Shape of Magic 15: Transitions and Goodbyes

[center]<<<Taylor Rose>>>[/center]

The final night before the End of Year feast passed silently in the Slytherin house, most students were sullen that they didn’t win the House cup while others were silently plotting and scheming. None of the plots and schemes really worried Taylor as she packed up her trunk with a relaxed hum.

The other girls in her year kept to themselves as they packed as well, but she wasn’t oblivious to the silent support most of them were giving her. Barring Pansy and a few other Pureblood supremacists.

Greengrass didn’t show much, what with her being an ‘ice queen’, but Taylor knew without a doubt she liked Taylor. Either because she effectively neutered Malfoy’s reputation or because she was a ‘quintessential Slytherin’ Taylor wasn’t entirely sure.

Or it could be the fact Taylor essentially established her dominance and refused to let the purebloods play their stupid games with the half-bloods in their year. Davis and Millicent were half-blooded, if she wasn’t mistaken, so they naturally approved to a certain extent as well.

Of course the evening would pass in peace until Parkinson just had to open her mouth.

“Think you’re so much better than us, don’t you?” She snipped, “You should just learn your place, in the mud with the rest of your ilk mudblood!”

Taylor just sighed faintly but didn’t stop her packing to even look at her, “You know? It’s really not smart to try and piss off someone that sleeps in the same dorm as you. Not really all that cunning, which… is supposed to be a key defining trait of a Slytherin, yes?” She asked, mocking without actually trying. “And yes, I do think I’m better than you. Specifically you, not other actually respectable purebloods like, say, the Weasleys.” That made the girl mad, but she was rapidly realizing how foolish she was being.

The horde of bugs floating in the air might have helped the message along.

Taylor just hummed, “See, I’ve observed everyone in this school,” She said, “Purebloods, half-bloods, muggleborns, squibs, teachers, and ghosts. I mean I could’ve just taken what Ron said at face value and think Pureblood supremacists are all evil Magical Nazis. But I didn’t, instead I observed and formed my own opinions,” She explained.

“A-Are you trying to make a point, mudblood?” Parkenson sneered, though the tremble in her voice revealed her own fear.

“I’m getting there,” Taylor said, “Now… ah let’s actually use a more local example shall we? Greengrass here looks to me like the perfect Slytherin. She’s aloof, calculating, and cunning. By all rights she shouldn’t care about half-bloods or ‘mudbloods’ and yet… she is very protective of her friend, a half-blood. And she isn’t the only example I can use either, I’ve seen similar cases in each House. But you want to know what I’ve realized, Pansy? I can call you Pansy right?”

“No,” She replied with a glare.

“Well, the point is, Pansy, that while many probably hold your beliefs? The fact is you’re the only one that’s vocal about it,” Taylor continued like she didn’t hear her, “Even Slytherins in the upper years that believe that crock of shit don’t actually show it all loud and proud. Which actually circles back to something, if all Slytherins are supposed to be cunning and ambitious… Why are you here? Honestly, I’ve seen Gryfindors show more cunning than you. I mean… the Weasley twins are the biggest examples of it.”

Pansy’s fist was clenching, but… she couldn’t exactly do anything about it, certainly not as the air buzzed menacingly.

“Or is it that you just… admire those qualities? Mm? You want someone to make all the decisions for you, control the course of your life, pay for all of your things… why, there are words for people like that.” Taylor’s voice had dropped to a dangerous level and pitch. “Useless slaves. Now, if you don’t mind? Leave. I’ll pack your things for you, Slave.”

She’d already packed everything, so the implication was clear: Pansy didn’t deserve most of what she had and Taylor would take it from her.

Not that Pansy followed that order, instead just picking up her trunk and dragging it out of the room with a glare.

“Merlin be damned!” Davis exclaimed, “You bloody murdered her!” She added before collapsing in giggles.

“I could have been more mean,” Taylor noted, dispersing the swarm with a thought, “I could have pointed out that Draco doesn’t actually care about her. Doesn’t even think of her much, if I’m honest.”

“I believe she knows, but she’s hoping that it either changes or just makes the future Malfoy Heir has a positive view of her family,” Greengrass commented, “An alliance between the two families would make them quite a lot stronger.”

“Are such things common?” Taylor asked, genuinely curious as she hadn’t seen any cases of similar behavior in the castle.

“Yes, at least according to my mom.” Greengrass paused for a moment, “But situations like Parkinson? Not as much, no. Most witches have more dignity than to throw themselves at an uninterested wizard.”

“Mm, a symptom of her age then,” Taylor said with a nod, “She’ll grow out of it. Well, by that I mean that she’ll push back on her family that’s likely pushing her.”

Greengrass just snorted but didn’t comment further, though Davis had finally started to recover only to collapse into full laughter at Taylor’s words.

