Unfortunately the decision had been made above her head. St Mungo’s Board of Warlocks had debated the situation without including their head healer, and made a decision.
“For the benefit of the hospital, you understand.”
Now while Miranda had no idea how abandoning a perfectly qualified and decent healer because of a ministry vendetta would benefit their hospital (and she had voiced this quite notably to the board), the decision had been made.

This day was one where Miranda wished she wasn’t in this position in charge of the hospital. She’d have gratefully demoted herself to yet another healer on any ward that would take her to not have to do this. As the Head Healer, Elliot had quickly become accustomed to hiring and firing people. But she had the overriding decision. She was the main power of the hospital and she made these decisions for its benefit. This decision from over her head was not one she felt comfortable with.

It was possible she could have handed it over to Healer Marren to do her dirty work. He’d have grumbled unintelligibly and complained how it wasn’t his job but she’d have made him do it regardless. Unfortunately Miranda Elliot needed to be the villain. It was expected of her.

The knock on the door jolted the Head Healer from her thoughts and her head snapped up to see the door open, admitting the small, slight figure of Hannah Bombay.
“You requested to see me, Healer Elliot?” Bombay spoke and Miranda nodded, waving her hand at the chair in front of her. Bombay looked wretched. She’d barely eaten in months, clearly evidenced by the pallor of her skin and the frailty of her body. Wiry hair was pulled scruffily back and the young witch certainly looked older than the 25 years stated in her file. The emerald healer’s robes practically drowned her. Hannah Bombay, evidently once a very pretty witch, was now easy to walk past and miss, to ignore. She was an outcast werewolf.

 With the witch now sat before her, Miranda clasped her hands together, revising in her mind what she’d rehearsed.

“I understand things have been difficult for you here, Hannah,” Elliot had decided against putting on any of the graces and airs of being that heartless hag down in the Head Healer’s office. She genuinely felt guilty about what she was being made to do. “Colleagues haven’t been supportive; patients have refused you treating them.”

Hannah’s lips pursed tightly, her expression and lack of response showed Miranda she was expecting what was coming.

“The world is prejudiced, Hannah. You’ve seen more of that than anyone.”

“No offence, Healer Elliot,” Bombay cut in, sitting stock still in her chair, staring straight ahead at her boss. “Will you just do it? I’d rather know right now if I have a job or not.”

Somewhat taken aback, Miranda gave a firm nod and leaned forward in her chair, arms resting on the large wooden desk.
“The board of warlocks think you’re a loose hex and not suitable for this hospital. I’ve been told to let you go.”

Hannah nodded. Her struggle to stay calm started to fail when her breathing began to increase in pace and her eyes glossed, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.
“Anything you need, Hannah. Our board might not be supporting you but I can. You’ll have an excellent reference. Two months’ salary. If it were my choice you’d stay.”

Bombay pushed herself out of the chair.
“That’s not a consolation Madam. Apparently your choice doesn’t mean anything.”

Watching her leave the room, Miranda frowned deeply. Would she have reacted so calmly if it had been her in that position?