Notes:Sorry it has been a while, but thanks for review, and everyone reading. Life has been busy!
Katherine watched Cackle not sure what, whom she thought was the headmistress, wanted. The young witch had no idea that the real Ada Cackle was under a spell while the woman that stood before her was Agatha Cackle. Ada's twin sister.
"I'm sure you know why we are here" Agatha's impression was so convincing, the held tilt she added at the end of her sentence made Katherine bite her bottom lip. Katherine was nervous to explain herself but knew the witch in authority had every right to question her actions. After all she did make a promise after her big mistake during her first year.
"I believe so" Katherine said as Cackle pointed to the chair across from hers. On the top of the wooden chair sat two owls, Katherine always wondered why owls since it was more of a Pentangle mascot. She slowly allowed her small frame to sit, the wood was cold upon her flesh. Looking upon Cackle's face. The womans face had wrinkles, wrinkles of knowledge her father would always tell her as a child. She glanced at the specs that were to the edge of Agatha's nose, the usual way Ada wore them. Her expression was not as soft and caring like normal, which made Katherine a bit concerned. She truly didn't want to disappoint her parents by getting kicked out from school. A school that her whole family on her mother's side attended.
Agatha smiled as she titled her head "Dear it has come to my attention this morning, that you were with the first years...about to do unauthorized magic"
Katherine took a deep breath as she nodded. Her eyes became doe like, she wanted to seem innocent. In her mind she was innocent. Even though she met with them, it wasn't as if she completed the crime. Innocent until proven guilty was her motto, especially at this moment.
Agatha's smile vanished as she clasped her hands together "Your mother was very upset when she informed me this morning."
Katherine found the courage to finally speak "I am sorry, I truly am. It wasn't for a bad cause. I just wanted to help Mildred with her confidence...I swear, it was nothing more" the verdict of being guilty started to swarm Katherine's brain.
"I see, but if I remember correctly, your first day here, you were just trying to help another witch...do you remember"
Of course Katherine remembered, it was how the whole school found out she was Hardbroom's daughter. Katherine had did a level six potion as a first year, which caused a huge mess for the school. Her mother had to fix the situation while her father Simon Northam, a very respected wizard, came to school and scold her. She couldn't forget how angry her parents, and faculty were with her. Katherine was always thankful Ada Cackle never kicked her out, and gave her another chance. Nodding her head as she looked down in shame. She remembered how much of a fool she felt after, a memory that she didn't want to relive. Even in this very moment with Cackle bringing it up she felt like the little girl again, feeling extreme regret. Katherine knew Ada always had knowledge of how she felt bad about it. It was a surprise that it was being brought up again. Keeping her eyes upon her black school boots.
"I'm truly sorry, Ms. Cackle" her blue eyes slowly rose to look at Agatha whom was staring straight at her "For the past and the present" knowing that an apology was words but needed to be backed up by action. Katherine's chest began to feel heavy as it rose with each deep breath, she was trying hard to keep her tears back. The guilt was becoming to much for the child. It was added weight to her.
"I know you are...Mildred needed help, and...well...the first time...Agatha..." Agatha stopped talking as both witches kept their eyes locked with one another. Silence filled the room for a brief moment. Looking at the woman who was pretending to be Cackle, she never wanted to disappoint Ada. Ada had always been around with her growing up, being the person who gave her a hug when her mother felt like to much affection would cause Katherine to become spoiled. Katherine felt safe with Ada. It was Ada who even introduced Katherine to Esmerelda. She always went out of her way for the Katherine.
"If you expel me, I understand...I know I was given one more chance"
"Don't be silly girl...your mother said she caught you in time...no potion done" Agatha added as her eyes looked Katherine up and down. Katherine was the witch that was so willing to help her, but sometimes a good deed has major consequences. Especially when the request never was meant for good, Katherine was just a naive witch who fell into Agatha's lap. Though Agatha knew that behind this witch was a stronger witch, a protective mother. Agatha just needed something to destroy the trust between daughter and mother.
Katherine postured straighten up as her words came out "I'm sure my mother and father will be pleased to know...I really am forever grateful"
"And you"
Katherine was at a lost of words for a second. A part of her was happy to stay, maybe she could work it out with Esmey, but another part of her wanted to see more. To do more. Agatha rose a brow.
