I had to do a bunch of research on medicinal herbs and witchcraft for this one, I hope you enjoy the chapter

Zoe smiled as her fingers trailed through the many leaves of the varied plants on the property. So many different colours, leaves, shapes and more, all varied species coming together for one purpose, all to harness her power. Cultivated and honed, magic stored in one place and shared between all of them. She never would have believed a place like this could exist until she awakened as a witch. Brought here against her will but soon found she belonged here. She had never felt so at home here, growing roots, finding her place in the world and earning a reputation as a witch. She may never be a supreme, she may have lacked that magic, she may never lead the coven. But she still had purpose, she still had meaning, and she would still find her journey. Her old self never would have been pouring over books, levitating her bed, developing multiple seven wonders. For a period even Myrtle was convinced she was the next to ascend to the throne, taking over for Fiona. But she wouldn't be anything without the people who helped her gain the confidence she now had. The people when she was a greenhorn had taught her all she needed to know. Women brought together from different corners of the world, from different backgrounds, all becoming powerful young women. Cordelia and Misty had been great mentors into her venture into green magic, planting, cultivating and educating herself on plants. Misty a girl from the swamps educated in her own form of green magic who had become very attached to Zoe. Seeing her as someone to be trusted, seeing her as a sister. She had believed in Zoe before anyone else, she had seen the good in her and gave her confidence.

Which was what led her to making her own garden, in memory of Misty, though it would never compare to hers. She lacked swamp mud, she lacked the plants native to that area, but she had to make do. Everyday items she never thought would have magical properties, all calling to her and so she used their power. Often taking her basket and shears into the garden to collect ingredients. It was the brief respite from her teaching and lessons, time where she could just be alone with her own thoughts. It helped with teaching newer students about potion craft but also creating spells for the school. Back when she first arrived, she'd never seen herself in such a position, climbing the ranks and earning a reputation. She'd come a long way since her student days, aside from the greenhouse, where Cordelia had given her special access to after becoming Supreme. Cordelia placed such faith in her, seeing much of her younger self in Zoe, wanting her to achieve and grow in her own right. She had been allowed to grow her own gardens to decorate the outside, so the garden would become powerful and beautiful. So they would always have a harvest to rely on, magic within reach that only a witch would recognise. Something she never would have done as a first year.

Kyle watched her endearingly, he knew Zoe was in her element when it came to the garden. He knew she was special from the moment they met, alluring, mysterious and captivating, looking back she had unknowingly used her charm on him. He'd never seen himself dating a witch but there were worse people in the world. His own mother had been abusing him ever since his father died, using him to satiate her own sick incestuous feelings. Then Madison did the same thing as soon as she revived him. Zoe was the first person who never used her power to manipulate him or treat him badly, she used it to protect him and keep him safe. He would spend the rest of his life loving her, protecting her, guarding her. Watching her use her magic, watching her use her influence, trying to help others, trying to use her power for good intentions. She's used her black widow to get revenge on his peers who had raped Madison, she had used her powers to get rid of the axe murderer. She had never abused her position for wicked means like Madison had, she had never used it to hurt others. She had natural green fingers and she was always sneaking away to tend to the plants, either that or she had a book in her hands. She'd now earned herself the title as teacher of spells, spell craft and herbology, given her natural talent for it. It was her calling, her inner nature leading her path. He could see Zoe opening up a shop someday helping people with their ailments and needs, natural remedies for those who needed it most.

Zoe had always been better than the academy, she had been an outsider as soon as she stepped through the doors. Seen as Madison's lackey, using Zoe's magic for her own means. Zoe's previous lack of confidence made it easier for someone to abuse her and take advantage of her. But her knowledge on plants rivalled that of Myrtle and even Cordelia, none of the other witches in the coven or the new council were that educated. Zoe knew how to poison, drug and even heal someone, making it look as easy as breathing. But it wasn't as easy as it appeared, she had to do a lot of education on toxic and healing plants, to tell the difference. Many witches would become as gifted as she had been, many witches would also possess the gift of potion craft. She was responsible for the younger witches at the school, passing on her knowledge. She soon knelt in a patch of greenery, admiring the collection of herbs and other plants, running her fingers across leaves and stems delicately.