Greengrass just sighed and rolled her eyes, “That is unlikely to happen,” She said, “The Parkinsons are on equal to the Malfoys in status.”

“Ah, but you forget,” Taylor started, “Teenagers are always rebellious. Except for me, I’ll become very demure, kind, and submissive to authority in a few years.”

Greengrass paused at that and turned to actually stare at her, “... Right…” For some reason Taylor felt that Greengrass didn’t believe her in the slightest.

Even the other girls were giggling at her words, making Taylor huff.

Though inwardly she was pleased that she’d effectively broken the tense mood that had developed since she browbeat Pansy.

“So, anyone looking forward to something specific over the summer?” She asked, folding up her last robe (she was going to wear ‘muggle’ clothes for the train ride).

“Quidditch world cup,” Greengrass said, “And visiting some friends.”

“Same,” Davis said after getting herself under control.

“Nothing much,” Millicent replied with a shrug, “Maybe exploring Diagon Alley more, but my parents are usually pretty busy.”

Taylor nodded, “Ames and I are going to be getting used to being, uh… adopted, actually. Maybe. Depends on if something major changes.”

“Congratulations then, I suppose.” Greengrass said.

“What family if you don’t mind me asking, cause I know Daphne won’t,” Davis asked shamelessly.

For a moment Taylor felt she had found a kindred spirit in Slytherin, another shameless one! She wasn’t alone anymore in that regard!

“Half muggle-born, half… magical being, I guess?” She started, “My dad will apparently be a lawyer and mom a sidhe?”

“Was she the unique woman we saw last Easter?” Davis asked curiously.

“Yes,” Taylor replied, “Her appearance changes based on season.” In spring she had blonde hair and bright eyes like storm clouds. “She seems quite nice, but… well, you know the stories about fairies.”

“Ah…” Davis said, “Muggles have some pretty bad stories about the fair folk,” She added with a nod, “Just take those stories with a grain of salt.”

“She said that some of them were accurate, but others weren’t.” Taylor shrugged. “Now, let’s see how loud everyone claps when it’s announced we lost the house cup.”

“Sucker’s bet,” Davis retorted, “It’s well known that the other houses really don’t like Slytherin.”

Taylor just shrugged, “Eh, so-so really.” She said, “But yeah Lord Moldyshorts didn’t do the house any favors did he? Not to mention winning a whole bunch of years in a row, that’ll always annoy people.”

[center]<<<Amy Carlson>>>[/center]

Taylor had predicted cheers when it was announced that Slytherin didn’t win the House Cup. She had, if anything, undersold things. One could imagine a bomb had gone off in the building, not that you’d have been able to hear it as the windows shook.

Most of the snakes looked forlorn, though some were clapping along politely (Taylor among those).

“Yes, well done Gryffindor,” Dumbledore said with a wide smile, “Their educational accomplishments will go down in the records as ‘quite good’ to say the least,” He joked, “Now… I would like to say a few words, if you would forgive an old man for his rambling?” He asked the hall, the room suddenly dead silent as they listened. His voice was serious, even for his jovial question.

“I apologize for what happened on Halloween, none of you should have had to witness that,” He said, “I will admit fault, I had not known Quirrell had gone over to Voldemort’s side.”

Everyone flinched at the use of the name, something Amy still didn’t understand herself but she wasn’t willing to ask about it. From her reading Voldemort had done a number on Magical Britain, so it wasn’t that hard to understand. But the fact that it persisted after so long was a bit odd in her opinion.

“I had also not known that Voldemort,” another collective flinch, “would act so openly to acquire something so precious. Had I known either of these facts, I would have proceeded far differently. But thanks to the bravery of some quite clever first year students… Voldemort was stopped. Imagine, a monster stopped by three young, bright minds.” He smiled wide, arms going out, “I am proud of them, yes, but I think something far more important has been revealed by that… and I believe that all of you are smart enough to see it.” Then he bowed gently, head going to the table, “And I pray that you forgive me for my mistakes.”

Amy clapped, and not too long the rest of the Great hall was filled with clapping as well. Dumbledore smiled, “Thank you, now I’ve kept you from your feast long enough! Tuck in!” He said before he took his seat and plates and plates of food started to appear.

Amy had to give it to the house elves, they certainly went all out that night. She also could easily see the influence of Taylor visible in the choices, and she had no doubt she’d be smuggling in cookbooks for the elves to enjoy so they could provide even more variety.

Eventually she helped herself to some medium steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, a baked potato and some steamed carrots. She really wished her power worked on her though, cause she really wanted to try some of the desserts as well.

The fudge lava cake looked amazing.

“Something to experiment with.” After all, with Taylor’s comment about how she felt everyone while she was half dead from the Killing Curse… then it was possible that her powers aren’t actually limited as well…

Which was an admittedly frightening prospect, but at the same time the thought of it was like a siren's call. She could fix so many perceived flaws about herself, she could even make herself a low-tier Brute. Honestly, it was a heady possibility, thankfully she had Tay to keep her from going off the deep end.

