A Land Without Magic

by Model Builder

Two years after the abrupt defeat of You-Know-Who in the UK, the American Wizarding Community's sense of complacency was shattered by an event known as the 10/22/83 Maine Incursion. Who are the Invaders from the Enchanted Realms and what do they want? And will a ten-year-old muggle boy who claims to have been inside the Incursion be able to answer these and other questions?

21. Falling Dominos

Chapter 21: Falling Dominos

In the main conference room at FBS Headquarters, Director Vincent DeMarigny emerged from the pensieve after viewing Owen Flynn's memory of his father's capture by Regina Mills. Agent Hadji Quest-Singh then handed him a photograph and a drawing, and said, "We just got this photo a few minutes ago by telefax. It was taken by an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. in rural Maine just outside of the Incursion area. That large rock by the side of the road matches the one our draughtsman drew based on what he saw in Owen Flynn's memory."

But Director DeMarigny had other things on his mind. "Happy . . . . There's that word again, Agent Quest-Singh; "Happy." Regina Mills said, "I just wanted us to be . . . happy . . . ."

Director DeMarigny handed the photo and the drawing back to Hadji, and then went over to his place at the conference room table, where he picked up a folder containing a single piece of parchment. Less than a month ago, this parchment had been enchanted to detect anomalous magic that leaked through from the Enchanted Realms into our world, and provide information on it to Aurors assigned to MADS Network stations. Now, it was just a piece of parchment; the enchantments that made it a valuable piece of FBS "hardware" burned out of it by the tremendous power from the Incursion that overwhelmed the sensitive magic it once held.

Still standing, Director DeMarigny read aloud the fourteen words now indelibly seared into the parchment in his hands (and onto every piece of similarly enchanted parchment within two hundred miles of the Incursion's epicenter,) that said: "Somewhere horrible! Absolutely horrible! A place where the only happy ending... will be mine!" Anyone . . . ?"

Director DeMarigny sat at his place and then silently canvassed the three other Aurors and single muggle sitting around the table as he and his secretary, Mrs. Marilyn Matheson, patiently sitting at her steno machine, awaited a reply.

Agent Quest-Singh took his seat next to his brother, and said, "If the person who cast the spell was Regina Mills, and she did it in the pursuit of "happiness," then why go "somewhere horrible" to find it?"

Dr. Johnathan Quest said, "Listen, before I can say anything useful, I need to know more about the Enchanted Realms themselves. I understand that they are in another dimension – or rather, dimensions – in a parallel universe. But Hadji told me that that is an imprecise definition because there is more to the explanation that most people find hard to accept. So, can anyone tell me anything more, or is my FBS Security Clearance not high enough?"

"Oh, your Security Clearance Level is more than high enough, Dr. Quest," said Director DeMarigny. "But the precise nature of the Enchanted Realms is a little difficult to explain. You won't have any problem with understanding what I have to say to you. The problem you will have will be with believing what I tell you, much less accepting the implications of what I have to say."

"Director, I may not understand magic," said Dr. Quest. "But I accept that it exists. And I understand the "Many Worlds Theory of the Multiverse" as well as any scientist may claim to. I think that I can get my mind around whatever it is you have to tell me about the Enchanted Realms, no matter how difficult it might be. Besides, I'll need to know as much as possible if I am to offer any help."

Director DeMarigny shook his head. "Dr. Quest, it's not that what I have to tell you is difficult for you or anyone else to understand. It's just that what I can tell you will seem . . . outright unbelievable. Maybe even a bit disturbing. The main roadblock to understanding the nature of the Enchanted Realms is not ignorance. Rather, it is simple incredulity."

Around the conference table, Hadji and the Addams Siblings watched Dr. Quest with baited breath as he shrugged and said, "Try me, Director."

Director DeMarigny thought for a moment, and then said, "Maybe it would be better if your brother filled you in on the, uh, "details" that you will have a problem accepting. Agent Quest-Singh . . . ?"

Hadji nodded and said, "You know, Director, my brother and I have not had breakfast, yet. If you wouldn't mind calling a recess, I could take John to the cafeteria and fill him in while we eat." Hadji checked his watch. "And if we go now, we'll miss the rush for a table."

Director DeMarigny nodded, and asked everyone to be back in the Conference Room in an hour. "Besides, I want a quick word with Agents Spellman and Graymalkin before they go to pick up Owen Flynn and the Jordan and Lovegood families. I told them to come here before they went down to the cafeteria for breakfast, themselves." Both Quest brothers nodded, and left for the cafeteria.