Bay leaves; while also a delicious ingredient in many dishes, both dried and fresh. Madison would never be caught dead putting her perfectly manicured nails into dirt, complaining about the smell and how hard it was to clean her nail beds. Zoe was willing to get her hands dirty, in the literal sense to cultivate the ingredients she needed to nurture the garden. Nobody would suspect her of potion craft, most would think she was merely getting dinner ingredients. Only a fellow witch would be able to understand her methods. It was also infused with magical properties, imbuing psychic visions and dreams, repelling negative energy and evil. Zoe herself had suffered nightmares due to the traumatic awakening of her black widow, many other witches suffered the same. She was doing good by aiding their descent into power. She too was helping their supreme, it was greatly helpful to Cordelia who was blessed with the sight, helping her to foresee any threats to the Coven.

Camomile which made for a delicious tea, enabled protection, healing properties, money. It was also good for internally and externally calming the soul, which is why Myrtle had enjoyed it so much. Good for anxiety, as well as meditation and focus. She often made camomile infused tea for meetings, making tonics and other syrups made of the ingredient to be added to any dish and potion. It was a familiar ingredient to many witches and easy to find. Nobody would suspect a witch for using chamomile, it was a garden variety and commonplace among non magic users too.

Then a wild card that not all Witches appreciated despite the namesake, Witch hazel. Fiona herself had been impressed by Zoe's black widow power, due to its uniqueness, but also her knowledge on plants. She knew she was one not to be underestimated, while she wasn't immediately sensed as a threat like Madison, she hid her power in the shadows. Her fingers quickly made work of harvesting, collecting many yellow petal strands and placing them in her basket. The bright colour was alluring and pretty, calling out to be picked and cultivated. Once again this plant was used for protection, but also good for preserving chastity and healing the heart, be it matters of heartache or other issues. This plant had helped her overcome her trauma's, her past mistakes. It had helped Cordelia overcome the burden of her mother's cruelty and neglect, it had helped her overcome Hank's infidelity, as well as curing the negative energy inside of them.

Not many witches took such a keen interest in nature, it was one of the underrated weapons of Witchcraft. An often overlooked skill that was never properly utilised, something that the Voodoo community had fully revelled in. Though she had become a natural due to her mentorship and outside encouragement, other witches needed that guidance. She'd spent her student years delving into this, many young witches who had been in hiding before Cordelia made the announcement, they were inexperienced. They had spent years hiding, being ashamed of their gifts, protecting themselves from being hunted down. They needed that education, they needed that guidance, she wanted to ease them into it, so they could flourish at their own pace.

Kyle was her rock, he'd seen her at her best and her worst, knowing she had her moments of hesitation and vulnerability, her nature wasn't something she could run away from. Kyle was helping her collect them, not just the loyal butler and protector of the Coven. He could have left at any time, nobody would take away the magic inflicted upon him, he was innocent of any crimes. He could live his life in peace outside of the Coven, nobody would ever hurt him again. But he chose to stay, he chose to be loyal and he chose to protect them. He genuinely wanted to be useful to Zoe, following her around everywhere. Though he lacked any magic, he wanted to be a supportive boyfriend, he tended to the books in the library, he helped locate and order any new books that they could use. He helped locate and research on any and all potential students of the school, he helped find business connections too. He knew how deeply this ran with all the girls, how they had faced prejudice and hatred for being natural born magic users. How much shame and fear came with admitting it. Zoe would carry this magic for the rest of her life, she would possess it until her dying breath, and someday her future descendants would carry magic too. It was part of her blood, her family heritage, her identity. He watched her collect the herbs with curious amusement, so many objects he never would have suspected carried magical properties "Isn't bayleaves used in cooking? Are we making Italian babe?" Kyle teased.

