"I am the auror with the qualifications you requested."

London

Ministry of Magic

Department of Magical Law Enforcement

August 31st, 1973

11:40 pm

"This had better be important if we have to miss lunch for this shite. Why do we have to be the ones who greet some bloody big shot foreign auror? Hestia and Benjy got to eat at their scheduled time. 'International Cooperation' my arse. It sounds like we have a baby sitter."

Caradoc Dearborn wasn't happy any time his scheduled meals were interrupted. He didn't want to be walking to Crouch's office to wait around for the arrival of whoever MACUSA decided was important enough to "assist" the aurors here with the growing threat of war. As an auror who only recently received his badge, he was on mostly paperwork duty. Their head auror, a slightly paranoid man by the name of Alastor Moody, didn't trust Caradoc nor any of his friends to be out in the field just yet. It was starting to grate Caradoc's nerves, although he had gotten quite used to having lunch precisely at noon and was cranky about Moody shifting it back three and a half hours. "I mean by pushing it til three-thirty we may as well just skip it and eat when we get home. Moody is punishing us, I just don't know for what." Caradocs whinging was met with the booming laugh of his best friend, who was practically like his brother, Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"Maybe because he wants you to stop charming his chair to turn colors when he sits on it." Kingsley slapped a hand on the other man's back, laughing once more at the stubbornness of his companion.

Caradoc laughed and grinned at the latest prank he had pulled on their boss. "Did you see the chair turn red as his face? Its a temperature based charm, Gideon and I were working on perfecting it and I knew Moody would be the perfect test subject. Got the idea from those muggle mood rings that Hestia is always wearing. I figured it will make the office more productive if we knew his mood without him having to speak." Caradoc was proud at his charm, which was a brilliant use of magic in and of itself, but Kingsley didn't necessarily agree with making the boss angry.

"Mate, I dont think it matters either way. Moody gets what Moody wants." Kingsley was an easy going guy, never really complaining about any changes in his routine.

Often enough, the Gryffindor thrived in chaos, unlike his Ravenclaw best friend. Caradoc appreciated rules, even if he sought to break them. His theory was that one had to know the rules in order to properly break or enforce them.

Kingsley thought, not for the first time, that his friend would've made a methodically bloodthirsty bad guy. He often thanked Merlin that Caradoc was on their side, Kingsley had been on the wrong end of the man's wand before and he did not want that to be something he would have to do often.

It was bad enough he knew that he would have to face old school mates with the way the world was changing. It was too much and too fast, he barely had time to wrap his head around the idea of a war. His parents had lived through Grindelwald, he grew up hearing stories of how the light had defeated such a dark man.

His hero, Albus Dumbledore, had been the one to suggest he become an Auror during a detention that he served with the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Little teenage Shaklebolt had been caught using magic on another student, a sixth year Ravenclaw who was hexing a first year. Of course, Kingsley was caught by the caretaker and had been the only one with his wand out so he was the only

student that received punishment. Pringle, the sadistic old man, had practically begged Headmaster Dippet to put Kingsley in the chains, but the headmaster had left punishment up to his head of house. Luckily that was Professor Dumbledore, who decided Kingsley would help tutor the first years with their defensive spells for two weeks.

It was during that time that his idol had noticed the drive to protect and defend the weak. The final day of detention, the professor had pulled Kingsley aside and suggested he become an auror. "The ministry would do well with a courageous spirit like yours. I have a feeling you'll be able to do so many great things for the greater good." Dumbledore's voice was confident and Kingsley flushed with pride.

The fact that his hero suggested he follow one of his most dearest dreams gave Kingsley all the motivation to venture down the career path. Becoming prefect when Dumbledore became headmaster and then eventually head boy were just two more things that proved Kingsley would excell. It was a moment in fourteen year old Kingsley's third year that he didn't think he'd ever forget.

The pair arrived at the office ten minutes before their scheduled arrival time. Kingsley nodded to Crouch's assistant, their friend Marlene McKinnon. The three went to Hogwarts together and Marlene had even been in the same house as Kingsley.

