Chapter 5 – Exciting news

Hecate was walking through the grounds of Pentangle's Academy; she was looking for the front door so that she could head back to Cackle's Academy. She came across a group of first year students, there was about ten of them all sat together in one of the school's open lounges. She walked past and then stopped; she had only just noticed a first year with two long plaits amongst the group. The student was laughing and happy, it was Mildred, she almost didn't recognise her as she had very rarely seen Mildred smile let alone laugh. Mildred had noticed Miss Hardbroom walk past, how could she not? Hecate gestured her to come to her.

"I won't be long" Mildred stated to her friends as she got up to walk out of the lounge and to her old potion's teacher.

"It's OK, Millie, just breathe" Zack comfortingly said to her.

Mildred stood in front of Miss Hardbroom. "You wanted me?" She confusingly asked.

"I did, could you possibly show me to the front door?" she asked her former student.

Mildred nodded. "It's just this way".

As they were walking to the front door, Hecate bombarded Mildred with questions.

"How have you been?"

"I have been much better since I came here, thank you for bringing Tabby".

"He had missed you; he wouldn't eat, it's been quite the task trying to get him to eat. Your old uniform had to be donated to him just to get him to settle. I have been doing some things with him, he's actually not a bad flyer, he just needed some time, he is also quite a bright cat".

Mildred was shocked to hear what Miss Hardbroom had just said about Tabby, though she was more shocked by the tone of voice she had used which was kind and sounded like she would miss him.

"Why would you help me and Tabby when you don't even like us?"

"I never disliked you, what I did however have, was my doubts. The only issue I had with Tabby was his flying and lack of familiar magic with him. It was never his colour".

"You could have picked any student to walk you to the front door, why me?"

"I wanted to know how you are getting on".

"Well, my potions are much better and I'm actually rather enjoying it now, the herbology classes are really helpful and my spell casting is getting there. I haven't flown yet, though I trust Miss Pentangle enough to know there will be a reason for it. I bet Ethel is glad I've gone".

"On the grounds of Ethel, she hasn't actually been that much better. She still blames you for things, even though you're not there".

"That doesn't surprise me".

They both approached the front door and Hecate hovered her broom and sat on it, she took one last look at Mildred. "I am pleased you're doing much better, and we will probably see each other again at the end of the school year". Then she flew off to Cackle's Academy.

Mildred headed back to the lounge to sit with her friends. She hadn't lied to Miss Hardbroom. She was feeling much better and all her schoolwork was getting better as well as her spells and potions. She had found with the increase of her confidence that her spells, potions, and other classes she had been thriving in. She had been shocked recently that every spell she tried worked first time and no potions had blown up. She was enjoying the magic, and she was finding it much easier, though all the staff and her large group of friends that is mixed between those from witching families and those that aren't, had helped her tremendously. She had also realised that her being behind was normal for those from non-witching families and she had learnt that it was nothing to be ashamed of.

She walked into the open lounge and her friends looked up as she did so.

"Your still alive" Sapphire gasped with mock horror.

"Yep" Mildred laughed.

"Does anyone understand this witching history homework? because I don't". Jasper asked. Who was a blonde first-year with freckles.

"I do" Zack stated, and he went over to one of the tables to help Jasper.

"When are you starting flying?" Sapphire asked.

"I hope it's never".

"Why?"

"I hate it, I always come off and my broom is always out of control and then I just end up screaming like a big baby". Mildred stated.

"To be fair, it is a long way to fall depending how far up you are, so the risk of getting injured can be high. You're not a baby, you've more than likely not been taught properly". Sapphire sympathised.

Mildred was shocked to see everyone else look at her as if they agreed with Sapphire.

All ten students headed to the meal hall for tea. Once at the meal hall they all sat down and there was murmurs of confusion all over the hall.

"What's going on?" Jasper asked one of the older students.

"I have no idea" the student replied.

"Apparently Barbie has an announcement to make" another student piped up after hearing the question. "Something to do with our school and Cackle's".

