Disclaimer: I don't own Septimus Heap

Author's Note: Thanks again to all who reviewed. You're cool. I'm adding a few OCs in this chapter. Not many, but enough to spice things up a little bit. I hope I don't offend anyone by adding the. For my Snorri fans: In this chapter, I am not painting her in the best light, but that doesn't mean I hate her. I assure you, I don't.

Chapter Four

The evening Beetle found the necklace was an eventful one for Septimus and Jenna. On a sudden whim, they had decided to visit Aunt Zelda in the Marram Marshes. Neither of them had wanted to spend the night with Silas if they didn't have to, and Aunt Zelda was always glad to have them. Jenna had asked Nicko to come along, but he refused. Jenna was a little upset that Nicko wouldn't be joining them, but she understood why he didn't want to go. He and Snorri had gone to Aunt Zelda's a few years back to spend some time together and Snorri had left him on their last night there. She had left a note on his bedside table and that was all. That was two years ago and Nicko had not seen Snorri since. It had taken him a long time get over her and Jenna knew he probably didn't want to be reminded of her if he didn't have to be.

Septimus and Jenna used the Queen's Way to get to Aunt Zelda's. When they were passing through the Queen's room, Jenna could feel someone watching her. It made her very uncomfortable. She really had no reason to be, though. It was only the ghost of her biological mother, the Queen, watching her. The Queen knew that the time to appear to Jenna was approaching rapidly. In less than a year, Jenna would be crowned Queen. Her mother did he ghost equivalent of a sigh and sat down in the chair in front of the fire.

When Septimus and Jenna reached Aunt Zelda's, they were shocked to find that Aunt Zelda was not alone in the house. There was a young girl who looked about Nicko's age standing beside Aunt Zelda in the kitchen, helping her slice eel tails. She was a slight figure, dressed in a simple tunic. She looked up as Septimus and Jenna entered the room, and her eyes locked on Septimus's. They were a soft chestnut brown color and Septimus knew immediately that she wasn't a Wizard. Wizards had trademark green eyes that were impossible to miss. Of course, he didn't hold this against her. Jenna was not a Wizard at all, but she was the person who would do anything for. The girl smiled warmly at Septimus and Jenna. "Zelda, is this?" she began.

Aunt Zelda looked up from slicing. "Oh hello Septimus, Jenna! What a nice surprise! I had no idea you were coming."

"We didn't either." laughed Septimus, "This afternoon we just decided to pay you a visit and here we are."

"Well, I am very glad to have you." replied Aunt Zelda, "There's going to be more than enough eel stew for everyone."

Jenna had not said anything since she had walked into the cottage. She was still taking in every detail of the girl in the kitchen. She didn't like the way Septimus was looking at this stranger. "Who's she?" she snapped suddenly.

"Oh my!" exclaimed Aunt Zelda, "It seems I have forgotten to introduce you to my friend here. Septimus, Jenna, meet Misty, my goddaughter. He father was a very dear friend of mine in my youth." "

"How do you do?" asked Misty, holding out her hand for Jenna to shake. Jenna hesitated, so Septimus shook it instead.

"Fine, thank you." He answered. Although honestly, standing next to Misty, he felt more than fine. There was something in her gaze that had made him feel all kinds of happy. He felt as if his pulse was racing a hundred miles an hour and he didn't know why. He shook himself. These feelings were stupid, they couldn't be real. Of course they weren't, it was his imagination. He felt for Jenna, and no one else. Yet, he couldn't dispel the sense of comfort he got when he gazed upon this Misty. It was as though he had seen her before somewhere.

"So you're the ExtraOrdinary Wizard's apprentice? That's really something." Misty said, obviously trying to start conversation. She wasn't exactly sure what to say. She had heard Zelda talk about Septimus and Jenna, but she had never dreamed that she'd get to meet them let alone at the same time.

Septimus understood how Misty felt. When he had first met Marcia, he had felt lost for words. "I was the ExtraOrdinary apprentice. I just graduated."

"Oh how nice!" started Misty, but she was cut off by Jenna.

"Just curious, what are you doing here? I mean, I just saw my Aunt at graduation three days ago, and she didn't mention you, and now, here you are in her house? Am I missing something?" Jenna was furious. She had just managed to make Septimus her own and she wasn't about to let him be snatched away by Zelda's thin, innocent looking goddaughter. No way.