"Marley, we are here as the yank's greeting party." Caradoc's bitter voice made the other two laugh.

The blonde shook her head, letting out a small giggle as she tapped her wand to the magical intercom. "Mr. Crouch, the aurors are here for the MACUSA representative." Her voice was soothing and entirely professional, not at all like the wild Marlene who would flash everyone the moment she passed five drinks. Kingsley had many memories of debauchery with the blonde. It never ceased to amaze him how much things had changed, and would continue to change, since they left school three years ago.

"Have them seated, McKinnon. The arrival time of the portkey isn't until after one. Minister Jenkins will arrive shortly before. They can wait out there." The no nonsense voice of Barty Crouch spoke sharply through the speaker. Marlene looked up at her friends and gave an apologetic smile.

Caradoc was furious. "Are you bloody," he began a tirade but Kingsley silenced his friend and summoned the wand from his robes. Giving his friend a stern look, he steered them towards the plush couch next to Marlene's desk.

"Thanks, Marley. You're still coming to dinner Saturday? Gideon was asking." Kingsley gave his friend a knowing look and smirked when he saw the blush tinge her cheeks pink. She could only nod before returning back to the paperwork on her desk. Kingsley chuckled as he and Caradoc sat on the couch.

"Look, I will be more than happy to remove the spell as long as you promise there will be no more whinging. Its getting old, mate." Kingsley smiled in satisfaction as his friend begrudgingly nodded. Satisfied with the surrender, Kingsley waved his wand. "However, you're not getting your wand back until all of this is over. I dont want to deal with it." Caradoc huffed and silently cursed under his breath and grumbled about how the day was one of the worst he'd had in a while.

Kingsley just chuckled and walked over to the bookshelf across the room to see if there was anything else he could do to occupy his time for the next two hours. Caradoc, never one to have idle hands, already had a deck of muggle playing cards in his hands. Kingsley knew he kept them in his robes to distract himself when he had to wait.

As he moved his hands across the shelves, he spotted a book nestled around many books about foreign governments. The book was titled 'MACUSA, The Magical Congress of the United States of America: A brief history'. Brief didn't seem to accurately describe the thick tome. He made his way back to the couch and immersed himself in the book. At least he would feel a little prepared for the arrival of the auror.

Kingsley was so engrossed in the history of the unfamiliar country that he didn't notice the presence of the Minister for Magic until Caradoc elbowed him in the ribs. The men jumped up off the couch, greeting their minister with polite hellos and attempted to make themselves not look as if they'd been waiting entirely too long.

"Gentlemen, you are two of the Aurors Alastor Moody recommended for the job, correct?" Eugenia Jenkins has a voice that demanded to be heard. Although she asked a question, they knew it a verbal answer wasn't required. They nodded in confirmation and she let herself into Crouch's office. The young aurors quickly followed her.

"Ah, Eugenia, looking lovely as always." Crouch, while usually a stern wizard who showed no emotion other than irritation, seemed to be quite the opposite when the minister was around. Caradoc raised an eyebrow at Kingsley, who just shook his head an shrugged his shoulders. Neither knew exactly why their boss acted so differently. It didn't even appear as if the minister was happy about his compliment.

"Lets get down to business. Alastor you said this team will be headed by the MACUSA auror, under your guidance, correct?" Eugenia opened her folder to check the case notes.

Caradoc and Kingsley stood in the back of the room, each guarding a side of the enterance/exit as they were taught. Both of them knew they were to be seen and not heard in this type of scenario.

Moody was standing near the window beside Crouch's desk. He nodded to his boss and turned to completely face her. "Aye, M. Kowalski was the name they gave us. Judging by their arrest rate and their scores from school and the multitude of recommendations, as well as the one from President Piquery herself, I believe he can handle the job." His voice was confident and Jenkins nodded, eager to get out of the office and away from Crouch. It seemed he never quite got over the crush he had during their days at Hogwarts, even if she did go on one date with him during their fifth year.

