They said a lot of things to each other that night, but nothing that involved words.

Let me guess: you're secretly a wizard who was raised by muggles.

Guilt was a fascinating thing: it seemed not to weaken over time. If anything it grew stronger as the circumstances faded from memory, as the fear and the necessity became abstract. And only her own actions stood out with crystal clarity.

Sam could not help but be pleased. "So. Astrid needs me." Brianna rolled her eyes. "Yeah, Sam, you're still necessary. You're like a god to us mere mortals. We can't live without you. Later we're going to build you a temple. Satisfied?

Numbers still gave Astrid pleasure. That was the great thing about numbers: it required no faith to believe that two plus two equaled four. And math never, ever condemned you for your thoughts and desires.

Sometimes, if I really strain my brain, I can even do multiplication.

Sometimes I think He looks down and says, "Wow, look what those idiots are up to now. I guess I better help them along a little.