Chapter Two
The Wizardday Office Party
Abraxas Coventry, having no better options, joined Norman Balmweed for a light brew before Apparating into the Cloak Room of the Ministry' Ambassador Hall.
"Such a miserable snow! You'd think it would have let up by now. It's been snowing all day," Abraxas grumbled.
"It's going to snow all week, according to the Daily Prophet," Norman said.
"Do you really still read that thing?" Abraxas asked critically, taking off his coat. Norman shrugged.
"It is accurate in some respects, Abraxas, especially when it comes to the weather. Brim is a fairly reliable forecaster," Norman said. "Besides, it never hurts to hear the other views of the political circus, so one knows what one is walking into during these sorts of events. Fortunately, it should be pleasantly subdued this year, being that it's not an election year."
The two men handed off their coats and stepped inside, having been intentionally late. Abraxas searched the crowds for his daughter, while Norman searched the crowds for the Headmaster, frowning when he didn't see him either on the dance floor or in the small crowd that seemed to follow him around.
"Not a Snape in sight anywhere," Norman observed.
"Thank goodness! Perhaps this won't be a disagreeable evening after all," Abraxas said. But Norman had been hoping to get a feel on the next board meeting now that Minerva was back on the board. He glanced around again.
"There is your daughter, Abraxas, over by Minister Craw and his wife. Let's go over," Norman suggested.
"Yes, let's. I have a word or two for Craw anyway," Abraxas said. Norman furrowed his brows at that.
"Careful, Coventry. It's not wise to tangle words with Craw. You know how he can be if he's in a sour mood," Norman warned.
"I don't care. My daughter has been staying over there and I have a right to have a word if I like," Abraxas said.
"Especially if she becomes a Craw, I suppose," Norman mused, Abraxas making a ward against evil gesture with his hand before walking over.
"Here he comes, the pompous ass," Thomas said. Beth and Maurice immediately followed his gaze.
"Thomas! You shouldn't say such things about the girl's father, especially in front of her," Fleur scolded him.
"I could have been referring to Balmweed, you know. What makes you think I was talking about him?" Thomas challenged her. Fleur blushed at that, apologizing quietly to Beth.
"No matter. It isn't as if I haven't thought that myself, especially recently," Beth said. "He's been positively unbearable since he's gotten divorced again."
"Hopefully all the other witches of the world will wise up and stay away from him," Maurice murmured.
"I doubt it. We've still got money," Beth said dryly, waving cordially as her father came over.
"What a fine ball this is, Elizabeth! Is it true that you catered for the Ministry yourself?" Abraxas said proudly, hugging her briefly.
"Not by myself, Fleur Craw helped out a lot," Beth said, Fleur tsking at that.
"I merely helped hire the string quartet and see to the hall. Your daughter did all the food and refreshments from what she's been learning at school in Paris," Fleur protested.
"Ah, I hadn't heard she was continuing her education," Norman said.
"Yes, I figured I would take advantage of everything my mother has taught me about hosting social events to a more professional level," Beth said, Norman nodding approvingly at that.
"We could definitely use a professional caterer for some of these events instead of relying solely on volunteer committees. Perhaps you could cater one of the upcoming dinners for the new hospital?" Norman suggested.
"Goodness, don't encourage her, Norman! Elizabeth, you don't need to work!" Abraxas scolded her.
"The family made half of its fortune thanks to luxury wizard hotels, Father. I am sure my new job will help me tremendously when I'm learning the business," Elizabeth said smoothly.
"It isn't the education I mind. In that you have my full support, Elizabeth, financial and otherwise," Abraxas said. "But this 'hiring-out' business is quite embarrassing. Let those who actually need money do that sort of trivial job, you have more important things to do then serve other people, like finding a suitable husband, preferably one old enough to know what the real world is like and is from an old reputable wizard family..."
"Thomas-" Fleur warned, but Maurice began talking at the same time.
