Hello everyone! Back again with another chapter! My break was lovely, so thank you to all who wished me a good break! I actually got to write a lot over break which was super nice! I had to write a short story for my creative writing class it was pretty good, but it differently needs help through workshopping it.

Also, you guys are so awesome in your reviews I read all of them and take them in account! :) Thanks so much!

So I'm super excited for this chapter and what I am setting up for the next chapter and the next. It oughta be pretty good! Let me know what ya'll think will happen in the next chapter in the comments!

What about series 2 of Worst Witch hasn't been sooooo good?!

Also, a heads up that there is an OC in this chapter, but you'll see why...You won't like it, but it's there. Hehe.

Anyway, here it is! Enjoy! Please review!

Chapter 13:

"Do you know of the summer gala that my parents host every year?" Pippa asked, when she was making tea for Hecate and herself.

"Yes, why do you-" Hecate stopped herself and her eyes widened at her girlfriend, "No. You can't be serious."

"Oh, you don't even know what I was getting at," Pippa said, putting her manicured hands on her hips at Hecate's rude behavior.

"Pippa, my sweet, I can read you like a book. Your gracious parents are wanting you to bring Mildred and I for their gala, are they not?" Hecate crossed her arms at Pippa to mirror the defense position she was putting on.

Pippa's pink lips made a slim line of frustration, but gave a loud exhale at her girlfriend as she brought their tea over to the kitchen table. "I hate it when you're right," she said. "If you must know, they seemed rather wary about my relationship with you. Having your last name seemed to help though, but they want to meet Mildred. Quite badly, I'm afraid. They are wanting to see the type of witch she is."

"That could just be that she happens to be my niece," Hecate added in.

"Actually, it seems Mildred is more popular in the witches' community than you know," Pippa replied, sipping her tea as she watched Hecate absorb that information.

"What do you mean?" Hecate asked, setting her tea down.

"Well, like Esmeralda Hallow…Millie has become a bit of a hero figure in the witches' community all because of her help with taking down Agatha last year," Pippa replied. "Some think she'll grow to be the greatest witch of her age."

"The greatest witch of her age?" Hecate repeated incredulously, her tongue clicking with every word.

"Don't look so surprised! She's talented in her craft." Pippa retorted. "You're the one who puts too much pressure on her."

Hecate's fingernails clicked on the table, "I want her to do well, but she does not take it seriously."

"She's not you, Hecate," Pippa remarked.

"I know, but if she wants to be a successful witch, she's going to have to be sincere to the craft and code," Hecate clarified. She knew Millie's current performance was not even close to reaching the others in her class. That would change soon if Hecate had anything to say about it.

"What if she doesn't, though?" Pippa challenged.

"She loves magic too much not to use it," Hecate pointed out. "The look on her face when she learns something new about our world is priceless."

"Are you being sentimental for once?"

"Unfortunate, isn't it?" Hecate drawled out.

Pippa winked at her. "I think it's sweet. You should know that they are looking for any opportunity to see if she is a great witch as others are calling her."

Hecate only sighed. "I do not see this going well, Pipsqueak."

"Hecate, Millie may not yet be a great witch, but she has the heart of one," Pippa said gently. She needed this gala to go well for the small family she was forming with her girlfriend.

"You and I both know that the heart of a witch only goes so far," Hecate said solemnly. "It's family and blood and how powerful that bloodline is. It's not about the good nature of a witch at all."

"I know you don't think like that, Hiccup," the pink clad witch said with astonishment.

"No, but other witches think that way. You have to be realistic, Pipsqueak," Hecate remarked gently.

Before Pippa could reply, Mildred came into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She yawned a bit and went to hug Pippa. "I'm glad you're back-you had us both worried."

Pippa squeezed her back, loving Mildred even more in this moment. "I'm sorry, my parents are worry-warts themselves."

"Did everything go good then?" Mildred asked, stepping out of the hug.

"Fairly well," Pippa nodded. "Tea?"

"Honey, please. So, what did they want?"

"Well, they would really like to meet you and Hecate," Pippa started off. "They've invited us to the Pentangle's Summer Solstice Gala."

"A party?" Mildred's face lit up. She had never heard of witches having a party before.

"Not quite the party you are thinking, Mildred," Hecate interjected. "It's more about appearances and schmoozing up to powerful witches and wizards."

"It's not just all about that, Hecate. It is a tradition to celebrate Summer Solstice for the magical community everywhere," Pippa defended, "It's fun whether Hecate cares to admit it or not."

"So, are we going?" Mildred asked, looking between Hecate and Pippa for answers.

"Yes, we are going," Hecate answered, looking annoyed by it all.

