The McCullough Story
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies.
Shirley Abbott
BELLA'S POV
Standing I looked at the sisters, trying to figure out exactly what I could show them that they themselves could not already do. With just a thought and a mental snap, I disappeared, not going far. Their shocked faces were hard to miss from where I stood in the kitchen.
"Where did she go?" Maidie asked.
I chuckled and Edward turned his head, glancing into the kitchen. I walked to the refrigerator and got a bottle of water before walking out into the rumpus room.
"Sorry, I'm a little thirsty," I said.
"How did you do that?" Zachary asked.
"I just thought kitchen and snapped."
"You didn't snap," Justine said.
My lips curled up into a smile. "I did. Not everything associated with magic has to be audible. All I have to do is think, mentally hear the sound, and poof I'm where I want to be."
I knew that wasn't going to be good enough to convenience the sisters, but I knew exactly what to do. Five candles floated down the stairs and formed a pentagram on the floor. After picturing a flame in my mind, the candles lit themselves as I chanted without uttering a word.
Powers of the witches rise
Beyond the reaches of this time
Bring forth from the MacEnroy past
A love one that was lost.
"Dad," the three said, looking at me after their dad vanished from sight.
"The spiritual power is weak," I explained with a frown. "It's best two the days before and after a full moon. Of course, during the full moon being the pentacle of this power."
"You can call forth the dead?" Moira asked.
"Yes. My powers in the area not well developed, and as such, when I do call forth a passed loved one, they can only stay within the confines of the candles," I stated. "When I'm at McCullough castle, those I call forward can take corporeal form and step out of the pentagram."
Awe was on the faces of the sisters. They had enough proof, so I turned my attention to the students. Whatever I did would be plenty for their young minds.
"How can you do spells without a wand?" Lorena asked.
"I'm not sure. Although, I do have a wand around here somewhere," I replied before raising my hand searching through the first floor for the wand Alice had hidden. A laugh escaped me as I shook my head. My wand was in a safe. "Alice, you didn't."
Alice looked at me as if she didn't know what I was talking about. Then again, she didn't know all my powers. Lorena and Jasper had confused looks on their faces.
"Retrieving my wand is going to be a little harder than I thought," I said.
Who would have the combination locked inside their head? I started with Edward. Strange, I hear Alice.
"There's no way she could know where I put it, Edward."
Edward raised his hand and scratched the side of his nose. I didn't know if that was some sort of code, he if his nose only itched.
I went on to the rest of the Cullens. I smiled as I searched Carlisle's mind and found the combination. Raising my hand again, I turned it as if I was opening a locker. A short time later, my wand flew into my outreached hand.
"Wait, that was a locked safe," Alice remarked.
I shrugged and tapped the bottle of water. It changed into a silver chalice, bubbling over with smoke.
"Calling forth your wand and transfiguration, impression, Ms. Swan," Nickodemus said.
"But what is in the chalice?" Zachary asked.
"Take a drink," I suggested.
Zachary paled and I added, "The contents will not harm you."
He slowly stood and moved toward the coffee table. Picking up the chalice, he hesitantly took a sip.
"Hot cocoa," he said, setting the chalice back down as I nodded.
"Double transfiguration," Lorena said in clear admiration.
"Tricky but can be done," I replied sitting back down.
"How is it that you possess all this power?" Maisie asked.
"Do you know much about the McCullough's?" I asked.
"All we really know is Maribella was a witch and secretly married a wizard. She was disowned by her family when they found out," Moira said.
Maidie picked up. "Maribella's uncle, the Laird of the McCullough clan, took her and her husband where she gave birth to a daughter, who gave birth to a daughter."
"We don't know much between the time of that granddaughter and your grandmother, Annabella, and who we believe was your mother, Renee Susan," Maisie said, falling silent a moment. "What can you wizards tell us?"
"I'm afraid we don't know anything of the clan other than the colors," Lorena offered.
"Ah, but I do," Nickodemus said. "That must be why I'm here." He paused a moment, running his hand down the length of his bread. "The wizard Maribella married was named Ewan. It's said he was an orphan with no family, but I don't believe that to be true." He chuckled.
I scoffed, knowing Ewan had a brother.
"Anyway, Maribella was the first not to treat him like an outcast. It was only natural for them to fall in love and marry. His only journal tells the wizarding world, at least those who take the time to read it, that Maribella had a dream one night about a power so great coming that would one day heal the rift their marriage created and bring with it something new."
That caught my attention.
"What that new something is I can't say, as he did not speculate any further."
"Did he say what rift was created?" I asked.
"No, I am afraid he didn't," Nickodemus said, gazing at me over the rim of his spectacles.
I nodded before picking up the tale. "You're right, Nickodemus. Ewan was not an orphan, he had a brother. Ewan was also Maribella's distant cousin."
