Merry Christmas from the UK! I want to say a huge thank you so far to those who have interacted with this story. weither its by fav, follow, kudos, Reviews/Comments, It means the world to be able to share my love of the worst witch with you, and you with me.

A Messave thanks to the following on Ao3, who as of late have been a constant support of this story: Luana_livia and Dragonposeidon. Along with CurlyWitch14, Who's been here since the very begining.

I hope your Holidays have been great, weither you celebrate Christmas or not! Happy Holidays and Enjoy!

Chapter 30: The Night before..

Hecate had managed to escape the rest of the reunion after dinner. Wanting nothing more than to be back in her Apartment, but deciding on a walk around the grounds first. Her head was spinning, her heart hurting.. She didn't begrudge her brother for what he did, she understood it. He was a hero, many more Covens would have fallen if it wasn't for him.

It made Hecate reflect on her own future.. Would she sacrifice herself against Juile for the better of The Witching World? No. She wouldn't. Would she sacrifice herself so Mildred could go on? Yes, in a heartbeat.

After making sure all was well around the castle, she returned to her apartment, finding Mildred and Rothbart sat upon her couch. He stood and bowed towards her. "Ah, joy. I had come to cheek in on you after today.. Instead I found Miss Mildred.."

Mildred gave her a shy smile.. Hecate was sure she should chastise the girl about letting strangers into the apartment..

"I was hoping for you to meet her tomorrow, Bart." Hecate closed the door behind her, moving closer to the Wizard in her apartment. That was sure to spark rumours.

"Well, it seems I beat you to it." It was his terrible attempt at a joke. "It's been a longtime since we last spoke.. But that doesn't mean the Grand Wizard doesn't keep me updated." He looked to Mildred then to Hecate. "I only wished to check in.. I shan't take up anymore of your time.." he placed his hand on Hecate's shoulder, it was meant to be reassuring, she was sure.

"Ofcourse, We will be seeing you at the Wedding tomorrow." Hecate walked him to the door, Mildred hot on her heels, remaining unusually quiet.. It was unsettling.

Rothbart turned just as he got out the door to say. "A Goodnight, Joy. To you and your daughter."

Hecate's face drained as he walked away, Mildreds face mirrored her own. In an awkward silence, Hecate moved forward to close the door before looking back at Mildred. The Young girl looked up at her and said "Y-You don't have to say anything.. It's okay.." She was, of course, referring to the Daughter comment. Hecate had often been inept with social cues and reading others' emotions. But she knew the look and sound of hurt.. Mildred, like many others, was expecting Hecate to do the very Hecate thing, and push her away. To Denounce those feelings that were bubbling up.

Hecate nodded slightly, moving closer towards Mildred. She couldn't deny the motherly urge that Mildred often ended up provoking in Hecate. But the thought of being someone's mother was utterly terrifying.. As much as she might love Mildred, she also felt unworthy of that type of love from a child. Hecate was no saint.. She had gained many Nicknames by students over the years. Hardarsed Hardbroom.. Harsh Hardbroom.. Heartless Hardbroom.. It may be her own fault, but she got results, whether they liked it or not, those students went on to be better people.. So she would put up with it, and pretend they meant nothing to her.

At this moment, she couldn't express all the things she wished to.. Instead she just began to walk away, until mildreds hand came to grasp at her sleeve. "Em.. Before you go.. I've been thinking."

A Sarcastic comment was right on Hecate's tongue, but she thought better at this moment, instead asking "And what would that be?"

Mildred let go of her sleeve, letting out a steady breath as she looked up to her. "I'd like to take Magical Art next year. Along with History… I want to attend college when I leave, and I want to become a teacher." She sounded so very sure of herself at that moment. Very 'This is what i want, and it's what i'm going to get.'.

"I see.." Hecate replied. The Girls plan was solid. Despite hecate's dislike of Art, She believed Mildred should do what -she- loved. So, she was going to push her that way if she could. History however, was a new route for mildred.

"Is that it?" Mildred asked, earling a hecate eyebrow. "So you agree or..?" She was waiting for Hecate to discourage her.. She knew that.

"For once, Mildred. You've come up with a sensible plan. It doesn't matter if I agree or not. It's a Good plan, and you should stick to it." Hecate told her straight.

"And.. You'll support me?" Mildred was digging for that approval now..

"As long as you don't decide to become a clown, you have my support." Mildred smiled brightly, the knowledge it didn't matter what she did, apart from becoming a clown, hecate was here for the long run, and will help her achieve what she needed to. "Now, Are you sorted for tomorrow?"

Mildred nodded slightly. "Clothing is ready to go.. I'll be going up to see Maud and Enid in the morning, Mauds offered to do my hair a little.. Differently." Hecate didn't even want to know what that meant.. "Then I'll be returning here to get dressed.. Will.. You be about after I'm dressed?"

"I suppose so… Why?" Hecate eyed the girl with confusion and dread. What did Mildred want this time?

"So I can show you the robe. You haven't seen it yet!" Mildreds smile only widened as she spoke about it, a surprise Hecate hoped she liked.

"I will return here beforehand to see the new robe, and you along with it." With that, Mildred was skipping off to her room. Hecate left to dread the next day. It'd be a lot of forced socialising and scolding children. Despite her cynical outlook on it all, she was truly happy for Miss Bat. There was a sense of life brought to the Witch in the coming days to her wedding. Something Hecate could be envious of to be sure.

Miss Bat loved to be in love. And it sure showed. Hecate had known Miss Bat since she was 11 and just started at cackles.. In all her time, she had never felt so happy for her.. She was getting everything she deserved and more.

As a christmas treat from me to you.. This is 1/3 Fics im posting!