Story title: the Gentleman Prefers

Chapter 4; entitled: the Lazarus Plant

Author: billybobcsgun36 - - fanfiction (dot) net id# 641050

Word count: 4,948

Category: AU - Alternate Universe;

Wherein Hp characters don't follow cannon in their behavior.

Standardized disclaimer: is there anyone on this planet that doesn't know who has all legal copy rights to Harry Potter, with us in fan fiction just burrowing it for our own amusement and that of our readers.

OoOoOoOo

Roll film

OoOoOoOo

"Milady you called?"

"Yes Nephew, Thank-you Mille that will be all, you may return to your duties now."

"Yes Milady, see you later Ronnie." Millie said with a humor-filled, flirtatious wink as she left.

"Ronald, let's begin with your report."

"Yes Milady, The castle at 'Odo de Metz' near Aachen is, I regret to say… a total loss, the artwork, that did not automatically portkey to the insurance warehouse in Liege when the fire-alarm triggered, were all destroyed. One body was found in the rubble, which was identified as belonging to Margaret Stein - the warden's wife. Local Wizarding law-enforcement has declared it a crime-scene; arson in an attempt to cover up a marital murder."

"I've spent the last four days sifting through the rubble with the Insurance investigator prior to him formally accepting our claim. I have also taken the liberty to engage that German firm you fancy; for a preliminary estimate concerning the rebuilding. I intend to return to Aachen, late-tomorrow after filling out a claim with the magical 'Lloyd's of London'…to oversee reconstruction."

"Finally; Magical Interpol has a warrant posted for the arrest of Hans Stein the warden of the castle and it's only a matter of time before he's caught …"

"…Hans is dead, Ronald;" Muriel interrupted, "his body is currently lying in the city morgue of Antwerp. We were fortunate that the object the thieves were actually after …did not fall into the wrong hands. Margaret died in a rearguard action to buy time for her husband to escape with the 'Charlemagne Livery Collar'."

"The what?,"

"A Livery Collar; it's also known as the Charlemagne Society Chain of office and has been worn by the high priestess of that society for several centuries now."

"Is this collar that valuable?"

"It contained a magically preserved cutting from the Lazarus plant."

"…that's not possible," Neville interrupted automatically

"Why not Mister Longbottom?," Muriel asked her eyes twinkling in growing excitement.

"Forgive me Milady …I spoke out of turn."

"No-no, go-on …I insist."

"Well, excuse me for saying so ma'am …but the Lazarus plant is a myth, on the same lines of the lead-into-gold fairytale surrounding Alchemy," Neville said feeling embarrassed about his unfortunate slip of tongue. "If wizards could actually turn lead into gold we'd all be fabulously wealthy."

"Is that all you know about the Lazarus Plant …that it's a myth?"

"No milady."

"Then by all means, please; 'expound,' - Mr. Longbottom, why is the 'Charlemagne Livery Collar' considereda myth?"

"With all due respect ma'am; I didn't say the Collar was a myth," Neville said in an apologetic tone. "I'm sure the Chain of Office really does-exist - nor am I denying that it might have contained a cutting of a real plant. It's the rubbish that it's actually Merlin's legendary Lazarus plant that I disbelieve."

"And why is that?"

"The legend says that Merlin, him-self ...cultivated a magical plant that bloomed three radically different flowers and these flowers were the critical ingredients in his infamous resurrection potion that could bring the dead back to life… specifically; the once and future King; Arthur Pendragon, King of all the Britain's. Just the assumption that a single plant can bloom three different flowers …in itself …puts the Lazarus Plant into the realm of fable."

"You don't believe in the Arthur Legend I take it?"

"No ma'am and with good reason," Neville spat his anger clearly apparent. "The Camelot legend states that Arthur at the brink of death was stolen away by the witches of Avalon; fed the resurrection potion so as to preserve the Kings body until that time when all of Britain had fallen under the spell of evil. Then he and his knights would awaken and ride forth and destroy the mortal-tools of Lucifer …for God and Saint George."

"Well done Mr. Longbottom …that is the basic legend. Now tell me what makes you such a doubting Thomas?"

"Seven years ago, the entire United Kingdom fell to evil in the form of Voldemort when he seized control of the Ministry. Huge atrocities were committed. Where was your precious Arthur Pendragon then …eh?"

"Are you sure that all of Britain fell to the Death Eaters?" Muriel said smugly. "I don't deny that Voldemort took-over the Ministry, but wasn't there resistance to his rule, didn't you take charge of 'Dumbledore Army' and lead your fellow students in the battle for Hogwarts?"

