DISCLAIMER ~ I don't own anything Infernal Devices or Mortal Instruments-wise. That is all down to the incredibleness of Cassandra Clare – who is, it has to be said, a pretty damn good writer and you can't disagree : P

NOTES ~ AGAIN huge apologies for making you guys wait so darned long for this chapter. Along with college I've found it a little difficult to get a new chapter for this one out, so sorry that it's kinda short and not exactly the most exciting chapter but hopefully it's alright for you lot and have no fear I'll be updating it more regularly now, so expect another chapter next week sometime : ) R&R as always, thanks.

CHAPTER FIVE ~

"Are they coming here or do they wish us to go to them?" Jem asked, a small frown touching his features as he moved forward toward Charlotte and Henry. He hoped that trouble wouldn't come of this, he did not know of any laws where time travel was forbidden, but then again they had not believed it quite possible – obviously – and perhaps now they wished to know of the future. That would be a dangerous path to walk, learning about the future. You could never be sure that something you learnt of now and perhaps stopped, might cause colossal effects that altered what was to come. Jem rather hoped that they knew that before they went pressing for knowledge on what they had to look forward to. Jem knew where his own future lay, and it hurt enough, he would much prefer not to know what was around the corner, but to live the rest of his short life as much as he could, as he wanted to. If the Clave wished to learn about the future, he did not believe things would go as they were supposed to...

"They are already on their way," Charlotte said quickly and glanced at the others, gaze looking over each of them. "Follow me." She told Jace, Clary, Isabelle and Alec, to which they nodded quietly and stood, moving forward to follow Charlotte out of the room toward where the Clave would be meeting them. Jem hung back for a moment, giving the four a small smile as they glanced at him curiously, but he said nothing, waiting until the others had filed out before he moved toward Tessa and ever so softly touched his left fingertips carefully to her arm, trying to draw her attention to him considering she had barely blinked since the future Shadowhunter's stories had been told.

"Tessa? Is everything alright?" He asked, his tone coloured with concern for her, brow furrowed slightly in worry that something was the matter. He disliked seeing her in distress; it was clear to see by the way her eyes where far away, as if she'd forgotten she was here, and her lips were turned so obviously down at the corners. Something stirred in the depths of her gaze, something Jem couldn't quite identify as she quickly locked whatever the thought was away as he disturbed her from her thoughts.

"Oh, quite alright thank you Jem." She responded with, her tone almost overly light, the small smile almost forced. He didn't wish to push her, especially not if they wished to attend this meeting considering the others had already left for it, and he gave a small nod, the worry never quite leaving his gaze before he politely offered her his arm and he tilted his head in a natural, gentlemanly gesture. She said nothing but her smile relaxed, less forced now as she took his arm on that silent question and rested her small hand on the crook of his elbow before moving after the others with him. Despite how whatever was troubling her was quite clearly still visible in the depths of her chocolate gaze...

Will was already present as Jem and Tessa reached the room of which the Clave had taken to host their meeting, scowling. His eyes narrowing slightly as he noticed how they entered together, the brilliant ice blue of his gaze more piercing than usual but he said nothing as the two took a seat opposite him beside each other and turned their attentions to Gabriel Lightwoods father who stood imposingly at the top of a long wooden table. The four future Shadowhunters had been sat right up by Benedict Lightwood's chair at the head of the table on his left. Charlotte sat on his direct right, Henry – expression preoccupied – on her right, and toward the other end of the table sat, rather unsurprisingly, Gideon and Gabriel – the latter was leant slightly toward Isabelle as if just finishing a conversation. Even blonde haired Jessamine had chosen to participate in the meeting, sitting quietly in the chair beside Jem. Jem immediately frowned.

"Where are the Clave?" He spoke up, confusion etched in his features as he glanced toward the door, wondering if perhaps they were yet to arrive.

"The Clave agreed that I was more fitting to deal with this matter considering they shared my views in what to do in regards to it." Will's scowl deepened as he leant back in his chair on it's hind legs, balancing dangerously.

"In other words, he discovered what had happened here, and he begged the Clave to let him see to the matter to appear more important than he really is." His words were filled with sarcasm and a bitterness that caused Jem to frown at him. He could only think that the manner at which he was behaving was down to the two younger Lightwood's residence within the room, despite how neither had spoken..until now.

"appear more important?" Gabriel caught the words and snapped at Will, gaze sharp. "Of course he's important, more so than you'll ever be, Herondale." His gaze narrowed and he appeared to be on the verge to say more but his father's harsh look caught him and he retained his silence.

