A bit of time travel back to where we left Mildred + diabolical duo last, ie half way down the last chapter. Enjoy!

Mildred made to speak, something unkind on her tongue. But the second years held up a hand to her to stop, the other in a shushing gesture in the space between their heads. To right they did too, as suddenly HB's voice boomed and Echoed about the room:

"And you two can report to the staffroom afterwards! IMMEDIATELY!"

"Yes, Miss Hardbroom!" The pair chorused.

There was a beat.

Then the room settled; like one might breathe a sigh. The three bats who'd squawked, disturbed by the shouts, returned to sleep. The cool room seemed warmer, lighter than it did before. If that were possible of course.

("It is?" Mildred remembered. "Magic, duh!")

Fenny and Gris cracked the door open, looking up and down the corridor at the same time. Then opened it wide, making extra sure they were alone again and breathed a collective huff of annoyance. Now there was more light, Mildred relaxed just a little. But she opened one of the shutters just to be okay.

"I hate it when she does that! It's okay. She's gone." Fenny said then turned back to their first year. "Well done Mildred. You must be stronger then you look."

"Yeah, well done on not fainting or crying. Ottoline in our year nearly wet herself when HB first so much as looked at her like that."

"Just Ottery?" Fenny snorted. Gris squawked and pushed her - which also pushed herself- so sent them both falling over, thankfully landing on Mildred's bed. but whatever the in-joke was it went over Mildred's head. Because Mildred was too busy thinking about what had just happened. It wasn't an improvement to how HB had spoken to her after the crash landing.

"Is she always like that?" she asked. The pair stopped scuffling and sat back up. "All as angry and scary if she's going to bite your head off?... No pun intended."

"Ah, yes. HB's like that with everyone more or less." Fenny reassured, sounding not at all sorry. "But, I suppose, not everyone gets off to a flying start like you did."

Mildred, despite herself, gulped.

"Oh, leave her alone Fen," Gris sighed, despite filling Mildred's head with just as many horror stories. "It isn't Mildred fault she inspires some blood lust."

"And she's my form tutor?"

"'Fraid so, first year." Fenny said. "As well as your potions mistress, theory teacher and will be taking most of your first year flying bar rare occurrence in summer in where it's far too sunny. You know Grizzy, I'm actually glad we've got Gimlet now."

"Hmm We might be able to have some fun again without HB appearing over our shoulder. Especially if she's got Mildred to keep an eye on." Gris smirked, with a wink at Mildred. "Don't go eating garlic now."

"And no taking pointy sticks to class." Fenny said wagging a finger. "Remember Cackles Number One Rule: Don't Anger the Vamp."

"I think I already have." Mildred pointed out. "Is she the sort to bear a grudge?"

"Ah. Er-Gris?"

"Hmm. Maybe watch your neck then?"

"Oh, great help that is."

Mildred laughed a little unable to help herself. She wasn't sure if it was funny or shock. The pair took her hand in theirs and gave it a sympathetic squeeze.

"Hey. Don't worry about HB. She might be a vamp but she wouldn't hurt a student."

"Just shout at them. You'll be okay Mildred. You just might get lines a bit."

"Yeah. And if she does go for your jugular we'll nobly jump in front of her for you."

"She won't know which of us to bite! But you'll have to do our homework for a month."

"Thanks!" Mildred laughed, properly that time. "But if she does get me, I'll make sure I leave you both all my sweets and books."

"You're on!" They said.

Then with a wink the pair stood up. And reeled in the silliness back in, giving the illusion of two good young girls who were always impeccably behaved.

"So That's Cackles." Fenny shrugged "Any questions?"

"Yes." Mildred had lots. But settled on, "Now what?"

"Now, well you've this evening free to do as you please. So now just relax, rest and mingle with the other students I guess? It's a been a long day so I recommend catching a few hours' sleep at least."

"The start of year welcoming feast and assembly is tonight at midnight. Then a few hours lessons before your proper bed time," Gris added. "But you know what, we'll come by at about ten too, and make sure you're up."
"Don't go getting lost now either. It might be easier if you stay on this floor."
"Oh yeah, your toilets and wash rooms at the east of the corridor. I knew we forgot something! Any dirty washing stick it in the big hamper by the bathroom door."
"Towels and face clothes are provided but don't leave your sponge bags in there. All clothes, uniform and undies need your name and form in but I guess you knew that from the uniform list."

Mildred nodded, as embarrassed as any preteen would be to have your dad sewing labels on ALL your clothes. Including under things.

"We'll leave you too it then. Best go see what HB wants." Gris sighed, trying to be unbothered. "And get it over with."

"Yeah. Anyway, we're on the second landing up from you." Fenny said. "Give us a scream if you need anything, Mildred."

"Thanks. It's been good to meet you." Mildred said honestly. "I was worried it would be really really scary here."

"As opposed to totally terrifying?" Gris teased. "Night."

"You'll be fine, fresh meat." Fenny assured. "Night."

"Goodnight." Mildred said back.

"Sleep tight, and watch the bats don't bite!" they finished, closing the door with a twin chuckle. And left Mildred debating what to do next and all alone in the near dark…

Chin up Millie. phew These chapters just keep getting more wordy! Thanks for reading.