"Our family is much more reputable than yours has been lately, Coventry, and at least five generations older than yours, if not longer!" Maurice spat out angrily.
"And nearly all of them have been cold-blooded murderers," Abraxas said coolly back.
"Yes, including me. I wouldn't forget that, if I were you," Thomas said, calm despite Fleur's concern. "I also don't think my son's age plays into this. If Garvan Gamban had taken interest in your daughter, you would have been thrilled. Too bad your daughter hadn't been standing in that dragon's path, eh, Coventry?" Abraxas turned as white as a sheet, betraying the fact that Abraxas had thought of it before.
"You are rude, crass, and a terrible influence on my daughter! I demand that she return home at once!" Abraxas said.
"No," Beth said primly.
"She's an adult now, Abraxas, you can't force her to do anything, and who I allow stay in my house is none of your damn business, anyway," Thomas said, waving him off like a pestering fly.
"Elizabeth! Adult or not, you have family obligations! Come home at once or..."
"Or what? You'll disinherit me?" Beth goaded him. "Go right ahead, father. After all, I have a job now, and I think it'd be almost poetic justice if Michael inherited everything once you're gone."
Abraxas stood there a moment with his fists clenched, furious and red-faced.
"I have had enough of this! I am disgusted with all three of you! I wish I never had children at all!" Abraxas declared.
"Yes, some of us wish that too," Thomas agreed. "No offense, Beth."
"None taken," Beth said, watching with satisfaction as her father stormed out.
"Well. I suppose that will make for a quieter evening," Norman Balmweed conjectured.
"Just why do you hang around with that stuffed robe, Balmweed? Especially when you have four times the sense and brains that he does," Thomas said.
"Thank you, true enough, but one does tend to travel in one's political circles. Anyway, the real reason I came over here was to ask if the Headmaster was attending tonight," Norman explained.
"No, I don't even think Alex is coming tonight," Thomas said. "They're spending Yule together this year since Andrew and Lucky missed last year... which means that we're probably in for a long, boring, ball."
"Oh no! It can't be boring!" Beth fretted. Maurice laughed at that.
"I doubt he means it in that way, Beth. Come on, let's see who else is here. Maybe we can liven things up a bit," Maurice suggested.
"Just don't kill anyone tonight. I don't want to stay up all night doing paperwork," Thomas said, waving a dismissal.
"He doesn't really suspect that you'd actually kill someone, does he?" Beth asked in a low voice, looking amused. Maurice shrugged.
"Well, no, but I'm sure he knows I would if a family member was in danger," Maurice said.
"Then it's a good thing most of them aren't here tonight, isn't it?" Beth teased.
"Beth! Maurice!" The two of them looked up as Delia came over with a smile. "How are you? It's been a while, hasn't it? Is it true you organized the ball this year? Great job!"
"Thanks!" Beth smiled. "What have you been doing lately? On the wireless yet?"
"I haven't even had luck getting a successful audition. Apparently I don't have a shot unless I move to America, and I don't want to go there," Delia said.
"You just need a lucky break, that's all." Beth was quite startled when she realized that her brother had stepped up from behind her, joining Delia. "But you won't get it by working in the Owl Post Office."
"Mike thinks I should get on at the Daily Prophet, but I really don't like writing. I prefer to talk," Delia said.
"We all know that," Beth teased. "So are you two together now?"
"What? Oh, we're just here as friends," Delia said. "Mike thought I'd be a good buffer if we ran into his father."
"Delia," Mike warned.
"You don't need to worry about that, he already stormed off in a huff. We should have a father-free evening tonight," Beth assured them.
"Her father doesn't like her working and he doesn't think I'm good enough for her," Maurice explained.
"Typical. Really, it's probably less because you're a Craw and more about Snape and your sister, considering all the run-ins they've had," Mike said.
"Probably, but he was stupid to try to mince words with my father," Maurice said.
