Work Text:
Every year, Cackle’s academy had a Sex Ed class for the third years. Usually it was Miss Drill and Miss Bat who teached it, but this year Miss Bat was gone on her honeymoon, and Dimity had to leave to visit her family for a few days. Mister Rowan-Webb was gone too of course, and anyway Miss Cackle thought that for everyone’s comfort it was better if a woman teached the class. That left only her, Miss Hardbroom, and the two supply witches that replaced the missing teachers. She didn’t know these witches enough to trust them with such a sensible matter (though they seemed like quite respectable teachers from what she had seen), and would prefer if the girls could talk of these subject with someone they knew well. She would have done it herself, but she was so behind on paperworks that she really couldn’t take the time. That’s how she found herself asking Hecate to take charge of the class this year. To say that the other witch was not happy was a understatement. Her face had lost all colors (not that there was much to begins with) and her eyes had widened quite comically. She looked like she really wanted to complain, but couldn’t find any argument. After all, it was part of her job as a teacher to educate the girls on these subjects as well, as much as it made her uncomfortable. She nodded curtly, lips pressed tightly together, and left the office without another word.
Hecate had never liked changes of plans, especially when it was on such a short notice. She liked to be prepared for everything, and to always plan ahead. Suddenly having to do this class in two days was quite distressing.
Hecate paced her rooms for a few minutes, before finally taking a decision. She sat at her vanity and mirroed Dimity before she could change her mind. The younger witch face appeared in the mirror, a large smile on her face.
« HB ! It’s quite a surprise to hear from you, everything alright ? »
« Well met, Miss Drill, » Hecate answered. "Miss Caclked has charged me with the task of doing the sex education class this year. I was wondering if you had any lesson plan that I could use."
She didn’t like asking for help, but she was at a loss here. Sex definitely was not her best subject. Sure, she could talk to the girls about the danger of it and how to do and use a contraception potion, but appart from that, she wasn’t sure what she was supposed to tell them. Sex Ed class didn’t exist when she was student.
« A lesson plan ? » Dimity asked with a slight raise of her eyebrows. « No, I don’t think I have one. That’s not really something I need a lesson plan for, I think I made one the first year I had to do it, but I don’t think I have it anymore. Honestly, it’s all pretty intuitive, you don’t have to prepare anything, » She shrugged.
« What do you mean I don’t have to prepare anything ? How am I supposed to know what to say to the girls ? »
Not preparing was not something Hecate Hardbroom was used to. She thrived on structure, well made plans, and organisation. Improvising was certainly not on her vocabulary, especially not if it concerned a subject she didn’t know well.
« Come on, you know about sex, it’s a pretty simple subject, it’s not like you need to do some research about it. »
That, was exactly the problem. She actually didn’t know about sex. Well, not a lot. Not from experiences anyway.
« I just want to be sure I don’t forget about anything that might be important. What do you usually talk about ? » She asked. She couldn’t really tell Dimity about her lack of experience and didn’t want to appare too insecure, but she really needed answers.
« Well, the basics, really. Why it’s important to have protected sex, how to use contraception, the importance of consent and communication, and then a bit of anatomy to make sure they know themselves, don’t forget to tell them about the purpose of the clitoris, sadly some Sex Ed class fail to mention it. And then you answer their questions, that’s all really. »
That did not reassure Hecate. The first two items she could do. That was tangible, and something she knew about. The others ? She was not so sure. And, the purpose of clitoris ? She couldn’t recall ever hearing about it. Sure she knew about anatomy, she knew what the clitoris looked like and where it was, but she wasn’t aware it had a purpose. How could she teach something she did not know ?
She quickly thanked Dimity and ended the call. It seemed her fellow teacher wouldn’t be of anymore help.
She spent the rest of the day pacing in her room, trying to think of an excuse she could tell Ada to escape this duty. She couldn’t think of anything that could pass as legitimate. In the evening, she finally settled on asking Pippa for help. As uncomfortable as she was admitting she was unsure of herself and embarrassed at the prospect of having to do this lesson, she couldn’t picture herself doing it alone. Surely Ada would accept if Pippa helped, the girls always loved her and would probably be more comfortable asking her things rather than having to ask their stern potions teacher. That seemed like a perfectly adequate reason to tell Ada.
She mirroed Pippa, with slightly shaking fingers, and was delighted to see her beautiful face appears in front of her.
