The Muggle

Chapter 8

Hey, ho, let's go!

Morgan sat up, her hands flying around her breasts; she could still feel the sharpened sword fragments plunging into her flesh, the searing pain -the blood.

The door to her room flew open, and Lupin and Snape rushed in, wands at the ready.

"Are you all right?" Lupin asked, moving over to her bedside and taking her hand in his, his wand slipping into the tangled bed covers.

Having Lupin and Snape inside her room made Morgan thankful that she was wearing her long nightgown.

Snape pocketed his wand and leaned over the door frame. He slowly folded his arms across his chest, with a bored scowl on his face.

"You were screaming," Lupin went on breathlessly.

"What?"

"You were screaming, I thought...you screamed 'Merlin' over and over," he informed her worriedly.

Morgan touched her cheeks, and felt the wetness of her tears. There was not much of the dream she could remember; she only remembered the fear, the sword shattering and the pain.

"Whose blood?"

"What?" she looked up to Snape.

"You said blood. Whose blood?" he repeated coolly.

She hadn't realized she had spoken out loud. "Yes...I mean...I'm not sure."

"Which is it girl, do you know or don't you?"

"Severus, I don't think it is proper to ask her in that manner," Lupin protested

Snape ignored Lupin and stalked closer to the bed, his bored expression replaced by an ugly glare. "Did you have another dream?"

Morgan nodded, and before Snape could stop her, she told them everything she could remember; Snape's face darkened more with every word.

It was as though she had continued the vision where he had left off.

"It is not possible for you to know all this," Snape said with forced calmness.

"Severus, would you care to explain?"

"You are a Gryffindor -- it is not your place to know," Snape informed him, "I'd prefer that you go outside while I speak with her."

"Why? What does it have to do with me?"

"It has nothing to do with you, Lupin, now leave us." he said silkily, peering down his nose at Lupin.

Lupin stared at Snape for a few seconds trying to decide how to answer him.

"It's all right, Remus," Morgan said, placing her hand on his, "I'll be fine."

Lupin rose from the bed, picked up his wand and placed it inside his cloak; he gave Morgan a faint, reassuring smile and then silently left the room.

As the door closed behind him, Snape stared at her and continued standing at the foot of the bed, arms folded, his pale face strained with a hard frown.

"What you dreamed is written in one of our manuscripts, it is impossible for you to know of this; but since you do, I warn you, you shall never, ever discuss anything about your dreams or the manuscripts with Lupin or Black."

"Why?"

"They are Gryffindors, and the manuscripts belong to Slytherin House - it is of no concern to them."

She wondered just what this Gryffindor, Slytherin thing was about, but agreed in an effort to make him leave.

"Fine, I won't."

"I would know if you did." He leered maliciously at her.

"I said I won't, all right? Now could you get out, I want to change," she said, pointing to her nightgown.

Morgan saw Snape's dark eyes lingering on her for a few seconds; he paused mid-sneer, pressed his lips together, and narrowed his eyes instead. He then turned on his heel and left.

She quickly looked down and saw that the front of her nightgown was slightly open, revealing the curve of her breasts. She blushed furiously getting out of bed.

The small wicker cabinet smelled of dust. She pulled out a pair of black jeans, a t-shirt, and a white sweater. Her jacket had mysteriously disappeared, and it was the only piece of warm clothing she owned.

A light knock made her look up. The door creaked open, and Black entered the room with an angry look on his face, and his wand out.

"Morgan, are you all right?"

"Yes." She ignored him, and started to lace her trainers.

"Remus told me you had a nightmare, and that Snape nearly threw him out of the room."

"What is it you want, Sirius," she asked, brushing her hair.

"Well....I wanted..." he pocketed his wand and stared meekly at her. What the devil was he doing? "I want to apologize to you. I know I deceived you - but I can explain."

"Don't bother, just don't do it again. Where is Lupin?"

"He's downstairs - so you're not angry me?" he asked, with the beginning of a mischievous smile lighting his gaunt face.

"Oh, I am, but there is really no point in staying angry with you, as I have more important matters on my mind." She smiled in spite of herself.

He took her hand and placed it on his arm. He loved the feeling of her warm, soft skin under his hands. It was incredible how much he craved touching her and longed for her to touch him.

