Caution: Witch In Progress (23 page)

    ‘Ah, I see,’ replied Mr Daemon, as if that told him all he
needed to know. ‘Well, I might have just the thing. With a high level demon, we
wouldn’t stand a chance, but here goes. Now, let me see, how did the spell go?’

    With a few pauses to remember what came next, Mr Daemon uttered
what he said was a very ancient, very powerful, banishing spell. Even before
his last words had been spoken, the receding demon’s voice could be heard to
say, ‘DRAT.’

    Now everyone really did cheer!

    They had forgotten all about the Presentations, until Miss Wick
picked up the fallen cauldron and scooped the names back inside. There was a
general murmur of disappointment through the class. Did they still have to perform,
after all that had happened?

    ‘Now, class,’ Miss Wick took control again. ‘After such a
magnificent display from Gertie and Bertha, we will have to continue our
Presentations outside. Follow me! NOT you, Fang, go to your room. I’ll deal
with you later.’

    Fang scuttled off as quickly as he could, without a word or even
a scowl. Gertie believed his days at the Academy were numbered.

    Miss Wick led the other pupils and their familiars through the
Academy, and out into the grounds. The door to the Presentation room was
securely locked behind them until the damage could be repaired. The table had
been left where it was for the time being, just in case.

    Once everyone had settled down, breathing the air in a joy to be
alive, Miss Wick reached into the cauldron again. No one was quite as bothered
now, after all, things couldn’t get any worse (they hoped). Still, Gertie did
get a lump in her throat when Miss Wick announced ‘GERTIE.’

    Gertie took a deep breath, and stepped forward with Owl. She
stood him on one of the tables set out around the Academy for guests. Gertie
then stroked him, deep in thought. She scratched him behind his ear. ‘I do love
you very much, Owl,’ she said, almost too quietly for anyone to hear. Gertie
didn’t wait to be told to begin, because she didn’t want time to be troubled by
doubts. She began to solemnly speak some very ancient magical words as she
smeared a carefully prepared lotion into specifically chosen areas on Owl. No
one could tell what on earth Gertie was doing, but she saw them all watching
with interest. After all, Gertie knew they thought she was okay now. She was
their friend. Owl sat there obediently, obviously trusting his witch fully. She
would never do anything to harm him.

    Finally, satisfied the lotion was applied properly, Gertie spoke
a few more words. She was now unaware of anyone around her, or of being judged.
This was for Owl, and he was all that mattered. She stepped back from her
familiar, took a very deep breath, and pointed at Owl. He stared back at her with
trust in his eyes.

    The last thing Gertie saw before a brilliant bright white flash
temporarily blinded her was Owl clench his eyes shut. She rubbed at her own eyes
in panic trying to clear them, desperately trying to see. Everyone was deadly
silent. What had she done? What had she done to Owl?

    She could then hear voices, but so many were talking at once she
couldn’t make out what they were saying. How was Owl?

    Gertie’s vision finally cleared, and she could see at last. Owl
looked dazed, and puzzled. He ruffled his feathers, flapped his wings, and then
shook his head. He looked at Gertie. Yes, he actually looked at Gertie.
Gertie’s eyes bleared with tears as she looked back. ‘Oh, Owl,’ was all she
said.

    Owl stared around himself in wonder. He looked at Miss Wick,
standing nearby, appearing puzzled. He gazed at the pupils watching him, though
he probably didn’t know why they were. He turned his head up to the clear blue
sky stretching high above him, and the distant trees beckoning. Owl took off,
and did a loop de loop immediately, then he flew. He flew as he had never flown
before, avoiding obstacles with speed and ease. It was obvious to all that Owl
could see perfectly.

    Miss Wick finally said, ‘Very nice, Gertie. Your owl can do
tricks. But, could you tell me what just happened, please?’

    Gertie wiped her eyes and sniffed. Owl came back and landed
gently on her shoulder.

    ‘Owl can see, Miss,’ she finally replied.

    ‘Yes?’ asked Miss Wick, still puzzled.

    Gertie tried to explain. ‘He was so short-sighted, Miss, he
could hardly make anything out. He kept flying into things. Now he can see
properly.’

