Farewells & Secret Meetings

Daisy stood in a dark room, whispers and shadows surrounding her. She looked around desperately, trying to find someone, anyone. More than that she was looking for a way back, but the veil was nowhere to be found in any direction.

"Aunt Tonks?" she called out. "Uncle Remus!"

The whispering grew louder as she could make out dark forms starting to build around her. Her heart started racing as it became harder to breathe, the panic beginning to rise.

"DAISY COME BACK!"

She turned suddenly, trying to find where the voice had come from. It sounded like Wills, calling out to her.

"Wills! Wills, where are you!" she shouted, turning in circles. But every way she looked, it was just more shadows and murmurings. "I want to come back!" Tears started pricking her eyes as a strangle sob broke from her lips. "I can't be stuck here."

"Stay calm, my child. Beyond the veil is nothing to fear," a calm, soothing voice spoke from the darkness. Daisy looked around frantically, trying to find where it was coming from.

"But… I can't… I can't stay here. I'm not meant to be here!" Daisy shouted.

"You are exactly where you are meant to be," the voice said.

"You mean I have to stay here? Forever?" Daisy asked, starting to shake.

"No, my child. But you must find me. If you want to master this gift, you must find me," the voice said. Daisy looked around her again. She started running, not knowing where she was going or what she was even looking for. The fear started building as the longer she ran, nothing change.

"I have to get out," she kept thinking over and over. Suddenly she ran straight into something and was knocked to the ground. Rubbing her forehead, she looked up, seeing the veil. Relief filled her as she pushed up from the ground and looked through, seeing Wills holding her lifeless body. He was staring down at her, gently caressing her cheek.

"I'm coming, Wills!" she shouted. She then reached her hand out and started to move through the whispy veil before her fingers hit something solid. Daisy's eyes widened as she placed her palm on the veil, finding she couldn't move through. The panic started to settle back in as she began pounding around the veil, looking for a spot where she could pass through.

There was none.

Frantically, she did whatever she could - banging her fists into it, kicking it. Screaming and shouting until her voice started going hoarse. All the while on the other side, Wills just stared at her body, fighting back tears as he took in her lifeless green eyes.

"HOLD ON WILLS! I'M COMING!" Daisy shouted.


"I'M COMING!" Daisy shouted again as she sat straight up in bed, her curls glued to her sweaty forehead as she gasped for air.

"Daisy," Wills said softly. She looked to her side, seeing him already sitting up, staring at her, concerned. "Was it the dream again?" She nodded wordlessly as he pulled her into his arms and leaned back against the pillows. She had begun shivering. "It's okay that you're still having it… we all know how hard it was for you when Alan died."

She nodded again, closing her eyes as tears slipped out. She hadn't told him what the dream really was about. Or anyone. She knew the nightmares were no secret with Wills as a boyfriend, so instead she let them all believe they were about the night Alan died. Everyone saw her as so strong - embracing her gift. She couldn't tell them that the more she thought about going back to the veil, the more terrified she became. That something would go wrong or she couldn't do it again and she would be stuck over there forever.

And now there was a voice, calling her back.

She was smart enough to know that it wasn't just a random dream. The voice was trying to communicate with her - help her. But she just wasn't sure if she could go back. Not since the nightmares started shortly after she saw what her family went through thinking she was dead.

"It'll be alright, Pix. In the morning you'll go back to the island and you'll figure this out," he murmured, stroking her hair.

"I just… I don't want to have to use my gift on anyone else in the family," she said softly, opening her eyes. In just that moment they were closed, she was back at the veil, staring through at Wills and unable to return.

"Hopefully it won't come to that," he replied. "And if anything, at least for two weeks you'll be away from the reporters." Daisy huffed slightly, her thoughts immediately turning to the interview her family had done with The Prophet just the other day. Despite the annoyance, it was a welcome respite from her thoughts of the veil. The story had come out in the morning edition and while it was rather fair, she hadn't enjoyed the process of getting there.

"Wonder why he had a change of heart. Seemed he wasn't going to be writing anything too nice from the questions he asked," she said, an edge to her voice. Wills chuckled.

"He was just doing his job. They have to ask the hard questions," he responded. "I hardly see why you and your dad have to be so defensive." Wills had sat in on it and it took both him and Iris to placate the two when the reporter asked if Jamie and Daisy had used any of their gifts on the pitch - zeroing in on their Legilimens.

