A/N Fyi...released a second chapter late last night called Seeking Refuge, just in case you missed it. JCWriter.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Shattered Glass

Severus did little but sleep for the first few days, although Rosmerta was a little encouraged by the fact that after the first day the trays she had set by the door stopped coming back full. It was the day after his children arrived back from Baker Street with Lucky that he finally crept down the stairs. The pub was completely quiet except for the tinkling of glasses being put away. When he got to the bottom, Rosmerta leaned over the bar to see who was there, smiling warmly at him.

"Ah, good morning, Severus! Nice to see you out and about for a change," she said cheerfully.

"Um, yes…actually, I'm just down for coffee. There was only one cup and no pot this morning," he admitted.

"Did I forget to put the pot out?" she said with feigned innocence. "I'm so sorry about that, here let me get you a fresh cup at the bar."

"Oh, I see what's going on now. If you wanted to see me for something, you could have used more straight forward and less cruel methods," Severus complained.

"And here I thought you were a man who appreciated tact," Rosmerta tsked.

"Tact, yes, being deprived of caffeine when I have a roaring headache, no," Severus muttered, rubbing his temples.

"Ran out of headache potions, did you? What's your normal method?" she asked.

"Powdered aspirin would be fine, if you have any," Severus admitted.

"Well, it's a bit harsh, but to each their own," Rosmerta said, pulling out a basket of different medicines before pulling out a box of BC's and handing him the wax packet.

"And just what was it you wanted to see me about?" he asked.

"Ah, it's about the post. See, I've been sorting it as it's come in…so many of the ones coming here should have been sent to the school, and I was fairly sure you didn't need bothered with that by now. I also ditched the advertisements you wouldn't be interested in and that sort of thing."

"Thank you, you needn't have gone to that sort of trouble," Severus said, though something in his tired expression told Rosmerta he was grateful.

"As it so happens, you actually have very little personal post at all, so it wasn't much trouble," she said with amusement, going over to the wine rack and taking out a small handful of letters. Severus frowned.

"Did you get any from the Ministry for me?" he asked. She paused, thinking about it.

"There might have been one," she said with a nod. "But I sent that to the castle. Need me to send an owl to fetch it?" Severus' frown deepened as he thought it over.

"No, but if any come from the Artifacts Department, can you make sure it stays here?" he asked.

"Of course, Severus, not a problem," she smiled. "Now, did you want to know why I wanted to see you, or not?"

"It has to do with the post, I take it?" Severus prompted her.

"I got an odd one marked International last night for you, but I didn't recognize the name at all so I didn't know where to send it. The return address is for a Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kingler," she explained, Severus blinking in surprise.

"Why would they write me and not Jennifer? Rather odd…here, let me have that," Severus said.

"You got post from Corey last night as well," Rosmerta said thoughtfully, handing him the stack. "Although I rather wonder why he didn't just come over."

"None of the children have any idea where I am at the moment, and I'd prefer to keep it that way," Severus said, putting on his spectacles and opening the letter.

"Of course, Severus, you know I can be discreet if need be," Rosmerta said, deciding not to mention the fact that Cheshire had delivered the letter. "In fact, I believe the indifference charm Albus put on this pub some years ago has already taken its effect on you even as early as the night you came in here. I doubt anyone in the pub will notice your comings and goings here any more than when Thomas Craw took refuge here during that silly skull business, as long as you keep your mind on your room as you're walking through or on the door as you leave." Severus gazed at her thoughtfully.

"I didn't know that was done, but I am grateful to know it's there," he said.

"No more than I am, Severus, considering how many reporters would crash the bar if it became common knowledge you were here," Rosmerta said with amusement.

"I would leave, if it came to that," Severus assured her.

"Oh, nonsense, Severus! Coming here was a sensible decision and will do you much more good than it would ever do me harm. Although I do admit it brings up some memories of when you were a student. Trust me, you were a lot harder to handle then," Rosmerta said dryly. "But better that than you getting stuck with Albus those long months alone in the castle. You were better off here then, and you're better off here now, and there won't be any more talk of you leaving here anytime soon. Now, what's this International post all about?" she asked curiously, leaning against the bar and waiting for him to read it. Severus knew full well that Rosmerta wouldn't be satisfied until she personally knew what was going on, whether she was allowed to say anything or not. Sighing in resignation, Severus turned back to the letter, his expression changing as he read it, reading it over one more time. Fishing Corey's out of the pile, he paused to read that as well. "Oh, come now! You must tell me something!" Rosmerta said with exasperation.

