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Chapter Text

En Pointe

Mildred Hubble leaped in excitement. She had done it - somehow secured an audition for the Academy of Dance - the most prestigious ballet school in the country. Just seeing its name emblazoned above the door of the impressive Georgian building in the heart of London made her insides go jittery with a mixture of happiness and nerves.

"You've done so well to gain an audition Millie - I'm really proud of you. Just don't get your hopes up too much yeh? You know how difficult it is to get in," Julie had said to her in true Northern bluntness as they got the train into King's Cross. Mildred had rolled her eyes at her mother.

"I know, mum! But who's to say that it cannot be me?" Mildred shrugged her shoulders.

"It's just you're not exactly their typical student Mils. They'll be used to the prissy stuck-up children who have parents that probably donate whole dance studios."

"I'm hardly from the ghetto mum!" Mildred had laughed. Her mum was a fairly high up nurse, who although had to work many hours for her paycheck, never complained at the expenses of new ballet shoes and leotards.

Just seeing students mingling around the place, their hair in buns and dark purple leotards stretched over leggings covered by various hoodies gave Mildred the hope that she would be joining them before too long.

"Hi, Mildred Hubble - I have an audition today," she said excitedly to the receptionist who peered at her nonchalantly.

"Studio 2, down the corridor, second on the left," she said smoothly. "Parents aren't allowed in, "she told Julie curtly.

"I know - I know," Julie glared at her manner, "Good luck Mildred. Call me when you're done and I'll meet you here."

"Thanks," Mildred breathed out deeply as she made her way towards the studio. I can do this...

xx

"They certainly don't look a very promising lot," Hecate Hardbroom wrinkled her nose at the principal of the academy - Ada Cackle.

"You say that every year Hecate," Ada grinned.

"And every year I am proven correct," Hecate glowered. "When was the last time we taught anyone with any true talent?"

"Isla Willow left this year with five offers from ballet companies," Ada reminded her.

"Yes.. But contemporary companies.." Hecate shook her head disbelievingly. "Face it Ada, the last truly talented dancer we had was Esme Hallow."

"She sent us tickets to see her dance Aurora," Ada smiled. "She's understudying but making quite the impression. That's her sister right there - Ethel Hallow," she pointed out a girl with a neat blonde bun who, noticing she was being watched, did a deep and perfect plié.

"Good turnout," Hecate acknowledged grudgingly.

The door was suddenly flung open by a gangly creature with freckles, a frizzing bun and a frazzled expression. The girl looked around the room before seeing the two adults standing at the far side.

"I'm so sorry, I hope I'm not late!" she said bumblingly after she had practically skipped over to the two.

"Late no, but cutting it rather fine," Hecate practically hissed, taking in the girl from haphazard bun to scuffed trainers with an instant dislike.

"Right on time dear," Ada said warmly. "I'm Miss Cackle, headmistress here and this is my deputy Hecate Hardbroom. Your name?" she queried, clipboard at the ready.

"Mildred Hubble Miss," Mildred stared (up - for the woman combined height with a ramrod perfect posture) at the woman with the smooth black bun. "Miss Hardbroom, I... I.. I am so honoured to meet you. Your Giselle has always been my favourite, you really inspired me to dance! You're such a legend! And I got to see your Swan Lake before... well.. before..."

"Hecate - Oh my God.. Hecate... Call the paramedic! Her ankle!" Hecate blinked as the memory came surging into her brain.

Hecate's eyebrows could not rise any further as her lips pursed. "Well Mildred Hubble..." She practically spat, "I would recommend getting warmed up rather quickly if you are to have any hope of joining us.."

Taken aback, Mildred nodded before heading over to where there was space to lace up her pointe shoes, as Ethel Hallow showed off her arabesque.

xx

"The first section of your audition as described will be a barre class led and assessed by Ms Hardbroom. Then, we get to see what you have prepared for your solos," Miss Cackle smiled at the potential students. "Relax, enjoy it - that's what dance is for after all." Ms Hardbroom couldn't disguise the scowl that Miss Cackle's words gave her.

"We start with tendus," Hecate said crisply, "Side, front, side, back - 20 repetitions," she told the girls. "Find a space at the barre". She pressed play on the remote, causing a light classical tune to ring through the studio as the girls hurried to attain positions at the front. She noticed Ethel Hallow guard her spot by the mirror carefully. "Begin," she called firmly.

She made her way down the line, observing carefully. Ethel Hallow was first and seemed to have Esme Hallow's excellent technique, but could not keep her eyes from the mirror, vanity that she did not like in a dancer. She could not deny the girl her talent though.

"And developpe, enveloppe," Hecate instructed.

The girl behind her had reasonable technique too - a girl named Felicity Foxglove who had come well recommended from one of the local ballet companies. The girl behind her seemed recognisable...

"Your name?" She asked the girl, impressed by her rather relaxed and easy poise and flexibility.

"Enid Nightshade," the girl told her, scowling as if her own name disgusted her.

"Ahh Katarina Nightshade's daughter," Hecate nodded.

"Unfortunately," Enid said under her breath, which Hecate just caught with a perplexed expression. She continued to observe the group, reaching Mildred Hubble with pursed lips.

The girl seemed to increase in nerves the closer Hecate got, losing her timing with the rest of the group slightly. "Round those hips Mildred Hubble!" Hecate told her firmly. "Again," she demanded as the girl readjusted her position. "Turn out!" she shook her head crossly, as she went to observe the second line.

xxx

"Some good technique," Hecate told the girls, glancing at Ethel Hallow and Enid Nightshade, "But some need to drastically think about whether they deserve to waste my time with their solo," she glared at a rather defeated looking Mildred Hubble.

"Good luck girls!" Ada Cackle smiled at them.

"We shall begin with Ethel Hallow," Hecate informed the girl, who glanced around the room prettily before nodding.

"I'm ready Ms Hardbroom," she flickered her lashes.

xxx

Ethel's solo had been very strong, showing well taught technique, even if her musicality and emotion had fallen rather flat at times. Hecate put a tick next to her name, albeit wishing she had the genuine grace of her sister.

Enid Nightshade was also a definite tick, though she seemed rather apathetic and rather too relaxed for someone auditioning for such a fought after place.

"Mildred Hubble," Hecate formed the words like they were difficult.

Mildred walked across the room with slumped shoulders portraying embarrassment at her lanky statue. Hecate had to stop herself from putting a cross next to the girl just for that..

The music played. Odile Solo - Swan lake.. Hecate's heart started thudding as she stared at the daring girl.

It was a variation: simplistic as befitting a young ballerina. Yet there was something to it.. Something dark in Mildred's face that made you feel goosebumps and forget her clumsy technique, as if the technique didn't matter.. Hecate shook herself, trying to find fault.. No turn out, bad feet...... Strong lines... Not missing a beat of music..

The girl panted as the music came to an end.

"Thank you Mildred," Miss Cackle smiled at the girl before nodding at Hecate, who with a fumbling hand turned the slanting line she had intended to be part of a cross into a grudging tick.

xx

"Thoughts?" Ada questioned once the studio had quietened of the young girls.

"Enid Nightshade was the strongest by far...Apple doesn't fall far..." Hecate started, "Though she seemed disinterested."

"Perhaps just shy," Ada nodded. "I thought Ethel Hallow was rather good too..."

"Yes, but the girl certainly knows it," Hecate sniffed. "Not like Esme..."

"No-one will ever be like your dear Esme..." Ada grinned. Esme had indeed been Hecate's favourite every pupil, very teachable, with a rare gift for dancing with both precision and passion. Hecate had spent many an evening privately coaching her, and Esme had left the school with a ridiculous amount of offers and hadn't spent long  in the chorus before being promoted to soloist and now leading soloist. She was expected to be the Royal's youngest effort principal.

"And Mildred Hubble..." Ada watched Hecate's reaction closely.

"Terrible in class, marginally better with her solo," Hecate shrugged a shoulder.

"Her solo was breathtaking," Ada corrected her with a smile.

"Seriously Ada! You're not serious are you?! She has bad feet!" Hecate spluttered.

"So did Margot Fonteyn," Ada smirked.

"You cannot seriously be comparing Mildred Hubble to Margot Fonteyn!" Hecate shook her head. "And her body type is all wrong..."

"Her height?" Ada smirked. "If only we had a ballet mistress who was often told the same thing and yet still went on to be one of the dancers of her generation..."

"Oh Miss Cackle! I practised ten hours a day. Do you honestly think she has the discipline? I would have to start her technique from scratch!" Hecate practically wailed.

"Do what you need to do Hecate. Take her under your wing and teach her how to control those long limbs. She could be great - you know she could! You haven't privately coached anyone since Esme.." Ada argued.

"Because nobody has warranted my attention!" Hecate muttered.

"I've made my decision Hecate," Ada said firmly. "I would like you to support me.. Support her.. But I cannot force you to."

Hecate rolled her eyes and folded her arms, "Fine," she sighed, "It's your school after all - I'll just have to do my best to ensure Mildred Hubble doesn't embarrass our reputation!"

xxx

Chapter Text

Thanks for the comments and reviews of the initial chapter - hope you enjoy the second. Every review spurs me on :)

En Pointe

Chapter 2: Day Zero

Mildred felt the dizzying nerves travel from the pit of her stomach and tingle right on up into her shoulders. Moving in day - she couldn't believe this was happening! She was leaving her life in her quaint little northern town for good, moving to the big city to chase after her dreams! Visions of her on stage in a sequined tutu, being given bouquets of expensive flowers after a strong performance flowed into her mind..

Her mum had left half an hour ago, a teary goodbye that made Mildred have to repeatedly tell her to 'stop fussing!' Julie was proud beyond belief and wasn't afraid to show it, despite how embarrassing it was to the teen, who noticed the grins of the other students at the display.

"You must be Mildred," a voice said with raised eyebrows as a girl with very expressive eyes appeared at the doorway.

"Enid?" Mildred grinned. "Great to meet you! Do you need any help with your things?"

"That would be great, thanks," Enid smiled warmly.

xx

"Nightshade? Like Katarina Nightshade?" Mildred asked as she grabbed a labelled box from the bottom of the stairs.

"My mum," Enid told her sighing.

"No frigging way! But she's like... a legend!" Mildred breathed.

"Yup," Enid nodded.

"I'd kill to have a mother who was a professional ballerina!" Mildred shook her head disbelievingly. "Front row seats, free lessons - explains why you were so good in the auditions!"

"It's not all it's cracked up to be.." Enid bit her lip.

Mildred raised her brow, but Enid didn't comment further as she went to unpack.

xx

Mildred didn't know how much sleep she had that night, but despite being exhausted from excitement and a long night of getting to know her new roommate it couldn't have been much. Enid was funny in a dry, sarcastic way which made it difficult to know if she was joking. When her alarm went off at 7am she felt she had only just drifted off to sleep, but was too excited to press the snooze button.

"Enid, Enid! Wake up!" Mildred shook the girl, who seemed undisturbed by the alarm.

"Five more minutes..." Enid murmured, placing her pillow over her head. "I've set my own alarm..."

"Okay, but you're going to be late!" Mildred told her.

xx

Hecate Hardbroom strolled into the first class of that year in a trademark bad mood. Seeing the students milling around socialising rather than stretching certainly didn't help things.

"I was hoping you would all be warm," Hecate barked, "But I hoped wrong clearly...," she intoned with distaste. "I expect in the future for you all be ready to take class!" She placed her hands on her hips, staring at each of the girls in turn. "Mildred Hubble," she hissed as her eyes rested on the gangly student.

"Y-Yes Ms Hardbroom?" Mildred grimaced, both in awe and fear of the woman in front of her. One of ballet's greats, with eyes that seemed to zap out any heat from the studio, causing the girl to shiver.

"Your hair.. Mildred.." she glared at the girl's bun, which had escaped frizzing strands.

"It.. It has a mind of its own," Mildred patted her mane self-consciously. "I swear it was in a proper bun when I left the house this morning," she tried not to squeak.

"Hardly the impression an Academy of Dance student should be making," Hecate pursed her lips.

"Sorry Ms Hardbroom," Mildred murmured, but was saved from anymore scrutiny as the door swung open.

"Enid Nightshade," Ms Hardbroom bellowed. "You're late."

"Am I?" Enid seemed genuinely surprised. "It doesn't look like we've started yet..."

Hecate Hardbroom was rarely lost for words, but could only make strange noises as the girl went to stand next to her roommate.

"Stretch," she commanded when she finally got her voice back. "Stretch well.."

xxx

Hecate watched the girls stretch, her display of anger causing them to stretch in pure silence, the only sound being the tinkling of the music in the background.

She was seething, rarely did a student speak back to her. Who did the Nightshade girl think she was?

Once ready, she ordered the girls to the barre. Taking them through some repetitions in which she corrected with a scowl on her face. She didn't understand why perfection in technique was never drilled into young students, why at the age of sixteen they still managed to not have mastered the basics. Hecate stood behind Enid for a long time, trying to find something to comment on. But she was frustratingly good and so Hecate took her scorn out on the girl that Ada insisted had potential:

"I am sure Mildred Hubble that you know your feet are not in fifth, turn out!" She shook her head. "From the hip girl!"

"I've seen enough," Hecate inhaled. "Pointe shoes and into the centre," she ordered the class. "You are keeping me waiting!"

"Not you Mildred," Hecate told the girl, who looked at her like a quizzical bambi. "You can remain at the barre for the time being until you are ready to go on pointe."

"But Ms Hardbroom," I've been on pointe for years," Mildred seemed genuinely confused.

"Badly no doubt," Hecate sniffed. "I will let you know when you are ready."

"But - I'm ready now!" Mildred argued before she could stop herself, noticing that the blonde girl stifled a giggled at the girl next to her.

"I hope.. Mildred Hubble.. That you have better sense than to argue with me!" Hecate snarled.

"But.. but.." Mildred faltered, tears beginning to appear in her brown eyes.

"I sincerely hope you are not crying," Hecate shook her head as if disgusted. "Save your tears for your pillow Miss Hubble.. Dancers don't have time for them!"

xx

Mildred did her best to not let her tears fall, but could not deny her eyes were definitely glistening as she did her best to focus on her technique in the mirror.

She didn't understand. What had she done wrong? Surely if she was good enough to have been let into the academy...

Enid shot her sympathetic glares whenever she could, but Mildred couldn't help but notice how hard Ms Hardbroom was working them all. Even the blonde girl in the front row who seemed to think she was a cut above seemed out of breath at times as a break was long overdue.

"Lunch," Hecate finally called out to the relieved looking pupils. "I recommend something healthy, light and nutritious. Miss Cackle will be taking you for repertoire this afternoon and our headmistress does not want tired, bloated first years to contend with!"

Mildred left without looking back, desperate to leave the confines of the studio.

"Hard luck Mildred," Enid murmured to her in the corridor, "She's really got it out for you!"

"How embarrassing," the blonde girl stage whispered to her brunette companion, staring haughtily at Mildred as she did. "I've never heard Esme mention anyone not allowed on pointe before!"

"Ethel right?" Enid glared.

"Oh sorry!" The girl simpered. "Didn't realise you were right behind me Mildred."

"Too right you didn't!" Enid glowered.

xxx

"Great to see you all again!" Miss Cackle smiled genuinely at her class, but paused as she settled on Mildred Hubble with swollen looking eyes and an exhausted expression. She shot her a concerned look.

"Repertoire. Repeating... Learning the steps.. But of course we aim to improve them.. To bring our own creativity to the role!" Ada gestured dramatically with her hands.

"We start off this afternoon with Aurora.. A classic role that you all know. I want you to think about her story and not just the steps."

"My sister is performing as Aurora at the moment," Ethel smiled around the room.

"And making huge waves in the ballet world," Miss Cackle smiled generously. "You must be very proud. But aware of what you have to live up to!" Ada nearly laughed as the smile was wiped off Ethel Hallow's face.

"Now, find a position and we shall begin," Miss Cackle clapped her hands gleefully.

xx

Ada could not keep her eyes off Mildred Hubble. What was it about the child that was so.. captivating? Her eyes, like windows into a thousand souls. She became Aurora as she performed to the group, changing the steps into something else entirely. A strange sadness that oozed from her every pore and yet showed the hope the character felt. Sincerity and believability. Ada had not seen a student like her in a long long time. The goosebumps she had felt during her audition had returned.

"Excellent!" Ada led the clap from the class, noticing that Ethel Hallow and Felicity Foxglove clapped rather half-heartedly.

xx

"Mildred, a word please," Ada gestured for the girl to remain as the rest of the class filed out.

"Yes Ms Cackle?" Mildred furrowed her brow.

"Long first day?" Ada questioned.

"I'm probably a bit over-tired. I didn't sleep well," Mildred admitted. "Too much excitement."

"How was it? Lived up to your expectations I hope?" Ada smiled gently.

"This afternoon, definitely!" Mildred nodded, but the smile on her lips didn't quite meet her eyes.

"And this morning?" Ada raised an eyebrow.

Mildred visibly slumped.

"Ms Hardbroom is one tough cookie eh?" Ada smirked conspiratorially.

"She told me I'm not allowed on pointe," Mildred admitted grudgingly.

Ada was taken aback for a moment, feeling pity for the down girl in front of her but also a sense of loyalty to her long standing colleague - Hecate was tough, but she wasn't heartless and she really did gain excellent results. "For now Mildred, I'm sure she doesn't mean forever," Ada stroked the girl's arm. "Can I let you into a little secret?" Ada pulled a face. "She cares, more than she lets on. She will have your best interests at heart, even if it doesn't seem the case. You just have to trust in her as your teacher," Ada bowed her head. "She's toughest on those she thinks most highly of."

Mildred bit her lip. "Thanks Miss Cackle."

xx

It was 4pm, end of the teaching day and Hecate Hardbroom was about ready for a glass of wine.

A tentative knock at the studio door made her purse her lips in annoyance, "Yes?!" she barked.

The door opened, Mildred Hubble stood in the doorway looking like she was going to be sick.

Mildred winced slightly as she walked up to Ms Hardbroom and proffered a pair of cream satin pointe shoes.

"I'm sorry Ms Hardbroom, for today in class," she bumbled, "You're my teacher and I need to trust you. Take them!" she stretched out the shoes and Hecate, in a strange daze, took them with a frown, dangling them at the end of a very pointed finger.

