This is the Third instalment of my "Moving Forward" Series! If you haven't already Checked out my other two, Make sure to take a look at my page! This Fic has now moved on to replace Season 4.

Speaking of, What did you think of the casting change? I didn't Mind When they changed Maud, I didn't even notice after the first few episodes of season 2. But, Ginger Mildred does not have the same vibes as Brunette Mildred (nor the same characteristic tendencies). I don't mind the actress, but feel it wasn't the right casting choice to replace Bella.

Onwards!

Chapter 1: The New School year.

Hecate had brought them back on Saturday, Saying something about how teachers come in days earlier. No one else will be there till Monday, She Mildred would just have to busy herself around the castle. Explore, Help the teachers, do homework. After all, all the teachers were here and free to help. The two days passed a lot faster than Mildred had expected. Before long, it was Monday Morning. She'd Jumped out of bed and changed at record Speed before darting it out of her room, she wanted to get outside to wait for Maud and Enid. What she hadn't expected was Miss Hardbroom to be standing waiting for her. "Miss Cackle has requested a Meeting." Hecate seemed nervous, like something was off. Mildred simply nodded and walked side by side to Miss Cackle's office. It felt odd to be back here, It also felt odd because it didn't feel like the typical 'you can do better' meetings she had normally.

Hecate knocked on the door before opening it, ushering Mildred in to sit opposite Miss Cackle. What Shocked Mildred, was that HB didn't take her usual Place at the right hand of Miss Cackle. This time, she stood at Mildred's Right hand. "Mildred. It's good to see you again." Miss Cackle gave that usual loving smile, making Mildred relax slightly. "You're probably wondering why you're here.. I just wish to assure you, It's nothing at fault with you." She looked to Hecate.

"I may not have been completely truthful with why Miss Pentangle Left during the holidays" Hecate told Mildred that Miss Pentangle had some pressing school business. Mildred had obviously been worried and missed Pippa. Despite the fact that she still enjoyed her days with Hecate, she could tell that her parentally figure was also worried, and distracted. "Pentangles was attacked, My a rogue witch.." Mildred looked over to Miss Cackle. Something wasn't making sense. If it was to do with Pippa, Hecate would sit her down and tell her straight. Now in the headmistress office with Miss Cackle. Then something struck Mildred.. Rogue witch.

"My m- Julie..?" Mildred asked. Why would Julie attack Pentangles? Mildred didn't really think of this evil version of her mom as her mom. She associated her mom with warm smiles, art, and kindness. She didn't associate her with attacking schools, turning people into clay, or hurting those Mildred cared about. That wasn't her Mum.

"Yes, Mildred." Miss Cackle gave her a thinned out smile, It was a sorry smile. "I know it can't be easy to hear, but we wanted you to know before you went outside and found out from someone else."

"From.. Words already spread then?" Mildred had hoped for a clear year. To get on with her studies, hang out with friends, spend time with Hecate. She didn't want people gossiping about her mom attacking another school. Everyone knew Julie was this way because of Mildred. It was her fault in a way.

"I won't beat around the bush, Mildred." Hecate Spoke from beside her, earning a glare from Miss Cackle. Mildred had seen that Glare on a few occasions. She'd come to realise it meant 'don't you dare, it'll hurt'. "You're Mother Destroyed the school, and raided them of Artefacts and Books." That was far worse than Mildred thought. She thought they'd need some repairs, not that.. Pentangles would be gone.

"With the lack of.. School" Miss Cackle started speaking again, Her eyes jumping to Hecate in disapproval. Mildred could understand it to a point, but she would rather not be sheltered from this. "The Girls of Miss Pentangles will be attending Crackles for the foreseeable future. The Boys will be attending Merlin's down south." They weren't telling her because of rumours from Cackles, They were telling her because the students that lost there school were here. "We've had to shuffle people around room wise, But I'll let Miss Hardbroom continue more on that subject." Mildred wasn't stupid. After the looks area, the only reason she was leaving it to Hecate is because there's more to the story. Might be something Pippa related. "Now, I should go outside and make sure everyone's content.." Miss Cackle Quickly raised and walked round to the other side of the table, Placing her hand on Mildred's shoulder before walking outside and closing the door behind her.

Mildred looked up at Hecate, who looked less than impressed with the day. "What's wrong?" Mildred and Hecate didn't often talk about feelings. In fact, Hecate never talked feelings. But, Mildred was hopeful none the less.

"Pippa will be joining me as Deputy Head." Hecate turned to face Mildred. She didn't look excited, but she didn't look Mad about -that- either.

"Pippa Will be at Cackles?" Mildred couldn't help the small smile. She'd been worried, and she kind of missed Pippa.

"A few other Teachers and Staff will also be joining us. But.." There was always a but. "As you may have noticed, there are only two spare Apartments." Mildred had noticed, She got that Mr Rowan-web and Miss Bat shared, so what would have been his was empty. And then they had one more.. Her mom used to occupy it. "I'd like to ask.." That's when Mildred noticed Hecate clenching her fists by her sides. Was she Nervous or mad? Mildred had noticed the way she stood before, but never questioned it. "If it would be alright for Pippa to join our Apartment".

Mildred Laughed slightly, Earning a raised eyebrow from Hecate. "Sorry. I just found that funny" Hecate was about to speak, but Mildred already knew that she was going to say something like 'and what pray tell, was so funny about it?'. "Asking me if your girlfriend could move in, I mean.."

It was small, But Mildred saw the slight tug at Hecate's corner, as if fighting a smirk. "That was hardly an answer" Hecate settled on saying instead of smirking.

"I don't mind.. " Mildred said. Seeing a wave of relief was over her Guardian. "On One condition.. We have cake to welcome Pippa to our school" She was pushing her luck. But when it came round to Pippa, she knew she could do that.

"I will.. See what I can do." Hecate nodded before looking at her dangling watch. "Maud and Enid will be here shortly. You should run outside to greet them." That was the original plan anyway, so Mildred was more than happy to do so! She wanted to Give Hecate a Hug before leaving, it was just an urge she was getting. But they were still in Miss Cackle's office, and Miss Hardbroom was still her teacher at the end of the day. They may be alone, but she didn't think Hecate would appreciate it. So instead she just nodded and ran outside hoping to catch her friends before they got there.

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