Not only am I excited to show this Chapter, but im doing it a little earlier than planned. But im having a pretty rubbish day, so im uploading it half an hour early, that way, when i wake up, i can see the reviews!

Enjoy!

Chapter 34: I've been dreaming of a White Christmas with you..

Hecate had never experienced a picture perfect Christmas. She let Pippa take the lead.. The one thing she had insisted on, was giving Mildred the Watch herself. Pippa had excused herself for it, despite Hecate telling her she didn't have to. Hecate had thought long and hard about that bastard watch. Ever since Hallow's eve.. There was a strange comfort in knowing Mildred had it on her, when Hecate may not have come home.

She remembered her mothers Funeral all those years prior.. She'd watched her mother die more every time she saw her. The Magical Sickness taking its hold and killing her slowly. She remembered how clinical Miss Broomhead was when she'd informed Hecate of her mothers death.. It didn't really hit her what that meant until the funeral, Having her father place the watch over her head.. 'She wanted to pass it on when you turned thirteen.. You'll just have to have it early, and in her honour', her father had said to her. Mildreds fourteen now, It seems none of them can quite get the age correct.

She'd hardly expected Mildred to get her such a beautiful Brooch, fitting perfectly into Hecate's personality and wardrobe. It was mesmerising.. And the first real gift she had ever gotten on Christmas. Her mother didn't believe in giving gifts, her father usually forgot, and her brother's version of a gift was a well written letter.

She'd refused any options for gifts.. Preserving herself loneliness. But those days are long gone, for Mildred she would receive and she would give. She hadn't expected Mildred to start crying at her. When Hecate had received the Watch, it was a solemn day. But when Mildred received it, it was a day of love.

The rest of the day was spent walking in the snow, watching as Mildred hit Pippa with snowball after Snowball, Eating more food than anyone should, and watching Mildred gush and play around with her new art supplies. She was creating beautiful piece after Beautiful piece.

But soon, it was time for the night to draw to a close, She'd cheeked on mildred, now wrapped in bed with her history book.. They'd wished each other a good night, before she went to join Pippa.

She'd found Pippa sat on the side of the bed, something in hand, though she couldn't quite make it out. Pippa practically jumped up when she saw her, clearing her throat awkwardly while holding the item behind her back, receiving a hardbroom eyebrow raise in return.

"I know we agreed on no presents.. But, I couldn't help myself." Pippa sounded almost shy, yet the kindness she'd always shown Hecate never left her. Hecate Sighed, Trust Pippa to go out her way.. Hecate moved closer to stand before Pippa, as Pippa placed a small ring box in her hand..

Hecate looked upon it, her face paling. Her now shaking hand opened it up to reveal an exquisite ring. A Shiny sapphire taking centre place, with three small onyx on the left and right side on top of the silver band. It was beautiful.. "Pippa.. What does this mean..?" She asked after a moment. Giving one's love a beautiful ring like such, has connotations behind that worry Hecate.

"It can mean.. Whatever you want it to mean." Pippa spoke in full honesty. "Should you wish it to be just another ring, That's okay.." Something about the way she said it, made it feel as if that's her least favourite option. "If you wish for it to be a promise of our love, with no strings attached, that's also okay." She sounded more hopeful about that. "However.. Should you wish for it to be my formal request for your hand, it can be.. Because no matter what you choose, Hiccup. I'm not marrying anyone else." She sounded so very sure of herself..

Hecate couldn't bear to look up from the ring.. She feared hurting Pippa, She feared being trapped too. Her mind went back to her parents, The words they so often spoke 'And what would your husband think?', 'In time, your husband will make those choices', and 'you can't behave like this when you're married, your husband won't be pleased.'

It turned Hecate off the idea completely. She'd had terrible visions of some stuffy old wizard telling her what to do, when to do them, and how to be herself.. She'd envisioned being trapped, her power diminished and her self expression disappearing day by day in unhappy matamonie..

But Pippa did the exact opposite to that. She made her heart yearn for more years with her. She was free, her power shining while she continued to be herself day in and day out. Pippa was not the man she had envisioned when her parents would talk about her future, but Pippa was the woman she dreamt of now.. Pippa was her past, her present and her future.

Hecate took hold of the ring in her hand, still shaking slightly as she held it.. "I would rather not have anything big.." She whispered eventurly. In all her thinking, she had to agree with Pippa, there was no one else she'd marry… She slipped on the ring to her left ring finger, showing off her choice.. It fit her like a dream. This all felt like a dream.

Pippa's face practically fell, She clearly hadn't expected Hecate to even consider it. She moved forward, her own tears of joy sparkling in her eyes, before she took hold of hecate's face, placing a tender kiss on her lips. "Thank you, My love." Pippa whispered into her.

Hecate had loved Pippa since they were children.. She had first spotted her on Selection day, feeling so very intrigued by the bright family.. She'd gained a fast crush on the girl who insisted on walking into her on a couple of occasions.. But the more their friendship grew, the more she ended up loving Pippa Pentangle..

But it wasn't until recently, she'd been able to show that love.. And it wasn't until recently, she allowed Pippa to do the same.. Come the new year, she wanted to make this promise.

I hope you all enjoyed! Make sure to let me know what you think!