"Anyway.. I .. erm. I'll see you tomorrow Ms Hardbroom," Mildred went to leave.

"Mildred," Hecate's voice rang out clearly, stopping Mildred in her tracks. She spun around to face her teacher, heart beating rapidly.

"You're not without potential Mildred Hubble," Hecate told her pointedly and grudgingly. "You will earn these back. If you wish to faster, I am available Tuesday evenings at 7pm sharp. You must be prepared to work hard," Hecate told her sharply, grabbing her bag and leaving the studio., "Turn the light off when you leave."

xx

Chapter Text

Thank you for some great support! I did wonder how this story would go down as it's so AU!

Reviews have been amazing, please keep letting me know thoughts and/or ideas!

En Pointe

Chapter 3: Only way is up

Mildred joined Enid, who was munching away at the table in the cafeteria which provided the meals for the boarding house.

"You would think after all the exercise we've done today they would provide us with a burger and fries," Enid rolled her eyes at Mildred. "I mean - lasagne - great, but it could do with about ten times more cheese and 50% less veg!"

"Healthy and nutritious so that we don't become... bloated first years! Mildred did a spot on impression of Ms Hardbroom.

"The horror! Enid laughed dryly. "Bet Ms Hardbroom has never eaten cheese in her life! Where have you been anyway Millie?" Enid asked interestedly.

"I went to give Ms Hardbroom my pointe shoes," Mildred bit her lip, still not quite believing her own daring.

"No way! She's actually confiscated them? What a cow!" Enid looked horrified.

"No I mean.. She didn't ask for them.. I was trying to make a point," Mildred admitted. "Miss Cackle said I needed to trust in her as my teacher," Mildred did her best to explain.

"Trust in her to completely ruin your confidence" Enid furrowed her brow. "What did she say? When you gave her the shoes I mean."

"Not much," Mildred winced. "I'm to take class with her Tuesday night."

"No way!" Enid repeated. "That's inhumane!"

"No.. I .. erm.. I mean.. I think it's maybe her way of helping?" Mildred defended her.

"Helping?" Enid bit her lip, "I still think she's got it out for you Mil - just be careful yeh? Don't take it to heart.. She's probably just bitter about - you know... What happened with her ankle. Her way of punishing the ballet world is by taking it out on us young dancers with our whole career ahead of us."

"Maybe.." Mildred allowed.

xxx

Hecate nursed the glass of malbec with a sigh. First days were always tiring. Tiring and difficult.. With the sheer amount of work needed displayed in abundance with first years with a basic lack of precision. A growing lack of discipline with dancers that clearly thought they had made it already.. Ready to take bows in their encore, when a good amount wouldn't make it to their second year, yet alone securing contracts at the end of their training.

They didn't understand yet... Didn't understand the amount of dedication needed. The blood and sweat and hours of practice to only then have it worse upon graduating. All for that moment on stage... The moment that could be taken away at any time.. Budget cuts, a change of body-type, one misstep, a broken ankle...

Dreamers like Mildred Hubble needed to wake up. Needed to know just what kind of life they were choosing... Needed preparing... That was her job, her vocation now. It was hard to feel bad when they put their doe-like eyes on yours, knowing that you were being seemingly mean for their benefit - for the greater good. She was tough.. But they needed toughening up.

She took a large gulp and let her body slump for the first time that day.

xxx

Mildred woke up the next day wishing someone would put together some kind of montage of her life - like they did in the movies. Where the hours at the barre would be placed into one five minute reel with a killer song. She was just relieved she did not have to face Hecate Hardbroom until the afternoon.

She clicked her ankles into position on the cool wood floor as she padded over to the bathroom. Enid hadn't woken up.. And Mildred knew better than to try and wake her.

xxx

"Good morning Ms Hardbroom," Ethel Hallow jogged on the spot as she came across the tall, dark teacher outside the main building.

"Ethel Hallow," Hecate raised her eyebrows suspiciously. "A bit early for class?"

"Oh no Ms Hardbroom. I like to run every morning... I always feel like most dancers don't pay enough attention to cardio and stamina," the girl said smiling and batting her long lashes.

"Hmmm," Hecate agreed. "Stamina is certainly important!"

"I had better go get a shower before Contemporary," Ethel smirked. "Great to see you though Ms Hardbroom - I cannot wait for your class this afternoon, I learnt so much yesterday!"

"I'm sure," Hecate assented dryly, watching as the girl jogged off, toned legs building up a good pace.

xxx

Mildred was relieved when Enid made it to class with five minutes to spare and joined her and the other girls on the floor stretching carefully (not having met their teacher and worrying they might mimic Ms Hardbroom). Ethel Hallow was giving her snooty looks and laughing to Felicity and Mildred felt better when she had Enid's backup.

"Great to see you all stretching readily," A petite blonde woman entered through the door with a wide smile. "You must have had Ms Hardbroom already!" She grinned as the class looked sheepish.

Mildred moved to the side of Enid to get a good look at her, recognising the woman's warm chocolate eyes and wide lips.

"I'm Pippa Pentangle - Ms Pentangle should I say.. And I've been asked this year if I can teach Contemporary ballet to all of you promising young dancers. I'm thrilled to be here!" The woman's full wattage grin gave no doubt.

"Pippa Pentangle," Mildred said wondrously in a whisper. "I saw her in The Nutcracker in Leeds when she was touring.. My mum said she was too old to play Clara, but she was just... Amazing!"

"She's a friend of my mums," Enid told Mildred as if she had just announced the weather.

Mildred pulled a disbelieving face at Enid - "Honestly Enid! Your life!"

"Yeh yeh.." Enid muttered, but Mildred noticed she smiled at Pippa Pentangle, who gave her an indulgent smile back.

xxx

When Mildred left the dance studio she couldn't quite believe that they had been there three hours.

They had been tasked to choreograph their own small routines to a piece of music called Persephone, written about the Greek goddess who lost her heart to her abductor Hades. Mildred played Persephone and Enid played Hades and the girls found they worked together very well, Mildred coming up with the initial steps and Enid adding in flourishes which made it a piece of work to be proud of.

Pippa was a very pleasant teacher, who worked alongside each group giving advice and encouragement of their ideas.

When they performed to the class, Ms Pentangle seemed genuinely impressed and thanked them for their creativity, "You've really captured the emotion - it's Mildred isn't it?" Mildred flushed. "And Enid - I like how you thought about your character's strength and positioned your whole body to show that! I'm very impressed girls..."

Ethel Hallow looked sour. Hers and Felicity's had been complimented but not to the same extent as theirs.

"You've certainly my day easy girls!" Ms Pentangle told the group as she dismissed them. "Make sure you have plenty to eat and a rest before this afternoon!"

xxx

"Certainly be a bit of a thud back to reality with HB this afternoon," Enid said grudgingly over lunch.

"Hardbroom?" Mildred grinned, then let her head fall dramatically. "Don't! Ms Pentangle was so lovely..."

"She's always been like that! Used to come and give me sympathy behind stage when my mum couldn't be bothered with me!" Enid said rather nonchalantly.

"Oh Enid!" Mildred grimaced. "Still - finding it hard to feel sorry for you! Did you not watch from the curtains in awe of your mum?"

"Maybe the first time.. But it definitely got tiring! I was so glad when I was old enough to stay home," Enid's eyes opened wide.

"Flick - do you reckon Ms Hardbroom will let Mildred join the class at all this year?" Ethel Hallow glanced snootily at Mildred from the next table.

"I don't know why she bothers - might as well go home," Ethel continued, shooting Mildred a glare of strange intensity.

"That would be letting people like you win Ethel!" Mildred shot back.

"Oh.. I'll always win Mildred Hubble!" Ethel shook her blonde hair. "We all know the only reason you're here is because they had a quota of Northern kids to fill - you'll be back on that train before long..."

"Yeh? Well why is Ms Hardbroom giving her private lessons then Ethel?!" Enid shot. Mildred grimaced at her friend.

Ethel did look taken aback, but recovered quickly. "Clearly feels sorry for you Mildred! We all certainly do! You're the worst student in the class!"

Mildred felt bubbling fury rise up inside her. "You might think you're better than everyone here Ethel Hallow! But the truth is, I've only got one way to go and that's up!" She grabbed her tray and stalked out of the lunch hall, stopping as she went passed a flabbergasted Ms Hardbroom who had clearly heard the girl's outburst.

"Ms Hubble," she raised an eyebrow at the girl that she only just towered over.

"I umm..." Mildred bit her lip.

"You are causing a scene," Hecate told her with a hiss.

"I'm sorry Miss, I lost my temper," Mildred admitted.

"I see..." Hecate folded her arms crossly. She looked the girl up and down, as if trying to figure her out. "My studio is open, Ms Hubble," Ms Hardbroom said in a softer tone that could never be considered soft. "I suggest an extended session at the barre to discipline those emotions of yours."

Mildred gawped slightly for a moment, "Y-Yes Ms Hardbroom," she left hurriedly.

xxx

When Hecate arrived at the studio in order to prep for the afternoon's class, she found that Mildred Hubble was of course not at the barre. Instead she was in full pelt prancing mode, long limbs flying everywhere to the beat of a Kate Bush song.

The Red Shoes

Hecate stared, hands on hips, for a minute before Mildred rather comically startled and fell onto the wooden floor.

"Hecate - Oh my God.. Hecate... Call the paramedic! Her ankle!"

"MILDRED! Hecate roared as she rushed over to the girl.

The girl had the audacity to grin sheepishly, not helping Hecate's beating heart.

"I'm fine, honestly Ms Hardbroom!" she told her teacher, getting up from the floor to show her.

Hecate gritted her teeth and practised her breathing. "I said barre Mildred Hubble!"

"I know, I know.." Mildred pulled a face. "I just like to dance when I feel a strong emotion - it helps!"

"Ballet is about control Ms Hubble - not losing all discipline of your emotions!" Hecate still shook a little.

"But it's how I discipline my emotions..." Mildred looked genuinely confused.

"Barre!" Hecate scowled. "I will not tell you again!"

xxx

Chapter Text

This story seems to just be falling out of me out the moment! Yey escapism.

En Pointe

Chapter 4: Under The Black Swan's Wing

xxx

Pippa Pentangle smiled and waved as she saw Hecate Hardbroom leaving her dance studio. She noticed that Hecate's face became frozen as she saw the blonde racing up towards her, but that didn't deter her.

"Hiccup!" she embraced the woman in a heartfelt hug in which she felt the woman tense up further.

"Ms Pentangle," Hecate replied formally, sounding as if the words were difficult.

"When Ada said you were her deputy here, I just knew it was the right decision to try out teaching!" Pippa grinned.

"One doesn't 'try out' teaching Ms Pentangle," Hecate wrinkled her nose.

"Well I'm definitely hooked anyway! - Some truly talented students! I had the first years this morning - Enid Nightshade! Well I cannot wait to tell Kat how fantastic she is and Mildred Hubble..." Pippa practically sang.

"The same Mildred Hubble who ended any career before it has begun when she fell over earlier? Out of sheer clumsiness," Hecate shook her head and gritted her teeth.

"Oh... Well.." Pippa seemed nonplussed. "I'm sure she was just nervous and probably startled. You've always had that effect on people dear!"

"Hmmm," Hecate snorted.

"A drink later Hiccup? So we can catch up - you can give me all of your teaching tips," Pippa smiled.

"Insist on high standards and try to flatten their inflated egos," Hecate said dryly. "I'm busy Pippa."

Pippa tried not to look as crestfallen as she felt as the brunette turned to leave. "Ok - well - another time then..."

xxx

It took all of Mildred's strength to return to the ballet studio at 7pm that night. She felt a little bit like she was walking into a cage with a hungry tiger, particularly as Hecate Hardbroom had certainly been no easier on her in the afternoon session, repeatedly calling out corrections to Mildred as she kept her eye on the rest of the class in the centre.

"How many times must I tell you to turn out?"

"Are you being deliberately obtuse?"

"Look in the mirror girl! It is clear what you are doing wrong! Stand up straight!"

"Good evening Ms Hardbroom," she said solemnly as she entered the studio to find the ballet mistress already there, still dressed in a black pleated skirt and wrap around cardigan that matched her ebony hair pulled tight into a perfect bun - no sign of any dishevelment after teaching all day.

"Hmm," the woman said as if doubting whether it truly was a 'good' evening. "Stretch," she gestured to the floor.

Mildred nodded before taking off her purple wrap and placing her water bottle in the corner of the room.

Hecate stood over the girl, analysing for a rather tense moment or two. "I've noticed Mildred that you are cheating some of your stretches, particularly with your legs," she placed her hands on her hips. "A full eight seconds before you move on.. And you must breathe through them," Hecate gestured for the girl to continue. Mildred looked up in surprise at Hecate's unusually softer businesslike tone, devoid of any shouting for now.

"Now barre," Hecate ordered her. "I want you to really concentrate tonight," she said warningly, voice low and dangerous.

"Yes Miss," Mildred nodded warily.

Hecate stood behind her, giving her repetitions as she watched the girl in the mirror. Mildred felt her calculating glare bore into her own from the mirror's reflection. It was hard not to be intimidated by Hecate Hardbroom.

"You are still trying to cheat your turn-out," she told her pupil rather wearily.

"But - but.." Mildred spluttered, she really did think her movement was coming from her hip bone.

"It might seem like a small thing in terms of the movement you're making Mildred, but any artistic director worth their weight will spot it as a flaw," Hecate grimaced as if the word hurt her to say. "You've long limbs, so it only minutely affects the lines you're creating, and I think you've always managed to 'get away with it'," Hecate raised an eyebrow.

Mildred sighed... "So what do I do?" she turned upwards to Ms Hardbroom beseechingly.

"Any flaw in technique can be corrected through practice Mildred Hubble - it just depends if its worth the effort to you. If not, its certainly not worth my effort!" Hecate glared down at the pupil sternly, daringly.

"I've wanted this my entire life Ms Hardbroom," Mildred said softly. "I'll do anything it takes..."

"Good," Hecate nodded with a strange amount of relief. "Now try again!"

Mildred did, and this time Hecate placed her cool hands onto Mildred's hips, forcing them forward with sharpened claws. The girl winced a couple of times at what felt like unnatural movement, but persevered.

"Now plie in each position Mildred, demi and grande," Hecate instructed. "Keep your eyes on the mirror for symmetry and imagine my hands are still pushing at your hips. Or I shall return them..." she warned with a quirked brow. Was that her attempt at humour?

Mildred did as she was bid, taking it slow and really thinking about her technique.

Hecate watched the girl avidly. She really did seem determined tonight and her hips remained rounded as her long limbs created their now stronger shape.

"Better," Hecate nodded in approval. "A quick break Mildred," Hecate ordered.

Mildred went to grab her bottle and took a long deep slug. Miss Hardbroom went to the black leather handbag she had placed upon a chair neatly upon her arrival. She rummaged and quickly found what she was looking for.

"Here," she passed the wrapped bar to Mildred who took it, surprised. She turned it over in her hands and found that it was a protein bar, the exact kind with the chocolate and the peanuts that her mum would buy her at home.

"With your height you will expend energy faster than your more petite classmates," Hecate told her firmly. "Low blood sugar is often responsible for a lack of concentration and I expect great and constant concentration during my lessons."

Mildred smiled, taken aback for a moment. "Thanks Miss," she grinned at her rather infectiously.

"Yes.. well.." Hecate drew up her head, not willing to succumb to Mildred's charms.

"Was it hard? Being tall? When you were a professional I mean?" Mildred winced as the words seemed to leave her mouth of their own accord.

Hecate thought for a moment about whether she would divulge anything to the young pupil. She had always preferred to remain a closed book where the students were concerned, with only Esme Hallow truly knowing anything genuine of her after years of private coaching.

"Like I said Mildred, Any flaw in technique can be corrected through practice. Perfected technique will always count for something in the ballet world - whatever body type a ballerina possesses," came the clipped response.

"When you are done eating I would like you to re-do your hair into a low bun. I'd like to show you a technique that certainly helped me," Hecate told the girl sternly.

xxx

Hecate watched the girl try to smooth her long frizzing wavy hair into a bun at the nape of her neck. She rolled her eyes as tendrils escaped almost straight away. Mildred tried to smooth them with the grips she had stuck out of her mouth.

Sighing deeply, Hecate began to pull some of the long hair pins from her own long chignon, her own wavy mane beginning to fall in an inky waterfall to the very small of her back.

"Here," the woman passed a handful of the pins to her pupil. "I recommend these for keeping thicker hair in place. Keep them, I've plenty more, but I expect neater hair in class from now on." Mildred looked at her oddly for a moment, as if she was some kind of alien.

"You've beautiful hair Ms Hardbroom," Mildred told the older woman truthfully.

Hecate's pallor reddened slightly. "Thank you Mildred," she told the girl, glad that her tone was more brisk than she felt.

She waited until Mildred had smoothed her hair into a much better bun and instructed the girl back to the barre. Walking to a cupboard within the studio, Hecate took out a key from within her skirt and pulled out a large old-fashioned looking tome with a leather cover.

Making sure Mildred's eyes were still firmly on the mirror, she used a finger to crook the girl's head into a straighter position, placing the book on the girl's head to balance. Mildred raised an eyebrow through the reflection.

"A rather old-fashioned yet useful training technique. You must not be afraid of your height Mildred Hubble. The challenge is to plie through all positions without the book falling. When that is achieved, you will receive your pointe shoes back," Hecate smirked at Mildred's shocked face.

"That's surely not possible!" Mildred spluttered.

"I can assure you Mildred Hubble from personal experience that it is certainly possible. I will leave you now... I've given you enough of my time tonight. The caretaker will lock up at 9pm sharp."

Mildred glowered slightly, "Yes Ms Hardbroom," she sighed.

"Good night Mildred Hubble," Hecate turned as she left, watching the girl's determined face with satisfaction as she began her task.

xxx

"Hecate," Pippa Pentangle seemed surprised as she bustled out of the studio across from the one Hecate had just left. Her petite body in a black leotard and pink wrap skirt.

"Late night session?" Hecate questioned curiously.

"Well you know - since I couldn't convince you to come for that drink.." Pippa smiled softly. "My fouettes are not what they used to be though!"

"Hmmm," Hecate replied, not quite knowing what to say.

"Is that Mildred Hubble in there?" Pippa gestured to the viewing window.

