Chapter 2
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Ada walked through the corridors of Cackles towards the potion's classroom needing to speak with Hecate. Her meeting with the Great Wizard had lasted longer than she had anticipated regarding the recent revelation. She couldn't believe that her mother had lied to the both of them all these years. The school and the title of Headmistress were never rightfully hers; It was Agatha's birthright. She had unknowingly stolen the title and broke the Witch's Code. That in itself was a crime. The knowledge had been eating away at her for days ever since Mildred had handed her the birth scroll. She was caught at a crossroads, unsure what to do. A part of her knew she should give up the title and the school, but the stubborn side of her refused to let Agatha have such power. The school would be ruined in a matter of days, and she couldn't allow that to happen.
Hecate had insisted she should contact the Great Wizard for further advice on the matter. She expected to be out of a job when he heard the news, but it seemed even his greatness wasn't too pleased with the prospect of Agatha being in charge of the school. He had warned her to keep the scroll hidden to allow him time to change the witches code, which left her on edge. He hadn't said how long it would take, and the more time passed, there was a greater chance of Agatha finding out the truth. It was why she needed Hecate. Her reassurance and presence alone were enough to keep her fears at bay.
As she rounded the corner, she saw the potion's classroom a short distance away. She couldn't stop the small smile at the thought of picturing her wife concentrating and muttering about incompetent students as she sat grading the girl's essays. No matter what Hecate thought about the students, she cared for them as if they were her own. While many thought of Hecate as cold, strict and lacking in empathy, Ada knew differently. Behind the icy façade, was a strong, passionate woman who was loyal, brave, and would do everything in her power to protect those she loved. It was one of the many reasons why Ada had fallen in love with her. Her selfless nature never failed to amaze her.
Stopping outside the closed door of the Potion's classroom, Ada softly knocked expecting to hear her wife's voice telling her to enter. When there was no answer, she opened the door; her smile disappeared when she saw Hecate was nowhere in sight. Ada looked around the empty classroom; when her eyes landed on a folded piece of parchment sitting on the oak desk.
Ada walked over and picked it up seeing her name written on the front in Hecate's familiar cursive handwriting. Opening the note, she couldn't hide her disappointment as she read over its contents.
Ada,
I know this is short notice but have to leave the school for a few hours. I received a message earlier of the utmost importance that I could not ignore. I wish I could have told you in person, but I did not want to disturb your meeting with his greatness.
I know you are probably worrying, but please don't. I will try and return as quickly as I can. In the meantime, if one of the teachers could cover my remaining afternoon classes, I would greatly appreciate it. I have left a note accompanying this one detailing today's lesson.
I hope to hear about your meeting with the Great Wizard upon my return.
Forever yours,
Hecate.
Folding the note back over, she kept it in her hands, seeing her wife's maglet still on the table. She had always respected Hecate's privacy, but she couldn't help the niggling sensation in the back of her mind that her wife hadn't been telling her the full truth in her letter. Ada bit her lip, wondering if she was looking far too much into it. She trusted Hecate implicitly, but Ada also knew that if she thought something would have an impact on her, she would never disclose it in order to protect her.
It was a trait she admired but found infuriating at the same time. Hecate had always told her to go with her gut instincts, well her instincts were currently screaming that something wasn't right about this whole situation.
'Forgive me, Hecate.' She thought sadly while picking up the maglet. Tapping the screen, she saw one read message; her face paled when she saw the name of the person who had sent it.
"Oh, Hecate, what were you thinking?"
Reading through the message, she started to feel sick that her sister could be this cruel. No, wonder Hecate had agreed to meet with her at the cottage. It also meant that Hecate was walking right into a trap.
She felt a cold dread pass through her body, her mind conjuring a thousand different scenarios of what Agatha had planned. Transferring herself to the staff room, she saw Miss Drill marking some essays with Miss Bat and Mr Rowan-Webb sitting across from her.
"I need to see the three of you in my office, now. It's of the utmost importance."
The three teachers stood at hearing the urgency in Ada's voice.
"What's happened?" Miss Drill asked eyes filled with worry when she saw the panic in Ada's eyes. "And where's HB?"
