"Right, we'll see you on Saturday morning so. 10 AM?" Imogen made a note on her planner. "Thank you." As she ended the call she couldn't miss the two eager faces peering up at her. "Hope you have your dancing shoes ready."

"Thank you, Mummy." Ava threw her arms around her mother and gave her a big hug. "And Zara too?"

"Yes, both of you are starting classes on Saturday morning."

"I thought you said they had to be four?", Fenny asked over her coffee cup.

"Zee impressed them so much at the open day they said they'd relax the rules a bit,", Abby told her. "She walked in and just started dancing didn't you?"

"Yeah,", Zara confirmed. "I love dancing- watch me!"

Zara's moves were interrupted by Amelia who entered the room with Fleur in her pushchair. "Oh, Zara, that's very good. Are you ready for our walk?"

"I am." Ava ran to stand next to her Granny. "Look I have my magic bag." She waved the pink cotton bag she brought along on ingredient walks. Nobody could remember where it had come from but it served its purpose well. "Mama, do you want us to get you any 'gredients?"

"Actually.", Constance mused for a few seconds. "I do need some clover, do you remember what that is?"

Ava nodded. "It's the green one that's at the top of the woods. Granny, can we go there?"

"Of course we can my dear, I need some clover myself. Shall we?" She guided the girls towards the door. "We may stop off to see Kathleen on the way back."

"Not too many treats.", Imogen warned, knowing it was pointless. "See you in a few hours."

With her sisters gone it was time for Abby to bring up something that had been on her mind since that morning. "Have you noticed Davina is acting kinda strangely?"

"Actually, now you mention it, Grissy said the same thing to me earlier. Said she seemed a bit off, didn't want to talk which we all know is not like her."

That stacked up with what Abby had experienced. "Yeah, I called down this morning and it was like she wanted to get rid of me. She seemed closed off and not in a good mood. I tried to ask her about it but she brushed me off." Then Abby voiced the fear that was going around in her head. "You don't think she's sick do you?"

Imogen reached out to squeeze her eldest's arm. It was hard for her to answer as since they had returned to the castle two days before, they had hardly seen Davina, which in itself was telling. "I'm sure she's fine honey but we can have a word with her to make sure, okay?"

Both would have been happy to approach Miss Bat but it was Constance who had the first opportunity.

"Ah Davina.", she greeted as she entered the staffroom, seeing the chanting teacher sitting alone, staring out the window. "I wondered if I might have a word?"

"What have I done?", Davina muttered.

Constance blinked before slowly sitting down and trying to catch the other woman's eye. "Nothing. Davina, I won't beat around the bush, Abby mentioned that she's worried about you. She said you didn't quite seem yourself. And from what I'm seeing now I understand what she meant. What's wrong?"

Davina looked up for a brief second before averting her gaze again. "I'm fine."

After waiting for a beat Constance spoke again. "If you say you're fine then I'll accept that. But I hope you know that if you were ever feeling not so fine, you have people who care about you and want to help you."

She had started to rise from the seat when she heard a whisper. "It's just…"

"Just?"

"I feel old." Davina blurted out. "Old and useless." She looked up again as she felt Constance move her chair closer. "I'm just a silly old woman aren't I?"

"Silly? Well, maybe sometimes." Constance smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood, "But then, as I've learned, we can all be a little silly. But old? Davina, you've never been one to focus on age, where has this come from?"

For a moment Davina pondered her answer before deciding to be as honest as she could be. "It's seeing the younger teachers, Fenny, Grissy, Gaby and now Maud. They have their whole lives ahead of them. They're at the beginning of their careers and they have so many plans and I feel stuck in a rut. And Maud is an excellent chanter, with her here now you probably don't even need me." She paused to dab her eyes with a handkerchief before carrying on. "Oh, I know I have Elizabeth and I'd be lost without her but I don't know what to do with myself."

Constance had learned a lot from Imogen over the years and rather than jumping in straight away, she waited until she was sure Davina had gotten everything out of her system before replying.

