If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.
Jim Rohn
CHARLIE'S POVI picked up the phone and dialed Isabella's cell. She answered after the second ring. "Hello, Charlie. What's up?"
I sighed, letting my gaze drift around the room at those gathered. "Isabella, I wish I could say I was just calling to see how you are doing, but I can't."
"Is something wrong?" she asked. "Has something happened to anyone looking for Jacob?"
"No," I answered. I could see how see would jump to Jacob hurting someone else. "I have some visitors here that are asking for you. Would this been a good time for me to bring them over to see you?"
"Well, we were getting ready to watch a movie, but I guess we could delay for an hour or so. Exactly who is asking to see me?"
I was afraid she was going to ask this. I sighed again and ran a hand over my face, again casting my eyes around at the seven guests. "Your Grandmother McCullough sent them."
"Oh!" Isabella responded. "She did write that I would be visited by the Wiccan and Wizarding world. Which has arrived?"
Well, that helped matters… some. "Both," I answered simply.
"Oh, no, I don't think grandmother knew they would both arrive on the same day. Did anything happen when they met?" she asked.
A chuckle escaped me. "There was a brief but interesting conversation about you. The really strange thing is that both seemed to accept what the other said."
BELLA'S POV"Hmmm, I wonder what that means. Hold on a minute, Alice is calling me."
I turned as Alice walk into my room. "I thought you would be just a minute. The others are waiting."
"It's Charlie. He's coming over and bringing some guests to see me. Can we push the movie for a little bit?" I asked.
"Sure," she replied.
"Thanks, and, Alice, I need to speak to everyone about who is coming over."
She nodded and left.
"How soon will you be here?" I asked.
"We'll be there in a half hour. There will be nine of us. Me and Daniela, four wizards, and three witches."
"Four wizards, I was only told three," I said.
"Their teacher is with them," Charlie remarked.
"Ah, that would make sense if they are young wizards."
"That they are. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills. I believe your cousin sent you an outfit for just this occasion," he said.
"He did? I do not recall seeing anything in the package," I said.
"Check your bed," Charlie suggested.
I turned and there was a silver garment bag on my bed that hadn't been there a moment ago. "I had best get ready as I have to do a little explaining."
"See you soon. Bye, Isabella."
"Bye, Charlie."
After placing my cell on my bed next to the garment bag, I carefully unzipped it to reveal a beautiful medieval dress of dark blue trimmed in gold and white. There were also dark blue ballet flats, a silver circlet, and a gold cloak with silver thread. I needed help with the dress.
"Alice, Rosalie," I called, not bothering going to the door.
They appeared moments later.
"It seems not only do I have to explain to everyone, but I need help getting ready."
I motioned to the items on the bed.
"We heard and I saw, but who are they?" Alice asked.
"I'll tell you once I'm ready."
"This is a beautiful dress," Rosalie commented, picking it up. "When did you get it?"
"Just now," I answered, wiggling my fingers indicating the dress was delivered magically. "It seems my cousin was prepared for this day, though there was no way for him knowing when I would need it," I said, unzipping my jeans.
"Who is your cousin exactly?" Alice questioned.
"Ian McGregor," I said, slipping out of my jeans.
"Ian McGregor! As in the top fashion designer in Milan. That Ian McGregor?" Rosalie asked.
"That would be him," I answered, looking over at her and Alice. They both wore shocked expressions. "Do you not like his work?"
"We love his work and have been trying to gain admittance into his shop in Milan. We have yet to receive a reply," Alice said.
"Perhaps, I can arrange something for you. He participates in the Milan Fashion Week in May. We could all go and catch a show or two."
I watched as Alice's eyes went wide as I talked. "Would you really do that?"
"It would be great to have someone to share in the experience with me. Do you think the guys, Carlisle, and Esme would also like to go?" I asked, slipping the chemise on.
"Carlisle and the guys may not go to the shows, but they love Italy," Rosalie replied, still slightly in awe.
"It's settled then, I will plan it all. Now, would you two please help?"
It did not take long for me to slip into the dress, what did was tightening the laces. Once that was done, I had Rose plait my hair as Alice put a light dusting of eye shadow and blush on me. With ten minutes to spare, and we went down to the rumpus room where the others were waiting. Edward did a double take when he looked up and saw me. He shifted to stand, but I held my hand up to indicate for him to stay put.
