Note: Sorry it's been a while, started watching Downton in my free time. But anyway, thanks for everything. Enjoy xxx

Katherine was sitting at her desk within her room. The potion assignment nearly due was spread out upon the wooden oak desk. Her thoughts should have been about her work, but instead Esmerelda's advice danced in her head. She had to admit that her best friends words were true. Katherine knew she needed to start over with a clean slate. To tell her mother the truth, even the thoughts of not wanting to be a witch. Gathering her composure she stood up and headed her way to the Potions Lab. The walk seemed longer then normal as the fear of confronting Hardbroom became real, she couldn't help but become nervous. Even though she longed for a connection with her mum, the action of actually doing it made her palms sweat.

Entering the lab she stood in the door way as her eyes fell upon the two pupils behind their cauldrons. They were selected to represent Cackles Academy for the Spelling Bee. Spelling Bee against her Father's school he helped create, Pentangles.

Mildred Hubble seemed nervous as sweat dripped down her face. It was obvious whatever potion she was trying to do was not working out. Looking at the other first year, the Hallow held confidence. Katherine watched Ethel gracefully stir her potion while the Hallow's eyes shot daggers toward Mildred. Most Hallows could be cold, most witching families were a bit harsh and old school.

"Do you not know how to...knock" hissed Hardbroom. Of course the teacher had no idea who entered her room. Katherine felt the confidence slowly leave her body as she tried to find her words to speak. Taking to long to answer, she watched her mother swiftly turn to face her. Hardbroom's firm gaze did not vanish as her eyes landed on her child. Katherine could have sworn her mum was more upset realizing it was her to interrupted. After all she was raised to follow rules and expectations. Interrupting was a flaw her mother frowned upon.

"I just wanted to have a word with you" Katherine let her words trail off as she realized her mother was fuming with annoyance. For once she wanted Hecate to have compassion, like she did the early morning when she went collect ingredients. Before things had turned sour.

"We can leave" Mildred added nervously. Katherine couldn't blame the first year for wanting to vanish, she was starting to regret interrupting the tutoring session for the Spelling Bee.

Hardbroom looked back at Mildred then back to Katherine. "I do not have time to..have a chat" Katherine watched Hecate walk toward the two first years, giving them a hard stare so they could continue their work. Katherine exhaled loudly before she crossed her arms. She wanted her mother to notice her.

"Really...not even a moment"

As the words left her mouth she watched Ethel's jaw drop as Hardbroom made her way to Katherine.

"We all have responsibilities...Katherine..I do not have the leisure to just...chat" Hardroom hissed as her eyes narrowed. Katherine nodded her head as the room began to fill with black smoke. The nonstop hiccupping begun. It was like the sound was being forced from her mouth. Uncomfortable and annoying as everything that was alive started to hiccup. Frogs, the raven, the two first years even Ms. Hardbroom could not contain the hiccups.

"Mildred." Hiccup "Hubble" Hardbroom's infamous tone of voice surrounded Mildred's name thru Hecate's soft hiccups. Mildred kept pleading with the potions teacher, that she was sorry. Hecate's dark brown orbs rolled as her lips pursed together. With a quick flick of Hecate's wrist the hiccups stopped.

"Out" was the final words Katherine heard before her body was forced out of the potions lab. Her mother forcing Katherine to disappear into the court yard gave her an upset stomach. Feeling a bit annoyed she couldn't help but pick up a rock and throw it in anger. It wasn't her fault Mildred mixed up the ingredients. Yet she was forced out so her mother could tutor the two pupils. Feeling like second best she looked up at the clear sky. For the first time in years she wanted to have a heart to heart moment with her mum, but once again Katherine felt like Hecate placed the school before her. As her fingers slowly grabbed another stone to toss her fingers wrapped around the rock in the exact placement Noah showed her. Even though she was forbidden to leave the grounds Katherine couldn't help but feel an urge to leave. The time her and Noah spent together was nice, she was able to dismiss a lot of her worries and live in the present moment. The thoughts of running away vanished from her mind as her attention fell upon a witch flying toward the school.

The woman was dressed in barbie pink, making her seem like a life size doll, from witch hat to high heel. Instantly Katherine recgonized the beautiful witch. Pippa Pentangle. A friend of her father, someone her mother never spoke to often. A woman that Katherine didn't know if she was raised to dislike or adore. Both of her parents held different opinions. But, one thing was the same. Pippa always spoke highly of Hecate Hardbroom.

