It's always so strange going from a higher Chapter Number, to a lower one. Cause i keep going "Chapter 4? That's not right- Wait.. No, That is correct".
Curlywitch14: I honestly have 2 ideas in mind for how Ethel will react… I also Love how much more family related Hecate and Mildred are becoming. But it'll be a while yet before either one of them actually discuss that with the other.. They've settled on caring, that's enough emotions for a while.
Verucabeyotch: I'm glad you like the chapter. I have mixed feelings towards Ethel, I think she's brilliant and should burn at the same time. I low-key ship her and Mildred, and I'm like "That's so toxic" but Also "ENEMIES TO LOVERS IS MY JAM" So, there's that. But I get what you mean, I have the same feeling towards the name Elenor and Andrew. Funny enough my dad's side.
Anyway, Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Assembly
Hecate Marched up the Dorm rooms, Pearing in, making sure no student was making trouble where they weren't supposed to. As of Quarter to Twelve, it changed from making sure there was no trouble, to making sure every girl was having lunch. She would not tolerate any lateness. Especially not from Cackles Students, The last thing she wanted was for them to show up the school. And herself. Although Pippa had been here for a day at a time, never more so. Hecate only hoped her students wouldn't make her look bad in comparison to the students of Pentangles. For the first time in a while, she didn't go out of her way to check if Mildred was actually in the dining hall. She couldn't help the pang of Guilt when she realised she hadn't. Mildred was of course there with her friends, But for the last few months, she had cheeked every meal. It was out of pure concern that Mildred would do a runner again, not that she thought she would. But, there was a risk, So Hecate would be mindful of that. The Guilt wasn't because she 'trusted' Mildred enough to stop cheeking. It was because she'd been so busy worrying about pentangles, and in turn Julie Hubble. That she hadn't stopped to think of Mildred. Last term, Hecate would have loved to think of something else that much. But now, Not having the young girl permanently on her mind in one way or another made her feel almost as if she'd forgotten her. She of course Hadn't. It was just that for once she wasn't the most worrying thing in her life. Yet she couldn't shake that small stab of guilt.
It stayed with her until the end of lunch, by then she had the Assembly to focus on. Ada would be leading it. As she had apparently expressed to Pippa upon the request, She was more than happy to house Students and teachers alike, But this was her School. She would do what she could to accommodate, but it will remain Cackle's Academy, Lead by Ada Cackle. That would not be changing.
Hecate was sure to cheek on Mildred this time, Sat with her Year Group right in the middle of the school. They decided not to split up the two schools this time, allowing them to sit as one School United. Miss Bat played the school Song for the girls to sing.
"Well Meet, Girls!" Ada Stood in front of the school, Raising her arms up, as if giving them a hug, or summoning a Spirit. "I would like to welcome you all to another Year at cackles, And for all new students, We hope you enjoy your time among us!" Normally she'd say first years, not new students. It was the same speech every year. Hecate appreciated that. Uniformity was something she idolised. "Normally I'd go on to talk about the plans for the year.. But, there is something pressing I must speak on first." But sometimes, Uniformity would not do. It was the painful truth that moments like this highlighted.
Ada Looked over the Crowd, Nodding at them ever so slightly while giving that sad smile, eyebrows knitted together. It was that kind of look that got Students to trust and love her so easily. It was pure kindness and Sympathy.
"In the early Hours of Thursday Morning Pentangles was attacked, raided and then destroyed by a Rogue Witch." Some Cackles students Gasped. It was understandable, Although on occasions schools had been attacked, Such as with Agatha. For a witch to be classified 'rogue' was very rare.
To become a rogue witch, means for the great wizard to deem them a level of great uncontrollibe danger. Although Agatha was Dangerous, He still felt he had a level of control, and was far more powerful than her. But, the wishing star had granted Julie Hubble with an unusual amount of Magic, He didn't know how far that stretched. Hecate Had been going over this a few times in her head. The Classification of Hubble, was enough to express the danger they were all in.
"There are a Number of things in which she has Stolen, Books, Artefacts.. And most worryingly.. Their Founding stone." That was News to Hecate, And apparently most other staff judging by their faces. Without the founding stone, they wouldn't be able to rebuild Pentangles. Never mind that, What would Julie want with a magical Battery? She already has a large amount of power.. Was she seeking to enhance it? Would it even do that? The Knowledge revolving around a Founding stone was Limited as it is.
"The Girls Of Pentangles will therefore be joining us for the Foreseeable Future" Forever if they dont get their Stone back, Hecate thought. It wasn't that she didn't want Pippa there, not at all. She just knew things would be rather tight now. "This also is why we've had an Increase In Teachers, Including Miss Pentangle Herself" She gestured to the Pink witch, who stood and waved to the students. All eyes were immediately on her.
"She'll be sharing Deputy duties along with teaching Moden Chanting this year. We've also added in Myths and Legends to the Curriculum. The rest of the Staff will be sure to Introduce themselves when the time is right." She nodded to Pippa who then sat down, smiling like her school wasn't dust and ice. "If you Have any further Questions, Queries, or concerns, please do talk to your form teachers." They were meant to change form teachers every year. Yet, Somehow Hecate was having the same group for three years running! Ada was doing it on Purpose, She was sure of it.
"Now, Onto the next Point Of Business.. This will be Miss Bats and Mr Rowan-Webbs last year teaching with us.." There were many aws around the room. "For they have Announced their intentions to Marry and retire!" The Aw's turned into cheering, A Happy ending for the teachers. It also meant a party for the students. It was the only Positive at the moment. "Now, I believe that is it.." Ada turned slightly to look at Hecate. It was Ada's School, and Ada's Speech, but it was Hecate who was expected to know what was going on, and what she should be saying.
Hecate simply whispered "Forms.." To which Ada gave her a shiny smile and a small finger point as if saying 'that was it!'.
"Please Make your way to your forms till the end of Lessons. Onward Ever Striving!" Ada Yelled out, Signalling the end of the Assembly. The Students Quickly stood to rush on out. Hecate stood slowly and looked at her watch, It was One-Twenty-Two. Form was at Half One. She'd give it a moment or two for a few students to show up, before Transfering herself there.
It was nice to see what students were early, on-time and late, despite all being relieved at the same time, to go to the same place.
So.. I'm slightly Psychic, I can see some questions that may pop up. So Imma Answer a few now.
Founding stone: We don't know a lot about it, other than from that one storyline in season 2. I am taking my own spin on it. But you're gonna have to wait and see the Purpose behind it.
Wedding: The Bat-Rown-webb Wedding happened in season 3.. Which we already passed. It didn't fit in with my story line, So i sort of just left it.. But, I feel like a wedding will be a great time, while then getting rid of two characters from a now long list of them. Question: Would you like to see Mr Daisy replace Mr Rown-Webb? Or perhaps a Pentangles teacher?
PLEASE REVIEW! Thank you! (Do you enjoy me answering reviews? Sometimes it feels redundant, but I've seen other writers do it and it always made me feel so appreciated.)