Chapter Twenty-Six
Many Happy Returns
Jennifer rolled her eyes and shook her head, refilling Myrine's coffee cup where she sat at the kitchen bar.
"Honestly, she could at least come down and apologize for the scene even if she isn't sorry for what she did," Jennifer sighed. "I know how much of a headache that is going to cause you."
"Well, the media will definitely have a field day with it, that's for certain," Myrine said with a wry smile. "Although don't worry too much about Dale's nose. My husband may only have an Associate's degree in magic, but he has a natural knack for basic healing spells. It might look a bit off color under high definition, but there won't be any swelling and we were able to convince several of our backers that it was worse than what it actually is. The toy company is a little miffed, of course."
"Well, I think that sentiment goes both ways," Jennifer said dryly, pulling out another basket and starting to fill it. "Lucky looked positively heartbroken when I told her that voodoo didn't work with plastic." Myrine blinked once and then the two women broke out laughing.
"I had better get going. I need to get with Duffy's agent and figure out how to approach this with the media," Myrine said, getting up.
"Are you sure the three of you can't come tonight so you can get away from the craziness for a while?" Jennifer frowned.
"Thank you, but I'm afraid not, especially not now. We only have a couple of weeks to work with, after all," Myrine said. "Besides, considering how the children are getting on at the moment, it's hardly a good time to put them together, is it?"
"But you are taking time off for Christmas?" Jennifer asked.
"We're going to the ski resort, Jennifer, now stop worrying," Myrine tsked at her. "For twenty-four hours we'll spend some family time together… or rather, I'll spend twenty-four hours trying to keep Bert and Dale from trying to kill each other." Jennifer couldn't help but chuckle at that.
The door of the basement opened and Severus stepped out, peering in the kitchen thoughtfully.
"Oh, so this is what all the cackling is about," he mused. "And what brings you out and about, Myrine? From what you said in your letter, you had a full schedule."
"So I have! In fact, I really ought to get going," Myrine said. "Thanks for the tea, Jennifer."
"This is for you too, Myrine!" Jennifer said, handing her the basket. "It's a bit of a tradition around here, no one leaves here without one."
"Thank you," Myrine chuckled and accepted it. Jennifer walked her to the door, unsurprised to find Severus still standing there questioningly when she got back to the kitchen.
"Finished off the last of the old mistletoe?" Jennifer asked.
"Almost, just some simmering pots left. What was it Myrine didn't want to talk to me about?" Severus asked.
"Well, if you must know, Lucky and Dale had a ruin today," Jennifer said, putting the springerle out as an attempt to distract him.
"What sort of run-in?" Severus asked suspiciously, having no intention of falling for it.
"Oh, well, it rather involved Lucky's fist having a run-in with Dale's nose, actually," Jennifer admitted. Severus rolled his eyes and let out a deep sigh. "Not that it wasn't provoked… apparently that publicity date they set Dale up with kissed him during an appearance and Lucky took offense to it," she said with amusement. "Dale was elated, of course."
"A public appearance? How many people saw her do this?" Severus frowned.
"Everyone in the toy department of Harrod's I'd say, and half a dozen reporters who had gotten hints that they'd be there," Jennifer said. Severus groaned. "Now, don't worry. Myrine was able to whisk them out of there very quickly when things went bad and arranged for Lucky to meet Ben at the car. No one was certain where she went, or even who she was."
"And they'll be hounding Dale and the girl about it until they find out something. They're reporters, they're paid to dig in at the first sign of blood," Severus said.
"You're making them sound like vultures, Severus," Jennifer tsked.
"An adequate description, yes," Severus said expressionlessly. "I doubt even Ron Weasley would disagree with it."
"Oh, well, no, maybe not," Jennifer chuckled. "You'd better go check those potions, Severus."
"Certain you're not just attempting to get me out of the kitchen?" he inquired.
"Of course I am. I have a lot to do and it won't be long before people starting to show up. Honestly, Severus, you ought to have the holiday routine down pat by now," Jennifer teased.
"Yes. Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you about that, while we have a moment alone," Severus said.
"Well, considering this is probably the only moment alone we'll have this evening, I'd say now is the time," Jennifer chuckled, searching through the ice box and pulling out a relish tray.
"Jennifer, I don't want to light the Log this year," Severus said. Jennifer looked up in complete surprise, gazing at his serious expression. "That honor is supposed to go to the head of the household, and it was you who carried the family through the majority of crises this year, not me. I would prefer it if you did it."
