Chapter 4

Sunday morning brought no change from Fiona's routine. She went running early and when she returned she was more than surprised to find the table set for breakfast and Minerva at the stove making breakfast. It was a very domestic scene and Fiona felt a sting in her eyes because that was just what she had always dreamed about when thinking about her love.

"Good morning", the immortal greeted, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"Good morning", Minerva looked over her shoulder, "why don't you take a shower and we can eat when you are done."

"You didn't have to do that."

"I know but I wanted to. Now, off you go."

"Yes, ma'am." Fiona smirked at the stern gaze. She went into her bedroom for a shower and changed into a pair of jeans, a white shirt and white trainers. When she returned to the kitchen her plate was placed before her and a steaming cup of coffee was already waiting for her. They ate in companionable silence. Fiona cleared away the dishes and refilled their cups with another coffee.

"So, how are we going to do this? This meeting with your friend?" Minerva asked.

"How do you know that? You couldn't have possible heard us."

"My animagus is a cat, remember?" The witch raised an eyebrow at the immortal.

"Right. Look, Minerva, I would really feel..." Fiona was stopped by a raised hand from the other woman.

"I do appreciate your concern. But you seem to either underestimate my power or the danger you are in. Given the nature of this problem it is you who is in graver danger than I am."

"Hardly", Fiona snorted.

"Why? Because in this world you are nearly immortal? In mine you are not, believe me. And it wouldn't even take a sword to kill you."

"What do you mean?"

"Fiona", Minerva leaned forward and grasped her hand, ignoring the flinch at the unexpected touch, "I am a witch, I use magic for the most basic task of everyday life. Do you really think it would be awfully difficult for me to either defend myself against a weapon as primitive as a sword or couldn't use a spell that would either make you lose your head without even touching your body or accomplish killing you another way."

The immortal woman looked into pools of green that were as serious as she could think of. In that moment Fiona believed every word Minerva had said. She could feel the power the other woman exuded. It was mesmerising and comforting to know that this woman was on her side, keeping her back safe. Unbeknownst to Minerva she held so much more in her hands than the safety of the woman in front of her. Fiona wanted so much to cup Minerva's cheek right now and kiss those wonderful lips. They were gazing into each other's eyes searching and finding an understanding that wasn't there before. But there was also something else in Fiona's eyes Minerva hadn't seen before, a yearning and longing that touched her deeply. She wondered what it was all about when the immortal broke the gaze and nodded.

"I believe you." Trying to compose herself again, Fiona put her empty coffee cup into the dish washer. "We should be there an hour early. I don't like any surprises, I don't think though that John Caffrey will break the rules."

"What kind of rules?" Minerva asked, having heard about them only now. She didn't know there were any rules at all.

"A church or any place of worship like a temple, mosque, synagogue or stone circle or whatever is sacred ground. Just like a burial ground and it is forbidden to fight there."

"Well, then let's get started", the witch announced pointing her wand at her robes which instantly changed into a pair of black trousers and a brown jumper.

"Neat", Fiona grinned at the witch who merely raised a proud eyebrow.

They entered the empty church and stopped inside the door to wait until their eyes had adjusted to the dim light. Fiona hadn't sensed any other immortal so she motioned for Minerva to take a seat in the back, in the shadow while she inspected the building for any signs of John's thugs. When she found none she joined the witch and took a seat next to her. Before they could even start their conversation Fiona felt the presence of another immortal. She turned around and saw John Caffrey in his usual air of arrogance coming through the door. He spotted her and took a seat in the pew in front of them.

"I am impressed, John. No company?" Fiona said as a greeting.

"You may not agree with my business endeavours, Raven but I do honour our rules and so do you. So, no, I am alone." John turned around and saw that she wasn't alone. The woman next to the immortal wasn't one of them that much was clear to him but she had an air about her that made the hair on the back of his neck stand. Although, he didn't know who or rather what she was he was certain that he never wanted to cross her.

"What do you want?"

"Your insight." Fiona stated matter of fact. "What do you know about Marcus Barnes and his recent business partners?"

"Enough to stay away from him and those people", John scoffed.

"Which means?"

"It means it is far too dangerous to even know about them. Look, Raven, I know what you think of me but I do like this life I lead. I am still alive because I kept away from those duels we are supposed to fight."

"True. You have never been the most accomplished swordsman", Fiona smirked at her peer.

"Right. I prefer to keep in the back as far as our little community is concerned. You always fought for the right cause. People like Marcus are scum, even worse than me. But these business partners of his are something different altogether."