"Gabriel, if you're going to behave like a child you can vacate the room." He ignored the look upon his youngest son's face and turned to look over the four future Shadowhunters. "We do not understand why you are here; we do not wish to understand. You must leave; being here could damage what is to come. You have no idea of the consequences of your actions." His tone was that of a teacher to students who had done great wrong, and though Clary appeared to look contrite, and Alec seemed dismayed, both dark haired Isabelle and Jace seemed uncaring, Jace downright irritated in fact. Tessa noticed that Clary had had to place a hand upon his arm as if in attempt to placate him. Jem was just thankful that the Clave hadn't wished to use the four in any way to gain information, surprised but slightly glad that Benedict seemed to have at least a little bit of intelligence, despite how little he had respect for anyone but himself.

"But...we haven't even had a chance to shop yet!" Isabelle protested, lips pouted slightly, and Jessamine gave her a small look of approval. Then again, in comparison to what they both wore the two girls fashion's were certainly different, and Tessa doubted that London of this time would have anything that Isabelle would wish to wear in all consideration when she returned home. Benedict did not appear amused in the slightest.

"This is not a time to joke. You cannot run around playing with time travel and not thinking of the repercussions you foolish children! Who do you think you are?" Jace's eyes flashed at that and Tessa thought he might stand up for the girl, but she stood up perfectly well for herself, her sharp gaze upon her ancestor.

"I am Isabelle Lightwood!" The exclamation caused a shocked silence upon the room. Most had already known of course, but Benedict and his sons had had no idea what so ever. Benedict stiffened, glancing in surprise at the girl, assessing her it seemed. Gideon did not appear much changed but for a raise of his eyebrows... Gabriel on the other hand seemed entirely repulsed, and Tessa was about to share her confusion with Jem when Will answered her question before she could have the chance.

"Regret flirting with her now, Gabriel?" A smirk evident on his face as Gabriel's cheeks flushed bright red, and he made no come back. Had Gabriel attempted to make an advance upon Isabelle before Jem and her had gotten here? The idea made Tessa shudder, even the mere thought of one frolicking with one's ancestors disgusting. Benedict did not appear to know what on earth to say, but finally after several tense moments he forced his emotions aside, face blank, firm, impenetrable as his eyes turned away from her as though ashamed of what the family name had come to.

"Nevertheless-" his voice was louder, drawing all attention back upon him. "you must return back to your time." His words left no room for argument. Jace turned to Clary, irritation still etched into his features but he put that aside, face softening as he looked at her. It was not hard to see the affection he had for her, it was incredibly sweet but the obvious-ness of it confused Tessa. They were clearly not married and yet were so openly affectionate, had things changed over time that made public affection between those unmarried more acceptable? She pondered the ways of the future.

"Can you do it Clary?" he asked quietly, acting as if there were not several other sets of eyes upon him. She nodded, her vivid auburn hair tumbling forward at the motion.

"I don't see why not, I remember the rune but... I might need a little help, it cost a lot to do it the first time." She bit her lower lip, not having admitted before the amount of energy such a rune had caused her, and seeing as they were yet to rest she was still a little weary and doubted she'd have the power alone. "Magnus could help.." Clary said quietly, seeing Jace frown and glance toward Benedict.

"Do you know of Magnus Bane?" He asked, the four Shadowhunters unsure as to whether the Londoners would know of the Warlock.

"Of course, who doesn't." Will spoke up out of turn once more, rolling his brilliant blue eyes and ignoring the look both Charlotte and Benedict shot him.

"It should not be difficult to get hold of him. I will do so immediately. In the mean time, the four of you will reside here. You are not to go wandering the streets and creating havoc. Charlotte I shall leave them under your command for now, ensure they follow my words or pay the price." Charlotte nodded, despite the tension in her posture which told Tessa at least of her dislike of Benedict's ability to talk down upon her in her own Institute. "Gabriel, Gideon, we take our leave. Come." And just like that Benedict Lightwood swept from the room, regardless the slower way in which his sons stood and departed, Gabriel with barely a backward glance, Gideon took a moment to pause and thank Charlotte for her hospitality – at least one of the family had manners. The door closed behind them and the room appeared to relax, Charlotte slumped forward slightly and Henry turned to touch her shoulder in concern. But Tessa's attention was caught momentarily by the amusement of Isabelle's words.

"By the Angel, we can't really be related to those lot can we?" Indicating to herself and her brother, who'd remained rather quiet, causing Will to let out a loud almost exuberant laugh, and even Jem gave a small chuckle.

"I'm afraid to tell you that you most certainly are." Will retorted with, his grin almost a smirk as he leant back in his chair a little further and put his arms behind his head.

"Well I suppose we'd better find you each a room...I doubt Magnus will be contacted until tomorrow..." Charlotte spoke up after a moment or two of quiet murmurings with her husband, and she gave the four Shadowhunter guests a small smile and stood, a motion which the others copied and they all made to head out of the room, each wondering if by arriving in the past like this, they had in fact done damage to the future...and if so, then what damage, and what if it happened to be irreparable...?