The Muggle

Chapter 6

Breaking up The Girl

"Hello, Darling, if you are listening to this message, it means that I'm no longer at your side. I'm so sorry, baby, that I'm not there with you.

You must've found Albus Dumbledore and finally learned the truth about us.

Please do not hate us dear; what we did we did because we love you, because we wanted you to live. I'm asking you to give yourself time to accept, and understand. And I want you to believe that we, your family loved you, all of us, very dearly."

Morgan closed her eyes. To hear it all from her mother's lips made her feel like she was standing right on the edge of a cliff; how vainly had she hoped this would be some sort of misunderstanding.

Every belief she had, lay shattered at her feet, and she clenched her fists, staring at the wooden table, fighting the anger and the tears.

"You have a right to be angry; however, who you are hasn't changed your father and I did what we thought was the safest for you and your brother. I do not know when or how to tell you all this -and this has just happen..."

The young woman's voice trembled.

"I'm sorry, it is hard to put behind what has happened... your father loves you very much, but he had to leave with your brother. I do not know where he went and Sol said it would be safer this way for you and Sevarin.

Your father would had moved mountains for you, fought tigers. I'm sorry that you would not know, Morgan, really know, how much he loves you.

We had to Obliviated you and the rest of the children; believe me, baby, there are things that you shouldn't remember.

Morgan felt as though she was underwater struggling for air. Her world was tilting and she had to fight to right it again. They did what to her memory?

"It's hard to explain. I gather Dumbledore has explained most of it to you. There's been a war going on for ...Dear Merlin... this is something that has been going on forever -the eternal fight between good and evil.

There is never a "why" to evil and this evil has nearly destroyed us all. The Darken family has always been linked to this misery; for centuries our family has guarded the most terrible secrets the wizarding world has ever had. But his time, we've been nearly exterminated.

He came to make our father pay for refusing to join forces with him and deliver what he wanted...I know we all thought father was nuts, Merlin knows we even joked about it, but now...now I know he was right; it is a little late, I know, and it has cost us dearly.

"My darling, it is up to you. Please try to right this wrong, I know you can do it. Trust your feelings, trust Dumbledore -- he will guide you. Watch out for Alastor Mood. He is your Godfather and he will instruct you and help you understand. I only hope you find Sevarin, as well."

The tears had long escaped, running down Morgan's cheeks as she stared at the dead bird. She wouldn't allow herself to rationalize the whole affair just now. Her world was no longer tilted; it had crashed.

"Father was very wise to take his precautions and those wardings saved us from being destroyed. Mum and he stayed to protect us. It's been the hardest thing I've ever done, to leave them behind...Solomon, Absalom and your father went back to try and rescue them from those horrible Death Eaters. They succeeded, but it was too late; they were beyond saving, Solomon was also badly injured.

"Your grandfather's last words for you and Sevarin were this: 'Avenge me, take my hatred into your heart, protect it, nurture it, and when you've grown older and stronger, use the power to slay our enemies. I cannot rest in peace until you avenge this evil deed brought upon our family.'

'The two of you would have a scar to remind you of this black day, I know it won't pain you, but it will make you stronger. I will miss you, and even though warriors do not speak of such feelings, I shall say I loved you both.'

"He made me promise to tell you that."

"Your father and Solomon had to make Absalom leave, they told him to take Ravenna and go, even though my sister, Agnetha, is missing, probably captured by Death Eaters. It was heartbreaking to see them depart on the bus."

"Solomon took his son, Oberon, away even though his own wife, Bettis, is also missing. He said they are probably dead."

"I'll go to America and hide with you. Some day this will be sort out. There is a prophesy that says one will come to destroy this evil, he's been here before-- you will know when you see him."

"So it is the two of us now, I'll pray to the Goddess every day that you never need to hear this. But if my prayers are not to be answered, then... all I can say to you my darling daughter, is be brave, look for your family, and embrace your destiny."

"Remember, love is all I have to give you, and regretfully our only legacy is revenge...goodbye my love..."

"Khelek!"

A sound of falling water filled the room; the little animal quivered again and then there was silence; a silence so thick it could have been cut by a knife.

Morgan raised her eyes from the bird and found Snape's staring dark eyes on her; his face was motionless as always, his eyes unreadable. She was caught up with her own churning emotions, trying to hide her anger.

Revenge. How clever of Darken to leave that to Morgan and her brother. Snape could see her already burning with the fever of vengeance. Her golden eyes sparkled from the shaded tears, but also with the cold steel he'd seen in those who had lost their family and sought retribution.

