By DJ Tyrer
"Oh, don't be silly, Millie, it is just a potion exam and we have been practising."
"But, Miss Hardbroom said that if I fail then she will have Miss Cackle expel me. I have been doing badly in my exams, amd if I don't improve then I am sure I shall be expelled!"
"Just do your best!" said Maud giving her friend a reassuring hug as they entered the classroom where the cauldrons and bunsen burners were ready awaiting them.
***
The next morning, after Miss Hardbroom had taken the register she looked pointedly at Mildred. "Mildred Hubble," she said, shaply.
"Y-yes, Miss Hardbroom?" squeeked Mildred.
"Please go to Miss Cackle's study. Miss Cackle would like to see you."
Mildred gave Maud a despairing look, which she returned, and left the classroom. As she slowly made her way up the stairs to Miss Cackle's study, bootlaces trailing behind her, Mildred glumly thought to herself, well, this is it, Mildred, you've done it now. They just have to expel you now... She was on the verge of tears as she knocked on the door but fought them back, vowing not to cry until she was safely in her room.
"Come in, Mildred," called Miss Cackle from within.
Mildred did as the principle bade, trembling more than a little as she entered. She was rather surprised to see that Miss Cackle was beaming at her and even more surprised to hear her say, "Well done," before offering her a seat.
"Pardon?" asked Mildred, as she sat down.
"I said, well done," repeated Miss Cackle. "You got the highest mark in the potion test. We are very pleased with you Mildred."
"I did? You are? You're not going to expel me then?"
"You did and we are and of course we aren't! What a silly notion! In fact we want to put you up a year, we feel that the lessons may be too easy for you, that in your boredom you have been playing up. By increasing the challenge you will increase the reward."
"But, I..."
"Congratulations, Mildred," and Miss Cackle shook the confused girl's hand.
Then the door opened. Mildred turned and saw it was a smiling Maud. Presumably she had come to congratulate her for her success.
"Mildred!" exclaimed Maud taking hold of her shoulders and shaking her, "Mildred! Come on, you have to wake up! Mildred!"
***
With a groan, Mildred woke up to find Maud shaking her.
"Come on, Mildred, you're late!" exclaimed Maud, dragging her out of bed.
"So it was just a dream," murmured Mildred.
"Sorry?"
"Oh, nothing, I was just having an odd dream."
***
As they left the classroom for Miss Bat's chanting class, after Mildred had taken the register and given the tedious announcements, Mildred was smiling happilly.
"So," she said to Maud and Enid, "I guess I am not the worst witch at the moment."
"No," agreed Enid, with a chuckle, "coming in the top third was quite a boost for you- perhaps, if I had not shown off and nearly set fire to Miss Hardbroom's desk, I wouldn't have come last in your place!" She laughed. "But it was amusing, though." And still laughing they made their way to miss Bat's classroom.
FINIS