"The girl needed some extra practice," Hecate crossed her arms.

"Book on her head?" Pippa laughed. "Oh to be young again! You mastered that challenge long before I did! Record time! I remember Broomhead making you demonstrate it to the class and the glares you got!"

"Only the same amount you got when you mastered your triple pirouette," Hecate countered.

"It's still early Hecate? We could go for that drink - reminisce about old times? You've even got your hair down ready," Pippa smiled admiringly.

"I.. um.. Perhaps another night Pippa. Mildred Hubble was truly worn me out and I've got her class again first thing," Hecate replied, wincing at the echo of the book hitting the floor of the dance studio again.

"Another night it is!" Pippa smiled genuinely.

xxx

"Hecate - Oh my God.. Hecate... Call the paramedic! Her ankle!" Pippa heard the scream as horror shot through her core.

The sight of her wincing on the stretcher, dressed in a black feathered tutu.

"Pippa," the artistic director beckoned her. "You're the understudy. We need you to go on as lead..."

xxx

Chapter Text

Apologies for a long wait - life got in the way and went boom with its busy-ness

En Pointe

Chapter 5: The Challenge

xxx

"Did you survive?" Enid murmured from her bed as a freshly showered Mildred finally got into hers.

"Barely," Mildred winced back. "No - she wasn't too bad I guess."

"Is it worth it?" Enid asked hesitantly after a moment, when Mildred had finally closed her eyes in exhaustion.

"Dancing is all I want - all I've ever wanted," Mildred said sleepily.

"It must be nice to be so sure," Enid said in a small voice as Mildred finally succumbed to sleep.

xxx

Mildred woke up even earlier than the previous day, exhaustion mixing with the adrenalin of sheer motivation.

Upon leaving the boarding house, she almost walked full pelt into Ethel Hallow, who was jogging with headphones in her ears.

"Watch it Hubble Bubble!" The girl growled as she almost ploughed into her, a withering look on her face.

Mildred shook her hair disbelievingly, she certainly didn't doubt Ethel Hallow's drive to succeed, even if it meant full on flattening the competition.

She reached Ms Hardbroom's dance studio, hoping that the room would be free so close to the first class of the day. But she was surprised to find the light on.

She looked through the door gently, narrowing her eyes as she was taken aback at a black figure in satin shoes dancing in the centre of the room. Performing so perfectly to a piece of melancholy music that Mildred didn't recognise... But she recognised the woman all right. Her face showing the exact emotion of the melody... Eyes which were usually narrowed now wide and open, glossy with damp eyelashes. She watched transfixed, suddenly taken aback to the age of seven, the time when she had first seen the prima ballerina in Giselle. How she had seen something of herself in the long-limbed statuesque and dark featured dancer and had genuine goosebumps at seeing the woman simply become the music. Every position perfect, every transition fluid, telling the story with every fibre of her being. She had gawped with an open mouth and raved about her all that night until Julie Hubble had to tell her to stop and go to sleep. She had idolised this unearthly human.

The woman stopped as the music ended, panting in a controlled manner as her face returned to normal. Mildred stood transfixed... then clapped, not being able to stop herself if she tried...

"Mildred?" Hecate stood up abruptly, her face waxy, forgetting to intone the girl's name with it's usual derision. "A bit early for you?" She raised her eyebrow coolly, but without full reaching her usual aloofness.

"I erm.. I wanted to try again.." Mildred held out the book in her hand awkwardly.

"Then try..." Hecate gestured towards the mirror, chewing at the side of her lip.

"I'm sorry I disrupted you," Mildred hesitated.

"No need," Hecate tilted her chin. "I was quite done," she said formally, unlacing her shoes without even glancing at the girl.

xxx

Mildred worked at her posture for half an hour before her classmates arrived, having slow but increased success in keeping the book on her head but still not feeling anywhere near confident enough to show Ms Hardbroom. She was thankful that the woman had left her to it, and returned to the studio before her class begun with a cup of what smelled like very strong black coffee and the usual contempt firmly back in her gaze.

Hecate kept her students at the barre for the whole of that morning's session, finding fault in not just Mildred's technique as she criticised the overly-tired girls for slacking.

"Felicity Foxglove - you're half a beat behind. Stop yawning! Are you going to give up mid performance? Leave the stage for a nap? Get on with it girl!"

Felicity scowled. "Now I know how Mildred feels," she said in an undertone to Ethel as Ms Hardbroom went to the other line. Ethel gave her a withering look in reply.

"You could at least pretend to be interested Enid Nightshade!"

Mildred felt the eyes of Hecate Hardbroom before she even knew the woman was next to her. She took a deep breath and focused on her lower body, imagining the sharpness of nails cutting into her hipbone.

"Better Mildred," Hecate said in a tone of surprise as Mildred finally showed a clear turn out.

Ethel looked like she had swallowed a wasp.

xxx

Ada Cackle smiled at the sight of a clearly of a still tired, but lot less defeated looking Mildred Hubble as she made her way into class.

"Good to see that smile back on your face," she said warmly to the girl as they began practising their second routine from Sleeping Beauty - this time a corps de ballet routine from the christening at the very beginning. She noticed the girl seemed to be really concentrating on placing her feet carefully. Clearly Hecate's influence already, she thought, proud that her deputy had truly listened to her, despite her seeming lack of agreement on the girl's talent.

Mildred fixed her with her bambi stare, a tiny smile playing about her mouth,"You were right Miss Cackle, I just needed to trust her," she nodded softly.

"You will go far Ms Hubble, with that kind of mindset," Ada gave her a curt nod of approval and a smile of genuine warmth and admiration.

xxx

"Mildred," Pippa Pentangle stuck her head around the door of the studio that she had managed to book out. She watched Mildred perform a perfect straight-backed plie in second. "Great to see someone with such dedication!" Mildred smiled back blearily, looking instantly in that moment so like a young Hecate that Pippa had to blink.

"It's not so bad, I'm doing what I love. It's just frustrating not being able to get it right instantly - it's like my body isn't listening!" Mildred rolled her eyes.

"Just be kind to yourself won't you?" Pippa told her concernedly. "It's great that you're so dedicated Mildred, and I'm sure that dedication will help you to go far but don't exhaust yourself in the first week will you?"

"Miss Hardbroom's challenge," Mildred screwed her face, "I want my pointe shoes back so I can dance with the rest of the class."

Pippa snorted, "You look like you've got it sussed to me Mildred..."

"Well I... I erm..." Mildred hesitated, "I feel like if I were to show her, I would mess up," she said in a small voice.

"Hecate can have that effect on people.." Pippa smirked.

"Then she would probably just be cross that I wasted her time..." Mildred sighed.

"Probably," Pippa smiled, "But you're wasting her time now Mildred.."

"What do you mean?" Mildred looked puzzled.

"Well think of all the things she can teach you on pointe," Pippa explained simply. "I've known Hecate a long time - when she takes on a project... She likes to get on with it. As intimidating as she might be Mildred, she responds well to confidence and leaving it too long will only make her frustrated with you."

Mildred nodded slowly, thinking back to Ms Hardbroom's reaction when she had given her the shoes. First taken aback, but there was definitely a glint of something in her eyes.. Something that looked almost like respect.

"You trained together didn't you?" Mildred asked interestedly. "I watched an old documentary on you both when you were in The Nutcracker. You were Clara and Ms Hardbroom was the Sugar Plum Fairy. By the time I got to see it, another dancer had become the fairy and I was so disappointed that I didn't get to see her. I begged and begged my mum to take me to watch Giselle. You were still great though Ms Pentangle!" Mildred babbled.

Pippa chortled softly, "But not quite your idol... Yes we trained together."

"You looked really close on the documentary... I can't actually imagine Ms Hardbroom laughing like she did with you in rehearsals," Mildred shook her head and grinned.

"We were close," Pippa told the girl gently. "We were very close indeed..." she trailed off almost dreamily.

xxx

The nightmares were back.

Hecate had learnt long ago that her strong muscle memory was both a blessing and a curse. It had allowed her an incredibly successful career, where she had danced for royalty and celebrities, where she had demanded whatever part she wanted, whatever salary was possible. It had turned the biggest critics in the ballet world into adoring fans... Then when it had all come crashing down it had given her years of phantom pain in her ankle - even when her doctor had pronounced smugly that it was fully healed and she would be fine to dance again.

The phantom pain was worse when she slept. When memories of that night left their storage in her subconscious and began to play like broken film in her mind. The pain.. Oh the pain.. And the fear of not knowing if she would ever even walk again...

The faces of pity from the crowded dancers barely hiding their glee that they might now finally have their chance... And the whisper... The whisper that the show would go on and that Pippa.. Her darling Pippa... was to betray her and take her part.

xxx

Black coffee, no sugar. The order that had been given to the barista for so long, she now did not need to actually ask. It suited her, for Hecate had always preferred to save her voice for shouting at lazy students.

She rounded the corner, but jumped back into the shadows, nearly spilling her coffee as she saw Ethel Hallow out jogging again. The girl was looking around as if trying to find someone, and Hecate was astute enough to know that it was probably her. Trying to impress.

She had seen it often enough with her pupils, those desperate to get ahead.

She made it safely to her studio without Ethel Hallow seeing her, noticing that the light was on and with a twang of a headache realised that it would likely be the over zealous Mildred Hubble. It was too early and she was too tired to deal with that girl, she thought with a groan. She hesitated at the door, but then found herself watching with genuine fascination when a confident looking teen went from position to position with the book remaining firmly on her head. Her plies both neatly turned out and perfectly deep.

When fifth was completed successfully, Hecate made herself known by striding through the door.

"Early for class again Miss Hubble," she raised a sardonic eyebrow, noticing the teen's posture stiffen even further.

"I'm sorry Ms Hardbroom - I should have asked if it was okay to use your studio," Mildred gabbled. "I was just awake and well I just thought that..."

Hecate rolled her eyes, "Settle down Mildred, my coffee has yet to sink in to my bloodstream," she said dryly.

Mildred made a noise that was almost a laugh, had she been more comfortable. But her stomach panged loudly, and Ms Hardbroom gave it a look of distaste.

"Have you eaten?" Hecate asked with narrowed eyes that just about concealed her concern for more than the girl's seeming lack of manners.

"I had cereal when I woke up," Mildred told her quickly, too quickly.

"Which was...?" Hecate folded her arms.

"A few hours ago," Mildred admitted.

"I won't allow you to faint on my watch," Hecate rolled her eyes. "I could use another coffee..." she paused in the doorway. "It wasn't a suggestion..." She said derisively as the girl didn't follow.

Mildred grabbed her wrap and hastened to catch up.

xxx

Campus was still rather empty, and that included the cafe in which there were only the staff still just starting the day. The barista gave Hecate a peculiar look as she ordered another coffee.

Mildred felt the pressure of choosing from the list of breakfast options, knowing that Ms Hardbroom would certainly be forming an opinion of her choice. She settled on a coconut flavoured porridge and was relieved when Ms Hardbroom gave a curt nod of approval.

It felt strange and awkward to be sitting with Ms Hardbroom, Mildred not quite knowing whether the stilted silence should be filled or if the woman simply preferred it that way. Mildred was pleased she had the hot porridge to mix and allow to cool before eating, so that she had something to focus on.

"Better?" Hecate asked smoothly once Mildred had finished.

Mildred smiled politely and nodded.

"Good," Hecate stood up, "You've time for stretching and repetitions before your classmates arrive," she gave a curt 'thanks' to the barista who looked at her and Mildred bemusedly, before she swept off back towards the studio, Mildred trying to keep up.

"Just how are you getting on with my challenge Mildred?" Hecate asked, a strange glint in her eye that Mildred couldn't place.

She responds well to confidence.

"I erm.." Mildred tried again, "I think I've managed it..." She tried to sound sure.

Hecate smiled a smile that didn't quite manage to be as patronising as she intended.

"Good," she nodded. "Show me," she gestured with her hand.

Mildred screwed up her face, feeling her heart begin to frantically pound as the pressure started to mount.

"Deep breaths," Hecate instructed, taking pity on the girl as she stood to the side of her. She pressed a button on the remote so that the music began and placed the book on the flat of the girl's hair.

"Slow and steady," Hecate told her, with a surprising amount of indulgence in her tone.

Mildred began. Feeling every nerve in her body as she sought to balance her body into the correct shapes. She kept her eyes on the mirror, wishing it were just her own set of dark eyes that were staring back...

First, second.. third...

The adjustment of her legs positions were the hardest, making the book wobble precariously...

Fourth, fifth...A deep plie.

The thud of the book made Mildred grimace before the setting in of disappointment in the pit of her stomach. She winced as she met her teacher's eyes.

She waited for the derision, the cutting comments about wasting her time...

Instead Mildred found that Hecate Hardbroom was very almost smiling...

"Very well done," the woman told her, looking bemused at Mildred's surprise.

"But I..." Mildred garbled.

"You had me as an audience this morning..." Hecate told her as she went to rummage in one of the cupboards. "I saw you complete my challenge.. I just wanted to see if you knowing I was watching would make a difference..."

"But I..."

"Very nearly managed it again - yes.." Hecate corrected before the girl could form her sentence. She gave the disbelieving girl her pointe shoes back. "Well... Take them," she rolled her eyes as Mildred hesitated.

"What is it?" she barked at the girl out of frustration for her reluctance.

"I just don't feel like I deserve them back..." Mildred told her.

Hecate shook her head and sighed exasperatedly. "Oh for goodness sake Mildred - it was never about the challenge itself - it was about discovering if you truly have the drive, the discipline, the ability to truly work harder than you have ever worked.."

When Mildred looked like she was about to argue further, Hecate put her long finger up to silence the girl. "I won't have my decisions questioned Mildred Hubble and trust me when I say that I certainly don't plan to go easy on you.. The hard work has only just begun," Hecate pointed to a spot on the floor. "Now stretch and properly this time.." she pursed her burgundy lips.

Mildred shot her a strangely genuine smile and Hecate really could not fathom why...

xxx

Chapter Text

Thank you for the great comments and ideas about how to proceed - it really does help!

En Pointe

Chapter 6: Falling

xxx

Ethel Hallow could not control the scowl on her face. Mildred Hubble lacing up her pointe shoes with the rest of the class, clearly under Ms Hardbroom's orders as the uncompromising teacher sipped her coffee nonchalantly.

The girl had a smile on her face, a dreamy, foolish smile that made Ethel want to fling at her in a rage. The girl's prospects seemed to be changing.

"If this is how long it takes you to secure your shoes I think we had better schedule in a practice," Ms Hardbroom shook her head coolly.

"Ethel Hallow, you look just as excited as I am to be here this morning," Ms Hardbroom raised her eyebrow at the girl's face, amused at the jealousy of a girl that was still the very bottom of the class. "Perhaps you'd like to be my first victim and demonstrate..."

To Ethel's credit, she managed to pull her face back to being pleasingly passive. "Of course Ms Hardbroom," she simpered.

"Releves," Ms Hardbroom instructed. "The focus of our class today. I would like to see all positions correctly achieved, and that includes on one foot. Now Ethel I would like you to demonstrate exactly what I am looking for," Hecate raised her eyebrow expectantly.

The girl did have outstanding natural technique and balance, reveling in the opportunity to be placed at the forefront of her peers. Hecate watched the other girls intently, noticing Enid's glares but Mildred rather keen interest in Hecate's comments.

"Well done, Ethel," Hecate praised rather genuinely, wishing Ethel wouldn't look around for others' reactions to her talent.

"Practise," Hecate ordered, "I will be making my way around you all..." she almost threatened.

As the ankles began to bear the weight of the growing girls, Hecate felt the pain return to hers and it took her well practised self-control not to begin to limp or to even sit.

It's just in my head, she told herself firmly, It's all in my head...

"I am impressed once again Enid Nightshade," Hecate told the girl reluctantly at her perfect yet effortless form. "Where have you trained?" she asked the girl, beginning to find herself more than intrigued by the girl that seemed to not care about her incredible talent.

"Where haven't I trained?" Enid rolled her eyes, at odds with current her fairy-like position. "Sydney for two years, New York for one, Moscow for two years but either side of New York.. A summer in Berlin...," she began to recount as Hecate became lost for words...

"Felicity Foxglove, suck in your bottom!" Hecate stalled for time as she went to berate Ethel Hallow's sidekick.

At last Hecate made it over to Mildred Hubble, pride almost biting into her cheekbones as Mildred kept up to the standard of the rest, her posture upright and her positions held with confidence. Hecate found herself looking for things to be critical on, finding herself looking for fault with an intricate eye. "Make your hands softer," she told her after a moment, seeing the relief etch on Mildred's face that her comment was not as harsh as she expected. "Oh don't look too happy Mildred, you've still a long way to go!" she snapped before she could stop herself. She refused to acknowledge the surge of guilt that came from Mildred's chastened look.

When the lesson ended, she heard the sighs of relief as the girls made their move, the grins about them having Ms Pentangle next and how that would much improve their dreadful start to the day. She'd heard it before about other teachers, not really cared, but found it being Pippa they were looking forward to seeing much harder to deal with, sticking like glue to her well hidden feelings. Pippa always did put people under her spell...

"Miss Hardbroom?" the insufferable voice of Mildred Hubble.

Hecate was shook out of her revere, "Yes?" she questioned suspiciously.

Mildred smiled rather warmly and Hecate found herself not understand the girl even further...

"I just wanted to say thanks..." Mildred smiled again.

"No need," Hecate placed her hands of her hips. "I'm simply doing my job..." She winced as a sharpened nerve caught in her foot, and immediately hoped that Mildred hadn't seen.

The girl looked at her intently, "Are you ok Ms Hardbroom?" she asked warily, dark eyes staring deeply into her own.

"Of course I am girl," Hecate wrinkled her nose as she straightened back up to full height.

Mildred looked like she wanted to argue with that, so Hecate increased the intensity of her stare, until the girl physically backed away.

"B-bye Ms Hardbroom," the girl stuttered as she practically ran from the room. Hecate tried to refuse the hot wash of shame that suddenly filled her..

She was only asking out of concern... She was being impertinent...She cares -Being kind-hearted is a strength... Others will see it as a weakness...

Hecate sighed, and switched off the light in the room, thankful that she had a free afternoon where she could apply some muscle rub and take off her professional looking brogues in exchange for comfortable slippers.

xxx

"What's all the fuss about?" Mildred caught up with Enid, watching the rest of her classmates cramming their heads to see the noticeboard, with giggles and squeals emitting from their mouths.

