Last time Mildred discovered that whatever the connection to hers and Ethel's memory gap, and Enid's scars, was, there's more going on than meets the eye. Realizing that they couldn't trust their friends from Cackles, Mildred and Ethel asked their friends at Weirdsister to undo the memory suppression spells. They thought they were prepared for the worst, but as it turns out, the two rival witches had forgotten that they were locked in a battle to the finish. 'Nuff said, on with the show!
Chapter 3: Unfolding the Past
Time: April 11th, 2 years ago or so.
Place: Cackles Academy for Witches
"Now if we've done this right," said Mildred as she prepared to add the next ingredient to the cauldron, "The potion should be turning blue any second now." As she finished talking, the concoction shifted color from indigo to blue, exactly as Mildred said.
"And now," said Ms. Hardbroom as she read from the instructions, "Add exactly 3 drops of distilled Mandrake Root."
"Three drops," said Mildred as she carefully measured out the ingredient, "One…two…three."
"Excellent, Mildred," said Ms. Hardbroom, "I must admit, I did have my doubts on whether or not you were capable of this assignment, but once again you've proven me wrong."
"I'm just following the instructions, Ms. Hardbroom" said Mildred in a modest and slightly unsure tone. To hear Constance Hardbroom giving her praise was a new and somewhat unsettling experience.
"That you are," said Ms. Hardbroom, "Even more so, I am impressed in more ways than one, Mildred. Not only has your behavior improved, it would seems that after becoming Head Girl you've made more progress in your studies than any other student I have ever seen.
"The Headmistress would agree with me; you are not the same slip of a girl who could barley fly a broomstick properly. I don't say this often, but I am proud of you, Mildred Hubble."
Mildred could only smile and blush slightly in embarrassment. But what Ms. Hardbroom said was true, Mildred has changed in more ways than one. The truth is, ever since she was unanimously elected Head Girl, she had indeed become a better student and a more competent witch.
But the real truth is that, with the ever increasing workload of her next to last year at Cackles, combined with the responsibilities as Head Girl, Mildred just didn't have the time or energy to get into trouble. Or rather, trouble, which always found a way to find her, seemed to be missing chances to catch up with her.
"Thank you, Ms. Hardbroom," said Mildred, "Now, if I remember correctly, the potion needs to simmer and stir for an hour before the final component can be added." The last item for the potion was at the far end of the table; a small jar of bright yellow liquid. This substance is of Mildred's own concoction, something that will help make the world a better place.
A few weeks earlier, while taking a well deserved break in the DOBS Den, (DOBS: Dangerous Old Book Society), Mildred discovered a recipe for a medical potion, one that could potentially slow down the growth of cancer cells without damaging nearby healthy cells. Even better, there would hardly be any ill side effects to the patient. Such a potion could revolutionize modern medicine.
However, as with most things in life, there was a catch. The downside of the potion was that once a patient started taking it, he or she needed to keep taking it in ever increasing amounts, or else the cancer would not only start up again, it'll grow even faster than before. It wasn't hard to wonder why such a potion recipe was placed with a bunch of 'Dangerous Old Books.'
But then Mildred had a flash of inspiration. By changing one ingredient, the potion would become safer for human consumption; that is, the patient could take it without the risk of becoming dependant on it. Said changed ingredient is the same yellow liquid that Mildred created.
Upon hearing of Mildred's idea, Ms. Cackle gave her permission to work with Ms. Hardbroom to make the potion. Assuming it could be brewed properly, Ms. Cackle assured Mildred that the Witches Council would put it through proper laboratory testing, and from there, assuming it passed the tests, it could be distributed to cancer patients around the world.
Such a chance to benefit human kind was something that Mildred had always wanted. It wasn't about the fame and glory, which is something that would surely go with it. No, all Mildred cared about was making the world just a little bit better. So here Mildred was, using the more flexile time of the weekend to make her potential contribution to the world.
Mildred then lowered the heat underneath the cauldron so it would keep the potion warm, then cast a self-stirring spell, so the solution would keep mixing.
"Very good," said Ms. Hardbroom, "With that, I must attend to some much needed paperwork. I shall meet you back here in one hour, Mildred."
"Yes, Ms. Hardbroom," said Mildred, "See you then." Mildred also had several things to take care of before she needed to get back to the project.
As Mildred and Ms. Hardbroom left the potions lab for their respective 'chores,' little did they know that two familiar troublemakers were watching from just around the corner; one wasn't as much a jerk as she was before, while the other was even nastier than she used to be, and how.
