Daughter of a Witch

The Missing Doll

The golden light of late afternoon bathed the Harkness home in a warm, soothing glow. Y/n's room was a quiet sanctuary, filled with the scent of lavender and the soft rustle of pages as she sifted through a box of old keepsakes. Books, photos, and tiny trinkets were spread around her, each item a piece of her childhood. But her search was focused on one thing: the doll.

Her doll.

The one with the curly yarn hair, the button eyes, and the purple dress Agatha had sewn herself. Y/n could still remember the day she received it-a gift that had become a constant source of comfort. Now, at fifteen, the thought of losing it left a hollow ache in her chest.

"Come on," Y/n muttered, pushing aside a stack of spell journals. "Where are you?"

A soft knock at the door drew her attention. Ever attuned to Y/n's moods, Agatha stepped into the room, her eyes full of quiet concern. "Everything alright, darling?"

Y/n sighed, slumping back on her heels. "No. I can't find her. The doll you gave me-the one with the purple dress. She's gone."

Agatha's expression softened, and she crossed the room to kneel beside Y/n. "The one you named Wisp?"

Y/n nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah. I thought she was in this box, but I've looked everywhere."

Agatha placed a comforting hand on Y/n's shoulder. "Things don't get lost in this house. They just... relocate."

Y/n raised an eyebrow. "Relocate?"

Agatha chuckled. "Magical homes have a way of moving things around. But don't worry. We'll find her." She paused, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Want to use a little magic?"

Y/n's eyes lit up. "Really? You think it'll work?"

"Of course," Agatha said, standing and offering her hand. "Magic is very good at finding things we love."

They made their way to the living room, where Agatha conjured a circle of candles that flickered to life with a whispered incantation. The soft light cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating a sacred and comforting atmosphere.

Agatha gestured for Y/n to sit in the center of the circle. "Close your eyes. Focus on Wisp. Think about the way she feels in your hands, the way she made you feel when you held her."

Y/n obeyed, her mind drifting back to moments when the doll had been her constant companion.

Flashback: Age 4
A storm raged outside, the wind howling and rain lashing against the windows. Y/n sat curled up on the couch, clutching Wisp tightly. Agatha wrapped a soft blanket around them, her voice soothingly against the storm's fury.

"It's just a little noise, my love," Agatha whispered, kissing Y/n's temple. "You're safe."

Flashback: Age 7
Y/n sat on the floor of her room, tears streaking her cheeks after a tough day at school. Wisp rested in her lap, her button eyes offering silent comfort. Agatha appeared in the doorway, her presence immediately calming.

"Want to talk about it?" Agatha asked, sitting beside her.

Y/n shook her head, but Agatha stayed, quietly stroking her hair until the tears stopped.

Flashback: Age 10
In the backyard, under the shade of an old oak tree, Y/n practiced her first spells. Wisp sat nearby, her dress adorned with tiny protective runes Agatha had enchanted.

"She'll always keep you safe," Agatha had promised, tapping Wisp's nose. "Just like I will."

The memories swirled around Y/n like a warm breeze, filling her with a sense of comfort and love. When she opened her eyes, the candles flickered brighter, their flames pointing toward the hallway.

"She's close," Agatha said softly, helping Y/n to her feet. "Let's follow the magic."

The air hummed with energy as they moved through the house, the soft glow of the candles lighting their path. They passed shelves filled with ancient spellbooks, cabinets brimming with enchanted trinkets, and walls adorned with mystical symbols. The journey felt like a walk through their shared history-a reminder of the magic that had always been part of their lives.

Finally, they stopped before a small, unassuming chest tucked into a corner of Agatha's study. Agatha knelt, her hands hovering over her chest. With a flick of her wrist, the lid creaked open, revealing an assortment of keepsakes. Nestled among them, as if waiting patiently, was Wisp.

Y/n's breath hitched. "There she is."

Agatha carefully lifted the doll and handed it to Y/n. "Safe and sound."

Y/n hugged Wisp tightly, her heart swelling with relief and gratitude. "I thought I lost her."

"You didn't lose her," Agatha said gently, sitting beside Y/n. "She was always here, waiting for you to find her again."

Y/n traced her fingers over Wisp's familiar features, a small smile playing on her lips. "She's been through everything with me."

Agatha nodded. "And so have I."

Y/n looked up, her eyes glistening. "I know. You've always been there for me, haven't you?"

"Always," Agatha whispered, her voice filled with love. "No matter what."

They sat silently for a moment, the weight of their bond settling around them like a warm blanket. The soft glow of the candles bathed the room in a gentle light, creating a cocoon of safety and peace.

"Magic really can find anything," Y/n said softly.

Agatha smiled. "Especially things-or people-who are loved."

Y/n leaned into Agatha's side, resting her head on her shoulder. "Thanks, Mama. For helping me find her. And for... everything."

"There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, darling," Agatha said, kissing Y/n's forehead. "You're my heart."

As the last candlelight flickered and faded, leaving only the soft glow of twilight, Y/n felt a deep sense of peace. Wisp was back in her arms, but more importantly, she was reminded of the unbreakable bond she shared with Agatha.

Some things, like love, were never truly lost. They just needed a little magic to find their way back.