Constance straightened her collar and tried to supress her anticipation. It was finally time to go. She transported downstairs with her case, broomstick and familiar and there was Ada at the door, thanking the student who had admitted her. There to take Constance to her new home. Picked up like a stray kitten and chosen for adoption.

Quick as a flash, Broomhead was striding into the foyer. It was as if she could detect every step that Constance took, wiring her ears to the sound of her shoes. She was so flustered that she hadn't transported. She'd taught Constance that highly technical and much coveted skill. Only two other students in the history of Weirdsister College had been talented enough to master it.

'I hope you know what you're doing' grated Broomhead. She was horrified to see the Cackle woman so soon. It had barely been a week.

'I do. Thank you' said her former student levelly. She returned the hostile glare with a steady calm. She felt braver already. Ada smiled. This infuriated Miss Broomhead. She turned flaring nostrils and bulging eyes towards the impertinent headmistress. Ada walked up to her, a marshmallow David to a gaunt Goliath and told her quietly that it hadn't been a pleasure dealing with her and if she laid a hand on Miss Hardbroom again, she would regret it. She kept her index finger on Hekkity's wrist, digging a dainty nail in to make her point. She wasn't joking when she said she would duel if necessary. She just hoped that Broomhead would want to preserve her dignity and not insist on it. It was too early in the morning for this nonsense.

Constance enjoyed the look of surprise and dismay on that acid face. Not many people could stand up to Hekkity Broomhead but Ada Cackle was a lot more formidable than she appeared. Her pink jumper and mild-mannered expression belied nerves of steel. She had her own way of getting what she wanted and Broomhead hated having to respect that.

Morgana chirruped and Ada extended a hand to the sleek black cat. Constance was pleased that Morgana approved. 'Pendell speaks the same sound as you. Miss Hardbroom. Are you ready?'

Constance inclined her head and said nothing more, just walked out with her rescuer. She didn't look back. The wind was cool, fresh and sweet. She was looking forward to the promised teatime.

'And off we go!' Exclaimed Ada.

Together they mounted their brooms and kicked off. Constance hadn't realised how much easier she could breathe now that she was getting away. Ada grinned at her and sped up. She hovered on ahead.

'Follow me!'

It was a long journey but worth it when they landed at their destination. The castle didn't look as forbidding as she pictured it to be.

'I'll give you the grand tour tomorrow. Today you rest.'

And in a comfortable chair in the office, she and Morgana did. Too tired to wait to be shown to her room, she dozed in front of the fire for a couple of hours. Ada noted that she kept her arms around Morgana.

She didn't know what possessed her to feel so much for this odd young woman but she was glad she met her.