"The auror should be arriving any," before Crouch could finish his sentence the intercom on his desk spoke.

"The MACUSA liason is here sir. Do you want me to," Marlene's voice was cut off as the minister flicked her wand to open the door and allow the auror inside the office.

The room was so silent Kingsley could swear he heard Caradoc's heart beating only a few feet away.

"Right, miss, would you be so kind as to tell us when Kowalski will be arriving? I didn't know he'd be bringing an assistant but I suppose that is fine." Crouch stood from his desk, trying to look behind the short woman who stood in the doorway.

Kingsley thought the poor woman looked overwhelmed, as if she didn't want to be there. She was short, probably only coming just under his collar bones. He had to be at least ten inches taller than her, maybe a foot? He couldn't tell. Her frame wasn't like many women he saw. She was fit, of course, but she had calves almost as big as his, if not the same size. Her hips were wide for her short stature, and her waist much smaller that Kingsley wanted to run his hands along the sides and... he stopped himself before he finished the thought. He could see the muscle she was hiding beneath the tight blazer and pants suit she was wearing. Her face was framed with caramel colored curls that fell to her waist and looked as if she'd been flying recently given the wild way her curls set. His first thought was that she looked uneasy at the occupants in the office, his second was that she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever heard. She was fidgeting with something in her hands and when she flipped the book over his eyes caught the title and he felt his mouth go dry and his stomach drop. He quickly snapped his head forward, trying not to focus on why she had such a book in her possession.

Caradoc glanced over and nodded appreciatively at her figure, staring at the woman's body and clearly liking what he saw. But it didn't take much to get his attention, he was attracted to most people. He didn't even notice the book in her hands.

The woman opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Moody. "We didn't agree on anyone other than Kowalski coming, what nonsense is this?" It appeared as if his temper was rising and Caradoc knew that if he was sitting in his desk chair, it would flash bright angry red.

Opening her mouth to speak again, it appeared as if she was having trouble breathing properly. He face looked slightly paler and any words she was trying to say were silenced once more by the minister.

"That is quite alright, Alastor, I am sure she is just here to ensure the smooth transition of their auror. You know how emotional Americans can be." The other men in the office laughed at their boss's joke, while the woman in the doorway kept her face blank, but Kingsley could see her eyes narrow slightly and her hair frizz a little more, as if it was moving on its own without any wind.

Caradoc felt the tension in the air rise and was unsure whether or not his bosses also felt it. He doubted it with the way they were carrying on. He was raised by a single mum and a slew of aunts each with a temper worst than the last, he knew when a witch was about ready to hex his bollocks off.

"I am Magdalena Kowalski." Her voice, unlike her size, was cold and cut through the laugher in the office. The officials in the office stared in disbelief. No one spoke for a few heart beats. Caradoc appreciated her accent. He had met a handful of Americans and each had a different dialect and they all fascinated him immensely.

"Right, well welcome to Britain and the Ministry for Magic, my dear. Auror Moody and Mr. Crouch will be assisting you. I am Minister Jenkins and have an appointment I am afraid I cannot miss. Please, make yourself at home. I look forward to working with you." The sentence was cold and full of a tone only a politician would think was welcoming. She smiled a sickeningly sweet smile down at Kowalski and waited for the younger woman to move.

Kowalski stood in the doorway, arms clutching her case file to her chest and took a couple of deep breaths. "And I look forward to being an asset to your ministry in an effort to extinguish your dark wizard problems." The smile on Kowalski's face was faker than the older woman's. Each woman stared at the other, smiles matching and eyes unblinking. It was a battle for power and respect, one that both women were all too familiar with and were used to only using on men.

Kingsley and Caradoc snorted at the American's statement. Both because of her accent and the balls she had to make such a remark to the minister. Kingsley caught Caradoc's eye and the two had to hold back even more laughter.

The poor attempt at covering their laughed caused all three of their bosses to glare at both of them. Kingsley tried to regain a neutral face but it appeared Caradoc had given up hope and was just biting his bottom lip in an attempt to not make any more noises.