« Hecate ! » She exclamed. « It’s so nice to see you, how are you ? »
« Well met, Pippa. I’m quite fine, thank you, but I’m afraid I have a favor to ask of you. » Hecate shifted in her seat to refrain from wiggling her hands too much.
« Of course, anything for you Hiccup, you know that. What do you need ? » Pippa answered with a widening smile. It was really rare of Hecate to ask for things ( it might actually be the first time now that she thought about it, at least the first time since they were girls) and she was overjoyed to be able to be of use to her otherwise really independant friend for once.
« Well, Miss Cackle asked me to do the sex education class on Tuesday. I’m afraid I’ve never done it before, and I was wondering if maybe you would be willing to come and do the lesson with me ? The girls would be delighted to see you again, and I thought it might be easier to be two. »
« I would love to teach a lesson with you Hiccup. And you’re right, it’s better to be two, we always team up at Pentangle to do this class. Did you already ask Ada ? »
« No, I wanted to ask you first. But I don’t see her saying no, I’m sure she’ll agree that it’s for the best. »
« Well, let me know what she say, and I’ll arrange with my deputy so I can leave Pentangle for the day. You said Tuesday, right ? »
« Yes, Tuesday afternoon. I’ll go and ask Ada now, I’ll let you know what she say. »
« I hoped she agree, I look forward to seeing you again Hiccup, » Pippa said with a fond smile.
« I look forward to it too, Pipsqueack, » Hecate answered a bit shyly. It was true she really wanted to see Pippa again, but she couldn’t say that she was excited about the circonstances, she dreaded the lesson.
After their call ended she transfered to Ada’s office, eager to know her answer. Of course, Ada immediatly agreed with her proposition, saying that the girls would be really pleased of this new course of event, and that she always encouraged working side by side with another school. Hecate send a message to Pippa on her maglet, letting her know the decision.
« I’m so glad ! Thank you for having this wonderful idea Hiccup, I can’t wait for Tuesday ! » Pippa answered immediatly.
« Would it be alright to mirror again tomorrow morning before class, to talk a bit more precisely about the lesson we’re going to do ? » Hecate asked. Surely Pippa would want to be more prepared than Dimity, and they could discuss a lesson plan in the morning.
« Of course, you know I always like to talk to you Hiccup »
Pippa’s message send littles butterflies in the pit of her stomach, and she felt her cheeks fluster. She didn’t answer, at a loss at what to say. There was a lot of things she’d like to say to Pippa, but she was always afraid her feelings would become too obvious. She had made the mistake to push Pippa away thirty years ago, and she wouldn’t let anything entrave their friendship now, not even the fact that she was madly in love with the woman. Not this time.
The morning after she came straight to her room after breakfeast, hopping this call would help settle her fear for the next day. Pippa’s smilling face quickly came into view, and she felt herself relax a little bit at the sight.
« Hiccup, so nice to see you so soon again ! » Pippa greated her. Her smile was so bright Hecate was sure it was it that lighted up the whole room, not the sun that came through her window.
« Well met, Pippa. I was hopping we could talk a bit more in depth of the lesson. I’m guessing since you’ve been doing it at Pentangle you have a lesson plan we could follow ? »
« A lesson plan ? No, I don’t think I do. It’s always fairly the same you know, nothing you need notes for. I know my subject pretty well, thank you, » She said with a smirk and a teasing wink. Hecate cheeks reddened with the implications and she had to stop her eyes to widen too much.
« I’m not implying that you don’t, of course, » she said, stuttering slightly. « I merely want to be sure we don’t forget anything. »
« You always did like to be prepared for everything. Well, I know what we need to talk about, and I don’t need notes, but if you think you do feel free to take some for yourself. The most important things is to talk about consent and communication, to teach them about contraceptive and protective potions and why it’s important, and it never hurt to teach them a bit more about their body. From there it’s going to depend on their questions, but I can’t see what we would need to prepare appart from aggreeing with each other what subject we start with. »
« Perhaps we could start with the lecture on the potions and the practice ? Once it’s done we can focus on the others matters. » Hecate suggested. Truth was, she knew she would felt more comfortable in that area and she hoped that starting with it would help settle her nerves.
« Of course, that’s okay with me. Hiccup, I know having to do this lesson is making you uncomfortable, » Pippa started.
« I didn't say- » Hecate interrupted her.
« No, but you don’t need to say it for me to know it. I know you. Don’t deny it, you don’t need to hide from me. I know sex is a subject that can be taboo for some people and it can be awkward to talk about it, and I understand completely if you’re nervous about tomorrow, it’s okay. » Hecate lowered her head, hesitating. It would be the perfect moment to tell Pippa the truth. It was not that she considered sex to be a taboo, but more that she thought she had as much to learn on the subject than the girls they were going to teach. Which was kind of embarrassing, really.
