Hi all,

Another week, another chapter. There is angst in this chapter but also a little moment as well. And a secret is revealed.

Again, in the process of slowly updating the other stories. Just bear with me and I should have more chapters coming out over the weekend for my other stories.

Enjoy. I own nothing but the story. All else belongs to JK Rowling and Shonda Rhimes

Chapter Five

Gilly's POV

May 2012

"I know that you both have your hands full with the Sully St. James thing. I can't thank you both enough for taking this on." Fitz was saying as we walked through the forest near the grounds of Camp David.

The walk was suggested by Cyrus, and it only consisted of myself, Cyrus, Liv and Fitz, along with a few secret service agents. Mellie had 'things' to do and allowed us to go off to discuss the aide situation and so, here we were, basking in the fresh air and watching the forest sights. While Liv, Cyrus and Fitz walked behind me, I was ahead, scoping out the place. More like I was walking ahead so that I could not be able to see Fitz's intense looks on his face and jump him right then and there. It helped that I was on the left side of Liv but just a little ahead of her. I was still within hearing distance, and I could still hear their conversation.

"Her name is Amanda Tanner. She's 27. I've got rumours she might be talking." Cyrus informed us. I looked back to see that he had handed Liv a file.

"And you can't fire her." Liv murmured.

"Not without a nightmare on our hands." Cyrus uttered. "Look, yet, she hasn't gone to the press. I'd like to put a stop to it."

"It's not right. Makes me look like a dirty old man." Fitz commented.

I stopped, turning to face him as a million questions swirled in my brain. "I have to ask…"

Fitz stared at me, his eyes pleading. "No…I've never…I would never…No. You, and Liv have known me a long time. Longer than most. You know I did not fall for just some girl. You know that there is only one person I love."

"Mellie and Fitz are happy together Gill…" Cyrus added. "He'd have no reason to cheat and as far as I know, Amanda Tanner has already met her soulmate, so there's that too."

Fitz's gaze on me was intense and I couldn't help the feelings beginning to rise. Liv could tell that I was too wrapped up in his gaze, as I overheard her tell Cyrus that we would handle it. Fitz's longing look and sad eyes made me turn away, the intensity making it hard for me to control myself. But I did…and I turned away, crossing my arms.

"You know, this would be a lot easier if you both came back to work at the White House." Fitz remarked. "We need you both on our side."

"I like working for myself. And I also like bossing Gill around." Liv remarked, and I snorted, knowing full well she did like being my boss. "But we've never left your side."

"If that's the case, then why didn't you tell us about magic?" Fitz asked. I knew that the question was aimed at me and I stopped, turning around.

"I…was wondering when you were going to bring that up."

Fitz glared me. "What, you'd think I wouldn't have found out? Were you not planning on telling me ever? Instead, I had to find out from a stranger that you were of magic?"

"It's not that I didn't want to tell you – I couldn't. I'm one of the most wanted witches in the world. It's not like I could just blurt out that I'm a witch while working for one of the most powerful men in the world." I stated.

"Mr. President, I'm sure Gilly had her reasons." Cyrus tried to stick up for me as he gave me a sad smile. "Considering what we now know, I understand why you didn't tell us."

"I don't. You had opportunities to tell me, and yet, I find out from your magical president that one of my most trusted advisors just so happens to be the former saviour of the Wizarding World and that she defeated a mad wizard in her teenage years and that her sister, who also happens to be another trusted advisor and friend, helped her. I understand not telling me while I was running for president, but afterwards, when I was sworn in, you could have thought to have informed me then?" Fitz wondered aloud, crossing his arms.

"Mr. President!" Liv scolded. "I get it. You're angry. But you do not get to take it out on us, not while we are doing a favour for you."

I sighed, looking straight at Fitz. "We had our reasons…most of them may not make sense but we had our reasons to not tell you. I…am still being hunted, sir. The war…it happened years ago and yet, for some reason, I cannot catch a break. I've spent my life trying to put former deatheaters away only for more to emerge. So, when was the right time to tell you and Cyrus that I am a witch? Not just any witch, but the Girl-Who-Lived, among many other titles."

