Chapter Two
Intervention of Fate
A soft breeze and warm sunlight on Bael's face finally caused him to stir and awaken, staring at a white ceiling.
"I'm not dead," Bael declared softly in surprise.
"You were never in that sort of danger," said Severus, shaking his head at him from where he sat beside him. Even more surprised, Bael sat up. Severus reached for a potion off the stand. "Drink this. It has to be taken while your stomach is empty, and I'm sure you must be famished by now. "
"What is it?" Bael asked warily.
"Medicine suited to your chemistry. It isn't the first time you'll have had it, and you've had no ill effects so far," Severus assured him, and Bael reluctantly drank it down with a wince.
"It has some sort of nettles in it," Bael complained.
"It helps with the lung congestion. You had a very nasty cold, along with draining yourself severely," Severus explained.
"I didn't drain myself, I was corrupted," Bael said defensively. "I tried to draw strength off that Dark Forest of yours, and it was so corrupted, it nearly finished me."
"Corrupted?" growled a deep voice with apparent indignation. Bael focused in on a centaur, standing watch near a long counter by the door. "The Dark Forest is one of the purest centers of wild magic in Western Europe. It is simply that you are not used to it. It'd be like drinking water in a foreign place; your body didn't know how to process it."
"No, it didn't. It isn't pure enough," Bael said, the centaur glaring in response. "I wasn't expecting to see any sort of centaur here."
"There aren't many, but we have a large constellation nearby," Severus explained. "Sagittari is the school doctor and magical creatures instructor. Fortunately for you, he knows enough about your race's needs that he was able to help Jennifer come up with this potion for you."
"Lady Jennifer?" Bael repeated curiously.
"Making potions is her job here, although she isn't here right now. She's helping take care of my daughter-in-law, who just gave me another grandson. We were able to postpone quite a number of events when you arrived, Bael, but that one just wouldn't wait any longer. If it wasn't for you, I'd be over there as well right now," Severus chided him expressionlessly.
"I am sorry I imposed," Bael said sincerely, having missed the subtle tease. "But it was on behalf of the Gardener that forced me to do so. He's been captured, so I was sent for help."
"Who sent you exactly?"
"Albus of the Leaf and my Lord Tambryn," Bael explained. "The king believes the Gardener was expendable and holds the border that the Gardener sacrificed himself to establish, but Albus and my lord do not share his confidence. They believe that the war will be lost if he is not retrieved and have sent me to see if there is anything you can do."
"I will do what I can to help, but there is one thing you should know right now, and that is if help it sent to your world, I will not be one of those going. There is no way in Hades that Jennifer would allow it now that we have a baby to contend with," Severus explained.
"Lady Jennifer had her baby?" Bael asked brightly.
"Care to see him? In fact, there's someone else with him that you really need to meet as well. May Bael have visitors, doctor?" Severus inquired.
"He is no longer contagious, and still has another half an hour before he may eat," Sagittari commented.
"Fair enough," Severus said, exiting the room. It was only a moment or two later that he returned with Quintin, followed by a woman with silver-blonde hair and soulful eyes, that seemed worried despite her warm smile.
"Ah, look at the little fellow! His eyes are very like his mother's, are they not? " Bael said with delight as Severus sat down with him. Quintin stared at the stranger warily.
"In some ways he looks more like her father, actually, which is a bit of headache because it only encourages Thomas to dote on him," Severus said. Ashley smiled and shook her head at that, sitting beside Severus. "Bael, this is Ashley Tinker. She's in charge of the castle nursery during the school term. She is also Merlin's wife." Bael's jaw dropped and he stared at the woman, turning rather pale.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't even know the Gardener had a wife!" Bael said in surprise.
"It's not likely something he'd talk about while he's at his work," Ashley said, quite unoffended. "And your realm really has been a lot of work lately," she added dryly.
"I imagine so," Bael said somberly. "I suppose… I suppose you know already?"
"That he's missing? Yes," Ashley said. "Although I won't go as far to say he's been captured until I know more. My husband is notorious for finding a way out of the worst of situations, Bael, despite a multitude of close calls, including one or two I have witnessed myself," she admitted with a sigh. "I want to thank you sincerely for coming to tell us, and at such a great personal risk as well."
"I could do no less, my lady," Bael replied. "But now I wonder what can be done to help him?"
"Let me worry about that, you did your part, Bael," Severus said sternly. "Right now you need to concentrate on regaining your strength and health, since there is no way you can go through any sort of portal safely when you're in this condition."
"But I feel much better," Bael protested, the centaur stepping closer.
"Your physical health is indeed much better. In fact, you are ready to be released from my care, once you are properly fed," Sagittari said. "But the strain to your magic is something else entirely. I'm sure you know as I do that it will take time for it to heal on its own. Several weeks, I would think."
"Weeks?" Bael repeated, feeling a pit in his stomach.
"It should be some consolation that our time moves much faster here, Bael," Severus pointed out. "Even if it took all summer for you to recover, only a day or two will have passed in your world."
"Severus is right about that," Ashley agreed. "There is a clock in my husband's closet that keeps track of the time in your world. I don't think more than a half an hour has gone by since you arrived."
"Not that we have unlimited time, especially considering the circumstances," Severus said, Ashley nodding in agreement, "but we do have time to come up with a plan, and since I'm going to have to send someone else, time to meet up and appraise certain people of the situation. Fortunately, I happen to know exactly where to go to do that. My father was planning an open house and surprise party for Jennifer, which he moved to next weekend. I have little doubt that everyone I want to talk to will be there… even the ones that hadn't planned to attend last week," he added dryly. "Word has spread that a Fae from Tir Na Nog has arrived; there will be no doubt quite a bit of fuss, and much of it unwanted fuss."