"It appears that Fortuna has made some sort of breakthrough," Severus murmured as he read Corey's.

"Fortuna?" Rosmerta asked.

"Lucky," Severus explained, Rosmerta looking at him with interest. "She and Lyra had been good friends," he said quietly. "Apparently with everything going on, she decided to run away and went back to New York on her own. Corey and the other four went after her…apparently she even had them all stymied for a while."

"What? Even Aurelius?" Rosmerta said with surprise.

"Even Alicia with her paintings," Severus said.

"That girl must be positively brilliant, then, to hold off a whole army of Snapes like that," Rosmerta said, impressed.

"She is, she's quite brilliant, and quite powerful in her two main talents. She's had to be to survive as long as she has, although it has caused problems in school from time to time," Severus agreed, frowning thoughtfully at the letter before turning to the one from Rob and Sally again. "I do find it odd that Jennifer wasn't there, however."

"Perhaps they simply decided not to mention her, all things considering," Rosmerta said quietly, but Severus shook his head.

"No, I don't think so. I can believe that of Corey, but Rob and Sally would have mentioned it if she were there. This is something the children seemed to have done on their own," Severus said, taking out his watch for the first time since he had left, he frowned at it in confusion when he saw the Jennifer's hand was pointed at the Craw Farm, wondering not only what she was doing there but what she might be doing there that early, especially since all of the other arrows except for Corey's at the shop were all pointing to Baker Street.


Jennifer opened her eyes to a soft knock at the door and pushed herself out of bed, quite sore from barely leaving it for over a day and a tad surprised to find a pair of slippers waiting for her feet when she swung herself around and got up, glancing at the bathrobe hanging on the door thoughtfully before tossing it on and slowly opening it to see Maurice standing there in his school uniform.

"Mother wants to know if you wanted breakfast this morning," Maurice said. "You don't have to if you don't want. It's in the kitchen." Jennifer sighed, realizing just how long it had been since she had eaten anything at all.

"I suppose I should try to get something down," she admitted, wondering if she should get dressed.

"Come on then, it's getting cold," Maurice said and turned down the corridor.

Reluctantly, Jennifer followed, tightening the robe a tad and wondering how bad her hair looked, pulling out her braid on the way down the stairs and putting it in a simple tail just to keep it from looking too unkempt. But soon she felt a little silly about making a fuss about her appearance at all, for apparently Fleur hadn't changed out of her robe either, let alone bothered with any makeup. Not that she really needed it; even though she had been aging naturally since she had married Thomas, the years had been very kind to her, and she had a knack of easily smoothing a wrinkle here and there with as little cream as possible. In fact, Jennifer had to admit with her ten years of marriage and being a mother, Fleur looked like a much better match for Thomas than when they first had gotten married, and although Jennifer would never admit it, the fact that she looked decidedly older than Jennifer now had helped to ease the tension between them over the last couple of years.

"Oh, good! I'm so glad you decided to come down!" Fleur said with a bright smile, while Maurice took his seat to finish his half-eaten breakfast. "Come, come, there's no need for formalities! Have a seat and let me get you some coffee! I made you something special to cheer you up!"

"You really didn't need to go to any trouble, Fleur…"

"No, no, no, it was very simple!" Fleur insisted, filling her cup before turning back to the stove and ladling out a bowl of something, pausing at the counter to sprinkle something on top before putting the bowl in front of her. Jennifer stared at it in disbelief for a moment before breaking into a smile.

"It's Ants in Oats," Jennifer said, chuckling and shaking her head.

"Ants?" Maurice said with disgust.

"Oh, not real ants, Maurice, it's just raisins," Jennifer grinned. "My mother used to make it for me when I was little, she's the one who called it that. I've always been a bit picky with my food, even back then when honestly I couldn't afford to be picky, not that I understood that at the time," Jennifer murmured. "She put the raisins in the porridge to try and get me to eat it. It worked splendidly until Dad decided to magic up a bit of mischief and made the raisins look and behave like real ants. I wouldn't touch it for weeks afterwards. Boy, was my mother mad at him for that."

"Yes, he told me," Fleur chuckled. "That is what made me think of it." She paused then, listening. "Maurice, that is the bus. You had better get going!"

