Note: Some spells will be from the older series. Xoxo-Thanks for reading.
Spell Science with Ms. Gullet was boring, the woman was an annoying teacher to Katherine. She remembered coming early with her mother for this term while Ms. Gullit was going off about the filth in the teachers lounge. It was something the teacher always did, Gullit always had to have something to complain about. Katherine couldn't deny that the teachers lounge wasn't the cleanest place in the castle, so she did understand why Ms. Gullit lost her temper when she watched Ms. Drill brush her hair near the table. So when Esmerelda informed her of the news about Gullit, it wasn't a loss but more of a win. Especially since she had a Wizard to teach her.
Katherine sat in her desk toward the back of the room looking at the empty teacher desk. The green chalk board had a simple spell written on it.
Intrenso Profundus, Baloonus Floribundus.
A spell the students had been working on with Ms. Gullet, it was to take a ballon and turn it into a rose or any flower that came to mind. Katherine perfered to change it to a white rose, it was always her favorite flower.
Professor Rowan Webb entered the room. His hair shagged over the sides of his face, his white grey beard nearly touched the top of his chest, while the green gown he wore glistened with each step he took toward the front of the room.
"Young Witches of Year three, I am Professor Rowan Webb...I'm sure you remember me from my formal introduction" his eyes and smile beamed at the class. Katherine noticed no one spoke out of turn everyone was in awe with this man. Ricci's hand slowly rose up. Normally she spoke out of term when excited but even she was giving him the respect he deserved. Katherine was looking at Ricci Nowman's bright red hair as she wondered what question she was about to ask.
"Yes" he said excitedly as he sat on the top of his desk ready for whatever the girl was planning to say.
"What was it like being a frog" Ricci asked. She asked the question that Katherine was wondering herself but would never have asked. Webb rubbed his chin as he signed.
"I guess I'll have to answer this question before we move on" he smiled as he continued "it was hard, I had my moments where it was an easy life at the pond but it also was very dangerous" as he continued to speak about the dangers of being a frog thanks to the familiars, Katherine's attention was on the wolf that was in the courtyard .
"Ptsss" she made a noise to Esmerelda. Esmerelda turned her head to Katherine.
"Look outside" she was shocked that the white wolf was standing in the court yard, Cackles never had wolves to her knowledge. .
As Esmerelda turned to look out side Professor Rowan Webb cleared his throat making both girls turn his way. Missing the wolf that disappeared with the wind.
"Well it's time to get started" and with a wave of his hand each witch had a balloon infront of them. Katherine along with her fellow pupils all chanted the spell simultaneously.
"Intrenso Profundus, Baloonus Floribundus" with gentle wave of Katherine's hand the ballon turned to a white rose. The petals were not all perfect but for Katherine it was a success. producing a flower was not a level one magic spell, but a level three. Esemerelda's flower was a beautiful lily that looked flawless. The stem, leaves, everything looked magnificent. Katherine smiled at her friend, she had such contro over her powers.
"Wow" was all Katherine could say as Esemerelda beamed with excitement. Webb made his way to the girls.
"Brilliant" he praised the class. "Esemerelda, do you think you can reverse it"
She seemed hesitant at first. Katherine watched her friend get a bit nervous as she teased. "Come on Esmey...don't be coy" biting her bottom lip as she sat on the edge of her seat a reversal spell could be tricky.
Esemerelda took a deep breath as her face became serious, Katherine watched the witch before her.
"Reversus Revolvus, Returnus Resolvus, Illio, Allio, Transfutato Temporus" and with a wave with her hand Katherine watched as Esmerelda's flower transformed back into a ballon.
"Well done...well done" Webb clapped "You may leave, make sure to study reversals spells. We will have an exam on them soon"
Grabbing her spell book she quickly placed it into her bag to exit the room. Realizing it was PE next Katherine couldn't help but groan. She wasn't in the mood to do any physical activity after lunch. The girls walked together as a group to the dining area.
"What's for lunch" Ricci asked anyone who would answer.
"Liver and beans" Esemelda responded as they arrived in the dining area.