"Boys," Enid told her rolling her expressive eyes.

"Boys?"

"Pas De Deux - to start next week with the male dancers from the boys' school," Enid told her, "It's like they've never danced with boys before!" she exclaimed haughtily.

"I haven't" Mildred told her, "You have?" she raised her eyebrow.

"New York," Enid told her, "Wait so - you've never done it before?"

"No!" Mildred told her, "But I think that's fairly typical for them to wait until you get into a place like this. At least I hope so or I'll be even further behind..." Mildred worried.

"Judging by the noise I'm guessing so," Enid said perplexed.

Mildred grinned at Enid's indifference.

xxx

"A fantastic job as usual you two! The rest of the class can certainly learn lots from your creativity and interpretative skills!" Ms Pentangle beamed at Mildred and Enid, continuing to smile at the rest of the class and noticing that Ethel Hallow certainly wasn't smiling back like the rest.

The girl looked foul. Her eyes dark and glazed over with mood as her nose wrinkled crossly. Then within an instant of seeing Ms Pentangle's stare, her demeanour changed.. So quickly it was like the mood never existed as she joined in the claps from the rest of the class.

xxx

"Pirouettes, " Hecate told her class the next day once they had laced up their shoes. "I want development on your singles and doubles ONLY," she gave Ethel Hallow a strong stare knowing the girl's penchant for showing off. She notice Ethel try to disguise a huff. "Find a space."

As the girls spread out, Hecate prowled the room.

Pirouette with Your  Body , Not Your Arms. ...

Keep your chins level...

Bodies need to be aligned.. Honestly girls!

Single preparation Felicity Foxglove! Get out of that habit...

She noticed how beautifully clean Enid's were and how Ethel somehow managed to achieve her usual good standard despite appearing distracted by the others in the room. Checking her competition.

Hecate began to pace towards a nervous looking Mildred Hubble, who had yet to start practising.

"You haven't all day Mildred," Hecate folded her arms.

Mildred rested her eyes on Hecate almost pleadingly, "I know.. I.. I.. I don't know what's wrong with me Miss," she sounded strangely anxious, her voice an octave higher than usual.

Hecate sighed, "Are you unwell?" she asked the girl.

"No, It's not that..." Mildred shook her head.

"Then what pray tell is it?" Hecate asked firmly.

Mildred sighed, "It's nothing Ms Hardbroom," she said warily, feeling stupid. She just felt odd, fearful even - like something wasn't quite right with her body.

"Are you going to make your audience wait for you to be ready?" Hecate shook her head disappointedly. "Get a grip of yourself Mildred," she added, surprising herself with her intensity, but it did seem to snap Mildred out of whatever strange mood she was in.

The girl nodded and placed her feet into position under Hecate's glares. She began turning, her ankles feeling strange and not fully supported.

"Get on your leg," Hecate practically growled at her pupil's laziness, noticing her sickling feet.

Mildred tried, she really did, but again her ankle felt bizarre as she got on the very tip of her toe.

"I don't make a habit of repeating corrections Mildred. Get on your leg properly!" Hecate fumed.

It all happened so fast... A fast painful second where Mildred Hubble's ankle gave way underneath her: causing the girl to fall to the ground in a heap as she let out a high pitched squeal.

"Hecate - Oh my God.. Hecate... Call the paramedic! Her ankle!"

Hecate stood there dazed for a moment, the yells of her students causing her to break out of her shock.

"Oh my God - Mildred."

"Is she ok Ms Hardbroom?"

"Mildred - are you ok?"

"Should I fetch the school doctor?"

"I'll get her the ice pack Miss!"

"Yes," Hecate said weakly, staring at the girl who was wincing and clutching her ankle. "The rest of you - go early to your next class. Explain why I've sent you."

xxx

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

En Pointe

Chapter 8: Penance

It had only been a matter of hours, yet Mildred felt fed up. Pitying glances sent her way at dinner, sympathy and attention as she hobbled from place to place - the sheer effort of not placing any of her weight on her ankle giving her a headache. Enid was being great, her no nonsense attitude helping to create space for her friend to safely move..

She had called her mum, who had given her a boost for a moment with her genuine positivity - "You're a Hubble Mil - we heal fast! I'll come down and visit you next weekend, keep you company for a bit..."

Dr Daisy had been in touch to say he had sorted an appointment for the x-ray - he had fast tracked her and the appointment would be the following day. Mildred was relieved she didn't have to wait too long to find out how long she would have to sit out for.

The appointment was scheduled for when she was meant to have Ms Hardbroom's class, and so, remembering that the woman had already said that she expected her to still attend, Mildred thought it would be best to tell the woman that she would be absent. That was the reason she gave herself anyway, yet some part of her longed to be in Ms Hardbroom's no nonsense presence when everyone else was being so syrupy.

"Mildred?" The woman raised an eyebrow as the girl came clattering through the door, crutches mixed with her usual boundlessness.

"I've my x-ray tomorrow!" She told her. "During class.. I thought I ought to let you know.."

Hecate nodded curtly. "I appreciate that," she said briskly. "You will come and find me after won't you? So we can discuss the way forward..." So I can know the damage II made you do...

Mildred smiled, albeit rather nervously, and gave a nod.

xxx

"You were very lucky Mildred," Dr Daisy gave her a smile as he showed her the x-ray results. "A lot of inflammation, but your ankle muscles must be truly strong as they have protected your ligaments completely. You just need to rest it!"

"Thanks Dr Daisy," Mildred smiled genuinely.

"Three weeks it is! - No unnecessary movement and you'll be right as rain!"

xxx

Hecate found her nerves were as frayed as Mildred's shoe ribbon. Every fault from her pupils causing her to yell even more than she usually would. Private whispers calling her all manner of names reaching her finely attuned ears. Call me what you want.. I probably deserve it.

When the day was over she hung around, trying desperately to relax and distract herself as she completed some barre exercises.

A tentative knock on the door..

"Come in!" Hecate asserted, smoothing down her pleated skirt.

Mildred smiled, a smile that shot release into Hecate's very core.

"Good news?" Hecate needed confirmation.

"It's just bruised..." Mildred told her. "Three weeks and I'll be able to put my weight back onto it." She looked at her teacher, seeing the relief wash over her face.

"That's... good news, Mildred," Hecate could barely let out her held breath.

Mildred beamed, but then her face rather comically fell. "Our first assessment is in a month.. I'll only have been dancing a week!"

"You'll be able to retake Mildred..." Hecate told her.

"But then I'm capped at a pass - No chance of a merit or a distinction," Mildred bit her lip, "I mean I know I'm probably not anywhere near a merit standard Ms Hardbroom... But I'd been working so hard and I had hoped..."

Hecate stared at the girl for a moment, seeing so much genuine dedication in that moment she gave a wry smile. You owe her...She winced, "Mildred.. I.. um.. I'd like to continue our Tuesday sessions. Obviously you won't be able to practise, but there are certain things I can show you.. Things I can show you how to correct once you're back dancing. Certain things I can tell you to look out for."

"Really?!" Mildred raised her chin, meeting the similar dark eyes.

"I wouldn't want any student of mine to fall unfairly behind," Hecate replied rather resolutely. "You've already shown me your ability to work hard.. I expect that to continue," Hecate tried to justify herself.

Mildred continued to smile disbelievingly, "I.. I.. I really am thankful Ms Hardbroom..." The girl looked like she was almost planning to give Hecate a hug, but thought better of it with her crutches. Hecate crossed her arms firmly just in case.

"Go rest up Mildred," she said firmly.

xxx

Enid sobbed frustrated tears that she pushed off her face in anger. She glared at her mobile and just about resisted the urge to throw it at the floor. It wasn't fair... Whenever she got remotely settled or happy. Her mum just didn't listen..

"Enid?" Pippa Pentangle came into the studio in a blaze of pink dancewear. "Are you ok? What's happened?" she asked, seeing her pupil's face.

"My so called mother!" Enid faced her teacher accusatorily, "We're going to St Petersburg apparently! I'm to move once again, all because she hasn't quite found it within herself to retire like she promised me! I hate Russia! I'm happy here! I was happy here!" Enid cried in a blaze of anger.

"Oh Enid!" Pippa enveloped her into a hug, immediately feeling the hot tears soak into her shoulder.

"She promised we wouldn't move again..." she sobbed.

"I'm sure your mum has her reasons..." Pippa pulled a face.

"We made a pact!" Enid told her crossly. "It's like she wants me to be unhappy.."

"I'm sure Kat doesn't want that.." Pippa told her. Truthfully she knew that her friend could be exceedingly selfish at times, and she always did feel sorry for Enid who had lived a life traipsing around like an accessory. Kat really did need to realise that there was more to life than her own dwindling dancing career and start to put her daughter's needs first, but not being a parent herself, she had hardly felt the confidence to broach the subject with her friend.

"I don't even want to dance!" Enid fixed her with a glower. "I never had a choice..."

Pippa stared at the girl for a moment. From what she had seen of Enid Nightshade it was clear that the girl's apathy for ballet was rather put on. She's trying to convince herself...Pippa took a moment and chose her next words carefully:

"Enid... You're far too good to not be passionate. You might think you have us all convinced, and you might have even have convinced yourself... But you're too talented..."

Enid narrowed her eyes, giving Pippa a rather withering glare. "I'm sorry Ms Pentangle, but you don't know me at all!" and with that she stormed out of the dance studio, letting the door slam behind her.

xxx

Enid seemed in a foul mood and had barely reacted when Mildred told her of Ms Hardbroom's offer.

"Probably just feels guilty!" was the only comment she made and that got Mildred's head wirring as she tried to sleep. Was her teacher taking pity on her because of her guilt? She had enjoyed feeling that it was because Ms Hardbroom believed in her... But had she read it all wrong? Mildred always found reading people very easy, but Ms Hardbroom was a book full of another language entirely.

The next day had been cleared for their first Pas De Deux training and the first years were in a flurry of excitement, which seemed to make Enid's mood worse.

When the boys entered the dance studio the girls' eyes widened as they sought out which ones they would later claim to fancy.

Mildred rather enjoyed watching from the sides. Dancing with boys was a terrifyingly nerve-wracking prospect and she was glad she didn't have to deal with the embarrassment just yet.

It was funny, Mildred thought, how Ethel Hallow was batting her eyelashes and expecting the attention to be on her, yet it was Enid's rather non-bothered and confident manner which left the boys laughing with her as they took turns to practise. Ethel's looks were becoming even haughtier but Enid truly didn't even seem to notice, and if she did she certainly didn't care.

When Ms Cackle praised her perfectly in sync movement with a boy called Charlie, Ethel seemed to have steam coming out of her ears. Made worse by the fact her current partner, a boy named Jason, was accused of dropping her mid-way through a lift meaning she lost her balance for a moment. "Careful!" Ethel had hissed, but Jason had only grinned at the other boys knowingly, making them laugh at Ethel's mood which of course made her glower worse.

"You'll get the hang of it soon!" Ms Cackle had told her. "It's about teamwork and communication, it's about making sure your partner knows when your weight is back on your toes."

Ethel had nodded politely, but then sent her grumpy glares towards the dark-haired boy, making him grin again and infuriate her more.

xxx

As Mildred hobbled towards the dance studio, she felt Enid's voice in her ear again. Guilty...

Was Ms Hardbroom guilty? Or did she simply believe in Mildred and want to help? Did it even matter?.. Yes, Mildred acknowledged, it mattered to her.

She had forever seen a bit of herself in her idol, the wish that Ms Hardbroom saw something in Mildred herself was so strong, it almost hurt her core to take that belief away...

An interesting meeting was in front of her regardless. Ms Hardbroom rarely demonstrated any moves herself, preferring to use students and then call out corrections, yet she was famous for her flawlessness.. And Mildred still couldn't get the image of the woman dancing out of her head.

xxx

Hecate took a long, practised breath, hoping to steady herself for Mildred's imminent arrival. She flexed her foot, checking the tension in her muscles and wincing slightly at the weird electric nerve pain.

The girl arrived, her ever cheery yet nervous grin on her face. "Good evening Ms Hardbroom," she said formally, and Hecate was thankful the girl had stuck to formalities.

"Your first assessment will be largely barre based Mildred," Hecate told her. "I'm sure that it no surprise to you. It is about careful positioning and ensuring your weight is centered. This will be of utmost importance to you with your current injury."

Hecate placed herself at the barre, feeling its nostalgic comfort despite the situation. "Now you will be expected to have fully clean lines, from your ankle to your hands." Hecate demonstrated a simple arabesque. "You with your long limbs need to make every position look controlled and easy. Keep your hand in line with your head, your index finger pointed, but your hand needs to look relaxed, yet not floppy. When not on releve, keep your supporting leg slightly bent and fully turned out, but straighten from your core when on point," Hecate showed the girl, ignoring the firing in her synapses. "I've noticed your supporting leg can be rather lazy.. Your foot is trying to take some of the weight your leg and core should be taking and that will be even more important to correct once you are recovered."

Hecate looked at the girl pointedly but then decided she needed to demonstrate her point. Beginning her position, she allowed her supporting leg to sink slightly as she pulled herself into position. She felt her ankle protest angrily, and winced, ignoring the pain. She hoped Mildred hadn't seen, but the girl looked at her concernedly for a moment. Pull yourself together Hecate.

"Now - see how my foot is sickling?" She lowered herself back into position and fully turned her supporting leg out. "By fully zoning in to my calf muscles and my core I can ensure the weight is fully distributed, giving me the strength I need to achieve the position." Hecate showed the girl.

"There's just so much to think about.." Mildred pulled a face. "When I dance I just lose focus a bit... Go into my own world..."

"When you're in your late twenties and have the world at your feet, then you can go into your own world Mildred. Until then, you need to be focussed on making every move perfect.." Hecate lectured. "Discipline requires you to acknowledge every part of your body."

Mildred visibly brightened. The world at your feet.

"Stop looking so pleased with yourself Mildred," Hecate pursed her lips, eyeing the uncouth student, "The path you've chosen for yourself is hardly one to smile over." She waited until Mildred's face returned to solemnness before she continued demonstrating some of the girl's previous faults with her developpes.

xxx

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

A long chapter to make up for the long wait!

En Pointe

Chapter 11: A Job Like No Other

Mildred slept easily, her brain succumbing to the exhaustion of the recovery her body clearly needed.

When she awoke, it was early afternoon and she forced herself to take a long shower and wash her hair, before eating a bowl of sugary cereal, hoping to perk herself up.

"How was she?" Mildred asked, biting her lip when Enid returned.

"She said nothing to me… Blanked me completely! Clearly seething that I got her precious protegee drunk…" Enid shook her head disbelievingly.

"Hardly a protegee.. More like a pet project," Mildred grimaced. "I'll make sure I tell her it was fully my idea to go out," she added as an afterthought.

"Good luck with that Mils!" Enid smirked.

Xxx

It took every ounce of courage Mildred possessed to force herself through the door and when she did she found she couldn't even look at Ms Hardbroom.

Hecate, too, remained strangely silent as she contemplated the girl in front of her, relieved to find her looking a lot fresher than the morning, but barely knowing the right way to behave now that some of the walls between them had come crashing down.

"Pirouettes – what you missed in class today, and then we need to work on your segment for Friday," Hecate finally told the girl, when the silence had become far too strangled and awkward. Her voice came out as even more authoritarian than usual, as she did her best to claw back some surety.

Mildred nodded, relieved that she wasn't going to be at the barre tonight like she had expected and oddly settled by Ms Hardbroom's brisk tones.

"Any thoughts?" Hecate asked the teen, desperate for her to look up.

"I know my triple probably needs work," Mildred found her voice to be smaller than she had hoped. "We've been practising Sleeping Beauty, and I like the angsty part with the spinning wheel," Mildred grimaced, it was a hard dance, and she hoped Hecate thought she was up to the task.

"Hmmm," Hecate contemplated, "You certainly do seem to thrive with the complex emotion, and I suppose your lack of precision can be disguised," Hecate told her, honestly, and without any thoughts of sparing Mildred's feelings. "A variation, simply done."

Mildred blanched slightly and Hecate resisted the urge to roll her eyes and tell the girl to toughen up to criticism. Instead she said, "Mildred, we need to be realistic, show off your talents and hide where you have yet to catch up and improve. I will be one of the assessors along Miss Cackle and Ms Pentangle, and I'll be fully assessing your barre technique, but I cannot ignore what I see on the day– nor would I be doing you any favours by doing so. Remember though, that I am only assessing what I see, and I will treat you fairly. What I will also say is that where I will no doubt see flaws in your technique, the other teachers will see your passion and musicality, hand it to them in abundance and you will do fine."

"But it's 50% barre," Mildred finally looked up. "And if you mark that..."

"Rome wasn't built in a day, Mildred," Hecate told her sternly. "You have too high expectations of yourself, it's not that easy."

Mildred nodded, grudgingly, acceptingly.

"How are you feeling?" Hecate asked concernedly after a stifled moment.

"Embarrassed," Mildred admitted in voice just above a whisper, "Fine other than that."

"Hmmm," Hecate gave the girl another once over.

"I'm so so sorry. Last night, I don't know what came over me –," Mildred winced.

"It's forgotten Mildred," Hecate told her firmly.

"Why are you being so nice? When I don't deserve it…" Mildred said in an ever tinier voice, looking at Hecate through her long lashes.

"Because you have clearly learnt your lesson. I needn't say any more… Except…" Hecate's vocal cords tightened, "Except...well I apologise for the way I responded when you shared your theory about your ribbons. You were right when you said you trusted me, you did, and I perhaps should have listened. I just cannot do anything about Ethel without any proof Mildred, and you need to have proof before you make such accusations," Hecate told her firmly.

"I just know!" Mildred pulled a face. "I just don't get why… She's so talented and I'm just.. Well.."

"Full of an annoying amount of potential, but an increasing amount of self-pity?" Hecate responded dryly. "Hmmm…"

Mildred smiled at her softly, privately thinking it was one of the nicest things the older woman had ever said to her. "Thanks Ms Hardbroom…"

"Stop throwing yourself a pity-party girl girl, when we've work to do. Now centre, I know you've a strong double, but I would like to see what we have to work with with your triple," Hecate placed her hands on her hips.