« It’s just…, » She started and stopped. She felt too ashamed to tell Pippa. « It’s just that it’s the first time I have to do this lesson, and I want to do it right for the girls, » she settled with.
« And I love that you always want to do the things perfectly right, » the blonde told her. « I’ll come tomorrow before lunch, if that’s okay ? That way we can eat together and then go on with the lesson ? »
« That’s perfect. I’ll see you tomorrow then »
« Have a nice day Hiccup. »
The next morning, Hecate was extremely nervous. Seeing Pippa Pentangle always had that effect on her, and knowing they had to give the sex ed lesson together really didn’t help. She barely eat at breakfeast, and was even more impatient with the student than she usually was. When lunch came, she could barely contains her nerves anymore. Finally, Pippa appared in front of her at the corners of a corridor on her way to the hall.
« Hecate, I just arrived, I was looking for you ! » Pippa immediatly dove straight to her to engulf her in her arms. Hecate’s heart missed a beat and she didn’t know if seeing Pippa made her more relieved or terrified.
« Let’s go eat, I’m starving ! » The pink witch exclaimed.
« You always are, » Hecate smiled.
Lunch was a quiet affairs, for Hecate was too preoccupied to make proper conversation. Pippa didn’t seem to mind and joyfully talked with Ada and the supply witches that had joined them at the table. When they had finished eating, they left to go directly in the classroom that would be used for their lesson, to prepare the cauldrons and the ingredients for the first part of the class. Soon after, the girls started to arrive and Hecate straightened herself, readying for the beginning of the lesson. When all the girls where sat, Pippa began to talk.
« Well met everyone. I’m so glad to be here with you all for this lesson. First things first, I want to tell you that we know this can feel a bit embarrassing to a lot of you, but we want this to be a safe place for everyone to learn and be able to ask whichever questions you might have. I’m going to ask to all of you to not judge anyone for what they might ask, there is no stupid question here, and what is going to be said should not be used to make fun of anyone afterward. »
« There will be consequence if we hear about any kind of bullying going on regarding this subject after the lesson, » Hecate said, looking sternly at the pupils. « Now, You are all going to listen attentively because we are going to start with a bit of potions practice. »
There were some displeased groans from the student, quickly silenced by a glare from Miss Hardbroom. She proceeded with explaining what potions they were going to make, and why, explaining about what disease they protected yourself from and how they worked to prevent pregnancy. She then told the student how to make the potions, and everyone started to work silently. The two teachers made rounds in the classroom to make sure everyone made their potions correctly, and when they were done Miss Pentangle felicited the students for their nice work.
« Now that we have covered these subjects there is still a lot we need to talk about, » Pippa continued. « I know hearing about diseases and pregnancy can be a bit scary, but sex is something that should be fun for both party involved. And for that, what you need to remember the most is consent. »
Hecate let Pippa talk as she explained how important it was to never do anything you did not truly want to do, and to always check with your partner that they were okay with what was happening.
« You can never ask too much. Anyway, it’s better to ask too much than not enough. If you have any doubts, if there is anything that seems weird to you about your partner reactions, you need to ask and make sure they are okay with what is happening. And, of course, stop immediately if that is not the case. The same goes for you, if you’re not a hundred percent okay with what is happening, never hesitate to say it. You can stop at any moment, not matter how far you’ve gone. It’s always okay to change your mind. It’s very important that you all understand that. »
The potions teacher was amazed at how well Pippa was handling the lesson. She was now talking about the importance of communicating with your partner, to say what you liked and disliked and to share your fears with them. When she was done, she said they were going to talk about anatomy and with a flick of her hand sketches of both the male and female genitalia appeared on the board in front of the class. Pippa started to explain how the penis worked, and then pointed to the sketch of the vulva and showed the differents parts of it. Each time she explained how it worked, sometimes asking the class if they knew the answer before giving it.
« Now, that’s the clitoris, she said pointing to it on the board. Does anyone know what it does ? »
When nobody answered she turned to Hecate, waiting to see if she would do the explaining as it at been quite some times since she last talked. But Hecate was looking at her with lost and curious eyes, like she was, too, waiting for the answer. Pippa frowned slighlty, but turned to the class again.
