Chapter One – An Arrangement

"Hello and welcome," Zelda offered a warm smile and held out her hand, "You must be Constance Hardbroom."

The tall witch glared at the outstretched hand then scowled at the young witch who recoiled her hand awkwardly, "Perhaps, you were expecting someone else?" a sharp reply

"No…I…um…please," she stuttered hesitantly, feeling intimidated in her own office, "Please, come in…take a seat."

Constance gracefully entered the small office with an air of confidence and sat down in one of the chairs which faced the rather chaotic desk, her posture remained rigid, her dark eyes piercing stare caused the young counsellor to gulp.

Zelda snaked into her chair and glanced fleetingly at Constance, her militant posture and straight to the point attitude instantly conjured up memories of another witch that had been in the office previously, some time ago and Zelda could not help but notice that the similarities where close to identical and although she loathed to admit it, the one-time session with Heckitty Broomhead had a lasting impression on Zelda.

"How was your trip?" started Zelda, knowing that it was usually difficult to establish trust with a new patient especially if they had never been to a counsellor before.

"Satisfactory."

The abrupt tone suggested that Constance was not pleased to be here and would not be willing to cooperate with the younger witch.

Zelda sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, she detested the mere thought of contemplating using the remaining truth potion after all, she had established herself within the magical community as one of the top counsellors, and waiting lists to see the witch had now reached into months, her career would abruptly end with her resignation should anyone suspect her of using an unlicensed truth potion that had not been presented to the guild first.

"In regards to being here, how are you Constance?"

The older witch rolled her eyes which clearly described wordlessly exactly how she felt about the whole situation, Constance secretly cursed her colleague and headmistress for initiating the meeting, "I really do not belong here."

"So, why are you here?" continued Zelda as she resisted the urge to smile, she would not have to resort to drastic measures after all

"There is no doubt in my mind that one, Amelia Cackle is responsible for arranging this cosy little chit-chat."

"Amelia did express some concerns but I would much prefer to hear what you think."

For a brief moment, her shoulders slumped and she sighed however this moment brief and Constance regained her posture, "Amelia has always felt the need to be protective and observant, it is in her nature…as if I did not notice her…constantly watching!"

"Perhaps, Amelia is going above and beyond the position as headmistress, she is not only responsible for her students but also her staff…she cares a great deal about you."

Constance folded her arms defensive across her chest and raised an eyebrow at Zelda, "I cannot answer for Amelia however I will say that her actions have not gone unnoticed."

Zelda stood from her desk, "Before we begin, would you care for a cup of tea…coffee?" she asked, toying the glass vial of truth potion

"A glass of water will be suffice."

They sat in silence as Zelda slurped annoying on her tea and attempted to make idle conversation while Constance occasionally sipped at her glass of water and was aware of the intrusive stare of the young counsellor, "It is rude to stare! I am not a waxwork nor a portrait." she complained

"Actually, Constance," Zelda started defensively, "on observation alone, I can deduce a number of things about you."

Constance cocked an eyebrow feigning interest

"For instance, your posture suggests a strict or military background, posed with…and I'm assuming your casting hand, should danger strike although with a school full of adolescent girls has taught you to always be on guard for mischief…without causing offence, I would also go as far to say that your choice of water is because of a strict self-control and discipline…your attire could suggest a façade, hiding something or yourself from the prying eyes of your students and colleagues…but please, feel free to correct me, if I'm wrong."

Zelda relaxed back in her chair and sipped the last cold dregs of her tea suddenly feeling confident that she had been able to surprise Constance and suspected that this was no easy accomplishment.

Constance was truly shocked, in less than twenty minutes or so of the session, Zelda knew more about her than her colleagues who worked with her for years and now she realised that Zelda was not just some 'wet behind the ears' counsellor.

Suddenly, a wave of nausea struck her and she dropped the glass, it shattered against the hard wooden floor. Her stomach lurched and rippled, instinctively her arm nursed her abdomen as her hand rested against the desk now doubled over and attempting to breathe through the pain.

"Are you alright?" panicked Zelda as she rushed to the older woman's aid, Zelda's hand was shrugged from her trembling shoulder as she stifled a groan, trying to maintain control

"You silly girl!" snapped Constance, "What…what have you done?"

Zelda swallowed and thought of the usual side effects and contraindications of the truth potion which she had sneaked into her water.

Constance stared up and Zelda, who feared expression revealed everything, "The water…what did you do?" she question impatiently

A thought occurred to Zelda as she had meticulously researched all articles regarding the truth potion, granted the witches guild had permitted the counsellor to use this potion in a previous session and during her own research had learnt a great deal about the odour and colourless potion and now it appeared that Constance was allegedly suffering from a severe reaction from said potion but it was not possible unless…

"I must apologies," she began, "I, myself made the potion…it was flawless and to mix with water would merely dilute the effects…"

"How dare you!" interrupted Constance, she was beyond angry, "I shall make sure that the guild are aware of this illegal practice…they'll make you resign for this."

Zelda shook her head, "Actually Constance, neither of us will be reporting this incident to the guide…as I am aware, you teach potions, do you not?"

"Yes!" she barked through clenched teeth

"Then, you'll be able to answer me this…what happens when to someone if they mix a truth potion with wide awake potion?"

Constance felt her throat tighten and stared almost frightened at Zelda, "What do you want?"

"I certainly do not want to face the consequences of this session, so let's pretend that I didn't use the truth potion and that you are not dependant on wide awake potion."

"You will not report me?" gasped Constance

"Not as long as you extend me the same courtesy."

Slowly, Constance nodded, she was indeed a precarious predicament as Zelda had discovered her decade's old secret, the compulsive demand of wide awake potion that maintained her obsessive need for control.

"Now, Constance…let us begin, after all, we both know that the truth potion does not last very long and no doubt, you'll require another dose of wide awake potion or feel the beginning of the withdrawal…"