"I didn't even have it until halfway through the season," she said with a roll of her eyes.

"But Jamie was born with it and he plays keeper. It was a fair question," he said with a sigh. Daisy glared up at him.

"Who's side are you on anyway?" she asked, her eyes flashing red.

"Yours. Always and forever," he said simply as he kissed her forehead. "And I think it's time you admit you're more like your dad than you think."

Daisy sat up, still glaring.

"I most certainly am not like him! We're nothing alike!" she nearly shouted, feeling electricity crackle in her fingertips as she crossed her arms in front of her. Wills just laughed, pulling her back down to his chest.

"You both have the nastiest temper I've ever seen," he said. "But it's one of the things I love about you. And scares me the most about your dad."

Daisy took a deep breath, relaxing slightly. He was right, but she wasn't about to admit that out loud. So instead, she settled back into his chest, wrapping her arm around him.

Tomorrow she would leave for two weeks. Two weeks without Wills. They had spent nearly all their time together since she moved in, and her heart was already starting to ache at the thought of not being around him. She now understood why her parents had rarely been apart in all the years they were together.

"I'm going to miss this while I'm gone. You seem to be one of the few who can calm me down," she murmured.

"It's only two weeks, Pix. And you can talk to me every day," he replied.

"I know, but it's not the same as falling asleep next to you every night," she said. "Having you there when I wake up from another nightmare."

"You can always talk to me when you have them," he said softly. "But truth be told, I'll probably go mad without you here as well." Daisy looked up at him, seeing a soft smile on his face as he looked down at her.

"You sure about that? You might actually get a full night's rest without me around," she said. He chuckled.

"I gladly give up my sleep for you, Pix - whether or not it's because of nightmares," he said, leaning down to kiss her. She couldn't help but grasp onto the love that was flowing through their connection. It was warm and comforting. Something she desperately needed with the chill of the nightmare still lingering. "Ready to try and get some sleep?"

Daisy grinned up at him, the usual mischievous glint returning to her bright green eyes.

"Not just yet…"


Dominique sat at the table, watching the haggard man shackled to the table across from her as she quickly jotted down some notes. They had been in there for two hours already and he was looking wearier the longer they stayed. Behind her, a frustrated Chris was pacing, shooting the man calculating looks.

"You're not telling us everything, Keenan," he said finally, his voice even despite the fact he had been running his hands through his blonde hair near constantly the last hour.

"Look, I've told you all I know," he said, glancing up at the auror.

"But you were in his inner circle," Chris shot back. They had given him a dose of veritaserum, but Chris was convinced he knew more than he thought. Keenan was pale with bloodshot eyes. His hands were shaking as he sat sweating. It was as though his mind was trying to fight off something, even though he had long ago given into the effects of the potion.

"We only knew what he told us and I'm sure there was a lot more he wasn't telling us than what he did," Keenan said.

"You have no clue where he would go? Other groups he would take refuge with?" Dominique asked, she glanced back at Chris who had stopped pacing and was now watching Keenan. She wasn't sure why he had insisted on continuing to question him when he had obviously told them everything he could remember about the network and then a lot more than they cared to know about his personal life.

"There are… so many other groups in Europe, but he would never say where they were. And he reported to someone, but he never said who," Keenan said. Chris stopped pacing and studied the weary man across from him. "I never saw where the letters and reports and owls were coming from."

"Rees said he knew the location of one in Paris," Chris replied.

"How he found that out, I'll never know," Keenan replied. "Magnus certainly never shared it in our meetings."

Chris took a deep breath while studying him silently a bit longer. He glanced over at Dominique and nodded shortly.

"I believe that's it for now," he said. "We'll speak again tomorrow." Dominique stood and followed him out of the stone room while guards went in and took him away.

"Why are we still questioning him? He's told us everything he can," she asked once they were alone.

"He knows more than he thinks," he replied.

"But this is the third time we've questioned him and he's downed enough truth serum that he's bared his soul twice over now," she replied. "Really did not need to know the details of all his dalliances."

"I think… there might be a block of some kind. It would make sense for Magnus to perform memory charms to cover his tracks," Chris replied. Dominique looked over at him.