In the beginning, he could not allow anyone to touch him; but that day when Harry finally found out about him, and Lupin had touched his hand and pulled him into a tight hug between almost-lost friends, all of the hatred and despair left him. It had taken time; he used to jump every time someone touched him, but then, as time passed he felt much better. And now he craved the caresses of his friends and the friendly, occasional touch from Lupin.

Outside, the corridor was dark, as always.

"Moody has developed a strategy to reach the cave safely He's been up...well," he chucked, "I don't think he went to sleep at all."

"Why is he doing that, is it dangerous to go there?"

Black scanned her face for signs of fear, but found only mild concern. He unconsciously smiled at her bravery; any other woman would be in tears, having to endure Snape.

"Well, as a matter of a fact, yes it is; but we will accompany you, and I won't let you out of my sight."

They had reached the second landing right next to the shrunken heads of old house elves, which were hanging on the wall. Black turned and took both her hands, his thumbs caressing the tender flesh of her wrists, his grey eyes boring deeply into hers, and the emotion she saw in them, made her want to run the other way.

"I like you, Morgan."

"So, what are you?" she changed the topic, trying to erase the look on his face.

"What?"

"There is a woman that can change into a cat, you change into a dog -- right, so what are you?"

"Oh, McGonagall, she is an Animagus, the same as me."

"What does it mean?"

"Well, it means that you can transform into an animal."

"Any animal?"

"No, actually the animal chooses you. Some people have attempted transfiguration intending to become Dragons or Griffins, and ending up being snakes or cockroaches."

Morgan smiled, "So a dog chose you. That means you are a loyal friend."

"Loyal...obedient...loving...I could give you a wet kiss right here to prove it," he whispered, moving closer and lowering his head.

She stared at him just wondering what to say, and when she was about to pull away, a noise at the foot of the stairs made Black look up.

Snape, enveloped by the dark shadows in the passageway, stood on the first step, with a horrid expression on his face, his pale skin actually beginning to tinge green. Black dropped his hands, and his once soft expression turned into one of pure hatred.

"What are doing there? Spying, as always, aren't you?"

Snape glare at him and turned his angry eyes toward Morgan. "Dumbledore wants you. We are leaving." He turned in a swirl of black fabric, and merged in with the shadows once again.

"Slimy bastard..." Black whispered.

"Why do you hate him?" she asked, unable to stop herself, "Both of you are always seeking the opportunity to go at each other's necks."

He took her hand again and patted it, "Its nothing, old animosity-- that is all."

"But you work together to defeat Voldemort."

"That's what everyone thinks."

They reached the narrow flight of stairs leading to the kitchen.

"Sirius, one more question."

"Yes?"

"Why does everyone asks me to lower my voice here in the hall?"

His smile widened, "I'll tell you later, dear. Dumbledore is waiting."

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The kitchen was filled with Order members, all of them talking excitedly. Moody approached Morgan, with Tonks at his elbow.

"Morgan, you'll go with Tonks, we do not know how you shall handle your magic, so you'll ride the Knight Bus to Hogwarts."

She wondered just what the Knight Bus might be, but she nodded, smiling at Tonks.

"Lupin told me about the dream you had. But don't worry, girl, it is just excitement from going to the cave. You must stay clear and cool-headed. Do not trust anyone. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" he barked, and everyone in the kitchen jumped.

"Moody!" Tonks shrieked resentfully at him, "stop that nonsense or you'll frighten Morgan."

"Rubbish! She is a Darken, and nothing can frighten her."

Morgan smiled in disbelief. Was he for real? Just because she shared parentage with a group of Seekers didn't mean she was not afraid; in fact she was scared - very scared.

"Why can't I go with her?" asked Black.

Moody stared with both eyes fixed on him for a few seconds, "You are the least suitable companion for her. Go with Lupin," He turned his eyes toward Morgan. "Be careful, girl, and do not hesitate to use your powers, if you consider it necessary."

He limped away to gather the rest of the members of the Order. Dumbledore and Snape were not present; Lupin and Black prepared the fireplace for Floo travel. She saw how everyone formed a queue awaiting their turn to enter the stone hearth.

"Well, let's move, or Moody will have my arse!" Tonks said, winking at her.

They exited the kitchen, and at the main entrance, Tonks tapped the door with her wand and it swung open. For the first time in many days, Morgan was finally out in the real world again.

A strong smell of rotting trash greeted her. Indeed -- she was back in the real world.

