Thanks to everyone who reviewed the prologue! I have quite a few ideas for this fic, so I'll update as quick as I can.

Chapter 1 sort of introduces everything that has happened in the past two months…all from Kitty's point of view, of course, since Nathaniel's dead (sigh) and Bartimaeus is enjoying a well-deserved vacation in the Other Place. Kitty's feeling kind of depressed here…sorry about that. A bit dark and angsty and…umm…shortish. Surprise appearance from an OC from my other story.

Disclaimer: These annoy me so much…I don't own anything recognizable in this, ok? Don't sue me.

Of All Places

"I always thought I was the tough one,

But now I just can't bear to see the rain.

I never thought I would need you,

But that much is part of my pain…"

- Twisting Again

It was a crisp December morning in London; fresh white snow blanketed every available inch outdoors. It gave a peaceful sort of atmosphere to the quiet city; this was mostly due to the fact that it covered the wreckage of numerous buildings where the magicians' government had once worked.

Trafalgar Square was unusually silent for the time of day; only a few pigeons clustered around the dull, immense statues. Only one shone brightly, for it had been erected only a month ago.

Made of a silvery alloy, with frost glittering around it, many would say it was the most beautiful part of the square in winter time; others would say it was nice that it hadn't rusted over yet, like the others. It was a simple figure of a tall, thin boy clutching a staff and wearing a grim expression. And sitting underneath, on the plain stone plinth, was a young woman.

Although still only eighteen years old, her hair was streaked with grey and her face had many more lines than was expected of it; from a distance, she may even have appeared to be rather old. As she sat, hunched over against the cold, any passers-by wouldn't have taken her for a young and energetic person.

Kitty Jones turned her face against the wind, wishing it was just a bit warmer out. She laughed sourly to herself; if it were warmer, other people would be out, and why had she come here if not be alone?

She bit her lip until it bled; it was best not to think about anything just now. But if she wanted herself to stop thinking about anything painful, why was she sitting under Nathaniel's statue, of all places?

In the two or so months following the demon's revolt and the death of John Mandrake, the newly established government had done its best to clean up the mess. The troops were called back from America; an electoral system was quickly established to find a new ruler. The new process was accepted enthusiastically, and the commoners and minor magicians soon found a new leader: Mr. Arthur Greenstone, a commoner who had led one of the minor alliances that had strived for an equal government. His appointment was swift, and many ministers were also elected.

Ms. Rebecca Piper, who alone of the magicians had taken charge in the demon situation, was appointed the Secretary of State, while Mr. Harold Button became the Information Minister, Mandrake's former post. Various other commoners and a few magicians also acquired governmental posts; for once, there was no discrimination.

Kitty declined offer after offer of a position among the great; while this caused many to question her judgement, she didn't care. Kitty didn't want to be around people that reminded her of what she had lost.

She had visited Jakob in Belgium, but it hadn't done much for her spirits; Jakob, though kind, did not know Nathaniel except as he had seen him three years ago. He would not mourn for their betrayer and disliked discussing him, and she soon returned to London by herself.

Over the next month, Kitty seemed to draw more and more into herself; work disinterested her, friends bored her, and nothing seemed to give her the spark that had once defined her dangerous lifestyle. Rebecca Piper was her closest correspondent, but she was also up to her elbows in paperwork, and did not have time to talk as Kitty found she needed to. She recommended a therapist, but generally kept off the subject.

But Kitty did not cry. She didn't talk about Nathaniel or Bartimaeus, although she was prompted often to let it all out. The pain grew gradually inside her like an incurable parasite, showing itself more than once with the rather strange dreams she had been having.

"Miss?"

Kitty looked up. A young man in a blue coat was standing in front of her, peering down at her face. She sniffed.

"Yes?"

"Sorry," he said. "But are you lost or something? 'Cause I could, er -"

Kitty blinked. Something about the voice, or the way he stood…

"Kevin?"

He smiled.

"I almost thought you didn't recognize me. I almost didn't recognize you, you're…" He broke off, blushing. Kitty sighed.

"I keep forgetting to dye my hair. Kevin, it's – it's a long story, but…how have you been? I haven't seen you since -"

"The Resistance broke up? Yeah, I know…but, still, you were right about a lot of things, weren't you? We didn't need to rebel; the magicians really did it by themselves!"

He was grinning so broadly that Kitty, too, managed a small smile.

"So, firstly, how have you been?" he asked her, pulling her to her feet. "Like you said, it's been ages…bet you've been celebrating a lot, haven't you?"

"Oh, I've been all right, you know."

"Yeah, me too. I got a job at Richmond – that's where the government's working while they rebuild Whitehall – as a personal assistant to the War Minister. Can you believe it? They wanted lots of commoners brought in and my friend Bill recommended me, mostly 'cause of my involvement with the Commoner's Alliance…"

"That's great!" said Kitty, trying once again to smile. She hoped it didn't look as though she were grimacing; Kevin didn't seem to notice, anyway. He was looking at the statue behind them.

"New, this, isn't it?" he said, walking up to it and laying a gloved hand on the smooth silver metal. "Say – isn't that John Mandrake? That pompous idiot that -"

"I'd better be going," said Kitty abruptly, biting her lip to stop herself crying out.

"Wait – don't go! Say, why don't I take you to dinner tonight? Terence's Grill, right down the street from my new apartment…can I pick you up? Where do you live?"

"Well…"

"Please! I'd love to see more of you, now that it's – over, you know."

"All right. I live one floor down from where I used to."

"See you at six then!"

Kevin walked off, a new sort of spring in his step. Kitty watched him go, the smile remaining on her face for a little longer than she would have expected.

How's that? More coming soon, please review!