Just When You Thought The World Was Coming To An End, A Miracle Happens.
Chapter 6
Almost the whole summer holiday had passed and before they knew it, the school year had crept up on them again. Abigail had spent much of the holiday playing in the woods, or passing the time away in the potions lab. By this time Miss Bat (the chanting mistress) and Miss Drill (the newly acquired P.E. teacher) had arrived, and the four teachers were now preparing for the new and returning pupils. They were preparing so much in fact, that they almost forgot Abigail was there. It wasn't until Imogen Drill had spotted Abigail sitting on the bottom step of the staircase, with her chin in her hands looking very woebegone, that they remembered.
"There is one very upset looking girl sitting out on the staircase," Imogen commented as she entered the staff room, carrying an armload of balls ready to be pumped up. Constance sighed as she left the room, feeling a bit guilty that she had neglected Abigail during the last week, but she did have lessons to prepare after all. She sat down on the step next to Abigail.
"What's up with you today Abby?" The teachers had shortened the name to Abby, which seemed to suit the girl more than Abigail did, plus, they already had four Abigail's at the school. Besides, Abby seemed to like it.
"Nothing, I was just thinking, that's all."
"Thinking? About what?"
"School."
"Abby, even I know that girls do not often think about school."
Abby turned to look at Constance with a serious look on her face.
"What happens if I'm not clever enough to be a witch?"
Constance laughed at the question.
"Everyone is clever enough if they put their mind to it, and from what I've seen, I'd say you were brighter than most people."
"Really?"
"Really. Now," Constance stood up and held out her hand, "I've got some potions to bottle and I think you're just the girl to help me."
With a smile, Abby took hold of the outstretched hand.