The sound of the door closing made her turn back, and it gave her a glimpse of the twisted snake doorknocker. The door and house shrank until they vanished, pressed into concealment as the houses on either side moved together.

A stereo boomed from an open window. The sky was still dark, a half-moon shone down upon them. "What time is it, Tonks?"

"I believe it is two or three in the morning," she managed through a loud yawn.

A small square was in front of them, but the spot was barren. The streets were dark and lonely; only the music coming from the window and the stench of the rotting rubbish reassured her she was back in the real world.

Tonks raised her wand, and there was a deafening BANG. Morgan stepped back, raising her hands in defence.

"It's all right," said Tonks, "it's only a bus. Come on, hop aboard."

A violently purple, triple-decker was parked in front of them, with the golden lettering over the windshield clearly identifying it as The Knight Bus. Morgan gaped; it was the most incredible thing she'd ever seen, and she'd just seen enough to write a few books.

A young man in a uniform as purple as the bus jumped off; his pimpled face wore a vague expression.

"Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard...just stick out...."

"Save it, we know," Tonks said, edging by him, pulling Morgan along with her.

The conductor stared at them, his mouth slightly opened. He nervously touched his cap. "Yes, miss, Stan Shunpike at your service, and I'm your conductor for this evening and ..."

"Here," Tonks thrust a few coins into Stan's hand, "To the back, right?"

Stan nodded, speechless; he blushed furiously and then opened his mouth again.

"Hogwarts -- and step on it," Tonks said over her shoulder, walking toward the back. Morgan gave him a small smile, which caused him to blush even deeper.

The bus was like no other one Morgan had ever seen. There were actually beds lined up at the sides, with people sleeping on them. They had barely taken their places, when the vehicle made a loud noise and Morgan found herself thrown on to one of the empty beds.

"This is incredible..."she breathed, straightening up the covers.

"I imagine it must be. My dad is a Muggle you know. He was pretty shocked when he learned about our world, but he eventually got over it."

Then Morgan noticed that Tonks' hair was no longer red, but brown, and it was shorter. In the dim light in Sirius' kitchen she hadn't noticed the change.

"How did you manage to die your hair so quickly?"

"Dye my hair?"

"Yes, you had a beautiful shade of red and a very nice cut."

"I can change it at will. I'm a Metamorphomagus."

"A what?"

"I'd better show you..."

Morgan saw her screw up her eyes in a weird expression as if she was trying to remember something. A moment later, Tonks looked exactly like her; it was just so unnerving to see her own image sitting in front of her.

Tonks shook her head and she was back to herself. "I was born one. You can study all you want of course, but for me it was very easy to pass my tests and become an Auror."

"You're going to think I'm stupid for asking so many questions, but what is an Auror?"

"It's magical law enforcement. We work as policemen do in the Muggle world, except that we try to catch bloody dangerous wizards. We also handle spy work"

"You are very young."

"Yes," she giggled, "Sometimes I feel like I'm back at school, but it's actually fun - a little dangerous, but exciting."

The bus stopped on a pitch-black dirt road. As Morgan stepped off, she felt a sudden chill.

A light wind swirled around them; Tonks was wearing a heavy cloak, yet still trembled. "They say you can open the gates."

Morgan rubbed her hands. "I don't know how I did it."

Tonks shrugged and pulled out her wand; with a tap on the gate, it swung open.

They started down the road, it was just as black as she remembered, and the light coming from Tonk's wand was the only source of illumination.

"Sirius likes you."

Morgan stumbled and turned her face toward Tonks, flabbergasted. "He told you that?"

Tonks nodded smiling, "As soon as I arrived, he never stopped talking about you."

"My God!" she blushed.

"Oh, don't worry. He's such a darling; he's always telling me things. We're family, you know."

"Really?"

"Yes, my mum is his cousin so that makes us something...can't remember what they said it was, Lupin was just telling me...ha, there's Snape."

A man clad in black emerged from the darkness.

"You're coming with us, right Tonks?" Morgan asked, regarding the Potions master resentfully.

"No, Moody wants me near the lake. I know how you feel Morgan. Almost everyone is afraid of him, but he's not that bad. Just don't talk to him, and you're safe."

Good, Morgan thought, don't talk to him. As if she could keep her mouth shut!

"His sterling manners are what fright me, not him."