"It's not the best.." Mildred said lamely.

"Not the best… yet.." Hecate corrected. "You fortunately have an innate ability to turn…"

Mildred nodded, feeling her pulse rise as she made her way into the centre.

She turned, pushing herself to spin on her toes thrice, landing with a grimace on her face as she almost lost her balance.

"You took your eyes from your spot," Hecate told her smoothly.

Mildred tried again, making sure she kept her eyes on the exact spot of white wall. She still almost fell, but made her landing look as elegant as she could.

"You're overthinking it," Hecate raised her eyebrows.

"I can't not think about it!" Mildred wailed, "I've my assessment in just over a day, and you're standing there with-," Mildred stopped.

"With?" Hecate prompted.

Mildred sighed in hesitation, "With that look on your face like you're just waiting to be disappointed again… "

Hecate went to reply, but found she had lost her words. "Mildred I…" she sighed in exasperation,"I'm not disappointed in you," she said as gently as she could muster.

Mildred didn't say anything and looked disbelieving.

"Get a grip girl!" Hecate was suddenly at the end of her tether. "You need to get used to performing to critics far worse than me! Flaws are spotted, weaknesses used against you… We all want it easy! Adulation comes at a cost and if you're in it just for that then you need to pick another career! Is that all you're in it for? For easy compliments and claps?"

"I'm not… I don't…" Mildred defended. "I just want to dance!"

Hecate picked up her phone and furiously typed into the keypad. "Then dance Mildred!" She rolled her eyes as 'The Red Shoes' began to play.

Mildred looked gobsmacked for a moment, but upon seeing Ms Hardbroom's serious face, her posture still rigid, she began to dance the same dance she had choreographed weeks prior after her spat with Ethel in the dinner hall. Uncertain at first, but then she felt herself relax into the music as that kind of magic that one only experiences when dancing magically takes over every molecule in your body.

"I expect a triple," Hecate growled above the music, taken aback at Mildred's musicality as the girl had visibly relaxed and had the nerve to grin back.

To Hecate's amazement and almost annoyance the girl did the most perfect triple she had ever seen from a first year.

As the music drew to a close, Hecate stood stuck to the floor. Part of her wanted to praise the girl, part of her wanted to yell further.

She settled on rolling her eyes, "I think Mildred, that you had better incorporate your triple into your segment…"

"Really?" Mildred asked.

"Really," Hecate pursed her lips, "Honestly Mildred Hubble, I'm going to go grey because of you..."

Mildred's eyes raised to Hecate's hairline.

"Mildred!" her teacher seethed at the audacious student.

Xxx

When Friday arrived nervous jitters were visible on Mildred Hubble's face. The first years queued up outside the main dance studio, awaiting their turn. Some of the students had tried to gain glimpses through the viewing windows, but blinds had be drawn tightly to give the assessed students privacy.

Ethel Hallow had her game face on, and was glaring fiercely at Mildred who due to alphabetical order was going to be dancing straight after her. The two stretched with a kind of unspoken competition: Who could stretch the further? - Mildred with her longer body. Who could outlast the other? - Ethel with her gritted teeth.

"Ethel Hallow," Hecate stood with a clipboard at the door. Mildred tried to catch her eye, but Hecate had her eyes set on the blonde student.

Ethel's face immediately changed from ruthless to one of false pleasantness as she set eyes on her teacher, but she gave one last glare to Mildred before entering.

Mildred's stomach churned as she heard the music begin playing inside, knowing that Ethel certainly would not be suffering with the same self-conscious doubt that was currently welling up inside of her. She didn't want to let herself down.. Heck, even more so, she didn't want to let Ms Hardbroom, especially with everything that had happened between the two recently.

After ten minutes of nervous pacing, the music stopped and a couple of minutes after a smug-looking Ethel Hallow left the studio. "Good luck Hubble Bubble – you'll probably need it!" Ethel smirked as she made her way out.

Mildred resisted the childish urge to stick her tongue out at her. "I can do this," she whispered to herself instead as she gathered herself. "I can do this…"

"You can do this," a quiet yet stoic voice told her firmly. Mildred glanced up to see Ms Hardbroom at the door. She looked-up, wide-eyed.

"Mildred Hubble," Hecate called, loudly now but to Mildred's astonishment, winked as the girl made her way to follow the woman into the room.

"I can do this!" She affirmed shakily as she followed her.

Ada Cackle and Pippa Pentangle were seated behind a table, with a chair left at Ms Cackle's right for Ms Hardbroom. Miss Cackle beamed a smile behind her glasses and Ms Pentangle smiled her breathtaking yet toothy grin. "Don't be nervous Mildred darling – it's only us!" Ms Pentangle sang indulgently. Mildred did not need to look at Ms Hardbroom to know she was rolling her eyes.

"Barre first Mildred," Hecate raised her brow. "I trust you are warm."

"Yes Miss," Mildred affirmed, but suddenly wished she had stretched even deeper and for longer.

Mildred got to the barre and was relieved to find from her reflection that she looked more composed than she felt. Her hair was still bunned well- a mixture of multiple layers of strong hairspray and the pins Hecate had given her.

The music began, and Hecate began to reel off movements thick and fast. It was odd, Mildred thought, how Hecate could still be so intimidating after all of the time they had spent together – especially with a clipboard in her hands and a face that gave nothing away.

Pretend it's just one of our practices. What would she be telling me to remember?

After what felt like an eternity, the music came to an end. Hecate's face was still unreadable as she peered at her assessor, hoping to gain some clues. She hadn't felt like she had done too badly.

Hecate made her way back to her seat and Mildred took the cue to take the centre.

"So Mildred – Aurora I believe," Miss Cackle peered over her glasses.

"Yes Miss Cackle," Mildred's voice shook with nerves. Pippa glanced over at Hecate but found Hecate hadn't reacted to the girl's obvious nerves.

"Go ahead," Hecate gesticulated with a sweeping gesture. Mildred took a breath as the music started, but found herself rooted to the spot for a moment too long. She tried to catch up to the beats of music, knowing her face must be portraying her very real panic rather than acting.

Hecate grimaced, knowing that the girl had gone wrong. We didn't have enough time…

Mildred would be gutted, Hecate knew. She was mentally adding to the list of things she would need to practise with the girl – her sickling tendus, hips slightly moving in her rond de jambe, a slightly leaning arabesque and a locked knee in a jumping section – Does she want to be off with a knee injury?

Her saving grace was once again her triple pirouette, perfectly natural technique with an easy landing, that was unfortunately followed by an attitude at a completely wonky angle which the girl very nearly fell out of.

The music came to an end, and Mildred found herself unable to meet her mentor's eyes, knowing they would likely be full of the same disappointment that was rising up inside of her. Miss Cackle and Ms Pentangle clapped and Mildred curtseyed her thanks and hastily left the room so she could disguise her defeated tears.

Save your tears for your pillow.

"Well you've certainly done a marvellous job with her Hecate!" Pippa sang brightly. "Especially with her injury and all!"

"Much improved technique!" Ada nodded. "And the emotion in her solo...Just always astounds me."

"She was sloppy," Hecate corrected, fiddling with her pen. "She was better last night."

"What did you give her for her barre work Hecate?" Ada ignored her comment, "She seemed very much in control at that point."

"63," Hecate replied with a raised brow.

"Looked more like an 83 to me!" Pippa pulled a face.

"Well it's a good job it's not up to you then isn't it?" Hecate immediately shot back.

"You're being hard on her," Pippa pursed her lips. "She's worked ever so hard. Non-stop really."

"And she needs to continue to work hard," Hecate argued.

"So you're marking her low on purpose?"

"I'm assessing what I see. I promised her that."

Ada smiled softly and covertly at her colleagues' bickering. "I'm sorry to say Pippa that Hecate has never changed her mind once made. Her solo, thoughts?"

"Definitely in the merit range, could have been a distinction if she hadn't had the problem with the attitude pose," Pippa raised her brow challengingly at Hecate.

"So you missed her being a beat behind, her sickling, her hips, and above all – the near knee injury?" Hecate demanded.

"Well you clearly missed her emotion, her artistry and her complete dedication to the story she was portraying!" Pippa widened her eyes.

Hecate was flummoxed. She had been so desperate for Mildred to do well, but the girl hadn't performed with the precision they had been aiming for; not even close. She didn't want to give the girl a false sense of achievement, it would hardly help matters, hardly get her to strive for the much-needed perfection that would be demanded of her when she took to the stage.

Ada smiled at the two again, their passion clearly evident on their faces. Both of them caring so blatantly, but in completely different ways. She weighed up the options in her head, whilst she agreed with Pippa's clear enthusiasm for the girl's talent, she also knew that Hecate's passion for any pupil was harder to obtain, and she didn't want to go against what she knew would be in the girl's best interests; Mildred would continue to flourish only with Hecate's guidance. That was abundantly clear.

She placed a hand over the blonde's own, "I know your intentions are pure Pippa, but I think it's best we leave this one to Hecate. She, after all, knows exactly what the girl is capable of," Ada rested her eyes firmly into Pippa's own, until they softened.

"Fine," Pippa assented, "Just not too low.. Don't break the girl's spirit."

"57 – 60 in total," Hecate gave a curt nod acceptingly.

Xxx

"Enid Nightshade," Hecate called out, not looking up from her clipboard. When she did, she found the corridor empty. She raised her eyebrow and turned to face the other two teachers. "A no-show," she said it casually, hiding her surprise. No student ever missed their examination without prior explanation.

"She's maybe got the wrong time.." Miss Cackle tried to find a reason.

"Russia…" Pippa said without explanation. When Hecate and Ada stared she started to explain, "She's moving, but she's not very happy about it.. Kat accepted a job and Enid took it really badly. I think she actually likes being here…"

"She's a funny way of showing it," Hecate snorted.

"She was talking like she wanted to quit dance altogether, probably to get back at her mum," Pippa sighed.

"That would be a huge waste of talent," Ada bit her lip.

"I know," Pippa said sadly. "I tried to tell her that, but she got so angry."

"Is there anything we can do to keep her here?" Hecate cut in, taking aback both Ada and Pippa with the genuine concern that laced her tones. Mildred hadn't mentioned a thing, and her every thought was visible on her expressive face. Enid must not even have told her.

"I was already thinking about talking with Kat…" Pippa grimaced. "I don't think she will want to give up the job though."

"But you know the family well? You count yourself as a family friend?" Ada asked, slowly piecing together what she hoped would be the beginning of a plan.

Pippa nodded, "I guess so…"

xxx

Mildred bit her lip, not wanting to go back to the boarding lodge and face the 'How did it go?' from Enid and her fellow pupils. Instead she let herself into the studio furthest away from the examination room, thankful that it was unbooked and empty with it being the end of the week.

She danced, danced until the throbbing in her head subsided somewhat, freestyle for a while, until she began her exam piece again.

She heard the door creak open part-way, and seeing Hecate Hardbroom's waspish eyes upon her she put in more effort, determined to get it right this time.

"I thought you might be in here -that was better," Hecate said coolly as she finished.

The tears that Mildred had been holding in suddenly started to gush.

Hecate rolled her eyes slightly, becoming more rigid in the face of Mildred's emotion. The girl cries too easily, cries too much.

But Hecate let the girl have her time, before conjuring up a pack of kleenex from her black bag. "It's not worth crying over Mildred," she said firmly.

"It was terrible! I was terrible! I'm not good enough for this… And I don't deserve your time and effort!" she said between hiccuping breaths as she took the tissue.

"I think I get to decide that," Hecate replied dryly.

"Why bother? Why bother with me ? When there's dancers like Ethel," Mildred continued.

Hecate had to stop herself from saying, "A penny a dozen," and instead kept professionally quiet.

"Are you done?" she asked the pupil, arms folded.

Mildred spent a moment focusing on her practised breathing. "I'm sorry, I know you think I need to be tougher. I'm just so disappointed with myself, I know I could have done so much better than that. I don't know why I got so nervous."

She sighed, and dabbed at her eyes. When she was a lot calmer Hecate said, "You haven't actually done as badly as you think."

"But – I…"

"Missed your cue, fell out of one move and don't get me started on your locked knees.. Yes…" Hecate pursed her lips. "Like I told you, the other two teachers see what I sometimes miss. What you clearly miss too."

Mildred's eyes widened.

"Your barre work was actually rather controlled," Hecate smirked, enjoying the way the girl brightened a bit more than she would ever admit. "Lots of progress there. Though still plenty to work on."

"Do not stay too long – you need to talk to Enid," Hecate told her pointedly as she left the girl to it. Mildred pulled a face, confused as to what Ms Hardbroom meant.

Xxx

Mildred returned to her room, thinking it must be empty as she turned the key in the locked door. Enid stared at her from her bed, a kind of closed-off coolness to her demeanour.

"How did it go?" Enid asked the inevitable question, seeing Mildred's puffy looking eyes.

"I missed my cue and it threw me," Mildred told her tiredly. "So pretty badly. How about you?"

"I didn't show," Enid told her, falsely nonchalant.

"What?" Mildred gaped.

"I just couldn't face it, and there's no need anyway. Not when I'm moving," Enid told her grimly.

"Moving?!" Mildred looked like she'd swallowed a bee, felt like it too and choked, "When were you going to tell me?"

But all trace of anger left Mildred as she stared at her friend, who looked so strangely and pitifully sad.

"I don't know.. Soon I guess. Mum wants me to finish up this term, so we can be in St Petersburg by Christmas," Enid explained sadly.

"But I… I can't lose you Enid," Mildred felt heartbroken, a headache of hurt panging in her head.

"I don't want to go Millie, I just don't have a choice," Enid told her. "Mum is adamant about going and I'm not sixteen until May so she can't leave me behind without a guardian."

xxx

"Hecate!" Pippa caught up to the brunette. "Can we go for a drink?"

Hecate felt the word "No" arrive in her mouth, but swallowed it. It's been a long week, go talk it out, make sense of it.

"Fine," Hecate nodded curtly.

Xxx

"So you really put her up for the night?" Pippa's eyes widened as she digested Hecate's story.

"I didn't really have a choice, I could hardly leave her throwing up in a gutter," Hecate defended.

"I didn't mean it like that!" Pippa smiled, "I just think that's really amazing of you to do that and to not use it against her either."

"Hmm," Hecate sipped her wine.

"It suits you – teaching – I mean, I'd heard you had gained a great reputation, but that's not surprising, you like to be good at whatever you do.. But there's more to it with you, isn't there?" Pippa smiled.

"I guess I enjoy it more than I thought I would.." Hecate assented.

"Have you taught a pupil like Mildred before?" Pippa grinned.

"There's no one quite like Mildred Hubble," Hecate grimaced. "My last protegee, as Ada likes to call it, Esme – flawless technique so very different there and built like a fairy princess. She found it all so easy but never tired of improving further. I do see her in Mildred sometimes, her tenacity, but above all, the infectuous energy and genuineness. Esmerelda Hallow – Ethel's sister."

"Very different to her little sister then," Pippa raised an eyebrow but said no more.

Pippa took a sip of her sauvignon blanc, "I wanted your advice Hiccup. Something that Ada said earlier, about me being a family friend of the Nightshades. I know Enid is so desperate to stay here, even if she claims she's done with dance…"

"Stubborn," Hecate cut in.

"… and I feel like if I approach Kat, well.. She might agree to let me be Enid's guardian."

"That's a lot of responsibility Pippa," Hecate told her after a moment of contemplation. "She's hardly the easiest child. I know it was her that got Mildred into trouble this week. She's rather… wild," Hecate said the word distastefully.

"But passionate… She's a girl in need of a real care…"

"Or real discipline…"

"...And well I've known her a long time and I would like to help," Pippa defended. "Do you really think it's a stupid idea?"

"No, no.. Not at all actually," Hecate's lips widened slightly. "It's just.. Big…"

"Well it's not like she would be living with me, unless she chose to in the holidays, but she will probably want to see her mum… And well I can just be there to make sure she's making sensible choices."

Hecate snorted, "I don't think Enid does sensible."

"Which is why she needs someone to be interested, invested. Just like you are with Mildred," Pippa defended.

"You can't save every child though Pippa, that's the difficult thing about this job sometimes," Hecate pursed her lip.

"But I can save one…" Pippa countered, "Give Enid the chance to settle, to make something of herself."

Chapter Text

xxx

Pippa barely slept a blink that night, yet alone a wink.

It’s just.. Big…

She knew it was… Knew that the reality of offering Enid a helping hand was hardly going to be like being Miss Honey in Matilda, the world was never that simple: positive actions didn’t have immediately positive consequences. Karma took a long time, even if it actually did pay up. Yet… She knew, her decision was made – she couldn’t let Enid be so unhappy, so unsettled. She couldn’t live with herself.

She would phone Kat straight away in the morning and hope that Enid didn’t think her an interfering cow.

Xxx

Saturday. After Exam Week Saturday.

Mildred felt like she could hardly move, yet her over-tired brain stubbornly refused to sleep any longer.

Enid was still fast asleep, and after the emotional night they had had, Mildred didn’t want to wake her. The room felt stuffy as Mildred placed on some leggings and a hoodie and tip-toed out of their dorm, desperate for some fresh air.

Under-eighteens were in theory not allowed to leave the campus-site without permission from a member of staff, and although Mildred knew she could successfully sneak out like she had done previously, and like everyone else did, she was also aware of how close she was at paying the price for it and so didn’t dare risk wandering any further than the school’s grounds. The grounds were rather green and extensive for a city campus however, the evidence of clear compatibility between a long history of success and generous benefactors investing in what they saw was the right kind of art.

She walked the mostly empty courtyards and gardens, smiling at the delivery drivers unloading food from their trucks to the waiting caterers. It was nice to breathe in the cool air after what had so far been an overly warm term. She placed in her ear buds and flicked on Taylor Swift’s latest album, an almost content smile reaching her cheeks.

Xxx

“Aghhh,” Mildred blanched as she almost bumped into Ms Hardbroom, who had been leaving one of the buildings where Mildred knew the teachers’ offices were housed.

“Hmm,” Hecate’s face became comically pinched, “I don’t think I deserve quite that reaction.”

“I didn’t see you,” Mildred paused her music and took out her head-phone.

“I could tell. I did call out to you, but that explains it,” Hecate nodded at the offending ear piece. “Why must all teens be an extension of their mobiles?” she groaned, eyebrow raised so that the insufferable girl would know that she meant it as a cutting comment and not a true question.