There was silence, and I turned to Liv, who nodded.

"Cyrus, why don't we let Gilly explain things to the President and I can answer any questions you may have. I think the President needs to hear Gilly's story alone, but I will answer what I can." Liv suggested.

Cyrus frowned. "Okay…"

Liv linked arms with Cyrus, leading him away from us. Soon, it was just Fitz and myself, along with two of the secret service agents. One of the agents I had recognized as Tom and he gave me a tight smile. Fitz gave them a look, to which they nodded and made themselves scarce. While they were within distance to see and protect Fitz, they were far enough away to allow privacy for Fitz and me to talk.

"Why…you know that we are more than just friends…why didn't you tell me?" Fitz whispered, walking closer to me.

I scoffed. "And have you react the same way you just did? My magic isn't something I tell people willingly. I must have a reason or I risk losing my magic and you losing your memories."

"And us being soulmates wasn't reason enough?"

I sighed, looking at him. "I wanted to tell you…I did…and there were so many times I came close to telling you. But telling you about my magic would also have meant that telling you about my former life as Lillian Potter. And believe me, Lillian Potter's story is not a happy one. I was in a war Fitz. I killed people. And people were killed because of me."

"You don't think I've killed before?" Fitz remarked.

"That's different. You were in the Navy. I was a kid, following a dumb cause led by a master manipulator who believed a bloody prophecy…I lost so many people because they believed that I would be their saviour. And then when I did finally kill the man who made my life a living hell, instead of gratitude, I got hatred, and they wanted my head for the deaths I had caused. How could I have told you all that?" I tried to explain. He sighed and I took a deep breath. "My world, the magical community – it's all screwed up. There is still prejudice and hatred and so much more. Did you know that the bloody British Ministry of Magic did not even bother to tell Hermione or myself or any of us that they managed to find Bellatrix Lestrange alive, and then hid her in the depths of Azkaban? Like, they knew of Hermione's history with the bloody woman and they knew who I truly was and yet, we didn't know. That's how screwed up my world is. I didn't want to bring you into a world that can't even…I left England for a reason…and then I couldn't escape the bloody war because former deatheaters managed to make their way here, in the US…"

"So, who was Lillian Potter?" He asked.

I sighed. "She was a young girl with many dreams. She wanted a life for herself, and yet there were so many around her that wanted to use her for a lot of things. I wasn't Lillian Potter, the girl who just wanted to learn magic. I had to be Lillian Potter, the Girl-Who-Lived – the Saviour. It was pathetic – still is. My life was already planned from the moment my parents died. And yet, if I wasn't her, I wouldn't have met my true family. The ones who saved me. And so, when I died at the hands of Lord Voldemort, so did she. And then, I took the name Gilligan, as Liv liked the name so much and took my adoptive family's last name. I was already going by Potter-Pope, but I dropped the Potter and just stuck with Pope."

"You died…how did you come back?" He questioned.

"Magic?" I tried to reason. "Did Hermione go into detail about my death?"

He nodded. "She did. She mentioned something about horcruxes, the Hallows and then something about you being the Mistress of Death?"

"Yeah. That's it. I'm the mistress but I don't act on it. When Voldemort killed me, he killed the part of his soul that was living inside me. Instead of me going to heaven and joining my dearly departed loved ones, I was offered a choice, of a sorts. I greeted Death as if he was an old friend…in a way. And he return brought me back and now, I sort of control him…in a way. It's magical mumbo jumbo and one I don't think of often unless I have. When I am the mistress and wield all three of the hallows, I am one of the most powerful magical beings there is. But I've never wanted that. I just wanted to be normal." I said.

"I see…What happened afterwards? After the war, the becoming the mistress thing and you leaving England?"

"I tried to live a normal life. We all did…but normal is overrated. Former deatheaters who had gone rogue and managed to escape the Ministry tried to wreak havoc everywhere. And then they managed to find their way here to the US, in which Hermione and I tried to stop. Then there was one former deatheater who figured out who I was, and went after Liv. He's dead now…well, according to Hermione, he's dead. And then, I had to take a break, even though there were still deatheaters lurking about and that's how I found myself with Liv, helping her run your campaign trail. And we both know how that went." I remarked.

