Chapter 26: But She's My Friend

Paige was at her desk looking through papers when she heard a familiar sound. "Hey! It's about time you're here! I was wondering," Paige began sitting her pen and reading glasses down, "when… oh!" She said, realizing who it was.

"Hey, Paige." Prue greeted.

"Hello mom." mumbled Phoenix, waving to her mother unenthusiastically.

Paige looked between the two, "what is going on? You didn't get expelled already, did you?"

"Mom! That hurts!"

"Okay...hm...then why are you here?"

Prue nudged Phoenix a little closer to her mother. "Why don't you tell her why we are here, Phoenix. Now would be a great time."

"Tell me what?" Paige quickly jumped out of her seat, running in front of her desk.

"Oh, it's nothing." Phoenix began and continued in a whisper mumble. "Just that Hermione knows the family secret."

"What!" yelled Paige giving Phoenix her deadly parent stare. Prue went to close the office door, not wanting anyone to overhear.

Phoenix shrugged. "Hermione found the Book of Shadows and figured out our family secret. You know, like the powers we all have, demons, and family heritage."

"Oh, but tell her why Hermione found it." stated Prue. She knew Phoenix was trying to weasel her way out of it. It was just like her.

"I might have let her find it." She said as softly as she could.

"What." Her mother stated. Phoenix knew she was fuming. Her mother only shouted at her and her siblings when she was beyond pissed. "Phoenix Kaye Matthews! You let her find it. After we both agreed no one at Hogwarts should know about it! You broke that promise. You lied to me. You went behind my back. I thought you understood the importance of the book, of our secret. I guess I was wrong. Maybe I was thinking of my other daughter, Katie."

"But mom!"

"No buts." Paige looked over at Prue still fuming. Prue was standing behind Phoenix trying to stay out of Paige's line of fire. It didn't work. "Did you give Hermione the memory dust?"

"No Paige, I didn't."

"Mom, I trust Hermione. She is my best friend at Hogwarts. I really would like someone to talk about my secret. Magic is not a secret at Hogwarts and the magical world."

"But Phoenix, their world differs from ours. We don't use magic for everyday chores. We don't use wands. They don't worry about personal gain. We don't know how those people would react to wiccan magic. They may think we are outsiders. They may think we are a threat. Maybe they think we are the coolest beings they ever saw. We cannot take that chance."

"Aunt Prue, a little help, please!"

"Don't crawl to your aunt for help, missy! This is an issue you and I need to discuss."

"Paige, I think as long as it is just Hermione, we should be fine. Our secret would be safe. You know as well as I do, Phoenix would not just tell anybody. She must trust Hermione. Besides, Phoenix should have someone to talk to. She has made some strong points when we have spoken. Now if she thinks or even blinks about telling Harry or Ron, she will tell us first."

"Please mom? You had Uncle Glen. Then there is Uncle Darryl" Phoenix gave one of her famous pouty lip look that always won with everyone.

'She has a point.' Paige thought. 'Oh, I wish Phoebe would have never showed the girls that pouty look!'

"Fine! Hermione won't get her memory wiped. But Prue is right. Before telling Harry and Ron, you speak with us first. Now give me a hug. You need to get back to school, and I have missed you so much!"

"Oh, mom! Did you ever receive my letter? About me getting a new power?" Phoenix asked as she hugged her mother bye.

"Yes, sorry demons, you know."

"And the Elders told your mother, and me you got the power of invisibility. But like the wonderful Elders that they are, they didn't tell us how to help you control it. They said that you should figure it out on your own."

"Cool! Oh! What are you going to tell the Elders about Hermione?"

Prue looked at Paige then back to Phoenix, "I'll think of something. Don't worry."

Phoenix smiled and hugged her aunt. "Thanks Prue!" then ran over and hugged her mother once again.

"All, right. See you at holiday break. I believe Kaleb is counting the days already. He really misses you. He took it the hardest. And stay out of trouble!"

"Mom, trouble is my middle name."

"I know."

"Like mother, like daughter." Prue quietly said, not caring if either of them heard her.

Paige and Phoenix looked over at Prue. Prue couldn't help but give a small laugh. Phoenix looked so much like Paige it was freaky. Well, except Phoenix had more of an olive skin color.

Phoenix gave her mother a one last goodbye and orbed out with Prue.