"Don't be silly, Severus!" Jennifer sighed.
"I am being nothing of the sort. I would not feel comfortable doing such a thing when I was not even here last year."
"Oh, well, neither was I, really, we went to the ball…"
"You knew perfectly well what I meant," Severus said evenly.
"Severus, please. I just want to move on," Jennifer said quietly, gazing at him sincerely.
"Yes, I know, Jennifer, but I cannot possibly go out there and pretend it didn't happen," Severus said. Jennifer paused, wondering if she heard something.
"I don't want it brought up, Severus," Jennifer said firmly. Severus gazed at her steadily for a moment, but then there was a clear knock on the door. Jennifer moved to answer it, but Severus caught her sleeve.
"Together then," Severus said in a low voice. A warm smile spread over her face and she nodded as she went for the door, more than a bit surprised when he paused at the basement door as if curious to see who it was.
But when Jennifer opened the door she let out a cry of sheer surprise, hugging the elderly witch standing there happily.
"Minerva, Minerva, Minerva!" Jennifer said, laughing at the same time. "It's so good to see you! When did you get back? What are you doing here?"
"Staying here, if you'll have me," Minerva laughed.
"I should say so! Might be a bit noisy," Jennifer warned but was obviously pleased at the prospect of having her as a houseguest.
"All the better! It's just what I need after my time in the Otherworld," Minerva chuckled, noticing as Severus had attempted to discreetly move her suitcase inside. "Good afternoon, Severus! Thank you for offering to take me in, it'll give Albus more free time to visit Rosmerta without me underfoot, and I did want to see Jennifer."
"Albus is here too? What a fabulous Christmas this is going to be!" Jennifer said happily. "Come, let's get you settled upstairs. I suppose you remember Lucky?" she added, when she saw the girl standing at the top of the stairs wondering what the fuss was about.
"This is Lucky? Goodness, but you've changed! You've lost weight, haven't you?"
"Same weight, just taller," Lucky shrugged.
"That does make a difference," Minerva said with amusement.
"Fortuna, why don't you come downstairs and mind the door so I can finish those potions?" Severus suggested, and reluctantly Lucky started down the stairs. "And try not to hit anyone this time," he added dryly before returning to the basement. Lucky grimaced but went to the living room, turning on the television.
"I really do love what you've done with your hair, Jennifer," Minerva said, watching as Jennifer cracked the window in the bedroom across from Lucky's. "And this is a very nice room."
"It was Alex's at one point, but her family's in the suite at the other end of the hall now. We'll probably fix one of these rooms for their two boys when they get older, but I've been reluctant to do it since Andrew and Aurelius show up and crash here at random times," Jennifer chortled.
"Still bachelors then, I take it," Minerva said with amusement.
"Much to Severus' dismay, yes," Jennifer grinned.
"And how is Severus?" Minerva asked.
"Oh, marvelous! In fact, I think he is actually starting to like his job," Jennifer chuckled.
"That does sound like an improvement," Minerva agreed. "And how is Jennifer?"
"Fine, obviously," Jennifer said with a chuckle, a bit unnerved by Minerva's steady gaze. "Honestly, I've never been better! Although I really ought to go check and see who else is here, I thought I heard the door just now. Make yourself comfortable, the bathroom's to the right as you come out. I'm afraid you're sharing it with Lucky, but if she leaves anything hanging about, just let me know and I'll throttle her."
"Not too hard, I hope," Minerva said with amusement, watching thoughtfully as Jennifer made her escape.
By the time Minerva came back downstairs, a great deal of the Snape family had already arrived, along with Sirius and Anna who both offered her warm hugs.
"Well, that explains what that noise was," Minerva said, Sirius grinning in response. "I see age hasn't spoiled your looks, Sirius."
"Just like a good wine, isn't that right, Anna?" Sirius said.
"I think I'll refrain from comment," Anna said. "Although I am surprised to see you, Minerva! If I had known you were coming, I'd have tried to talk the twins to come along."
"I won't be going anywhere anytime soon, and I'm sure I'll see everyone," Minerva reassured her with a smile. "In fact, if my escort is willing, I'm hoping to hang out until summer. I can use the change of pace."
"What is it like over there?" Sirius asked quietly.