"I could have helped…" Fitz murmured.

"How? I understand you saying that but you couldn't have helped me. And not only that, I won't risk you helping me. If rogue deatheaters were to find out that the killer of their former master has a soulmate who just so happens to be the leader of the free world, there would be…chaos. You would be dead or worse, kidnapped and enslaved." I muttered.

He frowned. "How is being kidnapped and enslaved worse than death?"

"You'd be surprised…if they kidnapped you, I would be forced to do their bidding in the hopes that they don't harm you. And if they find out I'm the Mistress, I don't even want to think what they could do." I answered.

He nodded. "I understand…not much but I understand why you didn't tell me. But now that I know. I need to know…Are you–"

"I'm fine. Hermione is handling the Bellatrix situation, as I'm sure you're aware of. And I would be helping her, but I need to be here, protecting Liv and Charlie…and my team. I am better here." I said. I wanted to tell him desperately the true reason but instead I kept my mouth shut.

"Am I included in your list of protection detail?" He smirked.

"Of course. Your watch – do you still have it?" I asked.

He nodded, his hand reaching up to pull his sleeve down. Rested upon his wrist, was a silver titanium watch I had gifted him. Well, he did give me a ring and so it was only fair that I return the favour – in the form of a watch. The band was silver gold and the watch itself was titanium – and it didn't just only tell the time – it was also waterproof, damage proof and enchanted. Whenever he felt scared or was hurt, it sent a signal, in which I would receive and I'd know that he was in pain or hurt or scared.

"You've had my protection all along and now, you get to know. The watch is enchanted – if you're in danger, I'll know. If you're hurt or scared or whatever, I'll know. And if you need me, all you must do is rub it, and I'll come, wherever you are." I informed him.

He looked at the watch before pulling down his sleeve and covering it. "I had this the whole time and I could have contacted you? Magically that is?"

I nodded. "I needed to find some way to protect you without you knowing about magic. It's why I asked you when I gave it to you to make sure you always had it on you, no matter what you were doing. It's my way of making sure you're always safe…and that I'm always here, even though I can't be with you."

"Gilly…" He whispered, stepping closer to me.

I stood back, nearly walking into a tree but stood firm. "No…we can't…your secret service agents are nearby and Cyrus will be wondering what's taking us so long, so we should probably head back."

He scoffed. "I don't want to head back. I want you. Here…now…"

Without so much of a warning, he lunged forward and cupped my face, before slamming his lips onto mine, pulling me into a passionate kiss. I gasped, and automatically, my arms went around his shoulders and I pulled him closer to me, my lips still on his. His tongue entered my mouth and I accepted it willingly. He then grasped my hips, and immediately I jumped, wrapping my legs around his waist. While supporting me, he then walked forward a little, and I felt something against my back. I felt that it was the bark of the tree that had been behind me and so, leaned against it. He then broke the kiss, his lips leaving small kisses on my cheek, my jawline and I raised my hands, grasping his hair. Then the thought of Oberon entered my mind and I pulled away. He stopped kissing, looking up at me and I rubbed my thumb against his jawline.

"We need to stop…" I gasped.

"Why did you leave me?"

I closed my eyes, getting down from him and pushing him away gently. "Because I had to…I'm sorry."

I then grabbed his hand, kissing the palm of it before letting go and walking away from him. I didn't dare to look back as if I did, I would have told him everything then and there. But for the sake of his safety, and the worlds', I left, with my heart breaking into small pieces as I did.

0*0*0*0*0

Olivia's POV

"Where are we?" I asked, walking into the office.

The car ride back to the office was quiet, and I knew that Gilly was overthinking. She didn't elaborate much on her talk with Fitz, only that they spoke about her life, and then that was all she gave me. I knew that a lot more had gone on, if Gilly's mood was anything to go by. Her barely together demeanor was about to break and I wanted to take her pain away. But knowing my sister, it was only a matter of time before she would tell me what had happened and what was really going on. The thought of work and helping our client seemed to be the focus now as we headed back into our office. Gilly walked past me, taking a seat at the table in the conference room, sitting next to Harrison, who was huddled over a computer.