Ms. Tapioca was serving the food and glaring at anyone whom made a face at the food she cooked. While the teachers all sat at their own table, today was Ms. Drill on duty. Katherine giggled as she watched Ms. Drill make a disgusting face while Ms. Tapioca raised the spoon. The fiesty witch started to make sarcastic remarks to Ms. Drill, how if she didn't like it, then she should cook her own meals.
The third year girls started to walk away from one another to grab the plates of fixed food and find a spot to sit. Katherine and Esmerelda sat together at their usual table. It was the normal routine for Northman and Hallow.
"Esmey, Katherine" Ethel said as she sat down infront of them. Katherine didn't say a word as the two sisters spoke about class work and Ethel did her usual complaining about Hubble. Katherine and Esmerelda both looked at one another then back at Ethel. The complaining on Mildred was nothing knew.
Katherine took a bite of beans and chewed slowly as she listened to Ethel complain more about Mildred, Maud and Enid. Esmerelda left the table leaving Katherine behind with her sister.
Both girls ate in silence for a while before Ethel spoke again "Esmy told me that grades will be posted in a bit"
Katherine nodded. She didn't really know all the Hallows well like she did Esemerelda, but she assumed Ethel was just as witty like her older sister.
"You did great I'm sure" Katherine added not really wanting to continue the conversation but Ethel kept on.
"Not as great as Esmey I'm sure...Mother will want to hear all about her grades" she was now venting to her plate mostly and not looking in Katherine's direction. Katherine didn't see this side of Ethe often, it was as if she was fighting to be noticed before her sister.
"Don't be silly, your mother will be proud" Katherine added trying to add sincere in her tone. She almost understood how Ethel felt. But she didn't have a sibling to be compared to so she couldn't fully understand the jealousy that younger siblings had, the feelings that Ethel felt. The first year full demeanor changed. It was as if a switched told Ethel to stop sulking. Ethel glared at Katherine as she stood up to leave. Katherine was caught off guard, her brows were scrunched together.
"Your own mother adores Esmerelda...now I shall see you later for lunch"
Katherine never stopped her from walking away or added anything. Ethel was nothing like Esmerelda, but one thing was right. Katherine knew her mother adored Esmerelda, well she adored the power control the young witch had. The blonde hair witch walked out after clearing her mess.
Katherine saw majority of the first years surrounding the board with their tablets. Once you walked by the black board that had important papers up all around, your tablets would recieve the grades that the teachers posted. Katherine felt her tablet vibrate as she walked toward the group of younger girls.
"Maud, I made a D in every subject" Mildred whined. Katherine stopped walking and turned toward the three girls. Enid, Maud and Mildred were all looking and comparing grades. "At least you pass" Katherine said trying to find the positive point for the non witch.
"Yes...barely passing marks" Hardbroom appeared near the group of girls "but if you fail the potion exam in two weeks time...Mildred Hubble...I'm sure Ms. Cackle will agree to send you home, you can not skate your way thru while being a witch." Hardbrooms attention turned to Katherine "I'm sure your father will be pleased with your grades...Other then one grade...It was...almost perfect"
Katherine quickly took her tablet out and looked. she noticed flying marks except in one subject, potions.
"You gave me a B" Katherine was shocked she couldn't hold her tongue. She never made a B before, especially in potions. It was the one subject she grew up learning at home. Hardbroom's face became hard as her eyes widen.
"You are accusing me of handing out a grade...darling you earned it...with that horrible project" her face was near Katherine's. Noses nearly touching one another. Katherine wished she would of kept her big mouth shut, her mother was not one to give grades, one did earn them. Even though Katherine didn't think her project deserved a low grade, it wasn't a battle worth fighting. Especially since she wrote a ten page paper on why nonmagical people should never see magic.
"B is a good grade" Mildred pipped up. The two witches turned their head from each other to look at the first year.
"yes to you, it's a good grade, A grade you do not...receive...Mildred" Hardbroom stated as her body slowly straighten to its normal height. Hardbroom wasn't technically mean, just old fashioned and strict. Her expectations were high. Katherine looked at her mother's flawless black gown before averting her eyes to her mother's face. Katherine's lips curled in a smirk, she had a perfect idea.