"So," said Ethel Hallow in a malicious tone as she glared at Mildred, "Hubble-Bubble thinks she can write her name into the history books. We'll just see about that."
"What are you going to do?" Drusilla Paddock asked in a concerned tone as they entered the potions lab. While still Ethel's best friend, Drusilla was worried about Ethel's near obsession of ruining Mildred's reputation, for that is what the rivalry that started during back on their first day at Cackles had become, an obsession; one that Drusilla was sure would eventually lead Ethel down the road to self-destruction.
"I'm going to show Ms. Hardbroom, Ms. Cackle and everyone else," said Ethel, "that Mildred Hubble, the new Golden Girl, is, was, and always will be, The Worst Witch."
She picked up the jar of the final ingredient of the project, while looking at the recipe, "Funny, only Hubble-Bubble would create an improved treatment for cancer and not use it for profit. She wants to give it to the world, where as I would do the 'right' thing and sell it to the highest bidder."
"Ethel," said Drusilla cautiously, "I'm starting to worry about you." In truth she'd been worried about her friend for several months, since the start of term, but Ethel didn't know that. Even if she did, she wouldn't care.
"I'm perfectly fine, Drusilla," Ethel said eagerly, even though Drusilla knew her friend wasn't, "And I'll be much more fine once Mildred has been put in her place again."
As Drusilla watched her friend work her brand of magical mischief, she knew that nothing she could say would change Ethel's mannerism. No, the only thing that, Drusilla thought, could help Ethel divert from the edge, was a strong shock to the system, and when that shock eventually came, it wouldn't be a pretty sight.
Ethel was currently at the potions supply cupboards. "Now what should I use to ruin Mildred's little project?" her gaze shifted from one potential disaster ingredient to another, "No, no, none of this will do," but then something interesting caught her eye, "Oh, maybe this. Yes, this is exactly what I need."
She was now at the 'cold-storage' cupboard. This cupboard, which was enchanted so that I'll always be cold inside, housed potion ingredients that needed to be kept at near-freezing temperatures in order to preserve their magical properties. But the item Ethel had eyes on needed to be kept cold for another reason. She pulled out a jar that was brightly marked as a volatile substance, one that was highly dangerous at room temperatures or higher.
"Won't Ms. Hardbroom be surprised when Mildred pours this into the cauldron," said Ethel as she set the dangerous substance next to the final potion ingredient. She then cast a spell that made the contents of the jars switch places. She then put both jars back where they were, so it looked like nothing had happened.
"This will definitely put an end to Mildred's days at Cackles," said Ethel with a wicked grin, "One way or another."
"You do realize what that was," said Drusilla, who was, to say the least, shocked that Ethel would even consider such a foul trick, "If Mildred adds that to the cauldron…"
"She'll be expelled for sure," said Ethel confidently, "Come, we should be going. As much as I wish to be around for the show, I'd rather not make Ms. Hardbroom any more irritated with me than she already is, and she's irritated with me enough."
Drusilla followed Ethel out of the potions lab in her usual manner of the loyal friend, but the way Ethel had been acting lately was, to say the least, unsettling.
As the hour passed, Mildred found herself confronted with one issue after another. Her plan for the day was to…
1. put the finishing touches on an essay that was due for Ms. Cackle's class on Monday morning.
2. give Tabby a good brushing.
3. approve the design for the yearbook
…and finish the potion in time for lunch, then spend the rest of the day in some well earned down time.
Mildred managed to get all three things on her to-do list done with plenty of time to spare before she was due back at the potions lab. But then she was dragged into more than she expected, again. Being Head Girl has its ups and downs, but sometimes the downs outweigh the ups.
She had just given her 'okay' to the yearbook committee, when she was hounded by the party committee in order to decide the theme for this years end-of-term celebration. Then she was asked to approve the creation for a petition that would change the school's dress code. Year after year some students would 'demand' of Ms. Cackle that different uniforms be introduced. Mildred knew that there were some traditions at Cackles that would never change, and this was one thing Ms. Cackle had already warned Mildred about. But such a petition was also a Cackles tradition, of sorts, so she signed her name at the top of the list.
As she was pestered by one school committee after another, Mildred knew that she had to get back to the potions lab. It had been weeks since she was late for anything, especially with anything involving Ms. Hardbroom, and Mildred had no wish to shatter her new punctuality reputation.
Unknown to Mildred, Ms. Hardbroom was also detained. Once again she and Ms. Drill were arguing over whose subject was more important, only this time it was a bit more serious, as it was that time of year when next term's budget was up for debate. Ms. Hardbroom was advocating for an increase in potions supplies and equipment, while Ms. Drill thought the same funding should be used to add a modern fitness room to the castle, for a healthy witch is a successful witch, as Ms. Drill was saying.
