In the Shadow of Reconciliation

Chapter 1: Broken Glass

"Seems I may have met a kindred spirits"

"I was glad Professor Weasley asked me to join you today"

"Hopefully the rest of your year isn't as eventful"

The incessant noise of the running water was not enough to cover certain thoughts.

"There was nobody else, I came alone"

"Perhaps when I next head to Feldcroft you could come along, meet Anne! She could use some cheering up"

"I trusted you with knowledge of the secret Undercroft, you can trust me"

Morgana stood still in the shower, gazing at the floor with a cold, emotionless look. And she had been there for almost an hour, staring at the water flowing down the drain.

"This is going well!" "We make a good team!" "We do at that!"

"Don't know why Gryffindors get credit for bravery, we Slytherins are teeming with it" "And we're much more fun to fight with"

"Another barricade. Considering how well you did on the last one, this should be a cinch" "How gracious of you" "I try"

"Nice team!" "Nothing like an angry troll to bring friends together!"

She closed her eyes and lifted her head, letting the water flow over her face, as if that would help wash away the memories that were racing through her mind.

"You need to trust me, or I don't see that we can continue together" "Fine, fine! Sorry. I'm letting my emotions get the better of me, and I have been for a while. I do trust you. And I don't think I can help Anne without you"

"Please, I'm not myself right now. Let's meet later, at the Undercroft, alright?"

"How did things go so wrong? I didn't mean it. I didn't mean to..."

"You're a good friend, truly. No matter what happens from here, I'm glad we met"

"I couldn't really blame any of you if you gave up on me entirely. You all believed in me... and I let you all down"

There it was. There it was the need to cry. Morgana pursued her lips, nervously biting the lower one in an attempt not to. She was not used to letting go of tears. Her family had taught her that it is best to keep emotions in check, so that others cannot take advantage of your vulnerability.

"I realize I can't undo what's been done, but I can try everyday to make up for it. I owe you and Ominis everything for standing by me" "Well, it wasn't easy, but I believe in you, Sebastian. I've had a sense about you since that first day in Defense Against the Dark Arts" "Seems so long ago. Thank you. I have no idea what's to come, but I'm grateful for your friendship. I'm glad you came to Hogwarts"

She opened her eyes and turned off the faucet of the shower with a quick and decisive gesture. Morgana didn't realize how tight she was clenching it until her fingers started to turn white. As always, she had managed to turn her sadness into anger.