Dr. Johnathan Quest had eaten at the FBS cafeteria before with his brother many times for lunch and even the odd dinner or two, but this was the first time that he had breakfast there, and John had to admit that they served a good one. Unlike muggle cafeterias, you did not need to stand in a line for your food. You just chose an available table, wrote what you wanted on a magic chalkboard, and seconds later – minutes at most – your order teleported to you straight from the kitchen, or even from kitchens miles away, if a specialty item was desired.

By the time the two brothers arrived, the cafeteria was starting to get crowded, and they got one of the few free tables remaining. Dr. Quest wrote eggs, hash browns and toast on his chalkboard, and they appeared almost immediately. Hadji's breakfast arrived minutes later. And for drinks, young wizards and witches in their late teens and early twenties went from table-to-table topping off cups of coffee, hot chocolate, milk, orange juice and whatever other beverage the diners requested.

John said to his brother, "Alright, Hadji. What exactly is it about the Enchanted Realms that I might have a problem accepting? I mean, I do understand the 'Many Worlds' concept, you know. I sat down here and ordered eggs and hash browns. But I almost ordered a big bowl of oatmeal. This means that, in a parallel universe, another Dr. Quest and Agent Quest-Singh are having breakfast and my counterpart is eating that oatmeal. Or cream of wheat. Or bacon, cheese and eggs on an English muffin."

"Or, maybe we are not even having this discussion because I was killed by that electric creature on that island before you and dad could rescue me when we were ten and I couldn't restart my jetpack. In that universe, you never even found out about the hidden, Wizarding World."

John nodded. "You could have used a less gruesome example, Bro. But we are definitely on the same page, as it were."

"Maybe not," said Hadji, who had yet to touch his breakfast; a savory, vegetable stew served on a plate of cast iron. "I mean, John, you're easily able to accept a parallel world where, say, The South won the Civil War, or where the Roman Empire never fell.

"But how about worlds where fictional people are actually real and real people are actually fictional."

Dr. Johnathan Quest just stared at his brother at a loss for words. After a few moments, Hadji said, "Yeah, I know that sounds a bit . . . strange. But is it really any stranger than a parallel world where the American Revolution never happened and I work for the Colonial Ministry of Magic in the UK instead of the Magical Congress of the United States of America?"

"That's . . . different . . . ," said John, but his voice betrayed doubt even as he said it.

Hadji shrugged. "Why's it "different," John? You and I both accept as a fact the idea that this conversation is taking place in a near-infinite number of parallel universes between a near-infinite number of Dr. Johnathan Quests and Agent Hadji Quest-Singhs. You and I both accept the idea that these other universes are brought into existence whenever a choice is made, creating a point of divergence."

"Yes, Hadji, we do. But accepting the existence of a near-infinite number of "us" and everyone we know in a near-infinite number of parallel worlds is one thing. Accepting the existence of a parallel universe populated by fictional character like, say, Donald Duck or Bugs Bunny is another thing, altogether."

"Again, why is it different?" persisted Hadji.

"Because unlike us, Donald Duck and Bugs Bunny are make-believe cartoon characters," said John.

"In our universe, perhaps," said Hadji. "But in an alternate universe; us being fictional characters is a very real possibility. There are other universes where we do not exist except as fictional characters."

"Like Donald Duck and Bugs Bunny." It was a statement; not a question. "Well, as you once told me, "I'm from Missouri."

Hadji paused for a moment to collect his thoughts, and said, "It may be easier for you to accept if we use real people as examples.

"As boys, we both thought that Merlin was fictional. But after I came back from my first year at Hogwarts and told you that I learned that Merlin was actually a real, historical person, you accepted that without any trouble. You also accepted the existence of King Arthur and Sir Lancelot; people who coexisted with Merlin in legend, when I told you that they, too, were real.

"And if Merlin and King Arthur were real in our universe, it stands to reason that they are also real in other universes as well – a near-infinite number of universes, as a matter of fact. But there are also a near-infinite number of universes in which they are only characters in a story."

"Hadji, that's a pretty big leap of logic. I mean, real people are real and fictional people are fictional. By definition, fictional people do not exist in the real world – the real multiverse, for that matter."

"You are forgetting about Merlin, King Arthur and Lancelot," said Hadji.

"No, I'm not. Wizardkind has kept the history of Camelot alive. Even if muggles have forgotten that Camelot was real does not mean that it did not really exist. Now, I'll admit that most muggles do not know that Merlin and Arthur were real people and that Camelot was a real place. But that does not mean that the Quest for the Holy Grail did not happen. And if the Statute of Secrecy was ever repealed, then every muggle will know that what we thought was only fiction was actually real, also.

"But the fact remains that Merlin, King Arthur and Sir Lancelot were real people who have been relegated to the world of fiction."

