A/N: Another quick wee note to say these quick uploads are due to my insomnia returning, oh the joy! I will be going on placement soon so I don't know what spare time (if I have/get any will be like). Just that the quality of work (if any) won't suffer! Apart from the any overlooked grammar/spelling mistakes which I have been trying to keep to a minimal!
May appear slightly OOC! So beware...
Well, enjoy and note there will be some flashbacks in this chapter.
Chapter Two: The Haunting Sound of Clocks
Sleep had not come easy for Constance only getting three hours worth of broken sleep haunted by nightmares that had arrived along with her former tutor. It was happening all over again, reliving and remembering repressed memories. The details of her nightmares left her shivering, knowing that the spell was losing its power.
She always had trouble with sleep, battling her demons but recently the severity of the nightmares had been growing worse. The only other time her nightmares had spiraled out of control was when she first started her position as potions teacher at the academy, Amelia only knowing a shattered piece of the truth. It was only after that, Amelia subtly adopted the troubled young witch as a daughter, taking her under her wing but Constance still refused to divulge her haunted past which she was lucky to have survived and escaped.
She looked down at her wrist, the bracelet flashing, knowing that escaping the all-seeing eye of her tutor was impossible, never getting a moments peace from her relentlessness. She could only dream about freedom, escaping and regaining control over her life.
The witch seemed to have to ability to invade her thoughts, she knew what Constance was thinking and she would be punished for daydreaming when she should be committing her self fully to her studying.
Hecketty let a smug look penetrate her normal icy exterior and flicked her wrist. Constance gripped her wrist, feeling the bracelet suddenly tightened and emitted a slow, lingering bolt of energy. It traveled up her arm. Hecketty watched with keen interest, observing the human body attempting to cope with the torturous agony. Constance pawed at the bracelet, her knees trembling before giving way, she landed hard on the cold, stone floor.
'Please...please Mistress Broomhead.' She gasped pathetically, trying to appeal to her non existing heart
Her pitiful pleads for mercy did not faze her. She wanted to remind Constance that it was she, who was in control and in charge even over her thoughts. Hecketty bit down a menacing grin, she secretly wanted Constance to suffer and simply continued to watch her student wither on the floor. Constance would rue the day that she rejected Hecketty Broomhead.
In the darkness, Constance felt for her wrist and let a finger gently trace the angry scar. She was all too familiar of the agony which was associated with the permanent mark on her pale skin. It was just another reminder of her time at college under the malicious tutor. Then, she thought about her current student Mildred Hubble who had been targeted by Hecketty and forced to wear an upgraded version of the bracelet. At some point, she would need to speak to Mildred and reassure her without spilling too much about her own encounters with Mistress Broomhead.
She struggled to sleep, her mind all too aware that evil was lurking somewhere that she once considered as a save haven. Morgana slept on a chair, unaware of the troubled thoughts her mistress was experiencing. Normally when awake, Morgana would snuggle beside Constance as if able to sense her mistress' troubles.
After hours of fighting, she finally succumbed to exhaustion which had taken its toll on her both physically and mentally. Her eyes grew heavy before closing and tossing her unconscious mind into darkness. However, she soon found herself in middle of another repressed memory, another nightmare began to unfold and there was nothing she could do to prevent it.
Constance stood in front of her tutor's desk. Her posture was perfect, her casting hand always ready. She had noticed a slight change in her tutor's personality as of late but did not think anything of it. Hecketty had on two occasions praised the student, actually acknowledging her hard work which was almost foreign to Constance.
And now, she had been summoned to her office. Constance cowered inwardly but remained confident while standing in front of her tutor.
'Ah! Constance, punctual as usual.' began Hecketty
Constance remained perfectly still only to speak when addressed, she had learnt that the hard way. She watched as Hecketty paced the office as she gathered her thoughts but something about her tone indicated that she seemed almost nervous, a word that had never been used to describe the fearful tutor.
'Constance, there is a reason why I have summoned you here.' she spoke with confidence, 'It is regarding a rather personal matter.' Her voice dipped slightly and Constance raised an eyebrow
The tutor circled the office making it uncomfortable. There was an awkward aura radiating from the older witch, who very uncharacteristically fidgeted with her hands, not knowing what to do with them.