"Well Met" the Headmistress of the rival school Pentangles said as her feet hit the ground. Ada Cackle returned the gesture. Both schools were top notch with academics. It was cats vs owls, always.

"These here are some of Pentangle's finest students" Pippa added as three Wizards landed near her. Katherine took a few steps closer to get a better look of them. Two were younger but the third was around her age. He looked familiar. His features were more define, no longer a young boy. Staring at his familiar face she couldn't figure out the boy's name.

Katherine watched Ada beam at the boys while Pippa pointed out Zac and Sapphire. Before Pippa could name the third her hazel eyes fell upon Katherine.

"Well Met Katherine" Pippa's voice was soft and lovely. The tone matched the witches looks.

Katherine returned the gesture before walking toward both headmistress. Both blondes locked eyes with one another. Katherine couldn't help compare Pippa to a barbie she use to play with as a child.

"It has been a long time" Pippa quietly added. Her hazel eyes looked Katherine up and down "you have grown.''

The pupil did not feel tall, even though both her parents were above average with height. She could feel the eyes of the people surrounding her.

"Well...let me introduce my nephew year" Pippa added as her pink nail pointed at the boy. His brown eyes landed on Katherine. "Edward Pentangle...I'm sure the two of you remember each other. " After hearing the name it clicked.

"Well met" Katherine and Ada Cackle simultaneously said. Of course Northamn remembered Pentangle, how could she forget the boy who helped her in mischievous activites at a young age. One found memory popped into her mind. She couldn't help but cover her mouth trying to hide a smile.

"I'm sure Katherine can show Edward around while I take my two players, and introduce them to their opponents."

The idea made Katherine's stomach do a leap.

Katherine watched as Ada returned the smile to Pippa "that would be" before Ada could finish Hardbroom appeared next to Cackles Headmistress.

"Didn't you wish to speak with me" Hardbroom addressed Katherine but kept her eyes on Pippa. Feeling a bit annoyed Katherine was unable to hide her facial expression. When she wanted to speak to her Mother, she was told to leave. But now that her mother's former bestfriend wanted her to show a boy around, Hardbroom had time to speak. Katherine couldn't help but think her mother's main plan in life was to ruin her life.

"No, I don't mind showing Edward around..I think we have a lot to catch up" Katherine replied with a smug tone. "After all I need to take responsibility at Cackles" spitting Hardbrooms words back at her mum.

Motioning for Edward to follow her, Katherine left a shocked Hardbroom with two Headmistresses. Not thinking of how her actions will cause her to regret it.

"Well your mother is the same...just as stern" Edward's voice was no longer childish but deep. His tone was a bit of surprise since it was three years the pair was once together.

"Not much has changed" Katherine spoke truthfully. Her mother was just as stern, a bit on edge thanks to Mildred Hubble.

"You grew into your ears" Edward teased as Katherine opened the main doors. She touched her ears with his comment. Giving Edward a soft shove she couldn't help but giggle. She watched Edward's eyes land on the stone walls of Cackles. Edward was more amused by how different Cackles was to Pentangles. Pentangles was more modern while Cackles kept to the original ways. The boy had never step foot within the walls of the school. They would mostly play at her father's home or the corridors within Pentangles.

"You wouldn't transfer" he asked as the pair sat within her years resting area. Katherine shook her head. It wasn't that she didn't ever want to attend Pentangles. But her whole life she knew learning magic would be within the walls of Cackles. It was the agreement her parents held with one another.

"I don't think my mother approves of Pentangle's allowing everyone from different backgrounds...also mix genders" Hecate was old school. Witches stayed with witches. While Wizards stayed with Wizards.

"The magic world is changing..." Edward's words were true. Things were changing yet in Cackles walls it wasn't happening as fast. Even with Cackles very own nonmagical witch, Mildred Hubble. The whole school knew how much HB wanted the first year gone. It was no secret. Most of the other students felt bad for Mildred, except for Ethel. That was not a secret either. The shocker that those two girls had to work together to beat Pentangles very own first years in a Spelling Bee, was going to be an exciting show indeed. A few of the girls were placing bets on if Mildred Hubble would blow up the hall or catch anything on fire.

"Well...did you apply at any colleges" Katherine asked. Edward was in year five, it being his final year she knew it was time for him to actually think of his future.

