A/N - The girl's ages are never really mentioned in any of the books/series, so for the sake of this chapter, I wanted to add my own.
In my head, Cackle's is for 12-17 year olds. In the first year, the girls are 12/13, in the second, 13/14, in the third, 14/15, in the fourth, 15/16, and finally in the fifth, 16/17 before they start college as young adults.
Therefore, in this story, Mildred is the youngest in the year. She was 15 in the last book and has just turned 16 over the summer, but most of her friends will be turning 17 throughout this term.
In England, this is around the age where a lot of pupils leave high school unless they choose to do more exams which will increase their chance of going to university. It is also around the age where teenagers start properly experimenting with parties, relationships and underage drinking...
'Millie, I want this written down, for the record, that I think this is a terrible idea. Maybe even one of the worst you've ever had' Maud lectured, as the five of them made their way down the pitch black corridor, heading for the back entrance of the castle which Mr Blossom had introduced them to many years ago.
They had escaped this way during their third year, sneaking off to the funfair as a celebration for the end of their exams. Of course, they had Fenella and Griselda on their side to help them that time, and even though that didn't work either, Maud was even more nervous without their support tonight, worried about getting expelled.
'You know I'm always up for a party Mildred, but part of me wants to agree with Maud - how do we know that we can trust Ethel Hallow? You haven't really explained why-'
'I've told you this frightshade, I can't explain it fully, but I do. We had a conversation a few weeks ago and something happened over the summer which has changed my opinion of her, so please, trust me' Mildred reasoned, pleading for them to believe her without having to comprise Ethel's secret.
'Oh who cares, let's just have a good time! It was my 17th last week and I never celebrated because we were stuck in this dingy place - I have a lot of mayhem to catch up on' Ruby exclaimed, licking her lips comedically as she did so. She had been miserable ever since the return to school, being the only one in the friend group who wasn't bothered about doing another year here, but was rather forced to due to her fear of missing out. She was also the oldest in the year, feeling the age difference more than ever as she wanted nothing more but the independence to do her own thing, rather than prance about wasting time. Consequently, she was desperate to have some fun. The worst that could happen was that she'd get expelled, and then Miss Cackle would have made the 'dropping out decision' for her.
Taking the gamble as Jadu had told Maud and Enid to turn back if they were unconvinced, the entire group continued to traipse around the silent castle, terrified about waking up any of the teachers. All of them had to steady Mildred to stop the clumsiest of the bunch from tripping up, for if they were found out, they had no excuse. As a precaution, they kept asking Mildred about what HB would do to them if she found out, but Mildred couldn't care less at present as she was still fuming with her after their unproductive conversation yesterday.
Miss Hardbroom had completely disappeared after she had told Mildred to leave as she had failed to show up for dinner duty earlier that evening, and she always did Saturdays. Although a painful twang of guilt crept into Mildred's chest then, she seemed to have forgotten about it by now as she realised that they had successfully evaded the woman. She had spent so much time with Constance now that she could sense her presence when she was lingering in the immaterial realm - the type of annoying spy work she did when she transferred somewhere but hadn't materialised yet. Despite her tendency to do this, Mildred could not feel her personality at present as the girls managed to clamber through the unlocked back gate, finally escaping the castle walls unscathed.
Failing to stifle a celebratory cheer from Jadu, the five of them sprinted out of sight, far into the woods as they made their way towards the familiar cafe, before a rustling in the bushes immediately froze all of them in their tracks.
'Shh! It's only us you losers' came the cocky voice of Drusilla, its heavy Welsh accent exemplifying her every word. Ethel had explained that they were putting their differences aside for one night so they could all have a good time and ensure that the party would be lively, which the other girl had reluctantly agreed to, unable to form her own opinion when in the presence of Ethel.
'See, I told you we could trust them' Mildred whined, smirking at a dumbstruck Enid who could not believe how bold and unnatural Ethel Hallow's behaviour was tonight.
'Exactly, and we all know how to scrub up good' Ethel laughed, admiring the outfits of the other girls, her eyes resting on Mildred for a little while longer, before she instructed them to follow her behind the tall bushes and out of view from the main path. Knowing their luck, Miss Hardbroom would be out picking herbs at midnight, or Miss Drill would be on a late-night run, something none of them wanted to take their chances with.