Jennifer Craw was having a terribly busy week, and a rather exciting one at that. It would have been busy had it just been a typical end of the term if any end of term was typical. But then to have Bael shows up out of the blue, and then to have Ginger go into labor was enough to make her feel as if she were being pulled two ways. Still, it was no contest in the end. She was more than happy to sit with Ginger and little Justice. Aurelius, as usual, barely had a day off before having to chase off after some dark wizard or another. But Ginger simply shook her head and smiled in resignation.
"He is called Justice for a reason, after all," she had explained.
"Obviously," Jennifer replied with amusement. They spoke no more about it, and both quickly and firmly quelled any criticism launched by others about him not being there.
Before either of them knew it, it was the end of the week again, and they scrambled to come to some agreement over what Justice would wear to his first official family outing and what his outfit would be. They had just finished packing his bag when Jennifer heard the sound of pegasi outside.
"Sounds like the coach is here. And only two minutes late at that!" Jennifer scoffed.
"It still counts as late. Besides, I'm not all that superstitious," Ginger reassured her as they walked outside. The driver nodded to them from where he sat in front of the coach, more than a little put out that Headmaster Severus had made them circle around before finally setting down.
"Come along, come along, you know how your father is about being late," Severus said impatiently, opening the door for them from the inside.
"Well it isn't our fault the coach was late, is it?" Jennifer said knowingly. Severus reached out and pushed up her spectacles before she got in.
"Leave them there," he ordered, helping her inside. "And I am perfectly aware that you would not approve if the coach had been early any more than your father will appreciate it if we were late. Here, let me take him so you can get in," Severus instructed Ginger.
Well aware it was only an excuse so that he could hold Justice, she smiled and handed him over, getting in and shutting the door so the coach could take off. The coach moved with a jolt, but Severus was steady in his seat as he stared at the baby, whose eyes were already dark.
"He looks ever so much like you, Severus," Jennifer beamed as the two of them eyed one another.
"Yes, Anna showed me some of your pictures when you were babies. He's almost a spitting image. Even my mother was commenting on it," Ginger grinned. "Of course, she would."
"I always knew there'd be one," Jennifer said with a mysterious smile.
"There was bound to be at least one, as many as there are," Severus said dryly. "The irony being the one actually named Severus looks nothing like me whatsoever."
"That's quite all right, isn't it? Everyone is unique," Ginger said. "Not that I mind him looking like you, of course, but who knows what sort of nature he'll have, especially after having an overworked Auror for a father and a forensics alchemist as a mum."
"As long as he doesn't turn out to be a criminal, you have little to worry about," Jennifer said mischievously.
"Just hope he doesn't rebel as a teenager and becomes one just to spite you," Severus added.
"I'll just hope he gets into Hogwarts, and then you'll end up helping us deal with it," Ginger teased back, causing Jennifer to laugh.
"I don't think this one is going to be all that much of a problem," Jennifer reassured her. Severus squinted at her.
"Have you been studying our grandchildren's star charts again?" he accused her.
"No, Severus," Jennifer said with a smile. "I'll leave that to Sagittari. I just have a feeling about this one, that's all."
"Hm. I'll leave it for now, but rest assured, I'll get to the bottom of your predictions later," Severus threatened her. Jennifer kept smiling at him.
"It doesn't matter. We'll be taking it one day at a time, thank you," Ginger said with a grin, taking Justice back. "I very much want to live in the moment."
"I quite agree with you. As usual, you display impeccable common sense," Severus complemented her.
"Yes I do, but thank you for pointing it out anyway," Ginger agreed.
"Honestly, the way the two of you behave, I would have thought you both were always in the same family," Jennifer chuckled, looking out the window and spying the coast. "Just where is this new house of father's, Severus? Are we heading north?"
"North, but not all that far," Severus said, peering out her side window as well.
"Is it along the coast, then?" Jennifer said hopefully.
"It is," Severus acknowledged.
"Oh, wonderful! How I miss being by the coast, Severus, although I do love our London home. Being by the bluffs was ever so lovely at the cottage. My first home was by the sea as well," Jennifer said excitedly.
"So I'm given to understand," Severus said expressionlessly. "I believe he has missed it as well."
"Yes," Jennifer sighed, looking over at them. It was then that Jennifer noticed that Ginger seemed to be looking at Severus nervously. Her finger automatically moved to slide her spectacles down, but Severus had been alert, immediately pushing them back up again. "Severus Snape, just what are you up to?" Jennifer demanded in an almost threatening tone.
"I am not up to anything. In fact, I have gone well out of my way to stay out of it all, I assure you," Severus said.
"All of what?" Jennifer asked, then glanced at Ginger, who even through the glasses didn't seem to be doing as good of a job hiding from her.
"Occumens up," Severus murmured out of the corner of his mouth. Jennifer folded her arms and glared at her husband as Ginger focused her attention and Justice and pretended that Jennifer wasn't even there.
"I hate it when you gang up on me," Jennifer complained.
"It won't be for much longer," Severus said calmly. "In fact, your suspicious nature has actually worked out to our mutual benefit."
"How?" Jennifer asked, squinting at him again.
"I will tell you," Severus said, pausing a moment as the coach came to a landing. "It kept you so occupied that you weren't looking out the window at a critical moment," Severus finished explaining.
Jennifer stared at them until she noticed a face peering in on the other side of the door. She smiled brightly when she saw it was Aurelius.
"So you got off work after all?" Ginger said happily.
"Only for a couple of hours. It's grandfather's doing, really," Aurelius explained with a shrug. "Nobody wanted to be the one to come open the coach door for Mum, you see. So I was drafted."
"Am I being baited into something?" Jennifer said. "First these two acting like a pair of coverts and now you've been sent to keep me from finding out something? Don't tell me you don't know what's going on now, Severus."
"I never said I didn't know what was going on, Jennifer, I simply said I had no part in it," Severus reminded her.