"Anyone would be stupid to mince words with your father," Mike agreed.
"Hey, Delia, have you tried the hydra pate yet?" Maurice asked.
"Hm? Since when does this ball cater the high-end stuff? Is someone here I don't know about?" Delia asked suspiciously.
"Come on, let's go check it out," Maurice said, ignoring the scowl he got from Beth when he pulled Delia along with him.
"How obvious can you get?" Beth declared. Mike chuckled at that.
"I think he meant it to be obvious," Mike said. "After all, we haven't really spoken since that brief greeting at Corey's party. So you're still staying with the Craws, I take it? Ever since..."
"Since our father finally woke up and realized how much of a loose wand that Donald is," Beth said, folding her arms. "Once he decided I was the only child worth bothering with and named me his sole heir, he's decided that gives him the right to control my entire life, including who I'm dating. So when I showed up at the Craw mansion to tell Maurice I was going to go stay at the hotel for a while, his father stepped in and suggested that staying at their mansion would give me more space since Father wouldn't dare show up there. I'll admit that he hasn't," Beth added. "So why didn't you spend more time at Corey's party, anyway?"
"Oh, I was on duty. We just stopped by on the way out," Mike explained.
"I understand. So I heard you're a full Auror now? Where are your scars?" Beth asked.
"Very funny," Mike said. "I'm sure I'll earn them, but I'm in no rush. Besides, they've been putting me on the flag board every single chance they get."
"Well, I suppose that's one way to prolong it," Beth said. "Are you going to grandfather's estate for Christmas?"
"Only long enough to make an appearance, really, and then I'm going to the Blacks' party. I don't suppose you want to come? That will get us both out of there early," Mike suggested.
"Sure, why not?" Beth said. "Have you been over to the buffet table yet? I brought a few of the things I learned in Paris if you want to try them."
"Sure, why not?" Mike replied with a smile, the two of them going over and joining Maurice and Delia near the buffet.
Deacon Aldus hovered over the snowdrifts and into the doorway of Wizardday Publishing, the snow brushing of his coat with a gesture. Tubbins peered in from the editing room. "Ah, it's Deacon! We're in here, of course. That smells good."
"Thank you. Happy Yule," Aldus said, stepping in and being greeted by several other office employees.
"I made it easy for you this year, Deacon. Everything on the left table should be safe for you, so you don't just have to eat out of your own cauldron," he said.
"Thank you, Bronan," Aldus said, setting his cauldron down by the ones that the editor had indicated. "Good evening, Peter."
"Deacon," Peter Gamban acknowledged, sipping on some wine.
"I thought you might go to the ball tonight," Aldus said.
"And hear Coventry and Balmweed bring up the same complaints to deaf ears while half the Aurors in the room breathe down my neck in case I sneeze out my father's location?" Gamban reminded him with a snort, Aldus chuckling at that. "I prefer a drama-free Yule, especially when it's not even an election year and Garvan opted to go to the Willowby's. Besides, here I can bring my own wine," he added in a lower voice. "And Deacon can eat."
"Some of it, anyway," Aldus agreed, picking through his selection. "Better than anywhere else these days."
"Some don't consider Imps the best of cooks, but mine do a fairly decent job of it, don't you think?" Tubbins said. "Of course, I do keep some spices on hand just in case. They're fantastic at following recipes, but not having a true sense of taste puts them at somewhat of a disadvantage as far as last minute touches."
"I envy your talent, Tubbins. Your Imps are always so well behaved compared to others. I'm always afraid of turning my backs on them when I visit other offices who use them," Gamban admitted.
"Here they're pretty happy. They were constructed as wizard assistants, after all, and are the only wizard-created race who developed the ability to read, so working in a printing office serves their basic instincts," Tubbins explained.
"Then why do the ones at the Oracle give everyone such a hard time?" Gamban asked. Tubbins snorted.
"I think you already know the reason," Tubbins said, glancing at the clock. "I wonder where he is?"