"Well, I suppose it varies as it does here, but there is a more definitive separation between good and evil, with great magic barriers in between them. But in the Faelands where we live it is very beautiful, and very serene," Minerva said with a thin smile. "The gardens have the right of way, so to speak, they grow over everything, and all the structures are of broken and cobbled stone or sea stone. Thoughts and dreams seem to have more meaning and words less so, and it is so peaceful you often don't know if ten minutes have past or ten years. Albus loves it there, of course."
"But you don't, do you?" Anna asked thoughtfully.
"Actually, I do, very much so," Minerva said wryly. "I've simply discovered in the process of going there that I'm not quite ready to retire to that sort of quiet just yet. I've been spending all my time thinking of what little tidbits Merlin would tell us was about what was going on here and worrying about it, wishing I was here to help. Albus never worries about it anymore like I do, though, he simply keeps telling me, 'they are still young, but they will work it all out in the end, just be patient. I have faith in them, don't you?'"
"Well? Don't you?" Sirius challenged her with a smile.
"Well, yes, but the problem is that Albus and I have different views of what the words 'young' and 'patient,' mean," Minerva said with amusement. "And right now I don't feel like I am either. Speaking of which, Anna, how would you like to help me corner Jennifer into a Coven Night? She sounds overdue."
"Really?" Anna said thoughtfully, glancing in to where Jennifer was coddling Michael and wondering if she should have been paying closer attention.
"I'm not sure what is going on, but if you're looking for inconspicuous timing, you could always arrange for a Coven Night just before Ashley's wedding. It's on the thirty-first, you know," Sirius suggested.
"That's a good idea, actually," Minerva agreed. "I rather wanted to have a bit of a chat with her too."
"Do you have anyone else in mind you want to have a chat with?" Anna asked with a grin.
"Hm, give me a day or two, and I'll let you know," Minerva answered with a thin, amused smile.
A knock at the door ended the conversation as Sirius cordially turned and opened it and Corey, Rose, and a flood of kids came in. But Minerva couldn't help but focus in on the boy standing there with a fierce gaze and a book grasped in both hands. Corey, who had spoken with Minerva earlier that day, simply gave them all a wave before making his way through the quickly filling front room, glancing at the clock.
"I take it grandfather's not coming this year," he chuckled.
"He has a houseguest this year," Aurelius explained. "And he said something about wanting to go down an check things at the mine while he was off work."
"Is he going to be down there long?" Natalie frowned.
"I'm sure they'll be back by your birthday," Corey reassured her. "Hullo, Mom! Still in the kitchen? Where's Dad?"
"Where do you suppose?" Jennifer said, giving Michael his bottle and ignoring Alicia's protests to let her do it. Corey nodded and banged on the basement door repeatedly until finally Severus popped it open and glared at him.
"You would think an alchemist would be aware that certain potions are highly sensitive to ground movement, let alone noise," he snapped.
"In that case, the place would have blown up the moment we got here," Corey reasoned. "Your grandson would like to have a word with you."
"It couldn't have waited five more minutes?" Severus complained, but came out anyway, wiping his hands off with a cloth before following Corey into the front room. It was then that Charles the Third stomped over and held out a large tome.
"This isn't my book," he said flatly.
"No?" Severus said expressionlessly, ignoring Corey's amused expression.
"It doesn't have the right stories in it. Somebody switched it." Charles the Third said, glaring at his siblings accusingly.
"I told him that was the same book, but the silly child won't listen!" Hope said indignantly. "He insists that they were in the book and they weren't all made up, because he thinks you don't make things up, Grandfather." Severus was well aware that Charles' gaze hadn't left him.
"I didn't make those stories up. I simply embellished them a tad. Each one was based on an actual event," Severus said defensively, as knowing grins were passed around the room.
"Well, this book is stupid. I want my old book back!" Charles said.
"Milk!" Janus said, pointing at his grandfather accusingly. Alex cringed and pretended she didn't hear him. Lucky snickered softly.
"Fine, give me that, and I will try to find your old book for you," Severus said, taking the book and musing if he should pull out a book in a different language to try out on him instead. "It might take a bit," he added.
"I'll wait," Charles said, and sat down, as if expecting it at any moment.
"Perhaps we should gather to light the Log," Jennifer suggested.
"Mum to the rescue again," Andrew chuckled as Rose gathered Charles up and they quickly reassembled, while Jennifer and Severus went to the fireplace with their wands out, Jennifer watching him and waiting for a cue.