"No part except keeping Mum from leaving the castle all term," Aurelius reminded him. "Honestly, Mum. Didn't you think that Father agreed to the Junior Wizard Olympics just a bit too easily?"
"As a matter of fact, yes, I have always felt that, despite the benefits that came from it," Jennifer admitted, squinting at Severus again.
"Either way, don't you think it's time that we let her out, Aurelius?" Severus prompted.
"I guess I might as well. I think we're all ready here, as long as you are," Aurelius said, opening the coach door.
Jennifer nearly kicked her way out; so anxious she was to see what they were trying to keep from her. She had taken no more than two steps out before she stiffened like startled deer, staring in disbelief. For in front of her, past the large garden party of family friends, was the Craw Manor, her childhood home, standing as if her life had been swept away and she was seven years old again. She was, in essence, looking at a ghost; a ghost resurrected from the daggers of time.
"Good god, it looks exactly as it was," Severus murmured in spite of himself, for he hadn't had the opportunity to see it either.
"Grandfather and Alex worked very hard to make sure it was," Aurelius said, taking justice and helping Ginger out. "Aunt Anna said it was chilling."
"Quite chilling," Severus agreed, and glanced over just as Jennifer had crumpled to the ground. He gently murmured to her and helped her to her feet, knowing it would be futile to dissuade the tears that fell. They walked over to the party, soon surrounded by friends and family who smiled gently at her in understanding.
"Welcome home, Jen-girl!" Thomas called out as he stepped out of the crowd, handing Stock the drink in his hand. "What is wrong with you? What's all that silly boo-hoo-ing when you haven't even seen the house yet? Are you a Craw or aren't you? Come on, they won't start without us, you have to have the grand tour first," he said firmly, taking her rather forcefully by the arm and leading her to the house. Some of the guests chuckled, while others picked up their conversations, pretending not to notice. But Alex emerged from the crowd with a smug look on her face, walking over to her father.
"Conspiracy successful!" Alexandria declared, planting a garden flag into the ground.
"You hardly did it single-handed," Aurelius snorted at her.
"Still, we got it done, didn't we?" Alex said, and then clapped silently as Zoë approached.
"As long as nobody rubs up against the wet paint on the walls of any of the guest bedrooms," Zoë said with a lowered voice. "We did cut it close. The thing I want to know is if this all was worth it? Aunt Jennifer was sobbing when her father dragged her in."
"She'll sob in every room he leads her to," Severus said with certainty.
"Just as Grandfather intended," Alex said.
"Have Andrew and Bael arrived?" Severus asked.
"Yes, Bael is over there talking to Anna and Pyther. I'm not sure where Andrew is at the moment," Alex said.
"Hiding somewhere. You know how he despises social functions now," Aurelius said.
"It was Bael I was mostly concerned with anyway. I don't suppose Eric Dalance is here?" Severus inquired.
"No, but Harry told me that he'd be here," Aurelius said.
"Good, let me know when he arrives," Severus said, slipping to the table to grab a glass of wine before wandering to the wall near the cliffs where Anna, Bael, and Pyther stood.
"Lord Severus… Severus, I mean," Bael corrected, waving off the stern look. "The Lady Jennifer, is she quite all right? They told me not to worry, but she was quite upset…"
"Yes, she is, but she is all right. An old wound of hers just opened when she wasn't expecting it to ever open again, but it's for the best. It's curious, really… her father's methods of healing himself are starkly different from hers, but when she's faced dealing with one of his methods or he one of her methods, it all works itself out brilliantly. Not painlessly; but brilliantly," Severus explained. Bael looked puzzled, but Anna and Francis were both solemn. "I must admit, seeing this place picked at a few of my scars as well."
"Mine too," Anna said with a nod. "Where those trees are planted over there was where we were lost the day we saw the Grim."
"Yes," Severus said. "And where we are standing is just about where I remember our dear aunt was standing when I first noticed her during the Craw wedding reception."
"I know, that's why I paused here," Anna admitted with a sigh.
"If I'd known that, I never would have disturbed you," Pyther admitted, smiling nervously.
"It's all right, Francis, it's just as well," Anna assured him, glancing at Severus. "We were discussing diet, medicine and unconventional magic with Bael," she explained.
"Although perhaps it'd be better if we did so closer to the party, perhaps?" Francis suggested. Anna sighed at him.
"It's only a wall, Francis, just a wall and an old memory," Anna protested.
"Perhaps, but why tempt fate?" Pyther chuckled.
"Yes, why indeed?" Lady Viviane agreed. How she came to be standing against the wall beside Anna, nobody knew, nor did anyone question it. Pyther, however, took a healthy step back, which in turn put him closer to Severus.
"Why, you're not human!" Bael said in surprise, looking her over carefully. "You are a Priestess of Danaan!"
"I was once," Viviane acknowledged with a nod. "I am a bit more than that now."
"Have you come to socialize at the garden party? Or is that simply an excuse to be here?" Severus asked.
"Why ask questions when you already know the answer, Severus? I am here because there are people I need to see here. I am also here because someone else is not," she added.
"Aunt Viv, I hope that doesn't mean you plan to take advantage of the situation," Anna said.
"On the contrary," Viviane said, holding up her glass. "I have come to aid and advise," she paused for a drink, with a look as if she were attempting to erase a bad taste from her mouth. "In essence, I'm here to make certain you succeed in rescuing the old fool."
"Thank you, Priestess," Bael said with a reverent bow of the head and a grateful smile. But Anna, Pyther and Severus stared at her in complete disbelief.
"At least the servant has some manners. The three of you would do well to learn them," Viviane suggested.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Viviane, but might I ask why you would want to help?" Severus asked skeptically.