“Oh god, I’m relying on Taylor to keep me from going crazy. I’ll be taking over the world in a week, a month tops…” Amy thought with more than a hint of dread.

Shaking her head she decided to ‘tuck in’ as Dumbledore put it, everyone else was helping themselves after all. Hera, Athena, and Ron were having some sort of debate over Quidditch, with Athena seeming to be the mediator in case things got too spirited.

“Man, that nickname really does fit Hermione,” Amy thought with a smile.

“Potato for your thoughts?” Fred offered, “And are you planning on visiting over the summer?”

“Just thinking about the summer,” Amy said, “And if we can manage? Sure, I’d like to see this famous Burrow of yours,” She added with a smile.

“Oh, it’s nothing too impressive,” George replied, “Has a gnome infestation and is a bit messy, the house is a bit cramped and ramshackle too.”

“And there are two really annoying people there,” Fred added, “I think you might know one of them.”

“Nah, can’t say I do.” Any quipped, “Now, I do know these two real annoying twins though. Honestly, they are rather insufferable really.”

“Now you take that back,” George started, “the Patil twins are sweethearts that wouldn’t hurt a fly. Mostly because they’re scared Taylor will retaliate with more of them, but that’s beside the point.”

Amy snorted and shook her head, “Bold of you to assume I meant the Patils. Besides, I think Taylor wouldn’t do anything beyond putting butterflies Parviti’s hair. She’s never been to a makeover before.” It was actually rather cute to see Taylor so stunned by the deluge of fashion and make up advice.

Fred laughed, “Let her be spared the wrath of our mum, she might never leave the building.”

“Let it happen. I desire amusement,” Amy snarked with a chuckle.

“And you imply we’re annoying, for shame Amy, for shame,” George sighed, “And after we gave you ice cream! Shows us for trying to be nice to you…”

Amy just looked at George before snorting, “Please, you have thicker skin than that,” She said with a roll of her eyes.

“Perhaps, perhaps,” Fred stated, “And perhaps we shall have our revenge some day.”

“Someday, someday!” George continued, “You will rue the insult!”

“Hmm, I’m sure.” Amy sniped with a smile, “You two planning anything interesting for the summer?”

“Nothing special, just some experiments like those ice creams we made,” He replied, “... don’t tell anyone those were experimental.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Amy said, “And Taylor won’t tell either,” She added when a firefly buzzed by and started flashing them.

Fred just snorted, “Is there anything our Lady of Bugs won’t spy on?” He asked sarcastically. “We just assumed she already knew.”

“When you’re in the bathroom or having intimate moments,” Amy answered without a second of thought or hesitation.

“That’s fair, reasonable, and most Lady like,” George said… and let Fred finish with, “Dark Lady, but Lady indeed.”

“It’s not paranoia if you actually are out to get me!” Taylor retorted from the other side of the room, “Stop plotting against my rise to power and I won’t have to look for convenient cliffs for you to get lost on!”

“The Dark Lady speaks, brother!” Fred exclaimed.

George nodded, “I fear for our safety, truly.”

“The Dark Lady is generous, and is easily bribed by candy and other treats,” Amy quipped with an amused smile. “And hugs, if you’re adorable. Like Hera!”

Fred looked at George, “You know what we must do, brother mine.” He said solemnly.

“Indeed I do,” George said, “We must sacrifice our sister Ginny to the Dark Lady!”

Fred nodded, “May she be devoured with all other things as we rise to her left hand position.”

Amy giggled in spite of herself and, to cover it up, reached for a bit of chocolate to enjoy. If someone had told her a decade ago that she’d ever have a school experience she enjoyed… she’d assume that they’d been Mastered.

Sure, she missed Vicky but honestly? This wasn’t too bad, and Taylor once you get past her… everything, wasn’t too bad either. She still wasn’t surprised she went villain though.

Not before long, everyone had had their fill and were, naturally, sleepy as a result. The train ride being the next day, everyone was eager to get to sleep.

Amy stretched before she looked at her bed, before she went over to Ophis and Lily’s tank and opened it up. The two snakes looked around before slithering up her arm and just coiling around her loosely. Smiling to herself she got into bed, but instead of going to sleep directly she pulled out a hardback notebook and started writing.

She didn’t get far before her eyes drifted close and entered the land of dreams.

[hr][/hr]

The train ride was… reserved, much quieter than the ride there had been. Everyone was tired and, moreover, was going home instead of a magical castle that taught them how to bend the laws of physics over their knee like it was a naughty red-headed step child.

Amy was rather thankful for the reprieve honestly, she loved magic but she was glad to get a taste of normalcy… at least until she and Taylor had to leave for their possible step-parents.

