"Master, we must move soon otherwise my body will fail before we get the stone."
"Fool, you are working next to a source of the greatest healing reagent in the known world apart from the stone. Take advantage of it if you wish to live."
"But Master, what of the curse?"
"What of it? Do you not think that we can make you a new body as easily as we make me one?"
"Yes Master, it will be done."
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"Where have you been? I've been so worried about you."
Marie smiles, "I love you too Mum. I met Dr Danann, the archaeologist, and she offered me an internship."
"Oh well done, don't forget that if he asks you to make a sacrifice, you wouldn't be the first or last woman to have done so."
"Mum! This is the 90's not the 40's, that's not acceptable anymore. Besides, Dr Danann is a woman."
"Well, as long as she's discrete about it, the same thing applies. If she makes a move in public, you scream to high heaven girl. You don't want to be tarred with that brush."
"Mum, what are you talking about?"
"Well, it's not like women don't have feelings. I mean, everyone's head is turned by the occasional woman."
"Mum! It's not like that, she's more like a mother or favourite aunt."
"Just remember to call if you're going to disappear for a month."
"Sorry Mum, there weren't any landlines around, and Morgana's phone doesn't get signal where we were."
"Pfft, it's in the past. I lit a candle for your safe return, and Jesus answered my prayers. Are you staying for dinner?"
Marie shakes her head, "No Mum, Dr Danann invited me to live at her house in Dunblane."
"I knew it, mark my words, she'll have you in her bed inside a month. When she does I'll make sure there's a space in the confessional for you."
"Mum! You know I'm not Christian."
"It's never too late to convert."
"I'm going to grab my suitcase and backpack. I love you, but I wish you wouldn't keep trying to get me to go to church. I stopped going before I was confirmed, and I'm not going to start going again now."
Marie's mum smiles at her, "I know dear, I'm just looking out for your eternal soul. Now go and see that nice doctor."
Marie doesn't resist as her mother pulls her into a hug and kisses her on the cheek. Quickly, she grabs her stuff from her bedroom and heads out to where Dora is holding a charm to avoid attention.
As Dora pulls them both into the mist, Marie relaxes and her magic spills out around her.
Dora's voice is faint in the mist, "Did you get everything?"
Marie nods, "I did, though it was hard holding onto my magic."
"It is hard, though I think it's easier when you learn things in the right order. It's just a bit harder for you as you exist in the mundane world."
"I know, I know. I'm just glad that Morgana has agreed to sponsor me when I transfer to the Open University course."
"Yeah, lucky you. I've got to go to the local college to do my GCSE's. How on earth am I supposed to fit them in around everything else?"
Marie laughs, "Evening classes, just like everyone else. Do you have a National Insurance number yet?"
"I do, it came in the post last week. I still don't get why we can't just live in the magical world."
Marie sighs at a conversation they've had more than once, "Dora, how much of the world have you seen since you joined Morgana?"
"I grew up outside the magical community, there is far more to see and do than you've even considered. Much of which is only accessible if you have a presence in this part of the world. You want to fly on a plane, you need a passport. You want to drive, driving licence. Go to a bar, some form of ID if you look close to 18. Getting a credit card, personal history. Owning a gun, again you need id and a background check."
"But you can't use magic."
"You can't use magic openly, which means no wand-waving. But that's becoming less of an issue for you now isn't it?"
"I guess, but I'm so close to being able to crack that spell. When I do, I won't be able to just change my look."
They both step out into Morgana's domain, "I'll take you to Cockburn street in Edinburgh when I've got a better handle on my magic. You'll see just how ridiculous your assumption is then."
Marie trails off as Morgana is standing there with Airmed, Astoria, Harry, and Marianne.
"Thank you for looking after Marie, Dora. Would you mind heading to the house as this is a family matter."
Dora smiles and pats Marie on the shoulder, "Enjoy."
Morgana steps forward, her raven cloak fluttering behind her like giant wings settling themselves, "Marie, you sought me out on the solstice to become one of mine. On that night you drank deeply of my hearts blood and became my child by blood. You have since survived and been reborn as my daughter. I Mórrígu acknowledge you and claim you as a child of my blood. Now and forever you will be part of my family. I name you Dánae, which means courage, welcome home." Morgana spreads her arms in invitation.
Tears immediately form in Marie's eyes as she runs into Morgana's open arms, "Thank you. Thank you."
"You're most welcome my daughter. There is something I should mention before too much more time passes. The oaths that you took before you had magic are just words. The markings that I gave you are my clan markings. Before you swear yourself as a crow, I want you to think long and hard about if it's something you want. You are my daughter, so I'm going to teach you anyway, and hopefully you'll help me teach GCSE's too. However," And Morgana looks meaningfully at the ground that is already sprouting flowers, "I think you already have more than enough to worry about before you think of adding the duties of a crow on top of that."