Severus hesitated momentarily, seeing Jennifer's expectant face. He then glanced at Aurelius thoughtfully, until finally he found himself gazing at Lucky's stony disconnected expression and suddenly felt as if he regained his focus.
"May we learn from the past, and not be trapped by it," Severus said in a low voice, gazing back at Jennifer who had gotten solemn. "May we be look towards the future, but not be blinded by it. And may we live in the present, and make the most of every moment." Jennifer smiled and nodded and the two of them lit the Yule Log, a smattering of applause going out as Jennifer, Alex and Alicia brought out trays from the kitchen and Severus simply plucked his glass of Black Anise wine off the mantle to sip.
"That was very good, Severus," Minerva said as everyone began getting settled again. "Although from the way you hesitated, I was expecting a full blown speech."
"I found myself thinking of the year that Jennifer lost her memories, actually," Severus said.
"Oh no, please don't tell that gingerbread story again," Corey pleaded, Jennifer nodding in agreement. Everyone else chuckled, except for Charles who was looking up at him hopefully.
"No, I was thinking more about the accident with the Pensieve, and how Jackie decided to take the worst of Jennifer's memories rather than have none at all," Severus said, and Jennifer smiled softly at him, sitting down near where he was standing. "And I was thinking that if I had faced some of my worst memories, I do not think I would have been brave enough to do the same."
"Considering how many deaths you had to witness in those early years, Severus, I doubt anyone would blame you for that," Minerva said. "Although I admit, I probably wouldn't have taken them either."
"I know I wouldn't have, although one look at my Pensieve collection would have probably scared me out of looking to see what was in them," Corey chuckled.
"I certainly wouldn't have," Aurelius said quietly, and Alex, Alicia and Andrew all chimed in firm agreement.
"Gimme a break," Lucky snorted, folding her arms and shaking her head. She had been so quiet up until then that most of them had forgotten she was even there. "There ain't nuthin' you got that could be worse than what I want to forget." The room grew quiet; only the crackle of the fire and Rus' babbling could be heard, and Minerva looked around curiously at the reaction.
"Not that it could possibly be measured, considering that memories are completely subjective," Severus said evenly, glancing around. "But I admit I am curious as to what memories were the turning point to your deciding not to take them in a similar situation. I was thinking of several for myself, although the first thing that came to mind for me was everything that happened the night that Lyra died," he said. He immediately felt a hand on his wrist and sat down on the arm of Jennifer's chair. "I don't suppose anyone else would care to share what the first thing that came to their minds was?"
"I know what might have been the first on several of our minds," Alex said, trying to adjust her arm, for Janus had fallen asleep. "The way Mum looked when Malfoy revealed that he had been torturing her for months."
"I was thinking about that too," Andrew admitted.
"Same here," Aurelius said.
"So was I," Alicia murmured.
"Strange," Corey began, the others gazing in his direction. "You know, I've had a great many close calls over the years, from daggers, Bludgers, to brooms, but the first thing that came into my mind was the night that Professor Dumbledore told me that my parents had died two days before."
"We were trying to spare your Christmas, Corey," Minerva said gently, and Corey nodded to her.
"I know that," Corey said, nodding to her. "I suppose in a similar situation I'd have done the same thing. But I felt so guilty after that about having fun when they were getting murdered that Christmas Eve was a living nightmare to me for years."
"Is it now?" Natalie asked worriedly, but Corey smiled.
"No, you cured me of that the night you were born," Corey said. "And even though that night it looked as if the world was on the verge of coming to an end, the moment I saw you, I knew we would survive somehow."
"What a horribly dark Christmas that was!" Alex agreed.
"Not as bad as the year before when we had to go running for our lives out of this very house, and me in Andrew's night shirt, no less," Aurelius said.
"And what of two years before that, when I had to pull you off the top of the Astrology Tower to keep you from jumping?" Andrew said.
"That night I'd rather remember," Aurelius said, gazing at his father. "Although I admit it was a rotten Christmas having to stay at the school after losing the Broom Closet."
"I have twelve Christmases that I would like to forget," Sirius said. "And everything the came in between them."
"My worst Christmas was that first after my father and mother fled Voldemort," Jennifer said quietly. "We were lucky to have even had anything to eat that year, and I certainly didn't expect to get anything. My father gave me the Mallus wand that year rather than nothing at all."
"Yes, my worst Christmas stems from my childhood as well," Severus said, gazing over at Anna. "The night our parents died and I unintentionally killed the man who did it out of anger."
