In the Shadow of What If's

Chapter Forty: Bound by Blood and Flame

The tribunal chamber was colder than it had any right to be, given the summer heat outside. Stone floors, vaulted ceilings, and old magic in the air—unseen but thrumming with weight. It wasn't made for children, or kindness. It was made for rulings.

Thomas sat beside Harrison, robes neat, legs swinging just slightly above the floor. He was quiet. Morrigan lay coiled around his shoulders, feathers tucked and eyes half-lidded, utterly still.

At the opposite end of the room, the judges took their seats.

"Today's tribunal is convened under the Department of Magical Creatures and Oversight," the head magistrate began. "We will now review the case of the magical creature known as Morrigan, currently bonded to Thomas Ordell Potter, minor."

The words sounded clinical, distant.

Harrison's hand rested on Thomas's back. Steady. Silent.

"The creature displayed unusual magical properties during containment review. Unprompted transformation. Resistance to classification. Potentially dangerous magical resonance."

A rustle of parchment followed.

"And as such, a ruling must be made regarding the custody of the child—given that the creature has been deemed a risk."

The words landed like a blow.

Harrison straightened. "Excuse me?"

A lower judge—an older man with parchment skin and no eyebrows—cleared his throat.

"There is legal precedent, Mr. Potter. When a magical minor is found bonded to an unstable or unregulated entity, custody can be transferred to the Ministry for safety."

Thomas stiffened.

Morrigan hissed, a sharp curl of sound.

Only Harrison and Thomas understood her words.

"They dare threaten what is mine?"

The others only heard the hiss—and flinched.

The lead magistrate continued. "We will hear witness testimony before rendering final judgment."

The first called was from the Department of Containment—tall, lean, voice like he was always two breaths from disapproval.

"Morrigan displayed controlled aggression. Defensive posture. Magical amplification beyond expectation. Child showed no visible distress. However, the potential for escalation remains high."

Next was a regulation official.

"Familiar did not initiate violence," she said, flipping her notes. "Child maintained composure. No spells cast. All data suggests the bond is established. Still, regulation recommends oversight. Biannual checks at minimum."

Then the head turned toward Isadora.

"Agent Vale."

She walked to the center without hesitation. Still, composed.

"You observed the family directly?"

"I did," she said. "For six days. I lived in their home. I ate meals with them. I watched how they interacted."

"And your findings?"

Isadora spoke clearly. "Morrigan is not volatile. She is protective, loyal, and highly intelligent. She speaks only Parseltongue, understood solely by Mr. Potter and Thomas. Her behavior is calculated and calm. She never acted aggressively toward me."