Magnolia did not read the paper every day, though she did read it far more often than other women in her general position. That was one reason she didn't get it often; a working woman who could read well enough to want a newspaper was not entirely unheard of but was noteworthy, and she did what she could to avoid being noteworthy. She often read it a day or two behind, picking it up when someone had discarded it rather than seeking it out. Today the news had found her, because it was on everyone's tongue. She knew Mrs. Skeeter, but not well and not very personally; just as a structure of the Ministry, when she had dealings with it in another lifetime. But these sorts of stories were always connected. Before the papers were even old enough to wrap fish in people were talking, speculating, and in a muttered breath someone mentioned a name she hadn't heard for months: Urquart.

She had almost believed she had done it — almost believed what was left of her family would be free of Topaz and the black shadow accompanying her. Not yet, it seemed. Maybe not ever.

Magnolia didn't drink often. She didn't have much money to spare for it, and needed to keep her wits about her. She went for a drink tonight. She was at the bar when someone vaguely familiar approached her. She had spoken to him before, but he wasn't a client of hers; probably just a passing acquaintance. What was it they had spoken about? Oh, the reporter, that was the one!

She had only just puzzled this through when he asked his question. Her eyes narrowed on instinct. "Is that a joke?" she asked, sharp. If it was, she made it quite clear she didn't find it funny. Lycanthrope defender! As if there were such a thing!

---