Chapter Eight: Roads Previously Travelled
Cordelia avoided leaving her room until absolutely necessary. She wanted to support her mother but could not stand the thought of answering the same questions over and over again. Her family ties awarded her both desirable insights and unwanted attention. She also didn't mind missing the smoked fish and twenty-minute run that her mother implemented, who would? Most significantly, she didn't have the energy to put up a brave front. She hadn't slept after her conversation in the office, deep sadness joining her bubbling anger. Everything she was beginning to love again was being threatened. To this end she only emerged before class.
"Maud! Enid!" She heard being called ahead of her inside the potions lab, "Miss Cackle's in trouble!" Cordelia slipped in behind as Mildred continued in a state of panic. She wondered how on earth her friend had found out.
Enid frowned, "What kind of trouble?" Maud began twiddling her thumbs and looked between the pair anxiously.
"She could lose her job kind of trouble. She needs our support," Mildred replied. Maud and Enid's eyes nearly fell from their heads. The concept of kindly Miss Cackle being in any form of trouble was completely unbelievable. "That's why I am glad you are here Cordy," Mildred said to her friend, receiving a puzzled frown, "we are going to need directions."
"Where to?" Maud asked with a wary look on her face. The last thing they needed to do today, with all the teachers being so rattled, was get into bother. Cordelia didn't need to ask Maud's question or wait to hear the answer. There was only one place none of the gathered girls had ever been before.
Mildred, with bated breath for the reaction, said, "Magic Council." The suggestion made Cordelia's heart beat heavy.
Maud inhaled sharply, "We can't, we've got HB for potions first thing." Her voice quietened towards the end of the sentence feeling an overbearing presence behind her. The look in Miss Hardbroom's eyes sent the girls running to their desks. Miss Bat shuffled in behind her and slumped into Hecate's chair.
Miss Hardbroom spoke to the class, but Cordelia couldn't hear her. The rapid beats of her heart were deafening in her ears. She felt as if she were standing on the edge of a deep ravine and the rocks were gradually falling away beneath her. Her attention was only brought back by the sound of a loud alarm, sounding from Miss Bat's pillow, courtesy of her mother. The elderly witch had a tendency to drift off when in a classroom, much to HB's annoyance. Miss Hardbroom proceeded to give her child a meaningful look as she transferred from the room, which Cordelia could only translate as an instruction to keep her friend's in line without mentioning anything.
On the deputy headmistress' exit, Miss Bat immediately rested her head on her pillow and started snoring. When Ethel turned her back, to collect ingredients, Millie turned to the others. "Now's our chance," She whispered. The four of them slipped out, two of them reluctantly. Cordelia knew that returning to that place would be horrid, but she had to go, it was Ada's last chance.
"Hey!" They heard Ethel shout as they pelted down the corridor and out to the broomshed, hoping all the way that Ethel didn't squeal too quickly so they had a chance at reaching their destination. The four of them took off, with Cordelia leading the way. She knew roughly where the Council were, from Cackle's, and chose the quickest route. Her entire body was tense, she was grasping her broom so tightly her knuckles were white.
"Where were you today, anyway?" Enid asked, flying shortly behind Cordy.
"I was in my room," Cordelia replied monotonically before pushing the nose of her broom sharply down, seeing the glass council building appear below them. The others followed, Enid raising her eyebrows at Maud in response to their secretive friend's tone.
The four landed just before the wrought iron gates of the beautifully ominous building. The girls scanned the gate for a way in and the building for curiosity. Cordelia noticed the lilac light emanating from the topmost part of the glass structure. She couldn't help but smile wickedly, despite her inner feelings. It was a protective spell, as well as a light, meaning that foul spells could no longer be cast inside or on the building. She supposed they didn't want to replace all that glass again.
Mildred gave the gate a push, to no avail. Cordelia remembered that the last time she had been there the council member who escorted her muttered something. Before she had time to recall, Enid whispered, "Someone's coming." They all ran to the tree line on their left. They observed as a bearded man approached the gates, said the words of an entrance spell and the gates squeaked open. When they were sure he could no longer see them, they ran back.
"Well go on," Enid said to Mildred, all but pushing her friend forward.
Mildred, with a lack of complete certainty, said, "Aperi Portum!" The gates squeaked open once more.
Maud, Mildred and Enid headed towards the front door before Cordelia whispered, "Let's go this way!" She led them round to a side entrance. The very same side entrance she had ran out of two years prior. Mildred twisted the gold doorknob and they slipped in. All were instantly hit by the smell of exotic magical shrubbery and the cawing of birds that flew around the domed roof. Cordelia was hit with a wave of nausea. This smell, these plants, this room all haunted her dreams.
As the girls clambered into the nearest shrubbery, the Great Wizard, who was sitting upon a bench on a platform across the marble floor from then, was listing all the incidents that had happened over the last year. They settled themselves out of view and listened, with anguish, to the trial before them.
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I wish that I wasn't alone here; that father had come or one of the Briarwood's staff, a ten-year-old Cordelia Hardbroom thought, better yet I wish someone had brought my mum. She picked at the corner of her forefinger nail with her thumb, anxious to leave the great glass building, to not hear the words the council were about to utter. Mum would make everything better, she continued to think. She'd always remembered the raven-haired witch, even though the last time she saw her she had been very young. She hated her father for that.