"In our universe, yes," Hadji patiently agreed. "But in other universes, they never existed at all. And in many of these universes, they exist only in fiction."

"But how is that possible if they were never real to begin with in those universes?" said John. "I mean, in our universe, the reality segued into legend. But without the reality, the legend would never have arisen."

"Unless someone wrote of their adventures in those universes, thinking that they were, in fact, writing a fictitious story that they came up with," said Hadji. "Look, John, Quantum Theory and the Many Worlds Theory are enough to give most people a headache when they think about it too much. You told me that, yourself.

"Well, one day a few years ago, I was discussing these concepts with other Techno-Mages who were trying to reconcile the Quantum Theory of Muggle scientists with the Natural Lore of Wizardkind in an attempt to better understand the nature of what is known as the Enchanted Realms."

John nodded. "You told me that the Enchanted Realms are the fountainhead of all magic."

"Yes. And sometimes, the magic of the Enchanted Realms "leaks through" into our world; into all so-called "non-magical" worlds, for that matter. And I don't just mean magical creatures that come through where the barrier is thin and make mischief in our world. At least some of them come here to cause mischief. In most cases, though, what we here would call mischief is what they would call a desperate attempt to return home."

John nodded. He could see where his brother was going with this train of thought. But he could also see that the train could easily be derailed. "So, you are saying that creatures that come over from the Enchanted Realms, such as leprechauns, fairies, and so on – creatures that are fictional in our world – are real in the Enchanted Realms.

"But that still does not convince me that people in our world just "came up with," say, stories about trolls and ogres, out of whole cloth. It is obvious that past encounters by muggles with such creatures provided fodder for the fictional legends. But that in worlds that have never encountered fairies and trolls, they could not have been simply "dreamt up" out of some storyteller's imagination.

"You're right," said Hadji. "They could not be simply 'dreamt up' or 'created out of whole cloth' in worlds where they never existed or even visited physically. But as you say, the idea of such creatures had to come from somewhere. And that somewhere is the Realms of Fiction which exist in other parts of the infinite multiverse. And the Enchanted Realms is such a place."

"Look, Hadji, I want to believe you. If necessary, I will take what you tell me on faith because you are my brother and I trust you and this is a serious situation. But if I can actually understand what you are telling me, I can be of better help."

"Alright, listen . . . ." Hadji paused to think, and then an idea came unbidden into his mind that he should have thought of sooner. "Alright, remember that experiment that dad showed us with the lights and the slits that demonstrated that light is both a wave and is made up of individual particles?" John nodded, and Hadji continued. "Remember how he said that the experiment was also proof of the Many Worlds theory that we both accept? And that when we set up our experiment at home in our universe, that a near infinite number of Dr. Benton Quests and his boys were doing the same thing in their own universes? He also said that it was the interaction of these many experiments that caused the light particles to land where they did when the light source in the experiment was set to release the light one photon at a time."

Again, John nodded. But this time, he also smiled. "You're saying that the experiments interacted with each other." Hadji also nodded and smiled. John continued, "And you are trying to tell me that what is true about particles of light applies to particles of thought as well."

"Yes!" said Hadji with a touch of relief. "Look, you remember that time when we were kids with our dad in Egypt and encountered the reanimated mummy of Anubis?"

John nodded. "You know, that used to give me nightmares, until you went to Hogwarts and wrote to me about the Ancient Egyptian Wizards and the curses they put on tombs to guard them."

"Sure, once we both understood the "mechanics" of what was going on; Anubis' reanimated mummy was no scarier than Dr. Zin's Robot Spy. Believe me; I started to sleep a lot easier after I understood that, too. And then I didn't lose any more sleep until just before I had to take my O.W.L.S. . . .

"Anyway, in some worlds where magic does not exist, our dad's counterpart would never have encountered Anubis' reanimated mummy. But the near-infinite number of his counterparts who did in parallel universes that interacted with our own would have had an influence on his thoughts, causing him to "know" and possibly even write a story about a reanimated mummy that to him, was pure fiction."

"My ultimate point, John," said Hadji. "Is that the Incursion from the Enchanted Realms is populated by people who in our world we would believe are fictitious. But they are very, very real. And one of them in particular – Regina Mills – is a character that we both know about from Fairy Tales and Disney movies: The Evil Queen."

"Alright . . . ," said John. "I get it. As hard as it is for me to believe, we are dealing with a person who, up until now, was fictional in our world. And she is an Evil Queen."

"No, John," said Hadji. "Not "an" Evil Queen. Regina Mills is THE Evil Queen."

"Then shouldn't her name be "Grimhilde," or something, like in the Disney movie about "Snow White?"

