5 days.. 12 chapters..

CurlyWitch14: Ask and thou shall receive!


Chapter 12: Guardianship

Miss Hardbrooms day had been uneventful. Just the way she liked it. She marked all her work, and had a successful potions lesson. To her surprise, Mildred had saved her team's potion.

Mildred also spent most of Dinner staring at her. She almost wondered if she knew. Knew that she had now received word from the Grand Wizard. She couldn't see how she might know, but she couldn't explain why else Mildred was practically staring daggers at her.

After Dinner, Mildred had practically legged it to the Apartment. Hecate on the other hand, took her sweet time, heading back to the Potions lab for today's reports on the students, and transferring back to her apartment.

Her transfer into the apartment startled MIldred, who was sitting doing homework at the coffee table. "Miss Hardbroom!" She yelled out Hand over her heart.

"Mildred." She spoke, almost sharply, she placed her reports down, and sat on her throne. She didn't quite know how to approach the topic. How do you tell a child her sentence in a way that's clear, crisp and yet not harsh. "I require a word"

"Is it.." Mildred started, now looking worried. "About my expulsion?"

The Look she was giving Hecate earlier must have been in preparation for this. Though, why she'd think it was beyond her. "Expulsion?"

"Ethel sai-" Mildred started, But Hecate just cut her off.

"You should never pay mind to what a Hallow might say." Hecate had learned that years ago, thanks to one Ursual Hallow. She'd been pleasantly surprised at Esmeralda. She was as smart as a Hallow, but that's where the similarities ended. Unfortunately, Ethel was her mothers daughter. Ironic, given how ignored she was.

"I received word from the Grand Wizard." Hecate continued. She wasn't aware it was possible, but Mildreds face turned from one kind of worry, to another kind of worry. "I.. Am to take over Guardianship."

Mildreds face fell. "Of… Me?" Sometimes Hecate felt she was deliberately dense.

"Yes, Mildred. Guardianship of.. you." She clarifide.

"W-What does that mean..?" She didn't seem.. Delighted. But she also didn't seem disappointed. Hecate supposed she'd rather have her mother, than Her. This was just further enforcement that she'd lost Julie.

"Well, Mildred. It means you will be staying with me during all breaks. I'd sign any consent forms. And be incharge of your general wellbeing." Because isn't that what all guardians and parents truly do. Provide Shelter, food and safety.

"You will not be confined to cackles entirely." Hecate decided to slightly change the subject. "But, Permission will be needed if we were to be away from Cackles for more than a few nights"

She'd Used We intentionally. Apart of her taking on Mildred, Is her own confinement being relaxed. Meaning, she could leave for a day or two as well. Honestly, The idea of leaving Cackles at all was terrifying. She'd not left the premises in.. Well.. Twenty Three years.

"H-How long will i be confined here..?" She could see Mildreds head wrapping around the situation.

"That has yet to be decided." Hecate clarified, her hands that had been resting on her lap wringing together. In His Scroll, The Grand Wizard had clarified that Hecate's own punishment will be over the day Mildred turns Eighteen. She was sure he thought he was being clever.

Mildred nodded a few times. "Nice to know i've got a future at Cackles" She threw Hecate a Cheeky grin. "Speaking of.." She started, but cut off, mind taking over to think.

"Come out and ask whatever you're going to." Hecate commanded.

"As.. Guardian.." Mildred said the word hesitantly. "Could you help me with my homework and.. Studys?"

Hecate had wondered what bizzar guardian thing she was going to ask. But wasn't expecting it to be something as simple as Homework help. "Yes, I can. But, I won't be aiding you in anything potions related." It was only fair. "However, I do have plenty of books that could help you." Mildred nodded and looked like she wanted to say more, but held her tongue instead.

"I believe… That'd be all." Hecate announced. The whole thing was rather awkward. They were at that In Between stage, where there was not just teacher and student anymore. But at the same time, they didn't exactly get along most of the time.

Hecate stood up stiffly before heading for her room, leaving Mildred to continue doing her current homework. Of which she didn't seem to be needing any aid so far.

The Moment She entered her room, her eyes were drawn to the Invite still sitting on her side. The news of her Confinement being relaxed made her instantly think of Pippa and how many invites she's received since the spelling bee.

She'd wanted on many occasions to accept Pippa's constant invites. But her Confinement had prevented every single one. And everytime she had declined, Pippa had looked sad. Disappointed.

Hecate got out her Mirror, and sat down in front of it. "Pippa Pentangle" She commanded it. And not seconds later it lit up, Showing an overly Excited Pippa.

"Hiccup! I hadn't expected to hear from you till next week. Nothing terrible has happened, I hope?" Pippa's face quickly turned from Excited to Worried.

"Other than a Fight with Julie Hubble.. Everything has been..Not terrible" Hecate Admitted Before holding up the Invite, watching Pippa like a hawk. "Up until now, as a part of my punishment for breaking the code, I've never been able to accept it"

"And now..?" Pippa Prompted.

"And now, My Confinement has been relaxed. Allowing me to accept on one condition." Hecate counted. Watching and waiting for her reaction. She knew Pippa would allow it. After all the begging she's done to get her best friend to visit, there would be very little she'd say no to.

"And what might that Condition be?" Pippa asked with one of her shining, encouraging smiles.

"That I bring Mildred with me." Hecate Announced, a small smirk playing at her mouth when she saw the drop of Pippa's Jaw. "I've been placed as her Guardian."

"Well then you must bring her with you, Darling!" She only ever used endearment like that when she is truly excited and happy. It was always a good sign. "She can sit in on your class, and perhaps a couple of ours! If that's acceptable with you, of course. And then you can both join us for the party! Mildred will just love it, I'm sure!"

Hecate also knew Mildred would enjoy a day at were very few things at the moment that Hecate could count on. But that was certainly one of them.


I hope you Enjoyed another one! More to come tomorrow!