Welcome to the final book in the Sentinel Series(JC Series two: which begins with Jennifer Craw and the Cloak of Icarus.), and I hope you really like this...don't be surprised if in this book you see a lot more legends, mythical creatures out of British/Irish history, and brushing up on your Arthurians wouldn't hurt either g Severus Snape and Essie Willowby really tend to steal the show for most of the book...well, until the last couple chapters...but I think you'll find it an appropriate end to the Second Series.
Last revision: 1-16
Chapter One
How to Catch a Witch
The Broom Closet, known to outsiders merely as the Snape residence, was anything but a quiet cottage. Of course, that was quite understandable with a wizard, two witches, a Hogwarts student, and three magically disposed children in the house. But even though it was a rather small house for so many, there were also peaceful places to go when one wanted to relax; the basement… where the wizard of the house often lurked when chaos loomed upstairs, the garden… where the witch of the house went to get some much needed sun and to prune home-grown potion ingredients, and the nursery…but only at naptime.
But the best escape for Severus and Jennifer was the master bedroom, which was completely off limits to anyone in the house under the age of eighteen; and that covered just about everybody. It had been hard to enforce that rule with Alex, who was two, until her father somehow convinced her they kept a dragon under the bed (Jennifer suspected that his basilisk Rasputin had something to do with that.) Still, all in all it was a wonderful place to go to get away from the kids for a while.
A small window of heavily cracked glass above the bed let in cool ocean breezes and the sound of the waves crashing along the cliffs below the house. Nearby was an ornately carved stand where Jennifer's familiar Ratfly the fruit bat could be found sleeping at nearly any time of the day or night, unless he was eating or running errands. A large painting of Jennifer hung upon the antique yellow walls, accompanied only by a small, penciled sketch of Severus, who watched her from Jennifer's nightstand. And on the wall opposite the bed was an ornate vanity with a large curtained mirror. Small memoirs dangled from the corners of the mirror; a tiny potion bottle on a chain, a unicorn necklace, and trading cards dangling upon a string of black satin ribbons. On top the vanity, alchemist's roses and ornate jewelry was laid out, accompanied by a lovely music box of a prince kissing a sleeping princess.
Jennifer stood in front of the mirror, looking thoughtfully into her own green eyes. She was a Truth Seeker, one who could read the thoughts of people from their faces, and sometimes it was easier for her to read her own thoughts from a mirror then try to work them out on their own. Slowly she finished pinning up her auburn hair with her family crest barrette, looking over her ivory satin dress with a frown before glancing back at her face in the mirror, nodding to herself.
It was then that she was startled by a shadow in the mirror and turned around to see her husband standing in the doorway, gazing at her with an expression reserved for her alone, and looking unusually fashionable in his black dress robes with gold trim. It was, in fact, the same dress robes he wore when they were married – the only dress robes he had, really, but the only ones he needed in his opinion. Jennifer could hardly complain, not when he looked so good in them, although it did tend to make his face seem even paler, the gaze of his black eyes more intense in the bargain. His black, usually unruly hair was pulled back in a tail out of the way, and in his hand was a lightly steaming potion which he tapped his fingers against, almost impatiently.
"Have you finally reached an agreement with yourself?" Severus taunted. "Your potion is getting cold. Just one sip, mind you. I don't need you wasting away on me."
"How long have you been standing there?" Jennifer said, blushing slightly as she took the potion from his hand. He took another step in and closed the door.
"A second, a moment… perhaps forever," Severus mused, his gaze never leaving her.
"Well, I see you're in a mood today," Jennifer said, blushing even redder, taking a quick sip of the bitter liquid. She grimaced in disgust and handed it back as she felt her midsection tighten uncomfortably and then finally relax, losing several pounds in a number of seconds. Finally it stopped and she exhaled when it was done, looking satisfied again with her reflection. "Wonderful! Now maybe I can finish getting this dress on. Do you mind?" Jennifer asked glancing his image in the mirror, and Severus put down the brew to lace and button the back.
"So what were you conferring with yourself about anyhow," he asked, noticing her watching him.