"I have my reasons," Viviane said evenly, "and I'll gladly explain them to you when we meet in your study later. But know this; you will need my help to succeed. The Gardener's property has been overtaken by demons, and although they cannot bypass the anchor, they have in essence closed the main gate. This means the only safe gateway in or out of that world is mine. And no, Severus, you may not go along this time. You have much more important things to deal with in this world."
"I was aware of that already," Severus said.
"Oh, you aren't aware of all of it, trust me," Viviane said with amusement, then glanced at Bael. "And you, Bael, you must stay here until this crisis is over as well, regardless of the outcome."
"Stay here, Priestess?" Bael asked, horrified. "But why must I?"
"I have my reasons," she said calmly.
"Well, I know from what you've said before that I can't go over there," Anna said, Viviane nodding at that. "So who is going to go?"
"A rescue party of my choosing, led by Andrew," Viviane said calmly.
"Andrew?" Anna repeated skeptically.
"Not withstanding his duties as Transfiguration instructor, what makes you think that Andrew would be even willing to go along with whatever you have planned, Aunt Viviane?" Severus asked. Viviane smirked at that.
"Trust me, Severus, after your father makes his unfortunate comment this afternoon, he will be more than willing to do anything that gets him away from the rest of the family for awhile," Viviane informed them, finishing her wine. "I need to say hello to Zoë and Zacchius before I go. I will meet you in your study at midnight, Severus."
"Very well," Severus agreed. Viviane nodded and walked back towards the party canopy.
"That's the Otherworld priestess that Priestess Irian speaks with, is it not?" Bael asked.
"Yes. And she doesn't think too highly of her, as you'll recall," Severus reminded him.
"Aunt Viviane probably would be a big help this time, Severus. After all, she knows a lot more about how both worlds work than we do," Anna said.
"Yes, if she's sincere, and we can trust her. I suppose I'll have to try to determine that tonight," Severus said.
"What do you suppose is going to happen to Andrew?" Pyther asked.
"You mean what she thinks is going to happen. Despite her certainty, nothing in the future is certain," Severus said sternly. But then he shrugged. "I don't know. She didn't give us enough to go on to be able to stop anything directly. Anna, I don't suppose you'd keep an eye on her until she leaves? I'm sure she won't comment on it."
"I'm sure she won't," Anna agreed. "I'll go now. It looks like Corey and company have arrived."
"Good. I should go over and fetch Leu and Quintin, then. Jennifer will not be in a state to do so yet," Severus decided.
"May I go over as well? I'd very much like to meet more of your children," Bael said eagerly.
"Then you have a treat today, because they'll all be here… and all the grandchildren. Prepare to be overwhelmed. I know I always am," Severus admitted warningly. Pyther laughed at that, walking with them until they came closer and then broke into a run to meet the two youngest Willowby's who had broken into a run themselves to greet their favorite uncle.
Leu was the exception, hurrying over to Severus instead, and then nodding a greeting when he saw Bael.
"This is my son Llewellyn. Llewellyn, this is my friend Bael. He'll be spending the summer with us," Severus explained.
"So it would seem," Bael agreed with a sigh.
"All summer? Are we still going to meet up with the Temptation?" Leu asked with a frown.
"Um, actually I really don't know as yet. Some things will need to be sorted out before we can make any specific plans," Severus said. Leu frowned, not liking the sound of that. "If not, I'll make sure you get some ocean time somehow," he promised. Leu relaxed slightly.
"Ocean time?" Bael repeated curiously.
"Llewellyn is a keen swimmer and diver, so we try to spend a few weeks on Jennifer's boat over the summer," Severus explained.
"How lovely! I rather miss the sea myself. Ours hasn't been safe of demons for hundreds of years," Bael admitted.
"Hundreds!" Leu exclaimed in surprise. But Severus had turned his attention to Corey, who was walking up with Quintin in his arms.
"Special delivery," Corey said cheerfully.
"Thank you," Severus said, taking Quintin from him.
"Down," Quintin said insistently.
"No, not until I can keep both eyes on you," Severus said.
"Wise decision," Corey commented.
"Do I make any other sort?" Severus said, quickly continuing before Corey could reply. "This is my eldest, Corey Willowby, one of the more renowned alchemists in Europe."
"I had good teachers," Corey chuckled.
"Quite true," Severus agreed. "This is Bael, whom you have heard of."
"I have. You helped my parents when they were in Tir Danaan," Corey said.
"Yes, I did," Bael acknowledged.
"And now you're here because Merlin has been kidnapped? I'd like filled in if you don't mind," Corey insisted, still smiling.
"Once I know more, I suppose I'll have to hold a family meeting," Severus mused.
"No supposing about it," Corey agreed. "After all, you are his apprentice, you have to do something other than attend parties…"
"Thank you, I hardly need to be reminded of my obligations," Severus said with a disapproving look.
"Just be aware that everyone is watching you right now, including a certain young man just back from Whitebridge who is chomping at the bit to find a portal and go after his old man himself," Corey warned, his smile somehow looking more serious.
Severus immediately looked up and searched for Ambrose, focusing in on the black-haired teen standing by his mother with his arms folded and looking very much like a pinned up colt ready to bolt.
"I had best deal with that straight away. Corey, Bael is interested in meeting the rest of the family. I don't suppose you'd do the honors?" Severus said.
"Gladly," Corey answered cordially, apparently satisfied that his father had rushed off. "So who have you met so far?"
"I met Andrew at the castle, and Aurelius brought me here, and just now you and Llewellyn," Bael said.
"Most call me Leu," Leu said.
"So you need to meet the girls?" Corey said, looking around. "Ah, there's Lucky, she seems to be coming this way."
"Oh yes, I did meet Lucky, but I would like to see her again," Bael said as Corey waved her over.
"Hey! You look better," Lucky said as she came closer.
"Yes, thank you. And thank you for helping me get to Hogwarts," Bael said gratefully.