« The clitoris is what makes you feel pleasure. It really is a bundle of nerves that is really sensible to the touch, and only here to make you feel good. Quite amazing, isn’t it ? »
« It’s its only purpose ? » Hecate whispered, looking surprised.
« Yes, » Pippa whispered back, watching Hecate with a questionning look. Surely her friend already knew that, didn’t she ? But it was not the time to ask such questions, so she continued the lesson. She explained how sex didn’t only mean penetrative sex, and made a point to tell the class that sex between two witches or two wizards was completely normal and okay. She could see Hecate’s cheeks becoming quite flushed at that statement, and again wondered how many things she didn’t know about her friend.
« I think we can take some time to answer your questions now. Don’t be afraid to ask, I promise there’s no dumb question. »
Enid slowly raised her hand, and Pippa smiled gently to her.
« Yes Enid ? »
« At what age should we start having sex ? » The girl asked. Again, Pippa waited a few seconds, looking at Hecate, thinking her friend might want to answer this question. She felt she had been the only one to talk for a long time now, not that she minded, but it was at first supposed to be Hecate’s lesson after all. However the dark haired woman made no signs that she was going to start talking, instead looking at her with this curious look in her eyes, just like earlier.
« Well there is no right answer to that. It really depends on you. There is no right age, and you never should do anything. Some start young, some wait until they’re older, and both are completely okay as long as it’s something you really want. There is no shame in being older and never having done it. Some want to wait for a special someone to do it with, some don’t feel ready, or some just are not interested in sex, and that is okay, no matter how old you are,» She answered.
She couldn’t help but notice the relieved look on Hecate’s face, but didn’t really have time to wonder about it because another student was raising their hand.
« Is everyone’s vulva supposed to look exactly like on this sketch ? » Asked Felicity shyly.
« Absolutely not, and that is actually a really good question that I’m glad you asked, » Miss Pentangle said smiling softly. « All vulvas have the same parts, but that does not mean they look the same. It’s like the face, everyone has a nose, eyes and a mouth, but everyone’s face is different. It's the same for vulvas, they don’t necesseraly look the same. »
She glanced at Hecate before continuing, perplexed to see that the woman seemed just as mesmerized with what she was saying than the students.
« Some may have shorts and littles inners lips like on the sketch, but a lot of woman can also have bigger ones that actually go past the outer lips. That’s completely normal. Same for hair, some have more than other. No matter what your vulva look like it’s not something you need to be complexed about, I promise. That goes for others body parts too. You’re all perfect just the way you are, okay ? »
She took the time to look pointedly at each girl to make sure they heard the message. She then pointed to another girl that was raising her hand in the back of the class.
« What should we do about the hair done there ? Do we have to shave or is it better not to ? »
Maybe Hecate could answer such a simple question as this one, she thought. Maybe she didn’t say anything until now because Pippa was always talking and she didn’t want to interrupt. It would only be fair to give her the opportunity.
« Would you like to answer this one, Miss Hardbroom ? I fear I have taken a lot of space in this lesson, » she said.
The woman looked completely panicked, her eyes widening so much it probably hurted.
« No, please go one you’re doing it pretty well, » she answered politely.
« Alright, well here again there is no ‘should ‘. The only thing you should do is what you want, and feel comfortable doing. Some prefer to shave partly or completely, and that is okay. Some prefer not to and that is okay too. There is no obligations. » The classroom fell silent for a bit, and Pippa looked at the girls to see if some might still want to ask somethings.
« Any other questions ? » Mildred raised her hand hesitenty, cheeks bright red.
« Yes Mildred ? »
« Hm, I heard something once, and I’m not sure what it means, » She started.
Miss Pentangle waited a few seconds to let her continue, but Mildred didn’t say anything else, biting her lips.
« It’s alright Mildred, you can ask whatever you want. If you feel more comfortable you can wait until after class to ask us privately, but I think your question might benefit the rest of the class, » Pippa reassured her. Mildred seemed to still be hesitating, and she looked at Miss Hardbroom anxiously. Pippa could see the girl needed a bit more reassurance from her teacher too, and she gently nudged Hecate with her elbow to make her realise she needed to speak too.
« Go on Miss Hubble, you can ask your question. I promise that, like we said at the beginning of class, no one will be made fun of for what they ask, » Miss Hardbroom said. Mildred cleared her throat.
« What… what does masturbation mean ? » She finally asked.
Miss Hardbroom cheeks turned the same color as Mildred’s, and Pippa knew there was no point in asking her if she wanted to answer anymore.