"Waiting on forensics on the gun to come in." Harrison informed us.

Then the loud tones of Abby made us all jump and stare at her as she ran into the room.

"Whoo-hoo! Paige is a whore!" Abby shouted, waving a photo in her hand. She ran past me, putting the photo up among the other photos that were on the window. "She was screwing some guy named Tom Henderson. She cancelled on the embassy party to meet up with him. We have another viable suspect. Paige is a whore!"

Harrison, Gilly and Quinn all stared at her as I nodded my head.

"I'm going to run down Henderson – see if I can make something stick." She exclaimed, running off.

"Okay…Should I be more worried that she's excited that our dead victim is a whore or that she's going to go full on Abby and scare this Henderson bloke into making a false confession?" Gilly muttered.

"Either way, our client gets off – if he didn't know that Paige was sleeping around, it could be cause that someone else killed her." Harrison suggested.

"Something Abby will get to bottom of. In the meantime, Quinn – I need you to find out everything you can about an Amanda Tanner. You have an hour and then I need you to come with me." I ordered, handing Quinn the file.

Gilly gave me a look and I winked at her, assuring her I would handle it. I knew Gilly could have handled it simply and with a flick of her wand, but judging by her change in mood in the car, I took it upon me to handle it myself. I then walked away, heading into my office. I heard footsteps behind me and I noticed Gilly had followed me in.

"You didn't have to do that. I could have handled it too." She murmured, taking a seat in front of my desk. I took off my jacket, hanging it and my bag up before sitting down on my chair.

"I know…but the look on your face and the change in your mood got me thinking and I'd thought I'd spare you meeting the woman who is defaming your soulmate." I appealed.

She sighed. "Thanks…"

"Go home Gilly…get some rest…You haven't slept – I managed to get some hours in but I didn't see you do the same. Go home, rest and then come back later tonight, once you're refreshed." I urged.

She nodded. "I will…though I don't think I can sleep. I keep replaying the conversation in my head but I told him what I could. Not everything, but the short version. He knows I'm the Mistress."

My head tilted back. "Wow…you didn't tell me that till a few months after the war…I had to pry it out of you as you didn't tell me how you survived Lord Dickhead killing you…how did he know?"

She gave me a look and I shook my head. "Hermione…of course…"

"He kissed me." She whispered.

I gasped. "This morning? In front of the agents?! What if you had gotten caught? Not that I don't think he would have minded, given his feelings for you but he is the President and he can't be going out and kissing people!"

She gave me another look. "Says the woman who told me to go for it during his election."

I waved my hand. "That was different…he's President now."

She smiled. "I managed to stop it before it got too steamy…though, it would have been a spectacular show for the Secret Service. But Tom knows about us, so it won't get out."

"Tom?" I racked my brain trying to remember him before getting who he was. "Tom Larson…well, that's good. A little. Wait, how did he know?"

She gave me a look and I nodded. "He knows because the President told him. I wonder if Mellie knows…wouldn't surprise me if she did but she didn't act like she knew."

Gilly shrugged. "Doesn't matter….not anymore anyway. At the rate we're going, soon everyone we know will know about me. It's like we've forgotten that the Statue exists."

"Hey, only those who need to know about you, knows what you are. And it's not like we're going to go off and tell everybody. I've lived with you and Charlie long enough to know what to say and not to say. But if it makes you feel any better, I'm sure I can get the team to do an Unbreakable Vow." I suggested.

She sighed, shaking her head, looking to the ground. "No, but I appreciate the suggestion…and besides, I'm not upset about that…I'm upset because I wish I could have told him the real reason I left. It was there, on my lips but instead I didn't. And how could I? How can I tell the man I love, my soulmate, that we can't be together because there is a dangerous man out there threatening the worst possible thing ever and that if I had continued my relationship with him, that man will go ahead with that threat and unleash hell upon this world, both magical and non-magical?"