"He'll be here. It's not like he has anything else to do," Gamban said dryly, then paused. "There's the door again, maybe that's him."
But when they looked over, it was Abraxas who stepped in with a plate in hand.
"Happy Yule, Happy Christmas. Such rotten weather!" Abraxas noted, going over to the trays. "My daughter made this herself. Where should I put it?"
"Here," Aldus said, tapping his table.
"We thought you were going to the Ministry Ball, Abraxas," Gamban said.
"I did go and it wasn't worth staying. But I did manage to procure one of Beth's appetizer trays off the Ministry table," Abraxas said. When he turned around, everyone was still looking at him questioningly. "She's been studying in France, you know."
"So you've mentioned before, Abraxas," Tubbins nodded.
"Still with the Craw boy, I take it?" Gamban inquired.
"Yes, if you must know, and she still refuses to come home. I had words with Thomas over him allowing her to stay there. What in the world could she be thinking, getting involved with one of them?" Abraxus ranted in exasperation.
"You're asking the wrong person," Gamban said dryly.
"That's right, you have your own problems, don't you? The Willowby girl," Abraxas said, accepting a glass of wine from him. "Any luck convincing him to become a law counselor yet?"
"No, he's too set on her at the moment. Give it time, I'm sure he'll come to his senses. With his build and nature, my son wouldn't last a day as an Auror," Gamban said.
"I believe I would have to disagree with you there, Peter," Aldus interjected. "Garvan was third in his Defense class, and he has some keen reflexes and amazing response times, especially on a broom."
"He got that from his grandfather," Gamban admitted.
"While I think it's asinine to go into a profession just because of a girl he likes, he is more than capable of doing the job if he does decide to stick with it," Aldus assured him.
"Just because someone is capable of doing something doesn't mean that they should," Abraxas argued. "My Beth is a brilliant caterer, but she should be using that talent to throw parties for charity work, not as witch out for hire. She's an heiress, not a common servant," Abraxas seethed, missing Aldus' squinting gaze. "It's all that bad influence coming from the Craws that I mind! There are so many better candidates for her to partner with, and she's lulled away by a pretty faced boy with Veela eyes!"
"Are you certain that is the reason?" Aldus inquired. "As you'll recall, I had Beth in one of my classes, and she was nothing if not the most practically-minded student I had last year. And as such, I can see many possible reasons she might decide that engaging in a relationship with Maurice would be beneficial to her future; status, reputation, a nice mansion by the sea, and leverage if she's ever at odds with her family."
"Just how do you mean that?" Abraxas bristled.
"Her family life has been anything but stable growing up," Aldus answered with a shrug. "And while the Craws have their fair share of problems, the one thing they do offer is a stable family she can turn to."
"What a ridiculous thing to say! She can always turn to me, and she always has done so!" Abraxas protested heatedly.
"For financial support, yes. But what about anything else?" Aldus asked. Abraxas stared at him.
"I know what this is about now. This is about you becoming a Hogwarts Professor," Abraxas accused him. Aldus rolled his eyes at that and turned to get a cup of tea. "Just whose side are you on these days?"
"Oh come now, Abraxas, do be reasonable," Tubbins protested.
"Abraxas, you really are going too far," Gamban warned.
"He's been teaching for a year and a half now. You know how Snape gets into people's heads, Gamban. Tell us honestly, Deacon. Are you Snape's man?" Abraxas demanded.
"You seem to be under the impression that I am still a servant, Coventry," Aldus said expressionlessly, but there was a tone in his voice so cold that it seemed to bring down the temperature in the room. "Snape should be the least of your worries, considering how many wizards you have offended over the years who are closer at hand." Abraxas furrowed his brows at him, debating whether there was a threat in that statement or not.
A blast of cold air alerted them to the fact that someone else had come in from outside. A moment later, Amadeus Longbottom stepped into the room with Jeffers close behind.
