Chapter 3
Morgana and Narcissa stood side by side outside of Gringots and formed a striking image. If one didn’t know better, to a passerby it would seem Narcissa had gotten a second chance with Bellatrix in a child’s form. To those who knew, in a way she had.
Morgana had strong magic, a thirst for power and knowledge, a strange untamed beauty, and a calculating look. The difference stood in Morgana’s resolve to follow her calling and Avalon’s rules. Bellatrix had loyalty only to power and she had let it destroy her.
“Come, first things first we must dress you as a proper child of Pure Blood family. Your current transfigured attire will simply not do.”
Narcissa turned on a heel and began a graceful stride down the busy alleyway. Morgana rushed to keep up, cursing the aging potion as her new 11 year old body was not the perfect picture of grace she was used to.
Together they stopped in front of the second of two stores. This one was considerably less busy as they entered. A witch scrambled from behind the counter to come greet them.
“Lady M-malfoy! We weren’t expecting you today. Heir Malfoy’s wardrobe won’t be ready for another week at least- I mean that’s not to say we can’t rush it. We of course know it is important, his first year and all, but oh if you would be so kind as to-”
Narcissa held up a hand to cut off the poor woman’s jumble of nervous words. A cold smile formed on her face and she motioned to Morgana beside her.
“We are here for a wardrobe for my daughter, as you can see. Morgana has just returned from her time with our family in the States and I’m afraid the fashion there has been lacking. We’ll need a full set of dress robes as well as a Hogwarts wardrobe.”
Narcissa turned a calculating eye of Morgana and she felt the eyes sweep over her hair, eyes, and frame slowly.
“Yes, better make the dress robes in black, green, and blue shades. The Hogwarts robes are safe to assume Slytherin.”
Morgana stayed silent through this exchange. She was new to this world but she assumed that properly raised children were still expected to be seen and not heard. She focused instead on standing straight and tall, and watching. Watching Narcissa and her complete control over the situation. Watching how the other witch both had fear, contempt, and awe in her eyes when she spoke with Narcissa.
The contempt intrigued Morgana. She had seen what contempt due to titles, riches, or power looked like and this was different. This was the look of someone who was disgusted by the others actions.
Morgana would have to watch the Malfoys. It seems they may have already taken a side in this war and not the “Greater Good”. Well she would keep true to her word and show them a third option.
A pressure on her shoulder brought her back to the present moment.
“Go with Ms. Twilfitt, Morgana. I’ll wait here as your measurements shouldn’t take more than a minute or two. After all, we have many places to be.” A look was shot to Ms. Twilfitt who quickly shook her head in agreement.
“Oh yes, just a minute!”
Morgana followed the timid witch to the back and stood patiently as she took her measurements. True to her word, they were back with Narcissa after a moment.
Narcissa handed over a piece of parchment to the witch and then they exited.
“What was the paper for?” She quickly asked while also trying to keep up with Narcissa’s long strides.
“Patience is a virtue. I have too much to do today if this is to work for me to answer questions. We will discuss matters further at the Manor.”
The response reminded her of when she would pester her own mother with questions as a child.
“Yes, ma’am.” She murmured and bowed her head in acknowledgment. Narcissa sniffed but accepted it with a nod in return.
Together they continued in silence until they were outside a rather dark and dreary shop, Ollivanders Wand Shop. She felt her nose curl up as they approached. Was this the best wand shop they could find? Once they entered, she felt the horror inside grow. Premade wands? No wonder the witches and wizards of this time were weakening. A wand is not just a tool- it’s an extension of one’s core. And as every core is unique, so should every wand. It’s a long process and one that shifts as one grows.
“You may voice your thoughts to me in private, but in public you will hide your emotions.” Narcissa harshly whispered before proceeding to the front desk.
Morgana shook her face free and focused on keeping it clear of thought.
“Always the secretive one, Lady Malfoy. Although it seems you’ve brought me a secret I already know.”
An old man appeared from behind the bookshelves and approached them both. He stopped first in front of Morgana and smiled gently.
“Morgan La Fey, you are out of your time my dear and it seems in a new body. Shall we find you a new wand.”
Morgana took a quick step backwards, it was not often she was surprised. The man simply chuckled and turned to Narcissa.
“I see you did not warn her of my seer ways. No reason to worry though, I have seen many a witch and wizard through finding their wand. As for your secrets, I am a neutral in this world and see no reason for a side nor to use people’s secrets against them.”
Morgana narrowed her eyes and moved back to Narcissa’s side once more.
“Only a coward stays neutral in a war such as this one. You, who is gifted by Lady Magik herself, should feel her dying and be driven to do something.” She snarled out.
“Yes she is dying, but I have seen that I am not the one to fix this. You, however, have quite the road in front of you. I pray for Magik’s sake you succeed. Now let’s find you a wand that will assist you in this.