Only 2 more chapters, then were the same length as "Moving Forward", I love that for us. I actually finished writing this at Almost three in the morning, but i had -restraint- for once.. (Iv almost finished Chapter 24 as well.. If i can get one more chapter done tonight, that one will be uploaded this evening, if not, then tomorrow.)
ENJOY!
Chapter 23: Ethel Hallow..
December.. Mildred Loved December. There was no better time of year. The Snow always made everything look so Magical! The only thing bumming Mildred out, was that this was the First Christmas without her mother.. She loved her mother, but by now.. She'd rather remember her memory in fondness, than remember what she's become in sadness. But, She was still looking forward to spending it with Hecate and Pippa!
On this Particular Morning, The Whole School had been called into Assembly. Decorations for Christmas had already gone up the day before, the massive Tree sat in the corner of the school hall, like a massive warning sign for the season…
Mildred had found her seat, within her year, besides her friends. The Last time they had an assembly, they learned about Juile being a rogue witch. This one was hopefully going to be more joyful.. Thankfully, it didn't take long for the other Staff to come.. When they said Full School, they meant it. Every single Teacher and staff member was here..
"Ladies!" Miss Cackle started, standing up to her podium.. She gave a shifty look to Mr Rowan-Webb and Mr Crabgrass before looking back to the students. "It is Now December, That means we're approaching another school holiday.. Now, The School Officially Breaks up on Friday the Eighteenth.. However, Miss Bat's and Mr Rowan-webbs Wedding is set for the Twenty-First.. "
Students could be heard gossiping, gasping and squealing over the date finally being set. "All Students are Invited.. Meaning, it is up to you if you go home on the Eighteenth or Nineteenth, or if you stay till the Twenty-first.. Letters will be going out to all your parents on the matter."
Miss Cackle Nodded to Miss Bat who stepped forward, waving at the students. "The Wedding will be a morning wedding in the Forest.. Followed by a Special Lunch here at Cackles.."
Mr Rowan-Webb stepped forward. "We Expect all students to come in their own clothing, preferably their Robes, but anything Wedding Appropriate will do.." Robes? What Robes? They wear Robes to weddings? Mildred doesn't have any Wedding Robes!
"If anyone wishes to help out with the Wedding, just stop by my classroom.." Miss Bat continued on before the pair went to sit down.
Mildred wouldn't mind helping out, afterall, it's not like she's got much else to do!
"Thank you, Miss Bat, Mr Rowan-Webb." Miss Cackle said with a very proud Smile. "Now, All Students are expected to go to their Forms." That was different, normally they'd go off to their first lesson, not back to forms.. "Dismissed."
The school scampered and left as they scurried to their forms, rather confused over the matter. Miss Hardbroom had appeared before the rest of the class, as per usual.. But, she didnt start a lesson, or tell them to do anything. Well, She told them all to keep down the noise.. But that was it!
Around Ten minutes after they had arrived, Miss Cackle came to the classroom. "Well meet, girls.. You're probably quite confused." She gave them a reassuring smile. "Fear not, I'm only here to discuss the future with you."
Mildred hadn't thought much about the Future. She wanted to be a Witch.. That's as far as she got on the whole planning front..
"You are in your Fourth year.. Next year, you will be taking your final exams.. Many, if not all of you, will be applying to colleges or internships.. You get to pick two lessons you wish to focus on in your Fifth year.. The Options are as follows.."
Hecate moved to place a clipboard in Miss Cackle's hands. "Thank you, Miss Hardbroom.. Your Choices are, Magical Art, Advanced Chanting, Advanced Myths and Legions, Witch History, Advanced Spell Science, Advanced Potions, Advanced Broomsticks and.. Magical Jewellery Making.."
Mildred listens to her choices carefully.. Most were the same as her current lessons. Spell Science and history would be split into two separate ones. There would be no PE, The Art would be magical.. Cooking and Magical Jewellery making would be new subjects.. Jewellery making being something -only- the year fives could take.
Miss Hardbroom looked over the class before speaking. "A Timetable will be going up onto the board. This Timetable will be detailing after school talks for each of those subjects. I recommend you attend every one in order to fully grasp what subjects you may take next year.."