"Craters and Candles, it's cold out there. What the hell did I just walk into?" Amadeus asked when he saw the tense looks, apparently focused on Coventry.
"Not much. Coventry was challenging Deacon's loyalties," Gamban explained.
"You always were a stupid ass at times, Coventry. Do you have a death wish? Deacon's obviously a member of the Inner Circle," Longbottom said.
"Inner what, Amadeus?" Aldus asked calmly, accepting a wine bottle from him.
"Hardly a point to deny it with this audience, is there? What has your wand bent tonight, anyway, Abraxas, other than the horrid weather?" Longbottom asked.
"His daughter is still seeing the Craw boy," Tubbins offered.
"In that case, I don't blame him being testy," he said, sitting on one of the desks. "Between Beth's choice and Garvan's, it makes me feel lucky not to have kids. Jeffers, put that tray down somewhere and relax."
"This side, I believe," Aldus said, tapping the other table.
"Thank you," Jeffers said, putting it down.
"I would rather have a rebellious heir to the company than no heir at all," Coventry replied defiantly. "But that doesn't mean I ever want to see the Craws get my money. If I could just get her to move back to the mansion, maybe she'll look at other possibilities."
"And how do you propose to do that?" Gamban asked.
"Well, I don't know yet, but somehow, I will show her the error of her ways!" Coventry said resolutely.
"Because we all know just how well that worked with Don and Mike," Amadeus said sarcastically. Coventry glared at him.
"Anything you might try against the Craws is liable to backfire, Coventry. You are better off just accepting your daughter's decisions and letting her make her own mistakes," Deacon said.
"In that we're in agreement, Deacon," Gamban said. "And although I wouldn't have put it the way Amadeus put it, you have already estranged two children, Coventry; I would go to some extra effort not to estrange the last one if I were you."
"Maybe I won't have to," Abraxas mused. "Maybe I can find a way through Maurice to get them to break up."
"Touch Maurice and you're going to have bigger problems, and I don't mean just Craw. May I remind you that Maurice is Garvan's best friend and has said as much on numerous occasions when writing to his grandfather?" Gamban warned.
"It isn't as if I would ever physically hurt the lad! I don't believe in committing such violence!" Abraxas said indignantly. Then he glanced thoughtfully at Longbottom. "Perhaps a smear campaign from reliable sources, discrediting his intentions?" Amadeus shrugged, grabbing a plate.
"Sure, if you pay me enough. I can come over after the party to discuss it if you like," Amadeus said. "It had better be good, though, considering I'm on Craw's kill on sight list and they'll probably know where it came from if it's too outlandish."
"They'll probably know anyway," Aldus said, sipping his tea. Coventry frowned at him. "Don't worry, Coventry, I won't say anything to Snape, but I doubt I'll have to."
"Really, is all this plotting necessary? This is supposed to be an office Christmas party, not an unofficial society meeting," Tubbins protested.
"I agree. Bring on that other bottle," Gamban suggested.
"Happy Christmas then, to every other wizard in this group who had nothing better to do on Yule than attend this party," Tubbins said for a toast, several of the others answering with a grunt before taking a drink.
By Christmas Eve, inches of snow had turned into feet, and many of the Muggles had abandoned shovels for snowplows that only succeeded in burying cars lining the streets. In Hogsmeade, large piles of snow made for great play areas, and business continued to flourish despite the inconvenience.
Toby the Tinker walked down the snowy streets dragging a sled, making a stop first at the Willowby's house before continuing on to his own house in the back of the dress shop. Every now and then a group of kids would stop to say hello and see if he had anything exciting on the sled, but as it was normal Christmas fare, they often continued on their way after finding out how late the shop would be open. Kicking off his boots, he pulled the sled up, bringing the goose in but leaving the rest outside.
"I'm home, Mrs. Tinker," he said cheerfully, loud enough he could be heard through the door leading to the shop. A moment later Ashley came in and gave him an enthusiastic kiss and hug that made him juggle the bird in his hand.