“Music,” Mildred grinned unashamedly, of course taking the comment as a question, “Can’t go for a walk without it. Don’t worry I’m not going far…” Mildred intoned knowingly.

Hecate snorted, “Good to know you’ve learnt your lesson. I’ve actually a few errands to run, if you’d like to accompany me. We can walk down the riverbank after,” Hecate heard herself say before she could stop herself. “It’s nice this time of year…” She added lamely.

Mildred nodded enthusiastically, “Yes- thanks,” she smiled, heart lifting at the thought.

“Do you want to go back to your dorm and grab your coat?” Hecate asked, eyeing the girl’s hoodie that seemed ill-equipped for the current cool breeze.

Mildred laughed, “I’m northern Ms Hardbroom this is practically July weather to me.”

“Point taken,” Hecate rolled her eyes.

Xxx

“Did you not lie-in?” Hecate wondered, thinking Mildred would be the kind to enjoy a lazy weekend, particularly after a long week.

Mildred pushed back her long and increasingly tangled hair, “Not when I’ve been getting up at ridiculous o-clock. Enid’s asleep so I didn’t want to wake her. It’s not fair..”

Hecate knew from Mildred’s emphasis on the word and the glint of anger in her eye she didn’t mean about it being unfair to wake her.

“Parents make decisions which affect their children. It has nothing to do with fairness,” Hecate inwardly sighed, knowing Mildred had the right the be cross on her friend’s behalf.

“But...but… She’s just so good,” Mildred clenched her fists. “She cares more than she lets on...And she’s the only friend I have here…” She added in a small voice.

“You’re not here to make friends Mildred,” Hecate gave her the standard reply.

“Easy for you to say – you had Ms Pentangle!” Mildred shot back.

For the first time in a while, Hecate had no comeback and the thought almost made her grin. The girl is very almost witty. She will have to learn to hold her tongue like I did. “I won’t be a moment,” she said instead, as they had reached the mini supermarket.

Mildred waited outside the shop patiently as Hecate went in. Mildred craned her neck to see inside the glass, noticing that Ms Hardbroom’s no-nonsense demeanour seemed to ensure that nobody dared get in her way as she went about the aisles. Mildred laughed to herself, thankful that it wasn’t just her and her classmates who were intimidated by the woman’s scowl.

“Here,” Ms Hardbroom passed her an apple from her carrier bag upon leaving. “To give me a moment’s peace.”

Mildred thanked her and grinned at her comment.

Xxx

“It’s beautiful!” Mildred breathed as she took in the view down the river, she could see straight to Westminster, its looming bell tower majestic over the reflective water, its turrets a criss-cross of intricate pattern. “I can’t believe I live here…”

“It has its charms,” Hecate pursed her lips. “But so does the north with its rugged landscape.”

“You’re only saying that because you’re from here,” Mildred rolled her eyes.

“According to my wikipedia page I suppose so.”

“Kensington?” Mildred queried, feeling immediately dorky for knowing. Why oh why did I let that slip?

“You’ve certainly done your research on me,” Hecate smirked at Mildred’s blush. “What they don’t like to mention is that it was my father that lived in Kensington, my mother was from Leeds and soon moved back there with me when they divorced.”

“You don’t seem very northern to me!” Mildred laughed incredulously.

“I actually trained with Northern Ballet until I secured a place to train here. The Royal doesn’t like to mention that bit though, preferring to take full credit for my successes,” Hecate smirked. “Ethel Hallow was correct when she told you we have a quota of ‘northern kids’ to fill, my doing actually – we have found some truly talented dancers by actually looking outside our usual ballet feeder schools.”

Mildred tried to let that sink in, “So do you ever visit Leeds?” was the only comment that came to mind.

“Not nearly enough,” Hecate admitted slightly sadly.

Xxx

“Enjoy the rest of your Saturday Mildred, plenty of good-food and rest,” Hecate instructed as they reached back to campus, back to a comfortable level of formality.

“I’m surprised you’re not telling me to practice,” Mildred quirked her eyebrow.

“Bodies do need to recover unfortunately. Even I dare not argue with science,” Hecate sniffed. “Tomorrow should, in your case, be a different matter,” she gave Mildred a once-over. “That will be your call, however,” she pursed her lips as if to make her expectations clear.

“Yes Miss Hardbroom,” Mildred said overly monotonously, smiling rather too breezily for Hecate’s comfort.

Xxx

When Mildred arrived back at the dorm, Enid was finally awake – yet still hadn’t emerged from her bed. She seemed to have set up camp, laptop on and her hair brushed yet piled on top of her head in a bun that HB would have been personally offended by.

“Hey,” Mildred greeted with a small, sad smile that Enid returned.

“Walk?” Enid guessed by Mildred’s attire.

“Ran into Ms Hardbroom – she was going out anyway so let me go with her,” Mildred explained, trying her best to sound casual.

Enid looked at Mildred appraisingly.

“Can’t hurt me, can it? She’s got so much to teach and I certainly have a lot to learn,” Mildred bit her lip before admitting, “And I genuinely am growing to like spending time with her – when she’s not yelling, or forcing me to dance for hours on end, or making cutting comments..”

“Stockholm Syndrome,” Enid smirked.

“Glutton for punishment,” Mildred agreed, sitting on the bed with her, relieved Enid had lightened the mood. “Besides, she might be my only friend when I’m left here without you…”

“Now that would be very,very sad,” Enid said dryly.

“What you doing?” Mildred looked at Enid’s laptop.

“Deciding whether or not to reply to Ms Pentangle’s email,” Enid shrugged nonchalantly.

“Ms Pentangle’s?” Mildred narrowed her eyes.

“She wants to meet with me, to speak with me about re-taking my exam and my future ect….” Enid tried to keep her voice level, but Mildred noticed there was a slight pitch of difference.

“That sounds…” Mildred tried, but felt rather flummoxed as the sentence faltered. Why would Ms Pentangle want Enid to take her exam? Surely it wouldn’t matter now in the grand scheme of things.

“I know,” Enid said, seemingly having read Mildred’s mind. “I was so awful to her last time I saw her too…Proper shouted when she was only being nice.”

“I don’t think she’s the kind to care about that,” Mildred replied.

“No – and I don’t want to leave for Russia on bad terms,” Enid grimaced.

Xxx

Enid knocked on the door of Ms Pentangle’s office, privately wondering why their teachers really needed offices in the first place.

“Come in,” came a bright voice from inside. Enid pushed on the door and found herself in a very bright room, despite its standard grey walls and laminate floor, every space filled with plants of every hue and frames baring Pippa in floaty dresses or tutus of exquisite detail in an assortment of colours.

“Enid, come sit,” Pippa smiled coaxingly. “I got you a latte, I remember we used to drink them together back stage after a performance.”

Despite herself, Enid smiled that Ms Pentangle had remembered. In truth she only drank the sweet, frothy mixture because the angelic-looking ballerina had given it to her and she was desperate for any kind of fuss while her mum would be smoozing directors and the elite with faux merriment.

She took a sip, feeling nostalgia warm her all the way to her toes as she looked at the doe-eyed woman in front of her. “Thanks,” she felt her voice falter.

“How are you?” Pippa questioned levelly.

“Resigned to my fate,” Enid mumbled dramatically. Pippa gave a small smile at Enid’s quick wit.

“Enid, you know I care a lot about you? I always have. You are really the only child I’ve experienced grow up,” Pippa began her practised speech. “I want you to do well, in ballet or not in ballet – it really doesn’t matter to me. I just think it perhaps matters to you?” she bit her lip.

“I…. I…” Enid was taken-aback. “I don’t know…”

“You don’t?”

“It’s… All I know…” Enid tried to explain. “And I know I’m good at it… Heck I don’t deserve to be when there’s girls like Mildred willing to spend every hour with HB shouting insults in order to succeed. I like to dance… But I sometimes get tired of it… Because I’ve been doing it a lifetime, when I’m not old enough to have experienced a lifetime…” Enid tried to explain.

“I understand,” Pippa gave an encouraging smile. Kat had always boasted that Enid had been walking on her tiptoes by the time she was two.“But also it’s a big part of you.. If you throw it all away.. Then there’s no going back.”

“But I haven’t,” Enid huffed. “I’ll no doubt be in enrolled in the best dance school in St Petersburg, ready to turn me into a ballet-bot.”

“If you could stay here, would you?” Pippa asked.

“Yes,” Enid cradled her cheek. “I like it here… I like my classes, being with Mil, Miss Cackle, even Ms Hardbroom when she’s not screaming too much though she really doesn’t like me… Your classes,” Enid ended, “But Mum would never pass down the part.”

“Would you accept me as your guardian?” Pippa got about before she could stop herself.

“W-what?” Enid frowned.

“I phoned your mum, explained how you were feeling and she agreed to it. Only if you agree to it though of course,” Pippa smiled hopefully. Kat had in truth been surprisingly amenable, clearly happy to concentrate on her career rather than her precious child.

“What – what does it mean?”

“That I would keep an extra eye on you on your mum’s behalf, but you could stay here at the academy….” Pippa bit her lip.

“You’d do that for me?” Enid said open-mouthed.

“Everyone deserves the chance to create their own path,” Pippa told the girl, “But no more fighting-it. You’re to accept that you are a dancer at heart…Keep your head down and actually put some real effort in.”

“But this time it’s my choice,” Enid’s eyes widened. “I really get to stay?”

“Really,” Pippa relaxed as Enid shot her a full-wattage grin.

xx

Chapter Text

I'm feeling strangely sentimental, and writing about Mildred and Hecate always gives me the feels.

En Pointe

Chapter 13: Barriers

Mildred couldn’t believe what Enid was telling her, she had never felt relief like it. The academy would have been a bleak place without her, all life and fun sucked out and with no one to have her back against her spat with Ethel Hallow and co.

“We need to celebrate!” Mildred said once she had finished hugging her friend, tears in her eyes.

“I agree!” Enid smiled. “Dinner – my treat. Somewhere cute with huge portions of carbs,” Enid laughed, “So we become, ‘Bloated first years’.”

“As long as we get permission,” Mildred nodded enthusiastically, “Don’t dare risk it.”

“Fair enough,” Enid agreed, “There’s no way Ms Bat will say no anyway when we tell her why – and it’s midday anyway.”

xxx

Enid said yes! Lunch and a debrief?

P x

Pippa smiled as she sent it, ‘Lunch and a debrief’ being their go-to phrase when they were training and wanted to unwind and discuss the goings-on of the school.

Sure,

H x

Hecate hastily deleted the ‘x’, her fingers fumbling as if under some kind of spell.

xxx

They chose a place down on the river-bank, not too far, but which, according to Enid had a reputation for a great atmosphere. Glass everywhere, with model-like waiters whose faces did not seem to change to the faux-smiles that those in hospitality usually gave.

As it turned out, ‘great atmosphere’ meant that they didn’t even bat an eyebrow as Enid confidently ordered a bottle of champagne.

“It’s Saturday Mil,” she told her as she saw her friend’s reluctance. “We’re celebrating and you’ll be sober again by bedtime.”

Mildred found she couldn’t disagree to that logic as she raised her glass in a toast.

Xxx

“Pippa,” Hecate smiled genuinely and then pursed her lips back.

“Hecate,” Pippa smiled shyly through her eyelashes. “You look lovely,” Pippa complimented. Hecate was, indeed, looking her best self. Long hair in a high ponytail and a nude-red lipstick that seemed to warm her pallor and black outfit.

“You look.. very… pink,” Hecate smirked. Pippa was wearing a magenta blouse with draping sleeves, long blonde glossy strands accentuated by a pink sparkly clip.

“Signature colour,” Pippa laughed.

“It suits you,” Hecate complimented, suddenly serious while staring at Pippa’s rosy pink lips.

Xxx

Mildred’s heart thud into her pelvis.

“Oh my God Enid.. Don’t look… But over there, HB and Ms Pentangle….”

“No…!” Enid gawped as she looked over to where Mildred was gesturing with her eyes.

“They look like they’re… on a date…” Enid looked at Mildred quizzically.

“You think?” Mildred tried not to stare at her brunette mentor who seemed to be leaning in slightly towards the blonde over the wooden table deep in conversation. “They’ve been friends for years!”

“Don’t stare Mil!” Enid hissed, “The champagne!”

“Oh God,” Mildred winced, “You don’t think they’ve seen us?”

“Definitely not,” Enid shook her head. “But we need to keep a low profile.”

xxx

“She’s a smashing girl underneath it all,” Pippa swilled her wine glass thoughtfully, “Just needs a bit of attention and fuss to bring it out if her.”

“You’re definitely good at that,” Hecate pursed her lips together thoughtfully, and not judgementally for once.

Pippa smiled brightly.

Xxx

“How did we not see it before?” Enid shook her head. “Mum’s always been honest about Ms Pentangle having a thing for women.”

“And HB and her were so close!” Mildred added.

“They look great together: Tall, dark and brooding; petite, blonde and cheerful. Opposites attract,” Enid said knowingly.

“She’s laughing!” Mildred said open-mouthed, “Ms Hardbroom is actually laughing…I didn’t know she could laugh...”

“Their body language, Ms Pentangle’s showing her wrists. That’s a sign!”

“HB just looked this way! Do you think she saw us?”

“We’d be dead already!” Enid assured her.

Xxx

“So if Enid is to retake her exam, will you still cap her at a pass?” Pippa questioned.

“I think that would be rather unfair, given the circumstances. I am fairly intrigued to see what the girl can do when she actually bothers,” Hecate justified her rare mercifulness.

“I’m so grateful Hiccup,” Pippa smiled, leaning in. “In time you will grow to see what a lovely girl she is.”

“I’m just hoping she really applies herself now,” Hecate pulled a face, “Hopefully her perfected technique will begin to rub off on Mildred too.”

“I’m sure it will – you should see them choreographing together in my classes – so very talented,” Pippa smiled. “Reminds me of us really,” Pippa pursed her lips into a smile.

“No one could ever be like us,” Hecate wrinkled her nose as soon as the words escaped her lips.

A pregnant pause as the atmosphere seemed to light.

Pippa met her eyes hopefully, swallowing the nerves that were fizzing into her mouth, “Do you… Do you still?” She said breathlessly, “Is there anybody else?” She bit her lip.

A silence.

“No,” Hecate said firmly.

Pippa looked crestfallen for a moment in her unsurety.

“I … I meant ‘no’ to your second question,” Hecate told her, heart pounding and words sounding small. “There’s nobody else Pippa, there’s never been anyone else..”

Pippa’s jaw slackened,“You mean it?” she grabbed at the pale hand over the table. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you. I’d known you forever, but we were only just starting to understand this new side of us and then when it happened.. I should never have… I ruined it all Hecate and I’ve regretted that everyday, regretting losing you.”

Hecate digested Pippa’s words and saw once again the sincerity in her eyes.

You can’t lose your heart to her again!

But she’s being genuine – and you feel it.

You’ve worked so hard to close yourself off to all that.

But you want her..

“We need to go slow,” Hecate heard herself say, “But I’ve missed you Pippa,”

xxx

“I can’t stop watching them,” Mildred whispered to Enid, despite the restaurant being full of noise and cheer.

“Hopefully a bit of banging will stop Hard Bitch being so super miserable the whole time!” Enid grinned.

“Enid!” Mildred shot at her.

“What!? You always defend her Millie!” Enid rolled her eyes.

Mildred opened her mouth to retort, but in that moment one of the cool-faced waitresses opened a bottle of champagne at the table next to them. A cork that banged obnoxiously before flying upwards and hitting one of the metal lights – the sound reverberating offensively around the restaurant.

“Woooo!” the table cheered as if it were a party trick. But the damage was done, as the still hand-holding couple looked up at the commotion. Obsidian eyes met chocolate and narrowed in sync with a distinctive purse of the lips…

xxx

“Maybe they didn’t see us?” Enid whispered in confused hushed tones as both teachers grabbed their things and made their way out of the restaurant.

“She saw,” Mildred said miserably.

“But surely they would have come over. Demanded we leave?” Enid added. “I don’t get it…”

“I don’t get it either…” Mildred said in a small voice.

Xxx

The anxiety was not going away. Mildred practised all of Sunday, feeling strangely obliged to, but her stomach was churning and her mind was not on her moves as she kept steeling glancing out of the viewing window – hoping and fearing she would run into Ms Hardbroom.

She barely slept that night – though Enid did not seem to have any bother. Her friend was now fully convinced their underage drinking had gone undetected as there was no message or summons from Ms Pentangle either.

But it was with an impending feeling of doom that Mildred entered Ms Hardbroom’s dance studio the following morning. Clear doom when Hecate did not even look her way and acknowledge her as the class were coldly instructed to warm up.

To make matters worse, Hecate kept commenting on Ethel’s good stretching techniques. The blonde’s smug smile becoming a permanent feature of her face.

Mildred kept looking imploringly at her teacher, suddenly and childishly wanting to grab at her, a strange need for attention that she had never felt before.

Ten minutes later she was wishing she was still being ignored.

“I said turn your hip out!” Hecate was booming, “Tell me Mildred am I speaking a different language?! It amazes me that we have such a slovenly ballerina at such a prestigious school. Turn out!” she bellowed, hands on hips and eyes fully narrowed in displeasure.

Mildred forced her legs to stand 180 degrees, looking imploringly at Ms Hardbroom who simple pursed her lips, “Your laziness forever astounds me…” she said cuttingly, a fierce fire in her eyes.

It was all Mildred could do to not weep as she forced herself to appear impassive.

Xxx

The next day was much the same, Hecate open fire on her, finding fault more than usual as Mildred did her best not to feel completely disparaged. Thankfully results were posted right after morning class and it was with a wide disbelieving smile that she found her name, bang in the middle of the group of dancers – scraping a merit despite all that had happened.

For a moment she wanted to run back to class and thank Ms Hardbroom, but the woman’s dark, angry eyes were firmly integrated onto her brain and for once even she did not dare overstep herself.

When six-o’clock came, she forced herself into the dance studio- half expecting Ms Hardbroom to not show for her private lesson. But HB was already there, looking impatient as she faced her student.

“Stretch your calves, stretch well…” she warned as Mildred stood for a moment in her unsurety.

“Yes Ms Hardbroom,” she answered as respectfully as she could muster, before placing herself in the centre and beginning the stretches that had long since been embedded.

