Cackles Academy for Witches (Shadow and Natalie)

"Ah....here she is....and just in time..." she said, as the gates were opened and Mr Blossum, the caretaker, let them in.

The older pupils in the school stood in the court-yard.

They began to chant.

"WALKERS GATE, WALKERS GATE! BITE YOUR NOSE OFF IF YOU'RE LATE! AND YOUR ARM...IF YOU CRY...AND YOU'LL NEVER LEARN TO FLY!" they chanted...then began to howl.

The first years walked in while this was chanted.

"SHUT UP!" Shadow roared as it began to give her a headache.

"Um...Shadow...tradition of the school..." whispered Natalie, laughing slightly.

Shadow nodded, grinding her teeth before swallowing one of the ever present potions on her belt.

A strict looking woman strode out. She wore her hair in a bun and was followed by Miss Cackle.

"Now...I shall call the role for the new first years....the rest...INSIDE NOW!" she said firmly.

The other years went inside the castle quickly and quietly.

Shadow stood in the courtyard, unsure of what to do.

Natalie stood nest to Shadow.

Hardbroom began to call the names.

"Youth Matchitt."
"Here"

"Tilly Manson"
"Here"

"Archangel Roth..."

Shadow scowled.
ARCHANGEL HOLLY DOVE ROTH! She yelled with her mind, and the violet haired first year shot out of the school to take her place with the others, next to her sister. shadow shook her head.
"Present!" The girl said breathlessly.

Miss Hardbroom looked up.

"This child has purple hair...." she scowled.

"Yes, I apologise, my daughter you see." Shadow said, grimacing very slightly.

"Ah yes...the special one...so....this is this sister....Onyx Roth...." said Hardbroom, staring hard at the other little Roth.

Shadow glared at the twins, who both had their 'We're-so-sweey' faces on that usually came before the term of pranks.
"Yes, but I am here to keep an eye on them." Shadow said this more as a threat to the girls than to HB.

"Yes...." said Hardbroom, "standards must be kept....anyway...Ruth Lamberg."

"Here..."

"Poppy Clidstale"

"Here"

Shadow rubbed her temples, groaning inwardly. This was going to be a trying year...

Natalie gave Shadow a nervous smile.

Miss Hardbroom continued with the names.

Once the names were over, Shadow was half sad to see her two daughters striding away from her.

Natalie walked quickly to Hardbroom.

"I am here to trial teach in here to see would it be a good job for me..." said Natalie pleasantly.

"Ah....Patterson is it? Well...I hear you have standards of the highest level...I am sure we will be good friends," said Miss Hardbroon, holding out a sharp hand for Natalie to shake.

Natalie shook it.

Natalie nodded to Shadow to step forward with smiling eyes.

"I am Shadow Roth, the new nurse." Shadow said, her voice quiet but had a presence.

"Ah yes...very good..." said Hardbroom, holding out her hand for Shadow, "it seems we may need one this year more than any..."

Shadow ignored the hand, as was her custom.
"Why is that? Because of the twins? I will make sure there are no outbursts of magic..."

"Oh no...not that," said Hardbroon, lowering her hand and nodding, "we have Hattie Hubble with us this year..."

"Ah, yes, I heard about that." Shadow said. "I will set up an infirmary."

"Yes...good idea...standards will not be allowed to slip this time..." Hardbroom said firmly.

((Her and her standards LOL))

((lol))

Shadow nodded and bowed.
"I plan to set up on the edge of the forest."

"Yes...well...that should do..." said Hardbroom. She turned sharply and walked back into the school.

Natalie grinned at Shadow.

"I'll keep an eye out for the girls..." said Natalie, grinning.