The air in the potions room suddenly lacks oxygen as Mildred Hubble sits inches away from the deputy headmistress. The toes of their boots nearly touch as Mildred is certain she will melt into a puddle on the floor before the conclusion of their conversation.

"If another pupil caused you bodily harm it is a serious violation of the code," HB reminds her.

"I can conclude with certainty it was not another pupil from this academy," Mildred reveals refusing to meet Miss Hardbroom's glance.

"I get the distinct feeling that wound to your head was the least troubling."

"The gash to my forehead was a result of me falling. I hit my head on the limb of a fallen tree on my way to the ground," Mildred rubs the bottom hem of her uniform.

"How did you fall?"

"Someone hit me in the back of the head. Can I please go now?" She begs on the verge of tears.

A second passes before Miss Hardbroom is able to offer an intelligible answer.

"You may be dismissed," Hecate vacates her seat. Mildred follows. Her feet find themselves frozen. Her body refuses to push itself towards the door. The façade of will power collapses as the tears sear down her cheeks, burning as they fall. The gentle cascade shifts into a violent waterfall in the blink of an eye. A pair of arms envelope her, and secure her in a shroud of safety. Mildred willingly accepts the hug from the most unlikely source. The hug does little to mollify the tears. In fact the scene quickly turns into Mildred violently sobbing as HB attempts to return her to her seat. Eventually she succeeds in her efforts. As the fifth year pupil finally allows the emotion she's been feeling to spurt out Hecate squats next to her chair. She silently offers a handkerchief from the palm of her hand.

"I cannot bring myself to divulge any further details of the incident."

Hecate offers a reassurance, "I do not require further detail."

"I am sorry to have burdened you with this."

"It is my job to ensure your safety and well-being. I only wish I could have prevented all of this."

"Do you possess psychic abilities, Miss Hardbroom?"

"That is a fair point, Miss Hubble."

"Have you been outside my room recently? I wake up with the sense someone is watching me, and I've been growing increasingly concerned it is more than a healthy level of paranoia."

"One of the pitfalls of bat-like hearing is that I cannot always turn it off at will. It would seem that you have been experiencing night-terrors."

"I sincerely apologize for disrupting your slumber, Miss Hardbroom. It is not my intent."

"You have nothing to apologize for."

"Should I be worried this isn't an isolated event? Other girls go into the woods."

"I will discuss the matter with Miss Cackle. I think it would be prudent to lock down after curfew."

"What are the chances someone could get into the academy unnoticed, and uninvited?"

"Mildred you are safe here. I have cast enhanced protective spells on the academy, and on you."

Maud wanders into Mildred's room just before sunset. Mildred sits in utter silence at her desk. Maud knocks on the doorframe, so as not to startle her recently jumpy friend. Mildred looks up from her desk, and turns in Maud's direction.

"How was detention?"

"Difficult," Mildred reveals.

"Have you seen the announcement from HB?"

Mildred shakes her head, "Can't say as I have."

"Apparently due to safety concerns none of us are permitted outside the gates after sunset."

"That seems reasonable," Mildred responds, half-heartedly.

Maud furrows her brow, "I thought you would be outraged."

"Has HB ever lead us astray when it comes to matters of safety?"

"No," Maud admits.

"Then we should follow the rules, and encourage others to do the same."

"Ethel is peeved."

"She should consider it a favor. This means the upcoming field trip that was planned for spell science will be postponed indefinitely. Ethel loathes the woods."

"Apparently there was an upcoming party that she wanted to attend."

"Perhaps things would go much more smoothly for everyone if they simply followed the rules instead of focusing on their own selfish desires, and personal gains."

Maud takes a seat on the end of Mildred's bed, "Millie, are you okay? It's as if you've been replaced by someone else."

"I'm sure that it is just exhaustion talking. I've been up late every night revising so far this term. Perhaps I am not totally clear headed. I do require some rest."

"Can I offer assistance? I could help you revise, though it seems as if your extra study time has really been paying off, much to Ethel's dismay."

"I wouldn't want to interrupt your sleep. I've been having some trouble getting to sleep lately, I suppose. I usually don't poop out until two."

"Perhaps some tea would be of assistance. My mother has an excellent blend with chamomile, and lavender. It also has a hint of melatonin, and valerian root. You have to make it weak, or you run the risk of sleeping for a couple of days."

"I prefer to remain in control of my faculties, Maud."