"Severus, do you think I'm vain? For taking a cosmetic potion I mean?" Jennifer asked. Severus gave her an almost exasperated look.
"Rather late to argue the point after you've taken it, isn't it?" he said, glancing at her in the mirror. "If you feel more comfortable with yourself a few pounds lighter then who cares what anyone else thinks?"
"Well, which way do you think I look better?" Jennifer asked, and promptly had her head pushed down to look at her feet.
"Oh, no you don't, I am not getting baited into that one," he said firmly, not letting her look at him. "If I answered I liked you better this way you'd criticize me for not liking you as you are, and if I say the other way you'll demand to know why I'm humoring you," he said, lifting her chin back to look in the mirror as he lingered at the next to last button at the top. "Either way, you're still the most beautiful woman in the world, and I am not the only one who thinks so." She smiled at him lovingly, feeling her buttons with her hand.
"All done?"
"No, there's one button left, but I think I'll leave it undone," he mused, a mischievous tone in his voice even though his face remained rather expressionless.
"Severus," Jennifer said with a shake of her head, trying to reach up to button it but he grabbed her hand.
"There's just something so final about it," he said in her ear, leaning over and kissing the back of her neck where the collar would have been.
"Severus!" Jennifer exclaimed, squirming away with a chuckle. "We have a very important wedding to go to. We don't have time for this."
"Yes, but I was thinking if I left it undone, it'd be one less button to worry about when we get home," he said with a sinister smile.
"You are wicked," Jennifer said, trying to beat him to the door, but he was a moment quicker, blocking the way with his arm.
"Yes, and you prefer it when I'm wicked."
Just then there was a knock and Severus scowled, while Jennifer smiled triumphantly.
"Saved by the door again!" she laughed and reached for the handle.
"Delaying the inevitable," Severus murmured in her ear as he moved so she could open the door.
Their nanny Carol Finn was on the other side, smiling cheerfully at them. She too, was dressed for the wedding in a deep green gown, her voluminous red hair piled up in a loose bun on her head.
"My, you both look wonderful! Remus is here and Corey should be back soon with Essie, and the rest of us are all ready whenever you are," she smiled.
"We're ready," Jennifer said, stepping out into the kitchen, Severus right behind her. Remus Lupin sat at the small kitchen bar, waving at them both as they came in.
"Severus, how are you? Jennifer, glad to hear you're feeling better," Remus said politely, nodding to them with a smile.
"Thank you, it is nice to be up and about again," Jennifer said, picking up Andrew from his bassinet. "I still think Sagittari was just being overly cautious confining me to bed rest for a month. I was just a little tired, that's all."
"All that matters is that you're well again. Besides, veterinarians always know best," Remus said. Severus glared at the reminder that Jennifer's centaur doctor considered himself that. "Doctors too," Remus added diplomatically.
"Fava! Fava! Toes? Toes?" In the next room, Alex was jumping up and down in the pen, leaning over the side to look at her father. Beside her, Aurelius looked at her in apparent annoyance, while trying to figure out how to unbuckle the buckle on his shoe, disinterested in anything else.
"No, no toes," Severus scowled at her, picking her up. Carol then picked up Aurelius, who didn't seem too thrilled about being held until she offered him a cup of milk, which he immediately turned over, hoping that the milk would pour out. But Carol had remembered to charm it, and the one year old sucked his thumb in obvious disappointment.
"What does 'toes' mean?" Remus asked with a grin.
"It's just a game that wasn't supposed to be," Jennifer grinned back.
"Never mind that, I'm sure he's not interested," Severus glared, putting Alex on a chair then opening the front door. Severus stood there a moment tapping his fingers impatiently until finally he pushed it open wider to let his adopted son, Corey Willowby and Corey's younger sister, Essie into the house.
"Did you bring everything I asked you to?" Severus asked Essie, looking at her steadily.
"Yes, Uncle Severus," Essie said, quickly folding the playpen up before handing him her potion wallet for him to peruse. "Everything you told me to bring. And I have my wallet, emergency floo powder, and the emergency book…"
"Yes, and here's the key. Don't lose it, and don't touch the handle," Severus warned her.