"Look at you, being so helpful and domestic," Ashley teased mercilessly, taking the goose from him.
"You're heartless, Mrs. Tinker," Toby tsked.
"Did you drop off the things for Natalie's party?" Ashley asked.
"Yes, and your wood order and tree are on the sled out back. But I really ought to be getting to the shop, you know, unless you give me a good enough reason to delay," he added with a glint in his eye.
"That can wait until later," she chuckled at him. "Are you sure you can't come to the party?"
"No, I'm quite sure I'll be needed at the shop, but I shall visit for a moment when I come to see you home," Toby promised. "Besides, I just don't feel in the groove of things here yet, and I find that spending some quality in my shop does help clear my mind and get me back on track again." Ashley frowned.
"Have I been too clingy, Mr. Tinker?" she worried.
"No more than one would expect, Mrs. Tinker," Toby assured her.
"All the same, I should have seen it, but we were so worried when you were captured..."
"I apologize for upsetting you again, Mrs. Tinker. But you knew I was incorrigible when you married me," he pointed out.
"Yes, Mr. Tinker," Ashley said with a sigh of resignation, giving him another quick kiss. "Why don't you run along then? I really ought to get back to helping Minerva anyway," she admitted, putting the goose in the ice box.
"Don't worry, I'll be home again to harass you sometime this evening," Toby promised with a wink, ignoring her shake of the head as he slipped back out.
Deciding to take the long way around, he wandered past the Alchemist Shop to see that it was bustling with activity thanks to last minute orders. He smiled and looked down the street. The Sports Shop and Honeydukes also seemed to be doing a fair amount of trade, while Pyther Studios, the Divine Aura, and Zonko's had already closed up for the day. They would all be closed in another hour or two, Toby mused, walking slowly to his shop as he watched the falling snow and listened to the sounds of town as he did so. Finally he kicked off his boots against the door and went in. Only a couple of local customers were in there at the moment, along with Maurice Craw, who had been standing by the counter talking to Ambrose. Archimedes and Halcyon let out sounds of greeting.
"You know there's a spell to prevent your boots from going into the snow," Maurice pointed out with a grin.
"One cannot enjoy nature if one is always hovering over it," Toby replied as he walked behind the counter. "If you ignore the ground, dear boy, you may never realize exactly what it is you are stepping in."
"Good to have you back, Mr. Toby," Maurice grinned.
"Thank you," Toby smiled. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
"Not really," Maurice said. "I was looking for something for my sister because I'm out of ideas."
"Oh! Well, now that I'm here, maybe you might try having another look," Toby suggested.
"It's probably a good idea," Maurice agreed and went to take another look around.
"Father, do you suppose it'd be all right if Maurice came to stay over for a couple of days after the holidays?" Ambrose asked.
"Yes, of course it's perfectly fine with me, Ambrose... as long as you tell your mother exactly why you would prefer staying over here rather than the Craws in the first place," Toby said. Ambrose's grin faded.
"What?" Ambrose asked flatly.
"Now, you know perfectly well your mother has the last word when it comes to parental decisions, Ambrose, I'm too much an advocate for Free Will in a world with conventional rules... many of which I don't agree with, of course. Besides, Severus would give me hell about it if I let this one go," Toby said under his breath. Ambrose grimaced. "Any luck, Maurice?"
"Maybe. I found a picture frame," Maurice explained, holding it up.
"I can definitely think of several different photos that your sister would love inside of that," Toby said.
"Yes, me too," Maurice said thoughtfully, then decided to purchase it.
"Now, why don't you boys run along? I'm sure you've got things to talk about. I can take over here," Toby insisted.
"Thanks," Ambrose said, Maurice glancing at him questioningly as the two made their way outside, Archimedes following them out.
Toby chuckled softly to himself, thinking how good it was to be back home again.