Once the attention was off of her for a moment, Kowalski stepped fully into the office, walking straight past Jenkins and faced Moody and Crouch. "It appears there has been a misunderstanding between our two governments. Was there an error in the files we sent over? I was sure they spelt my name correctly. I mean, some people have a hard time with it, because of my Polish grandfather's last name and my Portuguese grandmother's first name. It is pretty much how it sounds, but often people place an e instead of an a. But I forgive them. I hardly thought it would cause this much of a confusion." Magdalena Kowalski commanded the attention of the entire room as she spoke. The four men didn't even notice when their minister left the room, as they all had their eyes and ears trained on the short newcomer.

Crouch was the first to say something after clearing his throat. "Yes, well if there was an error it is no problem and we understand. People make mistakes, especially the young lads here that do our paperwork." Crouch tried to force a chuckle to ease the uncomfortable tension that the room occupants were suffocating under.

Kowalski just raised an eyebrow at the older man, not even bothering with a response. Moody clucked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and everyone's attention shifted to him. "He told us you were a man. No ones fault but his." He gestured with his thumb to the man sitting behind the desk. Alastor Moody was many things, but a bullshitting liar wasn't one of them. He hated Crouch enough, there wasn't any way the bastard was going to bring him down as well.

Caradoc couldn't handle it any longer and let out a laugh that he tried to cover as a coughing fit. Crouch narrowed his eyes at him and Caradoc muttered out a quick apology and directed his eyes to the ground. Kingsley had a smirk on his face that highlighted his cheekbones.

Maggie turned and gave Caradoc a smile, winking at him. The foreigner refocused her attention on the men in front of her. "Be that as it may, I am the auror with the qualifications you requested." Her voice, no longer quite as sickly sweet as before, didn't hold much warmth to it. Her attention was focused entirely on Moody and it appeared as if she was ignoring Crouch all together.

"And then she says 'I am the auror you requested.' It was the best moment of my life!" Caradoc was sitting on the edge of his desk, happily recounting the events of Crouch's office for Hestia Jones and Benjy Fenwick. Kingsley was at his own desk, not bother to join his friends in the latest gossip. Kowalski hadn't even been in the building for three hours and everywhere he turned it seems as if someone else was talking about her. As much as he admired her figure and her guts, especially the way she commanded a room and put his bosses in check, he was starting to get annoyed by the way Caradoc was gushing over her. He knew his friend was attracted to anything with two legs and a hole, but the hero-worship was driving Kingsley mad. He scribbled angrily as he filled out the paperwork from Moody's arrest last week.

The other three burst into laughter, not quite believing that someone had stood up to the minister, Crouch, and Moody all in one afternoon and lived to tell the tale.

Kingsley was about to comment that they should finish their paperwork so the day could end when he heard another voice do it for him.

"I believe what I said was that I am the auror with the qualifications you requested." The American accent came from the doorway and the other occupants turned to see the smirking form of Magdalena Kowalski. "Hello, I am Maggie Kowalski." Maggie walked over and shook the hands of the aurors she had yet to be introduced to.

"Hestia Jones. He is Benjy Fenwick. I suppose you're our new boss now." Hestia smiled at Maggie in a way that made Maggie instantly like the auror. Some people just had that ability and Hestia had it tenfold. Benjy muttered an embarrassed hello. Maggie didn't have to be a legilimen to feel the nerves radiating off of him or hear his frantic thoughts. He was worried about the first impression he was making and it seemed he was spiraling and making it worse. He was the youngest of the four now five aurors and barely made it out of training. He tugged at Maggie's heartstrings but she knew he would be able to do the job when it came down to it, Moody wouldn't have put him on the team if he couldn't.

Maggie could tell all four aurors felt put out for being separated from the others and stuck with desk duty. None of them seemed to be aware they were all handpicked from Moody to set up the team they believed would help take in many violent and dangerous wizards. "So it seems," Maggie turned to walk towards the desk that faced the rest of the room.