Despite their messy scramble throughout the wildlife, it was true what Ethel had said. All seven of the girls looked breathtaking as their unique styles reflected just how much they had grown up over the years, now appearing to look like sophisticated young adults, rather than a messy herd of giddy, teenage school children. As they crept around the forest, their outfits were a colorful display of individuality and style, glistening in the moonlight.
Mildred wore a short, black spaghetti-strap dress, simple yet elegant. Her dress had a subtle shimmer to it, catching the light as she moved, rather like one of Miss Hardbroom's black metallic outfits. She paired it with a delicate silver necklace and matching silver hoop earrings. Her hair was curled and left down, with a small, glittery butterfly clip which she had bought in Cornwall pinned on one side. Mildred completed her look with her usual black boots, prioritising comfort without sacrificing style, and without realising it, she could have appeared to be a younger Constance to those who didn't know her, as her dark features and sophisticated style was the spit of the older woman's in her youth.
Meanwhile, Maud's outfit reflected her sweet and slightly bookish nature. She wore a pastel blue A-line dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that twirled as she moved. She accessorized with a simple white headband that kept her bobbed hair in place and a pair of dainty pearl earrings. On her feet were white Mary Jane shoes with a small heel, giving her outfit a classic, timeless look.
Contrast to Maud, Enid embraced her bold personality with a more daring outfit. She opted for a red halter-neck top with a plunging neckline, paired with a black leather mini skirt. The outfit was edgy and stylish, perfectly matching her confident demeanor and embodying the spirit of the early 2000s. She wore black, knee-high leather boots and accessorized herself with a studded belt and silver bangles on her wrists. Her hair was styled in loose waves, adding to her grown up appearance.
Ruby's outfit was vibrant and full of color, reflecting her lively spirit. She chose a bright purple dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that reached mid-thigh, similar to the style of Maud's. The dress had a fun, sequined pattern that sparkled as she moved. She paired it with silver strappy sandals and a matching silver clutch. Ruby's curly hair was styled in an updo, with a few tendrils left to frame her face, and she wore large hoop earrings to complete her look.
Jadu's look was a blend of elegance and tradition with a modern twist. She wore a beautiful teal saree with intricate gold embroidery, draped gracefully over her shoulder. She paired it with a gold blouse that had short sleeves and a modest neckline. Her accessories included gold bangles, a delicate gold necklace, and a pair of jhumka earrings which her mother had passed down to her once she had turned 16. Jadu's long hair was braided and adorned with small, gold hairpins, adding a touch of sparkle to her traditional yet trendy ensemble.
Characteristic of her old character, Ethel, always polished and sophisticated, wore a chic emerald cocktail dress. The dress was form-fitting and had a stylish asymmetrical neckline with a single shoulder strap. She accessorised it with a statement necklace, undeniably bought for her by her father as it looked highly expensive, adorned with black and silver gems as well as matching earrings. Her hair was styled in an elegant up-do, and she wore black stiletto heels that added height and confidence to her already commanding presence.
Finally, Drusilla's outfit was trendy with a hint of grunge, reflecting her unique style. She chose a dark green velvet slip dress that hugged her figure and fell just above her knees. Over the dress, she wore a black mesh long-sleeve top, adding an edgy layer to her look. She completed her outfit with black combat boots and a choker necklace with a small, silver pendant and heavy black eyeliner which brought out her blue eyes. Drusilla's ginger hair was also styled in loose, tousled waves, giving her an effortlessly cool vibe.
As the girls gathered together, their outfits complemented each other beautifully, showcasing their distinct personalities and sense of style. The excitement in the air was palpable as they headed out to the party, ready for a night to remember as they chattered cheerily about who was going to be there.
-x-
'Weeelcome ladiesss!' Cried Clarice Crow as the door to Cosie's cafe, or what remained of it, flew open, displaying the sight of a completely inebriated 16 year old to the seven fifth years who had just arrived. It was around half twelve when they found themselves there, and based on all the noise that was booming from inside the building, they had come at the perfect time.
