"Grandmother," Mana whispered, her voice breaking as she knelt before the makeshift altar. Her trembling hands lit the smudge stick, its sweet, earthy scent curling around her in the stillness of the room. "I call your spirit to me… one final time."

Reiko and Kuri stood behind her, their presence a quiet support as Mana's words hung heavy in the air.

"I want you to know I came to see you," Mana continued, her voice gaining strength. "I found you. I want to bring you peace. I will absolve your soul. Your murderer will be brought to justice. I give you my Oath as a Miko."

With a steady hand, Mana pressed her fist to her chest, tears shining in her eyes.

"Blood of my blood," she declared. "I release you to the afterlife. Blessed Be."

A flash of silver light filled the room, warm and soft, as though Kaori's love lingered one last time. The light faded gently, and a quiet peace settled over the space.

Kaori Hikawa's spirit had passed on.

Xxx

The silence that followed was broken by Mana's sharp voice. "How could you say that in front of Kuri? Apologize to her!" Reiko's voice was thick with anger as she whirled on Mana.

"This is her fault!" Mana shot back, her tone cutting. "She's weak! Always has been! And now Grams is gone!"

"Mana's right," Kuri whispered, staring down at the ground, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. "If I had meditated more, trained harder… maybe this wouldn't have happened. Maybe—maybe my soul isn't as pure as she thought it was. Maybe I'm tainted."

"Stop that!" Reiko's voice broke, a growl rumbling underneath it as she stepped forward. "Stop it, both of you! Grams wouldn't have wanted this! She wanted—she wanted…"

Reiko's voice cracked, tears spilling over her cheeks.

"No one knows what she wanted, because she's dead," Mana snapped. "And I'm not about to believe that nonsense Kuri said about Hogwarts."

"I would hardly call it nonsense." A calm, firm voice cut through the room.

Xxx

All three girls turned sharply, their eyes landing on the tall, poised figure standing in the doorway. Her tartan robes flowed gracefully around her, and her sharp eyes, framed by glasses, seemed to pierce into each of them.

"What the—" Reiko's voice faltered as recognition dawned. "You're that cat I saw with Kit!"

Minerva McGonagall inclined her head. "Yes, your familiar is a very intelligent creature. She came to me and alerted me to your unguarded status. I've come to take you to safety."

"Safety?" Mana crossed her arms. "Where exactly are you taking us?"

"First to Diagon Alley," Minerva said briskly. "Then to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Mana's eyes narrowed. "No. Absolutely not. We are not exposing ourselves to practitioners!"

"That's enough," Minerva said, her voice sharp and commanding. She reached into her robes and pulled out a photograph, holding it out for Mana to see. "If you need proof that I am following your grandmother's wishes, look at this."

Mana snatched the photo, her frown deepening. In it, a much younger Minerva stood beside Kaori Hikawa, smiling warmly. Surrounding them were other women: Sybill Trelawney, Euphemia Potter, Gail Altman, Helen Troy, and Amanda Hodgekiss.

"This proves nothing," Mana said stubbornly. "If you're like us, show us your active power."

Minerva placed her wand delicately on the table and extended her hand. With a small flourish, an apple appeared, hovering in her palm.

"Conjuring," Minerva explained. "Sybill is a Seer. Euphemia had telekinesis. Gail, Helen, and Amanda were Glamourers—though they often used their gifts for vanity more than purpose."

Reiko's expression softened, her gaze flicking between Minerva and the photograph. "So that's why Grams was always talking about Harry Potter," she murmured.

"Yes," Minerva said. "Euphemia was his grandmother. Harry is her legacy, just as you are Kaori's. And your grandmother entrusted me with ensuring your safety."

"So why keep all this a secret?" Mana demanded, though her tone had softened.

Minerva sighed, a flicker of sadness crossing her face. "Active Power witches make practitioners feel threatened. The Ministry of Magic passed laws banning us from openly using our abilities. Some were even forced to strip their powers entirely. Metamorphmagi, Maledicti, Obscurials—anyone whose powers are viewed as 'too dangerous'—were targeted."

"That's barbaric!" Mana exclaimed.

"Yes, it is," Minerva said quietly. "But change takes time. Dumbledore has arranged for you to be trained in your active powers at Hogwarts. You'll be protected there."

Kuri's voice broke the silence. "But… will we belong there?"

Minerva turned to her, her expression softening. She knelt down so they were eye level. "Kuri," she said gently, "you carry your grandmother's strength, even if you don't see it yet. Hogwarts is a place where you'll learn not just magic, but who you are. You belong there just as much as any other witch or wizard."

Kuri nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"Let's go, then," Mana said, her voice quieter now.

Minerva straightened, her gaze sweeping over the three girls. "Good. Gather your things. A new chapter of your lives begins now.".