"Cordelia Celeste Hardbroom," The Great Wizard said, as he retook his seat, the four other council members doing the same. She looked up at the formidable man. He wore dark blue ceremonial robes and a hat. His long white hair hung loose, hair and beard both reaching his chest. He looked much older than he was, yet no less stern. She found the man to always be aggrieved about something. To his left sat Mrs Hallow, typically pursed lips stretched into a smirk even though there was still a hint of fear in her eyes. Cordelia knew then she was really in for it.
"You have broken multiple major clauses of the witches' code and many of the fundamental rules for your type of magic. No one has ever, singularly, caused so much damage," The Great Wizard continued, more exasperated than angry, "And so, there can only be one course of action. With your magical powers we cannot send you to Wormwoods to be amongst criminal witches that will only seek to exploit you. Instead we will confine you to Briarwood's. The limited grounds will keep you easily observable…" He carried on with all the reasons why his idea was the best as Cordelia's breathing quickened. No matter how many she took she never seemed to get enough oxygen.
"But what about mum?" I want to be with her," Cordelia protested weakly, in between gasps.
Mrs Hallow chuckled, "Really? Put the two of you together? That is hardly a good idea. Hecate Hardbroom, though in similar circumstances to yourself, is one of the most promising potions teachers out there. We cannot afford to lose her because of you and your tendency to destroy everyone you care about." The Great Wizard huffed and glared at Mrs Hallow.
Cordelia took a deep breath and said, "I would never hurt my own mother. I have control now." Mrs Hallow started laughing cruelly. She had the girl exactly were she wanted her, standing before them trembling. Ursula had the power now.
"Ursula!" The Great Wizard called, silencing the woman's chuckles. "May I remind you this is a council meeting. You should be more respectful – and careful." It didn't remove the smile from her face though. How could they think I would hurt her? How could they, Cordelia thought.
Suddenly it all became to much. Her arms felt as though they were aflame. Her fingers started sparking. All she could do was run. So, she did. Just in time.
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Cordelia quelled her second wave of ill feeling by focusing on the Great Wizard's hair. He had cut most of it off and let his beard grow long. Funny how people change over the years, she thought, but circumstances had a tendency to repeat themselves or remain.
Movement beside Cordelia refocused her attention. "Wait! We have something to say!" Mildred ran out from the hedge followed by Enid then Maud. The councillor's looked shocked, but not as shocked as Ada.
The Great Wizard sat forward in his chair, "Mildred Hubble!" he exclaimed. Cordelia recognised the signs of anger rising in his face. Just you wait, she thought. She pushed her anxiety aside and stepped out of the hedge, joining her friends in front of the council. His eyebrows were forced into a downwards slant and his face was red. Ursula Hallow didn't look to happy either. "Cordelia Hardbroom?" He uttered. Clearly regretting not replacing the confinement spell.
Miss Cackle looked disappointed, "You girls should be in school." The girls sent apologetic glances. This was a fight they knew was worth making.
Ursula Hallow gulped, before smugly saying, "You see this is a perfect example of what I've been talking about!" Some of the council members nodded.
Mildred took a step forward and launched into a wonderful speech about Miss Cackle's qualities, why she was the best headmistress they could ever have. Cordelia had to admit there was magic in Mildred's words. And her heart. A few of them looked convinced but the Great Wizard was unreadable. He stood, "The council will now retire to discuss proceedings. Please prepare for a decision."
With that and a deadly glare from Ursula Hallow the council left the room. Cordelia had bit her tongue; she had been ready to give them a piece of her mind, but sense and anxiety prevented her. Enid, Maud and Mildred excitedly ran closer to Ada.
Enid said, "After what Mildred said there's no way they're getting rid of you." She grinned at her friend, as did Maud. The girls really felt they had accomplished their goal and saved Miss Cackle.
Ada also smiled at the golden hearted young witch before her, "You spoke very well Mildred."
Maud shuffled forward, racked with concern and said, "I wonder how they are getting on with the inspection." Unlike the rest of the party, Maud hadn't forgotten that success not only relied on Miss Cackle's trial but the school's performance.
"I'm sure with Miss Hardbroom in charge everything will be going swimmingly," Ada said, a little uncertain due to Doomstone's reputation. Her attention then diverted to another in the room, "Speaking of Hardbroom's, are you alright Cordelia?" Ada walked to the girl who had lingered in the position she had been standing in, before the council. Cordelia, who was in her own world staring up at the platform, didn't respond.
"Cordelia?" The headmistress repeated, quieter as she was closer. Eventually she put her arm on Cordelia's, making her jump into consciousness. "Are you alright my dear?" She asked again.
The young witch nodded slowly, "It's difficult to be here." Ada put her arm around the girl and squeezed. She then walked her over to the other girls. Nothing could be more distracting than good company.