I looked at her, worry building up. "Who is this man?"

"His name is Oberon…Oberon Riddle."

I gasped. "As in…"

"As in Tom Marvelo Riddle's brother. Fraternal twin brother to be exact. And not just that, he's human…muggle…no magic in him whatsoever but yet still alive thanks to having a certain horcrux living inside him." She informed me.

My mouth opened in shock. "There's another? But that's impossible. You killed him…you saw him die and his body was lying there at your feet. I saw the memories, Gilly…that's impossible."

She laughed dryly. "I thought so too…until he showed his family tree – a magical piece of parchment he managed to get from the goblins of all creatures and he showed me his memories. He hasn't just got power within the magical community but in the muggle community too. Somehow, he's got power and he rendered me powerless."

I tried to process, my brain going into overdrive. "What do you mean powerless? You're the Mistress. Surely you can do something to prevent him coming back."

"Don't you think I've tried? I have…but Oberon managed to find a way through that as well. How he knows about me being the Mistress, I have got a clue but I can't even prevent Voldemort from returning because Death doesn't have all the pieces of his soul. In order to have all the pieces, Oberon has to die, and if he dies, it sets in motion a massive plan that Oberon has no doubt been planning for years. But there's an upside. Oberon knows he needs to die in order for his brother's soul to be 'released' or something – so, I'd wager he doesn't want to do that just yet. But the threat still lingers. I live my life with my soulmate and reveal to the world our relationship, Oberon brings Voldemort back. If I track down Oberon and attempt to harm him, he brings Voldemort back…Though, he says that when Fitz has finished being president, I can be with Fitz but who knows if that will happen?" She informed me.

"Oh my god…Who else knows about this?"

"Hermione…along with some of the Aurors within MACUSA and she's using the resources to track him down. The Aurors involved don't know about my link to Oberon, only that he poses a threat to both muggle and magical worlds. And now you. You asked me, and I thought it was time. So, now you know. You know why I can't be with Fitz. Even though I desperately want to." She mumbled.

"Oh Gilly…" I murmured.

"No…don't feel sorry…Hermione will track this son of bitch down and together, we will stop him, one way or another. But until that time comes, we must keep acting normal. So, I will sleep here. I can't go home but I will take a sleeping potion and sleep on the couches here. And then I'll help the team with Sully's situation and you deal with Amanda Tanner." She urged. "We will deal with Oberon eventually but for now, let's not. Okay?"

I nodded. "Okay…but no more secrets, okay? Next time a crazy man who just so happens to be related to a known evil wizard comes by and threatens you, you tell me, yes?"

"Yes…"

"And keep me updated on Bellatrix. I guess this Oberon guy is also the reason why you're not helping Hermione?" I questioned. She nodded and I gave her a swift nod. "Do you think they're working together?"

She shook her head. "No. Bellatrix has no use to him. He seems the type to only work with those who have power and Bellatrix doesn't have power…at least not anymore, considering now, she's a muggle, no magic…she would be useless to him. She's already tracked down other former deatheaters and now, she's here, somewhere in the US. Hermione's handling it…and I'll be here, protecting the team and you…and Fitz."

I frowned. "How are you going to protect the already overprotected President?"

"Why, magic of course. The watch I gave him before I left is enchanted. So, I'll always be there in some way."

I nodded. "Of course…I take my necklace is exactly the same?"

I wore a silver diamond pendent on a silver chain that was hung on my neck.

She smiled. "Of course…The same goes for Harrison's and Stevie's watch, Abby's bracelet, Huck's dog tags and Charlie's wedding ring – which he doesn't know about but knows there's a charm on it. Now you can tell him why. And now I will have to do something for Quinn. Maybe another bracelet or I could charm her watch. But I'll think of something. It will let me know if you're in true danger and you need help. And you can always contact me by rubbing the pendant three times and I'll be there."

I nodded, fiddling with the necklace. "You're so overprotective…but I'm glad."