"I'll help her, mum" she added, Hardbroom quickly looked at her daughter in shock then back at Mildred. Katherine knew her mother's hardness on the pupil, the whole school knew it, so helping Mildred would be a sweet revenge for Katherine's potions project, In her eyes.
Hardbroom rose a perfect arched brow "of course you would...well Mildred. I expect to see flying marks" with a smirk she disappeared.
Mildred's jaw dropped "First off..I can not make flying marks, second...she's your...mum...seriously"
Enid chimed in "Wait HB has a daughter"
Maud crossed her arms as her vision stayed upon Katherine.
Katherine laughed a bit as she looked at the first years "Do you expect me to wear a clock around my neck and hair in a bun" she was shocked that the first years had no idea. Though, neither one of them advertised it. The teachers all knew, Ms. Cackle practically watched her grow up. Her first year at Cackles she struggled with being at the school, so it became obvious to Katherine's fellow year that Hardbroom was her mum. Especially when she had her father at school scolding her infront of every pupil. The incident was not something Katherine enjoyed to reminisce on.
The three girls laughed at Katherine's joke before Mildred's eyes became wide. "Is she married"
Katherine shook her head "divorced before I was even born" she said truthfully. A split home. Enid and Maud looked down at their shoes not sure what to say.
"It's fine" Katherine assured them not wanting anyone to have pitty on. The girls slowly walked together down the hall as their conversation came to an end.
"Mildred, I have PE then potions...after Potions let's meet in the library and you can tell me what your working on" Katherine spoke. Mildred nodded and the three reckless first years walked off toward potions class. Katherine headed south toward the double doors to enter the courtyard.
Within the library, the books filled all the shelves, from the history of the school, witches, spells, potions, chanting, History of wizards, and many more. It was one of the best rooms to get lost with endless knowledge to gain.Katherine was sitting at a table in the far back corner as she waited for Mildred. Running her fingers thru her blonde ponytail she moved her eyes to the entrance as she watched the first year walk in. Mildred's buttons were unfastened as her belt slung crooked on her tiny waist, her boots unlaced as she walked toward Katherine. She was beaming with excitement as she sat down.
"I'm still in shocked HB has a kid, she doesn't seem like the type" Mildred chirped away. "Sorry, I didn't mean for it to come off ugly" Katherine shook her head as her lips turned into a small smile.
"I totally get what you mean, not many of the younger pupils think she has me...until they meet me"
Mildred was examining Katherine before she spoke once more "Your hair and eyes, you don't really look like her, even your height" her words were true. Katherine didn't favor her mother, Hardbroon had long black hair while Katherine's locks were blonde. Brown eyes for her mother that connected her with the earth while Katherine's blue eyes were bright and filled with wanting change. Katherine looked like a Northman.
"So you come from no magic" Katherine asked. Mildred nodded "exactly, I have no idea how it happened but definitely did"
Katherine looked down at the books she grabbed "well one day I'll have to pick your brain, I have so many questions...but right now. Let's get to it"
The girls worked and Katherine tried. She tried to get Mildred to understand the order of the potion to turn sour milk into whippcream. Nothing was working, Mildred kept forgetting the order of ingredients. Katherine took a deep breath as an idea popped up. She started to hum the school beat of the anthem but instead of the anthem, she started to sing the potion steps while doing each step as she said the correct ingredient.
"Start with henbane,
Add some tongue fern,
A single mustard seed,
Strands of wheatgrass,
A stinging nettle, and the leaves of silverweed,
Toadflax for some flavour, broadbean juice for fun,
And we can't forget the snot gobbles,
The potion is done
And we can't forget the snot gobbles,
The potion is done!"
Katherine repeated the song a few times with Mildred. Enid and Maud had arrived at the table, Katherine never noticed until they had four containers filled with whip cream infront of them. Mildred had whip cream on her nose as she turned to her friends. Katherine watched as she wiped the substance off using her arm.
"You have to listen to the little poem Katherine taught me" she beamed excitedly as she started to sing it. Katherine watched Mildred share the poem with her friends and she felt so happy for her. It wasn't like Mildred wasn't trying to stay at Cackles Academy, Mildred proved to Katherine how hard she was willing to work. She just needed to keep her confidence. Katherine saw potential in the witch before her.