"We will always need you here. Yes, Maud is a good chanter and I'm happy we have someone who can cover for you if necessary, but not to replace you. In fact, she and the other young teachers benefit hugely from your experience. And you have a lot more people than Elizabeth who care about you. You have a huge family, an abundance of friends and I have four daughters who think you're rather wonderful." She was pleased to see Davina smile at the mention of her youngest friends.

"As for being stuck in a rut, I can understand that. So can Imogen, that's why she's looking to make some changes in her own career. Maybe that's something to consider?"

Davina had thought the same, had discussed it with Elizabeth over the summer, but it always came back to one thing. "I still love chanting. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the other aspects of magic, but more as hobbies. Besides, I think we have those well and truly covered already don't we?"

Constance couldn't disagree with that. Between herself, Gabrielle, Griselda, and Amelia the magical curriculum was covered. "Still, I'm sure there's something that could challenge you."

Davina shrugged again, though not as petulantly this time. "Perhaps. Though I feel better for having spoken about it. I am sorry that I was short with Abby earlier. I should go find her and apologise, do you know where she is?"

"She's in her art room and I know she's keen to spend time with you."

Davina paused before leaving the room. "Thank you, Constance. You know, you're a very good listener."

"You're welcome Davina, and I promise, this feeling will pass."

The door closed leaving Constance sat alone in the staffroom. As she pondered the conversation she found herself browsing through the various leaflets she and Imogen had acquired advertising various children's clubs, both in the village and near their house.

She was amazed by the variety of choices. As well as dance class there was Cubs, which Ava was very interested in, music groups, gymnastics, numerous sports, and art as well as baby groups. She certainly never had anything like these in her own youth and she was very in favour of the children socialising and making new friends. It just seemed that something was missing.

"There's a lot isn't there?" Imogen sighed as she entered the room. "So far we have dance class on Saturday and if Ava enjoys Cubs after the open day she'll have that on a Tuesday before Abby has Scouts that evening. Then Abby has basketball on Thursday and her teacher asked her to help with the language club which is right before, so that's convenient.

"Then for Zara, it's music group on Wednesday morning which luckily works well with Fleur's baby group. We can manage that. Dad and Amelia will help with the after-school activities too so we should have everything covered. And of course, we'll have swimming and our home activities like yoga as well." She looked towards Constance who seemed to be miles away. "Sweetheart, are you listening?"

While she had been listening, Constance had been suddenly struck by inspiration. "Hmm. Oh, I'm sorry Darling, I am, it's... Well, I've had a bit of an idea, but I need to get some opinions before I start to do anything about it."

Twenty minutes later she had a quickly formed focus group around her.

"It's a great idea, I would have loved something like that when I was their age." Grissy enthused.

Gabby nodded in agreement. "Me too, I mean I was lucky, I had older sisters so I picked up things from them. But I didn't really learn anything proper about magic until my powers came in and I went to secondary school."

Maud had a slightly different story. "I didn't have any sisters so I learned what I could from my parents. The thing was they were working as well so when I was young, magic wasn't always something I even thought about unless there was a special occasion."

As she listened to the stories around the table, Imogen was again struck by how little exposure very young witches seemed to have to the world they had been born into. Her own children were different, they were exposed to it all the time when at the castle. And in the same way she taught them Italian, Constance, Amelia, and the other witches taught them about their craft without Ava, Zara and soon Fleur even realising they were learning.

"And you mean there are no groups or clubs for witch-children?" Although she had never considered it, Imogen was shocked that Constance's idea wasn't already out there in some form or other.

"No,", Fenny confirmed. "You get invited to a meeting when you get your powers but there's nothing official. I agree with the others, this would be fantastic and you'd get lots of interest. And I know I don't have my powers anymore but I'd love to be involved somehow. "

Constance looked up from the notes she had been making. She had invited the other staff members to the impromptu meeting but had left Davina with Abby until she was sure it wasn't a completely ridiculous idea. "Thank you for your insights and the offers of help, if this goes ahead I'll need you." She turned to Fenny with a glint in her eye. "All of you. But there is one person who I'm especially hoping will have a big part to play in this. Elizabeth, what do you think?"