Misty looked a tad bit hurt. "I can understand why this seems weird to you, your Highness, but I am only here visiting Zelda. I didn't know you were coming. If I had, I never would have come." Misty bowed her head respectfully. Septimus glared at Jenna, as if to tell her cut Misty some slack. Unfortunately, that was the last thing Jenna was going to do.

"You should go home! This was supposed to be my weekend with Septimus and I've only been here five minutes and you're already flirting with him! God, I don't understand other women." All of a sudden, Jenna stopped. She realized, right there and then, that she had practically admitted that she and Septimus were a couple. Jenna became very pale, waiting for Aunt Zelda or Misty to say something, but neither did. Finally, Aunt Zelda suggested that they have supper.

Jenna gave Septimus the silent treatment all through supper. She was still furious. Misty spoke quietly with Aunt Zelda and Septimus, when he ventured to say anything. After supper, Misty helped Aunt Zelda clean up and Septimus and Jenna got a moment to be alone.

"Jen, I wasn't flirting with Misty, honest. The only person I ever think about seriously is you, you know that."

"Sep, it's not that I don't want to believe you, but I saw the way you looked at her."

"Jenna, you have to understand, I felt like I knew her from somewhere. I can't explain it. Like she's my long lost sister or something. Not literally, but you know what I mean."

"Well, most people don't look at their sisters the way you were looking at her!" Jenna cried indignantly.

"I do." muttered Septimus. Jenna grinned in spite of herself. Septimus pressed home his advantage.

"Listen, Jen, I can't live without you. You know that." Jenna was beginning to believe Septimus.

"All right, All right, Sep. I forgive you."

"Thanks Jen." said Septimus, kissing her on the cheek quickly before anyone could see.

At the same time, on the other side of the house, Misty and Aunt Zelda were finishing cleaning up the kitchen. Misty was very upset. "Listen, Zelda, I know Jenna is your niece, but I can't understand what you think is so great about her. Did you hear her? She told me to go home! I have every right to be here, you're my godmother, for God's sake."

"Now, Misty, calm down. I'm sure something's bothering her. I think the two of you could get along quite nicely if you tried."

"Zelda, I would love to get along with her! I tried to be nice and she treated me like dirt! You saw that, how could you not? And the way she was so possessive of her brother, it was almost like she was having someone kind of..relationship with him. It just seems so twisted! Besides, I wasn't flirting with her brother, I don't flirt with people I don't know. I have to know the person well before I get interested, it's just how I am."

"I know that, Misty. Just give Jenna time, she'll snap out of it. She is most certainly not having any kind of unusual relationship with Septimus, I'm shocked that you even suggested that."

Misty sighed and gave up. She could see she wasn't getting anywhere with Zelda.

Later, around midnight, Septimus was lying awake. He was still a little unsettled. He knew he loved Jenna, but there was something so familiar about Misty. He just wanted to figure out what had seemed so welcoming about her. In any case, he knew he felt more for Jenna. In fact, he had a sudden urge to see Jenna right then. He knew her bedroom was right across the hall. She was probably asleep, but it was worth a shot.

Slowly, Septimus crept across the hall, quiet as a mouse. He knew that if he was caught by Aunt Zelda, he would have a lot of explaining to do. As he opened Jenna's door, it made a loud, creaking noise. Septimus froze. Jenna sat up in a fright. Septimus glanced around the hall to make sure no one else had heard. Once he was sure that Aunt Zelda and Misty hadn't heard him, he whispered, "Jen, it's me."

"Sep?" she asked into the darkness.

"Yes."

"What are you doing here? Aunt Zelda could catch us."

"I was cold." replied Septimus simply. "I needed an angel's arms to keep me warm."

Jenna snickered. "There aren't any angels here, Sep."

"You are my angel, Jen." Septimus sat down on Jenna's bed. She didn't hesitate to take him into her arms and kiss him. It was a passionate, forceful kiss, more urgent than some of the kisses they had shared the past few days. Jenna pushed Septimus onto his back and laid down on top of him, kissing him all the while.

When she finally stopped, she asked, "How many angels kiss like that?"

Septimus didn't answer, he was too busy unbuttoning his night shirt. Suddenly, Jenna felt a little nervous. She wasn't sure she like where this was going. Septimus's voice interrupted Jenna's worries.