"Mildred, you got this" Maud assured her friend. It was clear that even Maud was impressed. Enid nodded in agreement. Katherine watched as Mildred's doubt slowly start to set.
"What if I panic...and...and.."
Katherine rose her hand up to stop Mildred in her words. "You got this...you just need confidence. Believe in yourself"
"I don't know...what if I can't" Mildred hung her head low as she started to pick at her nails. Katherine rested her chin on the back of her hand watching. Wondering how she could get Mildred to retain her confidence and not become a nervous witch.
Enid smirked and leaned in a bit closer "A confidence potion will help" Maud gasped.
"That's against the rules" the top girl for the first years tried to argue.
"No, you can't cheat..Mildred isn't cheating. She is just having confidence...no rules broken...as long as we don't get caught" Enid added with a smug grin. Katherine couldn't help but let a chuckle out. Enid indeed was a character, she was watching the three pupils go back and forth about the confidence potion, and she slowly started to put things where they belonged.
"Will you help" Enid's question caught Katherine off guard. Her blue eyes widen as she looked at the girl. Of course Enid was fine with bending the rules a bit, she came from money...unlike the other three students.
"I don't think so" Katherine whispered not wanting to speak to loudly since Esmerelda walked in. If she agreed to assist, she knew that was just as much guilty as if she was doing the potion herself. Glancing at Mildred she could see the panic on the girls face. She hated to see Mildred feel down on herself especially after she worked hard and really did know every ingredient and step. All she lacked was confidence. Enid and Mildred gave Katherine a sad face blinking their eyes dramatically. Maud had her arms crossed shaking her head.
"Fine...but I will just monitor. I'm not participating...got it" her words were firm, all three first years nodded. Maud was on board now thanks to Mildred's plea.
"Millie's room tonight...after room check" Enid quickly said before vanishing away.
Katherine couldn't believe she was going down this path, breaking rules with first years. Normally third years guided the newbies in the right direction. Feeling defeated Katherine waved at Esmerelda but not stopping to chat with her, she figured making her way to her bedroom to cuddle with Zelena was a better choice since she was use to telling Esmerelda everything.
The night sky arrived, the air was chilly making Katherine's chin chatter from the cold. She went to close her shutter for the window opening, when she saw the white wolf again. The majestic creature howled and looked magical in the moonlight. The animal stood tall and it seemed as if his golden eyes were looking up into her window, into her blue eyes, reading her darkest secrets. The hair on her neck rose as she watched the animal stare in her direction. Fear swept her body making her close the shutter quickly.
The door swung open Katherine let out a scream.
Ms. Bat joined Katherine in the screaming. Ms. Bat and Katherine stopped as the older witch tried to catch her breath she spoke "what...are ...we screaming ...at dear"
Katherine went to tell her about the wolf outside but when she looked in the crack of her shutters the wolf was gone. "I just scared myself" Katherine said as she walked toward her cot where Zelena slept on her pillow. Bringing up a creature that was not present would cause more of an issue then it was even worth. Trying to prove a reality was hard to do when the animal was gone.
"Alright dear, well if you need...I guess scream again" Ms. Bat said before closing the door. Katherine laid down waiting.
Tap tap tap
Three taps to her door Katherine knew it was time. She opened her door and smiled at Enid Nightshade. Following the first year toward Mildred's room she kept second guessing the whole plan.
Ptssss
Katherine made a noise to get the girl's attention. "I don't think this is a good idea" she whispered to Enid. Enid's curls bounced as she skipped down the corridor "You want to help Millie right...well we both know...she just need to have confidence. what better way then a simple confidence potion".
A confidence potion was anything but simple. Scrunching her face in thought Katherine wondered if the first years even had a clue to do one.
Oh my, what if they ask me to do it she thought.
It was one thing to watch and voice her words but to actually make the potion was different.Though she knew Mildred knew the steps, but she did lack confidence.
Maybe having it for a day will allow Mildred to believe in herself after she passed a potion exam she kept trying to assure herself. The girls arrived infront of Mildred's wooden door, before they could open it themselves, Maud slowly pulled the door open.