"You helped him?" Corey asked curiously.
"It's a long story," Lucky said. "What matters is he got here. Where's Dad?"
"Trying to talk Ambrose out of going after his father," Corey explained with a sigh. Lucky frowned.
"Why? What's the matter with Toby?" she asked.
"Kidnapped by the demons," Corey explained. Lucky stared at him.
"Is Toby another of the Gardener's names?" Bael asked in surprise. "He has a son?"
A hand suddenly gripped his shoulder, and the others turned to see Aurelius standing there, out of breath.
"Um, Bael, Rel wants you to know that very few wizards here know that Toby is the Gardener and it's safer for everyone if it stays that way," Corey said. "Especially for Ambrose."
"I understand. Toby is someone else, and they are both missing," Bael said solemnly, and Aurelius released his grip, concentrating on catching his breath. "But won't someone wonder about them both being gone?"
"Toby's got a reputation of disappearing at weird times," Lucky said. "There have been close calls about it getting out, but not because they both disappeared at the same time."
"Nearly dying at the same time is a bit harder to explain," Aurelius said dryly.
"We're doing rounds," Corey informed Aurelius. "We still need to meet Alicia and Alex."
"Well, Alicia and Ginger are sitting under the canopy with the babies where it's cooler, and Alex is probably still in the thick of things explaining how brilliant she was at helping grandfather obtain the plans and permits for this place," Aurelius said critically. "Honestly, I know she did that, but it was Grandfather who paid for the work crews and helped Zoë do the nitty gritty matching all the furniture and all of that."
"Alex will be Alex," Lucky snorted. "What's her and Ben's new cottage look like?"
"Like a chicken coop combined with a one level version of the Weasley's Burrow," Aurelius snorted. "At least now the manor's done she'll me more willing to work on it."
"Shall we go over?" Corey suggested.
"I think I'm going to go help Dad with Ambrose," Lucky said, waving to them and walking off in that direction.
"If anyone can get through to Ambrose, she can," Corey said.
"We can hope. Things are going to be complicated enough as it is," Aurelius said, leading them over to the table where Ginger and Alicia were sitting. "I'll corral Alex and bring her over here, it'll be easier that way."
"Good, then we can actually sit down and get some drinks," Corey said. "And then I can finally hold Justice!"
"If you want to hold Justice, I suggest you do it before you get drinks," Ginger said dryly.
"Terms accepted," Corey decided, working the baby away from his mother. He then did a double-take. "Wow Justice, really looks like…. Dad," he said. It wasn't exactly what he was originally thinking, but it was the safer route.
"Yes, everyone thinks so," Ginger said with a grin. "He'll be ugly as sin."
"Not necessarily, Andrew looked a lot like father at that age, and he didn't turn out so bad," Alicia said.
"He went out of his way to make himself look better, too," Ginger said dryly. "Anyway, I knew what I was getting into marrying a Snape, and I don't care. He's still mine."
"I think he's beautiful," Bael protested. "And so is your little man!" he added, smiling at Alicia and her six month old.
"Bael, this is my sister Alicia, married to Pyther whom you've met, and that is Severus Nicholas…Nicky for short," Corey introduced.
"Hello," Alicia said with a smile. "I have two others, Dawn and Michael. They're in the nursery pin at the moment," she explained.
"How wonderful! And I am grateful for your husband's assistance, Lady Alicia. He is instructing me on what foods I may safely eat here," Bael said.
"Yeah, he's a vegetarian expert these days. Personally, I prefer steak," Alicia said. Ginger and Corey both chuckled at that. Bael smiled wanly.
"Sit down. We're not formal here," Ginger said. "Besides, it's much easier if you let people come to you. Between general curiously over a Fae being here and two babies, we'll get plenty of visitors."
"I'll get us drinks," Corey decided. "Is wine all right?"
"Yes, as long as it's not a dark wine," Bael said, remembering Pyther's warning.
"We're at a Craw function, but I'll see what I can do," Corey said, slipping away.
"He's right about that. Whatever you do, don't get your glass mixed up with anyone else's," Alicia grinned. "I'd say most of us here are drinking dark wines."
"Except for me," Ginger brooded over her glass of lemonade.
"Now you know why I weaned early. Well, one of the reasons," Alicia said. "The truth of the matter is that Francis is way more maternal than I am, and I have a world exhibition coming up."
"Well, we're only planning on one, so I plan to take my time and do the mum thing as best I can," Ginger said.
"How long did you take off for maternity?" Alicia asked.
"Six months. I would have taken a year, but Aurelius kept going on how all the Aurors are swearing to do their own forensics until I get back, so I figured it was a fair compromise," Ginger explained.
"You're just as bad of a workaholic as I am," Alicia teased.
"Yes, but neither of us are as bad as someone else we know," Ginger said.
"Here I am!" Alexandria declared as Aurelius reluctantly dragged her by the elbow to their table.
"Speak of the devil," Alicia said mischievously.
"The daughter of, maybe," Alex retorted, but then eagerly turned her attention to Bael.
"You must be Bael, Father's friend from the Otherworld. You were his servant when he was stuck at Tir Danaan, weren't you? I'm Alexandria, his first-born, also the Minister of Mysteries, which I can say now that everyone knows. Is it true that Merlin's been kidnapped and you've been sent for help? Because I'm more than willing to go after him if needed, because Merlin is just as important to our world as yours, you know, and besides he's a friend on top of that. Those demons have gone too far this time… they've tried to invade here as well. They must be stopped at all costs…stop that!" she scowled when Aurelius grasped the back of her neck.
"You are quite wound up today, Alex. I suggest you reel it in," Aurelius warned.
"I'm not saying anything that everyone doesn't already know about," Alex said in annoyance, peeling his fingers away from her neck. "We do need to go in after him!"