"Is there anybody of us he associated with?"

"George Hayden", John answered disgusted, "you know he always had those stupid ideas of ruling the world. He clearly believes in the legend."

"I know."

"If there are any others, I am not aware of. These other people, though." John mused. He took a closer look at Fiona's friend, when it suddenly hit him. "I do not know you, lady but these friends of Marcus were a lot like you."

"How so?" Minerva asked with a cock of her head. Her green eyes pinned the immortal to his seat.

"I can't really explain it. Their presence was dark, dangerous. Whereas yours is light, good. But I can feel the same kind of strange power in you only yours seems to be far stronger than theirs combined." John shook his head, he couldn't describe it better. He pulled a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and handed it to Fiona. "This is all I can do for you. Be careful, Raven. I don't want to lose you."

She patted his arm as she took the paper, "Don't worry, old friend. You might think of an extended holiday though."

"I will, believe me I will. Sorry, I couldn't be of more help. But I am already frightened shitless."

"It's all right. When this is over I expect you to invite me to a formidable lunch, you know." Fiona joked in all seriousness.

"Count on it." He got up and shook her hand. Before he left though he bowed very chivalrous over Minerva's hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you, madam. Make sure tall, dark and honourable keeps her head on her shoulders, please."

"You have my word, Mr Caffrey." Minerva promised.

After he had left they sat in silent contemplation for a while before the two women also left the church and went back to Fiona's apartment. John had given them an address which Fiona was eager to check out tonight but she changed her mind when she returned to her study. There was no sense in rushing it. She could easily check out the CCTV on her computer in that area before she turned up there and ran into an ambush. So for the next few days she decided to do exactly that and ask Minerva quite a few more questions about the people from her world who were so determined to get muggle technology into their hands.

The days went by without any of them being the wiser about what was going on at the place Fiona observed. Ruth's contacts couldn't come up with any information either. So it was up to them to find out more. It didn't feel right though, the immortal had a strange feeling about this whole thing. They had decided to check out the premises on Thursday night but Fiona still wasn't convinced it was a good idea.

"Would you stop pacing and tell us what has your knickers in a twist?" Ruth finally demanded from her place on the sofa next to Minerva. "You are wearing a hole in the carpet and it is giving me a headache."

Fiona stopped in her tracks and flashed her an angry gaze. It made no impression whatsoever on Ruth and Minerva merely looked at her with a raised eyebrow. The immortal heaved a sigh and sat in one of the wing chairs by the fire.

"I can't explain it. It is nothing I can put a finger on. It's more a gut feeling that something isn't right."

"You think John is setting you up?"

"No. More like he is being used by people he thinks he can trust", Fiona objected. John Caffrey was many things but she could always trust him with things like that. Which didn't mean people told him the truth of course.

"What will you do, then?"

"Stick to the plan and tread even more careful than usually." She looked at Minerva but before she could utter a single word the witch beat her to it.

"Don't even think about it", the stern Professor was back full force in her voice. "If this is a trap and somebody from my world is involved you are going to need me. I am coming with you. Period."

Fiona knew she was right which didn't mean she couldn't want for her to stay here where she was safe. She also knew there was no point in arguing with Minerva when she used this particular tone. So Fiona nodded and went to her bedroom to get ready. She accepted the fact that she would need Minerva's help while putting her in danger but it didn't mean she had to like it.

"This is a first", Ruth commented when they were alone. "She wouldn't even try to talk you out of it. How did you manage that?"

"She knows I am right. People from my world are not to be trifled with."

"Please, be careful then."

It was around midnight when they reached their destination, the far end of the docklands. Fiona was observing the building for some time and when they couldn't detect any movement they walked toward it. Minerva had her wand drawn, protecting the immortal's back as she tried to open the door. When she finally managed to pick the lock it earned her a raised eyebrow from the witch.

"Dare I ask how you know to do that?" Minerva whispered.

"Long story", Fiona grinned mischievously. "I'll tell you another time."

"I'll hold you to it."

"I wouldn't expect anything less."

They waited until their eyes had adjusted to the darkness before they went further inside. Fiona drew her sword and was glad to feel Minerva close to her. Suddenly Minerva stopped dead in her tracks, her animagus senses had detected a strange smell. She sniffed again and knew something was wrong.

"What is that smell?"

Fiona sniffed as well and her eyes grew wide when she realised what it was, she grabbed Minerva's hand and turned to storm out of the building.

