The Splintered Dreams

"You have absolutely no idea how much I understand that. I truly do. But as I told you, your trail would have led you here anyway. Now, I'm going to say this one more time. England is the center right now of that whole evil dark arts cesspool that you got yourself into. I will lay you odds that the man or men that you're looking for are right here under your nose. The power, the money, the connections--it all starts here. This is where Voldemort came from. He threatened the whole wizarding world. Even America. This area was, and still is homebase for what is a strong operation to keep his movement alive. There are untold items of magical power here that a good many of his followers would love to get their hands on. Trust me. I'm on your side in this war. But you have to start listening to me. Texas does not hold your answers. England does.

"I can help you out there, as far as someplace to stay goes, on one condition," She stared at him. She refilled his cup, without thinking much.

"My parents have a huge farm with all sorts of magical creatures. They could use a hand on the farm, and you could use some rehab. I can arrange for you to stay there. IF--and if you can't do this, the deal is off and you'reon your own. Its very simple. Stop calling me Ma'am!" She looked at him with a half smile, to let him know that the offer was serious, but she was not actually offended by his texas mannerisms. She was merely ready to be beyond that level of formality now.

"Yes. They have one named Jett. There are a pair of unicorns and every sort of creature imagiinable. I think you would really enjoy it. And, yes. There is almost always coffee ready. When you're ready to be discharged, I'll arrange it for you to go there. You could probably apparate there with my father someday at the end of the day. That might be easiest."

"Look--I'm still stuck here, so why should you be any different?" she laughed. "I technically haven't been discharged either. I don't know that my policy would really allow me to discharge you when I'm not discharged either. I'll try to call Daddy." She closed her eyes and concentrated.

Robert appeared almost the instant she called. "I've been looking all over this bloody hospital for you," he sighed. "Did I give you permission to be even on your feet yet?"

"You knew full well I would," she said, standing her ground with him.

"Sit. Let me look at you," he ordered. She obeyed. He didn't take long but finally said, "You still are showing a concussion, but you knew that. But at least you won't be walking into walls." He signed the discharge papers. "That does NOT get you free reign to do whatever you want. Not yet. " "Not for another 7 months," she sighed softly. "I heard that," he said, "And you're probably right, so get used to it."

He went over and checked Cordell. The minute he touched him, he drew his hands back a moment. "Youre as bad as she is. Maybe worse if that's possible. "

"He needs rehab. I seem to remember a certain farm..." Khaat began..

"Oh I see. You two have been plotting already," Robert laughed. "Very well. That is probably the wisest anyway for now. I will discharge you at the end of the day when I get ready to go home, Cordell."