"That's what I need to see you about, and we don't have any time to waste," Ada said transferring the four of them to her office.
Upon their arrival, Ada turned to address her three colleagues who were waiting patiently for an explanation.
"A few moments ago, I found out some troubling news. I believe Miss Hardbroom may be in danger."
"Danger? What sort of danger?" Mr Rowan-Webb asked stepping forward towards Ada.
"She left a note stating that she had an important errand to run. I thought nothing of it at first, but I started to feel uneasy. It's not like Hecate to leave the school so abruptly. It was when I read the message she received on her maglet that I knew my fears were confirmed." Ada said handing over the device to Miss Drill.
"She received a message from, Agatha. HB wouldn't fall for this surely?"
"Usually I would say, no, but going by the contents of the message I can see why she accepted Agatha's invitation."
Miss Drill looked back down at the maglet and scrolled through the message. "Oh, my giddy bats. Why would she go to all this trouble though? It seems a bit extreme even for Agatha."
"Let me see." Mr Rowan-Webb demanded softly taking the maglet from Miss Drill's outstretched hands.
"That, Miss Drill is one question I don't have the answer to. All I know is Hecate is walking into a trap, and I need to find and warn her before it's too late."
"Wait, you can't possibly be thinking of going to Darkwood Cottage on your own? That's probably what Agatha wants!"
"I know, but I can't sit by and allow Agatha to harm Hecate." She declared gathering everything she needed for her journey.
"Alright, but at least let one of us come with you." Miss Drill pleaded with Ada who was now wearing her flying cloak and hat.
"No, I need the three of you here, in case anything happens. If Agatha has planned something sinister, I need you to protect the school at all costs." Ada said walking over to the far corner of the office to collect her broom.
"What about you?"
"I can handle my sister. Whatever she has planned I intend to put a stop to it."
Miss Drill shared a look with her two colleagues beginning to feel uneasy. Agatha was ruthless and would do anything if it meant she succeeded in getting what she wanted.
"Ada, think about this rationally." Miss Bat pleaded. "Hecate wouldn't want you to run off into danger."
"Miss Bat's right. Agatha has probably used HB to lure you into some twisted trap."
"I know, but I can't leave her. If our roles were reversed, I know Hecate would do the same for me."
"There's no way of changing your mind, is there," Mr Rowen-Webb said in understanding knowing he would be doing the same if it was Gwen in Hecate's position.
"No, there isn't."
"Then go and teach the old crone a lesson or two." Mr Rowan-Webb said feeling Miss Drill and Miss Bat's eyes burning holes into the back of his head. "Uh, what I meant to say…" he felt his face flush as he tried to backtrack.
"It's perfectly alright, Algernon. No harm done." Ada said taking pity on the man.
Miss Drill shook her head, "Ada, be careful. Don't show Agatha any pity or believe anything she says. I know she's your sister, but she is also dangerous and unstable."
Ada nodded, having heard Hecate tell her something similar many times. She had always warned her that Agatha used her kindness and generosity to her advantage. Ada knew on some level that Hecate was right, but Agatha was still her sister despite her many faults.
"I'll keep that in mind, Miss Drill," Ada replied softly before transferring away.
"I hope she knows what she's doing." Miss Bat whispered, feeling Algeron's hand slip into her own.
"She does. The heart makes us do crazy things, but Ada will be fine. She'll come back accompanied by Miss Hardbroom, and all this worry will have been for nothing."
"I hope you're right." Miss Drill muttered never taking her eyes off the spot Ada stood mere seconds ago hoping nothing had happened to HB. She knew Ada would be heartbroken if it were the case. They all would, but none more much so than Ada.
Ada flew towards Darkwood cottage in desperation with only one person on her mind. She knew Hecate could take care of herself, but when Agatha was involved anything could happen. Forty minutes had passed since Hecate left, and it was more than enough time for her sister to carry out whatever it was she had planned. Even though she had been imprisoned and her magic confiscated, Agatha still managed to cause trouble. It was no secret that Agatha saw Hecate a threat, considering that her wife had foiled her plans on more than one occasion. The only other person who came close was Mildred Hubble. She could picture the outrage on her wife's face at the prospect of being in the same league as Mildred. It was a look she hoped to see again.