Caradoc frowned as she moved to take a seat. That desk had previously been Moody's and he hadn't realized that Moody would no longer be utilizing the desk. "Wait!" Caradoc screamed before Maggie could take a seat. Everyone else laughed at their friend's shout and Maggie simply raised an eyebrow, eyeing him as she lowered herself onto the chair.

'She is going to hate me.' Caradoc's thoughts could be heard across the room, and she had to block out the rest of the thoughts. Normally she could handle being in a room with others as long as she was away from them. Most of the aurors back in America knew to either take the daily potion or practice even rudimentary occlumency around Maggie to avoid any social mishaps. The British, however, would be kept in the dark about her abilities or the entire assignment would be ruined. It also seemed that, unlike her American coworkers, the British thought more than they spoke. Instead of voicing what was on their minds, they thought it and it caused Maggie to be slightly overwhelmed. Having dealt with people who seldom held their tongues and usually ended up saying the first thing to come to mind, it was a difference she knew she would have to adjust to. Daily meditation and occlumency would need to practiced.

Maggie rolled her eye, knowing the effect the chair was suppose to have based on her mood. She watched as everyone waited with bated breathe. Not even bothering to look at the chair, she spoke. "And what does orange mean, Mr. Dearborn?" Maggie channeled her inner Wilkins as she did in Crouch's office.

The room fell into silence and Maggie felt smothered by the nervous energy. The other aurors felt as if they were back at Hogwarts and were about to lose house points over a prank gone wrong.

Benjy quickly moved towards his desk, nearly stumbling over his own feet, and burried his head in paperwork to avoid answering and having to face Maggie. He knew it wasn't his fault and didn't even know the answer to the question. Hestia found the entire situation funny but she copied Benjy's movements slightly more gracefully than he did. Even if she did know the answer, after all it was her mood rings that gave Caradoc the idea in the first place, the question wasn't directed at her so she didn't feel the direct ire of their boss. Not to mention, they did have to finish the paperwork by that afternoon and they only had an hour left.

Caradoc swallowed and opened his mouth to speak but closed it once more. He repeated the motions before rushing to his chair and turning his gaze to the paperwork on his desk. He was intimidated by the American and was anxious to get out from under her scrutinizing gaze. Surely she wouldn't yell at him if he were busy working?

Maggie rolled her eyes, trying to foster as much of a 'bitch in charge attitude' as she could so that the other people, people she was in charge of and responsible for, would have some semblance of respect for her authority. It was clear that the higher ups in the ministry would feel nothing but disdain for her. It hurt Maggie more than she would admit. She didn't even want the case at first but now that she had it and was treated like yesterday's trash, she had half a mind to turn the book back into a (highly illegal) portkey and just go back home. But that would be failure of the worst sort; failure because she didn't try.

A booming voice full of bass and indifference broke the silence and caused chills to form down Maggie's spine. "Orange means eager, or excited to try something. Maybe even a bit devilish or brave." Kingsley's unexpected response carried across the room. He took his eyes off his paperwork long enough to answer her question and found himself stuck starting at her.

Maggie's eyes snapped to his and he met her gaze. She bit her lip, a little unsure how to respond so she simply nodded her head. "Thank you, Shaklebolt." Maggie couldn't hold his stare any longer and turned her attention to the new desk. She began to pull things out of her bag, enhanced with an undetectable extension charm, to make it more comfortable. She had a picture of her parents and grandparents. Her heart stung a little at the fact that they weren't able to meet her before the portkey swept her away. Maggie blinked back tears, it wasn't as if she'd never see them again. Placing a framed picture of the day she and Sheila were accepted into auror training, Maggie smiled at the memory.

A few more pictures and a cup of no-maj pens and pencils, as well as a cup of self-inking quills, and her desk was complete. Maggie pulled out a few of her case files and sorted them into a drawer. While the real assignment didn't exactly have its own file, it was too dangerous to have any paper trail of information related to it, Maggie had a folder of everyone involved, from the occupants of the room to Moody and Crouch and even Minister Jenkins. Whether they knew it or not, Maggie quite the collection of knowledge of her new coworkers backgrounds.