"You wouldn't have survived had you not done it, Severus," Sirius said evenly.
"Yes, I know that now, of course, but at that age I only understood that I had done something irreparable and had blood on my hands," Severus said. "I had simply reacted from survival instinct, without any thought to any consequences, and that moment pivoted my life in a completely different direction than it might have taken had it not happened. My uncle didn't want me. The Ministry was terrified of me, and both of them wanted me committed. Had Dumbledore not taken me in, I never would have come out of it, even though it took me years of missteps and practically killing you before I realized it."
"Glad to have been of service," Sirius said dryly.
"My parents died around Christmas too," Lucky murmured, but when she felt eyes on her she suddenly realized she had said it out loud. "Can I turn in? I'm feeling kinda tired," she said.
"Certainly, Lucky," Jennifer said, and Severus nodded as well, but no one said anything for a while, listening to the sound of her footsteps on the stairs.
"Milk," Janus said sleepily.
"Alright," Alex said, carefully getting up. "I think I'd better put him to sleep as well."
"Be right back," Ben agreed, carrying Rus upstairs behind her. Severus looked around thoughtfully, but most were looking off in the direction of the stairs, except for Minerva who was gazing at him fixedly.
"Your pardon, Minerva, I suppose that was a grim conversation for Yule," Severus said.
"It was unusual," Minerva said with a lopsided smile, swirling her wine glass. "Interesting, but unusual," she added. "Nor have I ever heard you speak so openly about anything before, Severus, although I got the impression that you were speaking to a particular person in the room rather than in general."
"An astute observation," Severus said expressionlessly, tapping his glass gently and watching as it refilled.
"I've had years of experience watching how Headmasters work. You seem to have picked up some habits," Minerva said.
"He's brilliant at it, actually," Jennifer said, still holding securely onto his arm.
"There is something I am wondering, if I may, Jennifer," Francis said, and Jennifer gazed at him curiously. "A lot of things have happened since you lost your memories, many of which were brought up just a moment ago. Do you suppose you would have chosen differently now than you had then?"
"I would have chosen the same," Jennifer said with such certainty that even Severus gazed at her questioningly. "Even after everything else that's happened, Keki's death was the worst thing that's ever happened to me," she explained quietly. "In some ways, it hurt worse than my mother's death, for I was there to witness it, and even after regaining that part of me I lost to her, the memory of losing her remains. Nothing short of losing Severus or one of the children could possibly come close to what I went through that day, and since I chose to keep that memory then, I'm fairly sure I'd choose it again, even along with everything else that's happened since. After all, it is like Severus said; the past should be seen as a learning experience, not as a punishment."
"You are the one who taught me that," Severus said quietly.
"Lay it on thick, Dad," Corey grinned, Rose nudging him slightly for commenting on it.
"Seriously, someone open the vent and let some of this smarmy heat out," Aurelius agreed.
"Fine, if you're going to be that way about it, I'm done talking," Severus said, and reached behind the couch to get his violin case, a large round of protests going up.
"Why don't we just let your portrait play instead? He's gotten quite good, you know," Andrew suggested quickly as Severus worked to open his case. Severus paused and stared at him.
"He has a point, actually," Aurelius put in. "That portrait of you sounded much improved the last time I heard him playing in Mum's office."
"Impossible," Severus said flatly, taking out his violin. "It's nothing more than a bit of ghost paint and Francis' workmanship, there is no way a portrait can actually learn anything new…"
"What about the sign language?" Alicia pointed out.
"That is different, as you know very well. Paintings are charmed to adapt their language skills so they can be interpreted in today's English. I'm certain he was able to pick it up because of it," Severus said.
"Music can be considered a language by some, Severus," Jennifer said with a grin.
"Not by paintings," Severus said firmly, putting the violin under his chin. But just as he lifted his bow and before he could draw them across the strings, a sweet not rang out from directly behind him. He whirled around in surprise to see his own image had snuck into the painting of Corey in the backyard, and was playing his favorite Mendelssohn at a devilish pace and with the precision of a master. His jaw dropped in surprise until he saw in the reflection of the mirror on the wall the grins being past behind him and he clamped it shut, growing more annoyed by the minute. Finishing that particular section of the piece, the portrait paused and looked around questioningly and received a standing ovation.
"Showoff," Severus muttered under his breath, the portrait simply smirking at him in response.