Just as pleasant conversation was sparked, enough to cheer Cordelia, the council returned. "Miss Cackle, the council have made their decision would you take your place please," The Great Wizard said as the other council members crossed the floor to their seats. Mildred, Maud and Enid returned to their previous spots as the Great Wizard sat. Ada stood, still with an arm around Cordelia, back on the crest of the Magic Council.
The Great Wizard then launched into a speech about what Miss Cackle did right and what was wrong. Cordelia once again noticed a familiar glint in Ursula's eye and instantly wanted to faint. Ada tightened her hold on the girl's arms.
"Ada Cackle," The Great Wizard finally began to his sentence, "I have no option but to suspend you from duty as headmistress of Cackle's Academy. A replacement will be…"
For the third time in her life, Cordelia Hardbroom felt an overwhelming urge to run away. Unlike the previous two times, however, Cordelia had an arm around her and her mother waiting (even if she hadn't known it then) for her to come home. Not indefinitely but immediately and that made all the difference.
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When they returned all the girls, and the staff, had gathered in the great hall. Mildred, Maud, Enid and Cordelia all hung back. Everyone in the room looked so happy, smiling and laughing, and that was all about to be stolen right away.
"Well met everybody," Miss Cackle said, walking to the front of the room still dressed in her hat and cloak. A collective "well met" sounded from the girls as well as the scraping of chair legs as girls moved into more formal positions. "I don't know what you did to charm Miss Doomstone today, but you did a great job. She gave us a glowing report."
Miss Drill, who could see the girls at the end of the hall, frowned. "So why all the long faces?" She asked. Hecate looked straight at Cordelia, knowing that her daughter shared her inability to hide intense feeling. The look on her face and the way she clung to Maud Spellbody's hand was enough to cause panic.
Hecate stepped towards the headmistress, "What is it Ada?"
Miss Cackle straightened the hem of her knitwear before looking up and answering, "I am no longer your headmistress." A loud gasp was all that was heard. "The council have decided that a new headmistress be put in charge. I'll be leaving at the end of this term and Miss Hardbroom will take over until a replacement can be found." Several outraged shouts sounded from the crowd. The four girls in the back clung to each other more tightly. Hecate moved to console Ada. The other adults and most of the girls remained stiff in their chairs.
Cackle's Academy was called Cackle's for a reason. And every soul in the room was determined that the academy stayed the same as the day before, in the hands of one Miss Ada Cackle.
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Millie, Maud, Enid and Cordy decided to stay together in Mildred's room that night. After the day they had each needed consoling and a large portion of tuck.
"And could you imagine if HB did take over?" Enid said, twirling the ends of an orange wrapper making a chocolate fall onto Mildred's bed, "Fish every day! It would be torture!" She glanced at Cordy, "Sorry," she quickly added.
"Don't be, I completely agree. My mum's good at what she does but she's not exactly leadership material. Neither of us are," Cordy replied. Her eyelids felt heavy, as though invisible fingers were trying to force them shut. She yawned widely and shuffled her legs in the makeshift bed the girls had put together. Enid and Millie were going to share the bed, Maud and Cordy had brought blankets from their rooms and fashioned a fairly comfortable bed for themselves on the floor.
Mildred caught the contagious yawn and said, "we should go to bed, after this many sweets I could sleep for a decade." The others chuckled as they settled down.
It didn't take long to get off. The day had been pure exhaustion. Maud occasionally let out gentle snores while Mildred and Enid unconsciously fought with the blanket. Cordelia laid still and silent. Midnight, Stormy, Tabby and Circe all laid curled together at the foot of Cordelia's blankets, she was the furthest from the windows and therefore the warmest.
However, it didn't take long for darkness to enter the young Hardbroom's dreams. She was taken back to the worst event of her life. Her unconscious hearing was filled with distant roaring and the Great Wizard's harsh words. She tried her best to evade the bodiless noises by running and signing, but twisted tree roots and wild plants pulled at her feet and knocked her off balance. The Great Wizard fell silent as she heard footsteps gathering speed towards her. And the footsteps weren't human. The creature began to pounce. All she could do was listening to her heart, and the breeze from rapid movement, before the creature's claws dug into her skin.
Her screams echoed of the castle's stone walls. Mildred, Maud and Enid sat up immediately, all raced to their friend to help her. Maud considered going to fetch the girl's mother but quickly realised she didn't need to when the very woman transferred before her.
Cordelia sat bolt upright, sweat and tears pouring down her face, trembling from head to foot. Her friends muttered comforting words that had no affect before being quickly moved aside as Hecate put her arms around her child. The group of cats regrouped on Mildred's bed away from the commotion and in the warmth of the recently exited bed. Circe alone watched her mistress with beady eyes, the other cats disinterested.
Miss Hardbroom held her daughter, top of head to her cheek and ran a soothing hand over the back of her hair. "I was back there," the other girls heard Cordelia gulp out to her mother. The words made more tears roll out of her eyes.
Hecate swayed her gently before saying, "Hush now, child. Come with me." She transferred herself and her daughter back to her quarters, straight onto the bed. Hecate did not release Cordelia for a second, even after she had gone back to sleep. She knew the girl needed her close. She knew she had never fully recovered from what happened that fateful day. Guilt could be a worse curse than any magical one, Hecate thought, and a lot harder to find a cure for.