Hecate summons Miss Drill from her free period into the potions laboratory. She frowns as she finds herself in the middle of the class.
"I was in the midst of grading. What is the meaning of this?!"
"We apologize for interrupting, Miss Drill. We brought you here because we are quite concerned about you," Enid explains.
"I appreciate your concern, but…"
Mildred interrupts, "Miss Hardbroom was just discussing her condition with us. We were explaining that it was not necessarily a newsflash to us. You always encourage us, and we just hoped that we could offer some encouragement to you."
"That is kind, but…"
Hecate wags her finger, "I would suggest allowing them the opportunity to offer their insights."
Dimity shakes her head, "You've gone soft. You are conspiring with the enemy."
"Hardly."
"I think we all know that I was somewhat of a lost cause when I arrived here. I am certainly not the best witch, but I think I've come a long way. Miss Drill, my point is that everyone has to start somewhere," Mildred begins.
"As first years we were all scared," Ethel admits.
"We had some hiccups along the way, but we have all made such progress. It seems as if the sort of thing you are going through might be the same in some ways. When you start out you barely understand the basics. There will be some sleepless nights, and sometimes you will be covered in unappealing substances. Things will often not go according to plan, and you will have to think on your feet. Eventually you grow in your abilities, and things become less difficult," Maud offers reassurance.
"If you can whip me into shape a newly hatched human should be a piece of cake," Mildred insists.
Dimity can't help but grin, "Freshly hatched?"
Ethel rolls her eyes, "We are not referring ducklings, or chicks, Mildred Hubble."
The days, and weeks until winter holiday roll by as quickly as a runaway train. One morning Hecate arrives for breakfast, and finds the dining is void of pupils. Her abdominal swelling is now more than just a faint outline. The rounded edges of her abdomen are reminiscent of a well inflated basketball. Miss Tapioca hands her a bowl of lumpy porridge.
"I believe that you are due in a staff meeting where Miss Cackles is serving tea, and pastries."
Hecate glances at her time piece, and then shifts her glance to Miss Tapioca.
"It is Saturday."
"It is a special meeting to review staffing for spring term."
With the whimsical twist of her wrist Hecate appears in Miss Cackles office. She finds that Ada is the only one who has joined thus far. Hecate retires to an armchair across the aisle from Ada.
"Who else is joining us?"
"Miss Drill will be in attendance. I have yet to determine who will fill in for her. I have consulted another headmistress to join us, as well."
Dimity's burgeoning belly is secured under layers of loose fabric. She plants herself on Ada's setae. Momentarily they are joined by a fourth and final guest. Miss Pentangles appears in the doorway. Ada motions for her to enter. The typically bright, exuberant attire that Pippa is known for is absent today. Instead of a pop of pink the headmistress opts for a shade of charcoal that is more flattering for her developing waistline. Pippa takes a seat next to Ada.
"Now that we are all here let us discuss what creative solutions are at hand to cover temporarily vacant positions," Ada begins.
Hecate's glance remains transfixed on her former classmate. Pippa, who remains fixated on the solutions at hand immediately begins.
"We find ourselves rather lacking on resources. I had an entire agenda of options that I can now see is utterly invalid. I was going to propose that Hecate fill in for me in my absence, but I can see that is not an option."
"Don't you have a deputy headmistress?" Dimity queries.
"Her situation is no different than seventy-five percent of us sitting in this room."
"The question has also been broached in regards to any faculty member who shall need to go on leave earlier than anticipated for any host of reasons," Ada adds.
"The pool of available candidates is quickly dwindling. Do you have any former staff that you could recall?"
"I have been able to shuffle the curriculum around enough that Miss Bat, and Mister Rowan-Webb have agreed to return on a temporary basis for spring term, and even fall term if needed."
"What happens for coverage if any other staff falls ill, or suddenly tries to overthrow the school?" Pippa arches an eyebrow.
"Julie Hubble has graciously agreed to offer assistance if we need an extra hand in the interim. I am certain that Hecate does not endorse the idea, but desperate times call for desperate measures."
Hecate exhales and loosens her rigid posture a hair, "I certainly cannot afford to be particularly discerning in the matter."
"Miss Pentangles I can offer administrative assistance for Pentangles if you could find someone to physically account for your day to day duties."
"I have a candidate who can fulfill such duties," she confirms.
"Have you been able to hash out the logistics for housing your extra inhabitants?"
"It would seem that the only viable option is to sacrifice the spacious closets that we have grown accustomed to at Pentangles."
Hecate, and Dimity exchange glances as they remain in the dark on the subject.
"A drawer should suffice to begin with, right?" Dimity jokes
"I have good news, and bad news on that front," Ada admits.
"Dimity it would seem that you will have to pare down the equipment overflow in the storage room next to your quarters."
"I am not entirely sure it will offer enough space for the task at hand."
Ada grins, "I consulted the blueprints. It is not as small as it seems when it is packed with equipment. It will have to suffice for now."
"How much space can one small human require?" Hecate arches a brow.
Dimity shakes her head, "Haven't you been researching gear in preparation? It isn't the baby that requires space it is all of the basic essentials."
"You need not worry Hecate, there is still time. There is also a storage closet parallel to your room. It used to be a broom closet, so it may be a bit cramped. If you stick to a minimalist mindset it will do at least on a temporary basis."
"As I seem to recall we took that closet out of commission some time ago because there was a massive whole in the ceiling that leads to the attic. Was there not an incident with a roost of bats on someone's broom?"
"Construction on making the area inhabitable was completed last week. Though you must choose a paint color yourself."