"Yes" she lied forcing a quick smile.
Agatha learned back in her chair "Tell me child, the truth...you can trust me" her demeanor changed for a brief second. Katherine felt like something was off but couldn't put her finger on it. She wasn't sure if it was Cackle's look or the way she said you can trust me...something seemed different yet similar all at the same time.
"Well..." she trailed off it was a battle between if she should just say it or hold it in. Katherine felt like it was a battle she always had. She decided to give in.
"I don't want to be a witch" it was out. Katherine felt anxious, scared, but finally better that she told a person that she thought could give her advice.
Well she thought, Agatha sat in disbelief for a moment. As the silence took over Katherine could not help but wish she could take her words back.
"I...I'm just in shock...you come from such" Agatha took the speckles off and cleaned them before placing them back upon her face as she continued "a well respected family...your mother...your father...The Northman family."
Katherine knew about her mother being one of the top witches. The Northman was a bloodline of wizards. She was the first witch in years to be born. Growing up he always called her his special witch, he was a busy wizard but she came first in his life. She only seen him disappointed with her, her first year. She remembered the argument her parents had about how she should of went to Pentangles. It was Ada Cackle whom helped her parents come to a final decision. Katherine looked at the woman she assumed was the kindest adult witch she grew up around.
"Magic...it's nice...but I don't feel like it defines who I truly am" she felt like her life could be so much more then being a witch. That magic was holding her back.
Agatha nodded. She didn't say a word as Katherine continued to speak, letting her emotions out.
"I don't know, sometimes I wonder what life would be like" Katherine's tears slowly fell down her pale cheeks as she spoke. Her heart ached as she confessed her secrets. "To explore, do something in that world...but mother always says magic does not belong in that world" Hardbroom made sure that her daughter knew where magic belonged. She also knew that's why Mildred got under her skin, Mildred just didn't belong. Yet Katherine felt like she was a witch who didn't want to be here. She had everything that the first year wanted, a witching family, but she felt trapped.
"Would you give it up" Agatha asked, her eyes were soft as Katherine silently cried in the chair. She shrugged her shoulders.
"I dunno" she whispered. She was confused, but she knew her mother wanted her to be the best witch possible. It was what Katherine tried to do her whole life, to please her mother and father. Both parents wanted so much from her yet both different wishes, the weight she carried seemed like she was smothering. To her it felt like her magic was wrapped around her neck holding her down, the moments where she felt free was when she spent time with Esmey. Esmey showed her how to enjoy her magic but within respected manner.
Cackle leaned over and touched Katherine's hand "you can trust me" Katherine slowly moved her hand away. Those words sounded so familiar, she couldn't remember Ada Cackle telling her to trust her. She always trusted Ada Cackle. Almost feeling like a silly first year, shaking the thought from her head Katherine nodded but kept her hands upon her lap. Her posture straight as she waited for advice or assurance for Ada but it never came. It was as if her confession was heard but not taken serious.
Agatha took a deep breath before she spoke. "I'm so glad you told me this...now I think I should send you on your way." The news was indeed a lot, information that could rip a protective mother and daughter apart. Agatha just needed to make sure the witch before her would eventually become broken, a broken witch would be easier to convice to help her.
Katherine watched the older witch tap her ring a few times, not knowing that the potion powder Agatha used to place Ada under an enchantment and transport her into the office was now completely out. The witch before Katherine no longer had anymore of Gullet's powder to use. Katherine watched Agatha rub her ring before she stood up. The pupil took it as her que to leave. The young witch left the office, she was feeling unsure about the whole situation. With Cackle not giving her advice on her personal issues she felt like she was being foolish, then thinking the worst came to mind.
What if the headmistress told her mother, she knew Hardbroom would be furious. Katherine couldn't imagine her mother ever wanting to explore and see the nonmagical world. Katherine could only picture her mother following ever rule in the Witches Code.
Making her way to the cafeteria she groaned as she saw the many plates, bowls,cup, pots and pans that she had to scrub before she could enjoy her Saturday.
"Those dishes won't scrub themselves if you just stare at them" Ms. Tapioca commented. The kitchen cook had her hair up as she wore the cooking uniform. The white apron she had on had stains on them as her olive skinned glowed from sweat. Katherine groaned again as she made her way to the sink.