Zoe smiled, she knew Kyle was trying to be helpful, he'd been dragged into this world and it was her fault. He'd had to adapt fast and Madison had used him as a fuck doll the entire time. Knowing he was still loyal to her and truly wanted to understand magic meant the most. He was helping her forage herbs, wanting to be useful and remember all their names. When they met he was just a frat boy with a heart of gold who wanted to prove his worth in the world. Kyle possessed no magic, but he still proved his worth and place within the coven, earning Cordelia's trust and revoking any allegations towards him. "Bay leaves have magical properties, they aren't just seasoning. They repel negative evil energy, but they also help with dreams and psychic visions. To warn us of possible harm" she explained. They could be dried and made into powder or made into liquid, fresh they could be ground into a paste. No matter how you used them they were potent and greatly coveted.

Kyle became thoughtful, there were a few witches in the coven with precognitive abilities. Divination fell under this category as you could use it to foresee events and other matters without relying on physical senses and instinct. They needed all the protection they could get, and after all the attacks on the coven, as well as nearly losing Zoe before, he couldn't risk it. If they could predict future events before they happened, it would bring him some peace of mind. "Miss Cordelia is going to need a bunch of it then" he reflected, what with her being gifted with the sight/astral projection.

Zoe nodded quietly, leaning across to kiss Kyle's cheek softly "I'll have to make a potion for you too, you are a part of this coven too, as much as anyone. You might only be a ward and butler, but you are still important to me" she pressed. She wouldn't let another witch make him her plaything, not like what Madison did to him. She wouldn't let another woman get her claws into Kyle again, she would rip them apart before she let them. Kyle had proven he wasn't a monster, his supernatural abilities were directly linked to his resurrection, imbuing him with innate power. She would rather he die at her own hands, or from natural causes than be separated from him by force. She wasn't going to lose him again.

Kyle softened, he'd never met a girl as loyal as she was before, a girl so devoted to him. Yeah in college he'd had some hookups, met girls who were only interested in screwing a jock and college boy. Some girls had the kink that he was a momma's boy and somehow made that their drive for dating him. But that was in the past, with Zoe no matter how messed up it was, he saw a future with her. She'd grown so much as a witch, finding solidarity in her sisters, gaining confidence and influence. He was so proud of her, watching her blossom and bloom. He held up a batch of chamomile proudly "We can always make some tea with this" he beamed, he knew it was good for the body.

Zoe smiled, that smile of his warmed her heart, filling her with a sense of girlish glee she thought she had long since lost. Kyle was the reminder of her humanity, that she could have a break from the coven every now and again. Though her mother would never meet him, he was still family. Though she did wonder if he was capable of impregnating her despite being revived. What kind of power their potential children would carry. "We'll need some extra to put aside, this batch is for spells only" she explained, they didn't want to run out due to making too much tea. Kyle nodded, grabbing as much as Zoe suggested before placing it in the basket.


Kyle gazed at the sky reflectively as he and Zoe sat quietly in the garden, they had a lot of spell prep to do in the kitchen. But he wanted her to himself a little bit longer, he couldn't help being selfish. No matter how many books he read, no matter how many rituals and spells he observed, he would never understand magic like her. But he still appreciated that Zoe made him feel involved, made him feel wanted and appreciated. She could have easily treated him like a pet, demeaned and dehumanised him, like Madison had. "Thanks... for not treating me like an idiot" Kyle mumbled.

Zoe softened, gazing into his brown eyes tenderly, like him she had been dragged from her home, forced into this world and lived among strangers. She'd been shaky footed, introverted and kept her head down, trying to adapt as best she could. She had once wanted to run, tried to deny it and was scared of what she was capable of. She understood Kyle's feelings better than anyone, his feelings weren't irrational. "I was born into this, my grandmother was a witch too. My mum and cousin got to skip a generation, so someone had to be the witch" she muttered. She wished she could ask her grandmother for answers, find diaries or some other information, to see how she had managed to create progeny. How she had given birth to her mother and so on. I mean it had to have been accomplished somehow without killing her partner.