    ‘Oh, I see,’ replied Miss Wick, still not terribly impressed. ‘Very
nice,’ she continued. ‘Now, what can I put on my note pad? Oh yes, I know. I’ll
write that you banished a demon.’

    The other teachers began to scribble madly as Miss Wick
announced, ‘Very good, Gertie. Very good. Next!’ Into the cauldron she delved
again.

    Banishing a demon meant nothing to Gertie. Owl could see. She
had done it. Watching the other Presentations wasn’t much interest to her. She
didn’t mind that Miss Wick hadn’t been too impressed. She didn’t even care if
she failed at this point. She had come to the Academy for a reason, and the
reason had proved to be finding a way to give Owl his sight. She hugged him
tight, and was sure Owl smiled back.

Gertie
did pass of course. She passed with full dishonours for banishing a demon. In
all honesty, the young witch felt it was a bit of a cheat, because she didn’t
banish anything really. Anyway, she was still proud of her achievement, and Ma
and Gran were overwhelmed with pride. Bertha passed too, for her assistance in
banishing a demon. Ma Bobbit was delighted. She said she had known all along
that her little girl could do it.

    ‘Little?’ mouthed Gran, quietly for a change. Gertie knew she
would never be able to help saying exactly what she was thinking. That was just
Gran.

    All the families had gathered for the end of term ceremony, and
Ma Bobbit was showing off to anyone who would speak to her. ‘Oh yes, I knew my
Bertha had hidden talents,’ she was saying to Ghoul’s family.

    ‘Plenty of places for them to hide, isn’t there?’ asked Gran,
but with a wink at Gertie. If truth be known, Gertie knew Gran had grown quite
fond of her friend too.

    Mrs Bobbit was so proud; she was planning a huge party at Bobbit
Manor to celebrate. Gertie was invited. In fact, she was guest of dishonour as
Bertha’s very best friend. Only friend, actually. Since the demon banishing
episode, both Gertie and Bertha had a lot more friends than previously. They
didn’t however see the other witches and warlocks as true friends. More as
acquaintances who they were pleased to be on speaking terms with, at last. It
made life much easier in those remaining few days at the Academy.

    Though they were not the type of young witches to bear grudges,
Gertie and Bertha found it hard to actually forget how their new friends had
treated them for most of the term. All because they were different in their own
ways. No, Gertie and Bertha were happy to nod and smile at the others, but to
keep to themselves as far as friendship was concerned.

    Gran couldn’t wait for the party. Gertie knew she had already
told everyone in the village, probably at least twice, that the Grimthorpes
were to be guests of dishonour at Bobbit Manor. Ma told Gertie she was looking
forward to it with a few reservations. She was a bit worried Gran might show
them up. ‘Surely she will be on her best behaviour?’ she asked. But, that would
be another story altogether.

    Fang didn’t end his term with full dishonours, as he had
boastfully predicted. In fact, he didn’t pass at all. Gertie heard he had been
offered the opportunity to retake his first term again, if his family were
willing to pay. After all, the Academy was still short of money, and they had
the Presentation Room to rebuild. It would only be fair for Fang to help with
the payment, Miss Wick had decided.

    Gertie didn’t think Fang was likely to be back. His mother was
apparently the talk of the village. It gave Grothilde a rest from that title
anyway. Fang’s ma had been so boastful about her little Devil.

    ‘Like mother like son,’ Gran said. She also told Gertie that
Fang’s mother was considering leaving Vile Vale altogether, because she didn’t
know if she could bear the shame.

    Gertie didn’t gloat. It wasn’t in her nature. Gran probably
gloated enough for both of them anyway. Never had any Gran looked so proud!

    Everyone was gathered in the grounds of the Academy for the
grand presentation of the Golden Spider Award. Gertie noticed even Mervin had
his head peering over the edge of the moat to watch what was going on. She saw
Miss Fiendish wave at him, and he happily waved back. Gertie’s idea of
introducing them to each other had been a great success. They had become firm
friends. Mervin amused Miss Fiendish, and she was only too happy to go over to
talk to him, and to help with his ailments. His ailments seemed to increase
each day, but Gertie believed it was only because the moat monster craved the
attention he had missed for so long by being grumpy. It was almost as if he
thought he had to invent problems to keep their attention. Gertie was sure that
in time, he would realise they liked him as he was. The young witch would miss
him, and would certainly be back, at least to visit.