"Severus, she's not going to be the only one watching the nursery area at the wedding, there will be several adults there as well. Is all of that really necessary?" Remus asked.
"Yes," Severus snapped. "There are going to be hundreds of people there and many I don't trust. How many escape routes have you memorized?"
"Ten, Uncle Severus," Essie said.
"Good. I guess we're ready then," he said.
Jennifer only smiled at her husband, nodding. Perhaps he was being a tad overcautious, but Jennifer knew how many times that tendency had saved their necks. Severus wasn't about to take any chances with his own children. He picked Alex back up and went over to the fireplace, taking the lead as the others lined up behind, each one distinctly calling out, "the Weasley Burrow" as they entered.
Bill and Heather were standing by the fireplace to greet visitors as they came in, cleaning them up as they arrived and welcoming them warmly.
"It's good to see you! Jennifer, you made it! How are you feeling?" Bill asked, shaking her hand.
"I'm fine, thanks," Jennifer said, trying not to feel annoyed. Did everyone in the world know she had been ill? If so, it was going to be a long day.
"Harry's been waiting for you Remus, Severus. And actually, Jennifer, he'd love to see you too I'm sure," Bill said.
"Where is the nursery area set up at?" Essie asked, obligingly taking Andrew.
"Here, let me help. I'll show you the way," Heather smiled, taking Alex.
"I'd better take Aurelius, he hates being picked up," Corey offered, taking him from Carol. But Jennifer and Severus both guessed from the start it was Corey's way of wheedling away from the adults.
"Don't go anywhere out of the area, and stay out of trouble," Severus scowled at him warningly.
"I'm just going to help Essie until Doug and Taylor get here," Corey said. Jennifer watched them go with a frown. Carol patted her shoulder reassuringly.
"There now, don't worry. I'll keep dropping by to keep an eye on them, you just try to have fun," Carol told her, buttoning up Jennifer's button. Jennifer blushed slightly.
"Where's Harry?" Remus asked.
"Up the stairs in Ron's room. Percy's guarding the stairs but he'll let you all up," Bill told them, nudging them over.
Sirius answered the door of the room, grinning at them before looking over his shoulder.
"Witch present! Is everyone here decent?"
"Nope, no decent people here," said a voice Jennifer didn't recognize.
"Ok, guess it's safe to come in then," Sirius said with a grin, opening the door wider.
Jennifer walked in to see quite a number of wizards hanging around, most of them she recognized as former students; Fred and George (Fred still easily recognizable with his black hair), Oliver Wood, Lee Jordan, Dean Thomas, Justin Finch-Fletchley and a frog were all in attendance. But none of them made her quite as happy as the man leaning in the windowsill, attempting not to hit his head in the low ceiling room.
"Rubeus!" Jennifer said with delight, working her way over to give him a big hug.
"Jennifer! Good to see you! Why, everyun' tol' me you weren' well, but here you are, and looking not a day older than when I first saw you," Hagrid said, hugging her back.
"Well, you know how things get exaggerated around here," Jennifer said, glancing at Ron.
"Hey, don't look at me! I haven't written the rumors column in a year," he protested.
"That reminds me, watch out for Colin Creevy, Ginny had the brilliant idea of giving him a camera to take pictures at the wedding," Harry told her. "And no, Severus, you can't borrow my cloak this time," he added, getting a round of laughter from the others.
"I'll just stand in the back then," Severus said evenly, but Harry just grinned at him.
"Oh, no you don't. I stood up at your wedding; you can stand up at mine. Jennifer, Hermione's been wanting to ask you to stand up for her, but she wasn't sure you'd be able to make it; you might want to talk to her."
"I had a feeling I would get roped into this somehow," Jennifer grinned, and then glanced at the frog. "What happened to Neville?"
"He was the first one to fall asleep last night," Oliver explained.
"I hope you're not planning to make him go to the wedding like that," Remus chuckled.
"No, but if he ever gets married and is the first to pass out then, he may be in trouble," George said, and the rest of them chuckled at that.
"Where are the babies at? Did they stay at home?" Hagrid asked.