« Ah, that is a great question Mildred, thank you for asking. Masturbation is the act of pleasuring yourself, and by that I mean touching yourself sexually to feel pleasure. That is a great tool to learn a bit more about your body and what you like. It’s completely normal to masturbate and nobody should feel ashamed of doing it, » the pink witch answered.
When finally nobody had anything else to ask they ended the class, not before Pippa made sure to say to the girls they should feel free to come to them if they had more question. Hecate was not pleased, she really didn’t want to have student coming to her to talk about this. She transfered them both in her quarter, and was surprised to see Pippa looking at her with a curious expression when she turned to her.
« That went quite well, I think ? » She said to break the silence. Pippa still had this curious look she couldn’t understand.
« Yes, though I expected you to be a bit more… in charge. You excelled in the part about the potions, but then I feel like I was the only one talking for the rest of the lesson. I didn’t mind, don’t worry, it really is okay, I like teaching no matter the subject. I’m just surprised. »
« You were doing so great, I thought it was better to let you talk, » Hecate answered, looking at her feet. Pippa gently took her hands and squeezed them.
« I couldn’t help but notice, that sometimes you looked just as eager than the girls to listen to what I was saying, » She softly said.
« Well, I’m not as experienced as you are on this matter, » Hecate responded, looking everywhere but Pippa’s face.
« Sometimes you looked at me and you seemed really lost and curious, like you really didn’t know the answer, » Pippa continued, trying to catch Hecate’s eyes. She felt her friend stiffen even more.
« You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to, of course, but I was wondering… Have you ever had sex ? » She rubbed light circles on Hecate’s wrists, gently squeezing her hands.
« I… Well I… No. Never, » the dark haired witch whispered back, looking at the ceilling this time. One of Pippa’s hands left her hand to gently rest between her cheek and her chin, soflty making Hecate look at her.
« That’s okay. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You know I’m not going to judge you for this, right ? »
« I was embarrassed, » Hecate whispered. « I didn’t know how to tell you. »
« There’s nothing to be embarrassed of. And you didn’t have to tell me if you didn’t want to. I’m just a bit surprised. Can I ask you something else ? »
Hecate nodded. One of Pippa’s hands was still squeezing her hand, and the other was tenderly stroking her cheek.
« When I was talking about the clitoris, you asked me if pleasure was really its purpose. Surely you did know that, didn’t you ? That’s something one can figure out for themself pretty quicly when you’re young and start exploring your body. »
« I never, I never really ‘explored’, like you said, » Hecate admitted.
« Never ? Is it that you don’t want to ? » Hecate shook her head.
« It’s not that. I tried a few times actually, but I always felt too ashamed to go on. »
« I’m sorry you felt that way. I hope you’re going to remember what I said to the girls. Masturbation is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s okay not to do it if you don’t want to, but it’s also okay to do it if you want to. And you, more than anyone I know, deserve pleasure in your life. »
« I’ll remember, » She promised, cheeks flushed.
« Good. And you know, if you have any question, about sex, or dating, or relationship, I’ll always be there to answer it. »
« Thank you. You know I… » she hesitated. « I never even kissed anyone. »
Pippa looked at her intensely, silently debating in her head.
« Would you like to try ? »
« You mean… ? » Hecate asked, not sure how to voice her question. It wasn’t clear to her if Pippa was asking that in general, or if she meant try with her, now.
« I mean try now, with me, » Pippa answered with a bright smile, still stroking her cheek.
Hecate nodded, feeling her heart accelerate. Could this really be happening ? And what did this mean to Pippa ? Pippa closed the distance between them and gently kissed Hecate. She felt the woman lips move against hers, and let her hand go to put hers on her hips. She parted to make sure Hecate was fine.
« Everything alright Hiccup ? » She asked.
« Yes, » Hecate answered with a short breath.
« I hope you know already, but I want to make sure you understand, » She started, her thumb now caressing her cheek as the rest of her hand was on her neck. « I did not ask that just so you can practice kissing. I’m in love with you Hiccup. »
Hecate did not respond verbally, but rather started to kiss her again, putting one hand on her waist and one on the back of her head.
« I’m in love with you too, Pipsqueack. I’ve been forever, » She said when they parted.
Some tears gathered in Pippa’s eyes as she kissed her again, this time gently parting her mouth to caress her lips with her tongue. Hecate quickly opened her mouth too, letting Pippa deepen the kiss. She did not remember ever feeling so happy.
Loosing herself a bit more against Pippa’s lips, she thought she might have to gift Ada a thank you card.