She was the most powerful witch he knew, no matter how many new faces blossomed and developed new powers, nobody would compare to her. She was a goddess to him, the only witch he would truly ever be loyal to, at least in heart. He would never be jealous of Zoe, only proud of her, but all he felt was inadequate, as if he couldn't compare to someone who could truly bring out her best qualities. He couldn't share the same pride that she felt with other witches, it was a world he would always be separated from. "Yeah, but you're so intelligent and capable, I'm just a butler who can run errands and household chores" Kyle scoffed. Compared to her, he was just the housekeeper.

Zoe frowned, she hated hearing Kyle speak so badly of him, given how Madison had also addressed him the same way. It made her worry of the way he looked at himself, compared to the way she looked at him. Everyone had their place in the coven, everyone had their purpose and their roles to play. "There's more to the coven than just spells, you keep us safe. You take care of our meals, our health, you inform Cordelia of any meetings and other political matters. Spalding did the same" Zoe stated. He would overlook the care and facility of future witches, he would watch many students come and go, he would observe their growth and wellbeing.

Kyle softened "I know, I love being able to take care of you the way you protect me. I'm glad you rely on me, but...I feel like an idiot compared to you". The empathy, kindness and consideration she showed him, made him realise how much he'd been neglected of his entire life. A girl so full of love for him. Zoe was always present, always nearby, even when she wasn't with him in person she could sense when he was in harms way.

Zoe cupped his face, stroking his cheek delicately with her hand, she needed him to understand. For all she loved her magic, her confidence and what she had achieved. Kyle was equally as special, but for different reasons, he'd fallen for her long before he realised she was a witch. That night at the party, she had been so anxious and for a brief period actually felt like a normal girl. She felt seen by someone, despite her hesitation she actually felt like she could have fun. The only thing that ruined it was his disgusting frat brothers who assaulted Madison and drugged her. Leading to his accidental death, leading to her heartbreak and guilt. When she brought him back she hated herself, once again taking something from him that she had no right to. But over time he grew and changed, became the person she remembered from the party. But found a new place among the coven. "Magic isn't everything Kyle, Fiona got drunk on power and tried to gain immortality, Misty was hunted down and burned alive, mine prevented me from having sexual intimacy. Madison never knew if anyone actually loved her for herself" Zoe reflected. Fiona wanted to regain her lost youth, hoping to become an immortal supreme and abuse the power she had. Which was later bestowed to her daughter Cordelia, who became the next supreme and first daughter of the previous predecessor. Misty was a child of nature, a green witch who preferred her self imposed isolation, living among nature and honing her gifts. She never wanted to be the supreme and she willingly followed Cordelia as Supreme. Zoe was accepting of her role as a potential supreme and even Myrtle saw her as a possible candidate, given she possessed six of the seven wonders. She was admired by many of the students. Causing conflict between herself and Madison. Madison was an ex starlette who failed as an actress, who was a hasbin who never achieved the childhood fame she previously had. Using her status to become a party girl rather than actually perform. She desperately craved approval and genuine love from someone to the extent she used drinking and drugs to appease the emptiness. However, even the power as a supreme wouldn't mean anything to her. She never truly found the love she wanted even in death.

Kyle reached out to squeeze her hand "You never killed me, that was an accident. After those assholes assaulted Madison, I was just unlucky enough to be dragged into it. You had no idea your powers could hurt people. Everything has balance right? Magic isn't evil, it's about the wielder and their intentions". If he hadn't jumped on that bus after his friends, if he hadn't tried to fight them, the bus would have driven off without him. Madison would have still killed them but he would have lived. He tried to play hero and paid the price for having a moral compass. He could never erase the trauma caused by his ex friends, he could never apologise enough to Madison. But he could do right with his actions now.

Zoe softened, whenever she doubted herself, whenever the guilt felt like it was drowning her, Kyle brought her back to earth. She merely needed to look into his eyes and know she was home. Even now he was reassuring her he didn't blame her and he didn't hold a grudge "I thought I was supposed to be wise".