"No, they're in the pen downstairs if you want to see them. And how's Maxime doing?"
"Pretty well under her condition," Hagrid said, rocking on his feet with a smug look on his face. "Due in August, so with any luck ours will be going to Hogwarts with your latest, Jennifer."
"What, not staying at Beauxbatons?" Jennifer said surprised.
"No, well that is, if we have a choice, we're hopin' to send him or her up here."
"You'll have a choice," Harry said with a nod. "And I'll bet they'll be a Gryffindor."
"Well, one can hope," Hagrid said. The dower look on Severus' face seemed vacant of enthusiasm of that prospect. Jennifer smiled at her husband knowingly, stifling a chuckle.
"I'd better be getting on to see the girls. Make sure he behaves himself, will you Harry?" Jennifer teased.
"Well, I can't make any promises, you know how he is," Harry jerked his neck towards the scowling Severus, getting up. "Hang on a moment, you have a button undone," he said, buttoning her. Jennifer blinked in surprise and gazed over at Severus who broke into a sinister smile. Blushing, Jennifer made her way out.
Between Mrs. Granger, Molly Weasley and Minerva hovering about…not counting Lavender, the Patil twins and several others, the brides' room was hardly any less chaotic than the others, greeting Jennifer warmly when she showed up. Jennifer protested the idea of joining the wedding party, until Ginny mentioned they could use a flower girl, and Jennifer found herself talked into letting Alex do it.
That was when she decided she had better check up on the kids, following Molly's directions out the kitchen door where a small fenced-in play area was. But Jennifer soon saw she shouldn't have worried, for sitting in the center of the pen in a chair much to small for him was Albus Dumbledore, contentedly holding Andrew. Andrew in turn, had a rather impressive hold of the Headmaster's beard, wide-awake and listening to him talk as if understanding every word he said. Essie was also there, of course, reading to Alex and the Shea's little girl, while Julie Brim was keeping Aurelius and another boy busy building with a set of large building blocks, which Aurelius kept knocking down when the other boy wasn't looking, determined to build the higher castle.
Jennifer chuckled and stepped into the pen near Dumbledore, waving to the girls.
"Do you need to be rescued?" Jennifer asked him.
"Oh hello, Professor. I was just getting acquainted with little Andrew Albus. He has your mother's hair, doesn't he?" Dumbledore smiled. Indeed, Andrew did seem to have the same fine, golden brown hair and intense gaze that often reminded him very much of her mother.
"He's my little angel," Jennifer agreed with a smile. "Not that the others weren't good, but this one never fusses at all and sleeps all night. I don't know where he gets it from." Dumbledore chuckled.
"Perhaps he knows his mother needed a little extra recovery time. He does seem to be a very considerate little chap, doesn't he? I'm sure he'll go far. But then, I'm quite sure they'll all go far," he smiled, tucking him back into a small bassinet nearby.
"Are you officiating today?"
"No, the honor today goes to Arthur, and I daresay it's appropriate…oh, I might have contributed a bit to the vows," he added mischievously. "And how are you feeling? You're looking much better."
"Did I really look so terrible as all that?" Jennifer said, her exasperation catching up with her.
"You slept several days afterwards without waking, Professor. But then, I suppose it's totally understandable after all the adventures you had last year on that island. It's not every day one has to deal with an entire city that no one was even sure existed," Dumbledore said with a kind smile. "We only ask because we do care about you, and I am delighted to see you back to your old self again."
"I know, sir, sorry. I didn't mean to snap. It's just everyone keeps asking me that," she said as he got up, glancing down at the sleeping Andrew before stepping out of the pen with him.
"You have so many people that care about you, Professor," Dumbledore smiled at her. "And yes, at times that can get tiring. But I think you will find in times of trouble it'll carry you through stronger than any spell ever would. I'm curious, however, now that you've six years behind you and a year in the Order, do you still feel you are 'just' Jennifer Craw?"
"I don't know," Jennifer said with surprise. "I haven't really thought about it."
"That is definitely progress," Dumbledore said with a pleased smile. He paused then and Jennifer looked up to see Erik Dalance heading their way.