“I want,” Taylor started, “a cane.” The girl had been forced to give back the one she’d been using once the teachers noticed she still had it. She had pouted impressively when she’d complied. Amy wished she’d had a camera for it.

Amy rolled her eyes, “You just want a cane because you think it makes you more impressive or intimidating,” She dryly said.

“If I'm going to rule over the Slytherin house I need to look impressive!” Taylor insisted, “Oh! Maybe a wand cane! Like a sword one, but with my wand instead. Oh, no, better. A wand cane and my regular wand at the same time, dual wielding!”

Sometimes Amy wondered just what went through the girl’s head, really she did.

“Does she even listen to what she says? Or does she just say stuff to get a reaction?” Amy wondered.

“Besides,” Taylor continued, “the aesthetic is great. A great large coat and robe, flame at my back, cane in one hand and wand in the other… I’d look awesome.”

“Life isn’t an action movie,” Amy had to be the voice of sanity, someone had to after all.

“I fought a Dark Lord that was halfway out of our teacher’s head and he shot me with a ray-gun,” Taylor countered, “It’s a sci-fi action movie.”

“No, if anything it is a fantasy action,” Amy corrected.

Taylor grinned wide, “So you admit it’s an action movie, gotcha. Cane it is!”

“No! I’m just playing along with your delusions!” Amy exclaimed.

“Sure, sure,” Taylor poked her nose, “We’re pulling into the station now. Also, ow, can you get the painkillers out of my bag while I get some water?”

Amy just snorted, “Fine,” She said as she rolled her eyes.

“Thanks, you’re the best. Can’t take pills without water anymore, not sure why, but I’ve had trouble swallowing since the green death beam hit me,” Taylor admitted as she went to find the cart.

“Maybe a possible side effect of surviving?” Amy mused as she went to get Taylor’s painkillers, “Possibly psychosomatic, but magic makes it hard to determine…”

“Back,” She said, carefully sitting next to Amy, “The cars are a bit busy right now, so we’ll probably have to wait to disembark. Steve! Get into your house!”

“Makes sense,” Amy said as she passed the painkillers to Taylor, smiling faintly as Steve, wearing a top-hat that Taylor had made for her, scurried out of her hair and made her way to her house, “Still can’t believe you made that little hat,” She commented.

“If I’m walking around with a cane, Steve deserved to look just as dapper,” Taylor replied with a sniff before downing her pills and water, “Magic is amazing, those pills work instantly.”

Amy just smiled, “Just don’t take too many of those,” She warned.

“Only need them when it gets bad,” Taylor replied, “Or when we’re entering a place like this station.”

Amy nodded, “Has the scar settled any?” She asked.

“Mostly,” She replied, “I think it’s tied to Voldemort though, not Quirrel. Or maybe it’s just both of them at once, either way… not fun when it flares up. I think it happens when he gets emotional, Hera has similar pains.”

“Hmm, so much for him being dead and gone,” Amy said, “Sounds like something out of a fantasy. Evil wizard defies death and remains in the living world as a malevolent spirit.”

Taylor stared at her for a moment before lifting up her wand and gesturing with it. “We went to a castle filled with ghosts to learn magic.”

“I know that,” Amy huffed, “I just wasn’t expecting a supposedly dead Dark Lord deciding to ride shotgun in one of our teachers' heads,” She snarked.

“Yeah, but that part was the only thing I didn’t expect,” Taylor replied with a shrug, lifting her trunk into a cart (followed by Steve’s tank).

Amy just snorted before following suit, putting her trunk on as well along with Ophis and Lily’s tank, “So, are Chuck and his wife going to pick us up or what?” She asked.

“Yes, they’re already in the station actually, talking to the Weasleys… and I think Chuck wants to talk to the Dursleys when we get to the muggle part,” Taylor frowned slightly, “Not sure why, but it might be important.”

Amy hadn’t heard anything good about the Dursleys, though she really hadn’t heard much about them in general. Which says something, in Amy’s opinion. But she was willing to keep an open mind, if anything she needed to keep an eye on Taylor so she didn’t… act up.

“Well, shall we get going then?” Amy asked.

The girl nodded and gestured, “After you.”

Amy just rolled her eyes before she started pushing their cart through the train and finally getting off, the sounds of the station were about the same as they were the first time. And after looking around for a few seconds she saw the Weasley’s as well as Chuck and his wife talking. With a hum she pushed the cart along with Taylor following along.

“And that’s why muggle money systems are better than wizarding currencies,” Chuck said, “Nice and simple, isn’t it?”

“So I was overthinking it? Why are they colored differently then?” Arthur Weasley asked, curiosity brimming in his voice.

“Just so you can identify them in your wallet easier,” Chuck replied easily, “See, if you look into the little spot for it you can see which is which instantly.”