"I'm full of surprises" Kyle smiled proudly, he loved seeing her smile, it made him feel whole. And he would do anything to protect that.


Zoe chopped and measured while Kyle grabbed bags, pestle and mortars, jars and more, making sure Zoe had what she needed. Watching her work with a sense of awe and admiration. The kitchen smelled strongly of herbs and ingredients.

"Well, someone's been busy in the garden today, I do hope you haven't uprooted all my plants" Cordelia reflected whimsically. She blinked, upon seeing Zoe with her hair bound back as she measured and chopped. "My, My Zoe, you aren't trying to make a surprise dinner are you?" she asked. She had given Zoe permission to use her greenhouse for ingredients and her own plants, but she worried of how much she may have used. Bur she trusted her to do the right thing. But seeing basil and other ingredients was rather off-putting, wondering if she was performing magic or merely cooking.

Zoe smiled "I was foraging in my herb garden, I was hoping to make some tonics and potions, something that might come in handy for spells and personal use" she explained. She held up some chamomile blossoms "Maybe we could make tea with this or add it to some other tonics" she explained.

Cordelia held her hand to her heart "Our Zoe, I'll never know whether to call you our resident white witch or green witch" she beamed. She had strongly inherited the same green fingers as her own, finding solidarity within one another. At times she saw very much of herself in Zoe and tried to nurture her as much as possible. She may have even taken a page out of Misty day's book. To see her so active in potion craft was truly admirable. Kyle handed Zoe items with a smile, watching her in awe as she worked away with a sense of devotion. A shy smile on his lips.

"You may lack the essence of magic Kyle, but you are a loyal helper to our Zoe, she's lucky to have you" Cordelia smiled. Seeing the genuine loyalty and devotion he felt for her was heart warming. Everyone knew he had killed Madison, killing a witch for betraying her sisters during the supreme trials. However, everyone held Madison's case of attempting to abandon the coven out of spite. Her past misuse of drugs and also her abuse of Kyle as a house servant. How she had mistreated her fellow witches through spiteful and cruel words, manipulation and others. Her setting the neighbours curtains on fire, heckling Nan and queenie, antagonising her fellow witches and trying to cheat her way into becoming supreme. Many of the ex council members took this into consideration, saying that Madison could have abandoned the academy and wondered off on her own. Queenie would never expose Zoe, and she had tension against the blonde starlet, due to her antagonism and disrespect of others. So instead they sheltered Kyle's secret, that he had in fact killed Madison due to her own crime of letting Zoe perish. Allowing Zoe to rise as a council member while Madison was left to rot.

"You have to let me know the ingredients, they could come in handy documented for future generations" Cordelia pressed.

Zoe laughed "You'll need to converse with Misty on that one, she'll be arguing for first dibs" she reminded her. Cordelia smiled in amusement.

"I'm glad to see you relying on one another, though a witch first and foremost, its out bonds that make us stronger as a coven. Not just our magic, the trust in one another" Cordelia reminded her.

Zoe softened "I love him, I'd do anything for Kyle" she hummed. Cordelia softened, she'd thought Hank could be that person for her, until she learned he'd been secretly massacring her sisters, while cheating on her. Which then led her to meet Misty Day, her actual soulmate. Someone who understood her better than Hank ever had. She was happy that Zoe had found that person, even if it was in the strangest of ways.

"Let me know if you need any more friends in your garden, I can ask other covens and branches if they are willing to donate. I'm sure our new sisters would be willing to lend a hand too" Cordelia smiled.

Zoe beamed, she had finally found a purpose and she was delighted that Cordelia was trying to help her. That she understood how much this meant to her "Thank you".

"It's my pleasure, as Supreme the wellbeing of my fellow witches is my responsibility, in all the forms it takes" she smiled. Whether it be hobbies, their mental or physical wellbeing. She was their protector, their leader and their guardian, she had to be better than her mother ever was.