Godric's Hollow lay still under the winter sun. Morrigan was out in the gardens behind her cottage. She was feeding the crows.

The wind came from northwards and it was one to carry icy premonitions. She was therefore not entirely surprised that it blew a messenger into her garden. It was a girl, a small thing without shoes. Her hair was a colorless blonde and from afar, Morrigan wondered if she was being paid a visit by her own past. But no—this girl was elf-like and looked more gentle than she had ever been. "Little darling girl," Morrigan said to her. "You look a long way from home. Have you come to tell me something?"

The crows had scattered at the girl's arrival. Now they settled in the trees around them, and on the roof of the cottage.

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