Miss Pentangle had walked into the hall and past the students, she stood on top of the steps at the back of the hall just in front of the teacher's table.

"Good evening" she called.

"Good evening" all the students chorused.

"I would like to inform you that Pentangle's and Cackle's Academy are having a competition, this consists of two students from each year group to compete in the trial of the times competition. This hasn't been done in a decade" Pippa looked around the room and noticed that the students looked confused though they were all polite and listened instead of talking amongst themselves, so she proceeded to explain what the trial of the times was. "Trial of the times will consist of you using all of your magic, working as a team and allowing each other to play to your strengths. It will be held within our very own forest. Which means from here on out no-one enters the forest until after the competition unless you are chosen for the competition. Are there any questions?"

There were many questions.

"Who will be competing?" a fifth year asked.

"The staff will discuss and come up with our competitors at the end of next month, we will be picking from each year group a student from a witching family and one from a non-witching family. To ensure it is fair and there is no prejudice in the decision making" Pippa explained.

"Why are we against Cackle's again?" Zack asked.

"We are against Cackle's academy as they are always up for a challenge and a good competition. We will hopefully be joined by Amethyst's and Amulets Academies. We are reaching out to some of the wizard schools. However, Hellebore's will not be joining us, he has declined the invitation".

The entire staff table had erupted in laughter, Mildred did not understand why, who was Hellebore?

"That's hilarious" Martha stated whilst laughing.

"Why?". Mildred asked.

"Because he is misogynistic, he thinks witches are useless and aren't as good as them. The fact that he has turned down Pentangle's offer of a competition against at least seven girls is the funniest bit. She will make it even it will end up being one boy and one girl from each year group". Martha's long black-haired friend replied as Martha was doubled over at her table.

Pippa looked around the room and couldn't help but let a giggle out, his response to her proposal had been quite comical. Though Miss Cackle had been very interested and Miss Hardbroom had been intrigued. She waited for the laughter to stop. "How entertaining, thought you would all like to hear that".

"Much appreciated" Jasper laughed.

"Made my day" Martha stated though she was laughing that much she was just understandable.

Pippa looked at Martha who doubled over in laughter and proceeded to get up saying she needed the toilet, set everyone off again and this time Pippa couldn't hold in her laughter.

After about ten minutes everyone had regained composure and food had been served.

Pippa, Aiden, Victoria (Miss Fountain) and Stephanie (Miss Quickstep) were deep in conversation.

"What skills are you planning on having them use?" Victoria asked.

"Potions, survival skills which will be taught, flying, spell science and chanting. As well as teamwork, creativity and wit". Pippa responded.

"Going to be a lot to sort out, though should be fun to prep and watch" Stephanie said with a glint in her eye as she loved challenging the students on their brooms.

"The only thing I am confused about is how potions will come into this?" Aiden asked with clear confusion.

"That is something we will have to have a good think about" Pippa replied.

The students were buzzing all over the hall and they were discussing the Trial and what it might include. There were many theories on why it was to be held in the forest though no-one was more thrilled than Mildred was.

"Well at least I don't have to worry about it as I doubt, I will get chosen" Mildred stated. At least, I hope.

"Are you kidding? your one of the best in the class". Jasper stated in a shocked tone as he tucked into his chicken dinner.

"I have a lack of confidence and I haven't even started flying here yet" Mildred reasoned. "It will require all our skill set. Including flying" Mildred explained.

"Barbie should let you fly soon surely" Jasper said.

"Who do reckon will come from Cackles?" Sapphire asked.

"Probably Ethel" Mildred said with rolled eyes and a tone that stated they didn't get along. "Maud should also be chosen as they are both top of the class" Mildred was really hoping Maud would be chosen.

"Ethel is the blonde one with a ponytail with a salty personality, right?" Zack asked. "The one who acted like an idiot around me, that one?".

Mildred nodded.

"She can say what she likes, however you have nine friends that won't put up with it, possibly ten if your friend Maud comes" Sapphire stated.