Summary: Another familiar face pops up. Drama ensues :)

Notes: This is a bit of a filler chapter, more information, more talking...but important for the plot of the story. It's a bit shorter, but the next part is very detailed and it made sense to keep them separate :')

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"Magnus?"

Izzy reached them, breathless from running. Her worried gaze was on Magnus, who was pale and still gripping Catarina, speechless. The light from the blazing fire illuminated their features in the darkness.

"Magnus, what happened?"

Alec turned to her when he didn't answer.

"Valentine beat us to it." He told her, shortly.

Her eyes widened.

"Tessa?" She asked.

"Yep. She's gone."

She exhaled sharply, mirroring Alec's frustration. It seemed that Valentine was ahead of them at every step; executing his plan swiftly and successfully. Did they even have a plan, post recovering the Mortal Cup? Not really – Valentine though, seemed to have thought it all out.

Alec wondered if the Downworlders who'd clamoured for his execution had been right after all. Execution had been outlawed after the Mortal War, during which the casualties had been so great for all of them that the loss of anymore life was unthinkable. But in this case, though it may have seemed as though a prison sentence was justice, really, they'd given him sixteen years to plot their downfall. Which right now, seemed to be not that far away. If Tessa really was the only person alive who knew of the whereabouts of the Mortal Cup, how long would it take Valentine to break her? Alec shivered as he imagined what kinds of horrific torture she might be going through right now. Looking at Magnus's pale, haggard face, he must be wondering the same. Alec remembered the conversation they'd had just that morning, when he'd included Tessa among the few members of his family. He wondered if it were the same as if Jace or Izzy were to be taken from him, and shivered at the thought. He didn't go to him though, didn't know what to say, how to comfort him. It would surely not help.

It was Catarina who spurred them into motion, shaking Magnus.

"You have to find her, Magnus, please." She was saying. "I can't leave – I have to help out here."

She looked torn, as though she wished she could go searching for her friend. But the fires were still roaring, and much of what was inside the Laboratory was essential to save, if possible.

"I know." Magnus said, the calm of his voice betrayed only by a slight tremble. "It's ok. I'll find her."

Catarina looked up at him, her eyes wide and trusting.

"Be careful, though. Please. Promise me." She clutched at him, her hands shaking.

"I promise." He murmured.

Alec tugged Izzy's arm, moving to where Jace stood a little ways away, his expression hard as he surveyed the burning wreckage before them. He wanted to give Magnus and Catarina a little privacy.

"It's real, then." Jace murmured, softly. Alec wouldn't have heard him if he weren't so close.

"Valentine." He continued. "It almost didn't seem real before. It was just a fun adventure. Something to do."

Alec nodded. He knew what Jace meant. They'd seen the empty space where the Mortal Sword had laid, heard the news of his escape. But until now Valentine had almost seemed like a ghost – a distant threat, somewhat removed from their lives. But now – the danger was real. They were at war. And they had willingly planted themselves in the middle of it.

"Do you regret leaving?" Alec asked.

"No." Jace's reply was firm. "If anything, it feels more justified. Seeing this – there's no more choice in the matter. We have to stop him, by any means necessary."

It sounded ever so final, but Alec couldn't help agreeing. Izzy nodded silently. They formed a triangle, their heads bent together, as though bracing themselves for what was to come. They stood like that for a moment, their cold skin warmed by the heat rolling off the flames, drawing strength from one another. They stood there until they were interrupted by a small cough.

Catarina.

"I'm going to portal you all back now." She said, in her soft voice. She seemed to have calmed somewhat since they'd arrived, a fierce light shining in her eyes.

"To Magnus's. I don't expect you to help him, but I understand that you might not wish to return home right now -"

"No, we don't." Jace replied, decisively. "And we are going to. Help. Whether you need it or not, Magnus."

Magnus's eyes widened slightly, something like pride glimmering in them as he and Jace gazed at each other. He hesitated for a moment, then nodded, sighing.

"I suppose I shouldn't have hoped for anything else." There was a tone of amusement in his voice. "From you three." He shook his head. "When we get back, we'll start planning."