"But I…"
Morgana places a finger over Marie's lips, "I mean really think about it, as it's not just the markings on your face. It's also carrying the burden of seeing peoples doom. You can never stop it, only supress it. It's being an extension of my will and carrying my authority. What I need you to really consider is just what you wanted when you asked me for this. Then ask yourself if you already have that. Are you prepared to kill people who have no chance of defending themselves? Dora was already the magical equivalent of a police recruit, except they don't have a concept of unarmed criminals so it's more like American SWAT than British police. You chose to enter Archaeology, think about that. As one of my crows, at some point you will have to kill. When you do, it won't be in self-defence.
"Come, I have a boar roasting in the house. Welcome to the family."
As Morgana turns away and walks into the round house, Marie stands there speechless as the others crowd around congratulating her on joining the family.
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"Bones. You're late."
Amelia looks over at Mad-eye and raises an eyebrow in surprise. The paranoid bastard has moved his desk to beside the entrance to the Bullpen, with his chair wedged into the corner. Amelia nods, "I am, it was unavoidable as I was knocked out."
"Bah! It's good to have you back. You've got a queue of bootlickers and arse kissers waiting for news of your return. Something to do with the youngest Greengrass popping up in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade without using the Floo."
Amelia barks a laugh, "What are the odds they want to ban that form of travel?"
"Jones refused to open a book on it."
Amelia nods, "Just so you know, they've got about as much chance of stopping it as they do of discovering the purpose of the Veil of Death. Given it was stolen from a Fairy mound, I have no doubt there are now people that could tell them exactly what it's for."
As Amelia walks to her office, Mad-eye calls after her, "Did you find what you wanted?"
Amelia looks over her shoulder, "I did, as well as a suitor. If things go well, we'll be betrothed in a year's time."
There's a brief amount of cursing from Jones' desk at that bombshell, and Amelia knows it's one of his longest running books.
As she sits down Manannán appears out of the mist, "Congratulations on making it home. You've managed to do something any 4-year-old with magic could do."
Amelia looks at the man with her best stare, "Do you have any idea how hard it was?"
"Of course. Adults never feel their emotions as purely as children do. Why did you think we taught humans so young? Anyway, I will collect you for training when you finish here."
Amelia's mouth works silently for a moment, "What happened to having a token so that you can find me?"
"Do you want to be treated like a child? For that is what we did for children, as their magic is not yet well defined. If you do it would be quite awkward, as I am not attracted to children."
"So how exactly am I supposed to find you, or contact you?"
Manannán scoffs, "The same way any adult would, learn the feel of my magic and look for it. I originally stopped by to congratulate you, as well as give you your sword. If you prove proficient I will craft you one made of steel." Manannán lays a bronze sword in a sheath made from an unknown animals hide on Amelia's desk, "From now on, I expect you to wear this while you are awake. It needs to be as much a part of you as your wand is."
Amelia looks at him slightly dumbfounded, before she explodes, "So what would you have done if I'd got lost?"
Manannán laughs, "Why found you like I did just now. Now, don't forget to sharpen your sword, as the care of the edge is your responsibility." As he starts to fade back into the mist he calls back, "Oh, and you're making your own way home every night."
Amelia surges to her feet, wand in hand ready to curse him, but he's already gone.
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Nobody dared to comment on the sword that Amelia was carrying through out the rest of the day. Though Fudge did hurriedly agree to see the Unspeakables about this mysterious travel method, Malfoy spent most of his meeting staring at the hilt rather than politicking, and Umbridge went as pink as her cardigan.
Finally, Albus Bloody Dumbledore turns up after one of his friends, one Mr Fletcher, finally fessed up to the crimes he'd committed when he spotted her wearing the sword.
"My dear Amelia, do you have time for a quick word?"
Amelia looks at the ceiling and closes her eyes while counting to 10, "Sorry Sibbons. We'll have to finish your performance review at a later date. Certainly Mr Dumbledore, please follow me to my office."
Taking a seat, with perfect posture to account for the sword, Amelia steeples her fingers, "What is so important that the Chief Warlock couldn't make an appointment?"
"Amelia, I have had several high-ranking members of the government Floo me today about your weapon."
Amelia puts on an air of confusion, "The only time I've drawn my wand today was to unlock my filing cabinet."
"Not that weapon, the other one."
"I am unsure what you mean."
"The sword that is currently on your back."
"Oh, but I haven't drawn that. It's just been sitting there."
"Still, they have found it to be quite intimidating."
"They are in a department of people carrying lethal weapons, and they find the hilt of a sword intimidating?"
"Indeed. Might I suggest that you leave the sword at home in future."
"You might make that suggestion. When you do, I'll give it all the consideration it deserves."
"Amelia my dear, why are you being so difficult?"
"Why are you trying to deprive me of my weapons?"
"My dear, I am not trying to deprive you of it, merely suggesting that it is not needed at work."