    The air was electric with anticipation as Miss Wick stepped up
onto a big platform. It had been erected specially for the presentation of the
Golden Spider Award. The platform was shrouded in black bunting, and looked
really impressive. Rows of chairs were spread out in front, for the young
witches and warlocks and their families to sit. An aisle had been left clear up
the middle of the chairs, and everyone wondered who would be walking up it to
receive the prestigious award.

    Miss Wick stood proudly. This was what she excelled at, and
there wasn’t a demon in sight. Her head held high and her robes blowing softly
in a gentle breeze, she surveyed the faces all watching her.

    Gertie knew the Head teacher was waiting patiently until she had
everyone’s full attention, as only Miss Wick could.

    She then proceeded to read out the names of the pupils who had
passed their first term, beginning with those who had passed with dishonour.
Gran shouted so loudly when Gertie’s name was read out; she almost choked on a
Satan sweet Bertha had given to her. After a good pat on the back by Ma Bobbit,
that Gran claimed to be worse than the choking, she was soon fine again.

    ‘We hope to welcome all those who have passed their first term,
back for another term at our glorious Academy,’ continued Miss Wick.

    What she didn’t say was that Gertie and Bertha were welcome back
for no payment at all, due to their outstanding achievements. She had quietly
told the Grimthorpe’s and the Bobbit’s this fact earlier.

    ‘I should think so too,’ Gran had begun, none to graciously. She
then showed shock, obviously remembering they hadn’t told Gertie about paying
for her to attend the Academy. Gran looked at Gertie, wondering what to say.

    Gertie knew what that look was all about. ‘It’s alright, Gran,’
she said quietly with a smile. ‘I already know.’

    Ma smiled. They would talk about it later. Ma thanked Miss Wick,
and led Gran away before she caused any trouble. They knew Gran still hadn’t
forgiven the Head teacher for getting Gertie’s name wrong.

    Miss Wick paused before the announcement everyone was waiting
for. She loved to build up the tension, as the pupils all knew too well.

    ‘And now, witches and warlocks, we reach the most important
presentation of the term,’ Miss Wick began. ‘As you all know, the most coveted
award of our beloved Academy is the Golden Spider Award. May I say, there was
no doubt in our minds this term who the most deserved pupil for this
prestigious award should be. Witches and warlocks, the winner of the Golden
Spider Award for outstanding excellence in Witchery is…Miss Gertie Grimthorpe.’

    ‘Aye, she remembers her name now!’ shrieked Gran loudly.

    The cheer that rose from everyone in the grounds sounded a
genuine one. Even Malicia clapped politely. After all, if not for Gertie’s
quick thinking, she might not have been around to win it next term on her
return to the Academy. She had passed with dishonour anyway. She had reminded
everyone that The Golden Spider Award would certainly be hers soon.

    No teachers cheered more than Miss Fiendish and Mr Morbid when
Gertie walked up the aisle to collect her award. Gertie thought they had been
holding hands before they stood up to clap, and she was really pleased about
that.

    Mervin was slapping his scaly hands down on the surface of the
moat, sending stagnant water flying in all directions. ‘Yo, Gertie, way to go,
Pipsqueak!’ he yelled.

    Even Wart and Lily probably knew something was going on, though
they couldn’t be sure what. It would just sound like everyone was as happy as
they were.

    Gran was going totally frantic, waving a yelling Bat the
umbrella over her head. She stood on her chair as she whistled and hooted,
saying ‘That’s my Granddaughter, you know, that’s my Granddaughter.’

    Gertie saw Ma try to restrain her, but it was far from easy. She
finally gave up. Let Gran have her day. Gertie felt worth gloating about right
now. She knew Ma watched her approach the platform with her eyes blurred by
proud and happy tears. This was so much more than any of them could ever have
hoped for.

    Owl flew straight and proud beside Gertie, looking right and
left, as he protected her. He probably wasn’t sure what was going on, but he
seemed aware that she was his witch, and she was important. That meant he was
too.

    Gertie received her Golden Spider Award with such pride. She
would keep it always as a reminder of her time at the Academy.

    ‘Well done, Gertie,’ announced Miss Wick as she handed over the
glittering prize. ‘I hope we’ll see you back here next term.’

