah the soul magic would certainly be explained. Though healers do not have much use for advanced apparition. I'm not sure Mildred is going to tick one vocation," Glendar mused.
"Nor I, I expect she will be able to choose," Constance agreed.
"Mildred is stood right there you know!" Imogen stated.
"Quite right, Imogen. Apologies Mildred, your future and your powers, well they are quite enigmatic," Glendar said.
"Meaning they are very curious to us," Constance explained to a ever so slightly lost Mildred. Mildred wasn't actually listening to them if truth be told. Her soul magic had settled on a purpose and she was hell bent on carrying it out right now.
"I see we have lost you Mildred. Very well, do what you need to do. I am here to assist if you require," Constance said as she took in Mildred's vacant look.
Glendar sat down and watched the girl intently.
Mildred brought the drawing off the page and felt the familiar surge of soul magic course through her. It vibrated through her body and down to the tips of her toes. She raised off the floor in a controlled hover. Her head stayed upright watching the drawing lift and then merge with Glendar's aura. Her arms raised as two magic's synchronised. Slowly her arms lowered and she returned in a glide back down to the floor. She sat down as soon as she was able and rested her head in her hand whilst observing the magic intertwine with the aura.
"That was very controlled and eloquent," Constance said admiringly.
There were soft pink swirls eroding the dark mists and encouraging other strands of magic into any voids. It was meticulous. Glendar gasped as the drawing returned to the notebook and Mildred smiled broadly.
"It has gone. Your aura isn't dark at all anymore," Mildred said happily. She felt so satiated by her actions. So content.
"I feel so…" Glendar struggled to explain.
"Free," Constance suggested.
"Yes, exactly. Free and light. My magic is in sync. I had forgotten quite how good that feels," Glendar said with feeling.
Mildred was trying really hard to keep her eyes open.
"I think I owe you some magic, Mildred," Glendar said as she walked around to the back of her chair. "May I Constance?"
Constance was astonished. She had always given her magic freely to Mildred because she was her tutor and Mildred had made great sacrifices for her. It was a high honour to receive magic from any witch. But from Glendar Fox it was very special indeed.
"Oh come Constance, she deserves it I think," Glendar said noting Constance's shocked reaction.
"Yes, of course," Constance managed.
As Glendar transferred magic to Mildred the girl's face filled with it's own amazement. Her eyes shot open as she sensed the power that was surging into her.
Constance smiled to herself. Mildred was used to receiving her magic which was powerful. To elicit that level of surprise in the girl Ms Fox must be a high level witch indeed. Constance was already looking forward to the prospect of sparring her. A friendly spar of course. She needed a new challenge. After a few moments, Glendar removed her arm but clearly Mildred was practically fully restored.
"That's better," Glendar said looking at Mildred's complexion.
As if on cue Mrs Tapioca arrived with lunch. It was a light pasta with a hearty salad and a sprinkle of parmesan.
"This looks wonderful," Glendar said to Mrs Tapioca who blushed and bowed before she left.
They ate their meal while discussing Mildred's talents. Glendar asked what they had been studying and laughed at Mildred's rendition of the days she was learning the Witch's Code.
"Ah, a tedious task but an important one Mildred, as Miss Hardbroom knows. Some things cannot be taught creatively, they just have to be taught," she said giving HB her support which Mildred knew would make her even more insufferable.
"Imogen, what is your favourite potion to date?" She asked.
"I am a fan of the shield potion being a non-witch. And, I would have to say the Tsunami. That has come in very handy twice already," Imogen said with a grin as she considered both occasions.
Constance shot her a glare as she had been the recipient of one of those potions.
"Ah two classic potions. I quite understand the shield potion. Though wait until you reach level 5 and you can paint a shield potion on that lasts 24 hours," Glendar offered.
Imogen looked at her with amazement.
"And what about you Constance, what spells, potions or chants do you favour?" Glendar asked curiously.
"I do not have a favourite. I like harmony. When something is executed perfectly," Constance explained.
"Perfectly or harmoniously, there is a difference," Glendar challenged.
"Until recently I would have stated perfectly. But I believe my answer today is harmoniously. When magic feels right," Constance said without a moment's hesitation.
Glendar smiled widely and picked up her tea cup so she could toast with it.
"When magic feels right," she said simply and clinked her glass with everyone else's as they repeated her words.
Miss Hardbroom found the whole display quite baffling.
"Right, on that quite perfect note I shall be going. Imogen could you walk me out to the courtyard," she requested lightly.
Constance looked puzzled by it but didn't question it.
"Mildred, listen to your tutor and use your magic carefully. Thank you for my restored aura and I very much look forward to seeing your progress," she said brightly.
"Thank you," Mildred said with a smile.
"Constance, I will be in touch soon. Thank you for today, I think you may have done what many others could not," she said with a kind smile.
"It was time," Constance stated.
"Yes it is," Glendar said as she reached forward to squeeze the top of Constance's hand. "We will not let this happen again," she reassured her.
Constance smiled faintly and then looked down to hide her tears.
Glendar and Imogen made their way out of the Staff Room. They walked in silence until they reached the courtyard and the doors were shut behind them.
"Look after her Imogen. Her pain is deep," Glendar said softly.
"I will," Imogen reassured her. Considering they didn't know her well, Glendar had made a big impression on them all.
"Yes I know. Her love for you is greater than the pain she feels. You are...special to her...I just wanted you to know. I am overstepping, I know. But, sometimes stubborn and strong people are less forthcoming about their feelings. You two are quite overpowering for a telepath," Glendar said with another smile.
"Oh," Imogen said looking flustered. She was a very open person but this was a little personal even for her.
"And reassure Mildred that her apparation talents are safe with me, as is the battle you all had against Constance, I would have liked to have seen that one actually, your week of flaunting the Fosters Affect, and her almost pure soul magic constitution. Actually, perhaps we won't mention any of that. It seems Mildred is indeed very forthcoming with her thoughts and managed to cycle through your break activities in seconds. I thought her life might have flashed before her eyes at one point," Glendar said chuckling.
"Oh dear," Imogen said, grateful for the change of subject.
"Just mention it to Constance when she is ready. A little mental safeguarding training will be useful for Mildred. Thankfully, I am no threat to her, and she is unlikely to come across many telepaths at college," Glendar said with a wink.
"Thank you, for what you have done. We have never had this kind of support…" Imogen said feeling quite emotional herself now.
Glendar stepped forward and hugged Imogen tightly.
"Which is why I will spend many years making up for my institution's shortcomings. I look forward to your confirmation ceremony Imogen, when we will be able to officially call you a witch," Glendar said brightly.
Imogen was lost for words. She was happy, sad, and somewhat overwhelmed by today.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Glendar stepped back and held Imogen's hands in hers. She just smiled and nodded her head as she squeezed her hands affectionately.
In a flash she was gone.