I feel like iv been editing for ever.. XD

Chapter 74: News

Hecate's head was pounding. It felt as if someone was using it as a drum. It had done for the past Two days, ever since she received that blast from Juile. Thankfully, there would be no more of them. Pippa, Ada and yes, Mildred, had confined her to bed the past few days. Making sure her bandages would get changed and that she'd remained bed bound until the End of Year assembly. When the day finally came, Hecate actually smiled. Nothing sounded more exciting than being allowed out of bed, and out of this damn apartment.

Pippa helped her put on her clothing, being careful to layer the sleeves over the Bandages on her arm. By the time they were done, none of the students would be able to tell there was any issue. She was sure.

"Are you sure it's a good idea for you to attend?" Pippa asked as they were about to leave.. She'd already sent Mildred on ahead, making the young girl complain and Hecate feel slightly uneasy. Both Hecate and Mildred had been reluctant to let each other out of the other's sight, Even if no real talking had been done.

"I always attend." Hecate replied, considering that in itself a worthwhile argument. "It'd look terrible if I didn't.." She continued as they exited the Apartment. They decided it'd be best for Hecate's recovery if she limited the amount of magic she used. Just for a short while.

Hecate hated walking, but thankfully no one else seemed to notice this new pattern of hers. They'd walked in and to the stage without any issues, no one even seemed to notice them. Well, Apart from Mildred.

"Ah, Hecate." Ada greeted with a Polite smile. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"I wouldn't miss it." Hecate informed her before they took their seats, Not moments later Ada was on the Podium addressing the school.

"Well Meet, Ladies!" She raised her arms in a welcoming manner. "I have.. A few notices to make, before I let you go for the summer.. First, Cackles will be expanding. A Whole new Wing will be made, allowing for the students to be more spread out, and less cramped. The same goes for teachers, as More accommodation will be made in the woods. The Building will take place over the summer."

There was small talking between the students, which Hecate shot down with various looks shot in there direction.

"I'm sure you're all waiting for me to publicly talk about the other night.. The end of year party did not go as planned.. With the Grand Wizards help, we will be turning Cackles into a safer place to learn and live. Come the new year, ID's will be given to every person on the grounds." Miss Cackle continued. "Only those with an ID will be allowed on the school grounds. Apart from on certain days such as parent-teacher evenings.." It was a safety measure Hecate could get behind fully and completely.

"I suppose the last point to cover.. There will be a change in staff coming." She guested to the newly married couple in the room. "Miss Bat and Miss Rowan-Webb will be retiring. They will be dearly missed, but we wish them all the best."

Ada took a deep sigh. "In other news.. In the past year.. I have been diagnosed with.. The Magical Sickness.."

Hecate frowned. It suddenly started to make sense. All the times she looked tired, the snapping, the fact she couldn't fight back the other day.. Even the small lapses in judgement. Her Mothers face hovered in her mind. The Magical Sickness.. It killed her mother, now it was destined to kill Ada..

"Due to this. I have decided to step down. Next year will be my last year as Headmistress, before I pass on the mantle.. To Miss Hardbroom."

To Miss Hardbroom..

Miss Hardbroom..

Hardbroom..

Ada looked over to her with a reassuring and apologetic smile, before looking back to the crowd. Shocked to a complete standstill, So much so, you could hear a pin drop. "Cackles has been my entire life, but after next year, I'll be leaving you in very capable hands.." She reassured them. "Thank you. Now please, Enjoy your summer. ONWARDS EVER STRIVING!" She yelled out. Hecate's head only began hurting even more..

The Moment the crowd started clearing, she made a B-line for Ada's office. Ignoring Pippa, and only casting a small glance at Mildred and her friends.

"What the hell, Ada." She said as she slammed the door behind her, immediately regretting her decision as she winced, She didn't usually let this type of temper out, but she was in no mood to control her wording.

"I should have told you sooner.." Ada confessed from behind her desk. "But I didn't want you to look at me like that."

"Like what?" Hecate asked as she moved forward.

"Like you're already mourning me." She gave a small, sad smile. "I once said.. That i never wanted to leave Cackles.. And I stick by that, I do.."

"You have a funny way of showing it." Hecate counteracted.

"In this past year.. I made a choice. I would only leave Cackles under my own choices. I will not be forced out." She looked sad, but there was a fire in her voice. "This illness is going to force me out one day.. So, I will leave under my own terms while I still have that choice." That, Hecate could respect. "I want my legacy to be as I am right now." Ada continued. "Not some sick old lady who can only turn up to one lunch a week, if the students are lucky."

Hecate remembered her mother.. How it turned her from a great witch, to nothing but a sick bedridden lady. "And you're sure of your choice..?"

Ada nodded. "Before it takes me completely.. I will Travel.. See places I've only dreamed of. Knowing full well, that you and Pippa have everything safe in hand. Who knows.. Maybe one day, We'll see it being Headmistress Mildred.."

Hecate's eyes widened. "That's not even funny.." She loved the girl, but leaving her in charge of cackles? It'd be like a death wish!

"Funny or not.. Let's make my last year.. A Bloody good one." Ada commanded.

Hecate found herself agreeing completely.. This year was over. But the next one? Oh, it was going to be brilliant.

ONE CHAPTER LEFT!