"Can you guys be quiet" she whispered as she looked down the hall making sure everything was clear. Maud looked more worried about the idea then Katherine did.
All four girls stood together in a circle looking at the Calderon on Mildred's desk. "Well...are we sure this idea is good" Mildred started to second guess the idea
"Yes" Enid replied with excitment while Maud replied "No" at the same time. Mildred looked at Maud waiting for her to explain.
"It's unauthorized magic, if you get caught...Millie it can cause you to fail this exam...which means..." Maud spoke truthfull but leaving the getting sent home part off.
Katherine nodded "she is right, we all will be introuble" even though she may not touch a single ingredient she knew about the event, and not informing a teacher of their plan made her just as guilty.
"If you get caught" Enid added as she crossed her arms glaring at Katherine. Katherine rolled her eyes. "Unless you will go run and tell your mum...how will anyone know...after all you are friends with a Hallow"
"Wow" Katherine took a step back "So we will go their...well, I'm putting my neck on the line being here. I'm just trying to help Mildred pass this exam"
"But why help her, what's in it for you"Enid added as she raised her brow tilting her head. Katherine watched as Maud and Mildred now were looking at her. Truthfully she didnt really have a reason to help her, but something about Mildred seemed intresting. Maybe it was the fact that she was nonmagic, she herself didn't even know. Or maybe it was to get under her mother's skin, prove her mother wrong about the Worst Witch.
"I really don't have a specific reason to help, but I will say this. I believe in you Mildred. We go this route" Katherine continued "We because I'm not going to let first years attempt a level five potion alone, but if we do this...we all will be introuble together"
"Indeed you will Katherine...Maud...Enid...and Mildred Hubble" Hardbroom sneered as she appeared into the room. Her black night gown matched her hair that was free from her usual tight bun. Katherine watched as Hardbroom scanned the ingredients.
"Confidence Potion" she rose a brow at her daughter "A restricted potion to use for school assignments...of course" her gaze fell upon Mildred "When she's involved everything becomes reckless"
"Ms. Hardbroom" Maud spoke up "we really were not trying to break any rules, Millie just needed to believe in herself"
"Silence" Hardbroom's voice was low as she glared at all the pupils while addressing Maud, Maud quickly closed her mouth. Katherine knew they were cautious with everything, she didn't understand how her mother knew they were meeting at midnight. Hardbroom waved her hand making all the ingredients vanish "I am confiscating these items" Hardbroom continued.
She wondered if the first years assumed she tipped off her mother. The distrust in their eyes confirmed that they were thinking it.
"How did you find out" the question came out of Katherine. being confused with all of this. She knew her mother was a powerful witch but reading minds was not something she could do, it was against the witches code even if she could figure it out and going against the witches code was not something Katherine could ever see Hardbroom break. Her mother lived by the code. To Katherine's knowledge Hardbroom obeyed every code her whole life.
"Hallow'' Hardbroom responded "and you can thank her...I clearly came in time before everyone would of made a mockery to their family" she looked at Mildred and added "well to some"
The three first years groaned and all said the name at once "Ethel"
Katherine felt like she should of figured, the girl could not go a day without trying to find a reason to throw Mildred out of school.
Hardbroom rose a perfect arched brow as her gaze fell upon Katherine's blue eyes "no...Esmerelda"
Katherine's jaw dropped, she couldn't imagine her best friend running to her mother. "No" Katherine said in disbelief. The first years were whispering amongst themselves before Hardbroom rose her index finger to silence them, the black stiletto nail made her finger look longer.
"She over heard the plan apparently from you lot" looking at the first years "and did the right thing informing me...detention for all of you.'' Hardbroom assigned each of them different detentions, Katherine groaned when heard that she would be doing dishes after breakfast with Ms. Tapioca. "Be thankful I came in time before...anything...was completed" she added. Katherine knew if they would of been caught doing the potion instead or just chatting about it, it would have been worst.
Hardbroom had dismissed everyone out of Mildred's room, the deputy headmistress walked behind her only child letting her lead the way. The fifteen year old stopped walking, she felt her mother's body gently bump her from the abrupt stop. Her sapphire eyes looked straight ahead narrowing on her best friend. Her heart raced as she was becoming more upset.
