Mia and Alexia

The portal closed behind Alexia, and she was surprised to find herself immediately wrapped up in a familiar, overwhelming hug that smelled like old cigars, firewhiskey, and books. She hugged Charlus back and breathed out a sigh.

"C'mon, Dad," Mia shook her head from behind Charlus. "All I said was that you're dead, not that she's a helpless orphan."

"I'm technically not an orphan completely," Alexia said as Charlus released her. "My muggle Mum and squib father are still alive. It's just you and Mum that…"

Charlus gave her a stern look. "Well, we're right here anytime you need us, as well as your brothers. You're our children, alternate universes be damned."

Alexia smiled softly. "I'll tell Jamie and Sirius. For now, though, is everything alright? I got your message. Did something happen?"

"We were hoping," Mia said slowly. "That you guys would help us build our own machine. You were right. We can't just hope that shit gets magically fixed, and after last time…" she drifted off, and Alexia didn't miss the way she glanced at her throat. Truthfully, the bruises were still there. They'd just been heavily glamoured, and Lily had helped her put some muggle makeup over it, too.

She frowned thoughtfully. "We had discussed branching out, building more connected machines to protect against… the issue is, I didn't build it alone, Mia, and I can't build it alone. Antonin would need to come help. That's why I haven't contacted you or Addy about it."

"Well, who have you contacted?" Mia huffed.

"I went over and talked with Ravenclaw and Slytherin about it yesterday," she shrugged. "Their machine is, truthfully, not well built. Er- don't tell them I said that, please. They just aren't aware of the advancements we've made since their time. Our plan is to help upgrade their machine and connect it to our main machine. They're fine with Antonin helping as long as he stays away from Hermione, which won't be a problem since their machine is in the library under the Headmaster's office."

Mia shifted uncomfortably and glanced at the door. "Well… okay, fine. Under a few conditions. He's not allowed here without you, for one. He'll be watched, and we'll up the wards so that if he even intends to hurt me, it'll slice off his dick."

"Mia Dorea Potter," Charlus said immediately. She blushed slightly.

"Sorry, Dad. Still, you get the point."

"Yep," Alexia nodded. "Well, this'll work. I'd like to set up this universe as a backup hub in case something happens."

"In case something happens?" Mia raised an eyebrow. She was surprised to find Alexia shifting uncomfortably, her eyes darkening slightly.

"Yeah. To me."

Mia's mouth opened and closed before she spoke. "Lexi, nothing's gonna-,"

"It has and it can again," Alexia interrupted sharply. "To any of us. To all of us. It's just in case, but if it bothers you that much, I'll ask Cassie."

Mia shook her head. "No, it's- it's fine. Just… why me? I mean, we hated each other two weeks ago."

Alexia avoided her gaze. "You didn't have to tell him that, Mia. Antonin would've taken care of me no matter what. Then last time… Antonin told me you came to me as soon as you could."

"I was just-,"

"Exactly," she interrupted. "You did it because you were worried about me. And it's not just that, okay? You're a bloody strong witch, and you're gonna live a hell of a long life. When I die, be it in two weeks or two hundred years, I want you to take over for me. Monitor the multiverse, protect our friends."

"Merlin," Mia breathed. "Is that what you're doing? Monitoring and protecting?"

Alexia looked uncomfortable. "Among other things. I'm sure I won't always be able to help, but… we did swear vows. I know you guys have every right to just live your lives here, but I want to protect those lives for you. Maybe some of us can be happy sometimes."

"Well, sign me up. You need help with this protecting, I'm there," Mia said with a firm nod. Alexia looked at her oddly before nodding herself.

"Right, so… I'll talk with Antonin and Bertie and see when our schedules will work but I'd say next week we can start. Sound good?"

"Yeah, just remember," Mia waved generally in the air. "It'll slice off his dick."

OoOoOoOoOoOo