Hermione walked up a walkway to a beautiful suburban house and knocked on the door. A small girl with big brown eyes and big brown curls answered the door.
"Auntie Mia!"
"Maggie, hey dear, is Mum home?"
"Oh yes, she is in the garden." Hermione's hand was grasped in the small hand of Maggie and she was drug to the back door. "Auntie Mia, guess what we did in school today?"
"Oh tell me, dear."
"Mia! Hello, what brings you to visit?"
"What? Can't a girl just come by to see her best friend?"
"Sure you can, but I know you don't. What's up?" Delores laughed.
Hermione and Delores had been friends since they could barely walk. Of all the muggles in the world, Hermione loved her best. She was the only one that knew that Hermione was a witch. Hermione and Delores had spent many summer nights lying in the high grass talking. Hermione told her about Quidditch and potions, magic wands and owls that delivered mail. She told Delores about Harry, Ron, Ginny, Draco, even Lord Voldemort. To Delores, they were like magical fairy tales, but she believed every word that Hermione said. As young girls, Delores was the beautiful one that attracted all the boys' attention, and once again, Hermione had been the bookworm. Now, Hermione was wild and adventurous. And Delores was married to a British banker, and had a beautiful girl who was Hermione's godchild, and a house and a normal life.
As girls, Hermione would go to church with Delores because she thought it was fascinating. Her parents were much too sensible to believe. And so today, Hermione came to ask Delores about Isaac.
"Ok, you got me. Who is Isaac?"
"Issac who? Is he the new teacher at Maggie's school? He is a looker, but hardly your type Mia."
"No, silly," Hermione giggled. "In the Bible, isn't there a person named Isaac?"
"Oh yeah! Silly me." She wrapped her arm around Hermione's shoulders. "Don't tell me you are becoming a nun?" Another round of laughter.
"No," Delores said, "Isaac was the son Abraham. God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on an alter as an act of faith. But then sent and angel to stop him at the last minute."
Hermione's faced drained of all color. "Oh, no."
"No, Mia. It isn't that bad. God wouldn't have really let Abraham kill Isaac, he just wanted to make sure that he was loyal."
"No Delores, it isn't that. It is much worse. God is loving and kind, but there are others who aren't so giving. I have to get back now."
"What are you talking about?"
"No time, I will catch you up later. Love you, Maggie." Hermione kissed Maggie on her head and ran out of the back yard.
"Bye, Auntie Mia, send me some more Ice Mice!"
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