"But… it's difficult to undo those, right?" she asked. Chris sighed.

"There are ways, but I don't have much experience with it," he said wearily. He then stopped suddenly and looked down at her. "But Toby would know. He is an obliviator after all." Dominique blinked as she thought it over.

"It's worth a shot asking about it. We had to do some training in memory charms for the Reversal Squad, but Toby… obviously he's spent a lot more time training in it," she replied. Chris smiled and began striding off back towards the department, Dominique having to jog slightly to catch up to him.

"Well then, let's go see."


Toby watched the two curiously as Chris shut the door to a meeting room in the department, quickly muttering silencing charms around it to make sure their conversation wouldn't be overheard. Already Witt had been watching them with narrowed eyes since they returned, a bright smile on Chris' face as he grabbed Toby and dragged him in.

"What's this about?" Toby asked.

"Memory charms. How do you undo them?" Chris asked quickly. Toby thought a moment, going back through his training.

"Well, there are a few methods. Though the most effective way is through torture," he said. Dominique shot Chris a look.

"We're not torturing Keenan," she said firmly.

"Wasn't planning to," he said, not meeting her eyes, which told her the thought had crossed his mind.

"But it really just depends on the charm used," Toby added. Both Dominique and Chris looked over at him.

"What do you mean?" Dominique asked.

"Well, there are the ones that most everyone learns, but a skilled witch or wizard - or an obliviator - learns a lot more and decides on which to use, depending on the situation," Toby explained. "It really just depends on how much needs to be erased, whether memories need to be replaced. And how badly the caster wants the memory hidden."

Dominique frowned slightly and looked over at Chris, who seemed lost in thought. She had thought she was pretty good at memory charms and recognizing them, but even she hadn't noticed any of the normal tell-tale signs of one.

"I think we can assume that this would likely be of the highest level. We think Magnus may have altered or erased some of this members' memories to hide information about the Network," she said.

"Well obviously," Toby replied, as though it were common knowledge. Both Chris and Dominique scowled at him. "Don't look at me like that. It was the first thing I thought when we started questioning. How else do you think he kept something as large as the Network secret for so long."

"Regardless, do you think there's a way we can undo the charms and extract whatever it is he wanted them to forget?" Chris asked. Toby sighed.

"I'd have to examine them myself to try and determine which charm was used. There is no surefire, cure-all charm or potion for undoing it. And in the worst case, he'd likely have used one that erased them permanently. Though that would definitely have side effects."

"How so?" Dominique asked, leaning across the table towards him.

"They would be disoriented. Even if they were mostly functional, parts of their mind would be fuzzy and you would notice it when they ventured there," he said. Dominique looked at Chris.

"I haven't noticed any disorientation with Keenan. He just seems adamant that he doesn't know anything more," she said. Chris nodded slowly.

"Then there's a chance they haven't been erased completely," Toby said.

"And a chance we could retrieve them," Chris added. Toby sighed heavily.

"Maybe. I said there were a few methods, but none of them are foolproof and they all run the risk of permanent damage. The mind is a rather fragile thing," he said.

"Do you think if we took you to examine him, you could figure out which charm was used and be able to counteract it?" Chris asked.

"I can determine the charm, yes. As for counteracting it, well, I don't want to say that I can for sure. If there's a good chance Keenan could be turned into a vegetable in the process, I'd rather not. We did some training it them, yes, but there's a lot I've never actually performed on someone," he said. Dominique frowned.

"Why wouldn't they have you practice them?" she asked.

"It takes years of in-depth training to perform them and I hadn't gotten there yet before I was moved over here," Toby said. "I've studied the theory, but didn't get to the stage of trying them out just yet."

"I'm not sure we should do this, Chris. Or at the very least, we should asked for a skilled obliviator," Dominique said. Chris was still looking at Toby.

"We'll take you down to determine the charm. Then, do you think you could give it try and if not, perhaps recommend someone?" he asked.

"What about Aunt Audrey? She's been an obliviator for years. Surely she might know," Dominique said. Toby looked back and forth between the two.

"I can figure out what it is, but I would feel more comfortable with Audrey doing the countercharm," he replied. Chris nodded.

"Then it's settled. I'll go see about setting up a time with Keenan for tomorrow morning," he said before walking out of the room. Dominique and Toby stood, following him out. Just as they reached their desks, Chris was already out of the department.