When the cottage came into view, Ada descended to the surrounding forest below. When her feet landed on solid ground, she briskly walked towards the entrance of her old family home. She felt her heart rate accelerate, suddenly finding it harder to breathe with each step.
The cottage was just as she remembered it, cold and isolated. In her eyes, it always seemed like a prison, one she was glad to have escaped from all those years ago. Taking a deep breath, she reached out to knock on the front door, when it suddenly creaked open causing a shiver to rush down her spine at seeing the darkness waiting for her.
Slowly entering the house, Ada walked along the corridor and into the living room. The air was stale, and shafts of light peaked through the velvet curtains. The cottage was silent. She looked around seeing smoke rise from a recently extinguished candle, and two sets of teacups sitting on the coffee table. It was then she noticed a familiar hat and cloak resting on the arm of the couch. Her broom clattered to the floor, as panic started to set in.
"Agatha? Hecate? Are you here?" Ada called hoping at least one of them would answer.
When he received no reply, she walked down the darkened corridor checking each room only to find them empty which left her with the upper floor. Ada approached the battered and decrepit staircase. The steps had an unstable look to them. The rough wooden treads were haphazardly nailed to two rotten looking planks with right-angled triangles cut from them. She looked up seeing the same darkness that seemed to rob her of her senses and replaced it with a paralysing fear.
Ada placed her foot on the first step, hearing it creak and groan in complaint as she started her ascent to meet the darkness. She felt her heart pounding against her chest, with each step. When she reached the top of the landing, a door faced her at the far end of the hall. Her old bedroom. She saw a ray of light escape from the slit at the bottom of the door. Ada didn't know why, but the room seemed to call to her.
Suddenly feeling on edge, she hastily made her way towards the room. When she reached the door, she tried turning the handle only to find it locked. Seeing the key still in the lock, she cautiously reached out to turn it, until she heard a small 'click.' She held her breath, and slowly turned the handle, bracing herself for what could be waiting for her on the other side. The door creaked open. Ada made her way inside; only to freeze when her eyes immediately landed on a familiar unmoving figure in the middle of her old bed.
"Hecate?" Ada cried running over to her wife's unmoving body.
When she received no reply, she hastily reached out and placed her fingers on the side of Hecate's neck feeling for a pulse. She pleaded with whoever was listening that she wasn't too late. When she felt a faint familiar thump against her fingertips, she inwardly sighed with relief.
From what she could see, Hecate didn't appear to be injured, but she wouldn't be taking any chances. Removing her fingers from her wife's neck, she cast a diagnostic spell, looking for anything that would tell her what had caused Hecate's current state and what she found caused her heart to sink into the pit of her stomach.
"So, glad you could join us, dear sister."
Ada jumped and turned to see Agatha standing in the doorway accompanied by Miss Gullet.
"What have you done, Agatha?"
"What I should have done months ago. I couldn't have Hecate interfere with my plans, not after last time. So, with the help of Miss Gullet, I created a strong Sleep Inducement potion, with a few modifications. She should wake up eventually, but it's hard to say how the effects of both asphodel and belladonna will affect the human body."
Ada glanced back at Hecate seeing the gentle rise and fall of her chest, reassuring herself that she was still alive, but how long for she didn't know. A standard sleep inducement potion could take weeks to leave the body depending on the dosage. But if what Agatha said was true then Hecate may not even wake up from her slumber.
"If she dies, Agatha I will never forgive you," Ada vowed turning back around to face her sister who merely smirked in amusement.
"I don't need or want your forgiveness.! You took the school and title of Headmistress from me, so I'm taking the one person who means the world to you!" Agatha hissed taking a few steps towards Ada. "You see a little witch wrote to me regarding some new information that has come to light."
Ada tried to mask her panic. Agatha couldn't possibly have found out about the birth scroll. The only person who knew the details were herself, Hecate, the Great Wizard and Mildred. She couldn't imagine, Mildred betraying her by writing to Agatha, so it must have been another student who had overheard her private meetings with Mildred. The question was; who would wish to see her sister as Headmistress?
"How do I know you aren't lying?"