'Well come innn' Sybil slurred, clumsily pushing past Clarice and dragging Mildred in by the wrist, leading her towards the back kitchen before she could turn around and bring her friends with her. Upon entering, Mildred's mouth fell open as she took in the sight around her, unable to believe she had finally been invited to one of these things.
The main room of the party was a whirlwind of activity and sensory overload. The normally serene space had been transformed into a bustling scene of teenage rebellion. The room seemed to have become more spacious, probably through the use of a clever extension spell which some of the fourth years must have perfected. The room had been altered to include high ceilings and large windows now covered with dark curtains to create a more intimate, club-like atmosphere. Multicoloured LED lights pulsed in time with the beat of the music, casting vibrant hues across the room and highlighting the shadows of people dancing and mingling, all in various states of intoxication. Furthermore, a boy of around 18 appeared to be playing about with DJ decks on a makeshift raised platform, the bass of pop, techno and house music so powerful that it could be felt through the floorboards.
The room was also packed wall-to-wall with students, their faces illuminated by the shifting lights. Groups of friends huddled together, shouting to be heard over the music, their laughter and conversations blending into the background noise. Mildred had never realised how big the third year was compared to her own year, containing around 25 students. However, the closer she looked, the more she realised that students from other schools must be here, as to her shock and surprise, she saw a crowd of around 12 boys sprawled out lazily over two sofa's, all passing around shared cigarettes as clouds of hazy smoke drifted around them. Rolling her eyes at how much this cringed her out, she audibly laughed as she spotted Baz, Gaz and Charlie from Camelot's College within this crowd, gobsmacked on how they had ever managed to evade Chief Wizard Hellebore and escape all this way.
Aside from the crowds of people on sofas and tables, on the other side, a makeshift dance floor had formed, with people moving to the music in a chaotic but joyous mass as smells of cologne, strong perfume and alcohol drifted through the atmosphere. Some students also stood outside as a small outdoor area, only used by Mrs Cosie in the summer, had been transformed into a large garden where teenagers were smoking or taking some time out.
Snapped back from her thoughts, before Mildred had the chance to move from Sybil's side and back over the her friends, for the girl had always been strangely attached to her in her younger years, she had been pulled into the kitchen and had a red cup shoved into her hands.
Before Mildred lay the table which had previously caused disaster in her work experience week, but as she looked at it now, she felt nothing but nervous excitement fill her body. The long table near her was covered with an array of snacks and drinks, and a large punch bowl was at the centrepiece, surrounded by a variety of bottles— Smirnoff vodka, Captain Morgan's rum, Gordon's gin, Jack Daniel's whiskey, Prosecco and a variety of wines were just some of the options she could make out as there were at least 25 bottles there, all surrounded with crates of softer options such as cider, beer and pre-mixed cocktail cans. Red plastic cups like the one she was holding littered the table and the floor around it, a testament to the steady flow of drinks throughout the evening which had only just started. Thankfully, no one was stupidly drunk yet, and Mildred thought that the night ahead was going to be very fun indeed as she put her arm around Sybil's shoulders to hold her steady and show her thanks.
'There you are dear sister' Ethel interupted, completely sober as she shouted slightly because the thumping of music could still be heard throughout the room adjacent to the centre of the party. 'Sybil, get lost and go find Clarice, Mildred and I need to get this party started' she grinned, before dragging a whinging Sybil from the room and slamming the door shut behind her. Coming closer to Mildred, she pulled out a small bottle which she had been hiding somewhere within her dress, much to her confusion.
'What the hell is that supposed to do?' The other girl questioned, unsure on what the point of such a tiny bottle was when bigger ones stood at the centre of the table.
Mildred had never been a big drinker, having only tried the stuff a few times during summer parties that her mother had hosted in her younger years before everything that had happened with Mistress Broomhead, but what she did know was that even she wasn't enough of a lightweight to get tipsy from that.
'It's not alcohol you idiot...it's a potion-'
'No, Ethel! No potions. I am not messing about with dangerous substances. Alcohol is fine but not drugs or whatever that is'.
'Oh my god, chill out you wuss! It's not a dangerous substance, who do you think I am? It's just a reaction inhibitor. It means you'll get drunk faster without having to drink so much, and don't you think we need it considering we are the only sober ones here? That way you won't get a hangover and you wont be running about all night needing to throw up.' Ethel explained, her eyes twinkling with a sort of hungry mischief before unscrewing the cap and pouring half into her cup, and the other half into Mildred's.