"It isn't as if we do anything important on the last day before the holidays. Rotten of them to make us finish out the week," Maurice complained, but got up and went to the door. "Can't I just stay home and visit Jennifer?"

"We'll have time to later, Maurice," Jennifer said with a smile, despite the fact she knew her brother was simply using her an excuse to try and get out of going. She watched him leave before finally stirring her porridge. "He really is very mature for his age, isn't he?"

"Oh my yes, but Thomas has told me that you were at his age as well," Fleur said, pouring herself a cup off coffee and sitting down across from her.

"Only because I had to be," Jennifer admitted.

"Yes, I understand those were hard times for all three of you," Fleur said softly. "But hard times…they make us stronger."

"Or break us," Jennifer said softly. But Fleur shook her head and gave her a gentle smile.

"Perhaps some, but not so of Craws. You are all too stubborn to let it!" Fleur said with a slight exasperation in her tone that caused Jennifer to smile weakly at that. "I don't suppose you have any plans for the holidays yet?"

"I don't know, really," Jennifer said distantly, picking out the raisins to eat first. "Well, that's not completely true…I have to be at the castle after Natalie's party on Christmas Eve to take over for Hermione, so I really only have Yule to worry about. Although to be honest, I am certainly not in the mood to do all that baking business I usually do. Alex mentioned the Ministry Ball was on Yule this year, perhaps that would be the best way to handle it."

"Actually, I think it's a splendid idea, but I am biased since we have to go in any case," Fleur said with amusement. "Anyway, do you feel like doing some shopping? This is my last chance to shop without Maurice being home, so I must go in any case."

Jennifer quickly agreed, grateful for the distraction, although she did regret it a bit when she learned that Fleur wanted to go to Myrkinbrek, and then came to regret it even more when she found out that Fleur wanted to go to Tassels and Panning for some cufflinks and a watch chain for Thomas. Jennifer quickly suggested they meet up at Webstring's Book Shop so she didn't have to go in the jewelry shop.

"Ah, Professor Craw!" Madame Webstring said with a toothy goblin smile, easily recognizable behind the counter in her horribly bright aqua satin dress that looked horrendous next to her olive green skin. Of course, she always seemed to dress like that, Jennifer grinned, wondering if the old bookseller wasn't a little bit colorblind. "I have some good news for you. One of the titles on your list of Out Of Print book requests has finally been acquired," she said with a fanged sneer.

"Really?" Jennifer said curiously.

"It wasn't in the best of shape when I got it," she admitted, getting into a small vault behind the counter. "I have taken some time in restoring it, although it will add to the price of course," she said. Jennifer glanced at it eagerly and then felt a pit in her stomach as she realized it was one that Severus had been searching for for several years. "Nothing wrong I hope? Don't tell me you've since acquired it?" the goblin frowned.

"No…" Jennifer said, quickly thinking it over before raising her head back up. "No, actually, I haven't. In fact, I would like to haggle for it if you have the time." Webstring's face immediately lit up in a rather disturbing sort of way, but Jennifer didn't care if the goblin came out of the deal a bit ahead of what even she had been expecting. Jennifer knew full well what the goblin must have gone through to get it, and it was going to be a long time before that particular volume showed up on the market again. By the time that Fleur caught back up with her, the majority of the coin they had brought with them had already been spent.

"Well! My errands are done! Anywhere else in particular that you want to go when we fill our purses back up?" Fleur asked with a wink. Jennifer thought about it a moment.

"I don't suppose you would consider going to Harrod's?" Jennifer asked. "I need to pick up some things for Lucky and Ben." Fleur brightened immediately.

"Harrod's! I've never been!" she said excitedly.

"And you've lived near London how long?" Jennifer said with an enigmatic smile. "Well, now, we must correct that at once! Come on, let's go."

Under any sort of normal circumstances, Fleur Delacour Craw would have been the last person that Jennifer would have ever picked as a shopping companion. So Jennifer was more than a little humbled to find out that not only was she decidedly fun to shop with, especially the time she spent explaining gadgets Fleur took interest in (the ones Jennifer knew at any rate) and helping her pick out complementary gifts for the children and grandchildren. Jennifer also found out that they had very similar tastes in dresses and clothing after they decided to finish their trip with a 'quick' stop at Madame Malkins to pick up a dress for Lucky, coming home with a fair number of packages for themselves as well. They rushed back to the farmhouse to stuff all their parcels away, and feigned innocence when Maurice came home with a suspicious look on his face, wondering what his mother had been doing all day and why she was wearing her best coat and gloves to do it.