He had seen it in himself.

"Anger and revenge won't help you my dear," Dumbledore's wise voice said kindly, bringing Snape back to the present.

"Anger? Revenge? Do you think I'm feeling something as tepid as anger and revenge? God, how could this have happened? Don't you have laws?"

Morgan got up and whirled away from the table, horror and bitterness biting at her heels.

She walked towards the fireplace. "How could she keep all this from me all these years, let me believe I was someone I wasn't?"

Pain and confusion had been forcefully stuffed into her brain. All this time she had been lying to herself -- it had been a purgatory, waiting for Hell. She was devastated.

"Understand child, they had no choice. I know what Seward said was harsh, but the man was a warrior. You come from a long line of Seekers, brave men and women, who wouldn't survive a minute out there if they were the least bit compassionate." Moody snarled from the table.

"Sol was the oldest, and it was his duty to see them off and into hiding. He had to honour his father's wishes, and I believe that you and your brother have the obligation to do that also." He stared unblinkingly at Morgan's rigid frame. How much she reminded him of Brenna.

"And when is this going to happen? Not this century I presume, they are all obviously dead, or too scared to come back." Morgan's voice was cold, cold as the ice that seemed to be covering her skin. She stopped staring at the flames and turned around to stare at the group around the table.

They were strangers to her; they were alien to the world she knew. She had been putting off thinking about this matter, she hadn't felt strong enough; but now, after listening to her mother saying all those things, she felt barren, empty, like something precious had been stolen from her.

"Morgan, your mother didn't want to put you or your brother in the impossible position of fulfilling your grandfather's wishes. She only communicated to you his wishes. Please remember what she said at the end: 'Love is all I have to give you'."

"I'm terribly sorry about your learning all of this. For some reason, you came to Britain and found us; now all of this is happening again." Dumbledore rose from his chair and approached Morgan, his face softened with kindness. He placed his hand softly on her shoulder.

"If you can find it in your heart, forgive and forget. As I said before, hate and revenge will not help you; and even though we are in great need, now that we face Voldemort again, I will never ask you to do anything out of revenge."

Snape pursed his lips with contempt. It was the exact same speech Dumbledore had given him when they spoke for the first time. The need for revenge was only rational; and he didn't understand the Headmaster's desire to rid Morgan of her need for it.

Morgan raised her head. Her face was tragic. "Yes, I know. But what if I'm unable to open the cave? What if I'm not what you think I am? Is this going to help you somehow? The fact I belonged to that family it does not mean I am an all-powerful...Seeker. He..." she pointed a finger a Snape who stiffened in his chair, "he said I am a Squib, I have nothing to give you, so you might as well let me go..."

Dumbledore placed his other hand on her shoulder as well; his blue eyes gleamed with repressed anger. He had forgotten how much Snape's futile sarcasm could hurt.

Morgan was a strong woman, with a wonderful sense of humour, but the strain of hearing the revelations had devastated her sensible soul; and she and Snape both believed Dumbledore was only interested in them for what they could give him, when he just loved them for what they were.

Even in this moment of need -- when a powerful ally was better than a loving friend, he cherished their souls more than any power they could posses. Dumbledore only hoped he could make her -and Snape-- understand that before it was too late.

"If that is so, then you are even more precious to us. Remain with us, if that is what you wish. We won't stop you, though, if you decide to go back to the Muggle world."

Morgan slid her hands up to her chest and lifted swimming golden eyes at him. "How...how can you say this to me...you don't know me."

Dumbledore smiled, "But I do my dear, I know you and even if I didn't, I knew your family and they were very dear to me... to us all."

Morgan turned her eyes toward the table and saw the members of the Order nodding. Alastor Moody was standing, his scared face crossed with pain.

She shook her head in disbelieve, a sob escaped from her lips; she put a hand up to brush tears from her face.

"I'll stay and I'll help you... in any way I can," Morgan managed to say through lips of ice, "but I promise you all this, if I ever find the Death Eaters that helped destroy my family... I'll destroy them."

"Hush, hush." Dumbledore said pulling her close, and feeling a mixture of relief and worry. "It is over, let us not dwell in the past, the future is bright ahead of us now."

He led her to her chair, and Mrs. Wesley placed a cup of tea in front of her. Lupin placed a handkerchief in her trembling hand.

"Let's do the tests now, and get this resolved...tonight," she sniffed.

"Are you sure Morgan?" Sirius asked with concern leaning over the table.

She nodded, "I can't stand waiting anymore -I have to know."

