The moments tick by very slowly as the healing potion is concocted, and then administered. It proves fruitless, as Hecate remains in a deep slumber. Mildred sits next to the bed in a stiff upright chair, keeping a watchful eye. The door remains closed, but Enid, and Ethel take turns standing guard. Specific instructions have been given that no one other than the three girls, and Miss Cackles is to enter the room.

Ada stands in front of her desk as Mister Ravenfeather materializes before her. He wears a black robe as he stands before her.

"I knew that you were unconventional but this seems odd even for Cackles."

"Hecate has fallen ill."

"What do you mean?"

"Apparently she had a convulsion. She is currently unconscious."

"I can help," he offers.

"I want to make myself perfectly clear Achilles. If I conclude that you had any hand in this you will be finished."

"I suspect that you will reach that conclusion whether it is true or not. I assure you that I have done nothing to harm her in any way. You said yourself that the magic could only hold for so long."

"If your mere presence is the cause of this you will be asked to leave."

"I will gladly oblige, but you will require a valid reason for the great wizard."

Out of the shadows, destined for the gallows. She stands on a platform with her feet atop a flimsy, poorly balanced stool. Thick braided rope presses against her jugular as she stands before the same figure she's seen in the potting shed. As she awaits her fate her heartbeat does not quicken. Parts of her are already missing that cannot be replaced. Ada stands next to her, squeezing her hand.

"I will give you one more chance," the malevolent beast stands close enough she can smell his repulsive breath.

"I do not fear death."

"I am trying to offer you an out."

Her nostrils flare as her blood boils in anger, "I will not allow evil to prevail. You have taken my magic. You can take my life. I will not sacrifice anything, or anyone other than myself in your revolting endeavors," a tear spills from her eye.

"What a shame that your friend is here to watch such a fitting end."

"May I offer an alternative?" Ada speaks up.

"Undoubtedly you will try."

"You pursue power, and greatness. I can give you both. I will freely relinquish my powers to you. You can have the academy as well. Just let her go."

He spits in disgust, "I had hoped for a different outcome. I foolishly believe that without your powers you would be persuaded to join me in the darkness. I guess I am a hopeless romantic after all. Alas, your time is up."

Mildred is in the midst of squeezing Miss Hardbroom's limp hand when her eyes fly open. She begins gasping for air. Mildred quickly props her into a more upright position. Hecate coughs, and sputters. Mildred offers a glass of water, which Hecate gladly accepts. It seems as if her heart is ready to beat out of her chest.

"Miss Hardbroom please focus on the sound of my voice. I can see that you are utterly bewildered. Breathe slowly, and deeply."

"Mildred," Hecate feels too weak to continue.

"You have had an incredibly difficult day. It might be best if you rest."

"No."

"You seem to have had a seizure of some sort. You were outside my door when it happened, which is why you aren't in your own bed."

"Something is very wrong here."

Mildred locks eyes with her, and once again squeezes her hand, "I believe you."

"I need to talk to Ada," she reaches for the covers.

"You have to stay here. You are too weak. Can I ask you something?"

"I can't stop you."

"Would it be safe to say that your magic is at the very least corrupted?"

"That is a likely scenario."

"Is it also reasonable to say that this began near the time of Mister Ravenfeather's arrival?"

"Precisely."

"I have done some research on the subject. Do you believe that it is a possibility that he is not adhering to the code."

"I have zero evidence that he is not."

"I thought that I could shed some light on this theory if I knew more about him," Mildred continues.

"Did you learn anything of interest?"

"It is the lack of transparent information that I found most intriguing."

"In what regard?"

"There is no telling what his family tree truly looks like. I had considered that maybe his magic was contaminated by a bad apple on his family tree."

Hecate studies her pupil whom she realizes has finally begun to mature. She takes a moment to reflect on what is being said.

"We could determine that information with a simple spell."

"I have already tried. It is futile. It only offers the family tree that links him to his adoptive parents."