"You'll still have to take Basic Potions, Chanting, Spell Science and Broomstick flying. As well as regular PE Lessons.." Miss Cackle Nodded at the students before thanking Miss Hardbroom and exiting.
"You're all to think very carefully about your futures, and what it is you wish to succeed at.. There will be no second chances.." Hecate's voice came out low and threatening to her students.. "Dismissed."
Mildred hung around after the class had left.. She lingered her way to the door before pushing it too and turning to Hecate.
"Yes, Mildred?" HB said without even looking up from the paper on her desk. Mildred Swore she had more eyes than were visible..
"I've never really.. Thought about my future.. Not a lot anyway.. I think I'd like to go to College." Mildred had already planned to go to regular college, why not just change that for a Magical one. "But I don't know what I want to do yet.. Got any.. Advice or..?"
Hecate sighed as she finally looked up to Mildred. "You want my opinion." It was a statement, not a question..
But Mildred saw fit to answer anyway. "As My.. parental figure.." She was testing the water now.. "I would like to know what you think.."
Hecate stood up straight, looking down to Mildred. "I think.." She started, her voice still with its harshness, before she toned that down to take on a more softer approach. "You should attend every talk given by the various teachers here. If after those talks, you still haven't a clue, Then i will give my opinion."
Mildred nodded slightly. "I get it. I just.. I wasn't raised by a witch, I don't want to make the wrong choices.. I want to be a witch.."
"You wont make the wrong choices, Mildred. Nor myself, or Pippa, would allow that. You can be assured." Hecate said, opening up her watch with a frown. "You'll be late to class, and I have business to attend to. Run along now."
"Thanks." Mildred nodded as Hecate vanished into Thin air before heading to the door, she opened it up just to find an Ethel Hallow looking very Smug on the other side.
"Ethel.." Mildred muttered..
"Mildred Hubble." She practically growled. "It's HB you've been staying with for that.. What, Last.. Six Months?"
"Miss Hardbroom Hates an Eavesdropper.." Mildred tried to keep some cool. Truth is, Ethel was the last person she wanted to know! She was by no means embarrassed by the whole thing, she loved hecate.. She was grateful to have her. But, She also knew how awkward this could make things at Cackles.
"I'm sure she does.." Ethel smirked wickedly before something seemed to go over her mind and she frowned. "Is that why you scored so well last year? You had HB pulling up your scores!"
"Hey!" Mildred snapped. "I worked hard not to be the worst witch! Sure, Miss Hardbroom helped with that.. She helped Tudor a few of us that needed it, actually!" Mildred hated the idea of Ethel thinking she was cheating or something..
"I'm sure she did more than just Tudor you!" Ethel said, her nose flaring in her usual manner.
"She helped me learn about more than just Potions or chants.. I'm finally on the same playing field as everyone else. You grew up in this world, Ethel.." Mildred waved her hands around dramatically. "You've always been miles ahead of me! Thanks to HB, I'm finally catching up. I may finally be able to leave this place an equal.."
"Equal? We could never be Equal, Mildred Hubble." She Practically spat out that last name. "After all, I don't need a teacher to take pity on me just for a leg up.. It's Ridiculous.." Ethel eyed up Mildred.. "You're Ridiculous.. And soon, the whole school will know."
Mildred panicked slightly, watching Ethel begin to walk away, her ponytail swooshing as it does so. "Ethel!" This was no good. Ethel would tell the school.. And then everyone would look at her and Hecate funny.. And Hecate would get mad and..
She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. As much as she wanted to be a Hardbroom, she wanted it to be done on hers and hecate's terms.. Not on Ethels, or anyone else's for that matter.
She popped her head back into Potions, No Hecate.. She decided to Skip Spell Science, and see if she could Find Pippa.. But Pippa wasn't in her class, and she wasn't in the apartment.. If she couldn't find Hecate or Pippa.. She'd just go to Miss Cackle! She'd Understand.. She hoped..
She quietly rap-tap-tapped on the door to her headmistresses office. When she heard the yell of "Come in", She opened the door..
I wanted Ethel to be almost coy about the whole thing.. Hopefully that came off.. Thanks for reading! Make sure to leave a review!