"Gas!" The immortal shouted at her companion. Just as they ran through the entrance unto the street the explosion threw them the last remaining feet to the other side of the road. Fiona put her body over Minerva's to shield her from the debris that was raining down on them. When it was over she sat up again but before she could ask the witch if she was all right her senses detected the presence of other immortals nearby. Minerva spotted two Death Eaters coming their way from the other side. They scrambled to their feet and before they could take another breath they were engaged in battle.

Fiona cursed herself, she knew it. She should have trusted her gut feeling all along. Right now though she couldn't afford to get distracted. As much as she wanted to check on how Minerva was faring her own opponents were keeping her occupied. One of them seemed to be rather new to this kind of fight and was no problem for her own skills. Soon enough she could get rid of him by running him through with her sword, the other one posed a greater challenge. His skills were better and he put up a bigger fight. He managed to inflict some injuries on her thigh and stomach. Fiona's other problem though was a cut above her right eye from the debris and it kept bleeding quite profusely, managing to obstruct her sight. When her opponent was distracted by the other fight going on behind them she finally had her chance to put an end to this. Her katana sliced through his stomach, the man fell to his knees and with a swift stroke she beheaded him. Fiona waited for the energy to build. Her body spasmed when the bolts of light hit her and she was brought to her knees herself by the force of the energy.

From the corner of her eyes she saw the younger one regain consciousness. He stumbled to his feet, grabbed his sword and ran off as fast as his feet would carry him. Slowly Fiona got to her feet in search for Minerva, hoping she was fine because she couldn't hear any sounds of fighting. Her heart was hammering against her chest when she rounded the corner in search of the woman she loved more than life itself.

As soon as she had seen the Death Eaters approach Minerva knew she had to drag them away from Fiona. The immortal had to fight her own battle. She sent her first spell at them and smirked when it worked just the way she had hoped it would. Sometimes it was just too easy. Luring them away from the on-going battle between the immortals Minerva thought she should make sure to gather information how they knew they were coming. None of them has ever been a brilliant fighter; brutal force against ingenuity was all they could master. She threw a spell at them and rendered one immobile while the other started to chuckle maniacally. Minerva's blood froze in her veins at the sound of this insane laughter. No matter how long, she would always recognise this voice that haunted her dreams from time to time. Bellatrix Lestrange had been unpredictable as a student and she was unpredictable now. Her relish in tormenting others was a trait she shared with her Lord. But Minerva knew she could use it to her advantage as the woman loved to boast, especially toward her. Bellatrix always had an unhealthy obsession for her.

"My, my, my, if that isn't good ol' McGonagall herself." The insane woman laughed as she recognised her former teacher.

"Mrs Lestrange", Minerva greeted with her wand aimed at the insane woman. "What brings you here? I would have thought it under your dignity to come to the muggle world or even work with them."

"They have their uses", Bellatrix sneered and fired a spell at Minerva, which was easily blocked.

"Pray tell. So much so that even a pure blood like you would come here to ask for their help?"

That pushed the right button. Bellatrix not only fired one spell after the other but kept on rambling at Minerva like the maniac she was.

"Stupid old bitch", she hissed forcefully, "you have no idea. Those silly mudbloods think because some of them are immortal here they could extend their silly little scheme to our world. The Dark Lord laughs in their faces but they are useful to get rid of scum like you."

"Hardly."

"You wait and see! George knew you were coming. He will get what he needs and when the Dark Lord is ready to strike the immortals will be there as well, making sure to rid us of you forever. Afterwards we will deal with them and extend the Dark Lord's power into this world as well."

Minerva had heard enough, it was time to end this one way or the other. Her next spell caught Bellatrix by surprise and before she knew it the Death Eater grabbed her companion and disappeared with a loud clap of thunder. Minerva was surprised by the move but the insane witch was always good with words and could only ever fight against a weaker opponent. The information wasn't exactly what she had hoped for but at least it was something. She felt something warm on her face and when she reached up her fingers came up bloody. Minerva had a small cut on her cheek and was trying to heal it when she heard Fiona call her name with despair.

"Minerva!"

The call was soon followed by running steps when she saw the immortal rounding the corner. Fiona was beyond relieve when she found Minerva standing in the middle of the street, her head cocked to the side, her eyebrow raised, some of her hair tangling down the side where it had come lose from its bun. The immortal smiled at the sight. Minerva had never looked more beautiful than right now. She only stopped when she was in front of the other woman. Fiona didn't think, she engulfed Minerva in an embrace and held on for dear life. Only when she felt the witch return the hug did she relax slightly. The immortal pulled back and with a trembling hand she reached up, not daring to touch Minerva's cheek though.