'You may be aware that it can become lonely and not unusual or uncommon for witches to seek out companionship.' Her voice trailed off as her gazed latched onto Constance' innocent eyes
She perched herself on the edge of the desk in front of Constance, the one that she had chosen, her pale eyes looking at Constance with such need, want and a waited for her reply. Hecketty always got her own way regardless and waited for her student to accept her offer.
Constance frowned, confused as to what was actually being asked. Surely, she had simply misunderstood what Hecketty was asking of her, 'I'm not sure what you're asking of me Mistress Broomhead.'
Hecketty smiled thinking Constance was playing hard to get, 'What I am saying is...I have chosen you to be my "companion".'
Her eyes went wide when the penny dropped. Her mind begin panic, refusing Hecketty Broomhead was virtually unheard of, young witches mindlessly obeyed their orders regardless how daunting or impossible a task was.
'Well...Mistress Broomhead,' spoke Constance, her voice a whisper and cowered, wondering what the repercussions of her response to such an offer would be, 'I am honored that you would pick me...but I am not that way inclined.'
Constance had unwittingly signed her own life away that day. Hecketty felt a sudden loss of control over her student. How dare she reject her, she was Hecketty Broomhead, she got everything is wanted but the only thing that she craved was the affection of another and now that she had shown this tiny piece of herself other than strict teacher, she was furious.
Something unhinged the older witch and she masked her hurt over the rejection. Constance would pay dearly for this. Hecketty Broomhead changed that day, she was determined to break her top student emotionally and physically and then she would come begging. But, not all this went according to plan.
Constance snapped awake in bed. Her hair and silk pyjamas clung to her skin, drenched in sweat and tears. It took a few moments before she realised that she had suffered from another nightmare and was back in the safety of her own room, no-one stalking her. Morgana remained sound asleep, unaware of anything. Even for an animal, Constance was jealous that her pet who was able to sleep and not have to suffer the nightmares like her self.
Clutching onto the sink, she looked into the mirror. Tears stained her cheeks, her eyes swollen and blood shocked. She was thankful that classes did not start for another few hours which gave her plenty time to prepare both mentally and physically. The nightmares were increasing in severity and frequency, she needed to maintain control. Her grip tightened around the sink.
If Amelia had known who would be her temporary replacement then in all likelihood she would never have left the academy especially with the impending date on the horizon. Constance trusted Amelia implicitly and knew that the headmistress would return before the date.
"I can do this...I must do this...I have to do this." She spoke to the reflection
Constance waited until her potion class had finished and kept Mildred behind. Her friends offered whispered reassurance as they left the classroom. She pointed at the door which closed before muttering a privacy spell then turned her attention to the frightened young witch.
"You are not in trouble, Mildred." Her voice was unusually gentle
Mildred relaxed slightly but now confused and it showed.
"Mildred...I wanted to talk to you about the bracelet," began Constance
"Oh that!" murmured Mildred, cursing Mistress Broomhead for being so cruel but also cursed herself for being caught out at yesterday's assembly
"You are not the first student that has had to endure that infernal bracelet."
Mildred nearly snapped her neck, looking up from the bracelet in shock to her teacher, "You mean... she made you wear one of these too?"
Constance nodded, "Count yourself lucky Mildred...I had my bracelet for two years...and judging from the design of your bracelet, I doubt it has the capacity to administer a shock."
The student gasped and looked down at the bracelet, the red lights constantly flashing before gulping. She hoped that her teacher was correct by her observation.
"Mildred, I want to let you know that when Miss Cackle returns...we will both ensure that your new found piece of jewellery is removed."
"Please Miss...Can you help? You are the most powerful witch I know! Can't you just zap it off?" pleaded Mildred
Constance shook her head. As much as she wanted to help, she was all too aware of the consequences for insubordination. It pained her that she was powerless to help and had reluctantly let this happen but kept a watchful eye from the sidelines. Her only saving grace was the bracelet could not administer a shock. Mildred would just have to be patience. Soon she would have her freedom back.
"Mildred, believe me when I say I am sorry."
Her heart sank, at she tried, "Thank you miss...may, I be excused?"
