23.
Dean and Sam sat at the table in the bunker’s library, a pile of parchments and old documents spread out before them. Dana sat on the couch, engrossed in a book she had picked out earlier during their visit to the magical district. The soft sound of her turning pages filled the room.
Dean held up a piece of parchment and read it aloud. “Potter Manor. Location: Godric’s Hollow.” He glanced at Sam. “This sounds important.” Sam nodded as he studied another document. “It was once the Potter family home. But… that doesn’t feel right.”
Dean frowned. “Why not?”
“Think about it,” Sam explained. “That house is historic. Everyone in the magical world knows about Godric’s Hollow. If we move there, it will only draw attention to ourselves. We want Dana to remain safe and anonymous.” Dean sighed and tossed the document onto the pile. “You’re right.”
Sam picked up another document and began to read. His eyebrows shot up. “Here’s something interesting.” Dean leaned forward. “What is it?”
“The Potters owned several properties. There is indeed the one in Godric’s Hollow, but there is also a townhouse in Londen, a cottage in Southampton, an old Manor in Wales and a few houses in Hogsmeade. According to the goblins, they recommend the townhouse in Londen or the cottage in Southampton.”
Dean hummed. “Londen is convenient. Big city, with lots to do. We could go anywhere from there. And doesn’t the train leave there, the Hogwarts something something…” He made a gesture with his hands. “The Hogwarts Express, according to the letter.” Sam leaved through the information in front of him. “The cottage is surrounded by woodlands and gives us more privacy. There are old protection spells around the cottage, it has several rooms, there should be a library.”
Dana walked towards the table. “Dad,” she asked, and Dean looked up. “Maybe we can choose them both? The townhouse for dropping me off to Hogwarts and the vacations we can spend in the cottage?” Dean mused and looked at his brother. “It’s not a bad idea. Maybe Rowena can set something up, so we can be there a bit faster.”
***
The bunker felt alive that morning. Dana sat on the couch, engrossed in a book, while Dean and Sam went through the latest documents on the townhouse and the cottage. They would start in the townhouse and later on, they would visit the cottage. After that, they would decide where to live for the most part. But now came the hard part—telling their friends.
Sam put down his pen and looked at Dean. “Shall we start with Castiel?” Dean nodded slowly. “Yes, he deserves to know this first.”
Sam stood up and stepped to the center of the room. He closed his eyes and spoke softly. “Castiel, we need you.” Not a minute had passed before Castiel appeared in a flash of light. His blue eyes immediately took in the room.
“Sam. Dean.” Castiel’s gaze slid to Dana, who greeted him with a broad smile. “Dana.” Dean held up his hand. “Cas, we need to talk to you.” Castiel tilted his head slightly. “What’s going on?”
“We’re moving,” Sam said simply. “To England.” Castiel’s eyebrows shot up. “Why?”
“Dana,” Dean said. “We want her to go to Hogwarts, but we also want to be close enough to protect her.” Castiel nodded slowly, absorbing the news. “That makes sense. You take your responsibilities seriously. But are you sure this is the right decision?”
Dean took a deep breath. “Yes. We’ve thought this through. This is what’s best for her.” Castiel stepped over to Dana and knelt in front of her. “Do you know that I’m always close by, no matter where you are?”
Dana nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Uncle Castiel.”
At that moment, there was a shrill knocking on the heavy doors of the bunker. Dean frowned and walked to the door. When he opened it, Charlie was standing there, her motorcycle helmet tucked under her arm. “So, what’s going on?” she asked, grinning as she stepped inside.
Dean raised an eyebrow. “You’re right on time.” Charlie grinned widely. “I got a feeling and was already in your neck of the woods. What news do you have?”
Sam walked over and gave her a quick hug. “We’re moving to England.” Charlie’s eyes widened. “To England? Seriously? That’s great!”
Dana jumped up from the couch. “Yes! We’re going to live in Londen!” Charlie clapped her hands enthusiastically. “Oh, that sounds fantastic! Have you found a place yet?” Dean nodded. “Two actually, a townhouse and a cottage. We going to see them both and then choose.”
Charlie wiggled her eyebrows. “So when are you leaving?”
“In a few days,” Sam said. “We still have a few things to sort out, but most of it is done.” Just as Charlie was about to respond, another light flashed in the room. Rowena appeared, her cloak draped gracefully around her.
“Oh, look at that,” she said with a playful smile. “A social gathering, and I wasn’t invited?” Dean grunted. “You’re always invited, Rowena. Whether we like it or not.” Rowena grinned widely. “That’s so sweet of you, Dean.” She turned her attention to Dana, her gaze softening. “So, I take it there is big news?”
“We’re going to England,” Dana said proudly. Rowena’s eyes glinted with curiosity. “England, you say? And where in England would that be lass?” Dana smirked shyly at the word lass. “Londen or Southampton.”
“We want Dana to be safe and to be able to stay close to her when she goes to Hogwarts.” Sam explained. So the townhouse in Londen is the best choice, but we haven’t ruled out the cottage. Rowena nodded approvingly. “A wise decision. And I assume you need me to add some protection?” Dean grinned. “That would be handy.”
***
Sam was packing his bag and looked at what he could and could not bring with him. His phone rang and he saw Rowena as the caller ID. “Rowena?” he answered. “Samuel. I have been thinking. About the moving part. I have an idea…is Dean there?”
“Dean is with Dana, doing some last-minute shopping for the trip. Why don’t you come over and explain your…idea?”
So a little while later, when everyone was present Rowena presented her idea. She stood in front of them as she spoke.
“The bunker is the home base. You work from here and help others right?” Sam and Dean nodded. “So, if you move, then what? You are not sure if you can hunt in England and when you get bored, who knows what would happen then,” she said mockingly. Dean bristled. “You done?”