“Fascinating,” Arthur said, shaking the other man’s hand, “Thank you for explaining it to me, that helps quite a lot.”

“Of course, of course,” He agreed, “If you ever need help, just send me an owl or give me a call. And remember, don’t yell into the phone, we’ll be able to hear you if you speak normally.” Chuck smiled as he turned to spot them, “And there… is Amy and Taylor.”

He looked like he felt a bit awkward about the whole… adoption thing now that it was so close to actually happening but, as his wife and Molly Weasley swapped housekeeping tips… he walked over to them. “No second thoughts?” He asked, “Still time to say no.”

Two two looked at each other for a moment, a silent conversation passing between them in the span of a blink.

“No, I don’t think so,” Amy said after a few moments.

“Though if it’s all the same, we’d like to say goodbye to everyone back at the orphanage,” Taylor added.

“I’d be concerned if you didn’t,” He replied with a shrug, “And you still have your stuff there.”

“Mostly clothes that don’t fit anymore that Tay never got around to adjusting,” Amy said, “Said clothes will be left for any future orphans. But beyond that little personal keepsakes and such.”

“Books?” He suggested, “Regardless, we need to stop by there anyway for the paperwork. So, really, it is no added trouble.”

“Ah… yeah, that’s a thing…” Amy just gave Taylor a deadpan stare for her comment.

“... In my defense,” Taylor started, “I’m too busy trying to work out how folded space works to be coherent with your regular physical reality things.”

“... How many of those painkillers did you take?” Amy asked.

“Just the recommended two,” She replied, “And that wasn’t a joke, this magic station is directly intersecting two other trains and it’s really, really weird feeling.”

“... So! Shall we get going Chuck?” Amy asked, looking at the amused man, having decided she had had enough of Taylor’s shenanigans.

“Let me just pull Aif away from Molly before they start discussing gardening tips…” He sighed, though the smile undercut the statement as he took the woman by the arm and whispered in her ear…

Her body slowly turned towards them, her hair the color of wheat and eyes the color, and shape, of a rose. “Hello dearies!” She exclaimed, clearly excited.

“Hello, Aif,” Amy said with a smile.

“Hello, hello!” She replied, bouncing around a bit, “It’s my season, so I’m a little less… controlled than usual, but don’t worry… I promised Chuck I wouldn’t burn anything down.”

“It’s fine, Taylor’s similar. Only she swarms people with bugs when they annoy her.” Taylor squawked while Amy ignored her protests entirely.

“Oh, I burn things down because of a lot of reasons,” She replied, “To celebrate, because I’m angry, because it’s there…” Aif coughed, “Pyromania is an affliction I have because my parents were participating in some fireworks celebrations when I was conceived because of the New Year, then I was born six months later right in the middle of summer…” She paused, “That was, oh, about sixty years ago now.”

“Huh, that’s something,” Amy said, “You look like you’re in your mid to late twenties.”

“We are immortal excepting very specific circumstances,” She replied, “An iron stake through our heart and beheading us are the only reliable methods, but fire can work in winter. Drowning is effective too.”

“Dear? I believe we should get going?” Chuck said gently with a fond smile.

Aif twitched, “Ah, yes! We should. My deepest apologies, Molly, talk later!” She said, bowing deeply in her extremely expensive dress before slipping on a pair of dark sunglasses. “Now then… dears, you may wish to say goodbye to your friends, aside from Hera. She’ll be in a second.”

“Hopefully we’ll visit you guys at the Burrow,” Taylor said as she looked to the Weasleys, though she looked at the twins with a playful glint in her eyes, “I expect my sacrifice, minions!” 

Amy just snorted and shook her head as the twins started groveling much to everyone’s amusement, though Molly looked about ready to pinch their ears off. Even then she could tell she was both exasperated and amused.

Much like Amy felt about Taylor! Truly, they were of a kind.

After the requisite goodbyes, Hermione giving them both a hug, it was Harriet’s turn. “Do you know why Aif said I’m for ‘later’? She isn’t planning on eating me, right? I don’t think I taste very good.”

“Nothing like that,” Amy said, “If anything she probably wants us to say our goodbyes so we can avoid the Dursleys,” She added, not entirely sure herself, “But we’ll probably see you again later, okay? Just don’t let those Dursleys get to you.”

“Oh, no, Chuck wants to talk to them,” Aif replied, waving it off, “So you’ll still be with her for a bit longer, saying goodbye to her now would just be awkward!”

“Ah, I stand corrected,” Amy said with a shrug but she smiled regardless.

“I’m rather curious to see these Dursleys,” Taylor said, “Do they really look like animals?” She added.

“Only Dudley,” Hera replied with a grin, “So much so that, oh I shouldn’t talk about that in public.” She coughed, “You want to go through first?” She asked, gesturing to the proper pillar they were supposed to run face first into.

“Sure,” Taylor said with a faint giggle, “Onwards my vizier!”