"I know this seems extreme, Jen, but I love you. I want you. I don't know what I'll do if I lose you. I want to show you how much I love you right now. You were so stupid tonight, Jenna. I never thought I'd say that, but you really were acting stupid when you suggested that I was interested in Misty." Jenna tensed, she didn't want this conversation to go back to Misty.

"Please Sep, let's make tonight about us. Let's not talk about anything else. In fact, Septimus, I don't want to talk. I am tired of talking. Let's just show each other how we feel. Words can be so empty and senseless sometimes." Jenna was pleading now.

"I agree." said Septimus, who was beginning to see where Jenna was coming from. She was right. They didn't need to talk. There was nothing that talking could accomplish better than physically loving each other. Not another word was spoken between the two of them that night, but they showed each other everything they wanted to say. That night Septimus and Jenna Heap were together in a way they never had been before. It was the sweetest night of Jenna's life. She forgot all of her worries and found consolation in Septimus's arms.

For Septimus, it was heaven too. He finally understood what it meant to make love to someone else. He wished he could escape to another world, a place where he and Jenna could be together and do this all the time, without being judged. Eventually, the pair fell asleep in one another's arms, their minds and hearts filled with passion and love for one another.

A few hours before dawn, Septimus awoke and tiptoed back to his room, careful not to wake Jenna, who was slumbering peacefully. As he was returning, to his room, he heard a noise. It was the sound of a door being opened and shut. Septimus was afraid for a moment. During his night with Jenna, he had forgotten all about Misty and Zelda and now, they were the last people in the world he wanted to see. The only person in the world that truly mattered now was Jenna. He was sure he'd come back to his senses in a few hours, but for now, he wanted to think of Jenna and Jenna alone.

Little did Septimus know, someone was already well aware of his relationship with Jenna. Misty had heard Septimus leave his room the night before and had guessed where he was going. She was correct. She had not bothered to tell Zelda. Misty didn't like getting into the business of others. She was like her godmother in some ways. Zelda never bothered anyone, and Misty tried not to either.

At around ten o'clock, Zelda came into Septimus's room to wake him. She was beginning to wonder if he was sick. She knew he didn't sleep in much. Jenna had slept in as well, but that wasn't unusual for her. When she and Septimus came into the kitchen for breakfast, they seemed particularly chipper. Aunt Zelda whished Misty could see Jenna now, when she was happy. Then, certainly, Misty would change her opinion.

"Where is Misty this morning?" asked Jenna sweetly. After the night's events, Jenna no longer viewed Misty as a threat.

"She's out taking a morning jog." replied Aunt Zelda, "She does love to do that."

"Oh, that's, um, nice." said Jenna, trying to conceal her feelings of distaste. Now that she was an adult, she found running to be very childish and not very lady like.

"Yes, it is." Aunt Zelda said, not catching the sarcasm in Jenna's voice. As if on cue, Misty burst through the door, followed by a tall, glorious looking blonde haired girl. Jenna recognized the girl immediately.

"Snorri Snorrelson!" spat Jenna.

"That's my name, don't wear it out." The girl replied in a lovely sing song accent that all of the Northern Traders possessed. Zelda was not very pleased to see Snorri after the way she had treated Nicko, but she didn't have the heart to turn her away either. Some part of her still hoped that Nicko and Snorri would re-establish their relationship. They had seemed so right together.

"Snorri!" Aunt Zelda exclaimed, trying her best to look happy. "What brings you back here?"

"I'm hungry and tired and felt like dropping in on some old friends." She winked at Jenna, who scowled.

"I just met your goddaughter, Misty. She's swell." continued Snorri, who was actually enjoying being the center of attention. Jenna suddenly noticed that Snorri wasn't alone. There was a radiant looking man standing in the doorway behind her. Jenna's heart sank. She thanked God Nicko wasn't there to see him. She had a bad feeling about who he might be.

Misty also had a bad feeling about this young man, but for another reason entirely. She too guessed that he was Snorri's romantic partner, but she hadn't wanted to believe it. He was a quiet fellow, with kind eyes and a lofty expression. His hair was chocolate brown and his eyes were hazel and seemed to sparkle as Misty stared into them. She had liked him from the moment she laid eyes on him. While she was running, she had tripped over a stump in the road and fallen right into to him. Honestly, she was still pretty embarrassed. He probably thought he was a klutz.

