Stepping Out

"What else can we possibly do to delay going back in?" Dominique mused as she and Chris walked slowly through Diagon Alley.

After a week of being chained to their desks writing reports about the meeting with Nikos and going through old auror case files on potential terrorist groups, Teddy had sent the two of them out on a few errands. Dominique didn't even complain that it was mostly personal, mundane tasks that he should have been doing himself and suspected he only did to rid himself of Dominique's incessant groaning every time he walked by. Regardless, she was that happy to get out of the office for a bit and into the fresh air, even if the weather was starting to turn bitterly cold. She was definitely not one to be cooped up in the Ministry all the time, that was for sure.

"Other than walking at a glacial pace?" Chris asked as he looked down at her, smiling.

"It's almost lunch time. We should have lunch before we go back," she declared. Chris chuckled.

"I like that idea. Plus the Ministry canteen hasn't been that great lately," he said, looking around the Alley. "I've never been there before." He pointed at a quaint looking café on a corner. Dominique stopped and studied it a moment before nodding her approval and the two stepped over towards it.

After they had been seated and their orders taken, Dominique gazed out the window at the various people walking by. Chris watched her a moment, thinking back to the day she had huffed out of the ministry, frustrated with her family's teasing about her dating life. Toby hadn't really said much more about it since then, but he did feel bad for her. Of everyone on the team, he understood all too well what she was going through.

He had been down that road. Leaving someone you loved in order to protect them. It was the main reason he had mostly stayed out of the dating world since then. He didn't want to chance endangering someone else and truth be told, he still harbored a bit of feeling for his last girlfriend as well. Especially now that it seemed there was some sort of crisis on the horizon.

"So… things settling down with the family?" he asked before taking a sip of water. Dominique looked over at him, an eyebrow raised.

"As much as they can," she said with a sigh. "I worry about Daisy, though." Chris frowned. Not exactly the direction he was hoping to take, but he went with it.

"How so?" he asked.

"She keeps obsessing about the whole connection thing," she said. "Won't do her any good."

"Still not feeling anything?" he asked. Dominique nodded, looking down as her salad appeared.

"To be honest, I'm glad I don't have to worry about that. I'd go barmy constantly feeling my family," she said, reaching for a fork. "Not to mention the whole 'Does this mean we're not meant to be' dilemma that Daisy seems to have latched onto."

Chris frowned slightly as he took a bite of his sandwich.

"That bad, huh?" he asked. Dominique nodded. She took a bite of her salad and looked out the window again.

"Honestly, I think at this point she should just come clean with him," she said. Her thoughts began turning back towards Paul, which they seemed to be doing more lately – especially whenever Daisy and John came up. She frowned as she tried to banish the thought of him.

"Earth to Dominique?"

She jumped slightly, realizing that she had been gazing out of the window for a few minutes.

"Sorry, lost in my own thoughts there for a bit," she said, stabbing at her salad.

"Anything you want to talk about?" Chris asked. Dominique sighed and looking up at him.

"Rather girly, I should think," she said with a sad smile.

"I told you, Dom, I understand. I've been there. You can talk to me about Paul if you need to," he said. Dominique nodded.

"I should talk about it," she started. "But I can't. Not really. Molly tries to get me to talk about it, but… it's not really easy."

"You still care about him," Chris said, making a statement more so than posing a question.

"Of course I do," she said softly. "I didn't leave him because there was something wrong. In fact, everything was quite good. Still could be good, I think."

"Do you plan to try and get back together with him someday?" he asked. Dominique looked up at him. She thought a bit before answering.

"I'm not sure. I'd like to, but I don't know if it'll be possible," she said, looking back down at her salad.

"Is he a good guy?" Chris asked. "Can you trust him?" Dominique looked up at him again. She nodded. "Then… I think if you decide you want to give it another go, he'll understand. And I don't see anything wrong with telling him. I mean, Kelly and Wills know. Don't see why he can't. To be honest, I'm not sure why Daisy won't just tell Kingfisher what's going on."

Dominique sighed and glanced down at her salad.

"Seems all her problems would be solved if she'd just tell him. Though… I suppose I understand a bit why. She thinks she's protecting him," Dominique said. "It's the same reason I broke up with Paul rather than tell him." Chris was silent a few moments.

"Suppose that makes sense," he said finally. Dominique huffed and put her fork down.

"Blimey, this is depressing. Can we talk about something else besides my failed relationship and my family's drama?" she asked, smiling slightly. Chris chuckled and nodded.