Rowena smiled sweetly. “Not just yet. I propose to set up a portal. With a bit of preparation, I can connect the bunker to the House in Londen and the cottage. That way, you can travel much faster and…you do not have to leave everything behind.”
Dean didn’t trust Rowena. But in this case, he wanted to hug her, kiss her and give her the moon. He of course never said it out loud, but moving scared him. For Rowena was right, he would become bored. There was an itch, a need to be on the road, to hunt, to help people. For the last months, he and Sam had worked with other hunters, so one of them was always with Dana, but man…he missed it. This, this could make it work. So the big hunter stood up, walked over to Rowena, grabbed her and kissed her on her cheek.
Rowena froze. Her eyes flickered to Dean, and for a split second, something soft crossed her gaze before she put her usual mask back on. “Oh, Dean,” she said with a playful smile to hide her discomfort. “If I knew that was your way of saying thank you, I would have done much more for you.” Dean shook his head with a slight smile. “Let’s not overdo it.”
Rowena turned to sit down at the table, to make her preparations Dana saw how she let her hand run briefly over her cheek, a rare expression of warmth on her face.
***
They had decided to go to England the normal way, by plane. Castiel had offered to zap them to England, but Dana asked if they could go the way other people would go. Her first experience with traveling was traumatic and she wanted a new memory. So the brothers gave in. They took a taxi to the nearest airport, cleared customs, had some fun in the tax free shopping zone of the airport and when their flight was announced, they went to the gate.
Once they were in the air, Dean tried to make himself as comfortable as possible, but it was clear that he was uncomfortable. He gripped the armrests tightly and looked around nervously. Sam gave him an amused look. “You still don’t like flying, do you?” Dean mumbled something unintelligible and turned his gaze to the ceiling.
Dana looked at him curiously. “Are you scared, Dad?” Dean sighed and nodded. “I’m more of a ground guy. Give me four wheels on asphalt and I’m happy.”
To calm himself down, he started humming softly. It didn’t take long for Sam to recognize what it was. “Are you humming Metallica?” Sam asked with a wide grin.
Dean looked at him intently. “Yes. Helps me relax.” Dana giggled. “Can you sing?”
Dean shook his head. “Trust me, kiddo, you don’t want to hear that.” But Dana seemed determined. She began humming the melody softly and nudged Sam. “Sing along!”
Sam laughed and joined in the humming. Before they knew it, the three of them were singing softly—Dean trying to calm his nerves, Sam clearly having fun, and Dana enjoying the whole experience. A flight attendant walked by and shot them an amused look. “Everything okay here?” Dean nodded quickly. “Perfect. Just… strengthening family ties.” As she walked away, Sam shook his head. “Great, now she thinks we’re idiots.”
Dean grinned crookedly. “Yeah well, let her.” Dana looked out the window at the clouds below them and smiled widely. “This is the best flight ever.”
Dean leaned back in his seat, finally relaxing a little. “That’s the most important thing, kiddo. That you’re having fun.”
***
Night fell upon Hogwarts, and Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, reading the message Minerva had left him.
Dana Potter has accepted.
Albus leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the instruments that ticked and turned softly, performing their own magical dance. He considered the situation. A sudden flash of shadow and smoke filled the room. Albus looked up, his eyes clear and sharp, without a trace of surprise. There, in the middle of the room, stood a man in an elegant black suit, a broad grin on his face.
“Ah, Professor Dumbledore,” Crowley said with his usual charm. “What an honor to finally meet you in person.” Albus folded his hands quietly on his desk. “I assume I’m speaking to the demon known as Crowley?” Crowley bowed slightly. “Kings are no longer recognized these days, but yes, I am.”
Albus remained calm, his eyes as sharp as ever. “And what brings you to my office, Mister Crowley?” Crowley grinned broadly. “Let’s just say I was a little curious. Stories are going around about a girl. A girl who once faced Death… and survived.” Albus’s gaze tightened slightly. “Dana Potter.”
Crowley nodded slowly. “Exactly. And I hear she’s on her way to England. With two very… remarkable escorts.” Albus kept his gaze on Crowley. “The Winchesters.”
“The Winchesters,” Crowley repeated with a hint of admiration in his voice. “Two of the most notorious hunters in the world. And yet, they seem more concerned with protecting a little girl than hunting monsters.” Albus smiled weakly. “Perhaps they are more human than you think.”
Crowley laughed softly. “Perhaps. But I wonder, Professor… why are you so interested in this girl? What makes her so special?” Albus stood slowly and walked to the window. He looked out over the dark fields of Hogwarts, his hands clasped behind his back. “She is special because of what she has survived,” he said finally. “But she is even more special because of who she is. Her future is important not just to the magical world, but to everyone.”
Crowley tilted his head. “That sounds like a prophecy.” Albus looked over his shoulder at Crowley, his eyes sharp. Did the demon know?
Crowley stepped closer, his footsteps barely audible on the stone floor. “You know what I find interesting, Professor? You are a man of control. But still… the girl is now in the hands of two men you cannot control.” Albus turned fully, his gaze unwavering. “Control is not always necessary.”
Crowley nodded slowly, he had anticipated that answer. “Well, I am glad we had this conversation. I suspect we will see each other again.”
“I suspect so too,” Albus said calmly. With a final broad smile, Crowley disappeared in a cloud of smoke and shadow, as suddenly as he had come. Albus stood there for a moment longer, his thoughts lost in the conversation that had just taken place. What to do now? He had not told the brothers about the prophecy. No one knew, but him, Severus, and the Unspeakables. But he was the only one who knew the full content. It haunted him. So what to do?