"The visitors Alice saw coming over will be here shortly," I said once Carlisle and Esme joined us. "I have known for some time of the visit. I didn't know when it would take place. There will be three sisters who are witches, and three young students and their teacher who are wizards. I'm not sure what to expect. All I really know is that they will have information that is vital to what I am and what I'm to do."
"What you are and are to do?" Emmett questioned with a puzzled expression on his face.
"Yes, Emmett. I really don't have much time to explain this fully other than to say that years before my birth there were prophecies written concerning a great magical child would be born. Everyone witch or wizard who has come before me always hoped that they would be the grandmother of this child. Up to this point, it has always been the eldest granddaughter." I paused to see if everyone understood what I was saying and saw no confusion at my words. "Anyway, a month before I was born another prophecy was written by Annabella, my grandmother, about me. This particular prophecy called me a key that would bring together three worlds. The prophecy was written in a grimoire and much of it was hidden. It revealed itself from time to time and during Christmas told me of the coming of these visitors, among other things."
Carlisle looked puzzled as he asked, "What else has it told you, Bella?"
I looked over at Edward and knew he had not told them. "Edward, care to enlighten them," I said.
All eyes turned to Edward. "Have you been keeping a secret from us?" Esme asked, smiling.
"It wasn't really for me to tell," he answered, looking at me with a question in his eyes.
I said nothing but motioned for him to continue.
"Bella knew what we were before I told her," he said quietly.
"How did you know, Bella?" Esme asked.
"The prophecy," Carlisle answered for me and I nodded.
"And things Annabella told me. I realized what you were on Christmas Eve while Edward called Alice. I went to a hidden library to give him privacy and checked the prophecy. I never expected what was revealed and at the same time knew the prophecy was right because I had fallen in love with Edward, well, all of you."
A knock sounded on the door at that moment and Carlisle went to answer.
"Alice, here," I said, quickly handing her a length of an ash branch. "Place this anywhere on this level of the house. Don't let me know where you put it."
"Please come in. We've been expecting you," Carlisle said.
CHARLIE'S POVIsabella looked radiant in the gown and cloak of the McCullough color, and had I not seen her dressed this way when she was named heir, I wouldn't have been able to speak. "Allow me to introduce MacEnroy Sisters: Moira, Maisie, and Maidie."
The three sisters nodded—the oldest one with far more seriousness than the youngest, who gave a cheeky grin and a finger wave to go with it.
"Professor Nickodemus and his students: Zachary, Lorena, and Justine."
The professor bowed toward Isabella in earnest acknowledgement while his students' stood patiently behind him looking around the rumpus room. When Nickodemus turned to face his students, Justine and Lorena curtsied as Zachary bowed clumsily.
Pointing to the other side of the room, I introduced, "The head of Cullen family: Carlisle."
Carlisle nodded and took over the introduction. "My wife Esme," he said, indicating her with his hand. "My daughters: Alice and Rosalie."
Alice gave everyone a hug while Rosalie gave a bored smile before examining her nails.
"And my sons: Emmett—" he beat his fist against his chest—"Jasper—" he raised his right hand to his forehead and inclined his head, like he was wearing a cowboy hat—"and Edward." As Carlisle finished, Edward bowed.
I picked up again, moving to stand next to Isabella, "And, finally, this is my goddaughter, Isabella."
As regal as ever, Isabella dipped into a curtsy. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you."
Moira stepped up as was discussed on the drive over and spoke to Isabella. "The pleasure is ours. Is there somewhere where we can speak to you in private?"
Isabella looked over at the Cullens and Daniela before answering. "I have no secrets from anyone in this room. You can speak freely. Please have a seat," she said, indicating the seating in the rumpus room.
"If that is what you wish," Moira said, walking further into the room and taking a seat, her sisters sitting next to her.
Everyone else followed suit, selecting seats but not intermixing with each other.
"Quite a lovely seating arrangement," Maidie said.
"Thank you," Esme replied. "We entertain often and the extra sitting is a definitely plus. Would anyone care for something to drink?"
No thank you's but thanks for asking echoed in the room.
Maisie picked up the conversation, "Isabella, or do you prefer Bella."
"Bella," Isabella answered.
"Well, Bella, I know Charlie told you who sent us all," Maisie said.