He nodded at Catarina and she brought her hands up, crafting a shimmering blue portal door just like the one Magnus had created. Alec couldn't help noticing that her movements were much less extravagant than Magnus's; it seemed that the form of spell casting fit the Warlock's personality.

She stepped back when it was done, leaning in to whisper in Magnus's ear quickly. He nodded, and gave her a quick hug. Then they stepped through the portal, opening their eyes to find themselves in the back yard again, Magnus's little cottage bathed in moonlight. Magnus arrived last, brushing himself down.

"What about our - "

Izzy began, but Magnus snapped his fingers and their horses appeared beside them, making Izzy grin.

"Thank you."

"No problem at all, sweet Isabelle." Magnus replied, airily. He seemed to be back to his usual countenance, though Alec thought he detected a slight force in his light tone. "Why don't you three go on ahead, I'll make sure they're safe in the barn."

Izzy and Jace nodded thankfully, unable to hold back yawns. It had been a tiring day.

"I'll help you." Alec offered, ignoring Magnus's protests and moving to take the reins of both his and Jace's horses.

He led them into the barn, hearing Magnus follow a few moments later leading Missy, Izzy's horse.

They were silent for a few moments, tying up the horses and removing their saddles. Alec picked up a large jug from the corner, moving to the tap to replenish the water in the trough.

"You know I have magic for that?"

Magnus remarked, breaking their silence.

Alec looked up to see him leaning against the door to a stall, the smooth nonchalance failing to reach his gaze.

"I think you've exerted yourself enough for one day." He said, bending to lift the jug. Magnus was beside him in a second, helping him to bear the weight.

"And you haven't?" His eyebrow was raised, the shadow of a smirk on his lips.

Alec's breath caught in his throat for a moment at the sudden proximity. He wondered if he'd been this close when he was healing him.

He swallowed, fighting the urge to continue looking into his eyes. They carried the jug to the trough and emptied it, brushing their hands on their trousers.

Magnus leaned back against the stall again, observing him. Alec paused, wanting to say something, to console him. He'd just received some terrible news, though he didn't let it show. But then, he didn't want to remind him, to make it worse. He had no idea how Magnus was feeling.

"Thank you." He blurted out, suddenly.

Magnus raised his eyebrows again, waiting.

"For healing me." Alec specified. "You didn't have to."

Magnus's lips twitched. "Oh, I don't think many would have left you to suffer in that state. It was nothing."

"They might have." Alec persisted. "I'm a Shadowhunter. You don't owe us anything."

Magnus contemplated him for a long moment, his brow furrowed in thought.

"I see people, Alexander." He said finally. "Who they are. Not what they are. And who you are, is most definitely someone worth saving."

Alec flushed. He couldn't help it this time, didn't even try to suppress it.

"Well…still. It must have cost you a lot of energy. I'm grateful."

"You're welcome, Alexander." Magnus's voice was soft. Alec suddenly felt very awkward, standing there in the middle of the barn, tired and aching but feeling light and jittery, for some reason. He had no idea what it was, he'd never felt this way before. Usually when he felt awkward for whatever reason, he extricated himself from the situation as soon as possible. But now, he wanted more than anything to stay, to carry on the conversation, to keep Magnus looking at him like that, with that soft, unreadable expression that set his stomach doing flips.

He'd just opened his mouth to say something – anything – when a loud yell coming from the direction of the cottage interrupted them.

They both froze for a moment, identical expressions of surprise and fear, before jumping into action.

Alec's heart was in his throat as he raced toward the source of the sound. All he could think of was that Valentine had somehow found them, had come for Magnus and found Izzy and Jace first…

He burst into the kitchen, Magnus right behind him, coming up short as he took in the scene before him. Magnus crashed into his back as a result of his sudden stopping, causing him to stumble forward a few paces.

Alec was confused.

Jace had been the one to shout, but Alec couldn't quite get his head around what he was seeing.

His brother was standing frozen by the kitchen sink, his arms thrown up in a universal sign of surrender. His body was angled towards the table, where a small red-headed girl crouched wearing a fierce expression and holding a butter knife which was pointing at Jace.

