The Hamilteam

Got Your Soul

Weeks had passed. Lydia and Elijah were nowhere to be found. We had no idea where to look. The cheer and warmth of the Hamilteam had left along with them.

I didn't know what to do with myself. Usually when I was upset, I'd play with Lydia or talk to Elijah. But they weren't here.

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't just give up. It wasn't like me. But it was hard having hope when you're scared to try, thinking you might fail.

One chilly day in October, we had all arrived home from school, alarmed to see a giant dog with shaggy brown fur come running towards us when we opened the door.

One thing you should know about me:

I. Love. Animals. And when they do not love me back, I take it as a personal insult. This dog was not giving me the time of day.

"Love me little PUPPERS!" I squealed.

Gabe walked in, looking like he was about to either laugh or scream in frustration.

"Are you sure you want him to love you?" He asked as he kissed Sophia hello.

"Yeah, he's adorable and distracting."

"Gabe, what do you know?" Sophia asked her fiancé.

"Plenty, sugar. Plenty."

"Gabe." Mary used her "I'm serious if you want to be killed keep going if not you'd better tell us you little scamp" tone.

"Alright alright. That's your hubby, hun." He told her.

"What?!"

"Yep. I woke up and he was a dog. Probably your good ol pops."

Mary put her head in her hands. I still tried to pet Sherlock.

Harry laughed. "Quite the pooch you have, Mary."

Mary gave him her death glare. "Don't even go there, Harry."

"I tried to fix him..." Gabe's voice trailed off.

I couldn't help but giggle. Maybe I was finally losing it.

"Shouldn't Chloe be here by now?" Harry wondered as he patted Sherlock's head.

"Come on Harry, just because your girl is running late doesn't mean you have to worry that much." Sophia teased.

"Well with all these demons..." They went for a snack, leaving me and Mary alone by the door.

She smiled at me. She seemed strangely happy for someone who just had their husband turned into a pooch.

"You look happy." I observed.

She nodded.

"Any particular reason?"

She held up a sparkly orb. "Got your soul." She winked.

I stared. "What?"

"I have your soul."

I thought she was kidding. But that explained the empty feeling I've had since this morning.

"Uh..... could I have it back, please?"

She shook her head.

"Why not?"

"Cuz I'm not Mary, and I like to watch you struggle."

Not Mary? Then who....

Realization hit me in the face like a frying pan. "Had-"

She- he?- clamped their hand over my mouth. "Now now, no need to do that."

"Give it back!" I hissed.

"Of course. Just let me keep this ring." He raised Mary's finger, where a silver ring with a green jewel was placed in the middle.

It seemed easy, but if Hades wanted it, it must have had value. I told him this.

"No no. It just has sentimental value."

I still refused to believe him. He gave a great shudder.

"Anji!" Now Mary, her voice much warmer and concerned. "What happened?"

I explained.

"Anji, it's just a ring. If it means getting your soul back, then do it, please!"

That convinced me. I had always trusted Mary's judgment, despite our many quarrels, and if she believed this was safe, then it must be.

She shuddered, and Hades was back.

"Last chance..." He taunted, waving the ring in the air.

"Alright alright, I'll do it!"

"Brilliant." His- her?- smile taunted me and made me wonder if I had made the right decision, but it was too late. He plunged my soul back where it came from and I felt more whole, more certain of myself.

"Oh, by the way, the ring has a binding spell, and now Mary and I are attached." Hades winked and poofed away.

I stood, stunned, and what had just happened.

"Anji, what's wrong? Where's Papillon?" Sophia asked, my friends in the doorway.

Hades/Mary were gone, leaving me to tell me friends what I had just done.