"Sure," he said. "How about that Puddlemere-Harpies game?" Dominique groaned slightly. They had put it on the wireless at the office the other day, barely able to get any work done as they were all glued to it.

"I tried so hard to talk Teddy into letting us go, but he put his foot down. It's not like we're working on anything too urgent at the moment anyway," she said, grimacing. "I still don't know how Toby was able to go."

"I think he owled in sick," Chris said, laughing. Dominique's eyes widened.

"That little bugger," she said. "I didn't know he could be so devious."

"I overheard him and Daisy talking about it at the party afterwards. It was her idea," he said.

"Now that doesn't surprise me," Dominique said. "For all the fuss she makes about Remus and Alan's pranks, she can be just as bad."

"Merlin knows they were able to talk her into some of them," Chris said. Dominique thought for a moment and then smiled.

"That's it, I'm owling in sick next Arrow's match that falls during the week," she said. "Teddy be damned. I think I've earned a day off." Chris laughed loudly, entertained by her determination.

"You know, I never realized you were so into quidditch. When did that start up?" he asked. Dominique scoffed.

"I've always been interested in it," she said. "I know during school it seemed like I was only interested in clothes or studying. But I paid close attention to all the matches."

Chris nodded slowly.

"You continually surprise me, Weasley," he said with a smile. She shrugged and smiled.

"You didn't think I only dated Paul because he was famous, did you?" she asked with a wink. "I dated him because we could talk quidditch all the time."

They continued talking and laughing for nearly an hour. As the conversation continued, Dominique started to think that she had been wrong in her assessment of Chris from school. Sure he had his annoying moments, but he wasn't a bad bloke. She found herself quite happy that they got to work together. Especially since Teddy had just told her that morning that her indefinite transfer had gone through. It was one step closer to her being permanently transferred to his team. Something she had casually mentioned to her brother-in-law and was rewarded with a cheeky grin and a wink.

They stood paying awhile later, Dominique sighing heavily as she realized they would have to go back to the office now.

"Dominique?"

Dominique turned slightly, seeing Magnus slowly grin as he realized it was indeed her standing there.

"Magnus, how good to see you," she said warmly. Chris raised his eyebrows. "Right, this is my partner, Chris Abbott. Chris, this is Magnus, Aunt Hermione's assistant." Chris nodded to the man, silently sizing him up. Though there was a slight tint to his cheeks. He found he rather liked when she referred to him as her partner.

"Must admit, it seems a bit odd to see you outside the ministry," Magnus said, seeming more at ease than he usually did. Maybe it was being in close proximity to the Minister of Magic that had made him so nervous.

"It is a bit. Are you out for lunch?" she asked. Magnus nodded.

"The minister is a bit partial to the lattes here. She always asks me to bring her one when I go out," he said. "Are things going well on your project?" Dominique nodded.

"We've had some major breakthroughs that we're proud of," she said smiling. "Hopefully Aunt Hermione isn't working you too hard."

"Oh, it's nothing I can't handle," he said amiably, glancing over at Chris, then back at Dominique. "By the way, I wanted to ask the last time you stopped by the office, you wouldn't by chance be free tomorrow, would you?" Dominique's eyebrows flew up.

"I am. Why?" she asked.

"I was just wondering if you'd be interested in getting a drink. Nothing fancy or anything, but maybe just hangout a bit. Swap evil boss stories and the like," he said. Dominique was a bit confused and not completely sure if she wanted to. But, there was something about his open eagerness and easy smile that seemed to win her over. Her brother's encouragement to get out more floated around in her mind.

And Dominique could use a night out away from the constant talk about the upcoming danger or her cousins. Maybe her family had been on to something. Besides, it's not like it was a date.

"Sure," she said. "What time and where should I meet you?" Magnus beamed.

"How about in the lobby of the Ministry around 6:30?" he asked. Dominique nodded.

"I'll see you then, I guess," she said.

"See you then."

Dominique waved as she and Chris walked out of the café and towards the Leaky Cauldron where they would leave the wizarding district and make their way back to the Ministry of Magic. She glanced up at Chris, noting that he was brooding slightly.

"What's that about?" she asked. Chris looked down at her and then focused back on the street in front of them.

"Nothing," he said. "Just… didn't expect you to agree to go on a date with someone so easily." Dominique laughed shortly.

"That's not a date," she said. "It's just two colleagues meeting for drinks."

"I don't like him," Chris stated bluntly. Dominique stopped and turned to face Chris, her arms crossed in front of her.