Izzy was stood in the doorway, looking as though she was trying not to laugh.

The girl threw a startled glance in their direction when they burst in, moving the knife to point at Magnus and Alec. Her eyes were wide and red-rimmed, and she was breathing heavily.

"Well, well, well." Magnus said, also sounding as though he were holding back a laugh. "What do we have here?"

"I only came in for food, Magnus." Jace complained, his arms still up, looking put out. "She jumped out at me."

"Good to know that's all it takes to have you throw it in, Jace." Alec remarked, derisively.

Magnus shook his head, suppressing a grin. He stepped around Alec, towards the girl, who frowned and gripped the knife even more tightly.

"Who are you, and why have you broken into my house?" He asked, not unkindly.

"I didn't break in." She answered, sharply. He raised an eyebrow. "I was sent here."

Alec was sure the others were as confused as he.

"I'm looking for Magnus Bane." She continued, her voice shaking slightly.

She couldn't have been older than about fifteen, Alec thought, though he'd initially assumed she was about twelve. Now that she'd straightened up out of her crouch she was a little taller – though still shorter than all of them by a considerable amount – and she carried an air of confidence in the way she held the knife steady, even now.

"Well, you've found me." Magnus moved towards her, his tone curious. "But you didn't answer my first question. And who sent you?"

She raised her little pointy chin, lowering the knife now that she'd been introduced to Magnus.

"My name is Clary. I was sent here by Dot."

.

Ten minutes later they were all seated in Magnus's comfortable living room, the fire roaring and a mug of Magnus's special, fragrant tea steaming in their hands.

All eyes were on Clary, who seemed to be unaffected by the attention, her expression blank and focused on the mug she was holding.

Her admission had shocked them all, but in the chaos of fifty questions being hurled at her at once, Magnus had called for silence and insisted they get comfortable before beginning what was sure to be a long evening.

Alec took a sip of his tea, sighing as it warmed him from the inside, trying to forget how tired he was. This was important.

Magnus was the first one the break the silence.

"So, biscuit…"

"My name is Clary." She repeated, shortly.

Magnus grinned.

"Oh, I know. But your particular shade of hair colour reminds me of the most delectable spiced ginger biscuits a friend of mine used to make." He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at her. "You look just like your mother."

Her head whipped up at that, her green eyes wide and staring.

"You know her?" She breathed.

"I wasn't aware that she had a daughter." He began, carefully. "But you cannot be anything but. How is dear Jocelyn?"

Alec heart skipped a beat at the familiar name. Jocelyn? Valentine's Jocelyn? He looked at Jace and Isabelle, who were wearing identical expressions of disbelief and confusion.

"But - " Jace began, until Magnus shot him a warning glance.

He looked back to Clary, who without any warning, burst into tears. Alec's shock turned to alarm, and he looked to Magnus for help, but the Warlock looked just as unsure, his face a mixture of pity and reluctance. Shockingly it was Jace who moved to comfort her, leaning across to place a hand on her forearm.

"Hey, it's ok. You're safe here. Why don't you tell us how you got here, and why?"

Alec frowned. He'd never heard Jace use that tone with anyone. His adopted brother was usually first out the door when a situation of any emotional intensity presented itself.

"I – I – " she sniffed. "I think my mother's in trouble." She had her face in her hands, her tea sitting forgotten on the table next to her. Jace rubbed soothing circles on her arm, his gaze intent on her. Alec felt a lick of jealousy deep in his stomach. He ignored it.

"Our house was attacked." She said finally, when her sobs were more under control. "We never did anything…anything wrong…we did nothing illegal…it was only me, my mother and Dot…we were normal, then strange people showed up, with all these tattoos…they had glowing swords…"

Izzy caught Alec's eye, her alarm clear. A cold sensation was creeping through Alec's veins. Jocelyn had been in hiding, he'd only recently found that out. And this girl didn't seem to know anything about her mother's former life, if her description of their attackers was anything to go by…

"We locked the doors but my mother was scared." Clary sniffed, wiping her eyes. "She told Dot to take me to Magnus Bane, and suddenly there was this thing…this purple doorway…like it was made of light…"

Definitely clueless, Alec thought, sighing internally. Why would Jocelyn have kept their world a secret from her daughter? He didn't understand.