Mildred practically jumped out of her seat at hearing that. Her first ever witch party! How exciting! What would she wear? What should she wear? Actually, she didn't quite know what was expected for a witches' gala and especially Pippa's family gala. "Slow down, Mildred. You and I are going to have to go over witch's etiquette before we can even step foot into the gala," Hecate cautioned.

"I know to mind my manners, Hecate," she sighed, rolling her eyes at her aunt.

Pippa laughed at Mildred. "It's not that we don't think you will, but parties for witches are a little different than your regular non-magical parties. There's a little bit more expected of you at this."

"Expected of me? Why?" Mildred stopped her enthusiastic jumping.

"It seems that my parents are intrigued by you, Millie," Pippa said cautiously. "I'm sure that Hecate has told you that my parents are rather strict with me and who I associate with. That being said, I believe, as with Hecate they are wanting to see just what type of witch you are."

"No pressure, then," Mildred said, slumping down in her seat. "Now I don't know if I want to go…I think I'll only embarrass you."

"Mildred, there's no possible way that you could do that," Pippa countered, reaching her hand out for Mildred to take. "I am so proud of you and nothing could change that."

Mildred grabbed her hand. "Thanks, Pippa. I'm still nervous about it though."

"That's why I said you and I will discuss the do's and don'ts for the gala," Hecate added. "When is it anyway?"

"Next Saturday."

"We only have a week then?" Hecate's eyes widened-she was expecting to at least have a month to prepare her niece for the party and for Pippa's parents.

"They've been ready for it for a while now. All they have left is to invite the guests," Pippa reported, noting the distressed looks on Millie and Hecate's faces. "Oh, everything will be alright, you two! I can't see anything going wrong."

"I see a lot of things going wrong," Mildred declared, looking over at Hecate. "But you'll teach me all the things I need to know?"

"Of course," Hecate nodded, standing up from her chair. "But let's not worry about it now. Let's have some brunch."

After brunch, there was a knock on Hecate's door and Miss Cackle appeared in the doorway. "Well met!"

They all exchanged 'well met' to her, and Hecate spoke, "What can I do for you, Miss Cackle?"

"I thought that I could bring over some good news, and talk about a few things with everyone." She was smiling rather big and it was making Mildred very excited for whatever she was about to tell them.

"By all means then, come in." Hecate opened the door wider for the headmistress to be let in, and they all gathered at the kitchen table.

Once they all sat down and tea had been offered to Miss Cackle, she materialized papers out of the air. "I believe you've been looking in the mail, yes?"

Pippa squealed with joy. "Oh, Hecate, are those-"

"Yes, but does it say that-" Hecate started.

"Yes, as of now you are the guardian of one Mildred Hubble. I received a letter myself telling me that my reference was appreciated to the process of allowing you to have guardianship of Mildred," Miss Cackle explained, her eyes twinkling underneath her glasses. "Here you are then, Hecate."

Hecate took the papers and appraised them before handing them out to Mildred. "Would you like to see?"

Mildred nodded and glanced over the papers. Her heart fluttered happily knowing that her aunt would take care of her, but something deep in her stomach flipped upside down twisting and turning. She wanted to ask why Hecate wasn't adopting her, but fear clenched at her insides that Hecate would find her ungrateful for the guardianship they just now received. Even worse, she worried that she was being selfish to even think of replacing her mother. It was a lot on her heart, but she could feel how happy Hecate was sitting beside her. She didn't want to question her, especially when she was as happy as she felt.

"Thank you very much, Ada, for all your help. Mildred and I are very grateful to you, aren't we, Mildred?"

Mildred snapped out of her daze and bobbled her head eagerly at Miss Cackle. She couldn't speak for the fear of crying, She held it in, grinning at Miss Cackle who was also feeling enthused about the news. "Congratulations, Mildred," Miss Cackle wished her.

"Thank you, Miss Cackle," She managed to say, without shedding a tear.

"I'm happy to help, my dear." She looked to Hecate then, "Hecate, I found my contact for the counselor if you still wish for Mildred to see her."

"I completely forgot about that," Hecate mumbled, as she took the papers from Mildred's hands to grab her attention. "Mildred, I think it would be in your best interest to go see a therapist to talk about the changes that are going on in your life."

Mildred was then on the verge of crying then. "Like a therapist for crazy people?"

"Mildred, you are not crazy. I just want, we all want, you to talk to someone that could help you talk about things that you might not be able to talk about with us," Hecate said, grasping Mildred's shoulder. "I think it would be beneficial for you. What do you think?"

"I dunno," Mildred muttered. "Couldn't I just talk to you and Pippa?"

"Millie, you can always talk to us, and even Miss Cackle if you so desire," Hecate assured, taking the moment to brush a wild strand of hair from her face. "This is just another outlet for you."

"And Miss Cackle has referred her to us, so she's most likely the best person to go to. Doesn't that make it a little better?" Pippa encouraged.