"And why not?" she asked, an eyebrow raised. "What's he done to you?"

"Absolutely nothing. But I just don't get a good feeling from him," Chris said, frowning down at her. "Auror instincts."

"Chris, it's not a date. I'll be fine," she said, turning and continuing to walk.

"Well, just be careful, will ya? You never know. How well do you know him anyway?" he asked, quickly catching up to her.

"He works for Aunt Hermione. I highly doubt he could be anything but harmless," she said, rolling her eyes.

"I'm serious, Dom," Chris said. Dominique looked at him.

"And I'm serious, Chris. It's not a date and I'll be fine."

Daisy sped up on the treadmill as the music poured through her headphones. Her face was red and she could feel the muscles in her legs start to complain, but she didn't let it stop her. She told herself she needed some conditioning in preparation for whatever was coming in Greece, but truth be told, she was staying late to avoid John. He had tried bringing up trip again, and she couldn't help but feel continually guilty whenever he was around. She was especially worried that this would lead to him asking about the connection. She wasn't sure she was ready for that conversation or if she would be able to lie about it.

A tap on the treadmill brought her out of her thoughts as she looked up and noticed Coach Nilsson standing there, smiling slightly. She quickly shut down the machine and pulled her headphones off.

"Coach?" she said, stepping off and breathing heavily.

"I don't remember ordering any additional training," he said.

"I know, just thought it would be good to make sure I'm in top condition before the trip. Not sure what all it will entail," she said. Nilsson nodded wordlessly and walked over to a bench where he sat. He motioned her over. Daisy followed suit.

"How are you feeling about all this?" he asked, looking down at her. Daisy still wasn't used to the fact that he now knew everything. She had been guarded at practice for so long she found it hard to be open still.

"A bit of everything. Relieved. Confused. Nervous. Wary," she said. "You name it and I'm probably feeling it." Nilsson nodded.

"I'm not sure how you're able to manage. I'd probably be worse off than you," he admitted. Daisy shrugged.

"I've had several months of covering up most things. Starting to become second nature by now," she admitted.

"You still haven't told Kingfisher anything?" he asked. Daisy shook her head no.

"It's just… I see how knowing affects everyone. I can literally feel it with my brothers and Mum and Dad. If I can save him some of that, it's worth it," she said. "I don't want him constantly worrying about me. And I don't want him to risk his life for some fight that's not his."

"You think he would?" Nilsson asked, frowning slightly. Daisy looked up at him.

"What was the first thing you wanted to do when you found out?" she asked.

"I wanted to help," he said automatically. Daisy smiled, making her point.

"See. That's exactly what he would do too, and I don't want him involved in this," she said. "I don't want him to put his life on the line."

"But Daisy… if this is as big as everyone thinks it will be, he may be involved whether you want him to or not. Don't you think he has a right to know what's coming before it gets here?" Nilsson asked. Daisy looked at the floor, thinking over what he said.

"That's why Lucy finally told Kelly. She wanted him to know everything so he could make a decision whether to stay or go," she said. "And yea, I suppose John should have that too. But… I just keep thinking if I can keep him out of it a bit longer… Or, I don't know. Find a way to get him back to the States." Nilsson's eyebrows flew up.

"You'd go that far?" he asked softly. Daisy nodded.

"He'd be safe there," she said.

"You'd have to break up with him," Nilsson said.

"I know," Daisy said ruefully. "I suppose I'm being a bit selfish. It's clear what I have to do – depending on what I decide – but I put off making a decision because I want to keep him with me longer." What she didn't say out loud is that she was also waiting for the connection to fully form. She couldn't help but think the decision would be easier to make if that was a factor.

Nilsson could sense there was more she wasn't saying, but he didn't push her on it. Instead he sighed heavily.

"Maybe getting away for a couple months will help," he said. Daisy looked up at him again. "You'll be in Greece, focusing on training and getting yourself under control. Maybe learn something new. When you come back, you'll be a different person. It might be easier for that person to make a decision."

"I never thought about it like that, but I suppose you're right," Daisy said furrowing her brow. They were both silent a few moments before Daisy sat up and smiled sadly. "I miss the days when all I had to worry about was the post season." Nilsson laughed softly.

"After this year, I'm sure you do," he said. "It'll get back to that someday."

"I hope so. I don't know how much longer of this waiting around I can stand. I just hope we find out who or what this supposed danger is soon so we can take care of it," she said. She pushed off the bench and looked over as Nilsson stood next to her.