Ambrose Bailey had a rather disagreeable Yule. His mother had invited Bart over for dinner, and had insisted he take a full bath, nails trimmed and best suit on and his hair slicked down and even worse, parted down the middle. It involved a rather informal introduction between them as if they had never met before, and then went into a somewhat sour (in Ambrose's opinion) attempt at a family gathering despite the fact that except for the Log itself, Ashley had to stop and explain a lot of the traditions involved.
Finally his mother got him settled with a piping hot mug of cider with a cinnamon stick, tea for the two of them and biscuits. Ambrose was only partially aware that they were talking about him, for his mind was constantly on his father, for he had yet told his mother that he knew, despite the fact that a million questions raced through his head about it. The talk turned to the Order of the Owls, but Ambrose gazed out the window until he heard his name and looked up to see his mother's frowning face.
"My goodness, you look to be a million miles away tonight! Are you all right, Ambrose?" Ashley asked.
"Oh, I'm fine, sorry," Ambrose said with a grin. "I was just thinking, that's all."
"You're always thinking," Ashley tsked, and Ambrose found her straightening his hair again. "I was just telling Bart about your tapestry. Why don't you go get it?" Ambrose blinked in surprise.
"You really want me to show him?" Ambrose asked in surprise.
"Well, why wouldn't I?" Ashley answered back, also surprised. "It's very good, Ambrose, let's see it. He's so modest," she said with exasperation as he slowly got up.
"A good trait for anyone with his talents to have," Bart said approvingly.
Ambrose went over to his school trunk and began digging in it, carefully pulling out the tapestry loom, which looked much taller than the box he pulled it out of, looking over his work carefully.
"We have a visitor tonight. Everyone ready for visitors?" he asked the figures on the tapestry. The simple knights and maidens in the background saluted and curtseyed in response, while in the foreground, Arthur was too busy being crowned to pay attention to anything else, while Lancelot, Gawain and the rest stood solemnly watching. Merlin, who seemed to never be too busy to comment, straightened his court robes thoughtfully.
"Oh, well, now that you mention it, my beard is much longer than I normally like," Merlin said. "Any longer and I might get a creak in the neck. I don't suppose you could manage a trim?"
"Well, your beard is an awful lot lower than your head, so if I unraveled the thread to fix it, I'd have to take your head off too," Ambrose explained. "And your neck."
"Ah. Good point. Best let's just leave it then," Merlin decided, and Ambrose broke into a grin, carefully picking up the frame and bringing it in the small living room, setting it back up.
"Here it is," Ambrose said, stepping away from it and looking between them.
"Why! You've done so much more on it since this summer!" Ashley said with surprise, gazing at the Merlin figure, who had attempted to take off his hat only to realize that half of it wasn't finished yet, and was resigned to leave it on. "And so accurate!"
"Who is the tall fellow up there on the tower you're working on? I swear I saw him move just now," Bart said.
"That's Merlin, the greatest wizard ever," Ambrose said. Ashley gazed at his serious face curiously. "I used a painting at the school to copy him, but I'm afraid I got the beard a bit too long."
"A bit?" Merlin said, looking down towards his chest. "I could probably hide a polar bear in that."
"Blimey! It talked!" Bart said with amazement.
"So it did. Ambrose, I don't mean to be critical, for it is such a lovely tapestry, but perhaps it would be better of you made Merlin in the same style as the others you've woven, nice and simple," Ashley said, gazing at the figure worriedly.
"But there's nothing simple about him, Mum," Ambrose argued. "He's even more complex than the story itself, although it's filled with intrigues and conflicts as much mental as physical. But all of the struggles that Arthur and his court went through to try and rise mankind above its current stage of chaos is just one chapter in one volume of his life, and probably not one of his favorite at that. So, he has to be more detailed, because he's the one truly carrying the story… well, at least until Viviane showed up and tricked him into solitude because she thought he was interfering too much, at least that's what I think happened from what I've read."
"You've been reading about it at school?" Ashley asked.
"Yes, and I borrowed some books from the library so I could research it for the tapestry," Ambrose explained.
"Do you like to read a lot?" Bart asked with a smile.
"Yes. History is my favorite subject," Ambrose said.
"Really? It was my least favorite," Bart said with a chuckle. "Here, I know. How about you and me take a trip to the city tomorrow, and we can maybe have lunch and a chat and make a day of it?"
"Oh. All right," Ambrose said with a solemn nod, agreeing more for his mother's sake than for his own. Ashley smiled uncertainly at him, not sure what to make of her son's reaction. "Can I have some more cider, Mum?"
