Chapter 2
...
Outside in the courtyard, Mildred looked up at Agatha who was now captured in mid-air thanks to the magical rope conjured by Miss Cackle. She had no idea what had happened, but it seemed the damage to the school, and all of Agatha's magic had reversed itself. However, Mildred couldn't help but feel something was amiss, and it caused her to worry. As she approached the headmistress, she blocked out the sound of cheers from the other girls as she listened to the conversation between Agatha and Miss Cackle.
"Let me go, Ada, please I'm your sister." Agatha pleaded trying to wriggle free of the magical rope.
"Yes you are, but my girls come first," Ada replied softly.
Mildred watched as the look of helplessness on Agatha's face changed into one of hatred.
"Do what you will with me, Ada. But I would think long and hard if you want to save your precious, Miss Hardbroom." Agatha spat.
"Where is she, Agatha? What have you done?"
Mildred had never seen Miss Cackle look so angry. It was no secret that Miss Hardbroom was quite cold towards her students, and wasn't one for nonsense, but Mildred knew that she cared about each of them in her own way. She only hoped that nothing bad had happened to her.
"Oh, just a simple spell, I would say she only has a few moments to live." Agatha taunted, "You should have been there Ada, those once brown eyes filled with stubbornness and pain. It's a shame I never did manage to finish the spell. I think a stone heart would shave suited her personality quite well, wouldn't you agree?"
"Ada?" The Great Wizard asked placing a hand on her arm, only for her to shake it off.
"I need to find her. Do what you want with Agatha, she's no longer any concern of mine." She said to the great wizard handing over the rope to him then turned to look back at Agatha. "If she dies, nowhere will be safe for you."
"If you're quick Ada, you may be able to say your final goodbyes." Agatha mocked with laughter.
Ada turned ignoring her sister's taunts and looked to the teachers next to her, "We need to find Miss Hardbroom, time is of the essence."
"I'll help," Mildred spoke up, causing the teachers to look at her.
"I appreciate the offer Mildred, but you have done enough to help already." Miss Cackle told her softly.
"I want to. Miss Hardbroom would do the same for me, well, all of us."
"That she would, Mildred."
The young witch thought she could see tears gather in Miss Cackles eyes, wondering how close a relationship she had with Miss Hardbroom.
"She was in the hall, the last time I saw her." Miss Drill told her, "she told me to leave and protect the students while she tried to contain Agatha's spell. I don't know what occurred beforehand, but she seemed different."
"Different how?" Ada asked frantically.
"She had a weird glow surrounding her, I have never seen anything like it."
Mildred looked down at the ground lost in thought when she suddenly realised something.
"Of course, the spell."
"What did you say, Mildred?" Ada turned to the young girl.
"The spell all of us chanted to reverse Agatha's magic. It was almost if I could hear a voice in my head, begging all of us to help. It could have been Miss Hardbroom."
Miss Drill looked at Ada in shock, "Is that possible? I know HB is a powerful witch, but I've never heard of something like this occurring."
Ada closed her eyes, smiling softly, "oh, Hecate you beautiful, brave, stubborn woman."
"Miss Cackle?"
"I think I know what happened," Ada said opening her eyes. "You see, Mildred, Miss Hardbroom knew she was dying, so she used the last of her magic to ensure the safety of her students and the castle. Her magic sought out everyone's here for help. She, along with you, and the other students saved us all, but the price I fear was too great."
"But we can still save her, right?" Mildred asked frantically looking at each of the teachers for an answer.
"There might be a way, but first we need to get to the Great Hall." Ada's said transferring herself, the teachers and Mildred to their destination.
When they appeared in the Great Hall, everything looked as it was before Agatha's spell tried to demolish the castle. Everything that was except for a familiar figure who lay unmoving next to the far wall.
"Hecate!" Ada cried as she ran down the stage steps towards the younger witch, with the others following behind her.
The other teachers and Mildred stood back as Miss Cackle kneeled next to Hecate's still body.
Ada shakily reached out and took one of Hecate's hands in her own, trying not to flinch at the coldness. She couldn't be too late. She refused to believe it, but the peaceful look on Hecate's face was telling her otherwise.