Amelia thinks for a moment, "Mr Dumbledore, your suggestion has been very helpful. You are absolutely correct, the only people that should be allowed to carry weapons in the DMLE are certified on duty Aurors. I will have that policy implemented by the morning. As for my own weapons, they are absolutely needed as, unlike other departments, my department does not have the manpower for me to not be on active duty. If you wish to see the position of Director return to being an administrative position, then I suggest you use some of your influence to increase our budget. Until then I must bid you good day."
"Ah, but my dear, we haven't even covered the fact that you have been using your weapon to intimidate suspects."
Amelia's eyes shoot up to her forehead, "I have not been involved in the booking, questioning, or processing of any subjects today. I have been far too busy dealing with paperwork between all the unscheduled interruptions caused by people believing they are entitled to my time."
"So you deny intimidating Mr Fletcher then?"
"Ah, I see. I deny doing anything that would ordinarily cause intimidation. After all, I was just getting myself a cup of coffee and surveying the Bullpen when he was being questioned. Something that I do several times a day."
"But you don't deny intimidating Mr Fletcher."
"That is a loaded statement. I am aware of your penchant of saying two things at the same time and only deciding which one you meant after somebody has responded. As such, I have already given you your answer. Please vacate my office as I actually have work that needs to get done."
With a great deal of theatre, Albus pushes himself up off the chair and walks out of the door. As the door clicks closed Manannán appears next to the chair and sits down, "That was enlightening. Is everyone in your society like him?"
"What!? Have you been spying on me?"
"Not at all, I had something called 'Brunch' with The Morrigan earlier. I met her newest daughter too, who has been attempting to learn our language. I also had a look around this place. Were you aware that from the outside, this is just a space no larger than a round house?"
"I wasn't no, but the only surprising part of that is just how small the space is. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company anyway?"
"While I was having 'Brunch' one of The Morrigan's crows, called 'Dora' I think, suggested taking you to see something called a 'Film'. Rather than plead ignorance, I felt it would be better to seek you out and ask your opinion on the matter."
"I appreciate that," Amelia says honestly, "however I only have a vague idea of what one is myself. Maybe we should put of any dates in the mundane world until you can speak modern English."
"Why would that be an issue?"
"That, is a long discussion about the last 6 or 700 years' worth of history. As I said to Mr Dumbledore, I do have work I need to get on with. I appreciate you coming to see me about it rather than getting in trouble by exploring on your own."
"Very well, I will see you later."
No sooner than Manannán had disappeared again, when Mad-Eye walks through the door, "Who were you talking to?"
Amelia pinches the bridge of her nose, "Mad-Eye, if you don't leave the office in the next 30 seconds, I am going to start hexing you."
"I'm worried about you boss, all of these people I can't see."
"If you're that worried about it, speak to Morgana and ask her to teach you." Amelia pulls her wand and levitates the stack of books she ploughed through, "You'll want to read these first though."
Mad-Eye looks at the wand that is turning towards him, and closes the door as he leaves the office.
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As the door opens, Kate looks up from what she now sees as her cell. Standing there is Ms Blanco and Morgana along with one of the doctors and a police officer.
Ms Blanco gives what's supposed to be a warm smile, "Good afternoon Mrs Kincaid, Dr Danann contacted me as soon as the news about this hospital broke. It took us a couple of weeks, however the courts have agreed that the hospital has broken it's Duty of Care to you. You are to be released into Dr Danann's care, who will be paying for private treatment. The court has mandated that as a condition of this you will undergo psychiatric evaluation every 6 months for the next 2 years to ensure that Dr Danann has actually sent you for treatment. Do you understand?"
Kate looks at all of them in disbelief, it can't possibly be true as she was just forgotten about here. Eventually she speaks, "This isn't some scheme to put me in danger again?"
"No Mrs Kincaid, I will personally be checking in with you once a month to ensure that you are being treated well and are in fact being treated. It may surprise you to know that both of us have been checking in with the Medical Doctors here about your progress. If you understand, then you will need to read and sign this document."
Numbly, Kate reaches for the clipboard and carefully reads the document. After the third time of reading it, and it saying exactly the same thing, she takes the pen from under the clip and signs each copy of the document where indicated. Numbly, she's then lead out of her cell and given her clothes back.
An hour later, she's standing alone with Morgana, "Is this a dream?"
Morgana takes her hand, "I promise, this isn't a dream. Come on, lets get you home, Marianne's waiting for you."
After a nauseating walk through some dense fog, Kate blinks as a Celtic round house appears. Then she's practically bowled over by a Kate seeking Marianne. "Mum! You're here. I missed you!"
Hesitantly, Kate lifts her arms and hugs Marianne as though she's a figment, tears forming in her eyes, "Marianne, I thought I'd never see you again."
"Marianne, I'm going to leave the two of you here. Bring your mother to the house when you're both ready."