“Your exam…” Hecate began.

“A merit!” Mildred smiled despite the intensity of the situation as the tall woman loomed over her.

“Hardly anything to be so thrilled over,” Ms Hardbroom chided, watching the girl’s face drop.

“I… I know I could have done better… But…” Mildred began to justify herself.

“But you were sloppy, moves that you have been doing for years. Causing yourself near injuries. I think Mildred Hubble that you believe yourself invincible,” Hecate shot, eyebrows protruding as if daring Mildred to agree.

“I… I…” Mildred faltered.

“Centre,” Ms Hardbroom commanded in her booming voice.

Mildred bit her lip and placed herself onto the floor, trying to not quiver in her trepidation.

She looked down, not wanting her looking Hecate in the eyes to be misconstrued as impertinent, yet she could see the woman had her hands on her hips – one of her most furious mannerisms.

“Since you think locked knees are acceptable, it falls to me to train you out of it. Saute, second position, with a plie after each landing.”

Mildred nodded.

“Begin,” Ms Hardbroom began to pace as Mildred completed her first jump.

“Keep your posture straight, and eyes straight ahead,” Hecate warned.

“How many Ms Hardbroom?” Mildred asked breathlessly after a couple of minutes.

“As many as it takes for the message to sink in,” Ms Hardbroom replied silkily.

Mildred winced as her legs were beginning to burn.

“Point those toes properly,” hissed Ms Hardbroom.

Another five minutes and the lactic acid build up was becoming intense. “Please Ms Hardbroom..” she began.

“Your laziness truly astounds me,” Hecate cut across crossly. “You may not stop. Posture!” she added as Mildred began to slump.

Another couple of minutes and Mildred had truly had enough. She sat herself on the floor and hugged at her throbbing legs.

“Pathetic,” Hecate seethed, “If you are not here to follow my instruction Mildred Hubble I am wasting my time. Now get back up!”

Mildred looked up and saw the depth of anger on Ms Hardbroom’s face. She held the tears that threatened to fall. She’s punishing me, she realised. This is what this is about….

Mildred winced, but did not look back as she walked out of the studio, her dignity let down slightly by the door banging on the way out.

Xx

Reaching the cool air of the winter’s night, Mildred finally let the tears flow. A frustrated stream of salt that stung and pinched her warm cheeks in the bitter air.

She was so angry, furious that Ms Hardbroom had behaved like that with her, not giving her the chance to explain herself. It was such an odd reaction too, yes she had been drinking, but it wasn’t like last time… And Ms Hardbroom had been overly forgiving then. Perhaps because I did it again… Betrayed her.

But I’m not her possession – not her toy to treat however she pleases.

“Oh Mildred darling, what’s wrong?”

A soft voice next to her as the blonde woman leant again the wall that was currently holding her up.

Mildred couldn’t get any words out if she tried.

“Aren’t you supposed to be with Hec- Ms Hardbroom?” Pippa coaxed gently, rubbing the girl’s shoulder supportively.

“I … I left,” Mildred said between shaky breaths.

“You’ve quarrelled?” Pippa ascertained smoothly.

“She’s angry with me… She saw me and Enid, we were drinking to celebrate her staying. You were there…” Mildred fixed her gaze on the kind freckly face.

“I thought she started acting strangely,” Pippa pieced together. “Suddenly became rather quiet, even for Hecate,” she mused.

“So she’s taken it out on you then?” Pippa added.

“She didn’t mention seeing us, but she’s been so different, so off with me. I can’t do anything right!” Mildred began crying again.

Pippa felt extremely sorry for the confused girl. Hecate was always such a private person, and it would have been immensely difficult for her to have a student, no less her protegee, see her vulnerable and exposed. She’s hurt her, all to protect herself when there’s no need. It was obvious to her that Mildred Hubble could never think any less of her, her devotion so truly apparent. Besides, Mildred was a modern child through and through, and modern children didn’t care less about women being with other women.

“Hecate sometimes sees things differently, sees things wrongly,” Pippa told the girl gently. “She doesn’t always see the love that people have for her,” she added knowingly. “Now chin up and head home, tell Enid that the next time she wants to splurge out on drinks she will be inviting me,” Pippa winked.

Mildred nodded and managed a small smile.

Pippa began to march.

Xxx

The doorbell rang and the door was answered by Hecate, looking beautifully gothic with her hair hanging lose and her black dressing gown tied primly.

“Pippa?” Hecate quirked her brow.

Pippa pushed past her and walked into the kitchen as she heard the door shutting behind her.

“Oh good you’ve wine,” she hinted cheekily, spying the bottle on the counter with it’s lid off.

“I’ve had a long day Pip,” Hecate started as she began to pour for her uninvited guest.

“I’ve heard,” Pippa took the wine glass that Hecate proffered. “I’ve just been with a very upset Mildred Hubble…”

Pippa was expecting Hecate to defend herself, to justify herself and the child’s need for discipline. Instead Hecate visibly blanched.

“I..I.. She..” Hecate started, before she stopped herself with a sigh. “I didn’t do anything that Broomhead didn’t do to me…When I locked my knees...” she added feebly.

Pippa gave her a pained smile, “You’re not Broomhead though Hiccup…”

“I was cross, irritated that she had seen us. That she was drinking again after last time..” she sighed...“But mostly because she had seen us together.”

“I don’t think Mildred cares the faintest bit about all that,” Pippa said staunchly.

Hecate nodded. “I know, I was just worried it would spread, that the students would all talk,” Hecate took a large sip of wine, “I guess I wanted to make her afraid of me again.. Make the boundaries clear because they keep slipping,” Hecate finished.

She filled up both glasses, concentrating on gaining perfect precision. “The way she looked at me, like I was an ogre with two heads…”

“One head is pretty enough,” Pippa smirked.

“What do I do?” Hecate asked genuinely.

“Apologise,” Pippa said simply. “She will forgive you, you’re completely matchless to her. Then go back to being your darling firm but fair self, letting her cry on your shoulder whilst telling her her toes aren’t pointed enough.”

Hecate smiled softly at that, “Thanks Pip – stay the night?” she asked genuinely.

“Another glass of wine then,” Pippa agreed.

Xxx

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Thank you for all the lovely reviews and comments - Keeps me going knowing people are reading :)

En Pointe

Chapter 15: Vigour and Determination

xx

xx

“Excusez-moi Monsieur,” Ethel Hallow batted her ridiculously long eyelashes.

The man stared at the girl for a moment trying to place her, “Do I know you?” he pursed his lips thoughtfully.

“Non, pardon. I’m Ethel Hallow, Esmeralda Hallow’s sister,” Ethel gave a winning smile.

“Ahhh I did not know Esme ‘ad a little sister,” Pierre grinned. “There is ‘ope for the future of ballet if you have the same feet!” he smirked at his own joke.

“I’m but a first-year,” Ethel gave a small chortling laugh, looking meekly down, yet coyly up through the side, “But I hope to be as good as my sister one day.”

“Perhaps I can give you some pointers,” Pierre nodded, “For Esme’s sake, plus I must say I’m intrigued Petit Mademoiselle Hallow, would you be willing to attend auditions for The Nutcracker Thursday?”

“That would be amazing Monsieur Blois, merci, merci!” Ethel batted her eyelashes more.

Xx

“He invited Mildred to audition!” Hecate pulled a face, “Rotten man!”

Pippa laughed at Hecate’s melodramatic streak. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“The way he worded it – I don’t trust him!”

“You never trusted any director, that was what made you so invincible, so unobtainable unless they were the best of the best!” Pippa smiled knowingly.

“And I will have the same for Mildred!” Hecate shot out before she could stop herself, looking a bit perplex at her own intensity.

Pippa laughed again, “I know you will.”

xx

“Fouettes,” Hecate announced her presence and told the girl smoothly as she found her at the studio stretching.

“But we haven’t covered them in class?” Mildred tried not to sound argumentative.

“I’ve said to you before Mildred Hubble that you have an innate ability to turn, I’m interested to see just how right I am,” Hecate raised an eyebrow challengingly as if daring Mildred to prove her right.

“Really?” Mildred quirked a grin.

“I think that I read in your notes from your last ballet school that you had some good success with them,” Hecate replied briskly.

“Yes – but probably not to your standard,” Mildred admitted.

“Well we shall see,” Hecate wrinkled her nose as if bemused. “Centre – I assume you know the theory behind good fouettes?”

Mildred nodded nervously.

“It’s about timing more than anything, a whipping motion into a strong T shape. Many dancers forget to place their feet properly too,” Hecate told her. “I will be watching your feet carefully.”

“Can I see?” Mildred held a breath, “Will you do them with me?” she grimaced, “If it doesn’t hurt your ankle I mean…”

Hecate narrowed her eyes dangerously, “My ankle is fully recovered.”

“It gives you pain though still sometimes,” Mildred said in a small voice. “I know it does.” Mildred could barely meet her teacher’s gaze.

Hecate seemed taken aback as she blinked crossly, she cleared her throat. “Sometimes,” she acknowledged grudgingly as she placed herself next to Mildred facing the mirror.

“Ms Pentangle was always better at fouettes,” Hecate said after a moment, more hesitant than Mildred had even deemed possible.

“But you performed Swan Lake!” Mildred laughed, gobsmacked at Ms Hardbroom’s reluctance to perform a move she felt was less than perfect,, “Set the standard for us all to aspire to!”

“I practised non-stop for months,” Hecate told her sternly, “Nothing to do with natural talent.”

“Oh yeh, because just anyone can do 32 perfect turns,” Mildred said under her breath, Hecate caught it however and almost laughed.

She is certainly daring, hardly the whimpering girl from the first day.

“My record was actually much higher” Hecate raised her eyebrow comically rather enjoying the grin she elicited in response, “The musicality mattered more and I didn’t want to rush sections. It was choreographed as 32 for a reason.”

“Show off,” Mildred muttered daringly.

“Demi-pointe first,” Hecate told her, smirking at her pupil’s bravery. “I want to see you using the balls of your feet – ready?”

“As I’ll ever be!” Mildred grimaced bracingly.

“And prepare, down, up and in, behind,” Hecate called as Mildred stood watching, never failing to be in awe of the beautiful ease of movement that Hecate Hardbroom provided. “And land,” the woman said smugly after she had finished with a double pirouette in one seamless movement.

“Try,” Hecate said pointedly as Mildred stood gaping like a goldfish.

Mildred placed her feet into their starting position and took a breath.

“Remember to spot well, it’ll keep you on your leg properly,” Hecate stood with her hands on hips.

Mildred started with a pirouette and then kicked her leg out to the front and side and quickly placed it behind her, landing the position, albeit rather clumsily.

“Not too bad,” Hecate said appraisingly. “More force needed and keep your body stacked as you gather the momentum, keep those ribs down. Try again and finish on a double pirouette this time like I showed you.”

Mildred tried, this time landing rather more smoothly.

“Better,” Hecate gave a curt nod. “90 degrees though Mildred – don’t try to make it lazy – your gluteal should be hurting.”

“No pain, no gain,” Mildred replied jokingly.

“Pain is what the audience are truly paying for,” Hecate deadpanned.

Xxx

Mildred went to bed that night in a good mood, Hecate had been demanding of perfection but had actually shown some approval with Mildred, albeit in her stifled way. Mildred had decided that her being scarce with praise meant it mattered even more when she earned it. She was getting used to the constant criticism. Masochist – Enid kept saying every time she rubbed her burning feet or sighed in exhaustion getting into bed.

She had not mastered fouettes to anywhere near Hecate’s impossible standards and she could do not more than three without falling out of her turn, but a renewed sense of vigour and determination was bubbling up inside her. She was feeling more motivated than she had ever felt before, believing too, that her dreams were within a grasping reach if Hecate Hardbroom believed so.

She set her alarm for an early-rise, desperate to get some practice in before class.

Xxx

Mildred entered the auditorium on shaky legs. Stares of confident looking third years surrounded and enveloped her, no doubt wondering why a first year had been asked to audition.

But to Mildred’s surprise, she wasn’t the only first year there. Ethel Hallow stared at her mid stretch, eyes both smug and challenging. Mildred was relieved she was too busy preparing to say anything to her as she herself began prepping her shoes. Of course being a Hallow got you opportunities.

“Bonjour girls,” Pierre flounced in, dressed like a true artistic director in a ‘casual’ black jumper and jeans.

“Bonjour,” the girls chorused badly back, nerves clearly evident.

“Eet is good to see all you getting stretched and warm,” he eyed them all. “We will begin promptly. Make sure you pass your music to our sound manager,” he pointed out a beefy looking man with bald head, who made the girls now surrounding him appear even more wraith-like.

The door opened and Mildred heard a familiar tapping sound of purposeful shoes. The purposeful woman atop of them eyed Mildred for a moment and Mildred shot her a narrowed look. Ms Hardbroom had not mentioned her she was coming.

“Ahhh Ecate,” Pierre almost fell in his haste to welcome the woman. “What a surprise! I am ‘oping you are joining me? You look divine as always.” he gestured to her black ballet style wrap and deep purple skirt.

Hecate nearly managed to raise her eyebrows to heaven. She said in a tone which Mildred recognised as forced professionalism: “I hope you don’t mind me sitting in Pierre, it would be good for me to see how some of our girls perform in auditions. Particularly as many will be having their first next term for various companies,” she eyed the third-years haughtily as they all seemed to shrink.

“Not at all Ecate, you will be able to tell me more about them – to make sure the parts are truly fitting to their c’aracters!” Pierre grinned with enthusiasm.

Xxx

Pierre had sat himself on the front row, a clipboard in his hand and Hecate Hardbroom next to him. She had placed on the pair of glasses she had had on top of her head and was looking even more severe than usual. A fact many of the students now fighting for good viewing at the side of the stage had noticed and were hissing complaints about.

“Typical Hardbroom! She knows my slight sickling when I do my triple – bet she tells Mr Blois!” A third-year was saying to another.

“She’s going to make sure none of us have parts,” another was saying, “Doesn’t want it interfering with our exams no doubt! Even though it’s such a great opportunity!”

“It’s because she’s a has-been,” a third said moodily.

Mildred watched from the wings with bated breath, some of the third year routines seemed ridiculously hard and impressive, even if they weren’t fully hit. She felt nerves well up inside her ad she tried desperately to shake out her nervous energy.

Ethel’s was very precise and difficult. Mildred noticed many of the third-years looking moody at being upstaged by a younger student and Ethel shot them all smug looks after, which didn’t help the whispers.

“Mildred Ubble,” Pierre finally called and on legs that felt like they were being touched with a live fence, Mildred made her way on to the stage.

“Ahhh there is Bambi,” Pierre grinned. Mildred noticed Hecate’s nose wrinkle.

“Aurora?” Pierre queried and Mildred nodded.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Pierre looked at Hecate, but Hecate refused to acknowledge his presence and instead focussed her steely gaze on the girl. “Confidence,” she mouthed to her, Mildred nodded, wishing it were that easy.

The music began, and Hecate was relieved that Mildred had not missed her cue like in her exam. Instead she was pretty perfectly timed, not just that but musicality was oozing from her pores. Her nerves seemed to have turned into adrenalin as she went from move to move, lines rather immaculate, Hecate noticed with pride as her own nerves subsided a little. She was Mildred from her first audition, with added precision and neater lines.

She had learnt, clearly learnt from her previous mistakes with the routine. Her jump perfectly landed and her turns on pointe. Her face full of anguish as befitting the character.

There were errors of course, slight position placement issues but Hecate could see that Pierre did not notice, as his face brightened as he became entranced in the story the young ballerina was telling so well.

He’s seen her now, as she could be. A dancer of her generation.

Hecate caught her breath again as Mildred finished with a fouette sequence, definitely not perfected, but showing unique promise for her young age.

As she finished, Hecate had to close her open mouth back into its usual pursed lips position.

“Thank you Miss Ubble,” Pierre called out grinning as Mildred panted her breath back.

As Mildred left the stage, Hecate turned her chin towards the director and peered at him over her glasses, “You have my permission to cast her. However, if there is anything untoward,” she hissed the word, “at all, Mr Blois, concerning Mildred Hubble, you will have me to answer to,” she said sternly as she stood up sharply “The girl is still only fifteen after all and a child, “ Hecate tip-tapped in her heels out of the auditorium.

Chapter Text

Took forever - could not get the story to flow out the way I had planned it in my head. Apologies, hopefully the next part won't be a long wait at all. :)

En Pointe

Chapter 16: Beauty

"Have you heard the news?" Enid hushed to Mildred as she joined Mildred stretching the next morning. "The cast-list is going up any minute – there's a rumour going around that Clara's been cast as a first year," Enid raised her eyebrows. "I know Ethel was boasting about asked to audition, so I bet it's her. She's going to be a nightmare," Enid huffed.

Mildred felt a moment of dread as she heard Enid's words. She had stuck to HB's advice and not told Enid, and word had thankfully not got back to her from any of the other auditionees. It's not going to be me, anyway. I did ok – but Ethel is a better dancer and Mr Blois knows her sister.

She was distracted all class however, and Ms Hardbroom was clearly unimpressed if her eyerolls and barked orders were anything to go with.

"I know that you know I won't accept that!"She almost snarled in clear disgusted contempt as if personally offended by Mildred's grand jete. "Five more times, with twice the effort or you'll be doing twice as many!" To Mildred's relief, she saw a glint of warmness in her dark eyes and a slight lipcurl showing she wasn't actually in too bad a mood despite appearances. Her lips were actually in their trademark smug position, Mildred bit her lip to stop herself from grinning at Ms Hardbroom's clear self-satisfaction upon her delivery of a witty line.

"Better?" Mildred questioned with genuine sincerity as she completed her first, eyebrows were raised by the other pupils at her audacity in asking, But Mildred noticed Ms Hardbroom's second curl of a top-lip, evidently impressed with her boldness.

She responds well to confidence.

"Hmm," Hecate folded her arms, "Could hardly have been worse," she deadpanned. "It certainly needs work."

Enid raised her eyebrow at her friend, but Mildred shot Ms Hardbroom a broad grin and curtseyed a reverence.

Xxx

"Mildred," Hecate called at the end of class. Mildred nodded at Enid acknowledgingly before making her way over to her teacher.