"Of course! And let me get us some more tea as well," Ashley said with a smile, but her mind was filled with questions that didn't get answered when Ambrose decided to turn in early.
Ambrose stirred early the next morning, feeling a crisp winter breeze tickling his nose and a high pitched trilling sound that seemed familiar but he couldn't quite pinpoint it. He shifted, but more of the cold came in. He wrapped himself up in the blankets, threatening to fall back to sleep, when he saw a flutter at the window and blearily focused in on the beautiful blue bird peering at him. Immediately he sat up and was wide-awake.
"Halcyon!" Ambrose said with excitement, and the bird simply eyed him and flew back out the window. "Look, Archimedes, Mr. Toby is back! Let's go see him!" Ambrose said, immediately getting a bobbing head in response as he quickly threw on some clothes and his jacket and went running out the door.
It was snowing, and from the coverage on the ground, it had been snowing for some time. Ambrose slipped and slid down the street, having trouble getting his footing in the deep snow, ignoring the signs on Toby's door and pushing his way inside. The shelves were starting to fill back up again, and the incomparable tinker was sitting behind the counter, smiling warmly at him.
"Mr. Toby! You're back!" Ambrose said happily as Archimedes decided to take his old perch on the shelf behind the counter.
"And so are you, I see! Goodness, Ambrose, what are you wearing on your feet?" Toby asked, and Ambrose looked down to see he was still wearing his dragon-shaped night slippers.
"I knew I was forgetting something," Ambrose chuckled at himself.
"Well, grab that pair of snow boots off the shelf and take those off to dry while I get you some cocoa," Toby suggested.
Ambrose did as he was told, walking up to the counter in his bare feet with his soggy slippers in one hand and the pair of boots (apparently in his size and with clean socks in the holes) in the other. While Toby put the shoes near a small wooden stove and picked up the kettle, Ambrose found himself starting at the wall of shingled notes in awe.
"It's grown, hasn't it?"
"Well, I have so many things that I want to remember," Toby chuckled. "And before you ask, I don't have enough room for that many Pensieves. Care for some marshmallows? Of course, they're not real marshmallows, they're puffed sugar, but they're more tasty than the real thing in cocoa anyway. So, what brings you out so early today and without the proper footwear?"
"I woke up to see Halcyon sitting on my windowsill in my bedroom," Ambrose said.
"Was he? He must have been wondering how you were getting on," Toby said with a smile, setting a cup in front of him.
"I was hoping that you were wanting to see me," Ambrose admitted.
"Well, I admit I might have been curious," Toby winked. "How have you been doing in school?"
"Fine I guess," Ambrose said. "Actually, I probably didn't do as well on my last tests as I could have except for History. I've been a little distracted lately."
"Happens to the best of us," Toby chuckled, whittling on a wooden turtle. "And what's got you so distracted, if I might ask?"
"Well, part of it is a secret that I'm not allowed to tell anyone about," Ambrose admitted.
"Best you keep it safe then," Toby advised, and Ambrose nodded. "And the other part?"
"Mum's getting married again," Ambrose sighed.
"Ah yes, she told me," Toby said with a nod. "In fact, she came to me for advice on whether or not to consider it."
"Really? And you didn't talk her out of it?" Ambrose said. Toby blinked.
"I don't believe in talking people out of things, Mr. Bailey. Not when it's so much easier to talk them into things instead," Toby said indignantly. Ambrose grinned at that. "All I said was that it is important she does whatever she feels is best for herself and her family. Why, did you want me to talk her out of it?"
"I just want her to be happy," Ambrose said glumly, putting his head on the counter. Toby patted his shoulder comfortably.
"And she just wants you to be happy, and safe," Toby said with a smile.
"I know," Ambrose said, but didn't sound any more cheerful about it. "It's a bit of a rum deal though, if you ask me."
"I don't know, I rather like rum now and again, especially warm and spiced," Toby chuckled.
"Actually, he's going to take me to the city today to try and make friends," Ambrose said.
"Don't you want to be friends?" Toby asked.
"Oh, well, yes I do, actually. Friends I don't mind. But if he thinks he can replace my father, he's got another thing coming," Ambrose said fiercely. Toby sighed.
"Ambrose, I don't think he's trying to replace much of anybody. I think Bart is just trying to be himself, a skilled but lonely farmer who finally has the freedom after a long life of caring for his mother to settle down and have a family of his own. And then Ashley happens by to check on him, a lovely and caring woman bringing family as if made to order."