"Do you really think Malfoy would let you gallivant off and leave your job at the Ministry for months on end?" Aurelius said skeptically. Alex's shoulders slumped.
"You're right, he wouldn't. But we must do something, we can't just stand around here and admire my handiwork all afternoon without making some sort of plans or something," Alex said. Aurelius rolled his eyes and sat down beside Ginger in resignation.
"I'm not quite certain what it is about you, but you definitely remind me of your mother," Bael decided as he watched Alex's rant with fascination.
"I think it was that last comment. My mother is always plotting and planning as well," Aurelius said.
"Just what is father planning to do about this, anyway?" Alicia said. "And did anyone think of trying the Merlin painting?"
"Father did. He appeared to be sleeping and wouldn't wake up," Aurelius explained.
"Wait a minute. We shouldn't have this discussion without A3," Alex declared, leaning back and forth until she spotted Andrew and then waved him over.
"I meant for you to reel yourself in, Alex, not to reel all of us, in," Aurelius said critically.
"As if you weren't expecting it," Ginger said knowingly.
"Hey, no outing me in front of strangers," Aurelius said accusingly.
"Bael is hardly a stranger, if he's a friend of Father's," Alex tsked at Aurelius, and then pulled out a chair, pointing at Andrew to take it.
Andrew walked over and looked at who else was at the table before looking at Alex.
"Are you seriously planning to talk about what I think you're going to talk about now?" Andrew asked blatantly, taking a seat. Alicia, Aurelius and Ginger all nodded. Andrew sighed.
"Uh oh, incoming adult sibling family meeting," Corey acknowledged as he arrived with drinks for Bael and himself. Handing it over, he pulled up a seat. "Should I get Lucky?"
"I don't think she really counts as an adult yet, do you?" Alex said, waving it off.
"Yes," Alicia, Andrew and Aurelius said in unison.
"Fine, if I see her, I'll flag her down, otherwise Corey can give her the minutes," said Alex, feeling inconvenienced. "Anyway, I suppose you all know by now that Merlin has been kidnapped by the demons."
"I rather think everyone knows about it by now," Andrew said with a sigh. "The entire school was there when Bael collapsed in the Great Hall, and when you have that many students wondering what it was all about, it isn't going to stay a secret for long. Even so, although I'm worried about the old man as much as anyone here, I don't see us needing to get involved. It's father's problem, not ours."
"I second that," Alicia said, raising her hand.
"I'm sure he thinks it is, Andrew, but you know perfectly well that he isn't likely to go over there himself, not after what happened last time. And anyway, there's Quintin," Alex sighed.
"Nicky," Alicia said, raising her hand again.
"Justice," Ginger added.
"Justice and job both, really," Aurelius agreed. "Honestly, Alex, the time difference between worlds would make it problematic for all of us, except for Andrew. All he has to worry about is his job, and Father could easily find a substitute." Andrew turned red-faced and annoyed.
"I wonder if that is why," Bael said thoughtfully.
"Why what, Bael?" Corey asked.
"Why the Priestess said that Andrew must lead the party to rescue him," Bael explained.
"Priestess? What Priestess?" Aurelius demanded.
"I believe Severus called her his aunt. I don't recall the name. It was just over there," Bael said.
"What? Viviane is here?" Alex said and they all looked around in different directions. It was then that Aurelius saw Severus descending on them with a suspicious look on his face.
"Incoming Father, five o'clock," Aurelius said, and they all turned back around and became interested in their drinks.
Severus shifted his gaze between them.
"I see we're having a family reunion. Or is this a conspiracy in the making? Either way, I'm not sure this is the time or the place, especially since your Grandfather and mother have just rejoined the party," Severus warned them.
"We just heard that Viviane is here," Alex said seriously.
"Fortunately, she finished her business quickly and has already left. There's no need to panic, especially when it really didn't involve you," Severus told her.
"I assume you're directing that specifically at Alex, since from what we've just been told, it does involve me, somehow," Andrew said dryly.
"I suggest you meet us in the study this evening at midnight, Andrew," Severus.
"Fine, but don't assume I'm going over there to do your dirty work just because I'm the only one without a family," Andrew snapped angrily. Severus blinked, while the others seemed to be avoiding looking at Andrew.
"I am not sure where that came from, but I am not about to assume anything. We are only going to hear her out and try to discern what her true intentions are," Severus said.
"Are the rest of us invited?" Alex asked.
"No, not at the moment. I need not tell you that any conversations with Aunt Viviane are volatile at the best of times, so the fewer the better. I'm quite sure Andrew will inform you of events after the fact. But right now this is about Merlin's safety, Bael's safety, and insuring their war does not encroach on our world's safety. It isn't about you," Severus said bluntly.
"We're only here to help," Alex explained defensively.
"That's good, because I'm certain we will need all of your talents before this is done. Consider yourselves on stand-by," Severus said. Aurelius and Alicia both grimaced. It was quite evident from their expressions that neither of them appreciated being put on their father's duty list. "So Bael, it would seem you've met them all."
"Not all the grandchildren, but your children, yes. They are even more dynamic than I thought they would be," Bael admitted with amusement.
"And sometimes to my dismay," Severus said evenly. "Speaking of dynamic, I believe you are about to meet my father-in-law as well."
"What is this, a damned Snape convention?" Thomas grumped as he and Jennifer approached.
"Well, you invited us," Jennifer teased, apparently tolerating her father's attitude for a change.
"That didn't mean they all had to come. Except that one," he said, reluctantly acknowledging Alex, who grinned smugly again.
"Oh! Alex!" Jennifer laughed, looking quite exasperated as she hugged her daughter. "So this is why you've been avoiding the games and your family! Dad told me you were the one who discovered the property was for sale."
