Chapter Twelve: Celebration
That evening there was a celebration in the Great Hall to welcome Star into the Family of Witches and to the Academy. Constance bathed Star and Amelia helped wash her hair.
"My dear pupils and teachers of Cackle's Academy. Tonight we gather to welcome the newest member into our family. Our dear Deputy Headmistress, Miss Constance Hardbroom, has given birth to her first child, her daughter and namesake, Constance Nightstar Lynn Hardbroom. As you well know, the baby, who is affectionately known as Star, was born prematurely at 34 weeks gestation, weighing just four pounds. In the three days since her birth, Star has struggled, having trouble with her suck-swallow-breathe reflex and had to be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, confined to an isolette. For the first night of her life, her mother was not allowed to hold her and could only touch her if she took the necessary precautions: Washing up, putting on sterile robes and cap." Amelia said once everyone had gathered in the Great Hall for the ceremony.
Hushed voices were heard as the girls were talking. "I didn't know it was that bad…" Someone was heard saying.
"Miss Hardbroom had a small tear in her uterus and needed surgery and a transfusion to repair the damage that had been done, after she had started hemorrhaging. Both mother and baby are perfectly all right now. Star will grow out of the problem as she gets used to the reflex. She ends up panting and tiring herself out during a feeding as a result of her prematurity. The other time this happens is if she gets excited or overwhelmed. Miss Hardbroom has been told what to do during both instances and she does so dutifully and lovingly. Her little daughter is very special to her. Now without further ado, we will introduce you to Star and Miss Hardbroom will speak on her behalf." Amelia continued.
Constance went up in front of the entire school with the tiny preemie held securely against her chest. She began to speak:
"So much has changed over the past seven and a half months or so. I was known as 'the frightening Deputy Headmistress of Cackle's Academy' or the 'Ice Queen'. Events which happened five and a half months or so showed how vulnerable I can be. I don't like to show weakness… but then, if I didn't, I would not be considered human… Then when Star was born early, I… there are no words to describe what I felt. I saw my daughter struggling and fighting within a tiny isolette." Constance said, beginning to get emotional. She took a breath and continued:
"Star is so special to me. I make my solemn vow before you al. I vow to protect her from all the evil in the world. She is so tiny, helpless and innocent. I refuse to let anyone hurt her or any harm to come to her. She is my little love, Princess and Kitten. I would like you all to meet my Constance Nightstar." Tears welled up in her eyes.
The pupils all softened and a cry of "Aww!" rang out simultaneously. Star squeaked a little, reaching out, and grasped her mother's finger. Constacne smiled gently, as she let the baby hold her finger.
Amelia and Davina went forward. They each placed a hand on the baby, as did Constance as she cradled Star in one arm.
"Constance Nightstar Lynn Hardbroom, I hereby welcome you into the Family of Witches and to this Academy of Magic, one which you will officially attend once you are old enough. You join a long line pf powerful witches, including one who is devious and evil. She has been banned from ever going near any of us and that includes you. As long as any of us is still living, including any other the pupils and Alumni of the Academy, you shall not be harmed."
A resounding cry rang up as the girls echoed the promise made that day. Once the welcoming ritual had been done, Constance mingled with the pupils, showing her daughter to each of them.