"That about sums me up. Made to order," Ambrose sighed, gazing at the shop. "Like a common present on one of these shelves."
"Have some more cocoa," Toby said quickly, turning around more so he could grimace full force rather than actually wanting to get the kettle. Just then Halcyon let out a trill to indicate someone was at the door, and Ambrose turned around to see his mother standing there with her hands on her hips.
"Ambrose Bailey! Where are your shoes?" Ashley asked with exasperation.
"Oh, don't worry, Mrs. Bailey," Toby said. "His slippers got a bit damp in the snow but he found himself some boots and socks just there."
"Well then, put them on and run home at once. Your breakfast is getting cold on the table and you have to get ready for your outing," she scolded.
"Yes, Mum," Ambrose said quickly reaching for the socks Toby handed him. Ashley attempted to get out a few coins, but Toby put his hand over the jar so she couldn't put them in. Sighing at him, she put them back. "I'm sorry I left without telling you, but Mr. Toby was back."
"So I see!" Ashley said with exasperation. "Run along home, I'll be along in a moment. And your breakfast had better be finished!"
"Yes, Mum," Ambrose said, taking the offered slippers from Toby before hurrying out the door. Archimedes hooted once, apparently having decided to stay for a little longer. Ashley shook her head, turning to the counter to find her favorite kind of tea waiting in front of her.
"I'm so glad you're back at last. I was rather worried, in fact. I thought you'd have been back the moment Ambrose came home."
"I had intended on it, but it seems that crossing over with two companions slowed the transition a bit. No trouble with her, I hope?"
"Not since that time in Keki's Grove, no," Ashley said.
"Well, don't let your guard down, I'm sure she's still watching," Toby sighed.
"There is one thing you ought to know, though. I believe Ambrose knows you're his father," Ashley said quietly.
"No, he just knows that Merlin is his father," Toby said with slight amusement. "And yes, I knew that already. There was a recent incident at the castle and I had not choice but to tell him. In fact, I rather think it's for the best. To be honest, I think the only one who didn't think he was ready was his godfather," he said with amusement.
"Well, maybe Severus did have a point, because now I wonder if he isn't obsessing over it a bit. He's made incredible progress with the tapestry and all of it seems to have been geared towards putting Merlin in his tower and with such an extreme level of detail that he's quite animated. Apparently he copied the image off of a painting in the castle," Ashley said.
"Did he?" Toby said with a beaming smile and a sparkle in his eyes.
"When I asked him about it, he said he was doing research and had borrowed some books. Well, I went through his locker this morning, and I've found over a dozen books, some about that time period but most just about you in general and your work establishing modern magic."
"Really?" Toby said, sounding even more interested, but then thought about it and blinked. "Goodness, I hope he has the sense not to believe everything they say about me in those books," he said. Ashley rolled her eyes at him and shook her head at him admonishingly. "Now, I don't think you need to worry. It's only natural for the boy to want to know his heritage, and sooner or later it would have all come out anyhow. I'm sure between you and this likeness of me he's conjured up, you can keep him from straying into believing some of the wilder tales out there… hm, wait, those are the ones most likely to be true, aren't they," Toby mused.
"Well, I hope you are going to help too," Ashley tsked at him, but Toby frowned. "Won't you?"
"I'll do my best," he finally agreed, deciding it would be best not to worry her.
"That's all I ask," Ashley said with a loving smile. "Really, though, you do leave me with my hands full. He really is so much like you in so many ways."
"Yes, but with ten years of the best sort of love to support him. I've made some whopper mistakes in my life, you know. But choosing you to be his mother was definitely not one of them," Toby said sincerely.
"Nor was my agreeing to it. I can't imagine my life without Ambrose anymore. Either of you, really," she added.
"Now, don't be concerning yourself with me. Right now you should concentrate on the boy and your impending marriage," Toby insisted.
"You will give me away, though?" Ashley asked carefully. "Honestly, I wouldn't feel right if you didn't."
"If that is what you will make you happy, I'm more than willing… in this guise of course," he added mischievously.
"Of course," Ashley said, smiling warmly at him. "Thank you."
"Oh, at your service, madam," Toby said with a smile of his own, watching her backside appreciatively as she left. He sighed then, glancing up at his wall a moment before making one last note and sticking it full force onto the counter in front of him.