Author's notes: Thanks to the wonderful IMissPadfoot (UserID:1133633) for beta'ing for me.

Additional thanks to Hannah Loves Lupin and Disco Inferno1 for you wonderful reviews. I really appreciate the support, and I'm glad y'all are enjoying the story.


Chapter Twelve: A Fresh Start.

In the few days that followed, the O'Brien family joined together to help Morrigan fix up her new home. Considering there were four adults present, with their own wands, and the ability to use magic, it didn't take very long at all.

By the eve before Connor, Isabella, Sean and Felicia were due to return home to Italy, the house that had once belonged to Connor's mother, had been restored to its former glory.

Gone were the cobwebs hanging over doorways, or in the corners of rooms. Cleaned away was the layer of dust that had covered every surface in the majestic house. The neglect and dirt had been replaced by love and attention.

Now, every dresser, counter top and window pane gleamed. The wooden floorings of the house were so clean; you could see your own reflection in them. The dull, tarnished candelabra had been polished to a wondrous lustre, and candles were placed within them. The whole house was illuminated by a warm light, and a cosy atmosphere filled the rooms.

Additionally, the furniture had had been restored; and in every room there were long tables, packed bookcases, sumptuous velvet covered chairs, thick curtains, lavish throws and intricately embroidered rugs.

The most amazing room of all was the long lounge at the rear of the house. Morrigan had spent the majority of her time getting this room perfect.

The mahogany floor now shined so brightly, it looked as though it could be made of glass. However, not much of it could be seen, as a deep plum rug now sat on top of it. To the rear of the room, a large pair of patio doors opened onto the spacious back garden, which housed an herb patch and small pond. The strong smell of sage from the plants outside drifted on the breeze into the lounge.

Lining the wall opposite the patio was a long bookcase, jam packed full of various volumes; ranging from those that were so old they were almost turning to dust, to those so new their covers were still wrapped in protective paper.

A sofa and three arm chairs were placed in the centre of the room, all in front of a roaring log fire. Additionally, each seat had an arrangement of purple velvet cushions on them.

Finally, in pride of place above the mental was a portrait of a dark-haired, green-eyed girl. The person depicted looked just like Morrigan, only younger; the wasn't that quiet sadness in the jade orbs, and the smile was bright and natural, not slightly forced.

However, it was more than obvious who the portrait was of -- Lilith.

Smiling up at the picture of the twin she had tragically lost, Morrigan whispered, "We're home, sis."

Outside, a crow cawed approvingly, and Morrigan had to wipe a tear from her eyes.

Looking around the completely refurbished sitting room, Morrigan couldn't believe how much her life had changed in the past few months. Sadly, she had lost her beloved Grandmother, but the young woman now knew Mary was in a better place, along with Lilith – and had now come to accept that eventually, everyone died, but that didn't mean your loved ones wouldn't remain in your heart for eternity.

Additionally, she had begun to heal the rift between herself and her family, which had formed after the loss of her twin. Morrigan knew it would be years before they returned to the closeness they'd had before Lilith died. However, it was a step in the right direction, and their relationship was now a lot better than it had been in a very long time.

Finally, she was branching out on her own, and beginning to make a life for herself, without the death of Lilith hanging over her, or being constantly in Sean's shadow. As Morrigan contemplated the future, her thoughts turned to Draco, and she wondered what would happen between the two of them when they saw each other again.
Despite her mounting confusion about her feelings towards Draco, Morrigan still felt adamant that he should come and live with her; at least for a little while. Regardless of if she could see herself falling for him or not, Morrigan knew Draco needed a friend right now, and help getting back on his feet.

Maybe when he's sorted himself out, got a job, and possibly made contact with his parents, then Morrigan would consider if there was something more between then, than just friendship.

Vowing that when she saw Draco next, she would remind him of her offer to give him a home; Morrigan smiled to herself and went in search of her remaining family members.

She found her mother, father, Felicia and Sean all sitting around the newly cleaned dining room table; Isabella just about to serve up dinner.

"Everything ok, Morrie?" her mother asked, as Morrigan took a seat next to her younger sister.

"Yeah, I was just thinking about how different life will be from now on," she replied with a wistful look.

"You know, it's not too late to change your mind, and come back to Italy with us?" her father offered.

"No, I'm not changing my mind or anything," insisted Morrigan. "I was just thinking, is all. Now that I'll be living out here on my own, I'm going to have to get a job and things."

"Well, you have a bit of money saved, so there's no need to rush into anything, and you made good grades in your exams, so finding work should be no problem," reassured Isabella.

"I know that, Mama. It's just I've never given any consideration to what I wanted to do before, and I certainly didn't foresee my future living in England," replied Morrigan.

"Maybe the change will be good though," said Conner. "Now that the war against Voldemort is over, everyone is going to want to rebuild the wizarding world, so there will be plenty of job opportunities for you over here."

"Yeah, that's something I hadn't considered until now," agreed Morrigan. "I think when I'm settled in; I'll take a trip to the Ministry of Magic, and see what jobs they have to offer."

For the remainder of the evening, the O'Brien family enjoyed their last meal together, before Isabella, Conner, Sean and Felicia were due to travel by Portkey back to their home in Italy, the following morning.
Additionally, the next day, Morrigan would be returning to the Leaky Cauldron for one last time, to settle up her expenses with Tom, pick up her few belongings from the inn and hopefully see if Draco was around.

As Morrigan curled up in her new bed that night, she wondered what exactly she would say to Draco if she saw him the next day.

'Oh, hey Draco, I know we've only known each other for a few weeks; but I really enjoyed our kiss the other day and would love it if you moved in with me,' didn't really seem appropriate.

Unable to rest, Morrigan headed downstairs to make herself a mug of hot cocoa, hoping that would relax her.
She was slightly surprised, but also pleased to find her mother was also up, and sitting at by the counter top; a saucepan of warm milk boiling in front of her.

"Oh, hey, Morrie. I was just making so cocoa, do you want some?" Isabella inquired.

Morrigan laughed, and jumped onto the stool next to her mother.

"I guess great minds think alike; I was just coming down to do the same thing," she informed.

"Can't you sleep either?" asked the mother.

"Not really," replied Morrigan. "Why can't you?"

"I'm worrying about my baby leaving home," sighed Isabella.

"You needn't worry about me, Mama," Morrigan reassure. "I'm gonna be just fine with Lilith up there looking out for me."

Both women looked to the heavens and smiled.

"I'll try not to," promised the older woman. "So, tell me what's on your mind."

"No, you'll just laugh and think I'm silly if I told you," protested Morrigan.

"I would never," insisted Isabella. "I'm your mum, and nothing you have to say would ever seem stupid to me."

As Isabella placed two mugs of steaming cocoa in front of herself and Morrigan, the younger woman sighed, and then began to explain to her mother about her friendship with Draco; obviously leaving out the fact he used to be a Death Eater.

"Morrigan, you hardly know this man, are you sure inviting him to live with you is such a good idea?" protested Isabella. "Especially if you're developing feelings for him."

"He needs my help though, Mama," insisted Morrigan. "He can't go back to his own family, and he needs somewhere to stay so he can get himself back on his feet. I care about him, Mama, so I can't just turn him out into the cold."

"After everything you've been through, you big heart and endless compassion for others never ceases to amaze me," said Isabella with a warm smile. "If you think inviting this Draco to live with you is the right thing to do, then you have my blessing. Just be careful is all, sweetheart."

"I will, Mama," promised Morrigan, finishing off her drink. "And thanks for the advice."

Then, kissing her mother on both cheeks, she returned to bed, and fell into a contented sleep.