The Merging: Hackles Academy Of Witchcraft And Wizardry.

Chapter 8.

Julie Hubble was stood outside of  Cackle's Academy at exactly 11.55am, patiently waiting on the arrival of Pippa Pentangle. She looked up at the castle and noted to herself that it didn't look any different as far as she could tell, yet Millie had definitely told her that the Headmaster had changed it. As she was stood pondering this, she looked up just in time to see Pippa ascending on her broomstick. She waved at her, waiting for her to land safely.

Once she did land, she threw herself straight into Julie's arms. 'It's so good to see you face to face,' Pippa laughed into the hug.

'You mean as opposed to face to mirror,' chuckled Julie, returning the embrace.

Pippa pulled out of the hug. 'Yes, it's just not the same, is it,' she pouted.

Julie was just about to reply when she heard a sudden pop that made her jump instead. 'OMG! I got such a fright. What was that?' she asked loudly, looking around for the source of the noise.

She heard laughter coming from Pippa and then a voice said, 'My deepest apologies, dear. We didn't intend to frighten you.'

She swivelled around and came face to face with a tall, pale, beautiful-looking woman, who had piercing ice blue eyes that were staring straight at her. She was wearing what Julie could only describe as forest-green robes. There was a man stood next to her who was also tall and pale, but with cold-grey eyes and long blonde hair that made him look like he had just stepped out of a L'Oréal advert.

Julie thrust out her hand in their direction to introduce herself. 'Julie Hubble, pleased to meet you,' she said a tad awkwardly. 'And this is Pippa Pentangle,' she gestured to Pippa, who was trying her best to stifle her laughter. It was hilarious how awkward Julie always became in the presence of a beautiful woman.

The blonde beauty took Julie's hand delicately and gave it a firm, but gentle shake. 'Narcissa Malfoy. A pleasure, I'm sure. This is my husband, Lucius Malfoy,' she finished with a small smirk.

There were handshakes all around before Julie spoke up again. 'So... Are you here about the merge too then?' She inquired curiously.

'Yes! Our boy, Draco, contacted us this morning and requested that we come to the school immediately,' answered Lucius.

'Ah. My Mildred mirrored last night and told me all kinds of stories about this new Headmaster, so I contacted Pippa straight away and we decided to come and check it out for ourselves. Although, Millie had mentioned that he had changed the castle but it looks the same as always to me. Can you see the difference, Pip? I'm starting to think it might be because I'm not magical,' chuckled Julie.

Lucius, upon realising that he was in the presence of a non-magical being, took a hasty step back. 'You're a Muggle?' he spat out, disgusted.

Julie looked at him half-baffled and half-offended. 'I'm a-. What? No! I'm not a mugger, thankyou very much. How dare you. I mean, I might not have a job right now but I'd never stoop so low as to mug people. God! Just who do you think you are, eh?' She scoffed.

Lucius, who had never been spoken to like that in his entire life, especially not by a lowly Muggle, opened his mouth to reply but found he couldn't actually find the words to say. He looked towards his wife hoping she would help him and was shocked to see her with a hand covering her mouth, very obviously trying to hide her laughter, which meant that his wife was impressed.

'Cissa,' he whined. 'You're not supposed to be impressed by the Muggles.'

'You better quit calling me a mugger, Mister, or you'll find yourself in court charged with slander,' threatened Julie authoritatively.