AN: This chapter is kind of random, and also not based on events that are even told in TWW 2017 (at least not yet). I'm assuming that when HB starts teaching, Ada isn't headmistress yet (because she's not that much older than HB), and so this is a letter that HB would have written to Alma Cackle about becoming a teacher there after school (because she's bound to the building and it's grounds). It takes place in the middle of HB's last year at Cackle's. I think it's definitely my worst one yet and I'm really not a fan. I didn't really know where to go with it and there isn't much of a point. Please comment on what I can improve on!! Thank you.

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I sit in my room, at the top of the tower. The one that used to be a storage room. The one I get teased and made fun of for having even though I didn't choose it. I think, pondering her letter and how to reply.

I do not wish you to begin teaching right away after you graduate. I think it would be odd for the kids who know you, the kids only a few years your junior. I will be leaving the school in a few years, and handing it off to my eldest daughter, Ada. I wish you to start when she does, so that you don't have to worry about the change in heads.

She had also said,

Since you are bound here, I will allow you to keep your room and join us for meals. I know this may be tough, but I would prefer if you didn't begin teaching right away, and you can't leave the grounds anyways.

'Since you are bound here.' I scoff. Yeah, it was you who bound me here, Mrs. Cackle, what'd you expect? Can't get rid of me that easily when you stick me to the school forever.

I know I'm expected to reply with a letter, but, simply put, I've never been good at letters. In preparation school, before Cackle's, we were supposed to write a letter to a family member wishing them a happy christmas. I wrote a poem to a made-up mother, one that I had wished to have since the beginning of time. It was more of a poem, and that's the only thing I feel comfortable with.

So I get out my pen, inkwell, and paper, and I write. A letter in the shape of a poem.

~

Mrs. Cackle -

.

Although I understand your concern with me

Teaching right out of school,

What would I do all those years,

Locked away in my bedroom?

.

You say it would be strange for the kids I know

Who are a few years younger than me

If I began teaching right away, but how would it not be

Strange if I still lived at Cackle's but wasn't teaching?

.

I know Mrs. Tapioca wouldn't mind the extra cooking,

She's incredibly soft, but when her daughter

Maria takes over, I shudder to think what

That girl will do to me.

.

We've never been friends,

Merely acquaintances of the worst kind.

She's several years my junior and it's only a matter

Of time before Mrs. Tapioca let's her take over the kitchens.

.

However, cooking is the least of my concerns.

I know I'm suited to become a strict educator,

An educator who sticks to the rules and tradition.

But I have some questions about it.

.

What class will I teach?

I know I've been hardworking and am good at all the classes,

But will I get to choose?

I'd prefer potions. I like to say I have an aptitude for it.

.

Don't you have a full teaching staff?

With Miss Bat about 15 years in and

Mr. Rowan-Webb just starting,

I don't think you'll be needing anyone any time soon.

.

I know you will be passing along your title

To your daughter Ada soon as well,

And I wonder what will become of her twin, Agatha?

She ought to have finished at Wormwood about 10 years back just like Ada?

.

I hope you know I'll miss you as head.

Ada will fit the job just fine,

But passing along such a great school and students

Must be sad, if not challenging.

.

Although I know you'll miss it dearly,

I know you think it's time to move on.

Time to let Ada take over.

I think she's suited for it, such a kind soul.

.

Hopefully I can balance her out a bit

Since I assume I'll be here a while.

I'm guessing you're not thinking of releasing me

Any time soon?

.

If you're not,

I hope I can provide for this school

And it's wonderful pupils

Just as much as you did.

.

If you are,

I'll teach for a while anyways, if that's okay.

I think I've learned enough about it,

Considering I thought it was my only option.

.

I hope that when you leave this school,

You think fondly back of memories you love.

And I hope you cherish your time here

And know the school is in good hands with Ada.

.

Thank you for your time

Well spent and I hope you don't

Regret anything that you did.

You were a great head teacher.

.

Sincerely,

Hecate Hardbroom,

.

Soon to be teacher at Cackle's Academy.

~

It seems to be missing a lot, and also won't answer all of my questions, but at least it's something. I could just ask Ada when she takes over.

I tried to make it sound happy and appreciative. Maybe even awed or inspired, but that's not how I really feel.

It's going to be a rough several years, living up in my storage room and eating food that Maria probably poisoned.

I just hope Ada will take over soon so I can begin my teaching career. At least it will add some color to my already bland life.

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AN: Like I said, not my best work. Next up will be Ada Cackle. I know you're looking forward to it and I hope I can work out a good chapter.