"She was meant to come with me, I think…but they broke the door down. I saw my mother with…with one of those swords, and Dot pushed me through. Everything disappeared and then I was in your house." Clary finished quietly, lifting her head to meet Magnus's eyes.

The Warlock was silent, contemplating her with an inscrutable expression. His finger was twisting in the air, as he subconsciously sent a small tendril of magic to stir his tea. Her eyes widened as she noticed this.

"You're…you're like her, aren't you?" She whispered. "Like Dot?"

He nodded, smiling gently.

"Tell me, biscuit." He leaned forward. "What else did you know about Dorothea? About you mother? About the people who came for her?"

Clary's face twisted into a strange expression. She looked confused, but pained as well.

"I – I – nothing. I think…I don't know." She bit her lip.

Magnus grimaced, confusing Alec. He wasn't quite sure what was going on here. All he knew was that this Clary-girl could be a threat to them, and Jace wouldn't take his hand off her.

"I think perhaps…" Magnus began, slowly. "You might know more than you think you do."

"What do you mean?" Clary shot back, defensively. "I have no idea who those people were. I didn't know anything about Dot, or…or those glowing swords until today. I've lived in the same village my whole life, in a little farmhouse. Nothing strange, nothing. Until today." Her voice broke at the end, her lip quivering. "I just want to find my mother. I want to know that she's okay. But I don't know where I am, or how to get home."

Magnus's voice was soft when he spoke to her again.

"Clary," it was the first time he'd said her actual name. "Does the term 'Shadowhunter' mean anything to you?"

She shook her head, confused.

"Clary, I want you to look here. Concentrate." He held a hand out in front of him, palm facing upwards.

"I don't – oh."

She gasped as he snapped his fingers and a brightly glowing blue clock-like symbol appeared. Alec thought he recognised it as a Warlock rune, though he didn't know which one.

Clary's eyes widened and her frown deepened as she stared at it.

"Shadowhunter..." she murmured. "I'm a Shadowhunter…"

Magnus snapped his fingers again and the rune disappeared.

"As I suspected." He confirmed.

"What? What's going on?" Isabelle asked. "How did she not know she's a Shadowhunter?"

"Memory spell." Magnus told them. He looked back to Clary, dwarfed by Magnus's armchair, looking little and lost. "I suspect your mother had Dorothea periodically wipe your memories of the Shadow world."

"Why would she do that?" Jace asked. Clary just sat in silence, staring at her lap. Alec wondered what she was remembering.

"Protection." Magnus replied, keeping his eyes on Clary. "Tell me biscuit…is your father in your life?"

Isabelle gasped at the question, though Alec wasn't sure why.

Clary shook her head slowly.

"My mother told me he died before I was born. She never spoke of him willingly."

They looked to Magnus, whose expression was conflicted.

"And how old are you, Clary Fairchild?"

"I – Sixteen." She replied, frowning. "That's not my surname. It's Fray."

"Your mother was Fairchild when I knew her. Before she married your father."

Alec and Jace gasped in unison, realising what Izzy had cottoned onto earlier.

Alec felt a cold weight settle in his stomach as he looked at Clary with new eyes.

Valentine's daughter?!

He glanced back at Magnus, fear spiking his veins. What if this was all just a trap? An elaborate ruse Valentine had set to capture Magnus? He had Tessa, sure…but if he had Magnus as well then he'd have leverage over her. He had no doubt that he would tell Valentine anything he wanted if it would save Jace or Izzy. You would do anything for the family you'd chosen.

But it didn't seem as though Jace shared his concerns when he suggested so. The glare he was shot told him as much.

"What?" Clary was saying. "What about my father? Did you know him?"

"We don't want to scare you, Clary." Jace told her softly. Alec was disgusted.

"This is dangerous, Jace." He said, through gritted teeth.