'Look, I'll take it back if you don't want it, but you said you wanted to forget about Hardbroom for one night and being stuck sober by yourself in a corner is hardly the way to do it, so are you in?' She continued, circling Mildred almost seductively as she held the cup up to her lips.
Mildred nodded her head slowly, looking down at her scarred arms as she did so. All her anger about Miss Hardbroom was seeping back in as Ethel mentioned her, and so did all the painful memories of last year as she remembered everything that had happened to her. Snatching up as many bottles as she could and wanting nothing more than to live life as a normal teenager for once, she started to make a wild concoction that was sure to get her going.
Shoving an overflowing drink into Ethel's hand, filled with the potion, dashes of vodka, gin, rum and lemonade, Mildred necked the entire thing in one sitting, feeling the effects almost immediately as she had to suppress a gag at the vile taste. However, this didn't stop her from repeating the same process twice before she left the room swaying slightly, Ethel following closely behind her as she walked into the centre of the party, clutching to another drink.
Sooner or later, Mildred Hubble found herself swept up in the pulsating energy of the party. She had danced with Maud and Enid until her feet ached and then retreated to the refreshment table for another drink. She felt the warm buzz of alcohol spreading through her as she become less and less aware of her surroundings. All of her friends were extremely drunk by now, especially Ruby who was dancing on tables like she usually did in school when left alone, hyping up everyone around with her natural flare for the entertainment industry - no wonder she wanted to ditch witchcraft and go into it instead.
Needing to take some time out, Mildred lingered near the edge of the dance floor, swaying slightly to the music and taking in the scene around her as her and Ethel gossiped about some drama that was going on between Clarice and Sybil over a boy at present.
'I am so bloody drunk' Ethel giggled, laughing at her younger sister from across the room. 'This potion works wonders.'
'Sameee' Mildred laughed, her legs feeling number by the minute as she leant closer into Ethel's shoulder.
'Was it worth it then? Made you feel any better Hubble?' Ethel questioned, the alcohol pulsating through her body as she gained a new found confidence to interrogate Mildred.
'Hell yeah, screw her!'
'Screw who hahahah-'
'Hardbroom. Screw her honestly' Mildred hiccuped, pure euphoria vibrating inside her as she chugged even more of the mixed multi-spirited creation, spitting out words she didn't really mean. 'I hate her, she hates me. Damn it, last year should never even have happened, so sc-screwwww HER, I'M GONNA BE NORMAL AGAIIIIN!'
'Cheers to that one' Ethel laughed before pulling Mildred closer and kissing her temple sweetly. 'You don't need someone who wants to hold you back, tooooo controlling for someone as free-spirited as you, come with me instead. Let's get back at everyone who hurt us.'
'Fuck me, I cannot wait for college' Mildred exclaimed, before jumping up suddenly and pulling Ethel with her, placing a friendly kiss on her cheek before dragging her back into the crowd, spinning her around at full force as she did so. In this moment, nothing as mattered as two damaged girls went wild, not even thinking about the consequences.
However, as she took another sip, a group of boys approached her and Ethel from deep within the midst. They were a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces, all wearing confident smiles that hinted at trouble. One of them, a tall boy with tousled hair and a mischievous glint in his eye, stepped forward.
"Hey, Mildred, right?" he asked, his voice smooth.
Mildred nodded, feeling a bit wary but also intrigued as heavy drum and bass resounded from around her. She was used to being well known after all the media attention she got last year, and people were largely kind towards her, but she was not everyone. Despite this, she was too intoxicated to care right now, and she felt so damn alive, so she decided to go along with it.
'Yeah, that's me. Who's asking?" She slurred coolly, clearly drunk but still managing to act casual.
"I'm Aldric. My friends and I were just talking, and we thought you two might want to join us for something a bit more fun," he said, his grin widening.
She glanced at the group, noting their eager expressions. "What do you mean?"
Another boy, shorter with a shaggy haircut, pulled a small bag from his pocket, and inside were several joints. "We thought you might want to try some of this. It's pretty chill, helps you relax."