Mildred was swayed a little by that, but only shrugged. "I guess."

"Tell you what, Mildred, if you don't like her the first time then you don't have to go back, alright?" Hecate bargained.

She really didn't want to talk to anyone. Mildred didn't like the idea of talking to a complete stranger about all her problems. What if she made fun of them? What if she was mean like Ethel Hallow? She didn't like all of the 'what if's' that were going on in her head, but if Hecate, Pippa and Miss Cackle thought it would help her then she would try it for their sakes, even though she found it terrifying.

"Okay, I'll try it," Mildred meekly said.

"Good girl." Hecate petted her head proudly. "When could she go and see this woman for their first meeting?"

"I suppose that I could arrange for her to come here to meet Mildred and they could have their meeting in my office. Will that be alright, Mildred?" Miss Cackle suggested. Mildred agreed immediately. Anything familiar to her would help her nerves during the meeting.

"Alright then, I'll have her come tomorrow around…hm, let's say three o'clock?"

"Sounds perfect, Miss Cackle. Thank you for arranging all this," Hecate thanked, and looked to Mildred. "I'm sure that it will be good for you, Mildred."

Mildred had almost puked up her lunch and breakfast all day before the meeting with her therapist. She had no idea what they were planning on talking about and she was afraid of talking about her mum. Not that she didn't want to, but she did not want to cry in front of a stranger. Mildred didn't want to seem weak to this woman, nor did she want to share her innermost thoughts about her life. Though she knew the woman couldn't force Mildred to say anything, it was in the back of her mind that something terrible would happen. That feeling did not go away, even when Hecate had brought her to the door of Miss Cackle's office.

"Mildred Hubble, stop biting away at your nailbed," Hecate commanded, but she softened a bit as she saw that Mildred was shaking. "Mildred, she's not going to tear you apart. I promise. If Miss Cackle knows her then she must be lovely, and you trust Miss Cackle, don't you?"

Mildred bowed her head. "I know…I'm not worried about her. I'm worried about what we are going to talk about in there. I'm-I don't-I just…." she fumbled with her words. "What if she makes me talk about something I'm not ready to talk about yet?"

"She won't if you're not ready. And if she does, we will find you someone else that's better for you," Hecate promised. "I think you are worrying too much, Mildred."

"I think so too." Mildred bit at her fingers once more and Hecate slapped her fingers enough to leave a little sting on them. "Sorry, Hecate."

Hecate rolled her eyes, and hugged her little worrywart. "Remember, if it doesn't work out, it's okay. You don't have to go back, but just give it a chance, okay?"

"Yes, Hecate."

"Brave girl." Hecate winked at her, and Mildred smiled. She loved it when Hecate called her that especially.

Hecate knocked, and Miss Cackle appeared in the doorway, beckoning them in. Mildred instantly grabbed Hecate's slim hand for comfort as they walked in. In one of the armchairs by Miss Cackle's fireplace sat what looked to be her therapist. Mildred thought her to be about Hecate's age, but nowhere near as fashionable as Hecate and Pippa combined. She was very modest-looking and wore duller clothes than her aunt, ranging from a very dull gray to a light gray. She looked as though she stepped out of a black and white film even down to the color of her skin. The only things that seemed to be colorful were her hazel eyes and bright red hair. The red hair woman also seemed to be a bit plumper in shape sitting in one of the armchairs of Miss Cackle.

She got up from her seat and gave a happy, "Well met!" to Mildred and Hecate. She then proceeded to introduce herself. "My name is Dr. Amelia Chalice. You must be Miss Hardbroom and Mildred Hubble."

"Well met," Hecate and Mildred both chorused together.

"I think I'll take off now. It is always good to see you, Amelia," Miss Cackle bid farewell to the red-haired woman, giving a small nod to Mildred and Hecate as she exited.

Mildred hooked onto her aunt like a lifeline, keeping herself a distance away from the therapist she had just met. Hecate cleared her throat. "It seems Mildred is very nervous about coming here and talking to you."

"Most children always are when they come to see me for the first time," Dr. Chalice acknowledged. She smiled at Mildred and pulled out a small sack of candy. "Would you like some sweets, Mildred?"

Mildred shook her head to refuse, but Miss Hardbroom sighed. "It's alright, Mildred, I won't be mad if you have one this once. Go ahead and take one."

Mildred chose a cherry lollypop and unwrapped it before sticking it in her mouth. Suddenly, Mildred's nerves seemed to vanish away like they were never there to begin with. What was in the lollypop? She wanted to take it out, but it felt glued to the right side of her cheek and her body wouldn't allow her to reach up and grab it out of her mouth. She stayed very calm through and even loosened her hand that was woven in Hecate's. Apparently, whatever was in the lollypop was making her do so.

