Thirteens My Lucky Number..
Chapter thirteen: A Week passed by
Over the course of the next week, they had fallen into a comfortable Rhythm. In the Mornings, Mildred would wake up, get dressed and head out to breakfast. She'd started to appear just as the first bell was going off.
Miss Hardbroom was already out and doing Deputy things, whatever that might mean for that day. They'd see each other at Breakfast, and always look into each other's eyes. It was as if the pair were speaking through their eyes.
'I'm here'
'Good'
They did the same thing at Lunch. And then again at dinner.
During those Meal times, Mildred would sit comfortably with her Friends, Maud and Enid. Sometimes accompanied by Felicity, if she could get away from Ethel long enough. Ah, Ethel. You can guarantee she will throw a snarky comment, or jab in at some meal time. You could bet on it.
Since that day Mildred found out about the Guardianship, she hadn't let Ethel's words affect her anywhere near as much. She didn't have a clue why Mildred was still at school, and it would drive her mad.
All her lessons went as planned. She knew the teachers were watching her. They tried to be subtle, but it was obvious.
Miss Bat Always looked at Mildred, then she'd clean her glasses, then look at Mildred again before nodding to confirm she'd actually shown up and her eyes were not deceiving her.
Mr Rowan-Webb would make a pointed comment at how good it was to see her. At first it was sweet, but now it just makes her look a bit like a teacher's pet. She's started getting funny looks off the other students.
Miss Drill would practically stare at her as she walked up to the lesson, and abruptly turn away when Mildred looked back. That was just plain creepy.
Miss Hardbroom Always locked eyes with Mildred when she entered her Class room. But then again, Miss Hardbroom knew that Mildred Knew that she was checking in on her.
And Miss Cackle.. Every time they passed each other in the hall, she'd always place a hand on her shoulder. It should be reassuring. But yet again, she was getting odd looks from the other pupils.
It was tiring being the troublesome one. And if this was anything to go by, She'd never do it again. Who knows what a notch up for these people might be!
Despite this, everything else has been going well. She's been enjoying her evenings. Much to her surprise. Between the end of lesson, and dinner, She'd spend her time either in the Library or with Enid and Maud. They'd fallen into a comfortable routine themselves, though Mildred felt ever so slightly like an outsider. They told her everything. And she told them… some things.
After dinner, she spent her time in the Apartment. Sometimes doing Homework with the Critical, yet crucial advice of HB. Sometimes she'd sit down and read a book while Miss Hardbroom marks a bunch of work. Her favourite thing she's learned so far is that When Miss Hardbroom is deep in thought, she sometimes tuts when something disappoints her. Or Hums if she's surprisingly impressed. It's quiet but it's there. And sometimes.. She spends the evening Watching something on her maglet on her bed.
It's A Comfortable 'do what you please, just don't disturb the other people' kind of situation. One Mildred is quite happy with. Sometimes Miss Hardbroom even asked how her day had been.
It was nowhere near as Awkward as she had feared. In fact.. It was kind of nice. HB was still Harsh as ever during potions, or generally wandering around. But she was Quieter at Home.
She'd wanted to share this with her friends. They had asked her a few times about where she was sleeping, as her old room now has a massive hole in it. But she'd just said "Spare bedroom somewhere". It wasn't a complete lie.
Despite this, She'd wanted Miss Hardbrooms permission first. If there was one thing she Understood from HB, it's that she was a very Private person. She didn't want to tell her friends, and found out Hardbroom would have preferred to keep it quiet.
That Evening, Exactly a Week after Mildred's first night here. She sat down onto the Sofa and turned to look at HB, Sat regally in her chair.
"What?" Miss Hardbroom asked, making the H really prominent. Mildred startled. "You were staring"
That made sense. Others always joked that HB had a third eye. Maybe they were right. "I wanted to ask you.." Mildred started, Making Miss Hardbroom look up from her Marking. "If i could tell Maud and Enid about our…. Situation?" She was nervous.
She often found Miss Hardbroom to be.. Unpredictable.
"I don't see why not." HB paused. "One on condition."
See, Mildred didn't predict that. Despite her love of clauses, she only ever use it if she had something to gain.. And Mildred couldn't think what HB would have to gain from her alone.
Is it going to be more Studying? More Homework? A Test?
"I've been invited to Pentangles to give a Class on Traditional Potions, and then join them for their end of year Ball. Id.. Appreciate.. Your company." That was as close as HB was going to get to saying she wanted her to come, Mildred could tell.
"To Pentangles?" Mildred clarified. "I'd love to!" She'd wanted to Visit Pentangles, or really any other magic school. But, you can't exactly just show up to another school. You'd need a reason. And this gave her a reason!
"You'll attend my class, as well as two others that they have" Miss Hardbroom just knew how to bring down a room. Not that the classes won't be fun. But Mildred knew the intent was to learn. Not have fun.
With that being said, She could tell her best friends about her new living arrangements. The Guardianship. And of course, the trip to Pentangles. They had a lot to catch up on.
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