"I didn't ask to babysit you, you can just stop the huffing and puffing...scrub them clean" she sneered at Katherine with annoyance before walking away. Katherine scrubbed and scrubbed as fast as she humanly could. It took a total of two hours to complete her detention. Once she was done Katherine looked down at her nails that were now chipped and raw. Walking out of the basement ,where the cafeteria was located, she planned to stay in her room away from everyone and everything.
"Northman" the Grand Wizard said proudly. Katherine looked up at the wizard before her. His short white hair seemed normal, his face seemed average, nothing about him seemed grand. Yet he was grand, his magic was strong and his words were law for witches and wizards. He was a friend of her fathers in the end, knowing him her whole life she didn't feel embarrassed to meet him, she gave a quick well met before looking at Cackle and Hardbroom standing behind him. She wasn't sure why the Wizard was at Cackles.
"How has the year been treating you" he asked trying to make small talk. Katherine smiled "fine" she wasn't sure if she needed to stay or make an excuse to leave. Glancing at the stairs she could see Hardbroom giving her a stern expression, looking away from an adult in mid conversation was disrespectful, something her mother disapproved of.
"Your father was surprised you never told him about events that have happened here" the Grand Wizard rose his blonde brow as he watched Katherine. Her blue eyes fell upon her mother's disapproval expression from the mention of Katherine's dad, then quickly averting them toward the Grand Wizard. She almost was hoping her mother or Cackle would get her out of this mess. She didn't like to inform her father of every detail, he judged Cackles.
"It did not concern me, so did not feel it was a concern to him" she said truthfully. The Wizard nodded, she was unsure if it was from agreement or just just wanting to end the talk.
"Well. We shall go see what Hubble, Mildred Hubble planned for us...join" he snapped his fingers. The fifteen year old rolled her eyes as the man walked ahead, she felt a hard smack on her shoulder. Not needing to look behind it was obvious, she crossed her arms annoyed that she was swatted at as if she was a five year old. The fifteen year old followed the adults and walked silently behind them. Katherine wanted nothing more then to be in her room; she looked at Cackle wondering if the woman told her mother the confession she made earlier.
Inside the potion classroom, pupils and staff all sat within the seats facing the wooden tables. Mildred Hubble stood behind her future act waiting. Katherine sat behind her mother and the headmistress. She turned to look at Esmerelda, her friend looked as if something was on her mind. Unsure of all the drama that had happened before the act.
Mildred spoke opening up her act, it started off average. Katherine watched as the young pupil made music, until the whole front row was splashed.
The noise of the Ms. Drill, Mr. Webb and The Great Wizard filled the room. The seconds flew by as the noise grew louder. Katherine covered her ears as she winced from the pain the noise was causing. Her blue eyes watched her mother gracefully make them stop, ending the enchantment Mildred caused. Listenting to the woman that stood next to her speak, her words full of concern.
"Are you alright, your greatness" Ms Bat asked. Katherine started to feel concern for Mildred, the poor girl just did a terrible act and made the Wizard look like a fool. In front of all the school.
"I asked for proof that Mildred is a responsible student and this is what I get?" The Great Wizard yelled. Katherine felt Esmerelda grip her arm. The girls eyes met for a quick second before Esmey removed her hand.
"It was a mistake" Agatha spoke pretending to be Ada. The adults speaking in this manner was different, as long as she attended Cackles, the teacher never had a quarrel infront of the pupils.
"Which should have never happened, you endangered us all with this reckless magic"
Mildred interrupted pleading with him saying it was her fault. Katherine looked at the first year then back at the teachers. Like every pupil standing in the potion class, she was silent. All she could do was listen. The fact that Mildred spoke out of turn proved she was mad or maybe brave.
"It's not your fault, child ..its yours. " The Wizard turned toward Cackle "You allowed this child to run around which means you obviously are unfit to run this school" the wizard's voice was stern as he continued.
"I shall insure you are removed as soon as possible"
Those word caused Katherine's heart to pace faster. She couldn't imagine the school without Ada Cackle, Cackle was the school. Even though her heart hurt for Ada, she couldn't speak up for the headmistress. No pupil spoke, they all watched as the teachers chased after the Wizard leaving all them alone.