"In some universes, she probably is known as "Grimhilde," said Hadji nodding. "But names are ultimately a variable between the different universes; a choice that parents make when bestowing a name on their child. Remember when our dad once said that you were almost named "Jack?" But the Evil Queen we are dealing with here is named Regina Mills."

"And she is the one responsible for the Incursion," said John, a statement; not a question. Then, something else occurred to John. "Wait a minute, Hadji. If the Evil Queen is real, then I suppose Snow White and Prince Charming are real, too."

"And so is the Royal Huntsman," said Hadji nodding. "And so are the Seven Dwarves. In fact, they exist in a near infinite number of universes."

"And, I suppose, so is Donald Duck," said John raising an eyebrow. "And so is Bugs Bunny . . . ."

Hadji shook his head. "We can't afford to get sidetracked now on some of the weirder aspects of parallel universes populated by fictional characters. Maybe we can discuss the existence of cartoon characters and other fictional characters being real in other, parallel universes sometime later. But for now, we have the Incursion in Maine to worry about. And John, my superiors and I are very, very worried.

"John, according to our current understanding of the Enchanted Realms, people from these Realms of Fiction aren't just actual people; they are essentially the personification - the Avatars - of various Archetypes that exist in storytelling. And as such, they are basically "hard-wired" to think and behave in certain set ways.

"In these Realms of Fiction, the "Heroes" never lose, and the "Villains" never win; and everyone in these worlds is "Meta" enough to realize that. To them, this is as immutable as the Laws of Physics are to us. But we think that what has happened here is that this particular Avatar of the Evil Queen Archetype wants to write, or rather, rewrite, the rules so that she may achieve happiness for herself. And apparently, she thinks that she can achieve this happiness in a different venue: Our world."

"Alright, then how is that an immediate threat to us?" said John. "Why is everybody so worried? I mean, aside from the fact that she has come to our world uninvited - essentially invaded our world - from what you have just said, she isn't here to establish a colony, much less try and take-over."

"John, the Evil Queen is trying to act against her own nature by trying to craft her own happy ending. This makes her a Rogue Archetype. And Rogue Archetypes from a Realm of Fiction are highly unstable, personality-wise. They are capable of just about anything and they act before they think. And this one happens to be a very powerful witch whose own magic on a par with someone like Baron Mordo or Dr. Victor von Doom.

"Even the most powerful wizard that I have ever personally met, the Headmaster of my old school, Albus Dumbledore, would have a problem with someone like Regina Mills. And Headmaster Dumbledore clobbered the evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald back in '45; even though Grindelwald supposedly had the Elder Wand. But as you saw in the pensieve from Mr. Jordan's memory about an hour ago, Regina Mills does not even need a wand in a wizard's dual . . . ."

The two brothers finished their now cold breakfasts in silence. When they were done, John said, "Do you think that we should go back to the conference room now, or would you like to stay and get caught up?"

Hadji checked his watch. Director DeMarigny wanted everyone back in the conference room an hour after they took a recess for breakfast. Hadji said, "We still got twenty minutes before we have to be back, John. Last time we spoke, you said there is something you wanted to ask me about a coworker. Anyone in particular?"

"Well, Agent Wednesday Addams," said John. "I didn't see a ring on her finger. Do you know if she is currently . . . involved with anyone . . . ?"

"She's between boyfriends now, John," said Hadji. "But there is something that you should know about her, first."

"Don't tell me that she doesn't date muggle polymaths," said John half smiling.

"No, it isn't that, John," said Hadji. "You see, she and her brother Pugsley are the Products of True Love."

"Powerful magic, from what I understand about that," said John nodding. "I guess she must have a lot of suitors."

"Not really," said Hadji. "She and her brother date a lot, but nothing long enough to get serious."

"Ah, so she's picky."

"Not just that," said Hadji. "You see, when a person grows up as the Product of True Love, they observe the way their parents interact, and want at least the same for themselves from a spouse when they get married. But that means their standards for a potential spouse are ridiculously unrealistic.

"I've never met their parents, Gomez and Morticia Addams. But from what I hear about them, they're chronically joined at the hip like a couple of Eighth Graders in the throes of full-on puppy love. John, True Love is so rare that the chances of the Addams Siblings also finding the True Love that their parents have are about as good as both getting hit by lightning on the same day at the same time just after they both win the Irish Sweepstakes. It's the major down-side with being the Products of True Love.

"Look, Bro, I just don't want you to get your hopes up. I mean, I will introduce you if that's what you want. And if you ask her, she probably will go out with you. But if she doesn't feel "IT" when she is with you – and she probably won't because she did not feel "IT" the first time you saw each other - she won't continue with the relationship. But, it's your call, John."

"Uh, let me think about it a little, first . . . ."