Elizabeth was way ahead of the principal. "I think she would love to take part."

"Excellent. Now, before we go any further I would like to speak to Amelia and also to the other members of the Cauldronite board. There's nothing to stop us going ahead without them but their official backing will certainly help. As would some funding. So for now, if we could keep this between us?"

"Of course.", Everyone agreed, including Elizabeth. She knew Davina would jump at this opportunity but the last thing she wanted was to get her wife's hopes up.

It took until the following morning, but the smile on Constance's face as she entered their living room told Imogen it was good news.

"Well?"

"Well." Constance bent down and lifted a babbling Fleur out of her swing and kissed her smiling face. "They're happy to support us and there is some funding available. They also said they would imagine there are more witches who may like to be involved. I've agreed to present to the other members on Thursday."

"So do you need to create a full proposal?" Imogen enquired. She wasn't surprised that the idea had been accepted. Constance was held in high esteem by many in the witching world and had made many suggestions that helped modernise witchcraft while maintaining traditions and standards.

"Already done Darling." Constance shrugged before lifting Fleur high in the air, something their baby loved. "That's what I was doing last night after you'd gone to bed. It didn't take long. What we're looking to do is straightforward, set up a club for young witches. I've already started jotting down activities and ideas for what could be covered in the groups. We'll also have to divide them by age. I'm thinking a junior group starting at age three. Then a middle group starting at six and a senior group going up to age twelve.

"We're in a good location and we have space in the castle. I'm also going to prepare a charter that other witches who would like to run in their areas can follow."

"What about vetting?" Imogen hated putting a dampener on things but had to be practical.

"I already had that thought, the Cauldronites will look after that. Anyone running a group will have to be registered with them and will be vetted as part of the process."

"Okay, one more question. Do you think three is a little young?"

Having already been expecting the question, Constance had an answer. "Perhaps, but it's a minimum age and I think that's down to the parents to decide. And you and I both know we have a three-year-old who is fascinated by magic. She would be so upset if Ava could join a group and she couldn't."

By this point, Imogen had wandered over to join her wife and their youngest daughter. "So there's an element of tantrum prevention in this? You know something kitten? Your Mama is very clever."

Constance accepted Imogen's kiss before answering, "Thank you. And yes, perhaps some prevention but I truly believe she will get something from this, as will Ava. But if they don't enjoy it I won't force them into going. And if you think it's too much…"

"It won't be, as long as we get at least one weeknight family evening and Friday stays date night, I'm happy,", Imogen told her. "And I have a feeling they'll love it. Okay. so you're presenting on Thursday. When are you planning on asking Davina to be involved and what exactly do you see her role being?"

"You want me to what?"

It was the following morning and Davina wasn't quite sure she was fully awake yet.

Constance carried on pouring the tea she had prepared for their visitors.

"I would like you to be a part of this project, how much of a part is up to you. I was thinking you may like to run a group but I don't want to pressure you. I also know you have some wonderful ideas for activities to do with children. Ava and Zara are still raving about that play you made up and had them act in."

"Willow the Witch's Familiar.", Davina threw in. "That was just something I came up with when it was raining and we couldn't go outside."

"Yes, but they learned from it as well. You managed to get the Witches Code in there and they both took it very seriously. It's things like that I'm hoping we can do with the children."

Davina was up from her seat and fluttering around the room with excitement. "We could do nature walks, and chants and fables and oh, some simple potions. Oooh, maybe some animal care- we could get Stephen to do a talk?"

Elizabeth and Imogen shared a glance of delight at their partners' extreme enthusiasm.

"So I take it you're interested?", Elizabeth enquired once Davina finally paused for breath.

"I most definitely am."

"Excellent." Constance took a sip of her tea. "In that case, you can help me finalise our proposal and present with me at the Cauldronite meeting."

"Our?" Davina was shocked at the wording.

"Our. I would be foolish to think I could do this myself. And while I am grateful to everyone who has offered help, I need someone to partner with, someone I can rely on."