"Didn't Ronald's brother Percy… become a modern-day Scarlett Pimpernel acting within the Ministry itself, rescuing countless Muggle-born victims from Umbridge and the Dementor's? I read the account myself in his semi-authorized autobiography, written by Elyse3." (A shameless plug for great hp story)

"Was not Ronald here – my own nephew – shamefully overlooked by history, unwavering in his loyalty to the Chosen one, steadfast and true to the cause of freedom."

"Hold-on a second, - I wasn't steadfast or unwavering, there was a point where I abandoned both Potter and Granger," Ron said in humiliating honesty. "I was a coward during the war… just like I told you. I'm not a genuine hero like Neville was. Honestly -Aunt Muriel; I don't deserve to be remembered."

"Rubbish, Ronald. Do we have to go over this again …?"

"You didn't convince me the last ten times you brought it up, but let's not get side tracked here… okay? And Nev …old-chum, Milady has a valid point here. As long as you and the DA resisted …old Tommie hadn't taken over ALL of Britain, which was the event that would have 'triggered' King Arthur's wake-up call."

"Spot on nephew," Muriel said smugly… "Which brings me back to the reason behind why I wanted to see you? Merlin was a seer as well as a powerful wizard. He foresaw a time when all of mainland Europe might fall to evil. So he brewed enough potion to resurrect Arthur and three of his knights to save the United Kingdom of Great Britain; Scotland, Wales and Ireland. And then in an amazing bit of foresight …Merlin also brewed enough potions for Charlemagne and his three knights to save the Holy Roman Empire on the Continent.

"And one plant can do all that?"

"Yes …but we've run into a-bit of a problem. The witches of Avalon received two livery collars before Merlin was lured away from Arthur by the Lady of the lake - a witch called, Nimue a sympathetic and tragic young priestess of Avalon who fell in love with the Merlin - but was duty bound to seduce and lure him into his eternal imprisonment."

"According to the legend surrounding the Prioress of Avalon; inside the two Collars were three vials containing the three potions …made from the three different flowers that repaired, preserved and then re-awaken the two kings and their knights. So two of the three vials connected to the process have already been used; one set here and the other in Aachen the capital of Charlemagne's empire.''

"THE FIRE"

"Exactly… we believe that at first, Voldemort rejected using the Lazarus plant because the potion does not grant immortality. It extends the life span of the person taking it by several centuries, but does not prevent death."

"Merlin's test subject for the resurrection potion was a knight named Gawain; he was torn apart literally by three mountain trolls while defending a very pregnant Queen Guinevere on her way to London. His death while defending a damsel in distress caused Guinevere to petition Merlin to bring Sir Gawain back from the land of the dead."

"Three days later she gave birth to Arthur's only legitimate son; Lohol. But his fate is another story for another time."

"Sir Gawain proved that the potion work, it allegedly restored the horribly mutilated man to full youth and vigor, at the cusp of manhood - - curing him of all mortal imperfections. Corrected his bad eyesight and club foot; which had condemned him to a pronounced limp… the potion also made him nearly invincible in battle, while increasing his ability to heal quickly …ten thousand fold."

"But most importantly it gave him perfect health for four hundred and twenty five years. Sir Gawain eventually died peacefully in his sleep, but as he did die … and because of that fact alone… Voldemort left the witches of Avalon alone both times he tried to take power."

"I take it that you are currently - one of the witches of Avalon and the peaceful status-quoi has recently changed," Ron said in a matter of fact tone.

"Yes Nephew, I joined Avalon as a young girl and it's also true that the current prioress of the witches of Avalon is convinced that the remaining Death-Eaters 'still at large' are behind both these attacks; one here in Britain and the other in Aachen… with their ultimate goal; to restore Voldemort to the land of the living. All they need… after all … is a sliver of his DNA from the bones of his original body - that was killed when Mr. Potter was a one year old - mixed with the third does of the resurrection potion

"How would that …?"

"A Dementor's kiss removes the soul from a still living body. The third and final dose of the resurrection potion restores the soul into a semi-lifeless body …which in-turn causes the deceased to fully-reawaken back into the land of the living. If the Death Eaters were to mix Tom Riddles DNA with the third potion and pour it into the mouth of a living empty-shell of an otherwise health wizard; deprived of its soul by the Dementor kiss. Then Voldemort with his sundered soul …now whole and reunited …would inhabit the body and thus …live again."

"Oh Bloody-hell, we're so screwed."