Moody nodded approvingly, "It is for the best, girl. Now Dumbledore, I think we should get rid of this big table."

With a wave of his wand the table vanished, and he then pulled out a small black box from his cloak.

"I confiscated this a long time ago, so there is no harm in trying it."

"Mad-eye, you should not toy with something as dangerous as a confiscated wand, we do not know who owned it before," Lupin warned.

"There's no risk to it; a witless dolt owned it, so there is no harm in trying this one. Here, Morgan, hold it like this." He turned the wand around and handed it to her as a person might handle a loaded gun.

She took the wand, but as soon as her fingers wrapped around it, a small scream came from the wand, and it snapped in two, with a silver hair poking from one of the broken pieces.

Morgan let it drop to the floor. Everyone was gapping at her; Snape had risen from his chair, his own wand clutched tightly in his hand.

"Jupiter's balls!" Moody swore loudly.

"Merlin!" Lupin jumped from his chair, "This cannot be right..."

"Let's not panic, it is perfectly natural. I'm beginning to understand now. Morgan, do not fear, it is nothing, come," Dumbledore extended his hand at her and moved forward. "We'll do something different this time, but now I must ask the support of Severus, Remus and Sirius."

Snape stepped forward and stood beside Dumbledore like a black raven at his elbow, Sirius and Remus moved beside Morgan.

Dumbledore took his own wand out, and raised it in front of her. "Now, repeat what I say, do not touch the wand but concentrate your thoughts on what we are doing."

Morgan nodded feeling a little uneasy about doing or saying anything at all.

"Lumos!" The tip of the wand lit up with a strange light.

"Nox!" The light extinguished. "Now you, speak as clearly as you can, dear."

"Lumos!" The tip of the wand lit up so strongly that nearly blinded them, and then she covered her eyes with her hand and quickly said, "Nox!"

Some members of the Order had gotten up and were standing behind their chairs, fear written all over their faces.

"What...what happened?"

"I believe, Morgan, that you have just performed the same spells but, again, with three times the magnitude. This explains and supports a lot of theories Moody and I had been discussing."

"But..."

"Let's try a different kind of magic, Severus, please perform a simple spell," Dumbledore said retreating to his chair.

Morgan stared at Snape who raised his wand and whispered, "I will perform an easy spell, and you must find a counter curse."

"A what?"

He sneered, "Serpensortia!"

There was a CRACK! From his wand, and a thin, black snake was produced from it, landing at her feet and hissing with anger. It reared its head at Morgan. Sirius quickly took a step forward, but Lupin grabbed his arm.

"No!" Morgan unconsciously screamed.

The snake froze, and recoiled from her, lowering its head meekly.

"Say: Vipera Evanesca," Snape instructed her.

She looked at the black, coiled snake and said softly, "Vipera Evanesca." The snake disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

There was no way she could understand how she'd managed to do all that. She had lit a wand with a strong light, and defeated a dangerous snake just with one word. Had she been capable of all this before? Perhaps this new environment had triggered this magic.

"We shall try something different. Severus, I must ask you to lead us through a basic Occlumency exercise..." Dumbledore began.

"I strongly object, Dumbledore, Occlumency should not be used upon Morgan, she won't be able to repel him." Sirius shot Snape with a venomous look that was returned with equal intensity.

"Sirius that is why I asked you and Remus to assist me. You'll be beside Morgan, and will be able to help her, if needed; so now, Morgan, this is a very simple spell that will allow us to see just how much further your magic can go. Severus will cast a spell that is intended to penetrate your mind, so do not be frightened, it will not harm you." Dumbledore winked at her reassuringly.

Snape moved in front of her, a sneer of both pure satisfaction and loathing pulling his pale lips making him look more evil and Machiavellian than ever.

Sirius instantly fixed his grey eyes on Snape with deep hatred. "Don't worry, Morgan, I won't let it get out-of-hand, I promise you that."

Snape's lips parted in a malicious grin, "Don't be so sure of yourself," he whispered coolly.

"Be careful, Snivellus," Sirius eyes turned very bright and very hard.

Snape's long pale face worked with vexation as his cheeks tinted with an ugly blush, "On three, Miss Stone...One, two...three! Ligilimens!"

The room spun around her; she felt her feet leaving the hard stone floor, like she was being pulled up by a gigantic hand.

There was a door in front of her, a small yellowish door, which she feared to open -- it felt like there was going to be something abhorrent inside. She stopped breathing.

There was a musty smell, and her fingers closed around the handle, and she opened the narrow door. Unconsciously, her eyes closed and her fingers tightened on the ancient wood.