After Enid announced to the school about Ethel, Katherine turned to Esmey. She was feeling annoyed with Ethel, but knew that Esmey always felt responsible for her sisters.
"Are you alright" Katherine asked with concern.
Esmey's hazel eyes were filled with tears as she shook her head. "Now you speak to me, I have to speak to my sister. I don't have time for you right now" the words felt like a slap to Katherine's face. Of course Emsey had every right to be upset with her and after hearing that the first years were blaming Ethel for sending the letter to the Great Wizard. Knowing she needed to be a good friend she followed the Hallow girls wanting to help Esmey out.
Before the blonde could follow the Hallows up the stairs she heard her name being called. Her mother stood as if she saw a ghost as her eyes were filled with worry. Katherine turned away from the stairs, and headed toward her mum. She didn't speak but allowed her sapphire eyes to look at Hardbroom. Her mother's hand slowly touched Katherine on shoulder she had slapped earlier, as she whispered.
"Ada wants me to see about the bats, Mildred is apparently now doing a performance. I need you to do something"
Katherine was a bit shocked her mother was asking her a favor. For the last fifteen years, she never heard her mother ask her for help before. Not sure if she was suppose to speak she just nodded.
"I will not be at this show, I want you to sit near Ada and The Great Wizard. If...well when Mildred messes up...I need you to summon me so I can appear and sort this mess out"
It was a simple request but Katherine knew how important this was to Hecate Hardbroom.
"I will" Katherine whispered as she saw her mother slightly give her a smile with her red lips. The school was everything to her mum, teaching was Hardbroom's life...but Ada Cackle was her mother's rock. Katherine didn't want to watch her mother lose someone so important to her. Hardbroom gracefully closed her hand allowing herself to vanish away. Katherine stood alone.
She never was able to meet with Esmerelda before the broom show. Katherine had made her way outside sitting next to Cackle as the Great Wizard looked over at her. She gave him a soft smile before her eyes averted to the show...the show that drastically turned into trouble with Mildred Hubble. She watched the girls nearly fall as Cackle sat peacefully, it wasnt until Maud came running out with Ada that Katherine completely forgot that she was suppose to summon her mother. She watched in shock trying to figure out everything going on. The twins were identical from hair to toe.
"Will the real Ada Cackle save those girls" The Great Wizard ordered as Katherine watched the lady she confessed her secret, do nothing. Her heart raced from panic as her mother appeared next to her.
"I guess nothing ha.." Hardbroom's words stopped as she looked at Agatha and Ada. Katherine stood up about to sneak off as her mother started to speak with Ada Cackle. Katherine felt a cold hand grabbing her arm turning her to face their direction.
"Did you know" her voice was stern as her eyes narrowed upon Katherine. Katherine watched her mother's lean body become stiff as Hardbrooms breathing became hallow, as her body radiated anger.
Of course I'd be accused Katherine thought as she felt Ada's eyes upon her as well.
After the incident from her first year that happened, when it came to Agatha...not many people trusted her fully. Agatha and Katherine always had a special bond.
"No...I swear it" Katherine pleaded with her mother. She glanced at Cackle, the true headmistress. "I promise I did not know Ms. Cackle"
Hardbroom and the headmistress exchanged glances before Katherine's mother continued.
"I know you two had a meeting this morning, I'm just making sure"
Before Katherine could say anything Agatha's voice filled their ears.
"Don't worry child, your secret is safe with me...for now" her sinister smirk overcame her lips as her eyes dug deep into Katherine. Katherine's secret that would cause a war between her and her own mother. Hardbroom stepped inbetween the view facing toward Agatha. Katherine looked at her mother's back before taking a step back. She felt like the world was crashing before her, it was one thing to have disagreements with Hardbroom. But she knew that this secret would cause so much pain, and it was a battle she was not ready to have with her mum.
All three ladies looked at Katherine as she kept taking a few steps back. Hardbroom's words were sharp and quick "I will speak to you later"
Turning to head inside Katherine didn't want to see anyone anymore. She took off toward her room. Esmerelda was behind her as she opened her door.