"Not yet we're not, The Death Eaters obtained by force …the Livery collar from the Priory of Avalon …but not before the late Prioress smashed and thus destroyed the third vial - a tasks she accomplished just before she her-self, was murdered. So they didn't get a quick way to bring back the Dark-Lord. We know this much for certain, because the same kind of attack just happened in Aachen."

"Once again the resurrection potion vial was destroyed… the difference being; that this time the Death Eaters didn't get-away with the Charlemagne Livery Collar. Sealed inside that chain of office were three things, besides the three now empty potion vials. A bud of the Lazarus plant, a group of Lazarus plant seeds - and a set of encoded instruction scrolls on how to cultivate, harvest, brew and then administer the resurrection potion."

"So it's a race?"

"Yes, in a way. The Death Eaters have-had a four month head-start with the bud they found incased in the Avalon Livery Collar. They have to decode the scrolls as do we … so we have to make up a-lot of ground really-quick. Most important they have to hire a linguist and a code-breaker to make the instructions understandable."

"Milady, the more people you bring in on a secret …the harder it will be to keep," Ron pointed out.

"I fully-understand that principal, nephew, and the Death-eaters, if they are indeed the villain's we are facing," Muriel said with a sad knowing smile, "will be under the same limitations that you will be. The more people in the know …the more likely their attempt to cultivate the Lazarus plants will be discovered and revealed by a minion during a plea-bargain deal with Law enforcement. Or in our case; a spy working for gold …might sell critical information back to the enemy."

"Their ultimate goal is to bring back Voldemort," Muriel declared firmly, "Whereas we merely want the means to awaken Arthur and Charlemagne - if the whole world gets close to falling under the rule of total evil. Both their operation and ours must be conducted in total secret with full disclosure limited to a bare minimum."

"How did you obtain the Charlemagne Livery Collar if the warder and his wife are both dead?"

"A third party brought it to me; a Miss Mudge, who just 'happened' to come across Hans laying half-dead in a ditch outside of Antwerp. Rebecca …her first name; by-the-way …was the one that got Hans to hospital where he allegedly …told her about the Arthur Legend before he died."

"Allegedly?" Ron asked in a questioning-worried tone.

"I've got a bad feeling about the girl. Something about Rebecca's story - doesn't ring true with me. As far as I can ascertain, she doesn't have the Dark-mark on her left-forearm nor is she a member of either the Avalon's or the Charlemagne covens."

"On the other hand the extent of her knowledge is frankly unsettling …she knows too many of the obscure details for a mere passerby that just stumbled-across our fatally wounded Hans. That Miss Mudge also just happens to be the youngest …fully 'licensed' potion mistress in living memory - stretches coincidence in all this to beyond believability."

"Fate isn't that kind to me either …generally speaking," Ron lamented sadly. "You're right Milady… this smells like a royal set-up.

"I fully agree …but the question remains, a set-up by whom? Regretfully we don't have the luxury of time to solve this puzzle - for the source of us getting the collar isn't our only problem; Nephew …when this jet-black haired, green-eyed potion mistress came to me she demanded; as a precondition for her cooperation …my unbreakable oath that in exchange for handing over the Charlemagne Livery Collar …in addition to a huge payoff in gold …she insisted that she'd be the one to actually make the resurrection potion."

She also proclaimed as nonnegotiable that we had to use her choice of expert linguist/code breaker. That the young woman she hired is also her legal advocate and well known to both of you – this definitely cannot be a mere coincidence."

"Sweet Merlin …don't tell me! Ron moaned.

"I'm afraid so, your old-flame, the brilliant and so-call always right …Miss Granger will be a-part of our little four person project."

"I refuse to work with that … witch." Ron snarled.

"You have no more choice in this than I do," Muriel replied.

"But you'll be in direct charge Milady …not me …right?" Ron asked hopefully almost desperate to get away from being around Hermione due to the effect she still had on him.

"Heavens No, in fact …as of this moment, I'm relieving you of all other responsibilities'. I've already arranged for your old mentor - Thaddeus Thorn to come out of retirement take over all your Steward duties; both here and on the Continent," Muriel said firmly.

"I will handle external security, while Mille will provide all on site logistic support. But you my dear Nephew …are to take personal charge of this entire project from this point until the end – no matter how long it takes. But don't worry about stumbling about clueless as to what to do next. I'm not Potter and this isn't your infamous year-long camping trip.

"I told you about that in strictest confidence," Ron hissed angrily.