"Good afternoon Albus, Jennifer. And how are you feeling?" he asked her.
"Very good, thanks," Jennifer said.
"Good! I was hoping you'd be better. We have a meeting next week, you know," he told Jennifer with a wink.
"Same time and place?" Dumbledore asked.
"Of course," Erik smiled. "And I can't wait to hear your report on the island matter."
"Don't worry, we'll be there, won't we, Professor?" Dumbledore assured him.
"Yes, of course," Jennifer smiled.
"She still hasn't given in to calling you Albus yet?" Erik asked, feigning a whisper. "Those Craws are a stubborn lot, aren't they?"
Jennifer put her hands on her hips.
"I haven't given up hope," Dumbledore smiled. Just then there was a flash, and Jennifer looked around to see Colin Creevy peering from behind a camera, grinning at her.
"Perfect! Three of the most influential people in Britain and I have them all in one picture," he said.
"Influential? Me?" Jennifer repeated with a grimace.
"Oh, dear. A new stumbling block," Dumbledore sighed.
"She's going to run out of toes at this rate, Albus," Erik teased as they headed back through the crowd.
Flower petals from nearby trees floated through the air on a cool refreshing breeze as the ceremony took place, and Jennifer couldn't imagine a more lovely setting. It had taken quite a bit of mother's coaching to get Alexandria all the way up the isle with her rose petals, who seemed very aware that everyone was fawning over her, trying to take her time despite her mother's insistence. But then as she approached the front Alex noticed her father standing beside Sirius, Remus, and Percy, both of the grooms peering back at her. Harry was smiling slightly, but Ron looked a bit off balance. Alex stopped and dumped the bucket out then, deciding she was done, holding her hands out to Severus.
"Fava? Toes? Toes?" Alex asked, holding out her arms. As the crowd chuckled, Severus made a face and quickly shook his head at her as Jennifer came and picked her up with a grin, pulling her back to stand with Carol just behind the Weasley's. Molly was already sobbing incessantly by the time Arthur and Mr. Granger walked Ginny and Hermione up the aisle, seeing her last baby and her only girl wed. Mrs. Granger comforted her with a pat on the back, and although she wasn't showing it, Jennifer could plainly tell she was feeling the same. As for Jennifer, she couldn't help but find herself gazing at Severus every now and then, remembering their own wedding, and everything that had occurred to get them all to this point.
Suddenly she noticed that Remus was also looking back at Carol with an almost wistful way, turning before she could meet his eye. Was he going to ever tell her the truth about his condition, Jennifer wondered? Even though it was quite plain to her that Carol knew of his illness, Carol was waiting for the time when he was ready to speak of it. Jennifer also couldn't help but also be a bit worried about the feelings behind his gaze, knowing that Carol probably wasn't going to be around forever. She looked at Severus, wondering if he too had come to the same conclusion.
Before Jennifer knew it, Arthur was reading them the last of their vows off a card he composed with Dumbledore (she didn't doubt that for a moment after he made Hermione promise never to bring a book to bed and for Harry to spend at least one night a week at home), and in an uproar louder than she ever remembered hearing before they were both pronounced Wizards and Wives. Jennifer couldn't help but think that the four of them never looked happier, and how right it was that they'd all come together for this! Hugs were quickly passed all around, until Jennifer felt Severus hand on her shoulder, gazing at her steadily while Alex squirmed, trying to get him to pick her up.
"Fava? Toes? Toes?" Alex asked.
"No, now stop bringing it up," Severus said, sounding a bit grumpy. He picked her up to carry her back to the pen.
"What does 'toes' mean, Jennifer?" Heather asked curiously from in front of them. "Oh, and your top button is undone in the back." Jennifer shot a look at Severus but he was quite a ways ahead of her. She fixed her button again.
"Severus' favorite method of punishment rather backfired when he tried to use it on Alex is all," Jennifer grinned at her. "Now she begs for it." Curiously Heather walked with her over to the pen just in time to see Severus uncuff his wand long enough to turn the little girl upside down, dangling from her toes. Alex pushed her dress up out of her face and began giggling uncontrollably.