"Alec, she has a right to know who her father is." Izzy cut in, logical as ever.

He looked round at Magnus, who was fiddling with the edge of his sleeve.

"Am I the only one who thinks this is a bad idea?" He asked to the room in general. "Magnus." He turned to him. "Even if she has no idea, he could be tracking her. She could still be dangerous."

"I understand, Alexander." Magnus said, smiling ruefully. "But I trust Dorothea. And Isabelle is right. She should know."

Alec leaned back, folding his arms, his glare back on Clary as he was outnumbered. She returned it just as coldly, a tiny distant part of him respecting her for not quailing under his gaze. Not a part that was big enough to influence him to treat her more softly, however.

"Clary." Magnus said slowly, as though testing the name on his lips. "Would that be short for anything, biscuit? Or were you named after the herb?"

"Clarissa." Clary replied flatly.

Magnus grinned ruefully. "Just as well. Clary Sage is renowned for aiding in the Sight, which clearly, has been taken away from you."

"I want to know about my father." She said again, refusing to be swayed. Alec felt another wave of hatred toward her. Magnus was only trying to make her more comfortable, he was sure that she would not like what they had to tell her.

"Very well, Clarissa." Magnus leaned back. "But I do regret that it falls to me to tell you this dark truth."

Her face paled, if that were possible, but her face was set.

"Your father's name was – is – Valentine. Valentine Morgenstern."

Her mouth opened slightly in shock.

"Wait – is? My father is still alive?"

"Yes."

She brightened perceptibly. "Morgenstern…I would be Clary Morgenstern?"

"I don't think," Izzy piped up. "That you'd wish to be associated with that name."

Clary looked confused. "Why not?"

Magnus sighed.

"Biscuit…the entirety of the Shadow World – us excluded" he motioned around the room. "Believe your mother to be dead." He hesitated. "They believe that Valentine killed her."

She shook her head violently. "No…but…why? He didn't…"

"Not for lack of trying…" Izzy chipped in again.

"Izzy." Alec hissed.

He might not be vying for head of the Clary Fray fanclub as Jace evidently was, but the girl had clearly had a tough night. Hearing that your father was actually alive – and had attempted to murder your mother – couldn't be making it any easier.

"What?" Izzy looked unaffected. "She's going to find out, she might as well hear it all now."

To his surprise, Clary nodded. Her expression was hard.

"Yes. I want to hear it all now. Don't try to spare my feelings, please. I want to know what my mother concealed from me, and then I want to find her." Her lip quivered again as she finished, and Alec wondered if she were thinking what the rest of them clearly were – that she may no longer have a mother to find. He felt a little guilty at his earlier attacks on her.

To her credit, Izzy kept quiet, allowing Magnus to continue the story.

"Your mother faked her own death and escaped with Dot – and you, apparently, though nobody knew she was with child – and Valentine was locked away for his crimes."

He didn't elaborate here, and Clary didn't ask. For tonight, the crime of splitting her family apart was enough.

"It seems that Jocelyn managed to keep a pretty low profile, until recently, when Valentine escaped. I would guess that it was he, or at least his followers, that sought you out."

Clary closed her eyes for a moment, and Alec noted her composure. He wasn't sure if he would have reacted so calmly to such news, but then, she had seen the attack with her own eyes. Perhaps it was just a relief to know to truth about the night – and indeed, her whole life.

"Do you think she's dead?" She asked quietly, her eyes still closed.

Magnus paused.

"I cannot say." He said, finally. "I can only assure you that we will find out. But from what I knew of him before…I do not think he would have killed her."

"But before, you said he almost - "

"In the heat of the moment, in the middle of a raging battle which he was losing, his temper was high, yes. She was his wife, and she had turned on him. But he did love her, Clary. I want you to know that."

She nodded curtly, opening her eyes.

"Will he come after me?"

"Did any of them see you, at your house?"

There was another pause, after which she nodded slowly.

Magnus closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

"I will protect you as best I can, Clarissa Fairchild. But I think it's fair to say that none of us are safe at this current moment in time."