Nickodemus rubbed his chin thoughtfully but said nothing as I sat back down next to Edward.
"Three years after their marriage, Maribella, Ewan, and Ewan's brother, finally reached the lands of Laird McCullough." Blinking my eyes, I felt a tear tickled down my face. Summer history lessons with Grandmother filling my mind. I could see her reading from a soft leather journal. I wiped the tear away. "Maribella became the clan's healer and Ewan a records keeper with his brother as his scribe. They loved their quiet life. But not long after their arrived, the clan was attacked. Maribella's uncle and aunt did not survive, and they had no children." I paused a moment. "However, there were survivors thanks to the magical help of both Maribella and Ewan. The surviving tenants said nothing nor questioned how they were able to drive the attackers away instead they named Maribella and Ewan the Lord and Lady of the clan. These were titles Maribella and Ewan did not want, but their objections would not be heard. Reluctantly they accepted."
Again, I paused, my gaze drifting around the room. Edward had tried to get some of the history of the clan out of me, but I had refused, knowing I would have to relate it when the witches and wizards named me as one of them. Esme smiled encouragingly at me.
"Two months later, and a month after the birth of their only daughter, Rose Marie, Maribella had a dream of the great power. Maribella wrote in her journal that after the dream she came to the realization that the only way the 'power' would come to be was by passing the ruling of the clan down to a granddaughter. It has continued until this day. Maribella further wrote, until the one possessing both Wiccan and Wizardry powers was born, all would take on the name McCullough regardless of her husband's last name."
I sighed.
"Not much was written about each granddaughter who gained one or the other magic abilities. They kept journals, but didn't include anything personal. Over time more dream-like prophecies were had, but none revealing much more than what Maribella had written, that is, until my grandmother, Annabella. She knew when I was to be born and was shown much concerning me. The prophecy she wrote has started to reveal its hidden secrets to me."
"What has it told you?" Maidie asked.
"At first, all it told me I was a special little girl. Recently, it told me of your visit and a little of the powers I possess. Nothing concrete in the way of what I am to do. I believe that is where you all come in. It said you would help me to understand what my mission is."
"And we don't know," Justine said.
"Isabella, the students must continue to watch and the sisters to listen."
I turned to Justine. "Continue to watch," I said.
Turning to the sisters, I said, "Continue to listen. The signs are out there, and we have to be diligent in our studies."
I paused, looking at everyone assembled.
"There is someone missing but who? No, that's not right. There is somewhere we all need to be and it is not here. We need to be in Scotland. I need my protector."
"Isabella," I heard somewhere in the distance, a voice that I didn't recognize.
"Isabella, you need to get to Scotland today. You feel it. Something is coming. A danger to you and you need a circle to protect you. You don't need another temporary protect. You need your permanent protector," Grandmother said.
"But who is it? I thought it was Garret, but I was so wrong," I remarked.
I felt a quake through my body and again my name said in the distance.
"You already know who it is, Isabella," Grandmother said.
"Edward," I said, unsure.
"No, Isabella. It's more than just Edward. More than his family."
Realization dawned on me. "Everyone gathered and Grandfather."
"Precisely, my dear child," Grandmother said.
"I feel extremely drained. I have never felt this drained. I'm scared, Grandmother. I can't pull myself out of this trance," I said.
"There is no need to be afraid. There are people around who will help you. You just need to concentrate on the Great Hall. All will be prepared when you arrive," Grandmother said.
I had to trust that someone would be able to help, and I could barely make out the conversation going on around me. Darkness finally overtook me, and I heard no more.
EDWARD'S POV
Bella grew very quiet after she looked around the room. Lost in thought I guess.
"Edward, something's wrong."
Jasper's thoughts invaded my own.
"Look at her, she looks almost like Alice when a vision hits but different."
I looked over at her. Jasper was right. Her eyes where completely clouded over and could not be seen.
"Bella," I said, sliding off the couch and kneeling in front of her as I placed my hands on her shoulders.
"Edward, what's wrong?" Carlisle asked me.
"It's Bella, her eyes," I said.
"Let me examine her, Edward," Carlisle said, placing a hand on my shoulder as I stood.
My gaze turned to Charlie. He was sitting on the edge of the couch between Esme and Daniela. All he did was watch as Carlisle examined Bella. He was calm and didn't ask what was wrong. Had he seen her this way before? I probed his mind, and his thoughts were oddly silent.
Turning back, I watched as Carlisle gently shook Bella and called out to her.
"She's starting to panic," Jasper said.
Maidie came up and placed a hand on Bella's back. "She's in a trance and can't pull herself back to the present."
"Lay her down and make a circle around her," Maisie said. "Charlie, as her father, you need to take her right hand and, Edward, her left."
Father? Charlie's her father? No, I must of heard wrong, I thought as Carlisle laid Bella on the floor.