Davina could not remember the last time she had been so energised at the prospect of doing something new. She had no intention of letting Constance down. "I will be very happy to be your partner Constance. In the project that is, not anything else. Because well, we're both married."

"Thanks for clearing that up Davina." Imogen rolled her eyes, seeing Elizabeth doing the same. "We were getting worried for a second."

Even Imogen's sarcasm wasn't enough to dampen Davina's good spirits. Over the next couple of days, she threw herself into preparing herself for the meeting. It was as though the suggestion had opened a floodgate and the ideas were flowing. She spent hours consulting with the witches she worked with as well as her many sisters, nieces, and great-nieces. The hard work was worth it as they spoke to other members after their presentation.

"My granddaughter will love it."

"Such a marvellous idea, I'd love to be involved."

Constance was overwhelmed with the positive responses coming from their peers. The Cauldronites gathered Witches from all over, though this was a more localised meeting focusing on the UK. They had decided to start with selected areas on a three-month trial basis. If all went well they would look at expanding further, perhaps even internationally.

"Do you have a name in mind, Constance?", Karena Spellwood, the current Cauldronite president asked once the excitement had died down.

"We do." Constance glanced at Davina out of the corner of her eye. "Willows."

The name was met with nods and smiles indicating that it was a good choice.

"We also have a logo and a mascot."

After a couple of minutes of fiddling with the laptop Imogen had loaned them, Davina finally brought up the images Abby created for them. The mascot, who was part of the logo was a cartoon willow tree with a kind face topped with a witch's hat.

Abby also loved the idea and was dying to be involved in any way she could. "I know I'm not a witch but I can help can't I?", she had begged her Mama.

"Of course you can dear." Constance had promised. "You know a lot about potions and even more about looking after children and cats. As long as your schoolwork doesn't suffer, you can participate as much as you want to"

They left the meeting that evening with approval, funding and a long list of Witches who wanted to run Willow groups in their locality. The first groups would begin at the end of September, leaving them a couple of weeks to get everything set up. Constance had been right, it would have been far too much for her to deal with on her own, especially with the school as well. Luckily she had plenty of support around her.

"Right, that's a full list of leaders per region done." Imogen saved her spreadsheet ready to email it to the Cauldronite's secretary. "And almost everyone has come back with what days their groups are running." She gave her wife a pointed look. "Except one."

Constance looked up sheepishly. There had been so much to organise that this tiny detail may have gotten away from her. "Let's see, how about Monday?"

"Monday looks good. So Davina and Elizabeth will take the younger group at four. Maud and Gaby will take the middle at half five and Fenny and Grissy will take the older girls at seven?"

Constance glanced at the list again. She would have been happy to take a group but knew her own strengths lay in the more administrative tasks. "Yes but Amelia and I will be available to cover and I'm planning on spending some time with each group as we get started."

Imogen made some additions to the file she was working on. "I'm glad Fenny is getting involved, those girls will learn a lot from her."

"She's still a wonderful witch and a fountain of knowledge when it comes to magical facts." Constance agreed. "And I'm sure she'll be very popular with the children who attend."

Speaking of children attending there was a couple who had no idea what was happening, something Constance was keen to rectify.

"What would you say if there was a club you could go to, right here at the castle? Somewhere you could spend time playing and learning about magic with other little witches."

Ava and Zara looked at each other before looking back at their Mama with big smiles on their faces.

"Like Cubs?", Ava asked. She was already very taken with her new activity and quite frankly didn't think one meeting a week was enough.

"Yes, but with magic. It would be called Willows and it would take place right here in the Great Hall.", Constance told her. "And you and Zara could go together and Davina and Elizabeth will be your group leaders."

"And Fleur?", Zara wanted to know.

"She's still a bit too small Sweetpea but she can go when she's older. And we'll bring her down so she can see what's happening.", Imogen offered.

"So, would you like to join?" Constance already knew the answer.

"Yes please!" The two girls jumped off their seats and started dancing around the room with excitement, causing much amusement to their mothers and oldest and youngest sisters.

