Another chapter in the bag.. (Ps. I've just finished writing Chapter 50! Thats crazy to me!)

ENJOY!

Chapter 46: After Miss Broomheads Visit..

Hecate had seen first hand the damage a teacher could do to students and staff. She admired her staff for being able to put up with it, and her students for tolerating it. It also seemed to have given them a whole new appreciation for their current potion teacher. Hecate may be harsh sometimes, but she liked to think she had their best interest at heart. It was only confirmed when she came to an abrupt stop, overhearing a conversion between her faithful third years. "In light of everything.. I'm glad we have HB.." She heard Beatrice bunch comment.

"Yea.." She heard Syibils voice. "Iv heard Miss Hardbroom say some mean things.. But she's never been that bad.."

"Miss Broomhead was Miss Hardbrooms teacher.. Is it any wonder?" Beatrice may have a point with that.. She learned a lot from Miss Broomhead, that may just be one of them.

"It kinda makes you.." Sybil started with a giggle "Wanna give Miss Hardbroom a hug.. Just for putting up with it.." The Girls giggled at that. Hecate didn't take it personally, not by any means. She understood she wasn't the most forthcoming teacher to the girls, but they knew they could count on her no matter the weather. That meant far more than a hug ever could..

She Continued on her walk, Making sure the school was indeed still standing. To her surprise, everything was indeed as needed. Not a brick was out of place as she walked. It was almost startling. As much as she may complain and rave about the lack of order in the school, it keeps her and her mind busy.. And was perhaps one of the more endearing parts of cackles, Even if she didn't admit it.

She made her way back to her Apartment. Pippa had clearly beaten her to it, sat on the couch, still in her black attire. "Black isn't your colour." Hecate commented, coming to sit next to her.

Pippa chuckled. "No, No it really isn't my colour.. But If it keeps Miss Broomhead off my case.."

"She's left." Hecate informed her, watching the relife wash over Pippa's face, she stood up, waving her hand as her outfit changed into one of her pale pink dresses, perfectly Pippa in every way.

"And what did she say to Millie?" Pippa sat back down before pointing to the bathroom door. "Poor dear looked worse for wear.. She hasn't said much, just that she needed to clear up.."

"Miss Broomhead did what Miss Broomhead does best.. I'm sure Mildred will be just fine." Hecate was sure, because Mildred was strong. She'd been through worse things than a few harsh words.

Hectare didn't even hear Mildred Exit the Bathroom. "She wasn't the nicest.." Mildred came to stand by the Couch. "But I think I was more worried about letting cackles down.."

"You didn't." Hecate told her plainly. "Ethel on the other hand, Did." She was utterly disappointed in Ethel Hallow. Of all the times to play her game, today was not that day! Never mind how protective it made Hecate feel for Mildred.. "I'm sure Miss Broomhead will have a few choice words for Mr and Miss Hallow."

"What was it like.. Having Miss Broomhead as your teacher?" Mildred spoke with caution.

"Like constantly trying to walk a tightrope while someones throwing fireballs at you.." Pippa replied, almost zoning out as she spoke, before quickly shaking her head. "Sorry.. She's.. Difficult."

"Sure seems it.." Mildred joked.. Something coming to her mind.. "I should go check on my Friends.. It's been a long day."

"Yes, Ofcourse." Hecate gave a small smile to Mildred as she ran off to meet with her friends. Miss Broomheads words may have hurt her.. But she wouldn't let them stop her. It was an admirable quality.

"Would you like to walk with me to dinner?" Pippa asked, standing and holding her hands out to Hecate. She'd been so worried about her after that morning, She hated seeing her so deflated. Full of so much self loathing. It broke her heart.

She took hold of her hands, standing up and holding them still before Pippa could lead them off. "Like Mildred, You should pay that woman no mind."

Pippa nodded slightly. "Oh I know.. But she makes it so hard. I'm never sure if I want to run away crying, or challenge her to a duel!"

"Neither sounds too grand." Hecate leaned forward, placing a kiss on Pippa's cheek before they headed out, taking there time to simply wonder to dinner, early as usual. The girls' spirits were far happier than previously. Miss Tapioca even gifted the students with a cupcake each, Thanks to Ada's suggestion.

It seemed with Miss Broomhead out the way, the students were free to smile once more. It's funny now that Hecate had a chance to look back on it. She often remembered the smiley faces of various school students. Even with Miss Broomhead breathing over their shoulders, they found the time to be children. Happy and free..It was probably thanks to Mrs Cackle, although not as kind as their Cackle, she wanted children to be children. Well, most of the time.

By the time the night ended, she was reminded how lucky her life had become. She remembered Joy, scared after turning her friend into stone. She remembered Miss Broomhead screaming and yelling, bargaining with the Grand wizard to up her sentence. Mrs Cackle sat aside.. Reminding her that it was completely her own fault.

Her mother had died a year prior, so there was no help from that end. Her mother wouldn't have had the strength to help her, even if she'd lived that long. Her father sent her a condolence card with flowers, but Hecate had a feeling they didn't tell him quite what was going on fully.. Her brother couldn't be let in on what was happening either. Out of fear she'd isolated herself from her only other friend, Pippa.

If she had even one Adult be allowed to stand beside her, and help her through it. She would have become someone very different. It's why she had little objections to taking Mildred in with her.

She knew someone would, there isn't a teacher on the cackles staff that'd leave her to her own devices. A Very different approach to when Hecate was a student all those years prior.. Miss Broomhead had reminded her why she needs to make sure Mildred will be okay. She reminded her what it meant to care for another, more specifically a child..

I hope you enjoyed!