Mildred's eyes widened slightly. She had heard of weed, of course, but had never tried it. She felt a mix of curiosity and caution. The alcohol had already loosened her inhibitions, and the idea of trying something new and daring was tempting, and it wasn't exactly a dangerous drug - everyone did it.
"I don't know..." she began, but Aldric cut her off.
"Come on, it's just for fun. Everyone's doing it," he said, pointing around them and lighting one of the joints before taking a drag before passing it to her.
Mildred hesitated, then glanced around. No one seemed to be watching them closely. She took the joint from the boy, her heart racing. "Just one puff," she said, trying to convince herself.
She brought the joint to her lips and inhaled tentatively. The smoke filled her lungs, making her cough, but she felt an immediate, dizzying sense of euphoria. The boys cheered, and she laughed, feeling more relaxed and carefree than she had in a long time as she handed it to Ethel who took more than one toke.
"See? Not so bad," Aldric said, clapping her on the back. "Let's head outside. It's more chill out there."
Mildred followed them to the backyard, her steps extremely unsteady. The cool night air hit her face, and she took a deep breath, feeling both lightheaded and exhilarated as going outside for the first time only seemed to enhance her high state. They found a spot near a small bonfire which had been lit, where a few other students were sitting and chatting, one girl lying face down in the grass besides another girl was trying to get her to throw up.
Aldric handed her another joint, and she took another puff, feeling the effects intensify as she realised she had smoked at least two full ones herself by now. The music and laughter from inside seemed to blend into a pleasant hum, and she leaned back, closing her eyes and enjoying the moment.
'You're beautiful, Mildred Hubble' Aldric claimed, as he shuffled closer to her, cupping her cheek in his hand as he brought her face closer to his. Unaware and not in control of her own actions, Mildred fell forward, her lips intertwined with his as he kissed her passionately all down her jawline and neck, sure to leave dark purple marks decorating the thinner layer of her skin by tomorrow morning.
However, as the minutes passed, the euphoria began to wane, replaced by a creeping sense of disorientation. Aldric was trying to touch her in places she did not feel comfortable with, as she realised that whatever she had smoked was certainly not normal and nor was her reaction to it. Her thoughts became jumbled, and she struggled to keep up with the conversation around her. Panic started to set in as she realised she had underestimated the potency of the weed and now found herself trying to clamber away from Aldric, but he was grabbing on to her and pulling her backwards forcefully.
None of this felt right, as a niggling sensation in the back of Mildred's semi-conscious mind told her that she was in danger. She had been stupid to come out here, realising that the boys would want something from her in return for free drugs, and Mildred was not ready for that yet. She choked back tears as she tried to say no, before Aldric got angry and yanked her hair back, dangerous hunger creeping into his eyes.
Meanwhile, his friends continued to chat and laugh, seemingly oblivious to her growing discomfort. Mildred tried to stand, as she eventually shoved away, but her legs felt wobbly. "I... I think I need to go inside," she mumbled, her mouth barely moving as she hoped they would understand.
'Don't be so frigid darling' Aldric laughed, his carefree demeanour unwavering, before Ethel shoved him backwards and he toppled over the log he was sitting on, much to the amusement of the other lads.
'What's up Hubb-Hubble Bubbleeee' she hiccuped, stumbling as she moved closer to Mildred, failing to take the situation seriously.
Mildred pushed past her, feeling a wave of nausea. "Fine, I just need to sit down."
She stumbled back towards the house, trying to get as far away from Ethel as she could, but her vision was blurring. She felt the world start to slip away as the effects of the weed, alcohol and that damn potion hit her harder than she had anticipated. She was still in the dimly lit room off the main hallway, but the surroundings began to twist and distort in ways that didn't make sense. The walls seemed to pulse in time with her racing heartbeat, the shadows shifting and creeping closer. The once vibrant party now seemed overwhelming and chaotic. As she reached the back door, she nearly collided with someone.
"Mildred! There you are!" It was Maud, her voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?"
Mildred shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't feel so good, Maud."
Maud put an arm around her, guiding her inside. "Come on, let's find somewhere quiet."