Amy just rolled her eyes before pushing the cart with their trunks through the barrier, only stopping when she was a short distance away and waiting for the others to follow.

Chuck and Aif had already gone through and… were talking to the Dursleys already. Specifically, Chuck was speaking to the male one, Vernon apparently, about drills of all things. 

“My father, of Holsman Construction, was considering looking into Grunnings as a supplier,” Chuck stated as they walked over. “Ah, girls, is Harriet behind you-ah, yes, I see her there.”

They came over and Amy noticed Aif talking to Petunia over… gossip of all things. Harriet looked like she didn’t know what to make of what she was seeing.

Vernon looked… suddenly very concerned and slightly disgusted, though that may well have been because of Taylor’s spider. “Ah, you’re one of… them,” He said with a cough. “I see.”

Amy just kept an eye on Taylor to make sure she didn’t do anything, admittedly she couldn’t really stop her if she wanted. But it made her feel like she had some control over the situation, though Vernon certainly wasn’t making a very good impression on either her or maybe Taylor.

“Why yes, we are. My father isn’t, but he does take my advice on most things,” Chuck replied, “Your niece, Harriet, is a lovely woman so I hope her status as a witch doesn’t cause you to look down on her… she does talk so very much about you…”

Vernon blustered a bit, “Ah- of course not, of course not!” He said, “Harriet hasn’t been in any sort of trouble has she?”

“Oh, heavens no,” Chuck replied as Amy started understanding exactly what made him a successful lawyer… and probably what his House was at Hogwarts, for that matter, “She did quite well in her classes from what Taylor and Amy have told me! Particularly the classes about self defense and combat, so you don’t need to worry about her getting in trouble…”

Vernon nodded rapidly, “Y-yes! That’s a good thing!”

“Oh, he is good. Taylor could learn a lot from this man.” Though the thought of Taylor learning how to be intimidating like a lawyer left her feeling more than a slight case of dread.

“But we’ve kept you far too long,” Chuck stated, “I’ll let you and dear Harriet get reacquainted. Have a good day, Mr. Dursley. My father will be in touch.”

Vernon nodded as Taylor gave Hera a deep hug, “Remember, you can always send us an owl,” She said, “So if anyone gives you trouble, or if Sirius runs into trouble, let us know, okay?”

“Okay,” Hera said with a smile. “That goes for you too. Amy, if Taylor gets you into trouble keep me out of it, but if it isn’t her fault…”

Taylor clutched at her heart, “Oh, you wound me! I shall never recover from this insult, and thus I shall fade away and hide from my shame!” Then she ‘stumbled’ out of the immediate vicinity, heading out of the station.

“Such a drama queen,” Amy muttered with a chuckle, “Well I suppose I should catch up to her before she starts performing or something. Take care okay, hopefully we’ll see you sometime.” She added before giving Hera another hug before she pushed her cart after Taylor.

“We’ll have to visit her,” Taylor noted, “Or have her visit us, one of the two.”

“Yep,” Amy said, “I really don’t like that Vernon. You see how he looked at us when he realized we were witches?”

“Yep,” Taylor agreed, “But I’ll let Hera handle it for now, I think she has more experience than us there.”

Amy nodded, “Yeah,” She said as she looked up at the sky.

It was so very blue and clear, a perfect summer’s day as they slowly got into a car, a nice one at that, and began making their way to the orphanage for the last time. She almost felt like it should have been overcast, raining even.

“Honestly, I’m going to miss the place and everyone in it,” She thought as she stared out the window.

“Hey, Ames…” Taylor started, voice soft, “Have you ever felt like you’re in limbo? Between places that you belong?”

“Hmm?” She thought about that for a few moments, “Yeah…”

“I wonder if that ever stops, I certainly never stopped feeling that after my mom died…” Taylor didn’t talk about that, almost ever, so to hear her mention it right then and there…

“I would think so, it just takes longer than you’d like,” Amy said, or at least that’s how it seemed to her, it took her years to feel comfortable in the Dallon household and even then it was mostly because of Vicky.

Carol was… Carol and Mark… well he tried, but he had his own demons to deal with. Though most of the time his demons won.

“... Yeah, maybe you’re right,” Taylor sighed, “I’ll need to tell you that story sometime, and about Emma. It’s from before we met…”

“Whenever you’re ready and not a second sooner,” Amy said, making it clear that Amy wasn’t going to push her to talk about it.

Taylor hugged her, “Thanks, Ames. I don’t say that enough.”

“No problem, Tay,” Amy said as she returned the hug.

The orphanage wasn’t much of an emotional break, the children still there swarming and congratulating them as Taylor tried, valiantly, to restrain her own tears. The girl was giving out… a lot of things she’d managed to make in her time at Hogwarts, clothes and toys.