"What's that about?" Witt asked casually as Tori glanced at him.

"Just a short team meeting," Dominique said breezily as she sat at her desk and started going through the notes she took during the interrogation. "Nothing important."

Witt smiled at her, leaning over. If he hadn't been so arrogant and slimy, Dominique might have found him tolerable. But more than anything, she just wished he'd leave her alone.

"What are you doing tonight, Weasley?" he asked.

"Paul and I are going out," she said without looking up.

"Ah, the boyfriend," Witt said, leaning back in his chair. Toby glanced over at him, frowning. Even the normally friendly bloke was at the point of wishing Witt wasn't around. Dominique glanced over at Tori.

"We'll probably see you at the triplets' place, though. We're over there more often than not nowadays," she said. Tori smiled.

"Been wanting to meet this mysterious, handsome boyfriend of yours," she replied, barely containing her laughter as the grin slowly faded off Witt's face.

"Suspect we'll have to weasel a players' box ticket out of someone for you once the season starts up… if you lot are still here then," Toby said, glancing over at her. Tori's face lit up.

"That would be awesome," she said.

"There are friendlies over the summer as well. Sure we could get you into some of those," Dominique said. "Arrows have one shortly after Daisy gets back."

"You Brits really take your quidditch seriously," Witt said, starting to shuffle through some papers on his desk.

"In our family at least," Dominique said, going back through her notes. "Five professional players and a coach. Another likely coming once Lily graduates. Not to mention my cousin Lucy is getting married at the end of summer to one and it won't be long before Daisy and Wills tie the knot, adding yet another to the fold though he's been practically family for years."

"And you'll likely end up marrying one yourself," Toby said, grinning at her. Dominique fought the urge to roll her eyes, knowing Witt was watching her closely.

"Not yet. Need to give the grans a breather before they start planning another," she said instead. "Especially since Lila and Jamie's wedding is coming up after Lucy and Ryan's." Witt opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by Teddy throwing open the door to his office.

"Dom, a word," he said, looking more tired than he had in years. Dominique nodded and stood. "Bring your notes. I want a rundown of the last interrogation with Keenan."

"Aye, aye, captain," she said with a smile. Teddy rolled his eyes.

"Could you not? It's already been a long day as it is without your cheek," he replied. Dominique chuckled to herself as she picked up her notes and walked over.

"Smile more, Teddy," she said as she walked in.

"I will once we finally nail this bastard."


Tori sighed as she made her way down the street towards the pub near the inn where the MACUSA team was staying. She should have known after she went to lunch with Jamie Wood that Richards would call a secret meeting to glean whatever information he could from her. She was only surprised that he had waited so long. Granted the fact that the next day she had gone to lunch with Chris and Toby, they had ended up meeting up with Remus and Alan Wood probably had something to do with it. She still hadn't met Daisy or her parents. But now that three of the Woods had left for this mysterious island, she knew she wouldn't get a chance for another two weeks at least.

Sighing as she walked into the pub and saw the door to a back room, she thought over her impressions of the Wood triplets. She knew that she had liked all of them immediately. Remus and Alan were fun and lively while Jamie was quieter, but still just as friendly. She decided that if she were going to be stuck in London for a indefinite amount of time, she wouldn't mind hanging out with them and possibly getting in some quidditch matches. She hadn't had much time for it in the US. Didn't help that the closest team was based in Canada.

The only two of the bunch she had met so far that remained closed off were Chris and John Kingfisher.

John joked around and seemed at home with the triplets, Chris and Toby, but every so often she would see a grimace snake across his features - usually whenever Daisy and her boyfriend were mentioned or playing. She had looked into him a bit more after that first lunch, finding out he had a horrible accident that ended his playing career at the same time he and Daisy had broken up. She had to admit, she was impressed with how he seemed to be handling it all, even going as far to remain close friends with the family. But still, she wondered about him.

As for Chris, while he seemed friendly at the office and definitely more laid back once out, she still didn't know much about him personally other than he was close friends with the Woods. And that he and Dominique seemed to have a close partnership, though Toby had said once it had always been strictly professional - even before Dominique had gotten back together with her boyfriend though Molly had attempted to push the two together.