"Yes. I actually have been taking classes at night. Your Father has been teaching a few of us...classes for WeirdSister"

It explained why most of her calls were always short. Not surprised that he was teaching for WeirdSister College. Her mother was spectacular at potions, but Simon had a gift for SpellScience. Yet her father never pushed Katherine to follow his footsteps.

"Lucky" Katherine added. It was an honor to be taught by her dad. She never understood why he left the teaching experience. Knowing that her father was once a Wizard who did teach at Cackles, but ended up leaving to achieve other dreams. He never spoke about his years at Cackles. Knowing Gullet was hired after her father had left, and now Professor Webb.

"Well, I hope to be just as amazing as he is...I'd love to teach" Edward chimed. Katherine rose a brow.

"Your dreams have changed" she knew of the old days where the boy before her never wanted to teach. Where he wanted to travel the world and live life day by day. An adventure life. A life they both wanted.

"I grew up" Edward's scrunched his brows "your dreams...I'm sure they have changed"

Katherine shrugged her shoulders. Not sure if she could trust a childhood friend anymore. Life before Cackles she use to laugh and play with the boy. But now he seemed mature and not living life day by day anymore.

"I don't have a particular dream"

"Everyone has a dream, KitKat" Edward chuckled. His fingers moved her blonde hair from her face. He was no longer the silly boy that would help her hide her fathers suitcase to prevent him from going to a conference.

"I do not" she whispered. Her sapphire eyes locked upon his brown orbs. His straight teeth was visible from his simple smile.

"Both of your parents would be disapointed if their only daughter had no dreams...or...are you ashamed of them"

"Maybe some of us have not changed completely" Katherine truthfully said. The conversation between the two seemed mature and not like the usual childish way in the past. Why would she want to rush and grow up so fast? Katherine wasn't ready to think pass her third year of school. She wasn't even ready to think of the potion assignment that was nearly due.

"Adventure...you still dream of that" Edward added.

"Clearly you never forgot" Katherine chuckled as her legs crossed while leaning back against the red sofa the pair sat on together. "We once had the same plan" she added. An adventure sounded pleasant at this very moment.

"Yes...I remember those days...I'm surprised your father and mother even allowed us to play with one another."

"My father adored you" Katherine knew that her dad always had kind words for Edward. "Now my mother" she couldn't help but cover her mouth as she laughed. Hecate did not.

"I don't think she forgave you when you put gum in my hair...even your Aunt Pippa was upset with you"

"I did not" Edward chuckled "I will stand by my words. You walked into my hand that was holding the gum"

The pair of them laughed reliving in the past moment. Katherine remember hearing the witches code over and over from her mother. Her long hair that was once to her bottom had to be chopped. Hecate had punished her. She never forgot how she sobbed the whole two weeks she had to spend with her mum.

"Im sure it's almost time for the Spelling Bee" Katherine added while she stood up from the comfortable sofa. After fixing her school attire the pair started to head out the room toward the hall. Katherine watched a group of her fellow pupils enter the entrance before she felt a pull. It was a shock that she let a small sound escape her lips.

Edward pressed Katherine against the stone wall, covering her mouth with his hand, allowing their bodies to hide from the eyes of others.

"What are you doing" she whispered under his hand. She could taste the salt from his flesh. Edward pressed his index finger to his mouth shushing her. Pippa, Ada and Hardbroom were walking into the hall.

"Let's sneak out of here...one last hoorah" he whispered in her ear

"Thought you grew up" her tone matched his.

Edward smirked at Katherine's words "Doesn't mean I can not have fun." He allowed their bodies to be free from wall.

With that statement he led Katherine out the doors and away from the grounds. The pair of them ran as fast as their feet could carry them. Everyone watching the Spelling Bee, neither of them would be missed. The more they walked, the deeper the conversation between them got. It was as if no time had gone between them. Their laughter filled the woods.

Crystal lake came into view.

"Last one in...has to eat slugs" Katherine screamed as she quickly took her shoes and socks off. Running into the lake Edward was not far behind. They played around, trying to see who could swim the fastest. Friendly competition.

"Its almost time to return" Edward called out as Katherine had started to backstroke away. She didn't want to return, she was enjoying being out of the grounds and free.

"Not yet" she called out.

