Big thanks NCD and Dreamsinlilac for reviews and chats, and to Princess Sammi for helping tweak on this chapter in particular. Following the sad news, i felt I had to rewrite this and a few other chapters as what i originally going to do and you gals are stars :D

And she wouldn't have thought any one would be nervous of who rounded the landing corner at a jog. Being nervous to see Miss Cackle, that was understandable. Being nervous to see Miss Hardbroom, well Mildred certainly terrified to do so. She was not however in the least bit made nervous by the sight or sound of this new adult in bright active wear with squeaky trainers. And maybe that wasn't a good thing? Mildred had seen her earlier perhaps. But try as she might she couldn't think where from...

"Come along Griselda, Fennella. Don't dawdle." The lady (this teacher, Mildred corrected) called as she approached. "The others are nearly all done and dusted! And I'm sure- Mildred isn't it?- could do with a rest by now."

"Y-yes Miss," they chorused. And smiled when she smiled at them. In fact, the very air relaxed as fast as it had quieted, the chatter and the noise returned to its near deafening hubbub. With a lot of giggling. And Fenny blushing.

Ah Mildred realised. It wasn't a scared sort of nervous. It was the other one, the one with butterflies.

"It's not like you two to be parted from your books for too long." The 'Miss' teased in a light-hearted way. But then, with just the briefest glances to check there was no one underneath her, she hard and fast vaulted over the banister.

Mildred didn't see her land. But there was a THUD, along with the sound of bone losing to stone. Several girls (including Gris) gasped sharply and one yelped. Then silence so Mildred ran to the banister to fetch help. But instead of a crumpled heap of a person below, the teacher was on her feet with a bounce like a jack in the box. none the worse for wear.

"Don't be late for supper now." Miss called back up to the joined pair. As if there was nothing out of the ordinary about parkoring over high drops down. Or the possibility of shattering both legs all the way up. Rather than just, you know, taking the stairs? Mildred watched her go as she weaved in and out of other girls; greeting them and small talking as she went not, all fazed by anyone's appearance.

Speaking of appearance what had that teacher looked like? Mildred suddenly couldn't remember.

As this unknown adult jogged out of sight down another corridor Fenny and Gris Shared a squeal between them. Well Fenny squealed as they started back up the stairs. Gris rolled her eyes affectionately clearly used to her bosom buddy's obvious crush and grabbing of hands.

"Isn't she daring? That is- well was, -Miss Drill." Fenny said with a sigh, answering the question before Millie could ask.

"Daring? More like dangerous." Gris affirmed and turned back to Mildred. Now there was something wicked in her grin. "She's the youngest teacher here. P.E and school guidance counsellor... And Fenny's absolute patch if you hadn't noticed."

Fenny blushed lilac again but didn't take offence.

"Just because you like them centuries old, tall, sharp and handsome." She teased back. Gris now blushed a dark purple but Fenny continued, "Darlin'-Drilly also takes the 'how to blend in' lessons for those who want to live among common folk. And she's evasive manoeuvres trainer, even though she's not a witch."

"Not a witch?" Mildred brighten. "So, is she totally normal then? She's like my mum and dad?"

But where Mildred had brightened at the idea of some normality or a link in this crazy new environment, both Fenny and Griz's faces' darkened.

"No…you saw that jump." Gris said exchanged a look with the other head. "She's most defiantly one of us."

"She just can't use magic in the sense we can. And none is allowed in her classes bar broomstick flying." Fen continued, suddenly very serious.

"What, none at all?" Mildred said. she thought it seemed odd that in a school full of spells. "So, she's not a witch but can she use magic?"

"Yes." Gris insisted. "Well, No."
At the very same time as Fenny said, "No. I mean yes."

The off sync of their answers threw Mildred. And she wasn't sure to what question they meant yes and no too. "But how can she work here if -"

"She just does." Gris sighed, took Mildred's timetable from her and changed the subject. "Speaking of cover-."

"We weren't." Mildred said.

"We were. Earlier." Fenny said back with a shrug. "Anyway, Miss Crotchet. She also does chanting so you might get her for lessons if Bat is- well, elsewhere."

"Elsewhere being sulking in the staffroom cupboard."

"Grissy, I was being polite for once!"

"It'll be easier to for Mildred to find Bat if she needs her." Gris shrugged. "Crotchets' half harpy on her mother's side. but you'll like her."

"She's nice. Sweet even. More rock and roll musicality wise, but much less wild then Batty or Nightingale so you actually have to study in class. But it's worth it."

"She teaches mostly the upper years, the bands, and the school choir." Gris said. "Doesn't like her name being misspelt though so remember it's Crotchet as in the musical sort not knitting. Or else you really see the Harpy side of her. Now for English- Oh dear. Looks like you've got the dragon. Hope you like the smell of smoke."

This place is mad, Mildred thought. And wondered what on earth was in store next…