Tori sighed as she pushed the door open. She'd think about all of that later. For now, she needed to be on her guard because she was certain an ambush was about to go down. She silently cursed the bad blood Richards held for her father.

She walked into the room and nodded at her team seated around a table. Violet - a tall, slender woman with light brown hair - smiled at her. Next to her sat Martins, who was the most senior on the team under Richards. Granted the difference between the two were night and day. While Richards was arrogant and irritating, Martins was calm and remarkably kind, his brown eyes usually twinkling. She knew underneath that twinkle, there was a damn good auror who could duel better than most. Her eyes fell on Witt, who smirked and patted the open chair next to him.

"So good of you to join us, Rollins. Thought for a moment there you had forgotten which team you're on," he said, his light brown eyes cold.

"Hope this doesn't take long. Some of us have other places to be," she huffed as she walked over and sat.

"Right, I'm still trying to figure out which one on the British team it is you're trying to hook up with. The one with the stick up his ass or the idiot?" he said, watching her.

"Knock it off, Witt. Chris and Toby are good at what they do, otherwise we wouldn't be here," Tori shot back. "And not all of us are stupid enough to mix business with pleasure."

"Whatever could you be talking about?" he asked, smiling.

"We all know you've been chasing Dominique Weasley since we got here," Martins said with a chuckle. "Don't know how you think you can compete with a professional quidditch player." Witt frowned at him as Richards marched into the room and quickly did a few privacy charms. He then settled his eyes on Tori, causing her to squirm slightly in her chair as he sat directly opposite of her.

"Okay, so what have you learned about the Woods," he said, getting to the point and acting as though he had planned for this to happen all along. Tori stared back at him, her brow furrowed.

"Nothing worth knowing," she said, hoping that would suffice. From the hard glint in his eyes, she knew it wouldn't.

"We need to learn more about them and the whole family - determine just how much a threat they and these Prostatis are. And you're the only one to get close to them, so start talking," he said.

"They aren't a threat," Tori nearly shouted. "They're here to help. I don't understand why you think we should be suspicious of them when there is a very real threat out there that we should be tracking down."

"We don't know a goddamn thing about what the Woods can do. Who's to say they aren't plotting with the Prostatis to take over the world?" he replied.

"That's ridiculous. You've read the reports. Iris Wood saved dozens at the Battle of Hogwarts and all of them were there to stop the Network. They've talked extensively about what they can do. They're no more a threat than you are," Tori retorted. Richards studied her silently, clenching his jaw.

"How do we know they didn't let Magnus go intentionally?" he asked. "They were all a bit fuzzy on just how he got away. There's more there to that story and I want you to find out."

"I'm not spying on the Woods. That's not our objective," Tori said.

"Our objective is whatever I decide it is. And I don't trust the Prostatis or the Woods. So you will do as ordered. And you are ordered to tell us everything you find out about them," he said coldly.

"Fine… Jamie is engaged to a reporter named Lila Flint. Remus has been with his girlfriend Laura since practically school while Alan just started dating a healer named Bridget, though prior he had been labelled a bit of a player. Alan and Remus enjoy pranks. They all play professional quidditch, as does their sister Daisy and her boyfriend Bryan Wills," she rattled off, knowing it was exactly the kind of information that would annoy Richards.

"That's not what I'm talking about, and you know it," he said, his voice full of warning.

"Oh, but I got more," she retorted sarcastically, sitting up in her chair. "The Woods throw the best parties in the league. Daisy and her coach Nilsson run a quidditch workshop every summer for young girls who want to play with nearly all the women in the league helping out. Oh, and did you know the triplets were identical?"

"Rollins," Richard said.

"On Daisy's first day with the Arrows, her brothers jinxed her shower to turn her hair colors. She was league MVP this year and is maid of honor in her cousin's upcoming wedding-"

"Rollins, shut your goddamn mouth!" Richards roared, jumping from his chair. Everyone in the room was silent, though Tori could see Witt smirking from next to her. "Everyone in the Ministry is trying to protect the Woods, all the way up to the Minister of Magic. Something smells fishy with this. And you will figure out why and tell me." Tori jumped to her feet, staring down her boss.

"I won't do it and you can't make me. We're here to find Magnus and take down the Network before they plan something else. Something bigger. That is our objective or was I only one listening to the president when she gave us the order," she shouted. The room was silent as the two stared each other down. Suddenly Richards smiled.