"Speaking terms are we" Katherine hissed as she undid her tie. Esmerelda closed the wooden door shaking her head "We don't have to be if your going to stay acting like a little brat"
Both girls were staring at each other. Katherine knew her earlier actions were a bit bratty, at times she acted without actually taking the time to think. Taking a deep breath both girls talked and explained themselves. Katherine couldn't help but tell Esmey about the terrible confession. They apologized over and over again.
"Do you think my mother will ever find out" Katherine asked as both girls were laying on the bed staring at the ceiling. The room was silent before Esmerelda spoke.
"I dont see Agatha and Ms. Hardbroom speaking in the future..unless...you decide to officially inform her of your feelings"
Katherine felt a shift in the bed so she glanced at her friend. The brown hair witch was laying on her side staring at Katherine.
"Nothing is wrong if you confess how you feel"
Katherine sat up she kept her gaze upon her soft spoken friend. Esmerelda's fair skin seemed flawless with a hint of pink on her cheeks.
"I'm scared" She was honest. Katherine was scared of what her mother would do, but mostly what she would say. Katherine was raised in a strict home, where nonmagical people did not mix with magic, where the code was important. Magic came easy to Katherine, of course she had to study, but even though it was so easy...she wanted more.
"She's your mother, in the end..she will always love you"
Katherine wanted to believe those words, but at times she felt teaching witches the proper way was Hardbroom's passion and not allowing witches to follow silly dreams. But, Esmerelda was right. Her mum did love her and cared about her, which was a main reason Hardbroom was firm. Running her fingers thru her blonde hair she didn't respond as a growling stomach filled her ears. The girls laughed before they headed out the room, down the stairs toward the dining area.
The third year girls could hear Mildred chime happily.
"I did it! I made a passing mark on my potion exam"
Before Katherine could comprehend what was going on, Mildred's arms were wrapped around her as she kept saying thanks. In that moment Katherine's back became stiff as she was not one who enjoyed receiving hugs from acquaintances. She wasn't a touch affectionate person. Her youthful face made a confused and uncomfortable expression as she looked at Mildred. Never returning the hug her arms stayed by her side.
"Welcome" her response was stiff even though she felt happy for the girl. Mildred released Katherine as she kept her cheerful smile and doe brown eyes locked upon the third year.
"You mum was surprised when she told me my score"
"Really" Katherine added as both Enid and Maud nodded. Esmerelda jumped as Hardbroom appeared near her.
The woman stood before the pupils looking at Mildred Hubble with a firm gaze "I was surprised that the worst witch, actually made a decent grade...But Katherine has her own studies and is not a third year tutor" her words were sharp as her /r/ rolled off her tongue.
"I don't mind" Katherine added. Hardbroom's finger raised at Katherine, her black stiletto nail pointing straight up.
"You were not assigned to tutor as a third year, rules ...are rules...If Mildred needs extra help. I do not mind" Hardbroom took a step toward the first year "assisting her myself" her gaze locked upon Millie as her head lowered down from towering over the small girl.
Katherine could of sworn she heard all three first years gulp before she watched Mildred shake her head no before the students fled. Hardbroom looked over at Esmerelda and then away swiftly, giving the Hallow a hint she needed to leave. Once Katherine was alone with her mother, Hardbroom did smirk. "I guess...you actually were able to teach her something. Even if you used a song that helped her memorize it only for a test"
Katherine couldn't help but laugh as she covered her mouth. She wondered if Mildred actually did sing it in the lesson, knowing Hardbroom would get irritated and call it nonsense. Hardbroom's expression softened as she continued.
"Good job"
"Thanks" Katherine took it. She rarely got a praise from her mum. So a simple good job meant everything to her right now. Trying to hide her excitement she rocked back and forth on her heels causing her mother to firmly grip her to keep her body still and not moving.
"Do you want to tell me what you told Agatha" she asked. Katherine felt like she went straight into the question, no beating around the bush.
"No" Katherine said honestly. Her mother's soft expression quickly vanished as she became stern.
"Why" she commanded.
"I...told her something that was stupid"
"Something that could harm the school"
Of course she was worried about the school, Katherine thought. Shaking her head Katherine replied "no...I swear...it was nothing" of course to Katherine it was something.
"Well go off to dinner" Hardbroom ordered before she allowed her fingers to slowly close upon one another before disappearing, the expression of disbelief consumed Hecate's face. Katherine stood in the empty hall wondering if she should of just told her mother the truth.