The two brothers spent a few more minutes getting caught up on what their father and Mr. Bannon were up to, and another few minutes speculating about worlds where they were fictitious characters like the "Hardy Boys" are, before leaving for the conference room with only five minutes to spare. But before they got up and left, two people waiting in line for a table - Agents Spellman and Graymalkin – couldn't wait any longer, and decided to get an Egg McMuffin at McDonalds once they got to University City, Missouri, to escort Owen Flynn and the Jordan and Lovegood families back to FBS Headquarters for Owen Flynn's pensieve session.

But as Agents Spellman and Graymalkin left FBS Headquarters, two nondescript people – a man and a woman - followed them out of the cafeteria to the nearby Floo Station. And as the two individuals followed the Aurors, the man whispered, "We are fortunate that those two fools decided not to have breakfast in the cafeteria. The 'disguises' we have on will be expiring in a few more minutes."

The woman nodded solemnly, and replied, "We almost missed our one opportunity. Fortune must be smiling upon us."

"Us, and upon all of Pureblood Wizardkind," said the man nodding even as he raised their eyebrows in concern. "But your face is starting to change back! We must move now before we fully revert . . . !"

The Avanti's engine hummed as Aggie Jordan crossed over the Poplar Street Bridge from Illinois into Missouri on I-64. According to the map that Ren had made for her, she was less than 20 miles from their new home in University City, Missouri. Aggie had spent the night before in a small motel in Carlyle, Illinois, and had spoken to Ren on the phone only to find out that her husband's and children's past few days had been anything but uneventful. Ren told her about what happened to Jenny at school and how she met a boy named Owen Flynn who said that he and his father had been camping in the wilderness in Maine when the Incursion from the Enchanted Realms "landed" around them, and that Owen's father was still trapped inside – apparently being held prisoner by an evil witch.

That made Aggie shake her head in wonder. And she thought that her past couple of days had been pretty eventful, what with organizing the other muggle spouses and family members into two teams – one for sorting and loading the absolute necessities into their cars, and the other for setting up a block-wide garage sale to sell what couldn't be taken with them (and to bring in some much needed cash to help the evacuee families, who were mostly in the same boat moneywise that the Jordans were in.) But in any event, Aggie was alert and ready to return home. Their new home, that is. And Aggie took it as a good sign that she was beginning to think of University City as her new home. With any luck, Ren and especially Jenny would start thinking this as well; Ricky being young enough to "roll with the changes," as the REO Speedwagon song went.

So Aggie got up extra early, showered, and after a quick breakfast at the local Denny's, she decided to drive nonstop the rest of the way to their new home in University City, Missouri. With any luck, Aggie would get home in time to join her family and the Lovegoods when the Aurors arrived to escort them and young Owen Flynn to FBS Headquarters. Aggie told Ren the night before that she would do everything possible to get home before the FBS Aurors arrived at 7:30 am so that she would be able to join them. A quick glance at her watch told Aggie that she was less than 45 minutes from their new home; a home that would feel more like their home as soon as she got there with everything from their old home that her husband's beloved Avanti could carry . . . .

At the Jordan's home in University City, things had also gotten started early. Everyone was pretty much wide awake by 5:30 am, knowing that FBS Agents Spellman and Graymalkin would be coming at 7:30 am to escort them all to Salem, Massachusetts for Owen's memory copy session. Though Owen and Corey seemed to have slept well (as did Luna and Ricky,) the adults all looked tired. Only Jenny, who finally managed to fall asleep about an hour ago, was still in her bed. Ren decided that he would wake his daughter up around a quarter to seven, to allow her to have as much sleep as she could get. He asked Corey and Owen to keep the noise down to a dull roar, if possible.

Even though the energetic Corey Martindale was like the proverbial bull in the china shop, he did his best to comply (Jenny was now officially his girlfriend, after all.) But Owen Flynn was as excited as if this was Christmas Morning, and was anxious to open his gifts. And Ren and the Lovegoods knew that rather than visions of sugarplums dancing in his head; Owen undoubtedly imagined himself giving his father a big, welcome back hug – a hug that the adults knew could be a long time coming, if it ever came at all.

Dori had made a simple breakfast of warm porridge, but except for Corey, nobody seemed to feel much like eating. The adults were as uncomfortable as Owen was hopeful. Even Ricky and Luna seemed to sense that something was amiss as Jenny's little brother toddled around the kitchen anxiously (but never straying more than ten paces from his father.) And for the first time since the two had met, Corey had actually won his first staring contest with the one year old witch.

A triumphant Corey said, "This is really good, Mrs. Lovegood. What do you call it?"

"It's apple, banana and sultana porridge, dear," said Dori distantly, who then turned to Owen, and said, "You really should try to eat something, Owen."