    ‘Thank you, Miss,’ replied the young witch. Would she be back?
Gertie still wasn’t sure. There was so much to learn though, and everyone was
being nice to her now. Maybe she would talk it over with Bertha at the party,
and see what her friend intended to do. For now, she wouldn’t worry about it.
This day was for her, and she was going to enjoy every minute of it. Owl could
see, and Ma and Gran had good reason to be proud of her, at last. That was all
Gertie had ever wanted. She was a true Grimthorpe, and she was happy.

    After the ceremony was over, all the pupils and their families
strolled around the grounds. A huge buffet had been set up in a grand black
marquee on the lawn. Gertie watched Gran having a great time as she kept going
back and forth to fill her plate. The only ones heading back more often than
her were Bertha and her ma. Between the Bobbits and Gran, it was surprising
there was anything left for anyone else. The table still looked so full even
now, almost as if by magic.

    Once Gran had eaten her fill, she stood with Ma watching Gertie
talking and laughing with Bertha. Gran had been quiet for some time, and not
just because her mouth had been too full to speak. Even now, Gran was staring
at Gertie with a thoughtful look on her face. She took another sip of Witches
Punch, her eyes far away.

    ‘What is it, Mother?’ Ma finally asked. She had to know what was
on the old witch’s mind.

    ‘Uhm?’ asked Gran, suddenly aware Ma was speaking to her.

    ‘You’re so quiet,’ replied Ma, ‘and that’s not like you at all.’

    ‘Aye, I suppose I am,’ Gran said after a pause. ‘I’m mulling
something over in my mind. It’s something I’ve wondered about for quite some
time, but now I think I know.’

    ‘What?’ asked Ma when Gran didn’t continue. ‘You’re worrying me,
Mother! Whatever’s wrong?’

    ‘Oh, nothing’s wrong,’ replied Gran, pursing her lips. ‘It’s
just, well, you know. I’ve always said our Gertie is special.’

    ‘Of course she is,’ agreed Ma, still puzzled.

    ‘No, I don’t mean special to us, I mean Special with a capital
S…’

    ‘Yes?’ said Ma, encouraging Gran to go on.

    ‘Well, now I think I know what her Special gift is,’ continued
Gran.

    ‘You do?’ asked Ma.

    Gran nodded sagely. ‘Think about it,’ she explained. ‘Has Gertie
ever done anything bad, despite all the encouragement we’ve given her?’

    ‘Well, no,’ pondered Ma.

    ‘Yes, I know,’ continued Gran. ‘There was Grothilde’s barn. But
that was just a mistake due to lack of training. What I mean is, has she ever
done anything intentionally bad?’

    ‘No. No she hasn’t,’ agreed Ma.

    ‘Well then,’ nodded Gran. ‘There you have it, then.’

    ‘What!’ exclaimed Ma. ‘Please do get to the point, Mother!’

    ‘What we have here,’ Gran said, as if there had been no
interruption, ‘…we have ourselves a White Witch in the family.’ Gran nodded
again, winked, and stared back at Gertie.

    Ma was dumbstruck.

    ‘Well, think about it’ continued Gran. ‘White witches only ever
do good things, just like our Gertie. And consider how clever she is with cures
and the like.’

    Finally Ma said, ‘A White Witch? Mother, do you think so? But, there
are so few born. We’ve never had one amongst the Grimthorpes. In fact, I don’t
think we’ve ever had one in Vile Vale. That would make her very Special’

    ‘Like I always said, wait and see,’ replied Gran, looking very
pleased with herself.

    ‘A White Witch!’ repeated Ma, staring at her carefree little
girl in awe.

    ‘You’re talking about Gertie, aren’t you?’ asked Miss Fiendish,
who happened to be passing by.

    ‘We certainly are,’ said Gran, in a voice that dared her to
contradict their verdict.

    Miss Fiendish smiled. ‘Yes, I think you’re right. I’ve thought
so myself for some time now. She has all the signs. Young Gertie has a long way
to go, and lots to learn, but I too believe that you have a fine White Witch in
the making.’

    ‘SEE!’ shrieked Gran. Ma knew there was nothing she liked better
than to be proved right.

    Miss Fiendish walked on with another smile.

    ‘Do you think we should tell her?’ Ma asked.