"See for yourself," Agatha said taking the letter from Miss Gullet and handed it to Ada.
Ada took the letter, and quickly read over it, noticing the familiar handwriting belonging to only one student. Her suspicions were indeed correct when she saw the name at the bottom.
"Ethel Hallow," Ada whispered feeling a stab of betrayal and disappointment that one of her best students would be in contact with her sister. She knew Ethel always felt ignored and living in Esme's shadow, but she didn't think it would have gotten so bad that she would feel the need confide in Agatha of all people.
"Yes, I always knew that girl had great potential. I think it's time I paid her a small visit."
Ada looked up from the letter to see Agatha's eyes gleam in satisfaction knowing she was missing something vitally important.
"How do you suppose to do that, Agatha? The enchantments surrounding the cottage won't let you leave."
"Ah, yes the enchantments. Do you honestly think they would hold me forever? It took some time, but it was all thanks to Miss Gullet that I can come and go as I please."
Ada's face paled as the reality of the situation sunk in. She was assured that no amount of magic could break those spells except the Great Wizard himself.
"That can't be possible."
"Oh, but it is. I'm finally free, and the school and all your legacy will be mine!" Agatha vowed.
"You have no magic Agatha…"
"Not for long. I was originally going to strip dear Hecate of her powers, but she would never give up her magic so freely. I wasn't even sure she would reply to my message, but it seems after all these years she still hasn't learned. You're still her weakness, Ada. Just like she is yours."
She looked over her glasses at Agatha in pity, "She may be my weakness." Ada declared looking back down at Hecate and reached out taking her wife's limp hand in her own. "but she is also my strength."
The air crackled around them as Ada felt her magic started to intertwine with Hecate's. Ada looked down at their linked hands, seeing a golden glow start to appear causing her mouth to drop open. A familiar warmth began to spread through her body, surrounding her with love and protection. She had never seen or felt anything like it. It was almost as if Hecate's magic was calling out to her own in a silent offering. Ada's heart had never felt so full. Even in her unconscious state Hecate was still protecting her and offering to share her powers freely. Ada started to feel tears gather in her eyes, as she accepted one of the most precious gifts she could ever receive.
Agatha froze when she saw the glow surrounding her sister and Hecate's hands. She had only ever read about witch's sharing their magical reserves, believing it to be a myth. For a witch to willingly share their magic showed a great deal of trust. Even in her unconscious state, it seemed Hecate still came to her sister's aid.
"What's happening?" Miss Gullet asked grabbing Agatha's arm, her eyes filled with fear and slight wonder.
"Soul magic!" Agatha hissed. "We need to separate them and break the connection."
Miss Gullet nodded and called her magic, sending a blue ball of light towards the two lovers.
Ada turned and raised her hand, watching as Miss Gullet's spell started to dissolve causing the red-haired witch to scream in annoyance.
Agatha inwardly seethed, she would not let herself be beaten so easily. She should have just killed Hecate when she had the chance. Seeing the letter opener on the old Victorian dresser on the far side of the room, a plan formed in her mind.
"Try and keep her distracted, Miss Gullet," Agatha ordered.
"What are you going to do?" She asked just managing to block Ada's spell from hitting her.
"Something I should have done a long time ago."
Miss Gullet didn't inquire further having seen the similar glint in her eyes only a few days before when they thought of ways to get rid of Miss Hardbroom. She trusted Agatha knew what she was doing.
Agatha watched as Miss Gullet and her sister duelled in earnest. When she was sure Ada's attention no longer focused on her, she started to discretely walk over to the other side of the room, avoiding any stray spells that headed in her direction. A loud crash caused her to turn to see one of Ada's spells narrowly miss Miss Gullet and collided with the wardrobe, smashing it into tiny pieces. She had always known that Ada and Hecate were powerful witches, but it seemed with their magic combined they were unstoppable.
'Well, not for long.' Agatha assured as she picked up the letter opener from the dresser. She grasped the handle tightly in her hand and looked down at Hecate's unmoving body.
She raised the dagger above her head, feeling excitement flow through her. "Revenge is sweet." She muttered swiftly bringing the blade down towards Hecate's heart.