"Yes," added Xeno. "Skipping breakfast won't make the Aurors come here any sooner, Owen."

But Owen Flynn was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. "So, how soon do you think it will be before the FBS makes Regina give up my dad, Mr. Lovegood?"

"I don't know," said Xeno choosing his words carefully. "Soon, maybe . . . I guess. I suppose it depends on, ah, what they can find out from viewing your memories of your time in Storybrooke . . . ."

"Well, I hope that they hit Storybrooke and Regina hard!" said Owen. "Corey told me about Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme. Do you think that he will be the one to make her back down?"

"Well," said Dori neutrally. "I suppose that the, uh, Sorcerer Supreme could take an interest in this case. Though I wouldn't count on it, Owen; normally, the Sorcerer Supreme faces threats such as, uh, the Dread Dormammu, or other, more . . . universal threats . . . ."

"But Regina invaded our world from another realm," Owen pointed out. "That sounds pretty "universal" to me!"

"Owen," said Ren. "What Dori means is that the Sorcerer Supreme faces the threats that the FBS and the White Council alone cannot handle on their own. Why, just a few years ago, an Evil Wizard named, ah," Ren lowered his voice to barely above a whisper, "Lord Voldemort . . . ."

"Lord Voldemort?" said Owen. "Who's Lord Voldemort?" Owen felt the room chill noticeably. Jenny's dad swallowed hard and the Lovegoods looked like they were about to break into a cold sweat. "Uh, what did I say . . . ?"

Dori said, "Owen, when . . . the person you just mentioned – we always referred to him as, "You Know Who" - was alive, we didn't say his name out loud. He had his name tabooed, you see. That's a spell that would let him know if anyone spoke his name aloud, and where they were.

"Everyone was afraid of him. Everyone, that is, but the Sorcerer Supreme and a powerful witch named Endora. Dr. Strange did not directly become involved because he considered You Know Who to be just a . . . a "thug" and a "punk" who was not a threat worthy of his attention."

Ren said, "In Dr. Strange's opinion, You Know Who was someone that the normal Wizarding authorities could handle, without his assistance. Basically, he pointed out that you wouldn't send a SWAT Team to go after kids stealing hubcaps and spraying graffiti. That sort of thing . . . ."

Owen said, "But Regina didn't steal our hubcaps! She took my dad prisoner! My dad is being held prisoner by an invader from another world! Isn't that the kind of thing that someone like Dr. Strange would take care of?"

To the relief of all the adults present, Corey said, "Relax, Owen. It doesn't matter who they send into Storybrooke to get your dad so long as they get him. Isn't that right, Mr. Jordan?" He then turned to Dori, looked at her wide-eyed, held up his empty bowl, and in an exaggerated trembling voice said, "Please, Mrs. Lovegood, may I have some more . . . ?"

Dori sighed as she waved her wand, making the ladle come out of the pot to put another serving in Corey's bowl. "Let me guess," said Dori managing a smile. "You just read "Oliver Twist," didn't you." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yeah, our teacher assigned it to us a few days ago," said Corey. "I also saw the film on TV. I had thought about saying it with a British accent; but I thought that might be offensive, so . . . ." Corey took another spoonful, and smiled broadly. "This really is good. You really should try some, Owen. I know that you will like it. Could you please give my mom the recipe, Mrs. Lovegood?"

At the suggestion of a peer, Owen began to eat. He took one bite and smiled. Then, he excused himself, ran into the living room, and came back seconds later with his camera. After taking a quick picture, he then finished off two helpings, himself.

When the boys were finished eating, they excused themselves and went into the living room to watch Saturday Morning Cartoons while they waited for the Aurors to arrive. Dori quietly followed them, making sure that they were distracted by whatever they were watching, and then returned to the kitchen, casting a disillusionment spell on the doorway.

"I can't believe that we just did what we did, Xeno," said Dori shaking her head as much in frustration as disbelief.

"I know," said Xeno. "In retrospect, I think that we should have just lied to the poor boy outright, Dori. We should have just told him that the FBS would have rescued his father with everything they had at their disposal, instead of dancing around his questions the very same way that the Aurors did with him and us. True, we did not lie to Owen, but we answered him as evasively and as vaguely as you please, allowing his hopes to infer the rest. We just did the very thing to that boy that we dislike of the Wizarding Authorities who we interview for The Quibbler."

"Don't be too hard on yourselves," said Ren. "You did what you had to do to keep things from getting worse than they already are."

Xeno chuckled ironically. "The very words that those in positions of authority tell themselves when they do the very same thing we just did when those they serve demand answers . . . ."

"Instead of exposing a cover-up," said Dori dryly. "We have become a part of one."