"Don't fuss so …no one else knows about the locket incident. But like I said, I'm not Potter, so you'll get full disclosure before you start on this hunt. I have prepared a pensive with everything the Avalon witches know about the Lazarus plant, Merlin's Ambrosius's flowers and the three different potions those flowers make. There is also a detailed breakdown of all the principal players in the creation of the original resurrection potion."

"Isn't that dangerous, putting all that information in - -" Ron began.

"- - In one place … yes it would be …if we allowed more than one mind to contain all that information. Avalon has spelled a Pensive to down-load only once …for you only. It contains information that even I don't have. Information on the legend I never wanted to have."

"After the pensive you will know more than any person living about Merlin's Ambrosius's flowers; and as Avalon is composed strictly of witches; the Death Eaters will never suspect that a mere-man will soon know the most important secret of my order… furthermore by keeping my mind empty of all the gritty little details … making me a decoy target so to speak …will safeguard you even more."

"Hey, you forgot about me, I heard everything you just said," Neville said clearly irritated.

"My nephew will need someone who knows the fundamentals to guard his back from our Black-haired, mystery woman. But remember this; - in spite of your past history with the lady - I warn you both - do not trust Granger, and that goes double for you Mr. Longbottom. Don't let the memory of how she behaved as a teenager at Hogwarts cloud your judgment now. She's a barrister after all and that-lot cares nothing for justice or right-or-wrong, all they fancy is winning, nothing else matters to them. I am convinced that Miss Mudge hired Granger specifically to get you both to lower your guard."

Knowing instinctively that his aunt was most likely correct - Ron bit back his tongue, fighting down the automatic urge to refuse this assignment. After-all as an semi-indentured servant he couldn't refuse.

"So with Millie acting as my bodyguard on the outside and all of the other individuals in my employ kept 'out of the loop' concerning any discoveries you should make. What any spy on the estate might learn - - will be useless if revealed to others."

"I also insist that you keep to yourself as much of this experiment as practical. Granger has most likely been included in this project to loosen your tongue, Ronald - - do not yield to that temptation. Each of the other members of this project has their own expertise to add, but there is no reason for anyone but you; nephew, to know all aspects of the project."

"You know I still have a weak-spot when it comes to her, - a weakness Ms. Mudge clearly intends to exploit," Ron admitted in candid honesty. "In light of this fact - I really think I'm the wrong bloke for this job."

"Ronald, it has to be you …this project is too time-sensitive to bring in a total outsider. You're known for your ability to think on your feet, you proved that every time you play chess and especially while working for me. Of all the projects that require 'out of the box' thinking this one takes the cake. That makes you prefect for this position."

"It's been clear to my order and the current Prioress for some time that both the Avalon and Charlemagne covens have been infiltrated by spies. For security reasons alone - we have decided to go outside of our gender for someone to see this job done."

Ron and Neville nodded their heads in reluctant understanding.

"Next item, I do not want to hear of you biting off the head of any member of your team for the minor-crime of saying Grangers first name –ever again. You have done it to Mr. Thomas several times in my hearing - and most likely Mr. Longbottom as well."

"I'm sorry Milady, my temper - -" Ron said apologetically.

"- - which is perfectly under control most of the time – you are an easy-natured man most of the time. But lately - -"

"- - I don't mind Milady," Neville interrupted shyly. "Ron doesn't mean anything by it. I see red myself when someone says Hannah's name. It's a knee jerk reaction we blokes have to someone who hurts us extra deeply. Grangers first name is Ron's hot button, add to that he's wore down to frazzle - -"

"- - and you don't think I know that my nephew is overworked and burned-out?" Muriel asked cocking an eyebrow in an exasperated fashion. "I do not deny that I took advantage of my nephews desire to help you to keep him in my service - for estate management is his true calling. Millicent has told me for months that my nephew is at the end of his line. Had this project not come up - I was going to order my chief steward on a year-long world tour vacation at my expense".

"You knew about that?" Ron said sheepishly sounding gob-smacked.

"I didn't personally, but Millicent did," Muriel said with a smug smile.

"You've been skunked again, Ron" Neville said to his friend with a smile – which Ron reluctantly returned.

"I've taken the liberty to have the wards surround the Greenhouses and Gatehouse upgraded to the same level of those surrounding the unspeakable department of magical experimentation at the Ministry. There are also strong anti-apparition wards in place which makes the place virtually impregnable."

"So you're locking us in," Neville said in a resigned tone.

