Author's notes: Thanks to the wonderful IMissPadfoot (UserID:1133633) for beta'ing for me.
Additional thanks to Hannah Loves Lupin, Indeffinate and Disco Inferno1 for you wonderful reviews. I really appreciate the support, and I'm glad y'all are enjoying the story.
Chapter Eleven: Family Bonds
The following morning, Morrigan awoke in a cheery mood. The change of scenery the previous night, and the comments made by Hagrid, had been playing on her mind, and Morrigan had decided it was high time to set a few things straight.
The raven-haired witch now knew that she wanted to accept her later Grandmother's house, and make a new start in Britain. As beautiful as Florence was, it had never really felt like home to Morrigan, and she'd always enjoyed her visits to Ireland much more.
In addition, Morrigan knew that some time away from her family, and the chance to discover who she really was, without the shadow of Lilith's death or Sean's presence hanging over her, could only be a good thing.
However, that wasn't to say she was prepared to give up on her family altogether. After Mary's death, and her heart to heart with Sean a few days previously, Morrigan had begun to realize how important her relatives were to her, and despite wanting to find her own way in life, she still loved them dearly.
Therefore, after a hearty breakfast, Morrigan Apparated to her Grandmother's house, which was where her family had been staying for the duration of their trip to Britain.
Conner, Isabella, Sean and Felicia were all packing, as Morrigan entered the old house, which had once been her grandmother's, and was now hers.
The last time Morrigan had been here was four years ago, and Mary had still been in good health. Back then, the house was regal, and mysterious, having three storeys of large rooms, in which Morrigan loved to explore.
Now, however, the house was run down and derelict. The only surviving evidence of its former beauty being the smell of sage so strongly associated with Mary herself.
As Morrigan entered the large double-parlour sitting room, where her mother was packing up, Isabella O'Brien turned her head to the doorway.
"Morrie," said the mother, upon seeing her daughter. "I'm so glad you're here."
Isabella's chocolate coloured eyes gleamed with tears, as her eldest daughter approached. Without preamble, Morrigan hugged her mother close to her.
"Madre," the young witch sighed, slipping into her mother's native Italian. "I'm so sorry for everything. I'm sorry about Lilith and Nonna. I'm sorry Sean and I spent so many years hating each other. Madre, sono spiacente."
"Sia calmo, bambino," Isabella comforted her daughter in Italian. "None of that matters any more, baby. I just want you to be happy. I spoke to Sean, and he told me everything you said. You've got to stop blaming yourself for Lilith's death, because it wasn't your fault and none of us blame you."
"I know that now, Mama. I know," sighed Morrigan, leaning close into her mother's comforting embrace.
"What happened to Lilith was a tragic accident, and nothing more. How were any of us meant to know what that potion would do? You and Lilith were always making potions with your grandmother, and nothing ever became of it. Mostly, you just managed to turn your hair bright colours," Isabella laughed, remembering the mischief her precious twins used to get themselves into.
"But we were too young to be using magic, and I should have never dared Lilith to drink the potion. Grams warned us about taking potions before she'd tested them herself," protested Morrigan.
"Morrigan, children are often inquisitive. You cannot continue to blame yourself for something that wasn't your fault," insisted Isabella. "I lost a child, but I don't blame you for that, and you shouldn't either."
"I'm trying, Mama, I really am," sighed Morrigan, tears slipping down her cheeks. "You know Sean came to see me a few days ago? We talked a lot about what happened, and we've promised to try and work things out."
"That's wonderful, baby," replied Isabella, wiping the tears from her daughter's face. "When we all get home, maybe you and Sean can start trying to rebuild your relationship."
Morrigan hesitated, and pulled back from her mother's embrace slightly. Looking directly into the chocolate brown eyes, the younger woman spoke, "Erm, Mama, there's something I need to tell you. I read the letter Grams left me in her will, and well, I've decided I'm staying here. I'm going to refurbish the house, and live in it."