"Whatever comes, rookie, you got it," he said, smiling down at her. "I'm confident that you can handle it. And you've got a whole lot of people to stand with you."

"Thanks, Coach," Daisy said, smiling up at him. She then shocked him by stepping over to him and hugging him. Nilsson froze slightly and then put his arms around her, looking down at her messy red ponytail.

Daisy then stepped back and looked up at him.

"I should get home. No doubt John is wondering what I'm getting up to," she said before walking over to her bag and throwing things in.

"Get some rest, Daisy," he said before turning and walking out.

"John, I'm home!" Daisy shouted after she had appeared in the living room. He was sitting on the sofa watching TV. She dropped her bag and walked over, collapsing next to him.

"Have a good workout?" he asked, still looking at the TV. She nodded and began stretching out her arms.

"Needed to work out some family frustration," she said, rolling her eyes slightly. He looked over at her.

"Get a good pep talk from Coach?" he asked. Daisy glanced at him, wondering how he knew about that.

"Yea, I suppose," she said. "He popped in for a bit." John looked back at the TV and nodded.

"I heard a bit of it," he said tensely. Daisy frowned. "I went to see what was keeping you so long." Daisy was silent, not sure how much of their conversation he had overheard. "So… you feel comfortable discussing your family issues with Coach but not me."

"I didn't tell him," she said quickly. "I didn't want to tell him. Mum and Dad did that." John continued to quietly fume next to her.

"But he knows. Whatever it is you're keeping from me, he knows all of it," he said, still not looking at her. Daisy took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

"It's… it's not the right time for you to know," she said softly. John jumped from the sofa and started pacing in front of the coffee table.

"I'm getting goddamn sick and tired of hearing that, Daisy," he said, raising his voice slightly. "When is it going to be time to know? After you get back from your little family vacation?"

Daisy watched him silently.

"Maybe," she finally said softly. John groaned and stopped pacing, turning to face her.

"Do you have any idea what it feels like to be the only person who doesn't know what's going on?" he shouted.

"You're not the only one-"

"Bullshit, Daisy. Kelly knows something. Coach knows. Toby knows. And I'm pretty sure Wills knows more than I do," he shouted at her. "I'm the only one close to you guys that doesn't know."

"Jamie and Dad haven't told anyone else on Puddlemere. The rest of the team doesn't know. Dom even broke up with Paul just because she couldn't tell him," she said.

"I don't see how we can keep going like this much longer," he said. Daisy's heart stopped for a moment. "I really don't. How am I supposed to be there for you when you keep pushing me away?"

"I'm not pushing you away because I don't want you to know. I'm trying to protect you, John," Daisy shouted, jumping to her feet.

"Well I wish I knew what it was you're trying to protect me from," he said. "Because obviously you think that Wills is capable of handling it, but I'm not."

"I can't lose you," Daisy shouted, causing him to go silent and stare at her. "I can't tell you… but just… I-" She stopped as she felt the tears begin pouring down her cheeks. She covered her mouth as she stared at the floor and fought to get her emotions under control. The one thing that would make things worse would be causing some sort of disaster.

John watched her silently, fear starting to fill him. He had suspicions that whatever Daisy wasn't telling him was something big and bad. And to see her struggle with it just made him feel even worse for pushing her.

"I think this vacation is coming at a good time," Daisy said finally, still not looking at him. "We both obviously have some things to work out. Let's not make any decisions about anything until I get back."

"Are you finally going to tell me everything when you come back?" John asked, though his voice had lost its anger. Instead, he sounded desperate. Daisy looked up at him, seeing the hurt and pain in his eyes.

She finally nodded.

"I'll tell you everything when I get back," she said softly. "Just… I can't right now." John nodded.

"Okay, then," he said. He then turned and walked into the bedroom, leaving Daisy to her thoughts. She sat on the sofa and dropped her head into her hands.

She desperately hoped that she had the strength to tell him everything when she came back. Otherwise she wasn't sure how much longer he would stick it out.

Dominique smiled as she walked over to Magnus where he was waiting next to the large statue in the middle of the busy lobby of the Ministry.

"Good! I was worried you might back out on me," he said, returning the smile.

"To be honest, I'm very much in need of a night out and away from the family," she said as they walked towards the floos. Magnus laughed.

"I reckon you don't get that often, what with most of your family working here," he commented.

"And I live with my cousin Molly," she added. "Where are we going?"