She smiled. "Better safe than sorry…or something like that."

I thought about her words and an uneasy feeling creeped up into my gut. I couldn't help but feel that something big was about to happen, and I didn't like it.

0*0*0*0*0

Sitting on a park bench, near the lake overlooking the capital monument, was a woman with a golden retriever. She looked simple – plain and not all what I was thinking of. The woman looked friendly even, and so, I was a little shocked as to why this woman was making up lies about the president. From what Quinn had told me and had found out about her, she had a few problems here and there and it made me think about what this woman, Amanda, had wanted. Did she want money? Or fame? Or a better job? All questions and no answers. But I walked over to her, Quinn hot my heels.

"Can I ask what I'm doing here?" Quinn stammered.

"You're here acting as my witness. Just stay by my side. Don't say anything."

We continued walking, getting closer to Amanda. I then reached her, and sat down on the park bench near her.

"Cute dog…" I commented, striking up a conversation. "Golden retriever?"

Amanda nodded. "Yeah. His name's Thomas Jefferson, which is lame, I know but he's very presidential. Aren't you, T.J?"

I smiled. "Amanda, it would be a mistake to think that there will be no consequences to you telling lies about the president."

She looked at me. "How do you know my name? Who are you?"

"My name is Olivia Pope-Weasley. And I want to be clear, I'm not here on any official capacity. I'm only here to warn you, because you should know what could happen. It could be become hard for you to find employment – your face would be everywhere. People would associate you with a sex scandal. All kinds of information about you would easily become available to the press. For example, you've had twenty-two sexual partners that we know of. Also, there was that ugly bout of gonorrhea and your family…your mother's mental illness…a psychotic break – two years at Bedford Hospital. I bet that's private. She runs a daycare now, right?"

"He told me he loved me – that he would offer me a better world than what my soulmate would." She mumbled. "He gave me this dog."

I snapped. "See, it's those kind of lies that could hurt not only you, but your soulmate too if you said them to other people. People not as nice as me. I wonder what your soulmate thinks about you telling lies or thinking about shacking it up with the President. Your soulmate works and lives here, right? Couldn't find much but that's just me. The press will be more brutal and bring up everything about him. I'll give you some free advice. Hand in your resignation, and pack up your dog, and your things and your soulmate, and then get in your car and go. Don't worry about telling your soulmate the truth – just say that it's time for change. Then, find a small city – Minneapolis maybe or Denver – get a little job, marry your soulmate, make some friends. Because, in this town, your career is over and sadly, so is your soulmate's – which is your fault…You're done…both of you."

"Why are you doing this to me?" She cried. "I'm a good person. I never wanted to be with my soulmate but—"

I sighed, interrupting her. "You know who else was a good person, and defied fate by not being with her soulmate? Monica Lewinsky…And she was telling the truth, but she still got destroyed."

Amanda gasped, before standing up and walking away, pulling on her dog's lead so that he followed her. I heard another gasp behind me and I stood up, looking at the shocked look on Quinn's face.

"If you get subpoenaed in front of a grand jury, you can testify as an officer of the court that I was working on my own. I didn't blackmail or threaten her. If you don't get subpoenaed, this never happened." I said, pulling out my phone to call Cyrus. "Also, you don't tell Gilly about any of this. When she asks, or if she asks, just say it was handled."

I then walked away from her, putting my phone to my ear as it rang. It then connected and a tired male voice answered.

"Cyrus?"

"Yeah?"

"It's been handled."

I then hung up, walking ahead. My heart pounded, knowing that I did go a little too far with Amanda, but at the same time, this woman was talking about my sister's soulmate and needed to be put in her place. My gut told me she was lying, but I couldn't help wondering if there was some truth. I then shook my head. I saw the look he gave to Gilly back at Camp David. He was in love…and still held that love for my sister. And now that Gilly had told me about Oberon, I found myself wanting to reunite them, despite my moral self reminding me of the work I did to help Fitz President. Amanda, the 'nice' girl she was, was just in the way and I put her down the best way I could.

I only hoped that my decisions would come back to bite me in the ass.