Isabella nodded not saying a word.
"My sisters and I have to know if you are a witch."
BELLA'S POVI made to answer but my mouth wouldn't open. It felt like it was glued shut.
"Isabella, you cannot speak to either confirm or deny the question. They must accuse you of being what you are in all or in part. Don't fear Alice will know what needs to be done."
"Grandmother, I don't understand. How will Alice know?" I asked.
"She just will."
I looked over at Alice and pleaded with my eyes for help. Jasper leaned over to her and spoke quietly to her.
"She needs help, dear. Do you see anything?" I got from reading his lips.
Strange, I thought as I watched this exchange between Alice and Jasper.
"Grandmother, how did he know I needed help?"
"Ask him later, he'll tell you."
"Maidie, you need to ask with care or Bella cannot answer you. She can't answer yes or no questions," Alice said.
The sisters looked at each other, silently trying to decide what to say. Moira raised her hand toward Maidie as if saying "try it."
Maidie slid forward and said, "Bella, can I see your palms?"
"That's a question she can't answer," Alice said.
"True, but one that doesn't require an answer to what we're trying to find out," Maidie answered.
"Alice," I said, surprised I could speak, "it's fine. I have no problem with the request and see no reason not to allow what Maidie asks."
I stood and walked over to Maidie and let her take my right hand. She took hold of it, turning it this way and that, studying it before taking my left and examining it the same way. Her eyes glazed over for a moment before she closed them.
"You are a witch," she announced, letting go of my hand.
My eyes were gentle as I looked at her and said nothing as I returned to my seat next to Edward. The sisters watched my every move.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" Moira asked.
"What can she say," Jasper answered. "It is your accusation, is it not?" The sisters nodded, and he continued, "By saying nothing right now, she is neither denying nor confirming the truth behind it."
"Fair enough," Maisie said.
"An interesting tactic," Nickodemus said, a smile lighting his features before looking at his students.
I turned my attention to the three students who were discussing something animatedly. They reminded me of Alice.
"Professor, we have a question for you," Zachary said.
Nickodemus nodded.
"How would you go about determining if someone is a wizard?"
"Ah, the question of the ages. There are several ways. As you saw Maidie do, is one way. But you three don't know how to do read palms. Another way is by a secret sight which is a rare gift, and I fear none of you have displayed the gift. Tea leaves are probably your only option unless you can think of another way."
Lorena faced Esme. "Do you have a deck of cards I can use?" she asked.
"Certainly," she replied, getting up. She headed up the stairs. In less time than it would have taken me, she was back with the cards.
Lorena accepted them and sorted out all the face cards. She picked up the queen of hearts and placed in with the remaining deck. Handing me the cards after tapping the deck with her wand, she said, "Please shuffle the cards."
"Grandmother, what is she trying to do?" I queried.
"Go with it, but I'm not sure what this will prove."
I did as asked. Concentrating on the cards while trying to figure out what this would prove. When I was satisfied that the cards were thoroughly shuffled, I tried to hand the cards back. Lorena shook her head.
"Throw them in the air," she instructed.
"Grandmother?"
"Ah, I see. What face card did they leave? And did one of them tap the cards with their wand?"
"The Queen of Hearts was left and yes."
"Do you think you touched the card?"
"Hard to say."
"Look at the cards, is one glowing."
I hesitated a moment, looking at Lorena and down at the cards. One was most definitely aglow.
'Yes."
"That is one clever wizard, very clever indeed. Go ahead, throw the cards."
"What is going to happen?" I asked.
"Only those atop the Queen of Hearts will fly leaving the queen and all the cards underneath."
I glanced at Lorena again with what I hoped was a look of confusion. I shrugged and threw the cards. Sure enough what Grandmother told me would happen, happened.
"What does that prove?" Zachary asked.
Lorena got up and picked up the cards before taking the ones I still held. She asked one of the sisters to do the same after tapping the cards again. This time all the cards landed on the floor.
"Any other questions?" she asked Zachary.
"Nope," he said, shaking his head.
"So, that means," Justine said, "Bella is a wizard."
"Yep," Lorena answered.
The three sisters and students looked at each other before turning to me.
Justine and Maidie said at the same time, "Show us what you can do."
"Now that you can do, my dear Isabella, their accusations are out there you can freely speak and show them your powers."