"Katherine...come on...we must go" she could tell by his words that he really didn't want to get into trouble. She continued to back stroke to the other side of the lake. Edward was looking smaller as she continued on the path.

"Joy" Noah's warm voice filled her ears. Quickly turning over so she could properly swim to the shallow. Feeling a bit embarrassed, the soaking wet witch stood up. He looked almost surprised to see her.

"Hello" Katherine added giving a small smile before biting her lip. She could feel her cheeks blush from feeling foolish.

"Having a fun swim" the boy asked. His hair was out of place as dirt and sweat covered his muscular body. Katherine's blue eyes scanned Noah before she answered.

"Kind of" it was as if she was being drawn to the boy. Something about him was captivating. As she took a step forward she noticed Noah took a step back. Her smile quickly faded as she started to get out of the lake. His sudden action made the young witch embarrassed.

"I...I been thinking of you" Noah finally added while he scuffed the top of his head with his fingers. He seemed nervous standing near her. Thinking of the first few times they met, he always had a sway of confidence. Yet something about him in this moment seemed off.

"I hope good things" she teased. Noah chuckled as he gave her one subtle nod. It was as if his confidence was returning while she watched him with her bright blue eyes.

"Always"

"What are you always doing out here" Katherine asked, she noticed the pile of branches and logs in the distant. Noah turned to look at his supplies.

"Gathering a few things before I leave"

"You plan to leave" of course he would leave, the boy couldn't live in the woods his whole life. "Why" she added. She noticed he fumbled with words to answer. His hazel eyes landed on Katherine's fair face.

"I think it's for the best" his eyes left her face. She scanned him for a few moments. He looked as if he was hiding something from her, a look she knew well herself. Lately she was becoming a pro at keeping secrets.

"Will I see you again" she asked. He was her escape from her world lately. Giving her a reason to seek adventure. Edward may have snuck her out today, but he went to school at Pentangles. She had no idea when she would ever see him again, or if she even would.

"Probably not...its for the best" hazel eyes met her bright blue orbs. To hear those words caused Katherine to become confused. She ignored the the wet mud beneath her feet as the wind blew her hair back.

"Best for what" she asked.

"You" his voice was firm. It felt like a knife to Katherine's stomach. Already feeling insecure with herself, hearing those words hurt. She didn't understand what was wrong with her, other then not telling him the honest truth. It didn't make sense to Katherine. Why not seeing him was for the best?

"I know what's best for myself...don't assume you know me" her words were sharp.

"I'm not the one that is assuming that" taking a step toward her his words were just as sharp. He matched her in every way.

The wind picked up.

'Then why lea...leave..yo...you...dddont seem like you follow others direction" her teeth chattered with every word as her skin started to rise from the coldness in the air. Her uniform clung to her body as she tried to find warmth by clinching herself. It seemed like an impossible task.

"Normally no" Noah walked toward his stash and grabbed a wool blanket that was near the logs "use this" he said while allowing the blanket to wrap around Katherine's small frame. Her body was still cold but the blanket was good protection against the wind that kept blowing. Noah's hands started to run Katherine's back, she knew he was trying to help her body circulate warmth.

"Thank you" she murmured. Noah's large hand rested on Katherine's shoulder. She watched his pink lips turn upward. She couldn't help but return to gesture.

Hearing Edward calling out for her "I have to go" she whispered as her bare feet touched the dirt upon the ground with each step. She noticed Noah's smile slowly fade away. The height difference between them was evident as she stood near him. He was tall and muscular while her frame was petite. His scent filled her nose in a calming manner. Hearing Edward from afar yell her true name, it took her out of the innocent daze she was kn.

"I hope to see you again, especially since you reminded me that I follow my own path" he teased "Keep the blanket"

"I'll be back" she promised but knowing she couldn't go meet Edward with a blanket she handed the item to him. "Meet me here tonight...please"

Noah gave a small nod before Katherine vanished into the woods looking for Edward. Two boys, same age yet both different. She kept her conversations short with Edward, her mind was on sneaking out tonight and meet with Noah. He kept asking her where she had went, but Katherine never answered. On returning to the school the pair of them heard the great news that Cackles Academy placed first place thanks to Mildred and Ethel. Katherine was ready for adventure, and she planned to live her dream.

Thanks for sticking thru this story. I feel like this chapter kind of dragged on. But definitely was needed for future story lines. XXX