Charlie rushed to Bella's right side as I knelt and took her left hand. The others finished forming the circle under the direction of Maisie.
Maidie let out a frustrated sigh after five minutes and said, "This is not working. There has to be something we are missing."
"Don't break the circle," Moira said as Maidie touch Charlie's shoulder. The room shimmered and dimmed for a moment. When the room settled down, we were not in the rumpus room any longer.
"Where are we?" Emmett asked.
Without much more than a sideways glance, I knew exactly where we were. "Scotland. McCullough Keep. This is the Great Hall," I said.
"But how?" Alice asked.
"Bella," I answered.
"Why?" Carlisle questioned.
"Welcome one and all," Malcolm called out, entering the room from the far doorway. "I had a feeling today was the day."
"Malcolm, what is going on?" I asked, standing but staying close to Bella. "Why are we here?"
"You yourself, Edward, already answered that. Isabella brought everyone here." He stopped in front of our group. "Is she stuck in a trance?" he asked.
"We believe so," I replied.
"Then it is time. I wish I could have spoken to Isabella beforehand," Malcolm said, rubbing the back of his neck. I found it a bit strange that he hadn't inquired more about Bella.
"What's it time for?" Charlie asked from his place next to Bella. He was still holding her hand.
"Charlie, come with me," Malcolm said, walking away with the rest of us looking after.
CHARLIE'S POV
With a sigh and a last look at my goddaughter, I rushed after Malcolm.
"Malcolm, talk to me. What is going on?" I demanded, grabbing his arm and he shook me off.
"The trance Isabella is in is one of preserving. There is a danger coming, and I'm afraid it's not from Jacob. With her being without a protector, I fear for her," he said, not stopping until we were at the far end of the hall.
"Protector?" I said, feeling the blood drain from my face. Danielle and Matthew were chosen and name her protectors in a magical ceremony. I recall Annabella saying their assignment was temporary. I had no clue what Annabella meant. With Isabella still years away from marrying, I didn't understand why I couldn't keep her safe. "I'll protect her from whatever comes."
"You'll not always be there for her, Charlie," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.
I stared at him not understanding what he was saying exactly.
He sighed. "The council and I have been talking. I fear they're right. Isabella has been without a protector long enough. We have no choice but to assign her another temporary protector," he said.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, confused. "What is a temporary protector?"
"Matthew and Danielle they were chosen for a reason, Charlie. They possessed magical powers and would be able to defend her if attacked. I thought she would be with them until she turned seventeen. There was no danger foreseen after they were killed so another temporary protector was not assigned," Malcolm explained.
I wasn't following his logic. "Renee named me as Isabella's godfather, so why can't I protect her?"
"No, Charlie, you're not her godfather. You are Isabella's father."
I stumbled back as Malcolm had struck me and sat down in the nearest chair. "Her father?" I whispered, looking up at him.
"Aye. Renee found out three weeks after you deployed that she was pregnant. When she was informed your ship was lost, she was distraught. It took your best friend six months to get her to agree to marry him," his said, tears shining in his eyes.
I nodded. I had asked Phil to marry Renee if anything should happen to me never thinking he would have to follow through on his promise.
"When you returned, Isabella was already two years old and calling Phil daddy. Renee didn't want to confuse Isabella. She wanted to tell you the truth, but the council forbade her from telling you. That's why you were named Isabella's godfather. I fought this decision, but it was Annabella who made me see reason, Charlie." He paused, glancing over his shoulder before turning back to me. "Had you been told earlier, you might be in your grave, too."
I was shocked into silence. Isabella was my daughter. I had loved Renee and fought hard to get back to her; it had taken me two years to get back only to find she had moved on with her life. I was happy for her and knew she had done what was best for her. Had I known, I would have spent more time with Isabella over the years and would have requested a transfer to Earth sooner.
"Is that why I cannot be her protector because I have no magical abilities?"
"Yes," Malcolm answered. "I don't know what role you are to play, but Isabella needs you."
I nodded even though I didn't quite understand. "Why name another temporary protector then?"
"She has yet to discover who her permanent protector is," he said.
"You're wrong. She has. It's Edward," I said.
"Are you sure about that, Charlie?" Malcolm asked, glancing over his shoulder again.
"No, not fully, but I feel he is. Has she ever told you about the day she disappeared after you introduced her to Garret?" I asked.
"No, she never spoke of it to me nor did I ask," he answered, sitting across from me.
"I think you better talk to Daniela before doing anything rash," I said, turning and calling Daniela over. "Is there somewhere we can all talk?"
"You know the house," Malcolm said, standing and walking out of the Great Hall and toward his study.
Once inside and seated, I asked Daniela to share with Malcolm what Isabella had said about the day she found out about Garret.
"Are you sure I should be the one telling him, Charlie?" Daniela asked.