Hecate waited until the rest of the girls left, giving Mildred a bit of a once over and trying not to rest her gaze on the annoying strand of wave that had some-how made its way loose near her ear.

"If this is about my jete, then I know I was being lazy. I'm just tired I guess and I know that's no excuse but-.."

Hecate blinked as Mildred babbled.

"You've got Clara," she told her levelly when she couldn't take anymore of Mildred's Mildredness.

"W-what?" Mildred sought a sign that Hecate was joking, but saw no sign of anything upon her rigid face.

"It's thought that you will bring a certain stage presence and innocence to the role Mildred, I have to agree," Hecate gazed appraisingly, waiting as the shock turned to dumbfounded acceptance.

She has no idea just how good she could be.

"So you think it's a good idea?" Mildred gazed wondrously.

Yes. No…

Hecate raised her eyebrow. "To gain some professional experience – yes. You mustn't let it interfere with your lessons though Mildred, or I'll be having something to say," Hecate widened her eyes meaningfully.

"Clara….- Me?" Mildred knitted her brows as her freckly nose wrinkled.

"Whilst ten weeks ago I would hasten to agree with your apparent disbelief Mildred, you have put in every effort to improve," Hecate tried not to let her face soften at Mildred's sheer humbleness, as endearing as she truthfully found it,"You do deserve this," she told her with a slight touch of fondness that she wished hadn't come out.

Hecate caught the girl's stare, seeing the deep innocence in the teen, so beautifully naive and carefree. Protectiveness stormed inside her, knowing how the world would try to snatch at Mildred's dewy-eyed gaze. She must have her wits about her…

Hecate lowered her voice, " I meant what I said about Mr Blois though Mildred, be wary…." Mildred gave her that look again, questioning exactly what she meant, but Hecate couldn't bring herself to say more. Flashes of memory of Pierre moving his hands further up her body, all in the name of 'artistic correction' of her already flawless technique, always edging on the line of acceptable – so that he couldn't be accused, no Me Too campaigns back in 1980s ballet. She blinked, Mildred still staring.

Hecate forced herself to give what she hoped was a smile of endearment, "Enough chatter Mildred. It is time to face your critics…" she gestured towards the door. Mildred shot a wry smile at Hecate's joke and began to leave, shooting uncertain glances back at her teacher as she did.

Hecate watched the teen ponderously. "It is the academy's reputation at stake Mildred Hubble…" Hecate intoned dangerously as Mildred winced at the sheer warning, mistaking it as a warning about her dancing.

Hecate noticed the girl's grimace. As the door shut, she sighed and stretched out her contracting ankle muscles.

Xxx

Despite years of training, and recent even harder training with Ms Hardbroom, Mildred found keeping her posture straight impossible as she walked down the corridor with the eyes of the academy on her. The eyes she sought were Enid's dark brown, knowing she had some explaining to do but instead found her eyes level with Ethel Hallow's ocean blue, her nose jabbed up at an odd angle. A burning look of clear hatred seared Mildred's very core, confirming that the blonde had indeed expected the rumours were about her.

"Ohhhhh my God Mildred!" Felicity Foxglove chimed, "I just cannot believe they've given it to a first year! You must have been so good at your audition!" she simpered as Mildred looked at Ethel's usual sidekick bemusedly.

"Thanks Felicity," Mildred swallowed her words, feeling hot in her cheeks.

She went to the noticeboard, entranced as she saw her name grow bolder and bolder in fancy French cursive. She took a catching breath, feeling somehow like the stars were aligning, her childhood visions of prima ballerina-dom dangling and ready for taking. She could have stood there forever, enjoying the flick of every letter, but after what felt like mere moments but could have only been a matter of minutes she felt the gaze of the eyes she had been seeking.

"Enid!" Mildred gasped as she turned to find the girl peering over her shoulder.

"I came to see if it was true.." she said ponderously with a quirked, confused eyebrow, her voice catching slightly. "Congratulations…" It was said with a strange kind of hollow mirth.

Mildred grimaced. "I I should have told you I auditioned…"

"Congratulations," Enid repeated softly, before turning on her heel and making her way back down the corridor.

I should have told you…

xxx

A rollercoaster of emotions, she was ecstatic, disbelieving, nervous and guilty all rolled into one. Her mum had screamed down the phone when she had told her, then became all teary and the two had ended up in a fit of giggles.

"I'm so proud of you Millie – you work ever so hard and I'm so glad that people are seeing just how wonderfully talented you are! I bet Ms Hardbroom is so proud too?"

Mildred agreed, though proud was probably too big a word for HB. "Pleased… I think…" Mildred knitted her eyebrows together, still wondering at Ms Hardbroom's strange behaviour over the whole thing.

"I'll let you go celebrate with Enid Millie, but remember to get some sleep. You've a big day tomorrow with lots to learn – let me know how it goes!"

"I will," Mildred swallowed, feeling her jittery nerves return, wishing she did indeed have Enid to celebrate with, but her roommate was nowhere to be seen. She said goodbye and faced the silence of her room.

xxx

Enid spent most of the evening in the common area, creeping into the bedroom late and seeming disappointed that Mildred was still awake.

She was however, clearly well practised at emotional warfare. She didn't full-on ignore Mildred, but the forced politeness and strained chat felt even worse as she asked about the day ahead before turning off the light and saying 'goodnight' in level tones.

Mildred felt like she couldn't confront Enid who seemed on the surface to still be a friend.

She slept fitfully, voices of dark thoughts swirling into her head as her anxiety at not being good enough began to engulf her.

Pierre Blois clearly has a sense of humour. You'll embarrass us all.

You Mildred Hubble are the worst dancer in the academy, it amazes me with have such a slovernly ballerina.

The voice started as Ethel's, before turning into Ms Hardbroom's disgusted growl…Before turning into the accusatory tones of Enid…

Congratulations.

She felt like she'd only just got into a deep sleep when her alarm began to buzz.

Xxx

Her heartbeat was frantic as she made her way into that first rehearsal. A meeting of cast members, some of which would be actual members of the company who had not been chosen to go on tour.

"Ahhhh Ms Ubble!" Pierre greeted her as she made her way through the studio door. "I 'ope you found it ok?"

Before Mildred had a chance to respond he continued, "Now – get stretched – so we can get started!"

Mildred nodded, glad of the chance not to speak as she didn't trust her voice.

"I'm not late am I Pierre?" A voice at doorway rang through the studio confidently. A young woman with auburn hair and piercing blue eyes announced her arrival. Mildred recognised her – Maria Baranova, a woman of barely 21 who had barely had time to get through a pair of shoes before she had been promoted to soloist after Pierre Blois had 'discovered' her.

"Nothing starts without you Maria ma chere," Pierre kissed her on both cheeks as the redhead simpered.

"Oh stop it!" she giggled flirtatiously. "I've only come today to meet some of your chosen ones," she set her eyes around the room. "I'm still understudying Belle for Beauty and the Beast for part of the tour, but I'll be around when you get to the second half."

"I bet you are the 'Belle' of the ball," Pierre raised his eyebrow, "You shouldn't be understudying with your talent."

"Oh Pierre! You flatter me!" she giggled again. "Now where is this girl you've been talking about? That her?" she cocked her head towards a stretching Mildred.

"My Bambi," Pierre called, "Come and meet my Sugar Plum."

Mildred got to her feet as the two approached, placing a smile on her face.

"Oh Pierre – simply adorable," the woman – Maria- said patronisingly, taking in Mildred from head to tip-toe. "I'm Maria Baranova, soloist with the Royal – I'll be playing the Sugar Plum fairy."

"Mildred Hubble," Mildred was relieved her voice came out more composed than she felt.

"Not very ballet-sounding," Maria almost snorted, "You'll have to think about that before Pierre here catapults your career like he did mine."

"Now you flatter me!" Pierre laughed heartily. "Mildred – one of my assistants will take you through the choreography. Ethel – Petit Hallow?" Mildred's stomach dropped as Ethel appeared from the group of dancers in the back of the studio. "You will be understudying Mildred, I'd like you to make sure you know the repertoire."

"Of course Monsieur Blois," Ethel simpered, before turning a challengingly smug look to Mildred. "I hope I can keep up!"

Xxx

Pierre's assistant choreographer Ethan had sandy hair and a sculpted body that made Mildred feel heat rise up into her neck. He was all business, however, delving straight in to the routine once he had introduced himself.

Something about having Ethel Hallow's eyes upon her made Mildred even more nervous, despite being used to dancing in front of her in class. This felt different. There was no Ms Pentangle or Miss Cackle to smile encouragingly at her, no Ms Hardbroom to worry about impressing even more than Ethel and as such, it felt like Ethel's eyes were boring a hole in her back.

Pierre's Clara was much more than just a child's acting role, with what felt like increasingly complex choreography in places. She kept missing steps, forgetting beats and counts and to her increased frustration she could see Ethel Hallow in the mirror nailing it, her always being quicker at remembering steps. Ethan had a raised eyebrow, and it was clear that he was how on earth she had gained the part over the talented blonde.

When the rehearsal ended a couple of hours later, Mildred felt her brain buzzing with agitation. She felt exhausted, even more so at the thought of the afternoon session she had with HB.

Xxx

She only just made it to the start of class.

"Cutting it rather fine, Miss Hubble," Ms Hardbroom said sardonically. "I hope stardom hasn't got to your head."

Mildred shot her a look, which was met with a slight narrowing of her teacher's eyes as she tried to figure out why she didn't get a sassy comment in return to her jibe.

She joined the rest of the pupils on the floor stretching, noticing that Ethel Hallow had somehow managed to make it to class early, despite the rush back from rehearsal.

The barre workout was a complicated one. Ms Hardbroom reeling off positions and Mildred kept sighing inwardly as they got increasingly difficult. Her body was protesting.

Hecate stood behind her during her plies, analysing carefully. "Watch your arm," she told the girl sharply. "Your neck!" Hecate huffed. She placed her hand on the back of the girl's neck, feeling rather more tension than she expected as she manoeuvred it into position as the girl continued. "Not usually a correction I have to give you," she muttered under her breath for her pupil to hear.

Xxx

The week past in a stressful blur. Rushing to lessons, then to rehearsals in which Ethan's eyebrows were becoming more and more raised.

"Mildred," Ethan began during a rare rehearsal without Ethel. "I'll be honest with you – I'm worried you're not picking up the steps fast enough. You're a beautiful dancer, I'm not denying that and I can see why Pierre is so fascinated by you – but we're working to a schedule and I'm concerned you're just not experienced enough."

Mildred nodded, feeling defeated.

"Maybe put in some extra practice?" Ethan gave her a soft smile, "You really could be great, you just need to get some of these steps into your head."

Xxx

Despite feeling like she wanted to go to bed and cry, Mildred headed to the dance studios – hoping to find one free and finding Ms Hardbroom's one of the empty ones. She let herself in to the familiar room and began.

There was just so much to get through, Mildred found herself growing more frustrated that she couldn't mentally remember some of the combinations, yet alone jog them into her muscle memory.

She wanted to scream, cortisol rising up in her.

Xxx

Hecate stood watching, having wanted to use the studio herself for an end of day stretch to sort out her compacted muscles.

The tension from Mildred was tangible, even from afar.

She's struggling, lots of pressure on so-young shoulders.

You had the pressure too – you worked through it completely without help.

You weren't offered help – but you can offer it to her...

Taking a breath, Hecate composed herself before walking through the studio door.

Xxx

Mildred glanced at Hecate, a rush of irritation shot through her. Great – more criticism coming my way, just what I need.

The older woman stood there rather awkwardly for a moment.

"Clara's on stage the whole time – the whole time!" Mildred shook her head.

"Yes," Hecate nodded at the stating of what seemed obvious.

"I'm tired and it's only been a week," Mildred's voice cut out.

"Yes," Hecate agreed.

"Ethel's after my part."

"I trust you won't let that happen," Hecate raised her eyebrows.

"She knows all the steps already."

"You sound like you've already given her the part," Hecate said scornfully.

"I just don't think I can do it – and I don't want to make a fool of myself. You've never danced Clara," Mildred shook her head. "There's too much for me to get my head around."

Hecate swallowed her bite. "You need to go to bed," Hecate gave her a once over, seeing her wide intense eyes and tense muscles.

"I can't – I need to practise!" Mildred pursed her lips, "I've so many steps to learn and I can't even remember half of them and I can't even talk to Enid about it, Enid's not talking to me – because you told me not to tell her!" Mildred shot, barely in control of what she was saying.

Hecate felt white-hot fury rush through her at Mildred's insolence. "I'll put that comment down to tiredness – bed," she demanded.

"I need to practise," Mildred repeated.

"You need to do what I tell you!" Hecate gave the girl a withering look of anger before turning to leave before she could combust any further.

She expected Mildred to follow her instructions, so used to her instructions being followed. Esme would have done.

Her heart hammered angrily in her chest as she heard Mildred start up the music again. Tchaikovsky's magical sounds filling up the room.

Xxx

Hecate seethed on the phone to Pippa, "Blatantly ignored me!"

"I remember you when you were rehearsing Hecate – very much the same, wouldn't eat or sleep until you had everything perfected," Pippa argued fairly.

"I've not danced Clara! – No I haven't but that doesn't mean I don't know what it takes. I've danced more lead roles than she's had hot dinners!" Hecate continued her rant.

"It's a hard role, I can vouch for that…" Pippa reminded Hecate softly. "She is well-suited to it, bring some real warmth to the role. More so than Ethel Hallow."

"Enid's not speaking to her, and that is apparently my fault too!" Hecate spluttered.

"I'm meeting Enid for lunch tomorrow, I'll bring it up with her. Hiccup darling – did you offer to help Mildred? She's said it herself that she needs you," Pippa consoled her as best she could. Despite desperately appearing stone-cold, Hecate could be overly sensitive at times.

"It's clear that she doesn't want my help!" Hecate argued.

Xxx

Enid joined Pippa at the table, finding a frothy latte already waiting for her. "Hi Ms P," she greeted.

"Pippa – please, I'm still not quite used to the whole 'Ms – Teacher thing'.

Enid grinned.

"How are things trouble?" Pippa took a sip of her drink.

"Oh you-know… busy."

"I do know," Pippa smiled. "About to get busier though – I've spoken to Ms Hardbroom about you retaking your exam. Next Wednesday, 4pm sharp," she told the girl in a no-nonsense tone. "I'll help you rehearse if you wish…" she added in a softer tone.

Enid smiled at the thought of some one-on-one time with Pippa, "I'd like that," she admitted.

"It'll keep you out of trouble while Mildred is rehearsing," Pippa watched Enid's reaction, but the girl said nothing.

"You do have a right to be angry that she didn't tell you – but it was Ms Hardbroom that advised her to keep it to herself."

"So she trusts HB over me!" Enid grumbled. "I'm supposed to be her best friend, she's supposed to tell me everything."

"I know," Pippa rubbed at Enid's arm on the table, "But Hecate usually does know best – I know you've not exactly got to know her yet."

Enid rolled her eyes, "She can't stand me – blames me for distracting Mildred. Thinks I don't take anything seriously."

"Then prove her wrong," Pippa smiled challengingly. "But don't blame Mildred for trusting her- in time you will grow to trust her too."

"Doubt it," Enid tossed her hair back.

"For my sake Enid," Pippa pursed her lips together intensely.

"That serious?" Enid's mind became full of the image of Pippa and Hecate sitting across from each other, their attraction like tangible electricity.

"I certainly hope so," Pippa smiled softly.

Enid looked flummoxed. Recovering, she said, "For you- I'll try."

Xxx

Hecate shouted her usual barked orders at the class, but otherwise ignored Mildred entirely. It felt like a childish game, but Hecate couldn't help it. As the week went by she was beginning to feel hurt that her protegee was not making an effort to apologise for her behaviour.

They nearly bumped into each other in the corridor, but Mildred averted her eyes and mumbled a quick apology as she slid on by.

xxx

Pierre stood and watched the performance. "Tres bien Mildred," he praised, "the emotion is so genuinely. Watch your technique – the jetes need to be 'igher."

Pierre was looking a lot less impressed as the dancing went on. "You're a beat behind! – You missed your cue!"

"Perhaps just like 'Ecate in appearance only eh?" he muttered to Maria, who stood watching the girl interestedly.

"Stop!" he called. "What is the problem Ms 'Ubble?" Pierre looked resigned.

"I think I just lost my focus," Mildred mumbled.

"Take a break," Pierre rolled his eyes. "Petit Hallow – take over."

Xxx

"She's strong," Maria told Mildred as she stood at the side of the barre with the young dancer. "Her technique is stronger than yours – you can tell she's had years of practice."

Mildred nodded.

"But she's lacking in something…" Maria appraised her with her piercing eyes. "Something that you have – a real beauty. Pierre sees that in you – like he saw in me."

Mildred gazed at her imploringly.

"It's fine to use that beauty Mildred, all the successful ones do. Including your Hecate Hardbroom no doubt," Maria gave a small smirk. "It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, and sometimes we have to use our charms to get ahead. I'd ask for a rehearsal with Pierre if I were you – make him see that you are the real star."

Xxx

She had never really thought about her own beauty before – which must have been rather odd for a ballerina whose sole purpose was to make beautiful movements. Beauty was something she saw in others, people like Ms Pentangle with her perfect features and kind eyes. Thoughts of Ms Hardbroom came into her mind, an intense beauty made from angles and intensity. As much as Pierre saw her as a young Hecate lookalike, Mildred couldn't see anything past the dark hair and even then, hers was frizzy to HB's sleek, dull to Ms Hardbroom's shiny. She watched as Ethel simpered her way out of the studio, thanking Mr Blois for his time with a schoolgirl giggle at a joke he must have made.

Maria gave her an encouraging nod.

Mildred sighed, trying to emulate the way she had seen Maria batt her eyelashes demurely.

"Monsieur Blois?"

"Mademoiselle 'Ubble," Pierre gave her a smile.

"I want to apologise for earlier. I know I can do this, I just perhaps need a little more help," Mildred hated the way her voice sounded.

"Oh Mizz U'bble – do not be so sad. Per'aps it is my fault! I have given you to my assistant and not given you my full attention!" Pierre gave her a smile that crinkled his eyes.

Mildred saw Ethan bristle from the corner of the room.

"Per'aps tomorrow, we work together – you and I. Just the two of us, no eyes of the competition.

"I – I'd like that," Mildred heard herself say.

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