"Oh, Hecate, this shouldn't have happened," Ada whispered reaching out with her free hand and caressed the side of her face looking for any sign of her eyes opening. "I need you to come back to us. The school needs you, but most importantly I need you."
The emptiness she felt was suffocating. She would never again hear her voice, or witness her calm demeanour, or meet someone with her loyalty, strength, and love. The thought of not having her in her life caused her heart to break. It wasn't supposed to end like this. There had always been the chance that she would be the first to go, but it seemed fate or rather her sister had other ideas.
Mildred knelt down next to Miss Cackle unsure what to do. She couldn't quite believe it herself. Miss Hardbroom couldn't be dead. She now knew that this was what had caused her earlier worry that something was amiss. She bowed her head sadly, wishing there was something they could do.
"We need to move her body." Miss Drill said softly breaking the silence as she looked down at her friend and colleague trying to keep her tears at bay.
Ada knew Miss Drill was right, but moving her body would make losing her become a reality. She couldn't go through with it. Not yet, she needed some time.
"Could you leave us for a few moments. I wish to say goodbye."
"Of course." Miss Drill replied as she led Miss Bat and Mr Rowan-Webb from the hall.
"I want you to go too, Mildred." Miss Cackle said never taking her eyes off Hecate.
Mildred nodded her head and was about to stand when she caught movement from the corner of her eye. Looking closer, she waited for a repeat occurrence, hoping that it wasn't wishful thinking or a trick of the light. When she saw the same movement again, she grasped Miss Cackles arm.
"She's still alive."
"What?" Ada asked looking at Mildred with some hope in her eyes.
"Look, she's still breathing," Mildred said pointing at her chest.
Ada looked to where Mildred was pointing and saw the gentle rise and fall of Hecate's chest giving her some hope that she wasn't too late.
"Hecate, can you hear me? Squeeze my hand if you can." Ada said feeling a faint squeeze which caused her to smile.
"I need you to hold on a few moments longer, can you do that?" Ada asked, feeling another squeeze of her hand taking it as a yes.
"Thank you, darling." She whispered pressing a kiss to Hecate's forehead.
Mildred watched in silence at the tender display. She would need to look into their relationship later, but first, they had to save Miss Hardbroom.
"What do we need to do, Miss Cackle?"
"I'm going to save her, but I may need to borrow some of your magic to do so."
"Anything I can do to help."
"Thank you, Mildred. For this to work I need you to place your hand on top of mine when I tell you to, and repeat these words;
"All that we are,
And all we must be
I need you Hecate,
To return to me."
Do you think you can do that?"
"Yes, Miss Cackle," Mildred whispered remembering how her magic hadn't worked with Miss Hardbroom earlier when they had tried to get Miss Cackle from the painting.
"I have every faith in you, Mildred. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Good, then let's begin," Ada said placing her hand over Hecate's heart, the looked at Mildred. "Place your hand over mine."
Mildred took a deep breath and placed a shaking hand on Miss Cackles praying this would work.
Ada closed her eyes and began to chant.
"All that we are,
And all we must be
I need you Hecate,
To return to me."
Mildred felt gentle vibrations under her hand as their magic mingled together creating a soft yellow glow.
"I think it's working." Mildred cried excitedly.
The glow grew steadily brighter and began to expand outwards covering Miss Hardbroom's body. Mildred watched as her back to arched off the floor as the magic slowly brought the witch back from the brink of death.
A loud gasp caused Ada to open her eyes, to see Hecate's eyes open, as she looked around frantically taking in her surroundings.
"Hecate, relax, you're safe." Miss Cackle said, feeling Hecate start to relax as her panic-stricken brown eyes found her own.
"Ada?" She whispered.
"I'm here, Hecate. You're going to be alright. I won't let anyone harm you again."
Mildred breathed a sigh of relief, noticing the glow had disappeared into Miss Hardbroom's heart. They had done it.
"I'm glad you're alright, Miss Hardbroom," Mildred told her sincerely with a smile.
"Thank you, Mildred."
"I'll leave the two of you alone."
Ada gave Mildred a look of gratitude, as she watched the young girl stand to her feet. "If you could alert Miss Drill and the others about Miss Hardbroom's recovery, I would greatly appreciate it."
"I will," Mildred promised and all but ran from the room, her pigtails flying behind her.