"There's this nice little pub I like in the Alley. Not often frequented by your family I should think. I never seen any other Ministry folks whenever I go," he said. Dominique nodded.

About five minutes later, they were seated at a small table in a cozy pub. It wasn't exactly little, but it did give off a certain hominess that made it seem smaller than it was. Dominique looked around, instantly liking it.

Two pints appeared in front of them while she was getting settled.

"So, Magnus, how long have you been slave to my aunt?" she joked. He laughed.

"Really, it's not so bad working for her. I've had worse bosses. I've been assistant to the Minister for about seven months now," he said. "She's very organized and efficient, which I can appreciate." Dominique nodded.

"From what I've been told, she's always been like that," she said.

"Truth be told, I'm quite honored that she chose to hire me. There was quite a competition for the position. Suppose everyone wants to work with Minister Granger-Weasley. Famous history and all," he said. Dominique snorted, amusing the young man.

"Thank Merlin she didn't let it get to her head like others in my family," she said. "I mean, most of them are fine. Uncle Harry, Aunt Iris and my parents have always been down to earth about it. As have Uncle Percy and such. It's the kids, though. My cousins Freddie and James seem to thrive on it," she admitted.

"I would have thought it would have been the Woods," Magnus mused. "Mother is aunt to Harry Potter and father is a famous coach."

"Nah, they prefer to be famous on their own talents rather than the reputations of their parents," she said. "Though I suppose they inherited some of that from their Dad."

"I have to admit, I know pretty much nothing about quidditch," Magnus admitted. "I was never really able to get into it. Outside of your family, I don't think I'd recognize any players or teams." Dominique frowned playfully.

"That's a shame. Brilliant game. I'm quite a fan of it myself. And no, it's not because of my cousins or uncle," she said. Magnus chuckled.

"I wouldn't blame you if that had been the reason," he said. Dominique realized at that point they had spent most of their time talking about her family and she still knew next to nothing about him. She planned to rectify that.

"So why is it we never crossed paths at Hogwarts?" she asked. He smiled and shook his head no.

"I went to Durmstrang, actually. My father's family is from Norway originally and he went there, so wanted me to go as well. Family tradition and all," he said.

"Oh, good. I was starting to feel bad that we hadn't met at school," Dominique said. "I think Daisy's coach went there."

"Ah yes. Lucas Nilsson. He and his sister left behind quite the reputation. Still stands to this day," he said.

"Is that so?" Dominique asked, intrigued. She still didn't know much about the quiet coach.

"Yea, I was actually there the same time as his sister Mara. Same year, though different houses," he said. "We didn't really talk much, but Durmstrang's not that big, so you end up knowing most people that go there."

"Really? Daisy's told us a bit about him and his sister, but I still don't know much," she said.

"Well, I don't know much about Lucas – he was a few years ahead of us and already playing professionally by the time we reached second or third year, I think. But everyone knew Mara. She was rather popular," he said. "Played seeker for her house team – Sleipnir."

"Such an odd name," Dominique said.

"All the houses are named from Norse mythology. As most of the students are from Scandinavia, it made sense. Sleipnir was known for being a very athletic house. Most everyone who played on the house team ended up going into professional sport," he explained. Dominique nodded slowly.

"And what about you? Which house were you in?" she asked.

"Vor," he said. "She was a Norse goddess known to have great wisdom. So our house was known for its intelligence and love of knowledge."

"Sounds a bit like Ravenclaw at Hogwarts. They were all known for being rather clever," Dominique said.

"You ever consider going to another school besides Hogwarts?" Magnus asked suddenly. Dominique stopped and thought a moment. Truth be told, she had never really thought about it. She just always assumed she'd go to Hogwarts with the rest of her siblings and cousins, though she probably could have gone to Beauxbatons if she wanted to.

"To be honest, I never even thought about going anywhere. I suppose if I had wanted to go to Beauxbatons, Mum and Dad would have let me. And I probably could have since Mum went there. But everyone else was going to Hogwarts and I just went along with them. Besides, I don't think I would have liked being on my own in France," she said.

"And which house were you in?" he asked. Dominique laughed loudly.

"Really? Magnus you seem to know all about my family. You should know the answer to that," she said. "I was a Gryffindor, of course."

"You don't really seem like one, from what I've gathered about them," he said, studying her. "I'd see you as more a Ravenclaw."

"Well, I appreciate the compliment to my cleverness, but I'm not surprised I was Gryffindor. Besides the fact it's a family tradition," she said. "While I do value intelligence, I have inherited a lot of the traits that Gryffindor is known for. Not the recklessness, mind you. But most of the rest."