Isabella smiled knowingly, as though her daughter's announcement to stay in England wasn't really a surprise. "I thought you'd say that, and I support your decision," she assured warmly.
"You don't mind then?" questioned Morrigan, and when her mother nodded, she continued. "Thank you, Mama. Your acceptance means everything to me. Do you think Papa will understand too? And how about Felicia? I hope they'll be ok with this, because I feel it's something I really have to do."
"I'm sure everyone will understand," reassured Isabella warmly. "You're an adult now, Morrigan, and you're free to live life how you choose. That doesn't mean we aren't going to miss you greatly though, so you have to promise to write every week, and visit us as often as you can. No matter what happens here, and what kind of a life you make for yourself, I want you to know, you'll always have a home in Italy with your father and I."
"I know, Mama, and I appreciate that. I promise things will be different now though. Even though I won't be living with you any more, I'll make more of an effort to stay in touch. Everything that's happened recently has made me realize how important family is, and I don't want to lose those bonds," insisted Morrigan, embracing her mother again.
"And we'll all try too, baby. I know, how about we all stay here for a few more days? Maybe together, we could start fixing the house up?" suggested Isabella.
"I'd like that," replied Morrigan, with a happy smile. "And I know Grams and Lilith would have liked it too."
Isabella nodded, and embraced her daughter one more time. Then, the two women headed into the kitchen to prepare the family meal together.
In no time at all, home made spaghetti bolognese was bubbling on the stove, garlic bread was baking in the oven, and a tiramisu was setting on the counter.
As Morrigan prepared a fresh green salad, her sister Felicia appeared in the kitchen.
"Morrigan, you've come back," the younger sister exclaimed, rushing over to the raven-haired witch and embracing her.
"Yes, 'Licia, I realized it was time we all stopped fighting, and started being a real family again," replied Morrigan, kissing her younger sister on the forehead.
"Does that mean you're coming home with us too?" asked Felicia eagerly.
"Sadly, no," answered Morrigan. "I've decided to stop in Gram's house, do it up and make it my own. You know I was always happier here, 'Licia. But the good news is Mama said you are staying for a few more days to help me re-decorate and stuff. Plus, once the house is all restored, you'll have somewhere to stay during the school holidays."
"Well, I suppose if I get the bigger room because you won't be at home, and I have somewhere to escape to when Sean gets annoying, then you living here is ok by me," grinned Felicia, helping her sister to prepare the salad.
Finally, the whole family sat down to eat, for their first proper meal together in years. In the past, because of work, school and the differences between the siblings, they hadn't dined together very often, usually wanting to do their own thing at meal times. However, now that the O'Brien family had realized just how short life was, they wanted to make the most of every second they had together.
Dinner was a noisy affair, with everyone chatting over their meal; mostly about ideas of what Morrigan could do to the house now that it was hers.
"You could turn the top storey into a study and library," suggested Sean, showing he'd finally accepted his sister had no part in the past, and that he supported her move to Britain.
The only person who seemed unusually quiet through out the meal, was Connor, and Morrigan knew her father was worried about her decision to stay behind when the rest of the family left at the end of the week.
As Sean and Felicia went to wash up the dishes after dinner, and their mother prepared desert, Morrigan stayed at the table, hoping to have a quiet word with her father.
"Papa, I'll be ok, you know," she said softly, coming to sit next to him.
"I know you will, Morrigan, you were always the independent one of the family," sighed Connor. "I just can't help but worry. You're my little girl, and it's hard for me to believe you're all grown up now."
"I understand, Papa. But remember, just because I'm moving away doesn't mean I don't need you or that I don't love you," assured Morrigan. "Because I do love you."
"I love you too, Storm Crow," replied Connor, using the nickname Mary had so frequently called Morrigan. As he did, the strong scent of sage was apparent, and they both knew Mary was looking down on them and approving of what had happened.