"I understand the importance of physical fitness, Imogene," said Ms. Hardbroom, "However, being as next term there will be a higher percentage of first-year students than in previous years, our potions lab will require more resources."
"All the more reason for this school to have a proper fitness room," said Ms. Drill, "What with all the pressure you've been putting on the girls, they'll need a means to release that stress."
Ms. Cackle could only sign in annoyance as her colleges went at it again. The same old arguments. When will they learn that both of their subjects are equally important at this school? Ms. Cackle asked herself. And as usual she received no answer.
On the other hand, Ms. Crotchet and the recently returned Ms. Batt, were rather enjoying themselves watching the real-life drama unfold.
"Ah yes," said Ms. Hardbroom, "The girls will be free of stress, and they will no doubt be so exhausted that they'll hardly be able to keep their eyes open in class."
"Well it's your fault for making your lessons less than exiting, Constance," said Ms. Drill, "Your class could put anyone to sleep. It's a miracle that the girls can keep their eyes open though such dull lessons."
"I beg your pardon!" exclaimed Ms. Hardbroom, "My lessons are never dull! Where as yours, Ms. Drill, are in dire need of a good sharpening."
This earned a sudden outburst of giggles from Ms. Batt and Ms. Crotchet, who giggled the loudest, and attracted Ms. Hardbroom's wrath the most.
"Is there something humorous about what I said, Lavinia?" Ms. Hardbroom asked in an accusing tone.
"As a matter of fact, there is, Constance," said Ms. Crotchet, "I honestly didn't know you had it in you to make a pun."
"If I may suggest," said Ms. Batt, hoping against hope to broker a peace.
"You may not, Davina!!" snapped Ms. Hardbroom.
As if on cue, Ms. Batt rushed to her familiar stationary closet, locked the door and began sobbing.
"Now look what you've done!" exclaimed Ms. Drill, "The poor woman hasn't been back half a day and already you've given her yet another emotional breakdown! Have you no heart, Ms. Hardbroom?!"
"I have as much heart as you do, Ms. Drill!!" spat Ms. Hardbroom.
"Oh really!?!" Ms. Drill spat back.
"This is the worst I've ever seen of them," said Ms. Crotchet.
"Trust me, Lavinia," said Ms. Cackle, "They can get much worse."
Back with Mildred, she was once again 'shanghaied' by the yearbook committee, which this year was made up by a gaggle of perfectionists, who 'valued' Mildred's artistic talents.
At this rate I'll be late for sure, thought Mildred, the last thing I need is to get back on H.B.'s bad side.
She then saw Enid and Maud passing by.
"Maud, Enid," said Mildred, "Would you go to the potions lab and tell Ms. Hardbroom that I'll be a few minutes late? I'll catch up as soon as I can."
"Not a problem," said Enid. She and Maud understood the position Mildred was in as Head Girl.
They made their way to the potions lab, only to find that Ms. Hardbroom wasn't there.
"I guess we'll have to wait," said Maud as she cleaned her glasses.
"Just our luck," sighed Enid, who was never one to be patient, especially with anything concerning Ms. Hardbroom.
Five minutes passed, then ten, then fifteen, with no sign of Ms. Hardbroom or Mildred. The later was still tied up with the yearbook committee, they just wouldn't leave her alone despite Mildred's reassurances that the design was perfect the way it is.
As for Ms. Hardbroom, she and Ms. Drill had managed to calm down somewhat, with many thanks due to Ms. Cackle, who, along with Ms. Crotchet, was now trying to get Ms. Batt to calm down enough to leave her cupboard.
"Really, Davina," said Ms. Cackle, "On your first day home."
"It's alright, Ms. Batt," said Ms. Crotchet in a reassuring tone, "The two uncouth ones have stopped shouting at each other. I can assure you it's perfectly safe to come out."
There was a low whimper from the cupboard, which Ms. Cackle interpreted as 'No.'
"Since when have I ever been uncouth?" Ms. Hardbroom asked.
"Got a pencil?" Ms. Drill asked in a daring tone.
"That's enough, both of you!" Ms. Cackle said in a stern tone, then switched to a more pleasant one, "Now, Ms. Batt, at least tell us your suggestion. I'm sure we'd all love to hear your opinion as to the school budget matter."
The cupboard unlocked and Ms. Batt stepped out, "Well," she sobbed, "As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, I think it would benefit us all if we would ask the students how they think the budget should be spent."
"An excellent suggestion," said Ms. Cackle, "Let the students give their opinion."