"You will do it, or you'll be sent back to do desk work in New York," he said simply.

"Oh, so now you're going to threaten my job?" she said, laughing darkly. She grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder, starting for the door. "I'll do what we were sent here to do. Get someone else to do your dirty work."

Before he could respond, she bounded out the door and quickly made her way out of the pub. Once outside, she apparated to the Woods' street, desperately wanting to get away. She was slightly worried about his threat, but not too much. Glancing up, she saw the large balcony. Taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out, she was determined not to let Richards get to her. She was easily one of the best aurors on the team, if not in MACUSA. There was no way the president would agree to let Richards send her back. There couldn't.


Even though the Woods' flat was full and lively music was playing, there was a sense of melancholy permeating the atmosphere. Wills was laughing half-heartedly at something Alan was saying, while Remus smiled wanly from the armchair where Laura was perched on the arm next to him, the concern evident in his face.

Chris was the one who let Tori in, genuinely glad to see her.

"Hope you're in better spirits than the rest of this lot," he said, leading her into the living room. "They've all be down since Daisy and Jamie left this morning."

"Well, I'll do what I can," Tori said, smiling up at him. He sensed a bit of tension behind the smile, but decided not to push it.

"Everyone, this is Tori Rollins from the MACUSA team," Chris said loudly as they walked in. Tori took in the room. A tall blonde man was sitting on the sofa next to Alan, while Remus was in the chair with a woman that she assumed must be his girlfriend Laura.

"It is nice to meet you finally," a woman with short dark hair, hazel eyes and a slight French accent said as she walked up with a glass of wine in hand. "Jamie has mentioned you."

"This is Lila, Jamie's fiance. And over there is Wills, Daisy's boyfriend. You know Alan and Remus. That's Laura, Remus' girlfriend," Chris said, making the introductions.

"Would you like something to drink?" Lila asked, playing hostess as Remus and Alan seemed to have forgotten their manners.

"Got something stiff?" Tori asked with a smile. "Boss has been riding my ass all day and I could use something to take the edge off."

"Got some good whisky, if that's your style," Remus said, pushing out of the chair and walking over to a long, incredibly full liquor cabinet. He pulled out a bottle and started filling a glass as Chris led Tori over to the open armchair.

"Been hearing a lot about this boss of yours," Wills said. "Sounds like a twat." Tori chuckled as Remus walked over and handed her the glass.

"You have no idea," she said before taking a large gulp. Wills grinned at her before looking to Chris.

"She can drink. I like her already," he replied, reaching for his own on the coffee table. Lila waved her wand, sending one of the chairs from the table zooming over before she settled in it between Tori and Chris.

"Where's John?" Tori asked.

"Got stuck working on plays with Nilsson," Alan said. "Seems to be taking his new job rather seriously. But Cunningham and Dom'll likely be here soon. Bridget said she'd come by once her shift finishes."

"So, do you guys just sit around and drink every night like this?" Tori asked, looking around the room.

"Only when we have nothing better to do," Remus said, returning to his chair. "Since we're on a break from practice, there's a lot of nothing better to do."

"Don't even have practice to distract me," Wills said glumly as he sipped at his drink.

"Blimey, Wills. It's only two weeks! You survived last time and that was two months," Alan replied. Wills shot him a dirty look as Christos bounded down the stairs. Tori glanced over at him, forgetting that he was living with the Woods. Her eyebrows flew up as she realized that she was finally meeting one of the elusive Prostatis outside the Woods.

"Why didn't you tell me we had such a beautiful guest joining us tonight. I would have come down sooner," he said, grinning as he walked up to Tori and took her hand, kissing it while winking.

"What about Roxanne?" Remus asked, scowling at him. Christos laughed loudly as he held his hand out and a full glass of whiskey flew from the cabinet over to him, causing Tori to gape in amazement. She had yet to see any of them in action.

"Is it not proper to act a gentleman with every lady?" he asked. Remus just shook his head as Laura chuckled at him. Christos looked back at Tori. "I am Christos."

"Tori… from the MACUSA team," she said, still staring at him.

"Ah, one of the meddlesome Americans," he said as he walked over and sprawled out on the floor in front of the fireplace. Tori frowned slightly as Chris laughed.