Constance nodded, releasing the privacy spell and watched the young witch slowly make her way to the next class. Sadly, for Constance, she was needed in the office. Never getting a moments peace from that insufferable women, who ensured that Constance remained at her side when not teaching. Hecketty had ordered her presence there after her class.
Once again, Constance stood in the corner of the office while Hecketty and Mr Hallow bounced compliments at each other. She felt positively sick to her stomach.
Mr Hallow prattled on about the positive changes made to the school, he did not actually care as long as productivity was high and school costs remained low. Something that Hecketty could definitely control and all she had to do was smile and gush about his daughter, Ethel.
He left the office with a beaming smile, making him look suspiciously like Tony Blair's brother. He was oblivious to the unknown evil which he had inadvertently unleashed within the walls of the school.
In just over a day, Hecketty had managed to wrap the chairman of the academy around her little finger and strike fear into the students. Mildred Hubble was testament to that, as she showed off her tracking device which would plant the seed of fear into the rest of the students. They would either falling into line or face the consequences like Mildred.
The atmosphere changed dramatically, instead of laughter there was silence which plagued the corridors. Given any other time, Constance would have basked in the peace and quiet, able to concentrate with work and knowing there was no trouble brewing but she was preoccupied, facing her own battle. Hecketty Broomhead's presence in the school did nothing for her already shattered nerves.
Hecketty's voice broke the silence and brought Constance back into reality.
"Constance, could we have a little chat." It was not a question
Already, Constance could feel her heart racing, her breath caught in her throat and dreaded the tongue lashing that she was about to receive. She stood in front of the desk, her hands clasped in front of her. She felt like a teenager all those years ago, powerless and fearful of the much older witch.
"Take a seat Constance...I have a feeling you will need to once I am finished with you,"
Suddenly, feeling light headed she fell onto a chair. Her mind reeling from the crypt message if not it most certainly sounded like a promise. Hecketty rose from the chair and graceful inspected her handiwork of the office. It had not gone unnoticed by Constance.
"It is such a pity that my stay will not be permanent," she began, lingering on peripheral vision of Constance.
"I would have liked to have got reacquainted with you Constance...after all these years." continuing to inspect her former student, drinking in her image and leaned against a bookcase.
Constance cringed inwardly, unable to see Hecketty had started to unnerve her. She braced herself for the unknown.
Hecketty's eyes were firmly fixed, all too aware that past memories and suppressed fantasies were beginning to waken from a long slumber. Being in such closer proximity was beginning to have an almost hypnotic effect on her straight lace stature and logically thinking mind. She licked her lips and tried to think of a way to engage the younger witch without appearing too transparent, "We have much to catch up with."
'If I ever needed Mildred and her friends to cause trouble then now would be the time.' thought Constance, fighting an internal battle, an animalistic instinct to flee the office.
She closed her eyes, fighting the temptation to groan in disgust as she felt the older witch leaning against her invading her personal space, her senses overwhelmed with the stench of coffee and her anonymous stale perfume. Constance squealed as Hecketty places her hands onto her bony shoulders, pinning her down into the chair. Her vice like grip held Constance in place.
"Did you honestly think I would forget what today is?" she paused before leaning into her ear, "How could I forget that today is the birthday of my favourite student...the one that got away!"
"Please, Mistress Broomhead," began Constance having the audacity of interrupting her and speaking out of turn
"How dare you!" her voice boomed, "Have you learnt nothing from what I taught you?"
Constance flinched, feeling the grip on her shoulders intensify. This was considered a warning as far as Hecketty was concerned after all she was not finished quite yet. She turned sharply on her heel and returned to the chair behind the desk.
"I also taught you the importance of maintaining control at all times. To be the master of your own emotions so imagine my surprise when I found this..."
Hecketty pushed an envelope across the desk towards Constance, who tentatively took a letter out of the envelope. Her eyes scanned the first few sentences and instantly felt exposed. She kept her eyes fixed on the letter, fearing what she would see if she looked up at Hecketty.
"Yes, Zelda Black...a witch counselor. I'm bitterly disappointed" her voice quivered slightly before snatching back the letter from Constance' hands, "Well, don't you have anything to say for yourself."
She found her voice, "Do you think I wanted to visit a counselor? Amelia pushed for this! I had no choice." quickly regretting the aggressive tone in her voice
"I hope you remember Constance that whatever happened in the past...should remain in the past." She barked with venom
"Without the past, we are condemned to repeat our errors and without the past, we would not be who we are today."