Snorri surveyed the room with a triumphant gaze. "I have something important to tell you guys. I'd like you to tell Nicko for me, you know, because we're so close." Jenna started to protest, Snorri went on as though she didn't hear Jenna at all. "I am getting married." She announced, beaming. "This is my fiancée, Cliff."

Cliff, thought Misty, what a beautiful name! Then, she pinched herself, Snap out of it, girl. She said to herself. He's Snorri's.

Jenna didn't think she could take Snorri's attitude any longer. "I can't believe you!" she yelled, before anyone could stop her."You've got nerve to come back here in the first place, let alone to tell us you're getting married! Why should we care? You treated my brother horribly!"

Aunt Zelda stopped Jenna from saying any more. "Jenna, dear, please. That's more than enough."

"Come on, Aunt Zelda, you know it's true." Jenna said, exasperated. Then, turning back to Septimus, she said, "Let's go Sep, I can't take this."

Septimus didn't object. He and Jenna walked outside and Jenna spent the rest of the afternoon ranting about her hate for Snorri.

Aunt Zelda spent the afternoon listening to Snorri go on and on about her wedding plans while Misty spent the afternoon talking with Cliff, who was actually a very interesting person. Sometiems, though, it was hard for Misty to think of anything to say to him. She was still a bit shy because of her embarrassing fall that morning. He had grown up on a vineyard, but had grown tired of that life. Eventually, he had taken up working with horses in the farmlands. Cliff explained that he liked working with animals and had always desired to do that as a child. Misty couldn't help but wonder what had drawn to Cliff to Snorri in the first place. They didn't seem to have a lot in common. As Misty was pondering this, Cliff asked her a question that caught her completely off guard.

"What about you, Misty? What do you want to do with your life?" It seemed like a simple enough question, but no one had ever asked Misty that before. Misty had begun to think that no one cared. She'd always felt a little like an outsider, no one had ever really gotten her. She had begun to wonder if anyone really cared. She was rather relieved that someone finally seemed interested in her life. Still, she hesitated to tell Cliff. A lot of people had laughed at her life dream, called it stupid in fact.

"I wanna do two things." she began, still a bit nervous. "I want to write poetry and I want dedicate my life to helping those less fortunate, especially the homeless. I just feel like they deserve all the help they can get." Misty held her breath, waiting for Cliff to start laughing like everyone else had, but he didn't. Instead, he seemed to be really considering her statement.

"That's an incredibly noble thing. My father was homeless for a while after the Great War ended. He's told me about it. It sounds really, really awful. If you start a refuge for the homeless, I'll help you."

Misty's spirits rose. "Would you really?" she asked, hoping she didn't sound too excited.

"Sure. But you said you also wanted to be some kind of a poet-"

Misty cut him off. "I know, it's stupid."

"Not at all. I don't know much about poetry, but it takes a lot of talent. Even Snorri's poetry isn't that great and she's good at that sort of stuff." Misty's heart sank, even though knew it shouldn't have. She understood that Cliff was getting married, but she couldn't help herself. She still didn't want to hear about Snorri.

A few hours later, Septimus and Jenna had returned, and everyone was gathered around Aunt Zelda's table, sharing a very interesting supper. Surprisingly, no one bickered during supper, but that was probably because Snorri was fairly quiet. No one could figure out why, but it didn't really matter. That night, Septimus and Jenna made love again. On this night, it was even easier to get away with it than it had been the night before. Aunt Zelda had been running out of bedrooms to put people in, so she had placed Septimus and Jenna in the same bedroom. Misty couldn't understand how Aunt Zelda was so oblivious, but she said nothing. She had other things on her mind now. That night, Misty had many vivid dreams all of which involved Cliff. When she awoke, she half expected to see him lying beside her because the dreams had seemed so real. She couldn't believe she was smitten with an engaged man. It was just her luck that when she finally found someone worth being with, he was promised to someone else.

Meanwhile, back in the Castle, Silas Heap was very content. He had spent his entire day going through much of the Palace wine and remembering his three year affair with Marcia Overstrand. He knew it sounded corny, but he believed a person was only permitted one "true love" in life and she had been it. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that Sarah had always been a replacement. A rebound relationship. He knew Marcia had never been as serious about him as he was about her, but he still felt they had had something remarkable, something special. By the end of the night, he had consumed as much alcohol as he could manage, and he decided to do something about his loneliness. And so, at three AM, Silas Heap was heading for the Wizard Tower.