"You shouldn't hold it against him, because he can't help it -listen to me," she chuckled, "making excuses for Professor Snake - that's one of his many nicknames. They are much worse among the Muggle-born you know. Let's see how does that one go...oh yes! The world's first living heart donor."

Morgan supressed her laughter, as he drew nearer.

"'Night, Severus..."

"Put that light off, girl. I could see you from the time you left the bloody bus."

Tonks shook her head and hid a smile. "Nox."

"Move along, we are late." He rudely turned around and strolled towards the thick forest.

"Charming personality," Tonks said smiling. "Good luck." And with a pop, she Disapparated.

Morgan ran behind Snape to catch up with him. Her warm breath escaping in small puffs; She was freezing.

"Severus - wait!"

He stopped so abruptly that she stumbled into him and nearly fell. She grabbed his left arm for support, but he pushed her off so forcefully that he sent her tumbling to the ground.

"What's wrong with you?" Morgan shrieked, sitting on the cold, wet soil.

He was grabbing his arm with an odd expression on his pale face. "We can't stay here - walk!"

Disappearing among the trees he had continued on; Morgan rose from the ground angrily, cursing him for being such an animal.

"I'm freezing."

Snape ignored her and continued walking.

"I'm freezing!" she repeated harshly.

"Walking will make you warm," Snape reasoned.

Morgan continued almost running after him. They reached a small clearing and Snape strolled quickly toward the trees. Morgan felt her legs grow numb from the cold. She began rubbing her hands together trying to warmth them. The sweater she was wearing was too thin for this foul weather. Her teeth were chattering.

"Severus, wait!" she hailed him.

He turned around so quickly, that Morgan had to take two unsteady steps back.

"By the Snake, woman! Do shut up!" he hissed.

"I am freezing!" she whispered angrily.

Snape impatiently tore his travel cloak from his shoulders and flung it at her. "Now, move!"

She jogged behind him and hastily put on the cloak, trying to cover herself with it. It was quite long; she almost tripped over it twice, but at least she was warmer, for his body warmth remained on the silken fabric. A strong smell of herbs filled her nostrils.

Snape looked even thinner without his cloak; she examined his strange clothing. Black trousers and boots, and a long black frock coat with sleeves almost covering his hands; a glimpse of white shirt was visible underneath.

He was taller than she, but shorter than Black. He walked like a man possessed, regardless of the cold.

As they trudged through the darkness, she wondered where Black and Lupin might be.

**********

Lupin and Black waited near the lake; it had been Moody's idea to have different posts around the forest to guard the way to the cave.

Lupin paced as Black sat leaning against a tree with his arms folded across his chest and a hard frown on his face.

"Why was he chosen to receive her first?" he growled.

"Mad-Eye made that choice," Lupin answered absently.

"It's taking them bloody forever to get here!"

Lupin stopped in front of him, "What is it with you tonight? I thought you would be happy to be outside."

"I am, but thinking of her with that snake ...."

"What do you mean, Sirius? Are you telling me that you are jealous - again?" Lupin asked, with a slight smile.

"Jealous?" Black spat the words with contempt, "Hell, I am more than that!"

Lupin suppressed a yawn and stared at his friend, stupefied. Did he hear him correctly?

"Sirius, I've been meaning to talk to you about Morgan..."

"Save it, I won't back off."

Lupin raised his thin eyebrows, blinked twice, and stared at his friend. It was unbelievable that Black, who had always treated women with a combination of amused tolerance and relaxed indifference, could have said that.

Lupin sighed. Black had been constantly surrounded by women; Morgan must be something very special to make him say that.

"I am not saying it is improper, I am only wondering, for her sake, what your intentions are."

Black smirked, "Marriage? Remus you know what I am. I am as cursed as you, marriage is out of the question, but I do feel something growing inside of me, a feeling I thought I knew."

"Love, Padfoot?"

"Well, laugh all you want mate, but I am different, I feel different...every time I see her I feel so alive..."

"Love is a dangerous choice, Sirius; she is going to have her hands full, now that they're depending upon her to open the cave."

"I am patient, I can wait; but in the meantime, I don't want her near that slimeball."

Lupin wondered just how much truth was in Black's statement. Was he really falling in love with Morgan?"

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"There is nothing in life so irrational that good sense and chance may not see it to rights; nothing so rational, that folly and chance may not utterly confound it."

Johann Wolfang Von Goethe

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