"Yes," said Xeno. "And we won't even have to feel any guilt about it. After our session with the FBS Obliviators, by this time tomorrow, we won't even remember that it ever happened . . . ."

Jenny Jordan rolled over and looked at the clock on her nightstand. It was almost seven o'clock! The Aurors would be here soon! Why hadn't her father awakened her earlier? Was everyone still asleep? Bolting out of bed, Jenny changed into the clothes that she had set out for herself the night before in record time that would put a boy to shame, and sped down the stairs, where she saw everyone else in the living room, watching cartoons.

Corey was the first to notice her, and said, "Good morning, Jenny! We just finished breakfast, but there is plenty more left. In fact, I could go for more, myself. May I join you?"

Though not particularly hungry, Jenny said, "Uh, yeah, sure. I'd like that, Corey. So, what's everybody watching?"

"This new cartoon that came out this season," said Owen. "It's called, "Dungeons and Dragons."

"I've heard of it," said Jenny neutrally. "It's about six kids; five muggles and a muggle born wizard, who are at an amusement park, and end up going through a portal into the Enchanted Realms."

"I wonder how much, if anything, the writers knew about the Wizarding World?" said Xeno trying to make light banter.

Ren said, "Hey, Xeno, check out those dress robes on the tall, pale warlock with no nose." Though only a cartoon, Ren could not help but admire the cloak with its enchanted wings that reacted to the wearer's emotions. And that cool looking one-horned headdress . . . . "What do you suppose an outfit like that would cost, Xeno?"

Xeno shrugged. "I don't know. Besides, it's not exactly either your or my style. Now, Lucius Malfoy, on the other hand . . . ." That brought some nervous chuckles from the adults.

Corey stood up smiling broadly, and said, "May I escort you to the kitchen, Jenny?"

Silently, Jenny took Corey's hand, and followed him into the kitchen. As the two children went through the kitchen door, they both felt something strange. "Disillusionment spell," said Jenny absentmindedly. "I thought that Agent Addams removed it when she left."

"Wait," said Corey. "Was Agent Wednesday Addams here last night? When was that?"

Jenny passed her hand through the door again to be sure that the spell was still there and that no one in the living room could hear them. "Oh, Corey . . . I . . . I . . . ." Then Jenny began to sob softly as she leaned into Corey for support.

"J-Jenny?" said Corey. "What's wrong? You can tell me anything. I'm officially your boyfriend, after all."

Jenny took a paper napkin from the table to wipe her eyes. She told Corey everything. She knew that she was not supposed to. But they would all soon have their memories modified, and for now, she needed someone to talk with now more than ever.

When Jenny finished, Corey said, "So it's a lot worse than we thought. I mean, I knew that it was bad when we saw that witch rip that guy's heart out in your dad's memory. But if this witch can level our world without us even able to fire a shot back at her . . . ."

"Corey, I'm scared. What if this is a full-on invasion? Even if we all come together – wizards, muggles, mutants, meta-humans, everybody – we can't stop something like that!"

Corey took Jenny's hand, and said, "Jenny, what Owen knows is our best chance of defeating these invaders. When our Aurors see what's inside of Owen's memories, they'll have a chance to plan a way to stop Regina, and maybe even get Owen's dad back."

"I know, but I just don't like the fact that we have to lie to Owen. He's my friend. We have to tell him!"

"He's my friend too, Jenny!" said Corey. "But you told me what Agents Addams and Quest-Singh said. We need Owen's cooperation. My mom once told me that a pensieve doesn't work well if the person whose memories are being recorded isn't cooperative. And if we tell Owen the truth, the Aurors won't be able to get a good look at his memories. And then we'd have no chance of getting Owen's dad back, much less defeating Regina. Besides, we're all going to get our memories changed when this is over. And things can get back to normal. Well, what passes for normal now that the Incursion is here."

Before Jenny could reply, her father came into the kitchen saying, "Didn't you kids here me calling you?" Then he paused, and said, "Oh, I guess not . . . ." Ren brushed back his hair, and said, "There. I guess Dori forgot to remove the disillusionment charm she put on the door, earlier . . . . Anyway, it's time to get ready to go, kids. Agents Spellman and Graymalkin just got here, and Owen is anxious to leave, so we gotta get a move on!"

Jenny and Corey followed Ren into the living room, where the others had been joined by Agents Spellman and Graymalkin. Owen was grinning from ear to ear. But Mr. and Mrs. Lovegood looked concerned. Xeno said, "Ren, Agents Spellman and Graymalkin say there has been a change of plans."

Dori added, "They say they want us to wait here while they take Owen to Salem."

"Oh?" said Ren. "But, you said that we could come with Owen."

