Chapter Seven

Clary rushed to the subway quickly, realizing that she may not have time to help Isabelle before her meeting. After clinging to a pole on the train since all the seats were taken and getting more than a few glances at her low cut tank top, Clary finally departed the train and walked briskly to the institute. She walked through the really rather impractical large double doors into the institute and reflected on the first time she'd walked through those doors.

She was with Jace and Simon. Astonished and confused. Frightened and excited. Some part of her had known that everything was about to change. How new and foreign the place had seemed, now it just seemed like home. She thought about how many generations of shadow hunters had been where she was now. It was almost as if their ghosts surrounded her. She arrived at the old fashioned elevator and without even having to think about it pressed the second floor button.

As soon as she stepped out the doors she was tackled. She took several steps back, trying to get her balance back and looked down at the small warlock child clinging to her. "Hi Max," She said still a little surprised. She picked him up and hugged him fiercely before saying, "where are your dads?" Her question was almost immediately answered by Magnus and Alec strolling down the hall towards them, hand in hand. Max ran up to meet them and the glimmer of affection in both their eyes as they looked at their son made Clary feel like she was intruding upon and private moment.

"Hey Clary," Alec said looking up at her and smiling. "Were you ambushed by Max?" She laughed and looked at Max again who was staring back at her with stunning bluish-purple eyes.

"I was indeed," She said and Magnus gave her a questioning look as if to say why are you here? "I'm here to see Maryse. We have a meeting." She said in answer to Magnus' silent question.

"Ah, she did mention something about that earlier." He said and stepped aside to let her pass. "We'll talk to you later, after your meeting."

"Okay thanks. Good to see you Max." She said smiling at him and he grinned a gap toothed smile back at her. She walked down the hall to the library and took a breath before entering. Maryse was sitting at a table with a book, a pen and some paper, frantically scribbling something. She looked up at Clary as she walked in, her hair so similar to Isabelle's. Although her hair was streaked with gray and pulled into a tight bun.

"Oh Clary, good to see you. Do come in." She said and her tone carried a slight hint of tension as did her face. Clary crossed the room to sit opposite Maryse and looked at the older woman expectantly.

"You wanted to meet with me? I'm assuming it's something to do with the vampires and werewolves again." She said, clasping her hands in front of her.

"You're quite perceptive," Maryse noted before leaning forward and looking Clary in the eyes. "They are having yet another dispute over a possible territory and you seem to be the only one who knows how to diffuse the issue. We have temporarily kept anyone from even going near the area but the 'peace' won't hold." She said making air quotes around the word peace.

"Hmm yes I do agree. That is an issue we must resolve quickly." Clary said trying not to let her anxiety show on her face. She also had a habit of adopting a very proper vocabulary and tone in Maryse's presence. It was a subconscious effort to make herself appear older and more experienced.

"I wanted to let you know before tomorrow. Both clans have agreed to meet with you and Jace tomorrow night. Is that alright?" She said obviously hoping it would be. She looked tired and strained. She often did these days. The combination of having a grandson, being head of the institute and her recent divorce with Robert was obviously taking a toll on her.

"Yes, yes of course. When tomorrow night?" She said quickly hoping to relieve some of the stress put upon Maryse. Maryse sat up and smiled.

"I'm glad. You have such skill with matters such as this. At 7 o'clock tomorrow we will meet at the edge of central park." She said obviously relieved that Clary had accepted to help.

"Alright I'll be there. Do you need anything else?" Clary said. Maryse shook her head.

"No you may go, I'll see you tomorrow night." She said quickly returning to her book. Clary stood up and waved goodbye before leaving the library. The meeting had been unexpectedly short and Clary wondered if Isabelle still needed her help to get ready. Clary looked at her watch and realized she had plenty of time before date night with Jace. Shrugging her shoulders she began to walk down the long hallway to Izzy's room.

Not my best but not my worst either. I know the meeting was super short but I couldn't really do dialogue with Maryse in it. Too boring. Anyway next chapter has lots of Isabelle. I know a lot of people (including me) really like her so I did my best to accurately portray her. Let me know what you think. Thanks!- Meg