I Prefer Witches

Chapter 6

Cackles Academy looked the same as it did when I left the school years ago. The sun shone brightly in the sky giving a warmth that despite the January weather felt good. Entering the building I walked down the familiar corridors and smiled at the good memories that came to mind. My friends and I having the time of our lives always doing silly things that should have got us in so much trouble.

The wedding would take place tomorrow but Emily wanted me to arrive today to help her with a few things. She wasn't having a bridal party saying it was too traditional and it wasn't her thing.

Miss Cackles office came into view and my strides became longer. Gently knocking on the wooden door I waited for it to open. Within seconds the door swung open and I entered without a second thought. Miss Cackle and Emily where in the room seated at the desk "Well Met Miss Cackle" I greeted "Well Met Freya" her gently voice came. I missed it really "it's so good to see you" Emily caught me of guard when she got up and crushed me into a hug. I winched in pain hoping she didn't noticed the action "It has been so stressful and I'm glad you are able to make it today" she told me pulling away "of course anything for you" I smiled at her "why don't the both of you take a seat and we can talk over a cup of tea" agreeing I sat down on the chair that I was all too familiar with "how have you been Freya?" Miss Cackle asked "alright I guessed" the headmistress took of her spectacles and leaned back in her seat "I've heard that you have been doing well at the college" I cleared my throat and scratched the back of my neck "ah well I kind of drop out. The papers where signed a few weeks ago" I admitted.

Edmund wasn't too pleased that I never listened. A few days ago he found out about it but in all honesty he was invading my privacy by opening my letters. I was busy ironing my clothes to pack for the days ahead when he came storming into the room, the letter crumpled in his hand. Shoving it in my face as he demanding that I explain why I never listened. Throwing me on the floor he kicked the board out of anger resulting on the iron burning my shoulder. The pain was unbearable and Edmund just left after one final kick. It was my own fault really I should have talked to him more, be more firm with the decisions I've made. For now though I just had to make sure no one saw the burn. It may take a while before it healed although I've got some pain relief brewed up for the next three days.

Shaking my head my attention returned to the conversation at hand "why the sudden change?" Miss Cackle was watching me and for some reason it made me uncomfortable "just some personal reasons" I tried to smile to reassure them but it didn't quite reach "what are you going to do now then?" Emily asked. I shrugged "to be honest I have no idea" admitting it was hard. This was the new reality. Stuck at twenty one years of age and not having a clue what I want with life "I'm sure you will find something to do" the headmistress told me "yeah maybe, but we should be talking about Emily it's her wedding after all" I said trying to change the subject of conversation "of course" Miss Cackle smiled.

I was lead to the room that I had lived in during my high school life. It looked the same as it did before I left. It seemed someone had already been here and cleaned as no dust covered the furnishing provided. I began to unpack my bag. There wasn't much to unpack since it will only be a few days I'd be here. A knock interrupted me and I looked up to find Emily standing there "I wanted to see if you settled in alright" she said looking around the room "I didn't have a lot to begin with and beside it's a familiar place. I'll settle in straight away" I said "I also wanted to inform you that the you'll be dress fitted after supper" I was confused "I don't understand" I said "since my family and I aren't on speaking terms they won't be attending the wedding. Therefore I don't have someone to give me away, so that's where you come in" she said "your being serious aren't you?" I asked "of course I am you were the first person I thought off" she said "why didn't you say anything before?" she smiled "I know what you're like. You would have overthought everything and we don't want that to happen" I sat silently and watched her "I'll do it" there was no thinking about it. I would do anything for her and she will do the same if it was the other way around "well then I will leave you to it and see you at supper" she greeted me goodbye and walked down the staircase of this little tower.

A few hours had passed before supper rolled around however I was not that hungry therefore stayed in my chambers reading the book I was currently trying to finish. The darkness had already surrounded the Academy and the corridors where quiet, but it was too quiet for my liking. I was used to people rushing to class or gossiping to their friends.

I decided to leave and search for Emily for the fitting. Still a little shocked but I was happy to do it for her. The corridors where filled with the orange tinge that came from the candles lined up on the walls. Students were still away for the holidays and would be arriving back at the start of next week. The wedding party long gone as if it never happened. But then what am I going to do, move back home with my father?

Emily was found in the dining room with Miss Cackle and Miss Drill on either side of her. No one else was around as they talked amongst each other. I made myself some tea from the pot that was magically kept warm. After pouring the hot contents I joined the group of women and listened to their conversation when they greeted me. Miss Drill was still the same apart from that injury she has from many years ago that had since worsened from when I left. Although not the PE teacher anymore Miss Drill has stayed on in Cackles Academy to take over Mr Rowen Webs position when he and Miss Bat left after their wedding. In all honesty I'm not surprised.

"what do you think Freya?" I looked up from hearing Emily's voice say my name "pardon?" I asked not knowing what she had said "I was telling Miss Cackle and Miss Drill that you would be brilliant at being the chanting teacher" I scrunched my eyebrows together "you have an amazing voice anyone people that have been to one of your shows would know that and you're a great performer. You could teach the kids something new" I shied away "I think it's about time someone took the position" Miss Drill said "I'm not sure" I said then looked over to Miss Cackle "how about a trial run only one week and we'll see from there weather or not you're up to it" I bit my lip "I'll think about it" I said.

It took them ten minutes to finish what they were doing before Emily led us to the library where everything had been rearranged to prepare for the next day. A screen had been placed in the corner where you could change without anyones prying eyes on you "remember its just a fitting. It shouldn't take long we can use magic to take it in for you" I nod and watched as she opened one of the larger trunks that had a couple of dresses hung up "I've got a selection for you to choose from. Whatever you're comfortable with" she said. Going through the small collection I stopped when I landed on a dress that reminded me of the midnight sky. Trying it on I was happy with how it looked and that it covered most of my skin.

"shouldn't you be more nervous or something?" I asked whilst straightening out the skirt "not really, I love my fiancé and he makes me happy so there's nothing to be worried about" she said "nothing?" I asked "as long as we say our vows and are pronounces witch and wizard then I'm happy. If the place goes up in flames so be it" I smiled and shook my head at her "your never seize to surprise me you know" I said. Emily chanted a few words and I watched as the dress changed to fit me "what are friends for" the minutes passed and I was back in my own clothes. Walking around the screens I sat down on one of the chairs with Emily "is everything else ready for tomorrow?" I asked "almost theres just a few things to do" she said. We talked until it started getting late and decided it was time to retire to bed.

Taking the potion I waited until it started to kick in before changing into my night dress. It began to wear off around half an hour ago but I had to deal with it until we finished talking. Luckily it didn't take long. Today was exhausting and all I want to do is sleep. Going to sleep pain free was just the icing on the cake.