"That won't be necessary," said Agent Spellman. "Owen is a big boy, and he doesn't need you there to hold his hand."

"It's alright, Mr. Jordan," said Owen. "Besides, I won't need to come back here! After they scan my memories, Agent Graymalkin said that they would be getting my dad back, and once they do, I can go with him back to New Jersey, tonight!"

Xeno took out his wand. Dori did the same, waving hers while muttering an incantation.

"Why did you cast an anti-apparation charm just now?" said Agent Graymalkin sharply. "Remove it, immediately in the name of the United States Federal Bureau of Sorcery and the Magical Congress of the United States of America!"

"No." said Dori firmly. "Not until you repeat for Mr. Jordan what you just told Owen."

"That will not be necessary!" said Agent Spellman. "All he needs to know is that we are taking Owen with us to have his memories reviewed and that we shall then reunite him with his father. Now, we thank you all for making us aware of Owen's time within the Arrival, but we are somewhat pressed for time and need to leave for Salem without any further delay!"

"What are you guys doing?" said Owen. "They're going to take me to get my dad back from Regina!"

Now Ren had his wand out and pointed it at the two purported FBS Agents. "Owen, listen to me. I don't think that these people are who they say they are!"

"How dare you!" said Agent Spellman.

"You'll get the Dementor's Kiss for this, Jordan!" added Agent Graymalkin.

"Daddy . . . ?" said Jenny.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," said Corey.

"Why are you doing this, Mr. Jordan?" said Owen. "We just met them last night!"

Xeno said, "So, whoever you two really are; are you using a glamour or polyjuice potion to masquerade as the two FBS Agents we met yesterday?"

I'm guessing the latter, Luv," said Dori. "A glamour will not modify the voice of the person being imitated. And they do seem rather pressed for time, wouldn't you say, Xeno?"

"What's happening?!" said Owen in near panic.

'Agent Spellman' moved swiftly, and before anyone could react, she grabbed Corey Martindale from behind, holding him firmly against her with her arm tightly about his neck. The boy struggled; pulling at her arm with both hands, but could not break free, only stopping his squirming when she held the tip of her wand to his head.

"Drop your wands," commanded 'Agent Spellman.' "All of you! Or I say two words and the muggle boy dies!" She then looked down at Corey, relishing the fear in his wide eyes. "I trust that as the "son of a witch," you know the two words to which I am referring?"

Reluctantly, Ren, Xeno and Dori complied.

Dori said, "The very same last two words that you shall ever hear when you are apprehended by real FBS Aurors for murdering an eleven year old boy with magic! Sadly or not, the death penalty is still very much in vogue here in the States."

"Let me assure you that that will never happen, Mrs. Lovegood," said 'Agent Spellman.' "And even if it does, there is no magic that can bring this muggle boy back from the dead! And if I must needs fall, it shall be I the service of the greater good!"

"A-are you with those Night Brother guys?" said Owen near panic.

"No, Owen," said Ren as he casually moved his hand to brush his hair. "Something like this isn't exactly their style. You see, Owen –"

Before Ren could finish his sentence, 'Agent Graymalkin' said "Stupify!" and blasted Ren with his wand, sending Ren flying back against the wall before he slumped to the floor, dazed.

"DADDY!" said Jenny as she ran to her father's side. Ricky joined her, and began crying as he grabbed his father's leg.

"Do you take us for fools, Mr. Jordan? We know that brushing your hair back is your wandless-gesture!"

When Jenny saw that her father wasn't seriously injured, she turned to the two 'FBS Agents,' and said, "I know who you two really are! You're those stuck-up Malfoys that we met at the hotel after we left Collinsport!"

"My, my," said 'Agent Spellman.' "But aren't you a clever, little witch, Jennifer Jordan."

"You have no idea what you are doing, Malfoy," said Ren as Jenny helped him to his feet as best as she could. Once standing, he picked up his son to soothe the frightened boy. "The witch from the Enchanted Realms responsible for the Incursion – not the "Arrival" - is a dangerous person who has a curse with the power to destroy our world! And I mean everyone in our world! Wizards and witches included; she doesn't care about us or anyone else, here!"

But all 'Agent Graymalkin' said in reply was, "If you move your hand to your head one more time Mr. Jordan, then you shall find yourself under a full-body petrification curse!

"And now, let's all just calm down . . . ."

Owen Flynn watched in horror as the faces of 'Agents Spellman and Graymalkin' began to, for lack of a better word, "waver" and transform.

And several miles away, Aggie Jordan had just pulled off of I-64 onto South Hanley Road. By her reckoning, she would be at their new home in University City in another few minutes. Just in time to go with her family and Jenny's new friend to Salem.