Like watching a picture, images flashed in front of her. It was a closet. She opened her eyes; inside there was a trunk -an old- fashioned steamer trunk, with a dark green paisley lining. The trunk was open, she knew she had to go inside the room, but she did not want to, she was so afraid, so afraid of the dark.

Suddenly, her perspective changed, and there was this small boy standing in front of her glancing down at the trunk, dread and sick fear filled his small pale face. His long dark hair almost reached his waist, he was shaking, his little fists clenched at his sides. Then another man stepped into view, he was very tall and with the same dark looks.

"Get inside, before I throw you in myself, you Devil's whelp!"

With a heavy heart, Morgan saw how the small boy climbed inside the trunk and the man shut it, turned a key and then closed the closet door.

The boy could not be more than four or five years old -- he will smother inside! She reached frantically toward the door, but it was too far away. Suddenly, it vanished and it was replaced by blackness.

There wasn't a speck of light in the room, not the merest flicker, yet huge swirls of blackness moved in front of her eyes. They seemed to be growing, spreading toward her, surrounding her.

There was someone kneeling in front of her, it was a young man, with long black hair. He was dressed in a red robe, his left arm uncovered. She saw something on his forearm; it was a burn, red hot, as if he had just been branded with an iron. Her eyesight blurred, and she grew faint.

From somewhere in the distance, there was laughter.

Someone was laughing hysterically, and there was smoke around her. Dimly, through the smoke, she realized she was standing in the middle of a street, listening to screams and crying, the chilling cold making her shiver, where was she now?

Laughter again, and this time it was coming from behind, and as she turned, she was no longer on that dusty street, but rather she was in a stone corridor, like a dungeon, with doors lined up along the sides.

There was that laughter again, it was strangled and sad, and yet at the same time, insane.

She finally stood in front of an open door of a small cell. It contained a lumpy, grubby cot and a filthy toilet. There was a barred window, open to the sea. A man in front of her crouched in a corner and murmured to himself; she had to approach closer to hear what he was saying.

"I killed Lily and James! I chose Peter! I deserve to be here!"

More of that twisted laughter and then she felt a strong push, as if someone had placed an iron hand in her chest and was pushing her off a cliff. She felt the stone floor hit her head as she fell.

Morgan opened her eyes, and saw Sirius' grey eyes fixed on her face with concern.

"Sirius....what...."

She turned her head and realized she was lying on the floor with Sirius holding her head on his lap; the chairs lay on the floor askew, and the members of the Order were staring at her with a mixture of awe and fright.

"Are you feeling better?" asked Mr. Weasley, helping her up and pulling a chair for her. Dumbledore was sitting in front of her; Snape sat beside him, his face ashen and sweaty.

"This is most extraordinary," Dumbledore said seriously, "What we just witnessed is the most powerful display of magic I've ever seen."

"Not since Voldemort at least," Moody added, approaching Morgan, a proud expression written on his face.

"Excuse me, Mad-eye, but I'm afraid I do not understand. How can this be?" Lupin asked placing a small goblet with fresh water in Morgan's cold trembling hands.

Moody ignored him and returned to his seat.

"How is this possible without a wand?" Professor McGonagall repeated Lupin's question with a shaky voice, "I understand she was attacked; and, therefore, she counterattacked. But how in the name of Merlin did she manage to do...this?"

"Yes, how?" Morgan asked chocking on the water and glaring at Moody. She wanted to hear what he had to say as well, but it seemed he did not want to say anything else to either her or Lupin, so she turned her gaze at Dumbledore, who nodded and smiled back at her.

"Well, when Severus cast the spell upon you, you made the spell rebound to him. You ended up prowling his mind, and when he finally freed himself from you, you prowled Sirius' mind as well, and you would've continued with everyone in the room if I hadn't broken the connection." Dumbledore gave her a small smile of reassurance.

"I prowled his....then that boy..."

"Shut up!" Snape snarled his ashen face contorted with fury.

Morgan closed her mouth, and blushed, trying to avoid his accusing eyes. He was right; she had no right to talk about his memories.

"This only confirms our suspicions: You and your brother Sevarin are the ones to open that cave and release whatever secrets are inside. We only hope you can do it on your own." Dumbledore rose from his chair again, "I believe we are all weary. We should retire for a few hours, and tomorrow we shall go to the cave. Severus, Moody, a word please."

The Order members bid them good night and left the kitchen. Dinner lay forgotten on a nearby table.

Lupin and Sirius remained seated, and Snape didn't move. Not even the Dark Lord had been able to reach those memories. He wondered what other...virtues... the Squib might possess.