"You snitched" Katherine hissed, her mother's hands slowly gripped her shoulders from behind. Hardbroom did not speak but Katherine felt her mum's grasp. It was like a reminder to remember where she was before making a fool to her family name.
"To protect you" Esmerelda replied as her hazel eyes began to water. Katherine sarcastically laughed and shook her head "right"
Esmerelda's tears fell slowly down her soft rosie cheeks. She wasn't one for confrontation and this was the first time Katherine felt betrayed by her friend.
"Really, when I heard what potion you was going help with...we are third years Katherine. They are first years, we know that unauthorized magic to interfere with testing...results in"
"Expulsion" Hardbroom finished the statement as Esmerelda wiped her eyes using the palm of her hands. Katherine barley noticed her mother's grip being released from her.
"She was a good friend to come and get me, Katherine what you were doing was foolish. I would not expect that from you...to try and throw it all away" Hardbroom never moved in the front of Katherine as she spoke. Instead her blue eyes watched Esmerelda compose herself and try not to cry.
"Kat, I do not apologize because it's better for you to be upset with me then me watching you being expelled and leave this school" and with those words Esmerelda turned around leaving the two witches. One mistake with unauthorized magic was the warning, sadly this was not Katherine's first time doing unauthorized magic. Her first year at Cackles she did a terrible thing, luckily Ada Cackle gave her another chance. The memory was not something Katherine was proud of, even her father was disappointed in her at that moment.
"Do not forget detention in the morning, if you do not show up, it will be a lot worst" her mother had turned Katherine around to face her as she spoke. Hardbroom's face was stern but her eyes did not show anger. "Trying to help is one thing...but doing unauthorized potions is another"
"She knows it" Katherine added Mildred really did know the potion that she was having a test on tomorrow. Hardbroom's lip slightly turned up as she looked down at her daughter, Katherine felt her mother move her blonde hair away from her face. "Well...we shall see tomorrow" and with that Hardbroom vanished with a soft smile.
Morning came quickly, Katherine felt her head pound with pain from only having four hours of rest. Groaning as she got up she slowly started to get dressed. To stop yawning seemed impossible as she walked down the stairs to the corridor. It was Hardbroom on duty this morning, she wore her usual black gown that snug to her figure, eyes looking at the sleepy pupils that started to eat breakfast. Katherine didn't address her mother as she grabbed a bowl of porridge. Never taking a bite she stirred the food slowly looking in her bowl.
"May I sit" Esemerelda asked. Katherine looked up at her friend and she was able to see the sadness in Esmey's eyes. Though looking at her Katherine couldn't help but feel annoyed. It was choosing to understand and move forward or be a bit bitter. Katherine just couldn't understand why Esmey felt the need to go and tattle. She needed a moment to herself before doing detention.
"Sure. I was just leaving" Katherine said as she stood up grabbing her full bowl of food. Esemerelda sat down the moment Katherine walked away. Throwing the containments in the trash she heard Ms. Bat telling Ms. Tapioca.
"Ms. Cackle just informed us the Grand Wizard is coming" Katherine listened as she pretended to scraped the food out her now empty bowl. She wanted to hear more, but being upset at the one person she would run and gossip to. It almost made the news pointless to listen too.
"Dear" the voice was soft and Katherine was a bit startled. She turned to face Ms. Cackle. Katherine gave her headmistress a small smile. Ms. Cackle wore her usual pink blouse covered by the grey shawl, her specks were at the tip of her nose.
"I need a word with you" Cackle said in a soft tone tilting her head while giving her a smile "in my office" she added
Katherine's stomach became in knots, what if Ms. Cackle heard about last night. Of course she heard about last night, Hardbroom told Ada everything. Katherine knew if her father found out she would be in serious trouble, especially after she swore never to do such a thing again. With a snap of Cackle's fingers she transported them into her office. Cackle looked at Katherine in a strange manner before she gave a small smile. Katherine didn't realize that the Cackle who stood infront of her was not Ada, but Agatha instead.