"Severus Snape!" Jennifer snapped folding her arms. Severus looked around in surprise and Alex suddenly fell to the ground with a thud, rubbing her head with an exclamation of 'owie!' and then trying to get the petals and leaves out of her own hair.
"She asked for it," Severus said expressionlessly. Heather couldn't help but chuckle as Jennifer helped her up, kissing her on the top of the head.
"Stop spoiling them," Jennifer scolded him accusingly, stepping back out of the pen again.
"I don't spoil them," Severus said defensively. "I only spoil you."
"There you are," Bill said, coming up behind his girlfriend. "So what do you think, you want to get married here when its our turn next year?"
"Ah, love is definitely in the air today," Jennifer grinned at them, glancing back at Severus.
"Whatever gave you that idea?" he asked with a frown, unbuttoning her top button.
"It's just one of those days when nothing can go wrong no matter what's going on in the world," Jennifer said.
"Well, those four deserve it. Especially Harry, after everything's he's done for all of us," Bill said.
"Jennifer! Severus!" Anna came over to greet her brother, Sirius close behind.
"Come here for a moment, Jennifer, I want to show you what I got Harry," Sirius said. Jennifer knew perfectly well he didn't want to talk about presents, but followed him around the corner to the reception area. "So, I don't suppose you remembered the you-know-what?"
"As a matter of fact, I did bring it," Jennifer said, taking out a potion bottle, but pulling it out of the range of his hand, looking at him very seriously. "You know what you're doing, right?"
"Wait two weeks after taking the other potion before I use it. I know I know," Sirius said, peering around the corner nervously.
"And just a sip at a time, and I do mean a sip. Any more and you might risk having multiples," Jennifer said sternly. He nodded solemnly and she handed it over.
"Thanks, Jennifer, I knew I could count on you."
"You know, you really ought to tell her," Jennifer said thoughtfully. "It's not something that ought to be taken lightly..."
"Now Jennifer, you know how she's been lately," Sirius coaxed. "Ever since we got back I can't get a straight answer from her about anything, let alone this. You've watched her long enough to know it's time," he said, gazing at Jennifer. Jennifer sighed and nodded.
"All right, all right, it really is none of my business," Jennifer protested. "Besides, I like the idea of having our kids in the same class together. But if she asks me where you got it from, I'll deny everything."
The two conspirators headed back around the corner to find Anna standing in the pen, holding Andrew. The two of them smiled at each other knowingly then walked over.
"So what do you think? Think they'll like it?"
"Someone will at least," Jennifer said, forgetting they had gone over there to look at a gift, picking up Aurelius while Alex was holding her hands out to Sirius.
"Where's Severus?" Jennifer asked.
"Over there, talking to Aunt Viv," Anna said, nodding to them. Jennifer recognized the silver-haired woman she briefly met at Anna's wedding, walking along the wall with Severus the two of them deep in conversation. Jennifer hadn't realized how tall she was until just then, easily matching Severus in height. "He hadn't remembered her before that day we talked to Fudge," Anna explained.
Jennifer nodded thoughtfully at that, remembering that they had mentioned Anna's aunt had gone to her own parent's wedding as a friend of Dumbledore's. And yet, after all those years, the woman had not a wrinkle on her; her hair the only outward sign of any age. Jennifer snorted at that. And she thought she was bad for taking one lousy weight potion, she chuckled at herself.
But they were soon distracted as they noticed the two brides standing up with their bouquets in hand, casting the spell on them to make the throw. As Hermione's red bouquet went into the crowd, Jennifer cringed as she saw Carol step out with the flowers, trying not to panic. Well, perhaps it was still far off and she was just the closest date, Jennifer tried to convince herself. It could still be years away. But then as Ginny threw her orange bouquet it headed straight towards them, falling right in the arms of Heather where she and Bill were standing near the pen.
"Does that mean Carol is getting married within the year too?" Anna asked, seeing Jennifer's pained face. Jennifer nodded numbly. "You'd better start nanny hunting while you still can," Anna grinned at her, but Jennifer wasn't so amused. As much as she hoped that Carol would be happy, she knew how hard it would be to find a new nanny.