She wrote her thoughts down about the minister in her file, and just put a big x over Crouch's picture in his file, Moody's got a big question mark on his, and she didn't have much of an opinion about the others yet to add to their files.

For a while nothing could be heard except the scratching of quills against parchment. As the hour turned from four to five, Maggie stood from her desk. Caradoc jumped from his, eager to leave the stuffy room. Benjy and Hestia copied his movements, gathering their belongings to take home for the night. Kingsley was the last to rise. He was pulling on his robes when Maggie spoke.

"Dearborn, Shaklebolt, Auror Moody told me you two would be able to show me to my new apartment. He said it was next to yours?" Kingsley gave her a stiff nod and Caradoc gave a nervous chuckle.

"Sure is, boss. I can aparate you there. Once you're able to secure the wards on your flat, you can aparate directly in but you won't be able to unless its side-along until then." Caradoc rushed his words and Maggie had to hold back a giggle. She nodded and the five aurors made their way out of the office and to the ministry's apparation point. The apartment complex, or flat complex as Caradoc said, was not too far from the ministry and housed mostly younger ministry workers. It was owned by the ministry and everyone lived there for free, as part of their ministry contract. It was mainly used for ministry guests who would need to stay more than a few nights, and short to long term foreign government contracts. Due to that fact, the building had incredibly strong wards and no one was allowed in unless side along apoarated by a resident or floo access. Most floo networks were closed or local networks, with the penthouse flats connected directly to the ministry for use by foreign diplomats or other distinguished guests. Living at the complex wasn't required for any ministry official, as most people with families decided to move to their own homes; however most workers, aurors especially, appreciated not only the safety, but also the convenience and practicality of the building.

Maggie was grateful for the accommodations and felt at ease knowing she would be living near people she knew... or rather would know in the future as she worked with them

"I won't be home until later, Caradoc." Caradoc nodded at Kingsley's statement, a smirk growing on his face. The two were walking a few feet in front of Maggie but she could hear them clearly over the clack of her heels against the marble floor. Benjy and Hestia chose to floo out the building but she knew that was entirely because of nerves and not preference.

"Let me guess, Charity?" Caradoc teased his friend and gave him a small shove. Kingsley let out a small laugh and shook his head. He was much more relaxed than he was in the office, Maggie noticed.

"No, she gave up on us last week. I told her I couldn't commit to a full on relationship, not with how busy both our careers are. She just got promoted and is working with Gideon and Fabian's brother in law. What's his name? Andrew? Arnold? Willie? Oh bloody hell he's a Weasley, that much I do know. He was a Gryffindor a few years above us I believe." Kingsley gave another booming laugh, in which Caradoc joined him.

"Didn't your mother make you memorize the 'sacred twenty-eight', since you are one of the most noble houses to receive such an honor?" Caradoc teased his friend.

Maggie's face scrunched in confusion. There weren't any wizarding internationally recognized nobility, British or otherwise, that she was aware of. While she knew some no-maj still adhered to some form of monarchy, even Britain had the governing body of parliament to make some semblance of democracy. Perhaps it was the American in her, but the idea of wizards monarchies left a bad taste in her mouth.

Not able to help herself, Maggie quicker her steps to match their pace. They hardly noticed her presence at their side until she spoke. "I was under the impression that there weren't any monarchies in Europe, and the last ones are dying out in tribes in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some parts of India have something similar to the no-maj here, but I didn't think Great Britain had any." Maggie knew that, many years ago, there used to be some form of monarchy in which the leaders were usually born into positions of power, but in those countries there were often many changes in power, through battle and coups, that one or two generations never lived long enough to form a dynasty.

Kingsley rolled his eyes and shook his head while Caradoc barked out a laugh. "Its not actual nobility, not like the muggles have anyhow." He smacked Caradoc on the back of his head, trying to stop his friends laughter. Both wizards were wondering what the hell a no-maj was.

Maggie was even more confused by his explanation.