"Yes Mr. Longbottom, I'm sorry that such measures are necessary. My personal legal firm will be taking on your divorce proceedings against the former Ms. Abbott at no cost to you... and as you pose the least security risk - as just the cultivator of the plant …being Ronald's second in command - that makes you the logical choice to be the only one to go in or out of the Gatehouse compound to make non-detailed progress reports to me and the appointed Charlemagne representative."

"So there will be a Charlemagne representative involved in this project," Ron asked.

"Yes the leader of my order contacted the Charlemagne coven as soon as their Livery Collar came into my procession."

"This goes way beyond the terms of my indenture as a gardener; Lady Prewett," Neville pointed out.

"I understand that fully, Mr. Longbottom. However, - each of the non-Prewett employees, or sub-contractors if you prefer that term… involved in this project will be compensated for their efforts beyond the dreams of Midas. Each being paid in the coin of their choosing," Muriel said in a drolly tone. "For you; may I assume that your price might involve an immediate end to your current indenture and say …a twenty-thousand galleon grub-stake; to restart your life somewhere outside of magical England?"

"Why would I want to leave England?"

"I just assumed that you'd want to live far from the cucky-shame that your Hannah has stained you with," Muriel retorted casually. Staying in the UK after her affair with young master Creevey; you must agree is… unthinkable."

"Yes, that's true enough, with Gran dead, I have no close family left," Neville said thinking out loud. "I had intended to test the waters again in a few years and… "

"I regret to say this, but our magical community is rather minuscule in comparison to its Muggle counterpart. A ruined reputation such as yours, - publicly cuckolded by a cougar spouse is in most cases already known by every member of such a small group of witches and wizards as ours …and is therefore beyond redemption."

"Take Ronald, it's been seven years now and even now the 'brother interview' is still rubbed in his face by strangers he meets in pubs. He is more known for being called Granger's non blood sibling - than his association with the Golden duo of Granger and Potter."

"Another prime example of this small community mindset is the Malfoy family. That bloodline will always be tainted with their association with the Death Eaters and a thousand life times of penitence could not hope to erase the blemish that Lucius imposed on his family name. It's a pity that a once proud and noble bloodline is now lost forever - with the wartime murder of all the males of that house."

"I hope you don't mind if I don't weep with remorse," Ron said with a barely concealed sneer. "If Lucius, Draco or his mental-aunt Bellatrix were alive today …all three of them would be a-part of this current scheme to reawaken Voldemort. The evil taint on the Malfoy name is well deserved. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here, I still think putting me and Granger on this team is a mistake, I'll just end up making a fool of myself again.

"Nephew; play the cards you are dealt," Muriel said sternly in a no-nonsense commanding tone.

"As you wish Milady," Ron conceded with reluctance. "However, if we do succeed, how do we-know that any potion we make will actually work. We'll need a test subject, like Merlin had with Sir Gawain."

"Funny you should mention that, Nephew, for as it just so happens, our Black haired potion-mistress/coconspirator Miss Rebecca Elson Mudge… dug-up three so-called war-heroes for us to test the potion on."

"Did she now?" Neville asked horrified and disgusted at the very though.

"Yes, cold blooded and cunning …that one," Muriel interjected with concern.

"I like her less and less the more I learn about her. Can't we get someone else?" Ron asked.

"Regretfully no, I gave my oath," Muriel retorted. "Your potion-mistress is …almost deranged in her obsession to see this done. There is a desperation surrounding the girl, a hidden motivation that goes way-beyond mere gold. She casually told me that her first choice for test subject would have fallen on your brother Fred. However, she had to abandon that idea when she learned of the Weasley custom to cremate their dead and scatter the ashes to the four winds."

"She knows which buttons to push on you Ron and I can't help but think that her extensive knowledge of you indicates careful pre-planning." Neville said in a worried tone.

"Who in bloody- hell is this woman?" Ron snarled.

"Mudge speaks nearly flawless English, but with a tiny accent that is both aristocratic and I suspect Eastern European in origin. Her wand and luggage was made in South America, her designer clothing is from, New York, Paris and Milan. The Ministry has nothing on the 'Mudge' name – nor does Wizarding Interpol - which I fully suspect is an alias."

"This is getting better and better. And so I'm stuck working with a mystery woman who knows loads about us …while we don't know squat about her."

"That's about it. Yes."

"Who were these test subjects, did she give any names?"

"No, but she did swear on her magic that two of the three lost their lives for Harry Potter sake."

"This has got to be the mother of all set-up's," Ron lamented.

OoOoOoOo

End trans – for now