They made their way through the crowded house to a small, emptier room away from the main area. Maud helped Mildred onto a couch and sat beside her, holding her hand. "What happened? Did you drink too much?"
Mildred nodded, then added, "And... and I tried some weed. I think it was too much. I don't think it was normal…this boy tried to hurt me."
Maud's eyes widened with understanding and concern. "Oh, Mildred. You should have told me. Let's just sit here for a while, okay? I'll stay with you."
Mildred tried to respond, but after a few moments, her eyes rolled back as she fell backwards, her head lolling about on the back of the sofa as she found herself spinning.
"Mildred, can you hear me? Are you okay?" Maud's voice sounded distorted, echoing strangely in Mildred's ears.
Confused about how she had found Maud, for her body must have naturally carried her there, she tried to focus on the girl, forgetting all about how she had met her a few seconds before. Maud was holding her hand and speaking to her extremely confused, but her friend's words were becoming jumbled and distant, like they were underwater.
A sudden wave of panic surged through her. The room felt like it was closing in, the air growing thick and suffocating. Mildred's breaths came in short, rapid gasps as she struggled to get enough oxygen. Her skin felt clammy and cold, yet she was sweating profusely. She could feel her heart pounding violently against her ribcage, each beat a thunderous drum that threatened to drown out all other sounds.
She tried to stand up, desperate to escape the overwhelming sensations, but her legs felt like jelly. As she stumbled to her feet, the floor seemed to tilt beneath her, sending her crashing back down onto the couch that Maud had dragged her to. The impact sent shockwaves of pain through her body, but it was a distant, surreal feeling, as if it was happening to someone else as she slumped forward and threw up into a nearby bucket which was being used for rubbish.
"Mildred, stay with me! Look at me!" Maud's voice pierced through the fog for a moment, and Mildred forced her eyes to focus on her friend as Maud held her hair backwards. Despite this, Maud's face seemed to warp and stretch, her features becoming grotesque and monstrous. Mildred let out a terrified whimper, shrinking back into the couch as tears fell from her eyes, smudging her makeup.
The room was spinning faster now, the lights flickering wildly. Mildred squeezed her eyes shut, but the darkness behind her eyelids was worse. Horrific images flashed through her mind—nightmarish visions of twisted, snarling creatures and endless voids of nothingness. She felt like she was falling into an abyss, unable to stop herself.
Time lost all meaning. Seconds felt like hours, each one stretching out interminably. The nausea was overwhelming, and she barely managed to turn to the side before retching onto the floor again. It was around 4am by now and many people were ready to go home, some having already made their way back to the castle, but Mildred was too drunk to sit up let alone move as her friends didn't know what to do with her.
'Ethel...gives me, gave me...fuck...potion drinky increaser…drugged…HB hates me' Mildred slurred, her words making no sense as she tried to hold her mouth steady and manually move her lips, spitting out random nonsense - one word sentences about herself, her feelings, their tutor, the night and her summer. Maud grabbed Enid who was passing nearby, sobering up largely as she felt nothing but concern for her best friend and they both tried to move her, yet to no avail.
'Been…struggling. She doesn't care…stupid…idiot' Mildred heaved, sobs escaping her chest as a few lone partygoers had gathered at the door by now in concern. Mildred was by far the worst here, the most intoxicated by fault that she wasn't even convinced was her own anymore.
'Need a time…potion, travel back…to when none of this ever…even happens'
'We need to get help' Enid cried, frustrated and scared about how they were going to get out of this one, but no longer caring about the consequences if it meant saving their friend.
'Get…who? NOOOO not her' Mildred cried as she went to smack Enid but failed to do so as she collapsed forward.
Mildred didn't understand what happened next as she heard distant, jumbled words about 'a fight with a boy' and 'that bitch Ethel' as well as someone asking if she'd been spiked before a familiar male-sounding replied with 'I think so'. She briefly saw Aldric being thrown out from the building by his shoulders too as panic crept even further into Mildred's unsteady mind at these last words, as she felt extremely unsafe. She couldn't process where she was, what she was doing or how she ended up here. She tried to grab Maud, blabbering something she didn't even consciously understand about getting Constance before completely loosing consciousness as everything went black.
A/N - Cliffhangers are back, sorryyy!!