Amy, however, found herself being fussed over by Sister Roselina while the Matron was with Chuck getting the paperwork in order.

“Now, I don’t want either you or Taylor forgetting where you came from,” Sister Roselina said with a kindly smile, “And remember, though you've found yourself a family, you’ll always have one here. Never forget that.”

“Never,” Amy said as she gave Sister Roselina a hug

“All of you better be good!” Taylor said, giving the kids a watery glare, “And get yourselves adopted too! Dress smartly and don’t go to bed too late!” She swallowed hard. “And don’t you dare put someone else’s happiness in front of your own, got it?”

“Yes big sis!” All the children said in unison.

That nearly broke Taylor, but she soldered on, “A-and don’t give the Matron or Sister Roselina a hard t-time okay? They’re doing their best so you should do your best for them!”

“Yes big sis!” The children all said.

Amy smiled as she went over to Taylor and rubbed her back, though she was a little teary eyed herself.

“A-and… you better not start crying when I hug you, because I might just start crying too,” Taylor finished, arms wrapping around the group as best she could manage.

Amy just watched with a smile and a sniff herself, honestly between them Taylor was the one that bonded the most to them all. Amy just made sure they were healthy so the Matron didn’t have to worry over the cost of medicine and treatment. She was going to be sad to leave but… this didn’t mean goodbye forever.

They could visit, and one day when they had jobs and had extra money they’d make sure this place was well taken care of.

“Sister Rosalina would be the Matron by then, wouldn’t she?” She thought, it was rather hard to imagine the orphanage without the Matron though.

Of course, even as she thought about that… Chuck was doing something rather unexpected: writing a check. “This should keep you going for the rest of the year, at least,” He said, “And if you ever run into legal trouble, give me a call. I can’t promise I can get you free help, but I think most would work at least for just a portion of the legal winnings.”

“W-what?” The Matron clutched her cross pendant, “Bless you, bless both of you!” She said with nothing but gratitude in her voice, her own eyes watery.

“I make money, simply hoarding it all to myself would be wasteful,” He replied with a smile, “And I’ll pass on the blessing to Aif, she’s in the car right now. She has… issues with cramped spaces.”

“Thank you!” The Matron said, “You have no idea how much this will help with the children, and give your wife my well wishes.”

“I will. Have a blessed day and, please, keep doing good work,” Chuck said, giving the older woman a soft hug, “I’m sure you are looked upon favorably.”

The Matron just smiled as she returned the hug.

Moving towards Taylor, he whispered something she couldn’t catch into her ear and passed her a tissue. Taylor took a soft, shuddering breath, and stood up more fully and whispered a soft, “Goodbye,” to the kids before turning away and wiping at her eyes.

That wasn’t what Amy asked about when they’d finally gotten back to the, their she supposed, car though. “Cramped spaces? Taylor has problems with those too.”

“Ah, right,” Chuck coughed, “That, I admit, was a lie. The reason she couldn’t come in with us is the wrought iron fence and gate around the place. That and the land being considered consecrated and holy is too much for her to pass through the threshold.”

“Ah, that makes sense.” Amy said with a nod, “It’s a pity though, the children would’ve loved her,” She added with a smile.

“They tend to do,” Aif agreed, “We sidhe have a… magnetism with children. Ah, yes, another weakness for us. All of our magic, including enchantments on the mind, shatter upon any threshold where iron holds sway and across any bridge. So if you ever feel as though you’ve been affected by me in ways you dislike, there is an archway built on the property ringed with cold iron.” It was… a surprising concession, far from what Amy had expected to be on land owned by a fairy.

“It was built for our wedding, my parents insisted on it,” Chuck explained, “I passed through the archway before she came out in her dazzling dress to break any enchantments she placed on me, in case I was being mentally compelled to marry her… I wasn’t, of course.”

“That sounds rather romantic,” Amy said with a smile, “I’m sure Tay would agree if she wasn’t experiencing an emotional breakdown.”

Taylor waved her hand vaguely at Amy, acting as though she were trying to retaliate.

“And you are not emotional?” Aif asked curiously.

“I am, but Taylor bonded more than I did,” Amy admitted, “I was the one that made sure everyone stayed healthy and the Matron didn’t have to worry about having to get the children medicine or take them to the hospital.”

“I… have more happy memories about my original family,” Taylor whispered, “It’s why I latched onto Amy and the others so hard, compensating for the loss…” Never let it be said her friend lacked self awareness, though how long it took the girl to come to that conclusion would likely never be revealed. “They became my replacement family, in a way. It wasn’t really healthy, but… I tried to be happy with it.”

“And I… never really had the best relationship with my original family to begin with.” Amy admitted, “Barring my sister and dad… but he had to fight with depression, a fight he lost most of the time, so he wasn’t ever really… there. And mom was… very goal-oriented.”