"Are you quite all right?" She whispered huskily, completely lost in those emerald orbs.

"Yes. You?"

"Fine." Their lips were only a hair's breath away and before she knew it Fiona was starting to close the remaining distance. She closed her eyes and suddenly remembered her promise to Dumbledore and the fact that Minerva had no recollection of them. With a shuddering breath she pulled back again. Sadness flickered through Minerva's eyes before it was gone as fast as it has appeared there. Fiona ended their embrace but took Minerva's hand in her own and tugged lightly on it. "We should leave before the police arrive."

The witch didn't trust her voice so she only nodded in agreement. When she tried to free her hand from Fiona's grip she felt the immortal tighten it.

They were still holding hands when they returned to the apartment. No word had been spoken so far about what had nearly happened between them. Fiona closed the door behind them and when Minerva started to walk off she gave her hand a gentle squeeze to stay.

"About what happened back there, I..." Fiona started but was stopped by two smooth fingers on her lips.

"Don't, please", Minerva whispered, "let an old foolish woman have her illusion that she was desirable even for a moment." Her eyes were watery but she refused to let the tears fall. She freed her hand from Fiona's and walked to her room. When she opened the door she heard Fiona's soft voice, "I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I know. Good night, Fiona."

"Good night." The immortal whispered brokenly. This was not supposed to happen, not at all. Hurting Minerva was the last thing she ever wanted to do and yet she had. She looked at the closed door of Minerva's room and felt the first tears running down her cheeks. With a sigh she decided that sleep was not for her right now. She went down to her basement to put in a workout routine that would make her tired and help her cope with her frustration and anger.

Minerva was already nursing her second cup of coffee the next morning when Ruth joined her. After they had left she had decided to stay in the guest room, which wasn't unusual at all.

"Good morning", Ruth greeted with a yawn as she walked over to the coffee maker.

"Good morning."

Ruth took her cup and sat opposite the witch. There was something off. Her eyes didn't hold the brilliance she was used to. There were dark circles under her eyes as well and she looked decidedly worn and sad.

"Are you quite all right, my dear?" Ruth was concerned.

"Yes. I am perfectly fine."

"Do you know where Fiona is?"

"I heard her in the study", Minerva offered with a sigh. It seemed as if the immortal was trying to avoid her. Not that she couldn't understand it but they were both adults, surely they could put whatever it was behind them and move on.

"Well, I guess I'll talk to her then." Ruth stood and left a contemplating Minerva behind. The witch finally got up and followed her to the study, not wanting to be left out if they spoke about their mission. Ruth was a former Secret Service agent after all and Fiona's ridiculous need to keep her safe would lead to keeping things from her, Minerva had no proof but suspected as much. Her suspicion was confirmed when she heard them speak in French. She didn't know the language but she knew a person who did. Minerva wasn't the Professor for Transfiguration for naught, so she took out her wand and transformed a dried flower from a nearby vase into a recording device. She would get to the bottom of this and she would certainly not be left out. Had Fiona learned nothing? They may not be able to behead her with a sword but a spell would accomplish this quite nicely as well.

Ruth knocked softly at the door to the study before she entered. She found Fiona behind her massive desk gazing lovingly at a drawing in her hand. Ruth didn't have to see it to know what it was. She sighed and walked over to Fiona and kissed her head before she quietly sat down on a chair to wait until the other woman was ready to talk. Fiona reverently put the drawing back into her top drawer and looked at Ruth.

"What happened?" The mortal woman asked when nothing was forthcoming.

Fiona rubbed her face with both hands before she got up to walk over to the window and watch the people on the street. Her back was to Ruth but she didn't have to look into her eyes to detect the pain and despair she was feeling since last night.

"We walked into a trap, just like I feared."

"But you are fine, aren't you?" Ruth asked anxiously.

"Yes." Fiona nodded and leaned her head against the cool glass of the window. "God, Ruth, this is so fucked up."

"What exactly?"

Fiona shook her head before she whispered, "French."

Ruth merely raised an eyebrow but obliged with the request. They continued their conversation in French much to the frustration of the woman outside.

Minerva stepped away from the door when she realised that the conversation inside was over. Before the door opened she was back in the kitchen looking completely innocent as she sipped her now cold coffee. Ruth joined her again for a hearty breakfast all the while unaware of the things running through Minerva's mind. She had to get back to Hogwarts tonight and find help to understand what was going on.