Kingsley sighed as he saw the look on her face and pinched his nose while rubbing his eyes. He did not want to be the one to explain to her the archaic notion of the so called sacred twenty eight. "Look, its all a bloody cock up based off some long dead wizards pompous ideas on blood purity. Its based off a book written like twenty years ago. Its basically a genealogy of every pure blood family that has a magical lineage with no muggle blood. While some families had half bloods in them, its a list of twenty eight families with strictly magical blood... most families on the list use it to make themselves feel superior to other families. A few on the list have even resorted to marrying cousins to avoid the chance of having any muggle blood mixed into their family tree, regardless if its magical from a muggleborn or half-blood." Kingsley hated the idea of being associated with such a list, and by that list be further associated with wizards like the Black's, or Lestranges. Even the Malfoys weren't nearly as bad as those two families.

Maggie gasped and held a hand over her mouth in shock. She even stopped walking, causing the other two to stop along side her. Bile rose in her stomach and she had to steady her breathing. Memories of school came back; the teasing and hexes from older students about the fact that her grandmother married a no-maj. Refusing to let tears fall, Maggie met Kingsley's confused eyes. "That is bullshit." Her voice was cold and unyielding.

Caradoc nodded and placed hand on her arm, sensing she needed physical touch for comfort. His hand shattered her cold exterior and she smiled gratefully. Kingsley just looked at her, clearly confused at her reaction.

"My grandfather, whose name I carry, is a no-maj. In America, blood purity isn't that big of a deal, there are some witches and wizards born without a magical parent. However, relations between a witch or wizard with a no-maj is highly discouraged and used to be illegal. Witches used to be burned at the stake by no-maj only a hundred years or so ago. The statue of secrecy is strictly enforced and there have only been ten magical to no-maj marriages in the last three decades, one of them being my grandparents. In school, they used to tease me about it." Maggie explained and appreciated the looks of outrage from the two men.

Caradoc was furious, mumbling nonsense about muggles and the cruelty of young witches and wizards. Kingsley's face was lit up in a confused smile. "No-maj? Is that a muggle?"

They resumed walking, Caradoc's steps guiding them towards the doors that would allow them access to muggle London. He ignored the sympathy that rose in his gut at Maggie's heartbreaking confession. He knew she probably didn't want their sympathy so he tried to switch the subject.

Maggie laughed and shrugged her shoulders. "It is. Uncle Newt still says muggle, even after all this time and it never fails to make me laugh. Its such a funny word."

Kingsley frowned at her statement. "Funnier than no-maj? That just sounds lazy like you can't even be bothered to say non-magical or no magic. Americans." Kingsley said offhandedly, not the least bit empathetic at how his comments may have come across.

Maggie tried to hold her temper at Kingsley's bigoted statement. She quickened her pace to leave him behind her.

Once they reached the aparation point, Caradoc stopped walking. Grabbing Caradoc's arm, Maggie turned towards the man who was more than starting to infuriate her.

"I will see you tomorrow at eight. Don't be late. Caradoc, let's go." Kingsley nodded once and aparated to whatever witch he would be bedding that night.

Caradoc, sensing the anger from his boss, swallowed as he submitted to her and aparated them across London to their building.

They landed in a wide hallway, outfitted with warm blue walls and soft white carpet. "Well, this is home." Caradoc removed his arm from hers and gestured to a door.

Maggie noticed a black number on it, seventy nine. She turned to smile at Caradoc, who gestured to the door down the hall. In the hallway there were only four doors. Hers, the one across from hers, and two on opposite ends of the rectangular hallway.

"Kings and I are in 80, Gideon and Fabian Prewett are across you in 78, and 77 has been empty all summer. We think the old wizard who lived there died but no one has moved in." He shrugged after his explanation and started walking down towards his door. "See you tomorrow, boss." He gave her a toothy smile and she nodded and gave him a small one in return.

Taking a deep breath, she twisted the doorknob to open and walked into the room. The feeling of magic washed over her and she could feel the room, and by extent building, recognize her magical signature and wrap around it.