"Now Mildred, would you like to take a seat?" Dr. Chalice asked. Mildred promptly sat down in one of the overstuffed armchairs. "You see? They warm up in time, Miss Hardbroom."

Miss Hardbroom raised an eyebrow at Mildred's sudden bravery. "Yes, well, I'll be back in a half an hour to come and collect Mildred. Well met."

"Well met." Dr. Chalice said goodbye, as Hecate left the room for good.

Dr. Chalice then went to the armchair in front of Mildred's own. "Before you ask, it's a simple nerve repellent potion in a cherry lollypop. It helps some kids calm down before they talk. I'm sorry I had to give you one."

Mildred shrugged a little. She guessed that was all right, though she was never taking candy from the woman again. Her therapist then pulled out a clipboard with a file attached to it. "Let's get started, shall we, Mildred?" Mildred gulped, but nodded meekly. "Now, how is adjusting living with Miss Hardbroom? It appears here that she is your aunt, correct?"

Mildred blinked; this wouldn't be so bad after all if she was just going to ask her things like that. "I'm doing well with Hecate, she's a good guardian to have. She's always making sure that I'm eating and comfortable."

"I'm glad to hear that" Dr. Chalice smiled a bit crookedly, making Mildred squirm. "It's hard to believe that a witch of Miss Hardbroom's caliber could ever take on a poor girl like yourself."

"I'm sorry? What do you mean?" Mildred wiggled in her seat, a little uncomfortable by that comment.

"It's just odd to see a witch become a guardian to someone of little statue in the witching community. Not that there's anything wrong with that! Oh, no! It's just very intriguing that she wanted you," Dr. Chalice cleared up with Mildred. "Do you like being her ward?"

"I'm grateful for her to take me in, but I-"

"Yes?" Dr. Chalice prompted.

"It's silly and selfish to say," Mildred replied, shrinking a bit in her seat.

"How so?" Dr. Chalice kept prodding.

"It's just I love that she is my guardian, but I was hoping that instead of a guardianship she could adopt me…" Mildred didn't like saying it out loud-it made her feel incredibly stupid, "Like I said, it's silly really to even want that besides I feel like I would be betraying my mom."

"Do you not think Miss Hardbroom has done enough for you taking this risky guardianship?" Dr. Chalice questioned, writing something on Mildred's file that made her fidget with uneasiness.

"Risky? Do you think I'm a risk to Miss Hardbroom?" Mildred blinked at her, her heart was starting to hurt at the thought.

"From what I understand, you are not the most responsible witch of your age, correct?"

"I'm a bit clumsy, yeah."

"Then yes. You are a risk to her reputation, but that's why I'm here to help you, Mildred." Dr. Chalice said. "Now, how do think you can start to earn the right to ask her of her adopting you?"

Mildred felt sick-the type of sick that hurt her head, heart, and gut. It was the type that twisted you about and made you struggle with your subconscious. Did she really need to earn Hecate's love like Dr. Chalice told her? She didn't think so, but that feeling of selfishness that she had was stronger than any part of her now. She was selfish for wanting something that meaningful and harmful to Hecate's career. She was selfish for not being grateful with what she received. And she was ashamed that she could that easily replace her own mother with someone else. How dare she make a fool of Hecate and shame of her own Mother's love? Mildred felt a teardrop trickle down her face, "I-I-I need to stop being selfish."

"Good. What else? Dig deep, Mildred. I know it's hard now, but we can fix this non-magical part of you," Dr. Chalice cheered, scribbling away at Mildred's file, not caring that she was crying in front of her.

"I need to stop b-being a brat to my aunt…Miss Hardbroom," she corrected hastily.

"And?"

And they continued on and on until the thirty minutes was almost up and Mildred felt so exhausted she could barely keep coming up with all her wrongs. Dr. Chalice finally looked up from her clipboard, "Mildred, you made wonderful progress today, but if you want to keep making this type of progress you must make the effort to stop these types of things. Especially, if you are wanting Miss Hardbroom to keep you around."

"H-H-How do I do it? How do I stop it?" Mildred demanded, she didn't want to lose Hecate.

"You need to set up a little punishment system, like a simple pinch on your arm, writing lines, or maybe even a hair tug." Dr. Chalice said causally, "I'm sure you'll come up with a great system. I believe in you, Mildred, it seems our time has run out until next time I hope to see you working on yourself."

"Yes, Dr. Chalice, I will." Mildred promised, wiping her eyes as she watches the woman transfer away as Hecate would. Mildred held her knees in her arms and sobbed for thinking how awful of a witch she was to Hecate and Pippa. Mildred would do her best in correcting the way she thought and behavior around them. She would do what Dr. Chalice prescribed, so she could get better. She would be the best witch for Hecate and Pippa. She wouldn't be the worst witch anymore.

I told you...You wouldn't like her.