Caution: Witch In Progress

by Lynne North

  ‘Well, you didn’t, did you?’ asked Gertie, in all innocence.

  ‘I DID TOO!’ boomed the demon. ‘YOU SAW ME. YOU ALL SAW ME BREAK THROUGH THE FLOOR!’

  ‘What, through that hole there?’ Gertie pointed.

  ‘YES!’ replied the demon.

  Gertie stared at the hole with her chin on her hand, as if pondering, then looked back at the demon.

  ‘WHAT?’ he asked.

  ‘No,’ replied Gertie.

  ‘WHAT DO YOU MEAN, NO?’ he roared.

  ‘No, as in, no you’re too big, silly.’ Gertie said with a pout. ‘That teensy weensy hole? No. You just caused a smoke screen and crept into the room. You’re not from down below.’

  Gertie was seriously depending on the demon’s stupidity here, because the door was much smaller than the hole. It was also the only other way in. He really, really was stupid, fortunately.

  ‘I DID NOT!’ he roared indignantly. ‘I CAME RIGHT UP FROM HELL THROUGH YOUR FLOOR!’

  ‘Didn’t,’ Gertie muttered.

  ‘DID TOO!’

  ‘Didn’t.’

  ‘DID, DID, DID TOO!’

  ‘Okay, prove it.’

  ‘DID…UHM?’ the demon paused.

  ‘Prove it then,’ replied Gertie.

  The demon looked at her blankly.

  Gertie had to explain all the way. ‘If you can fit into the hole, I’ll believe you came out of it. So, all you have to do is get back in, and prove it.’

  The demon thought about this for some time, while Gertie felt everyone else holding their breath. Could they see what she was trying to do?

  Gertie hoped Bertha was thinking too, hard, but not about food. She got Bertha’s attention, then pointedly looked over at the huge oak table. She hoped the demon wouldn’t notice her gaze.

  She saw Bertha look at the table too, and could have cried with relief when Bertha simply nodded. She had picked up on Gertie’s idea!

  ‘THIS IS MONSTROUS!’ complained the demon, whose demonhood had probably never been questioned before. ‘YOU ALL BELIEVE I’M A DEMON, DON’T YOU?’ he asked the room in general.

  A resounding ‘NO.’ filled the room. Gertie decided that everyone could at last see a possible way out of this terrible situation that didn’t involve being cooked. They obviously felt a little bolder. Especially now she and Bertha were so much nearer to the demon than they were.

  ‘OH THIS IS RIDICULOUS,’ complained the demon. ‘BUT, ALRIGHT, YOU SILLY WITCHES AND WARLOCKS. I’LL PROVE IT.’ With that, he put a clawed foot into the hole. ‘SEE.’

  ‘That proves nothing,’ persuaded Gertie, trying to keep calm. ‘Only your leg will fit in.’

  With a look of complete exasperation, the demon swung both his legs into the hole and balanced himself on the edge by his well muscled arms. ‘NOW DO YOU SEE?’

  ‘Well, you can sort of fit,’ Gertie agreed, ‘but I bet you’re stood on the bottom now. I bet it doesn’t go any further down.’

  ‘DOES TOO!’ screamed the demon, and let go. ‘SEE,’ his voice called from down the hole.

  In a flash that Gertie would never have believed possible of Bertha, she had the oak table levitated, turned over, and crashed down across the hole. Everyone cheered and jumped around, until they heard the demon’s voice getting closer again.

  ‘HEY, WHAT’S GOING ON?’

  In a moment or two, a scaly hand followed the voice around the edge of the table, trying to lift it out of the way. The cheers turned to screams again. Bertha bravely lumbered over to the table, and sat on it. While Bertha’s added weight made the table even harder to lift, Gertie saw Miss Wick act with great presence of mind. She quickly cast a strong gravity spell on the table. No one would be able to lift it now. Not even a demon. That didn’t however solve the problem of a demon under the floor, or the fact that if he decided to smash through the floor again in a different place, he probably could. Still, he was a very stupid demon, as he had so adequately proved. Nevertheless, he had to be banished properly, somehow.

  ‘Mr Wolfsbane, quickly, now we can reach the door, go and find old Mr Daemon. If anyone knows a way to banish a demon summoned by someone else, it will be him!’

  The teacher ran off through the adjoining door back into the Academy.

  Gertie could hear him calling Mr Daemon’s name from half way down the corridor.

  The demon was still banging on the underside of the table, and coming out with some very bad words. The table held.

  Gertie, and Bertha who had returned to stand by her, were surrounded by fans patting them on their backs and praising their bravery. Some even picked Gertie up and carried her around the room cheering. No one tried to lift Bertha.

  Gertie wasn’t even sure what she’d done. She had become a bit angry, and used some common sense. She didn’t feel brave. And it was Bertha who trapped the demon, and stopped him coming back, she reminded everyone.

  Bertha grinned all over her face at all the attention. She had never been surrounded by friends before, only bullies. She said this was the best day of her life, though Gertie’s Birthday and all the food came a close second. She then added, ‘I feel hungry again.’

  Nothing had changed much.

  It wasn’t long before Mr Daemon could be heard huffing and puffing down the corridor. He carried Albert into the room with him. The teacher never went anywhere without his cat. Gasping and trying to catch his breath he said ‘Oh dear, oh dear. What have we here?’

  He put Albert down to survey the scene. Albert walked bravely to the blocked hole, and clawed at the demon’s hand that was still trying to push a way around the table. The demon let out a yowl, probably more from shock than pain, and dragged his hand back. Gertie saw Albert waiting for it to appear again so he could give it another swipe. He looked like he was enjoying himself.

  ‘And, what level of demon do we have here?’ Mr Daemon asked.

  ‘Very low, I’m sure,’ replied Miss Wick. ‘Fang summoned him.’

  Fang gulped. Gertie saw he was still trying very hard to disappear. He was maybe free of the demon, but he would now have Miss Wick to contend with. He didn’t look sure which was worse.

  ‘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.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  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 h
ad 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.