Chapter 28

Morgan leant against the hood of one of the cars, basking in the warm, lowering sunlight. He felt calm and easy. This was the peace that usually followed cases for him. It was a strange moment of tranquility where, for a brief second, the battle was over and it almost seemed as if nothing bad would happen again. This was a lie. Soon they would return to Virginia, perhaps get some sleep if luck was on their side, then they would go back to work. Just like that. When one tear had been sewn up, another seam would burst elsewhere. That was life. Well, Morgan reflected, that was his life. But that was okay. And for a time, he allowed himself to be at peace. He watched as his colleagues conversed with the people they had met. They had to leave very soon, but this wasn't goodbye, the agent was sure. Perhaps one day their paths would cross again, hopefully under happier circumstances.

Morgan saw Poppy, the last to leave the morgue, walk towards him with a huge grin spread across her face.

"Somebody looks happy," Morgan smiled.

"I have a date with a Muggle doctor," Poppy said triumphantly.

Morgan laughed. Of course that had happened.

"And here's me thinking I had a chance," he joked.

"You'll always have a special place in my heart," Poppy teased back.

Morgan chuckled again and then, more seriously, motioned her in for a hug.

"Stay in touch, Witch Doctor," he said quietly.

"I will," she replied, "You stay safe."

Rossi stood beside Minerva, his hands in his pockets. His eyes were squinting in the sun, although he suspected he was using it as an excuse not to have to look directly at the witch. Neither of them had mentioned the events at the house.

"I suppose," Rossi began slowly, "that I should thank you for saving my life."

Minerva shrugged, not one to take praise well.

"You probably wouldn't have died," she said gruffly, "You had a vest on and all that."

Rossi smirked.

"Probably," he nodded, "But I thank you all the same."

Minerva inclined her head forwards, as a small, unwilling acceptance of his thanks. She had only done what any person would have done. They had been allies, and Minerva looked after her own. The two parted ways without another word. There was nothing else that needed to be said.

Indira was talking animately to Reid and J.J. The witch had grown rather fond of the strange but brilliant young man, and she regretted that she would not get to know her one time partner in detection better on this occasion.

"You must both come and visit if you're in the area again," Indira insisted, "Dr Reid, I'm sure our librarian would be more than happy to accommodate you. And Agent Jareau, it would be nice to show you the magical district when we both have less on our shoulders."

Reid agreed enthusiastically.

"There's still so much I want to know," he said, "I hope you appreciate just how extraordinary you all are."

"I hope you appreciate that in regards to yourself," Indira smiled.

J.J. simply smiled, the expression seeming to confirm her agreement as well. It had been a difficult few days, but the only way was forward.

Robert shook Hotch's hand firmly.

"Thank you for everything that you've done," the wizard said.

Hotch gave a small, professional smile.

"It's what we're here for," he responded.

Robert knew this. He imagined Hotch felt similarly to how he did when parents insisted on showering him with praise for teaching their children; that was his job, it was what he was there to do. Robert had given thanks, however, because it was the type of work that Hotch had to do that astounded him.

"Do you ever leave your work?" Robert asked suddenly, his curiosity getting the better of him, "Can you step outside of it at all?"

It seemed to him that all that darkness would be difficult to shake. Hotch smiled again, this time smaller still but with more honesty.

"That's a deep question for this stage of the day," the agent joked, "But I can tell you this: I will go home to my son, we'll make dinner, talk about school and maybe play a game before bedtime. And that will be enough to make it worthwhile."

Rolanda wrapped Garcia in a strangling hug, whilst Septima watched on and laughed.

"If you suffocate her, Rolanda," the later said, "the chances of seeing her again decrease significantly."

Rolanda released her reluctantly.

"I'm going to miss you, Penelope," she said with a whine in her voice, "Oh the fun we could have had!"

Garcia pouted her lips and gave the Quidditch mistress another hug, one that was equally bone crushing.

"We're gonna have some fun, don't worry," she insisted, "When I'm next in England, or if you ever make it to Virginia, you kids call me up and the town won't know what hit it!"

She went on to Septima, who was not usually one to allow hugs. However the witch was smiling as the colourful agent gave her one last squeeze. It was funny, really, how you could go through life with some people and never know them. But others one could know for a matter of days, and still be confident that they would be friends from then on.

Indira had moved over to farewell Prentiss. The younger woman met her with a smile and was given a hug in return.

"What was that for?" Prentiss asked, surprised but smiling.

"For understanding," Indira said simply.

Both knew to what she was referring. Emily shook her head.

"I've been the outsider before," she said, "Let's just say that I get it."

The last goodbyes were said and the BAU departed in their black cars, headed for the airport. As the final vehicle turned from sight, the world was as it had been, as if the two different worlds had never even touched. But they had, most definitely, Robert reflected, as the sun hung low in the sky. Things would be different now. Indira walked over to his side and wrapped an arm around his waist, so naturally that she could have been doing it all her life. He noted it with a jolt in his stomach and then, with a smile of contentment, draped his arm over her shoulder, pulling her closer. Things would be different now, but maybe that was okay.