Summer school 1/9

“I know it wasn’t very kind to the poor girl, but it really was rather funny.”

Abigail was talking to some of her friends in the Senior Common Room used by the journeymen and women at the Witches’ Home.

“As you know, on the first day of school all the apprentices are marched into the Hall for the standard lecture on their responsibilities as witches of the future. Well, this time every one of them marched in with their hats perched on the back of their heads. Poor old Jennifer Jane, it was the first time she’d ever worn her ceremonial outfit and she was so proud of herself.”

In spite of herself Abigail smiled at the thought, before continuing. “Then as they turned to face the front, the little devils all straightened their hats, so that she was the only one wearing her uniform incorrectly. She knew something was going on, but of course she’d been told to face the front and keep looking straight ahead, so she didn’t know what was happening, although she could hear everyone one else smaning.”

Abigail’s friends were still laughing as she went on with her story.

“I must say the senior witch was very good about it. She took the wind out of their sails by telling them to take off their hats, because she said she couldn’t see everyone in the back row.”

Jennifer Jane had arrived the previous day to take part in a special summer school to be held at the Witches’ Home during her holiday. It was only for a fortnight and both Abigail and her parents, thought it would be a good idea for her to attend.

“You’ll get to know the other apprentices,” said Abigail “and be able to catch up on a lot of things that they know, that aren’t taught formally. You’ll also get a chance to wear your new uniform,” she added with a smile.

Well, that was all the encouragement she needed. From that moment on, she couldn’t wait for ordinary school holidays to start, so that she could go and live with the other apprentices in the Witches’ Home. Dad did warn her that they might want to play tricks on the new girl.

“That’s alright,” she replied, “I don’t suppose it’ll be any worse than the first day at a new school!”

Then suddenly there she was, being taken to parts of the Witches’ Home that she’d never seen before. A girl of roughly her own age had been told to show her round.

“My name’s Madeline but my friends call me Maddy.”

She’d seen the wash rooms and dormitories and been shown where she would be expected to sit at meal times.

Then one of the wizard apprentices had taken charge during the preparations for the first parade, which was to be held first thing after lunch. He’d gone round each student to make sure that their hats were perched on the back of their heads at the correct angle.

Jennifer Jane had thought it was rather nice of him to take the trouble. There was a lot of giggling amongst the girls, which she supposed was nervousness for the occasion, she certainly felt nervous herself.

One of the senior witches called from outside the changing room and then they’d all marched out to line up in front of the witch in charge of the school.

As everyone turned to face the front, she could hear a rustling noise and some smothered giggles. She didn’t dare look round to see what was happening, the young wizard had been most insistent that everyone had to look straight ahead and be serious.