Hi! Me uploading on a THURSDAY? Dont mind me posting randomly, Iv just been getting my ass in gear and actrually writing more than one chapter this week!

Dhion: Hi again! Im so glad to hear it! I find the further i go with the story, the more choices i'm questioning, so i'm just over the moon its paying off!

ENJOY!

Chapter 66: Candles

Hecate had been watching Mildred like only a Mother Hawk could do. Her show of power at the last Trial, had left her curious over Mildreds true potential as a Witch.. Now with the Exams approaching, She'd wondered just how much she'd grown since the year prior. It's one of the primary thoughts on Hecate's mind as she went over the exam notes in Miss Cackles Office.

"I've been thinking about what yourself and Pippa proposed.." Ada Started with a sigh, looking up at Hecate. "I spoke to the council, and they don't see any reason why we cant expand the school. They're looking into Building on another Wing.. Along with the addition of teacher Cottages.." She gave her deputy a Smug Smile.

It was well known that Pentangles would not be returning, it was a brilliant school, but recent events ment it could not continue. The Ladies of Pentangles, would forever be one with Cackles. Ofcourse, Hecate wasn't complaining, Not really. She loved having Pippa in her life, there wasn't many things she could pin such a positive affection to. Pippa, Mildred, and her job. That was really the height of it.

"Sounds Reasonable" Hecate drew out, "And the future Pentangle students will come here?"

Ada nodded. "Indeed.. The Schools expanding Hecate, I only hope we can manage it.." She gave Her a strange look.. Her eyes glossed over slightly. Maybe it was fear, or worry. But there was a tinge of hopefulness lodged in those eyes.

"We have no choice but to." Hecate refused to bow down to the pressure presented to them. Earning a tired but thankful smile from Ada.

In the past few weeks since the trials started, she'd noticed a decrease in work Ada was partaking in. She could only imagine the stress the Headmistress must be facing from the Council, Parents and Witches world as a whole. It was somewhat nice to see her allocating her work more, Hecate was almost doing the same amount as before, yet her work was still divided between herself and Pippa. Hecate finished up the preparations for the exams, Placing them to one side. She checked her watch, she often went to grab the one around her neck before pausing, and remembering her new one sits at her hip.. She may place it on a chain at some point.

She decided to wander the school before she'd head back to the Apartment. She scared a few students by popping her head into various rooms, telling them to switch off their lights, to be quiet from their chatter, and just poking her head in to make sure they knew she could at any point. That fear helped keep them in line closer to Lights out. Soon she was wandering down to the Apartment.. She could see Ada's light still on, probably lit by candles. It striked a memory in Hecate, one she had been neglecting for a while, in all honesty.

She walked into the Apartment, sparing a quick glance at Mildred and her overgrown pile of books. "I know, I'll be heading to be in a moment.. I just need to finish this Paragraph.." Mildred Complained, expecting Hecate to jump on her for -still- being up.

"Finish it up, then I wish to talk to you." Hecate could see the automatic fear build up in Mildred's face as she nodded. Thankfully, there was no need for her worry, not today anyway. Hecate walked into her bedroom, digging through a drawer by her dresser, She pulled out a small Candle holder, just a rounded slab of wood really, with a small candle shaped hole in the middle. If you turned it upside down, it'd look like a drink coaster. Alongside it sat some colourful candles. She picked up Five of the colours, taking it though to the Living Room along with a small match.

Mildred had already packed up her books, setting them neatly in a pile for her to come back to later. Truthfully, Hecate sometimes forgot Mildred wasn't raised in a witches house. There are little quirks that come from that experience, things you won't learn in a school like Cackles. "Being from a.. None magical Background, I doubt you'll know of this.. Tradition.." Hecate spoke calmly as she placed the items down onto the table and sat next to Mildred's, ironing down her dress to lay flat.

Mildred eyed the selection with a raised eyebrow. "Candles..?"

Hecate let out a soft sigh, not in annoyance at the question, but just to prepare herself. "Magic Candles. They are an ancient tradition among witches. Each one is infused to manifest a specific desire.. They are usually lit when something is approaching, or the witch's life has been missing something.." Her Mother would lite one up every sunday without fail.. But, her father thought it foolish and a waste of time.. It might be why she only ever lit one if she felt it was absolutely necessary. "They are usually lit with the Person or family in mind, while in the Family Home. That's where it's meant to be strongest." She took this time to look over at Mildred, who was staring at them intently.

"Do the colours mean anything?" She asked, Her voice small and questioning.

Hecate pointed at the Purple one "Prosperity." Then An Orange one "Confidence" Followed by a Yellow One "Success", Then a Greensih Blue one "Luck", And lastly a Blue one "Wisdom".

Mildred Nodded, taking in the information presented to her. "So.. We light one.. And it'll.. Bring me..Say.. Success.. In my exams..?"

Hecate nodded slightly. "It's meant to aid in such, Yes. It's not fool proof, you'll still need to work for what you want.. Most parents will be lighting one around this time for what they hope. Pippa lights one before the school year.." She found herself absentmindedly confessing, almost babbling about it. Truth is, The Candles were a distraction from the real burning question in her chest. Mildred's true untapped abilities. But, that was something only time itself would answer.

"Why are you showing it to me now?" Mildred smiled up at Hecate, it wasn't passive-aggressive, purely curious.

"I often neglect the Candles. My.. Mother lived by them. You showd great promise the other week.. Not only saving your comrade, but showing a great deal of Power." Hecate gave Mildred a small smile in return. "I don't think you -Need- The Candles, but a little boost cant hurt."

Mildred nodded, looking back at the Candles. "Which one do we light?"

"Whichever one you think you need the most of. I am leaving that up to your discretion." Hecate admitted. She watched as Mildred waved a hand over the colours before picking on, and placing it on the stand. She then picked up the match, lit it, and let the candle burn. "Good choice." Hecate said in all honesty. "Off to bed with you now." Mildred gave an awkward side up to Hecate before practically skipping off to her Room, while Hecate watched the colourful candle melt bit by bit. She had no doubt Mildred would do much better in her Exams this year, None at all. She was feeling rather proud before the results even came in!

This is 100% Inspired by my own love of "Magic" Candles! Iv not said witch one she's used, so you can theorise on what she's boosted ;) I'm also gonna list the Magic Candles couloirs and such down below should you be interested. (Depending on your own views, depends on how the couloir changes between candles. Some of the ones i use, have the same couloir as others, so for the story I'm changing One/two)

Prosperity - Purple/Red (Purple in this story)

Confidence - Orange

Success - Yellow

Friendship - Pink

Luck - A Greenish Blue.

Protection - Black

Wisdom - Bright Blue

Peace - Light Blue

Happiness - White

Love - White (Red in this story)

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! MWAH!