Moody pulled his chair closer to the circle.

"It is a wise idea to go to the cave and give it a try Dumbledore, but what about the manuscripts?" Moody's magical eye scanned the room, and then fixed on Snape, who immediately straightened on the chair when Moody mentioned the manuscripts.

"Headmaster, do try to remember that the House Manuscripts are forbidden to anyone not sorted into Slytherin." He said this while shooting Moody with a venomous glare he usually reserved for Sirius only. If words could kill, Moody would be ashes.

As it was, Snape was clenching his own hands together so tightly Dumbledore wondered that he did not break his fingers.

"Yes, Severus, I do indeed remember. I believe Morgan shall read them after opening the cave. They are, after all, the only source of information on Slytherin's whereabouts, and the only reliable source of information related to Merlin's resting place. Whatever he found inside, it will serve to guide her once the cave is open." Dumbledore sighed tiredly and smiled at him, "The Darken family had belonged to Slytherin House for centuries, and there has been a Darken in that House ever since Hogwarts was founded, so I think Ms. Stone is entitled to read them."

"I'm afraid I must disagree with you, Headmaster. Her lineage has nothing to do with the Sorting; however, her lack of magic does." Snape objected sarcastically, his face working with an acidic sneer.

"I believe you are entitled to refuse her, Severus; but this situation can be solved easily enough. She shall try the hat then." Dumbledore said calmly.

"That is preposterous..."

"Severus, we need her to learn the information in order to ..."

"I really must object, Headmaster. She is a grown woman. An adult has never been appointed before, or a Squib for that matter. We do not even know if it is possible." Snape insisted, his face tense with strained vexation.

Dumbledore tried to reason with him again. "You do know it must be done."

Severus glared at Dumbledore resentfully. Why was it that every time he agreed to cooperate in some way, he ended up being misused by Dumbledore? He was surely fulfilling his part of the deal, -why couldn't the wise and powerful Headmaster just let him be?

Moody's eyes glittered with glee. He was clearly enjoying the Potions master's discomfort, and he decided to push the knife in a little further. "But who would guide her, Dumbledore? I certainly think..."

"I shall show the manuscripts to her, if the hat sorts her into my house. I believe I am Head of Slytherin House -- not you, Moody." Snape interrupted with hatred.

Moody fixed both eyes on Snape, resentfulness all over his features. How he hated Snape. How he yearned to have him in his hands...just once. He wished he bad been in St Mungo's the day they had brought Snape in, accused of being a Death Eater. Too bad Dumbledore had bailed him out too soon; he would've enjoyed a round of questioning with him.

"Fine, but I suggest, Dumbledore that we should assist Morgan with any doubts she might have."

"I believe Severus would do that just as well," Dumbledore smiled again, trying to pacify Snape before he leapt to his feet and did something inappropriate. "Now, we shall think of a strategy to get Morgan inside the school without raising any suspicions As you all know, the Manuscripts cannot leave the castle, they can only be read inside the Head of House's office."

"She could disguise herself as a student," Sirius reasoned, "We could cast a glamour spell on her to make her look fifteen, and sort her into Slytherin house easily enough."

"I'm afraid that won't do, Sirius. Remember, we cannot cast any spell on Morgan, as they will back fire on us." Dumbledore rose form his chair and tiredly rubbed his neck, "Severus, I trust you can quickly brief Morgan on the Manuscripts, we will meet here before dawn."

They all left the kitchen, leaving her with a very angry Snape,

Morgan felt ill from what had happened, and feared the Potion Master's wrath...

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In a modern culture
My friend you must be careful
They've a million ways to kill you

In this dangerous world
There's an art to growing old
Taking chances
Magic happens

One mistake's all it takes
And your life has come undone
Walk away cause you're breaking up the girl
It's a drag
I know it's hard
But you're tearing her apart
Walk away cause you're breaking up the girl

I am afraid that there's much to be afraid of
Here today and gone tomorrow
Don't end up in the gutter
Just like the one before
You're just the same
Such a loser

One mistake's all it takes
And your life has come undone
Walk away cause you're breaking up the girl
It's a drag
I know it's hard
But you're tearing her apart
Walk away cause you're breaking up the girl

You've got to let her go because you're breaking up the girl
The girl

One mistake's all it takes
And your life has come undone
Walk away cause you're breaking up the girl
It's a drag
I know it's hard
But you're tearing her apart
Walk away cause you're breaking up the girl

You're breaking up the girl
You're breaking up the girl
The girl

Garbage.

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