"Yes, I was going to buy it myself, if everyone hadn't convinced me it was well beyond my means," Alex admitted with a chuckle.
"It was well beyond my means," Thomas grunted. "I had to take out two loans and sell shares to Severus to finish it… but it was worth it in the end. Rather nice to have the manor without the ghosts… except for memories, that is," he added, Jennifer nodding in agreement.
"I hope neither of those were first born loans," Andrew said. "I'd hate to lose my mother even at this late date."
"Family loans, From Black and Pyther," Thomas said indignantly. "Although I wish I'd gone to Pyther first, then I could have skipped the other two. Still, it's done. You can go in and see it now that I've shown your mother. But not until I've seen the newest addition," he added, noting the babies at the end of the table. Ginger grinned and got up, walking the baby over to him to hold. "Finally a son from my favorite grandson. Justice, eh? Is that irony or conviction?" he teased with a straight face.
"Both," Aurelius said with a slight smile.
Thomas took the baby eagerly from Ginger and then paused, staring at the baby with a frown.
"He's the spitting image of Andrew when he was born," Thomas said bluntly.
Andrew's face suddenly lost all of its color.
"He looks like Severus," Jennifer said warningly.
"If it wasn't for the hair color, they'd have been identical," Thomas continued. "Sure you haven't been playing a bit of ping pong, Ginger?"
"Don't you think I would have known?" Aurelius snapped at him angrily, while Ginger protectively took her son back. Andrew got up and stormed off.
Severus let out a long resigned sigh, while Jennifer grimaced knowingly at him.
"Rel, you know perfectly well that you grandfather says what he thinks, especially when he knows he can get people's backs up," Ginger said calmly but firmly. "He is ours and ours alone, Thomas, whether you think so or not."
"Well, if he is yours, then he's even more aptly named than I originally thought," Thomas mused. "So who wants to see the house?"
"Alex, why don't you show us in?" Aurelius suggested, still seething. In support, Alicia and Corey got up as well, leaving Thomas, Jennifer and Severus standing at the quickly emptied table.
"Fine," Thomas said, unperturbed. "I'm going to the nursery pen to visit Quintin and my other great grandchildren," he declared, walking away.
Jennifer went around the table and wrapped her arm around Severus' arm.
"That," Severus said, staring after Thomas, "was the comment."
"Oh, yes. No doubts about that, is there?" Jennifer sighed. "Should I go find Andrew?"
"No, nothing anyone could say is going to help at this point," Severus said, then gazed at her. "So how was the house?"
"Just as father said. It's a ghostless version of our old home, except for the ghosts we bring in with us," Jennifer said. "It's cobweb free and pristine in a very eerie sort of way, but otherwise Father got the rooms and furniture as exact as possible…well, except there is a slight decrease in how many cursed items there are because many of them are in my vault… oh, and the dungeon in the second basement was turned into a television room," she added with a lowered voice. "I could almost feel all of my ancestors turning over in their graves when I realized he and Alex had run underground electrics and cables to the lower levels. He has it warded so that only relatives can get down there."
"I expect it'll be on the tour. You are going to show me around, are you not?" Severus asked.
"Let's go to my old room first! And mother's dressing room!" Jennifer said with a bright smile. "I'm the only one allowed to go in there, but you can see it from the door."
"Despite your father's brass nature, he can be quite sentimental at times," Severus tsked as they walked towards the manor.
"And it's a good thing, too, or I rather think I would have killed him by now," Jennifer admitted, and then led him inside.
The bells of the Hogwarts clock tower began to chime midnight; and Severus knew it was precisely on time. He stood in front of his desk, while Andrew sat in a chair nearby looking quite somber. Bael was sitting as well, but was restless in his seat and wishing there was more of a breeze. Anna was in the middle of making coffee when the clock struck, glancing up unsurprised to see her aunt in the doorway.
"I see we're all here," Viviane said. "And no Jennifer to get in the way."
"She and the children were invited to stay at my father-in-law's house. I believe she decided it was the safer invitation," Severus said.
"There can be no doubt of that. And this has little to do with her anyway," Viviane said, accepting the cup from Anna despite having little desire to drink from it. "I have been studying the mirrors since before the prince's servant arrived, and I believe I have come up with the best possible scenario for retrieving Merlin from the demons."
"And how are we supposed to know whether or not you're telling the truth and that this isn't some sort of plan to thwart it instead?" Severus asked evenly. Viviane simply shrugged.
"You cannot," she said simply. "I suppose you'll simply have to trust your instincts. But if you do come up with another plan, you will have another quandary, since I'm unlike to let anyone through my gate to the Otherworld without my permission, and it is the only safe way to cross through at the moment. I know that Merlin has given you means to check that fact," she added, nodding to a globe on the top of one of the bookshelves.
"Yes, I'm aware that fact is correct," Severus agreed. "But I'm still baffled as to why you would be willing to help."
"Well, it certainly isn't because I feel any obligation to the old fool, is it? Under normal circumstances, I would very much delight in seeing the idiot receive his just reward for getting mixed up in that border conflict to begin with," she snorted.
"You know about that?" Bael said with surprise.
"Of course I know, I've been in constant contact with your world since this conflict began," she informed him.
"But then my coming here was a total waste of time! You could have told them he was kidnapped!" Bael cried out in dismay.
"You're assuming that I would have," Viviane said calmly. "I only interfere when I must. I certainly wouldn't have taken your part in this. Besides, you have things to do in this world, so it was inevitable that you would visit sometime. You should be grateful it will get you out of the war for a while."
"I would prefer to serve my Lord Tambryn, war or not," Bael said proudly.
"And you will serve him better being here rather getting yourself killed attempting to go back," Viviane argued, daring him with her severe gaze in challenging her further. "The fae don't need any more deaths, Bael. There are so few left that every life matters. There are so few left, in fact, that the only way you will be able to turn this around is if your Gardener gets back to pruning. The demons must not be allowed to strengthen any more; if they did so, it would be disastrous for both of our worlds. This war must not be lost, which is why I have no choice but to throw my oar in.