"Bravery, courage, chivalry?" Magnus offered. Dominique nodded.

"Yea, I suppose," she said. "I actually thought Teddy would have been Gryffindor, to be honest. Though when I look at it, he is very much a Hufflepuff. And it could have gone either way. His mum was Hufflepuff while his dad was Gryffindor."

"What is Hufflepuff known for again?" Magnus asked.

"Loyalty, kindness," Dominique said. "He's nothing if not loyal. Though sometimes I wonder about the kindness bit. He's rather ornery."

"This is your brother-in-law, right?" Magnus asked. Dominique nodded.

At that moment, someone bumped into their table, causing their glasses to nearly knock over. Dominique reached out to steady it before looking up to see who had ran into them. She immediately settled into a glare, as she saw Chase Hardwick from the Falcons standing there. He hadn't seen her yet, but instead was looking at Magnus. Dominique glanced over at him, noticing his eyes were wide with recognition before he settled into bewilderment and then a frown.

"Oi, watch it Hardwick," Dominique said, turning to glare at the seeker. He turned and saw her, immediately scowling in return.

"Sorry there, Weasley. Didn't notice one of yous was here without the red hair," he said brusquely. "Tell Pixie I said hi." He then lumbered off towards another table at the back of the pub. Dominique glared at his back, biting back her tongue. She knew her cousin was his teammate now, but still didn't stymie the growing desire to hex him.

"Merlin, he's such a prat," she said. "I completely understand why Daisy hexed him twice." Magnus laughed softly.

"Doesn't seem to be a friendly bloke, whoever he is," he said. Dominique studied him for a moment.

"You don't know Chase Hardwick? He's the seeker on the Falcons. I'm sure my aunt has mentioned him once or twice," she said. "His rivalry with Daisy is pretty famous, even among folks who don't follow quidditch."

Magnus shrugged.

"If she did I must have missed it," he said. Though Dominique noticed he wasn't as easy-going as he had been moments ago, but rather a bit tenser. Perhaps Hardwick just had that effect on people.

"No matter," Dominique finally said. "Now, tell me more about Durmstrang…"

Chase Hardwick left the pub a few hours later in a better mood. After running into the Weasley wench - let's be honest, there were too many in the family to keep track of individual names - he met up with some of the other Falcons and spent the evening getting pleasantly tipsy before heading home.

He was walking down a mostly deserted street when some sort of force pulled him sideways into a small, dark alley. He was then thrown against a brick wall, the breath knocked out of him upon impact.

"Are you really that big an idiot?" a voice hissed. Hardwick blinked as his eyes adjusted to the dark and he made out the outline of a man standing across from him, wand out.

"Bloody hell, I didn't run into the table on purpose," he sneered, rubbing the back of his head where he had been slammed into the wall. "Besides, how was I supposed to you were going out with Weasley?"

Magnus continued glaring at the quidditch player.

"You see me in public, you avoid me. Understood? I do not want you ruining anything else," he said. Hardwick glared at him.

"Look here, I haven't ruined-"

"You failed to recruit Lila Flint," Magnus shot back, interrupting him. "So, from here out, you stay away from everyone in that family - even the Potter boy."

"He's my teammate. It's not like I can just ignore him," he said

"You will. I can't risk you screwing anything up. We're too far along to back out now and so far everything is going according to plan. You will do well to remember your place in this," Magnus said, his voice low with warning. Hardwick nodded stiffly.

"I understand," he said reluctantly. Magnus quickly put his wand away.

"Good. Go," he ordered. Hardwick quickly left the alley, not bothering to look behind him. Magnus watched him as he turned the corner and then quickly disappeared.

And the plot thickens...

Went ahead and posted another chapter just because I got a lot of planning done on the next story. And... I got a title! Book 7 shall be called...The Calm Before the Storm. I've got up to chapter 11 planned, and I'm thinking it's going to be around 30 chapters total. The first two chapters are complete with bits and pieces from a few chapters after that. I think by the time I finish posting this one, I may have enough that I can start posting right after. No promises, but knowing me, that tends to be the way I work, haha!

Unless I come up with another side story between now and then. So far, I don't...

But will say, I'm introducing some fun characters in the next one that I'm excited for you guys to meet. And some already introduced characters are getting a bit more attention - so far Lucy and Kelly and Teddy and Victoire.

Anyway, thanks for reading, following and reviewing!