"Isabella obviously didn't, and he needs to know," I answered.
"The day you told Bella she would be wed to Garrett she ran off and no one could find her, right?" Daniela asked.
"Yes. We found her three days later, right here," Malcolm replied.
"She was furious with you, with the council, with everyone. She ran in blind huff and her powers took over, sending her away from everyone she felt betrayed her." Daniela looked over at me. I motioned from her to continue. "She found herself in an unfamiliar forest, her head spinning. Two hikers came across her and helped her out. The hikers' names were Carlisle and Edward. She couldn't recall them telling her their last name," she said. "I don't know what happened during those three days and neither does Bella. The next time she opened her eyes, she was safely tucked into her bed here."
"That doesn't tell me much of anything," Malcolm said.
"There's more to tell," Daniela remarked. "The day after she was named lead in the cantata, she came to speak with me. She told me the boy she met the day she disappeared was named lead with her. Edward Cullen is the Edward who helped her out over two years ago."
Malcolm was silent for several minutes before he spoke again. "The amulet she wears. It turned cherry blossom pink while he held her in the antechamber to the council room, the day her future marriage to Garrett was dissolved. I thought it meant she was in love."
"Edward asked me if it was a mood necklace weeks before Christmas," I said. "I didn't correct him but inquired on the color it changed to. He said it was cherry blossom pink."
Malcolm rubbed his chin. "Maybe I was wrong in its meaning," he said. "There has to be a way to bring Isabella safely out of the trance."
"Only Annabella would know, and her secrets are locked away where no one can find them," I remarked.
"I know where to find them. Only Isabella can accompany me. Well, I'll have to carry her," Malcolm said.
We stood and walked out of the study. Once we were back in the Great Hall, we were greeted by questioning eyes. I didn't know what to say and had a feeling neither Malcolm nor Daniela did either.
Malcolm went over and picked Isabella up. "I shall return briefly," he said and made haste out of the room flanked by four guards.
I placed my hand on Edward's shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.
"I know you're worried. I don't understand this either, but we have to have patience. Malcolm knows what he's doing," I said.
BELLA'S POV
"Isabella, time to wake up, dear child," Grandmother said.
"Grandmother, what's going on?" I asked.
Someone brushed the hair from my face. "The time has come to wake up and step out of this trance."
I slowly opened my eyes and saw Grandfather looking down at me. "Grandfather, what am I doing here?"
"I was about to ask you the same. And you brought some guests with you. They are in the Great Hall waiting," he replied.
"I couldn't step out of the trance."
"What were you told?" he asked, knowingly.
"That a temporary protector will not do, and that it is time for my permanent protector."
"Who is it?" he asked with a smile.
"The Cullen family, the MacEnroy sisters, Zachary, Justine, Lorena, Charlie, Daniela, Nickodemus, and you," I paused before asking, "Who did I bring with me?"
"Everyone you named, I believe. I don't know the young students' names. What makes you believe they all are your protectors?"
"Grandmother told me it was more than Edward and his family, and she wrote as much in the prophecy. The time has come to heal the rift created by Maribella's father. Nickodemus told me that I was to bring in something new that would help heal the ties."
"And by having both Wiccan and Wizard protectors, it would heal all wounds. Why the Cullens?"
"I don't know yet. I only know they are to be included in the circle," I replied.
"That will not fly with the council," he said.
"The council has no power over me, not in this. They are not a part of this and will never understand what needs to be done. They are foolish men and women who have no magical abilities and as such have no say," I spat out. "Whether I have the council's permission or not is of no consequent. This day I will have my permanent protectors. We don't need tell them the full truth. They have kept things from me, like the fact that Charlie is my father."
"I'm not surprised you know. Do you plan to disband the council?" he asked.
"No, just take away their authority in magical matters. That will now be in your hands until the time I claim my birthright."
"I was informed while bringing you to the library that the council knows you're here, and they wish to speak with you," he said, looking worried.
"Let's not keep them waiting any longer, and I don't plan on changing," I said, walking out of the magical library and toward the council chambers. "Gentleman, ladies, how nice of you to convene today of all days." I stopped in the middle of the room. "There is only one thing I have to say to you and then I will be leaving. You have no more authority over magical dealings. My grandfather will handle things in my stead until such time as I formally become the McCullough. Now, I have a ceremony to get to as I have found my permanent protector. You will stay away if you know what is good for you."
I walked out of the council chambers and up the backstairs to my chambers. If a council member said anything, I didn't hear.
When I entered I saw a jet black crushed velvet and pewter gown laid out on my bed. It was beautiful and not what I was expecting. I briefly wondered why Iain had chosen it. With the help of the maids, I donned in not time.
"Thank you," I said with a smile. "Tell all the keep staff to stay out of the Great Hall for the next two hours."