"We could have a debate," said Ms. Crotchet, "Ms. Drill and Ms. Hardbroom could talk about the merits of their subjects, and then the girls could then say who they think deserves the money."
"My thoughts exactly," said Ms. Batt as her mood brightened, "In fact, why don't we let the girls decide the matter completely."
"An election," said Ms. Crotchet brightly, "To decide how the budget is spent."
"Well, Constance," said Ms. Cackle, "Imogene, do you find this satisfactory?"
"Marginally satisfactory," said Ms. Hardbroom. She would rather not have the students decide the fate of her beloved potions class, something she was sure would end in tears. But if the head mistress was for it, what else could be said.
"I've always believed in democracy," said Ms. Drill.
"Then it's settled," said Ms. Cackle, "Next Friday, Cackles Academy will hold a debate to determine how next term's budget should be spent, and it shall be up to the students to decide who's subject should receive the funding. I suggest that the two of you prepare your speeches."
"That I shall," said Ms. Hardbroom, "Now, if you ladies would excuse me, I am required elsewhere." With that she left the staff room.
"She is uncouth," said Ms. Batt, "Some things never change."
"I heard that, Davina!" exclaimed Ms. Hardbroom's disembodied voice.
"I guess the proof is in the pudding," Ms. Crotchet remarked.
Back with Mildred, she was very close to losing her temper with the yearbook committee, and since Mildred is the kind of person who rarely loses her temper, this is a serious deal.
"For the last time!" she said, "It's fine the way it is!" Yet they still pestered her.
"Fine!" she snapped as she pulled out a pen, then grabbed the design drafts for the yearbook, "You want it to be perfect, I'll make it perfect!" Thirty seconds later she was done. The few alterations she made had a stirring effect on the committee members. Mildred then got a good look at what she drew. Indeed, her alterations had made the designs perfect.
The committee members eagerly thanked Mildred and left. She sighed in relief, then realized just how late she was and hurried off to the potions lab.
Unknown to either Mildred or Ms. Hardbroom, Enid's low level of patience had gotten the better of her once again.
"I've had all I can stand," said Enid as the picked up the jar of the last ingredient, "And I can't stand it any more."
"I'm not sure Millie would appreciate it if you mess with that," said Maud, "And I know H.B. would be exceptionally ticked-off as well."
"I'm just following the instructions," said Enid as she removed the lid on the jar, "Oh, there's only a little left," she then double-checked the instructions, "But there's just enough for what Mildred needs." She measured the out the needed amount, there was indeed just enough in the jar for what the instructions required, added it to the potion, then turned the heat back up.
"There," said Enid in a smug tone, "If anything, old H.B. should thank us for showing some initiative."
Just then the solution in the cauldron began to bubble and hiss, while turning a nasty shade of red.
"I'm not sure it's supposed to do that," said Maud in a nervous tone.
The cauldron then began to rock back and forth as the solution began to emit bright red sparks.
"Not sure that's supposed to happen either," said Enid in an equally nervous tone.
"I think we should be getting out of here!" Maud said.
"Here's a better idea!" said Enid, "DUCK!!"
Back in the corridors, Mildred was certain that she had kept Ms. Hardbroom waiting, when she saw her potions teacher coming around the corner.
"Ms. Hardbroom," said Mildred, "I'm so sorry I'm late. The yearbook committee, they just wouldn't leave me be."
"It's quite alright, Mildred," said Ms. Hardbroom, "I admit I to was detained longer than I thought I would as well."
KA-BLAM!!!!
The walls of the castle shook for a few seconds from the shock of the explosion that, Ms. Hardbroom and Mildred correctly guessed, originated from the potions lab.
"Oh god!" exclaimed Mildred, "Enid! Maud!!"
Mildred ran faster than she'd ever had before. She burst into the potions lab to find the room a sticky mess; the remains of the potion and fragments of exploded cauldron were everywhere, while several cupboards were in various states of damage.
"Maud! Enid!" exclaimed Mildred.
"Millie!" cried Maud. Mildred found her near one corner of the room. She helped Maud up; she looked alright, just a few minor scrapes and burns.
But then they located Enid not too far away in an unconscious state; her back was severely cut and burned in several spots.
By now Ms. Hardbroom and Ms. Cackle had reached the ruined potions lab.
"My goodness!" exclaimed Ms. Cackle, "what happened here?"
"Ms. Cackle! Ms. Hardbroom!" said Mildred franticly, "It's Enid! She's hurt!!"
The end of chapter 3. Next chapter, well, you'll have to read it to believe it. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!