“My Mom died first, car crash,” Taylor cut off the inevitable question with what was, from what little she’d been told, the truth, “Dad followed not long after.” And a lie followed that, though not much of one from what she knew.

“And you, dear?” Aif asked, “Unless you wish not to speak of it, I would understand. I know the pain of loss as well.”

“Aren-sorry, I was about to ask a really stupid question,” Taylor coughed in embarrassment.

Aif just chuckled, but answered the unspoken question, “World War Two was fifty years ago, I was only ten when it happened. The invasion of France killed my maternal grandmother and my half sister.”

“I… well, I lost most of them in a large incident,” Amy said, “It was just me and my sister for a while until… we couldn’t be together anymore…”

Chuck and Aif nodded gently. “If you ever need to talk, we’re both willing to listen. A burden shared is a burden halved,” Chuck said, “We’re about home, I’m sure Taylor there can already see it. It’s that three story mansion in the center of the forest?”

Amy hadn’t even noticed that they’d entered a forest… and was slightly confused as to how a forest fit in the center of London.

“Nice place,” Taylor said as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, “So many interesting insects…”

“That there are, under the hills of Avalon,” Aif replied airily, “Though I don’t suggest running off the grounds, even with your abilities. The wildlife can be… touchy.”

Taylor nodded, not doubt looking through the eyes of who knows how many bugs and seeing things, “I… I see that…” She said, “Is that a dragon?”

“Oh, yes, he’s a sweetheart,” Aif said, “Just… don’t try to take any apples from his tree, his breed is very prone to picking fruit bearing trees to guard, it’s where the myth of the Garden of the Hesperides came from.

Amy slowly mouthed ‘apples’ and decided she didn’t want to know.

“Ah, I wondered why that sounded so familiar,” Taylor said, sounding somewhat dazed, “Is this really Avalon?”

“Well, it’s a province of Avalon at any rate,” Aif replied, “We are managed by the king and queen and in turn we are granted land, which doubles as our duties.”

“I have… so many questions but I’m not sure I want them answered.” Amy finally said.

“Oh do not worry, you’ll meet them in time!” She sounded very excited by the prospect. “They’re lovely people, if strict in what they want done. We, Chuck and I, manage this land for logging purposes.”

“What have we stepped into?” Amy was sure nothing bad would happen, but all the same the question came to her.

“Of course, the Prince Regent has always wanted us to manage a hunting ground instead,” Aif continued, “You should have stories about him, old king of this land? Betrayed by his loyal knight?”

“I… Mordred I think?” Amy scratched her cheek, “The Knight of Betrayal or something?”

“Exactly! Don’t mention the name around him, he’s still slightly upset,” Aif said with a nod, “Oh, there it is! Home! My home for the last… eleven years! And for twenty years before the last time Voldemort was in power!”

“Wait. Him…” Amy stopped, “You know what? Never mind, I think this is enough revelations for today…” She said.

The building was… beautiful. Made of wood, brass, gold, and silver in an elegant show of artistry. It was probably the most ornate mansion she’d ever seen, and certainly the most expensive. The land immediately surrounding it was filled with immaculately cared for plants, hedges and flower gardens all around, and the grass wasn’t wild but it also wasn’t quite fully managed either.

It also happened to be quite warm as she stepped out of the air conditioned vehicle.

“It’s cooler inside,” Chuck said, “And, uh, if you’re claustrophobic don’t look up.”

Taylor and Amy, of course, proceeded to look up.

“Oh… oh wow…” Was all Amy could really say.

When Aif had said they were under the hills of, they hadn’t expected it to mean that looking up would give them the sight of a giant rock cavern, illuminated by what looked like an artificial sun and moon. If she squinted, they almost looked like trees…

“They look different to everyone,” Chuck said, “Though I think people that are really into Tolkien mostly see the same thing. They’re illusions, technically, but the light is real.”

“Wow…” Taylor said.

“That’s… one hell of a magic show right there,” Amy said.

“They were the work of greater men than I,” Aif said softly, “Now, come on in. We have to show you the pool!”

Amy had to admit… being adopted by a fairy had its perks, but they were… a bit stunned for the whole tour.

They’d even been given their own rooms, something they hadn’t had for seven years by that point. Things didn’t really sink in until after they’d had dinner, a ‘simple’ steak and potato meal with wine, or juice if they didn’t want that, on the side.

“Oh, this is going to take some getting used to,” Amy thought, and she had no doubt that Taylor was thinking something similar herself.

But… she thought they’d be able to get used to it. And that Chuck and Aif were being genuine, it certainly didn’t feel like they were ever deceptive and Chuck had tried to help the orphanage…

She was overthinking things, that always happened when she was tired. Maybe she should get something to drink…

She never got up to get her drink, eyes drifting closed as the comforting warmth of the softest bed she’d ever laid in enveloped her and sent her off to a dreamless sleep.

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