The speech naturally rolled of Constance' tongue. The words had been drummed into her, sounding like an emotionless robot as she repeated the words back to the older witch.
Hecketty relaxed back in the chair, unknown to Constance that Hecketty, her self had been forced to the see the same counselor and although the two witches were different in contrast, they were also very similar. She decided not to push the subject any further, showing leniency.
Constance could feel her fraying nerves unable to take much more of this hostile confrontation. It would not be long before Hecketty grew bored of this verbal torture and would dismiss her. She just prayed it would happen sooner rather than later.
Once again, Hecketty rose from the chair and began pacing again. Unaware to Constance, Hecketty was fighting the temptation to touch her again and kept her hands clasped tightly together. The dark fantasies returned, clouding her judgement. For so many years, no-one even came close in comparison to Constance Hardbroom. Hecketty had placed her on a pedestal and relied heavily on her memory and imagined scenarios that involved the powerful, young witch.
The footsteps stopped somewhere behind her, it took all her self discipline to resist turning around, knowing that the consequences would be brutal. Instead, she fixed her eyes on the window, looking outside where she saw Miss Drill and some of the first years. She focused on the freedom the sports teacher and the younger students had while she was trapped in the tiny office with the woman who put the fear of god into her. It was college all over again.
Constance felt the little contents of her stomach flip as her mouth watered, a tell tale sign that she was in deed going to be sick. Squeezing her eyes shut, she had to maintain order and control of her thoughts. The little colour that made her human, drained from her face and suddenly felt abnormally warm. Hecketty could somehow sense that Constance was not feeling her usual self and decided to exploit, the new found weakness.
"Seeing that today is no ordinary day..." her voice trailed off
Hecketty pointed at the desk which now held a vast variety of colours and smells of confectionery. The students would have stripped the desk clean of all the sweets and would likely be unteachable after the sugar high however for Constance it was another painful of her past. Hecketty sliced a generous wedge of thick chocolate cake and placed it gently onto a plate before holding it close to her nose, inhaling the sweet aroma.
"Despite the confectionery being magic...it still tastes just the same," she smiled vilely and waved the plate in front of Constance.
Hecketty paused, watching and waiting for a reaction, "Go on Constance...one small morsel," continuing to tease her, "It is your birthday...why not allow some self indulgence."
Constance gasped as the plate was thrust onto her lap. She was paralyzed and it was clear to Hecketty that she had not fully conquered her demons. Gripping on to the sides of the chair until her knuckles turned white, Constance could not fully trust herself to remove the plate from her lap and could feel heart racing. Her throat dry as she panted, gulping air to calm her nerves and thoughts but it was a loosing battle
Hecketty rested her head in her hands and watched, rewarded with her former student's pained reaction, "Give in Constance...it is simply delicious." she pushed, determined to break her mentally
"Stop it." Constance complained unconvincingly
"You won't join me in celebrating your birthday...all this will go to waste." indicating to the overcrowded desk, filled with delights
Shaking her head, "Stop it!"
Hecketty smiled, revealing her caffeine stained teeth. Marveling in the struggle, Constance was in deed powerful but Hecketty was convinced she could push her over the edge. It would not take long now.
"Are you scared that one tiny bite will destroy all your hard work? I must say Constance...I am extremely proud...I know that I could never resist all that chocolaty goodness. Such self control and restraint, I think a reward is in order...what do you think?"
She closed her eyes now, "Stop it!"
In deed, Hecketty quickly grew bored and decided that there was more than one way to skin a cat and knew the perfect way in which to torment Constance, somewhere that her powerful ability and control would be useless. It had not all been a total loss, Hecketty had pushed Constance as far as she could but her own impatience and frustration prevented the final push off the edge but Hecketty had been rewarded in her sick and twisted way. Witnessing Constance, struggling had been worth its weight in gold.
Once more, the desk was bare. All signs of confectionery disappeared into thin air including the plate which had been placed on her lap. Constance felt relieved but could not help but wonder why the former tutor had suddenly given up.
'You may have won this fight but the battle has just began.' she thought
"Now, Constance...I've been going over your abysmal lesson plans..." began Hecketty