Moira glanced at Abby appreciatively when she gave her vote of confidence and then couldn't help but smile. "So instead of an attack dog it would be an attack Aethonan." That was definitely an amusing thought.

It wasn't long before they reached the small paddock and Moira watched curiously as Abby took a picture with her phone. Thanks to Sasha she knew the basic functions of the device. Of course, the likelihood of her owning one was slim to none despite any protests made. Magic abounded at the farm most days.

Hearing who she sent the picture to Moira laughed. If Abby knew that joke Sasha had likely told her about becoming an animagus. Moira's own discovery of that fact had been surprising to them both; an accidental meeting in the Forbidden Forest. Thank Merlin for Baldur.

"They're dairy goats, though dad has been thinking of getting a cow as well." The only animals they would be missing then were a cat (Casper didn't count), a dog, and some chickens. As much as her dad and uncle liked eggs it was surprising they didn't already have chickens.

The like goats had come over to the fence where they stood and Moira reached over to pet them. Clearly the goats were as spoiled as the horses. They were also used to getting attention and if there wad any disappointment at the lack of treats they didn't show it.

After spending a few minutes with the greedy creatures Moira nodded to Abby, "Come on."

Walking back in the dark wasn't a problem for Moira, she has traveled the grounds at all times of day or night and knew it instinctively. Being Abby's first visit she didn't have that experience so the witch kept an eye on her to avoid any injuries.

"Did the tour meet up to your expectations?"

Abby glanced at Moira in surprise as she laughed. This only made her giggle more. Moira must know that Sasha was an animagus, and Abby now assumed that she was also part of the 'animagus cool club' that Sasha and Raine were in.

She petted the goats' soft ears, cooed at them, and encouraged them to headbutt intruders before she stood up and followed Moira through the grounds. In the dark, Moira glanced back at her a few times, making sure she was still there.

"It was fun," Abby nodded. "Thanks for showing me around."

She fell into step beside her, and gave her a mischievous look. "Oh actually, I was expecting to see one more thing. Do you get many wolves around here? I thought I saw some paw prints near the path."

No, she hadn't.

Abby lowered her voice, "But really, I looked at the register on Level Two."

She hoped Moira wouldn't mind!

"I have such talented friends!" Abby sighed dramatically.

Once inside the house, the smell of the cooking from earlier welcomed them back, and Abby took a moment to brush the horse and goat fur off her white shirt. A small price to pay for hugging such cute creatures!

She glanced at her gift sitting on the counter, and glanced at Moira with a grin.

"Shall we break into the whiskey?"

Moira was glad the other girl seemed to be enjoying herself after the sadness in her eyes earlier. Then again, not many people could resist lovable miniature dairy goats as soft as these were, which was maintained through a careful diet and grooming routine. The goats ate up every ounce of attention they could get, too, even giving sad bleating sounds when the two of them left begging for more.

As they walked back Abby's comment about there being wolves caused her to look over curiously. There were some wolves towards the Spectre estate, which she wouldn't mention, but none in this area. Moira didn't think she had left any paw prints close to the house or pastures. Her thoughts were put to rest once the register was mentioned. The witch gave an understanding nod, not upset at Abby's knowing. The book was public after all. Most likely Abby had looked after learning about Sasha Moira had signed on the line above his.

Inside the house it was warm and inviting as always. Moira didn't mind the cold but the coziness of home couldn't be replaced. There were many memories here, good and bad.

Smiling when the whiskey was mentioned she went to the cabinet and fetched two tumblers out. Setting them on the counter she looked at her new friend(?). "Would you like the first pour or shall I?"

Moira barely batted an eye about Abby knowing her animagus status, and was game for whiskey and likely more giggling (from Abby, at least). Abby's Personal Goal was to get another laugh out of the stoic Moira at some point tonight. She grinned at her, eyes sparkling.
 
"Go for it! Your liquor-holding skills surpass mine."

Again, such talented friends! Though Abby's sparkle skills were unsurpassed.

"To new friends, goat jokes, and," Abby glanced at the stove. "Goulash!"

She lifted her glass and clinked it against Moira's. She drank. Her gaze flicked to a family portrait on the wall, one of Moira standing with her uncle and her father.

      To horses, and herb gardens, and... family, Flower Girl chimed in.

Family?

Abby smiled, sipped more whiskey, and the thought passed.

Moira raised an eyebrow at the exclamation of liquor-holding skills but poured until the glasses were full. Over the summer, after being officially legal to buy alcohol, she had done some experimenting to find her limit. It was always good to know one's limits and not just for alcohol.

The toast Abby gave did make her smile though. "To friends," she echoed taking a drink.

About that time a large Scotsman entered the cottage, drawing Moira's gaze over. "Dad."
"Moira! Who's your friend? Angus McBoid took great hope and encouragement that someone was visiting. He couldn't fully understand his daughter's, and brother's, preference for being reclusive. People were wonderful!

"Dad, this is Abby Reid. Abby, meet my dad Angus." Moira took another drink, watching her dad's expressions.

Angus couldn't help but feel the girl looked familiar, although he was certain he had never met her before. Perhaps it had been from the ghastly news in the paper? He beamed at her. "Abby, it's a pleasure to meet you. I do hope you've made yourself at home."

Shifting his attention to Moira he shrugged as he joined them in the kitchen area, "Your uncle is off on another business trip. Says he's more hopeful about this one." Lifting the lid off the pot he inhaled appreciatively. "Smells delicious. Since he's not here, more for me."

Moira smirked and glanced at Abby. "We never have leftovers."

Grateful for Moira's friendship, Abby took a drink, and nearly choked on it when Moira's half-giant father walked in.

Ok, that wasn't fair. But the photo she'd glanced at hadn't done his height and burliness justice. She felt a jolt of familiarity, looking at his face. It must be his eyes. He had Moira's light blue eyes, or Moira had his eyes, though his hair and beard were dark.

Abby smiled at his warm welcome.

"Moira gave me a tour, and I'm afraid I've spoiled the goats with attention. Nice to meet you, An- Mr. McBoid."

For some reason, she'd been about to call him Angus as if it were natural to, despite all her manners. Perhaps because Moira had introduced him as such. Abby shrugged it off.

No, they never had leftovers, did they.

"We really don't," Abby murmured. She sipped at her whiskey with cold hands.

Abby blinked, then gave Moira a grin. "Raine and I don't either, I mean."

Bollocks!