"I hope Davina and Elizabeth know what they're in for.", Abby sniggered. "Imagine, they could have twelve like these two in their group."

As it turned out there were a few girls like Ava and Zara who were full of energy and excitement. There were others who were a little more nervous and shy. And there was one little girl who refused to leave her mother's side for the first fifteen minutes. That was until her curiosity at the activity happening in the corner became too much for her.

"We're painting our names on our special tabards,", Davina whispered to the quiet bystander. "That's my friend Abby there. She's an artist and if you tell her your name she'll write it in any of those colours you like."

"What's your name?", Abby asked the still nervous looking child.

"Amber."

"That's a really pretty name. And what colour would you like?"

Amber pointed at the pink fabric marker. "Please.", she whispered.

Abby wrote the name with a flourish. "Now, I'm going to iron this so it sticks but while you're waiting….." She paused and beckoned someone else over. "This is my sister Ava and guess what? Pink is her favourite colour too. Ava, this is Amber, can she sit with you for Davina and Elizabeth's story?"

"Hi, Amber. Ooooh, I like your skirt. Come sit next to me and Zara, she's our sister too."

Before Amber could react she found herself being led by Ava to where lots of comfy cushions had been set up in a semi-circle for story-time.

By the end of the first session, Amber left with her very own Willow's tabard and not one, but several new friends. She was also heard telling her mother that she couldn't wait to come back the following week to learn more about Lucy Fairweather and play with all the other witches, especially Ava who she described as "very lovely".

The other Cackle's based groups were just as successful and, based on the feedback from their fellow Willow's leaders, they were off to a great start. But for Constance, there were only two opinions she was really interested in.

"Well, do you think we should carry on?"

"Yes," Ava confirmed. "You should never stop Willows. I loved learning more about magic and making friends with other little witches like Amber."

"Zara?"

Zara thought for a second. "I like Willows lots. "Vina and 'Lizbeth were very good and loads of fun."

Constance smiled at the two blushing group leaders. "Well, coming from this little one, I believe that is what they call a rave review."

"It was all your idea, Constance.", Davina reminded her.

"No." Constance corrected her. "I had the thought, everyone else contributed to making it something practical and as Zara said, fun. Especially you Davina, we really could not have done this without your ideas."

"Thank you." Davina blushed again. "I'm just so excited you asked me, I feel so much more energised by life again." She beamed as Ava climbed onto her lap. "Especially when I get to spend time with my extra special friends and all our new ones."

Ava gave her mentor a squeeze. "You know why we love you lots?"

"Why's that?"

"Cos you're not the same as other grown-ups. You're like us, that's why you're so good at Willows."

Far from being insulted, Davina was filled with pride at Ava's words.

"Still feeling old?", Constance asked with a glint in her eye.

"Old? Me? Oh, Constance, you know age means absolutely nothing, especially to a young spirit like me. I'm at one with nature and the magical world. In fact, I think I'll celebrate by doing a twilight goddess dance."

"Ooooh, a dance?" The word had drawn Zara's attention back to the conversation. "Can we dance too?"

"Of course you can, you are little witches after all. Let's go."

A moment later it was just Elizabeth, Imogen, Constance, Abby and of course, Fleur left in the sitting room.

"Looks like she's back to herself." Elizabeth smiled at Constance. "Thank you."

"Oh, I really didn't do much."

"You've done more than you could ever know."

Little did Constance know how right Elizabeth was. Not alone had she given Davina a new purpose with Willows, the younger staff members also fully embraced the opportunity to spread their magical wings and reaped the rewards. And most importantly, so did the young Witches and later Wizards, who learned so much in the playful atmosphere of Willows.

Over time the clubs would expand and evolve in a way that the founders could never have imagined. The evolution was helped hugely by the involvement of Constance's four daughters who, whether they possessed powers or not, would remain driving forces behind Willows in the years to come.

But of course, how all that came to be is a story for another day.

A/N Hope you enjoyed this one. Next month, Fleur's naming ceremony and a bit of wedding build up for Fenny and Grissy.