Chapter 9 – The final decision
Spellman clapped his hands together in potions on a bright warm sunny morning at the end of class.
"Decision week, those wanting to compete in the trial of the times need to be doing their best this week as the final decisions will be made on Sunday". He projected round the classroom. As he looked around, he noticed a few excited looks and a few that he knew would detest being picked, one of which was Mildred.
"Sir, do you know what will be in the trial of the times?" Sapphire asked who was eager to know as she wanted to be the chosen student.
"I couldn't say, all I can say is that ten schools are participating including ours and each school has to come forward with a trial idea that is within reason, our school is hosting, which means some of you will be doubling up bedroom wise". Mr Spellman replied.
Throughout that week there was a buzz to the school atmosphere. Most students were trying their hardest in class whilst others not wanting to be chosen where trying everything to do their worst. It was an interesting week to say the least. Saturday evening came around and the teaching staff were in the staffroom discussing the students.
"Shall we start with seventh year and work our way to first?" Stephanie asked.
"Sounds good to me" Victoria agreed as the others nodded.
"I was thinking maybe Rachel, she's improved a lot, and I am expecting some good grades?" Stephanie asked.
"Rachel would be a great candidate if it wasn't for her weak heart condition" Pippa said softly.
"Worrick?" Aiden asked.
They all agreed on Worrick for one of the seventh years.
"I take it we are looking at one boy and one girl from each year group?" Victoria asked.
"Only makes it fair" Pippa and Aiden said in unison.
They spent the next two hours deciding who they were putting forward and then it came to the first years.
"Definitely without a doubt it's got to be Zack" Pippa stated.
"Absolutely" Stephanie agreed.
"Couldn't possibly be anyone else, that kid has got skills I have never seen in a first year" Aiden stated with pride.
"For the girl contestant. I am thinking either Sapphire, Stacey, Cossette or possibly, Mildred". Victoria said.
"Out of those I would narrow it down to either Sapphire or Mildred. I know Sapphire would be thrilled to be chosen, where as Mildred would be mortified". Stephanie responded.
Pippa and Aiden nodded in agreement.
"From what I've been told, Mildred always finds a way out of trouble, she might be mortified, though I have been given the line up from Cackles". Pippa told them.
"Ethel?" Aiden asked.
Pippa nodded "As well as Maud Spellbody".
"Isn't Ethel the one that used to bully Mildred?" Stephanie asked.
"Yes, she is" Pippa replied.
"Well, that settles it, we put Mildred forward, she's almost top of the class and she has improved tremendously, it might even give her a confidence boost". Victoria stated.
"She might even put Ethel in her place" Spellman quipped.
The staff had decided to make an announcement of who had been chosen for the upcoming trial, they knew some would be thrilled whilst some would be mortified. Pippa waited till the following day at teatime to let the students know.
The students filed into the dinner hall and took their seats, they had been told that the news of the chosen ones would be announced within the next few minutes. The hall was loud and slightly rowdy.
Miss Pentangle stood up and took the centre of the stage in front of everyone. She cleared her throat and flicked her wrist to cast a spell so that her voice would travel around the hall. "Good evening". She said as the spell ensured she didn't need to project her voice across the hall.
"Good evening". The students all chorused back.
"The staff and myself have come to a final decision, I am assuming you will be wanting to know which students have been chosen for the trial?" As she looked around the room. She noticed a buzz in the atmosphere.
"yes". Some of the students stated.
There was some whooping and some apprehensive looks across the room. This made Miss Pentangle hesitate. She was holding off to see if they would quieten down with anticipation.
"Spit it out then". Zack called across the hall.
Miss Pentangle laughed at the boldness of Zack and proceeded with the announcement. "I'll start with Seventh year and finish with First year. We have chosen one boy and one girl from each year group. There will be an announcement tomorrow as there will be some changes such as first, second and third years doubling up to make room for the other schools. So, drum roll please Spellman". She looked behind her and Mr Spellman starting drumming on the table of which the other staff joined in and after about ten seconds she called out the seventh-year competitors.
"For seventh years, we have chosen Worrick and Melody, come on up" She stated whilst smiling for she knew they would both be thrilled to be picked.
There was a loud cheering resonating around the hall. They both stood up proudly and walked to stand next to Miss Pentangle.
"For sixth years we have chosen, Martha and Tobias". Again, she smiled knowing they too would be thrilled.
The room resonated once again with cheering and whooping as they both joined Miss Pentangle and the seventh years up front.
"For fifth years, we have chosen Verity and Cobain" This time she half smiled as she knew Verity would not be impressed with this news, she had tried so hard to fail all week and clearly it had been futile. They walked to the front whilst the cheering continued.
"For fourth years, we have chosen Mia and Klaus". Again, she half smiled knowing Klaus would be livid. They too joined the front.
"For third years, we have chosen Primrose and Jared". She smiled warmly as they both looked exceedingly apprehensive. They did not move from their seats whilst looking mortified. "You do not have to come up here, if you do not want to".
"I'll sit back down then". Martha stated playfully.
"Your up here now" Miss Pentangle laughed.
"We weren't given the Option". Worrick stated with mock astonishment with a wink.
"For second years, we have chosen Ember and Ambros". Pippa watched as Ember joined them at the front and noticed how Ambros stayed glued to his seat.
The second years looked at Ambros and noticed how he was shaking, and they looked confused. The entire school watched as Ambros stood up and left the hall silently. Miss Pentangle looked concerned. She made a mental note to speak to him later.
"Last but not least, for first years we have chosen, Zack-"
"Obviously" some of the students chorused.
"Yea that kids got skills".
"Stupid not to pick him".
"We have also chosen". Miss Pentangle hesitated for a few seconds before revealing the final name on her list. "Mildred". Zack stood up and joined most of the competitors at the front. Whilst Mildred like Ambros left the hall without uttering a word, she was very annoyed. Miss Pentangle had expected this reaction, so she wasn't shocked in the slightest.