"I need not explain to you that going into the demon lands is not something that anyone can do. Many of them can sense the presence of other creatures, and they will apt to strike down or capture any fae or humankind the moment they step into their territory. However, they will not be interested in the movements of animals, which is why the team I recommend will be composed of all animagi, led by Andrew."
"Why me? There are other animagi out there," Andrew complained.
"And some of them will be going with you," Viviane said evenly. "But you are the only animagus descended from Severus, whom Merlin feels a connection to and may therefore recognize even under duress. You are also currently adverse to women and sex in general, which will aid you in avoiding any charm spells and nets they may extend in your team's path. And yes, you are also the only family member who would not be as inconvenienced by the time difference, although I personally do not care whether anyone I name is inconvenienced or not. It cannot be helped, and I think it would be more of an inconvenience if demons overtook the Otherworld completely giving them freedom to breach the portals whenever they feel like it."
"Fine. But I shall not be thought of as expendable," Andrew said coolly.
"And just whom else do you plan to "inconvenience", Aunt Viviane?" Severus asked. Viviane sat down the cup.
"You will need someone trained in security, obviously, who can handle tough situations and has a thick enough skin to stand firm regardless of what horrors are faced, therefore an Auror must go," Viviane explained. "Laura Lupin is ideal for that position. You will need someone well versed in demonology and dark elves, and a bit of bad blood in this case is a bonus. Lunette Vallid will prove invaluable in that role." Andrew blinked at that, wondering if she could possibly have the time, but his Father simply gazed at Viviane expressionlessly. "You will need a good scout… someone tough, athletic, and agile, and yet still have a quick mind that can make split second decisions. Therefore, Danyelle Brittle must go. You will need someone with keen instincts that will help you anticipate trouble, someone who is versatile enough to adapt to changing conditions, which means that Essie Brim must go. And lastly, you will need someone who can survive against the odds… a back up plan who can retreat through enemy lines if all else fails so that the attempt is not in vain, and is guile enough to escape any trap set in her path. And therefore, Fortuna will complete the group."
"Fortuna is an animagus?" Andrew asked in surprise.
"Your father's own doing, actually," Viviane said evenly.
"Yes, but surely there is someone else better for that last position," Severus objected, quite alarmed with the suggestion. "What about Pyther?"
"I had considered it," Viviane admitted. "But the scenarios played out with him in the mix were not encouraging. It is true that his wisdom and experience would have been invaluable, but as strong as Pyther's survival instincts are, Lucky's are tougher. Not only that, but their personalities are quite different. He is a pacifist; she is a warrior. I had little choice but to go with the stronger candidate, she is much better suited. I'm certain you are coming to the same conclusion yourself."
"She's also in college," Severus snapped.
"Which wouldn't really matter if we lose, does it?" Viviane reminded him primly.
"I can't wait to see how you are going to rope Vallid into going. Just how and when is all this to occur, anyway?" Andrew asked.
"As soon as you can make personal arrangements and agree to meet me at my Lake. The longer you take the more complicated your situation will be, that part is up to you. When you are ready, I will aid you through the portal and into the Labyrinth of Mona. Irian will meet you there, and will help you on your way to Caer Brenin. I am certain they will have more specifics on Merlin's whereabouts and will give you the information you need to further your mission. Assuming you succeed, your team must stay long enough for things to stabilize enough so that Merlin may return. How long that will take will also be up to you," Viviane said. She glanced around, but everyone was too busy absorbing that to reply.
"I believe that is all I have to say for now. If I feel the need to impart more information to you, Andrew, it will be at the Lake before you leave," Viviane said.
"But what about me?" Bael said in a panic.
"As I said this afternoon, I advise you to stay here until an outcome has been reached. I'm sure Severus can think up something for you to do in his next term to keep you occupied. Perhaps you may learn something useful to take back home with you in the process. Good evening," Viviane said, sweeping out of the room.
"I take it by 'next term' she means we're going to be gone a while?" Andrew scowled.
"If you were over there a day, you would be over there a while," Severus reminded him.
"Didn't Merlin teach you how to balance that somewhat?" Andrew asked.
"He used the Twilight Arc to do so, and even if I understood all the mechanics, you are not going through the Arc this time, but a regular portal. Really, I don't know why you are feeling so put out about it, I'm the one who's going to have to replace two members of staff this year, not to mention break in a new Defense teacher. I rather think out of all you, it will affect Lucky the most," Severus mused.
"And Vallid?" Andrew asked.
"Hm. I had better contact her first and foremost," Severus agreed.
"Wait, I can do that faster that you can, I know her private cell phone number," Anna said. "And it's early enough over there she's not even in bed yet. I'll take care of it."
"Well, I'm going to bed," Andrew said with annoyance, getting up.
"Andrew," Severus said, sounding tired but gazing at him seriously. "You can always refuse."
"To what end? I might as well go, since that's what everyone else thinks. Nobody thinks my job alone is enough. So fine, I'll go. If I'm lucky, I won't be back," he added vehemently, storming out the front. Severus sighed. Bael gazed at Severus worriedly.
"It's a rather long story," Severus told him.
"It's just as well. It would appear I have plenty of time," Bael said with a sigh.
"Fair enough," Severus answered. "Armando, is Hermione still on property?"
"Yes, she has been inquiring whether you are ever going on vacation or if you are going to postpone," Armando said. Severus got up.
"Going for now, but I'll keep her informed," Severus said, walking over to his chessboard and began to reset it. "Now that things are in motion, it is time that we call it a night…and then give everyone time to decide what their part in this will be," he explained, moving a pawn forward.