Hecate tried to sit up, groaning in annoyance as her body didn't seem to want to cooperate.
"Easy Hecate." Ada admonished helping the younger witch into a sitting position, so she was leaning against her side in a protective embrace.
"I owe you an apology, Ada."
"Whatever for? If anything, it's I who should be apologising to you. I should have done more to protect you, Hecate. When Agatha told me what she had done, then seeing your unmoving body, I've never been so terrified in my life. I thought I had lost you." Ada admitted feeling her tears start to fall.
"It's not your fault Ada. I chose to try and bring you back, and it's a choice I don't regret. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough."
"But you did bring me back, Hecate. Do you remember anything before you collapsed?"
Hecate shook her head, "It's almost like a haze. I remember lying on the floor in your office in pain from Agatha's spell. She never managed to complete it, due to a disturbance in the hall. Miss Gullet thought she would try her hand at mocking my predicament. Then the next thing I know I'm turning Miss Gullet into a black rat; who currently in a cage in your office I might add."
"Ah, I was wondering where she had disappeared to."
"After that, there was just darkness then I woke up here." Hecate looked up at Ada confused hoping she would be able to fill in the missing memories.
"I may be able to help there, though I don't know the full version of events. All I know is before Agatha was captured, she cast a spell to demolish the school. Miss Drill tried to contain it when you appeared. She told me you weren't yourself, and that you were glowing."
"Glowing? How is that possible? Witches don't glow."
"I always said you were special, Hecate."
The younger witch looked down at her hands feeling them begin to shake. "What's happening to me, Ada?"
"I believe that in your desperation to save the school and me, your magic called to you in a time of need. You're a powerful witch, Hecate. It was you who saved the school and reversed Agatha's spell, but it seemed you projected your magic to the students as well for them to help you."
"My magic has never done that in the past, so why would it start now?"
"I'm sure we will find out the answers to your question someday, but for now you're going to rest and let someone take care of you for a change."
"Ada-" Hecate started to protest when Miss Cackle hushed her.
"Please let me do this; I need to reassure myself you are indeed alright."
"Very well. But only because I'm too tired to argue." Hecate reluctantly agreed as she let Ada help her to her feet.
Ada grabbed Hecate's hand and transferred them from the Hall to her own private quarters. She saw Hecate almost stumble, and quickly grabbed her arm to steady her.
"Perhaps some rest would be beneficial," Hecate whispered at the sudden sick sensation that consumed her. She closed her eyes trying to get her rolling stomach to settle.
"Come on, let's get you to bed," Ada said trying to hide her worry at how pale she had become in such a few short seconds, as she led her over to the double bed in the centre of the room.
Ada had just managed to help Hecate onto the bed when she heard a familiar, well-known voice coming from her adjoining office calling her name.
"It seems the Great Wizard still has some things to discuss with you, Ada." Hecate gave a tired smile as she looked up at her lover from where her head now rested against the pillows.
"Whatever he has to discuss it can wait, you're more important."
Hecate reached out and grabbed Ada's hand taking it in her own, feeling her heart swell with love at the declaration. "You know he won't leave until he speaks with you."
Ada knew Hecate was right, but apart of her was afraid to leave her alone, scared in case when she returned Hecate would be gone. The rational part of her knew she was being silly. Agatha was gone, she couldn't hurt her Potion's Mistress anymore, but there was still a nagging voice still there at the back of her mind; almost taunting her.
"I'll be fine, Ada." Hecate reassured seeing the uncertainty and worry in her eyes, "I'm not going anywhere."
"I know, I guess the today's events are finally catching up with me," Ada admitted trying to keep her emotions under control. "Are you sure you will be alright on your own?"
"Yes, now go. The sooner you deal with his greatness, the sooner you can return to me." Hecate whispered seeing Ada nod, before leaning down and capturing her lips in a sweet, tender kiss.
As soon as those soft lips touched her own, Hecate felt a shock wave through her entire body reminding her of how incredible it was to be the center of Ada's world. She instinctively reached up and placed her hand at the base of Ada's neck holding her in place as she returned the kiss just as passionately.
Their few moments of bliss was ruined when they heard footsteps approach from the other side of the door.