"No, she's one of the good ones," he said. Christos nodded and looked around.

"Why do you all look so sad? It is only two weeks," he said.

"Too long, if you ask me," Wills replied.

"Do not tell me the Pixie has stolen your fun as well as your heart," Christos said, his eyes twinkling in mirth. Wills just scowled at him.

"It's not the same without her around," he replied.

"I understand," Lila said softly from her chair. "It is rather quiet, no?"

"They'll be back soon enough," Remus said with a smile.

"Sorry I'm late!" a short blonde woman exclaimed as she walked into the flat, her hair starting to fall out of a bun. Pulling off her healer's robes she walked over and dropped them to the floor before leaning over to kiss Alan. "You'd think with quidditch season on a break we'd be less busy."

"Schools out. Sure that has something to do with it," Alan replied, smiling up at her as she settled on the arm of the sofa next to him, clad in simple scrubs. She looked over, noticing Tori.

"You must be this MACUSA person we've all be hearing about," she said with a warm smile. "Bridget Miles."

"My girlfriend," Alan added. "She's working in the emergency department at St. Mungo's."

"I always thought I'd like to be a healer if I didn't become an auror," Tori said. "Then I realized I'd be surrounded by blood." Bridget chuckled.

"It's not so bad. Though I admit I won't much like quidditch season. Now that I've got this one to worry about," she said, glancing down at Alan.

"Alan and I rarely end up in St. Mungo's. It's Pix and Jamie you got to worry about," Remus said.

"I know. He had to invent illnesses just to come see me once I finished my rotation with the Wanderers," Bridget said. Tori's eyebrows shot up as the rest of the group chuckled.

"Got a lot of use out of Uncle George's Skivving Snackboxes," Alan said with a grin, which just caused Bridget to roll her eyes.

"So, Tori. How are you liking London so far?" Laura asked, turning the conversation back to her. Tori shrugged.

"It's nice. Though I don't get to see much outside of the Ministry," she said. "Sure you've heard from Chris. We're all pretty wrapped up in this investigation."

"Seems your boss isn't making it easier," Alan said. Tori grimaced slightly, remembering the conversation she had just had with him, but quickly covered it up with a smile. While she wasn't going to go through with being a spy for him, she felt equally uncomfortable mentioning it to them.

"Yea, well, you learn to work around him," she said before taking a drink. Chris watched as the rest of the group peppered her with questions about her previous cases and living in New York, which she happily answered. But the tension he noticed earlier was back, making him slightly suspicious.

He trusted Tori - more than that he wanted to trust her - but at the same time he had to remember there was some tension between a few members of the MACUSA team and theirs. Maybe this was something. Maybe it was nothing. He'd wait and see.


So I'm slowly - but finally - getting to planning out the second half of the book. Which is a bit of a relief. Thinking I should *hopefully* in the next week or so have at the very least a rough draft of the plan and can fill in the details as I go along. I've already started writing on the last few chapters. The battle scene I started writing is (not surprisingly) going to have to be rewritten. And I have to make tough decisions - namely who's going to die. As of now, it's going to be 29 chapters with an epilogue. But I do have some fun chapters planned along the way so it won't all be doom and gloom or drama. I mean, I'm doing a whole chapter on the bachelorette party, after all. I mean, come on... it'll be drunk Lucy, Daisy, Molly, Dom and Victoire. Maybe some triplets shenanigans... I'm not sure...

cjconner326 - Haha, I'm not sure if I'll be able to do another full-length novel on the Woods. I mean, you have to stop at some point. Even JK Rowling stopped after 7... And this one has been much harder than the others solely because I can tell that I'm losing steam. That said, I'm leaving the door open to shorts and possibly exploring other characters that I haven't really focused on (Lily & Albus Potter and then the Weasley-Grangers). At least with those, it would be fresh and something new, but I can still pull in other established characters here and there since it's the same universe. And I think I've finally gotten Daisy's powers all figured out and am just working on getting her there. And I know... Poor Wills.

AleenaBean - I know... But it's mostly just Witt and Richards. The rest are okay. I promise. Haha! You can place your bet, but I'm not saying until I start posting Father of the Bride...

Welcome to new follower Gracekohal! And thanks to everyone for reading, following and reviewing!