Ada pulled her head back reluctantly breaking their kiss and stared down at Hecate softly caressing the side of her face.
"That man really does have bad timing," Hecate whispered in annoyance.
"I know, I won't be long," Ada promised one last kiss to Hecate's lips, before leaving.
She had just closed the door to her quarters when the Great Wizard appeared in front of her.
"I apologise for keeping you waiting, your greatness. I had some urgent business to attend to."
"This urgent business wouldn't happen to do with Miss Hardbroom, would it?"
Ada inwardly sighed, were they that transparent about their relationship. "You could say that. I nearly lost her today thanks to Agatha. It's a small miracle that she's still alive."
The Great Wizard's eyes softened realising how much could have been lost today thanks to one woman's actions.
"I assume you are here to tell me about Agatha's punishment?" Ada asked as she walked down the narrow corridor towards her office.
"In a matter of speaking. Shes currently trapped her in a painting which I have left in your office. She will stay there until I deem her safe to be released. As for Miss Gullet, we have no idea where she has disappeared to."
Ada remembered Hecate's earlier statement about turning Miss Gullet into a rat and was in a cage somewhere in her office.
"I might be able to help you there," Ada replied as she walked up the steps to the upper level of her office, noticing the metal cage with a ginger rat trying to chew through the bars.
Picking up the cage by the handle, she made her way back down the steps and put the small cage on her desk. "Miss Gullet, I believe."
"Well, that certainly clears that matter up." He said clapping his hands causing the cage to disappear. "The Witch's Council will decide her fate."
"I'm sure that will be more than satisfactory," Ada said sinking into the chair behind her desk.
The Great Wizard looked down at Ada who now had her head in her hands as she stared down at her desk.
"What else happened here today, Ada?" The Grand Wizard asked taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of Ada's desk.
"I'm still trying to work that out myself," Ada whispered lifting her head. "Have you ever heard of a witch glowing?"
"No, I can't say I have, why do you ask?"
"I ask because, during the attack on the school, Miss Drill said Hecate was glowing. I've never heard of such an occurrence. I'm worried about the repercussions this could have on her "
"I'm afraid I'm at a loss here, Ada. I wish I had the answers for you, but I don't. However, I can have a look into it and see if there have been any incidents in the past. But until then I would advise you keep a close eye on her. Look for anything different in her behaviour. It seems to be linked to her emotional state, which means..."
"She's a magical time bomb." Ada finished feeling her heart sink to the pit of her stomach.
"Precisely." The Great Wizard agreed. "I would suggest that she takes a few weeks leave of absence until we know more about her condition. She could end up being a danger to herself, and everyone in this school."
Ada's eyes hardened, "Hecate would never put anyone in danger..."
"I know, Ada. But if her magic is unstable, then she could unintentionally if she can't control it. You need to be prepared should an occasion ever arise."
"And if an occasion should arise, what then?" Ada asked not wishing to think about it.
"We contain it."
Ada felt tears fill her eyes shaking her head in denial. "No, we won't! I trust Hecate not to lose control. She has done more for this school than you or I combined. I would trust her with my life. In fact, I have done, and she hasn't let me down, yet and I don't expect her to in the days to come."
The Great Wizard inwardly sighed, "I hope you're right, Ada. For both our sakes." He finished standing up, ready to take his leave. "I'll be in touch should I find out anything about this rare phenomenon."
"Thank you, your greatness."
Once the Great Wizard had taken his leave, she saw the painting sitting beside her desk that contained Agatha. It could stay there until morning. She couldn't bear the thought of looking at it. Standing up, she made her way back to her room, and to Hecate. She didn't know whether she should tell her about her conversation with the Great Wizard, but she couldn't keep it from her either. She decided it could wait for the time being, after all, they may be worrying over nothing.
Opening the door, she quietly entered the room, seeing Hecate fast asleep. Ada smiled at the sight and sat on the bed next to her. She reached out her hand and gently caressed the side of her face, as tears fell from her eyes wondering what was happening to this beautiful woman who was her heart and soul. Ada vowed to do everything in her power to protect her, even if she had to against the Great Wizard himself. There was a high chance she could lose her title and the school should it ever happen, but none of it mattered. After today she realised she could live without the school, but she couldn't live without Hecate Hardbroom.