This was the woman she had avoided for ten years? Jennifer suddenly felt quite silly for having held the grudge so long against the woman for marrying her father, especially after Fleur had never done anything but tried to be kind to her the entire time. The jealousy she had once felt was gone now, and she found herself much more sympathetic to the obvious embarrassment Fleur felt any time she noticed a woman hitting her husband or the scowls that flashed in her direction every now and again by people she didn't even know. A strange admiration had taken its place that Jennifer hadn't been expecting, plus sheer gratefulness to how quickly Fleur had accepted Jennifer into her home and into her family's life without a passing thought to how poorly Jennifer had always treated her. After ten years of not being able to fathom what her father truly saw in the woman past her looks and figure, within the course of one afternoon of shopping, Jennifer understood everything.

So starkly different was Jennifer's attitude towards her stepmother that Thomas couldn't help but notice it immediately when he came home from work, for the two of them were busy prepping dinner and chatting over drinks as if they had been best friends all their lives. Jennifer didn't flinch, cringe, or even frown when he went over to kiss his wife in greeting. Instead there was a strange enigmatic smile on her face, followed by a long sigh as she made a play at cleaning the prep counter.

"And just what have you two been up to all day?" he asked, squinting suspiciously at his daughter's strange behavior.

"Jennifer took me shopping," Fleur explained with a smile, pulling the bowl she had in front of her away in an attempt to keep his fingers out of it.

"Oh really," Thomas mused. "This morning I recall you mentioning something about taking her shopping, but how exactly did that get reversed?"

"Well, first I took her shopping, and then she took me shopping, and after we finished that, we decided to take each other shopping!" Fleur explained with an enigmatic smile of her own, Jennifer grinning in response.

"Sorry I asked," Thomas grunted, fishing a glass out of the cabinet that immediately filled up on its own. "I hope I'm not going to have to liquidate the mine for this 'little' shopping trip of yours."

"Er, no, Thomas, although I might have dipped into the domestic budget a little bit more than I planned," Fleur admitted with an especially beguiling smile. Thomas stared blankly at her. "After all, it is nearly Christmas."

"Any excuse for spending my money has been good enough for you," he pointed out.

"Simply another investment in which you can take out dividends, Thomas," Fleur said coquettishly.

"Fleur, no flirting in front of the children, I don't care how old they are," Thomas said flatly, tapping his drink for a refill before turning down the hall. "I'll be in the secret lab if anyone needs me," he added before heading down the basement stairs.

"The what?" Jennifer asked with a grin.

"That's what he calls the television room," Fleur said in a lowered voice, and Jennifer chuckled softly. "He even has a set of security doors and plenty of traps on the way in so nobody else finds out about his habit. Now, how about we see about getting dinner over with so we can pick out which dresses we want to wear for the Ball, oui?" she said with a wink. Jennifer grinned and put her drink down, quickly jumping in to help Fleur.


At first, Jennifer had been looking forward to going to the Yule Ball, especially after visiting home and having all the children quickly agree to the idea; even Lucky didn't protest the dress Jennifer offered her like she normally did. Something had happened on that brief 'outing' to New York that had quieted Lucky somewhat, and the moment Jennifer had the opportunity, she cornered Alex about it, listening to the story thoughtfully.

"After that, she didn't really fight the idea of going home at all, but she did make one condition of returning, and that was that she would be able to spend New Year's Eve back in New York," Alex explained. "Not that I think she's anywhere near out of the woods yet, but it was a good sign."

"Yes, yes it is," Jennifer agreed distantly. "Strange how the worst of times brings such dramatic changes in people."

"Why, do you feel it's changing you?" Alex asked thoughtfully. Jennifer pondered it a moment then gave her a wan smile.

"Well, at the very least I can say it has given way to some startling revelations," Jennifer admitted. "Although honestly, I could do without the aches and pains that come with it."

"But are you at least feeling better?" Alex asked carefully.

"I am coping better," Jennifer decided. "Although, I'm afraid that isn't exactly the same thing, is it?"

Jennifer stepped away then to have a few more words with Lucky before she left, leaving Alex to reflect. Well, at least she had agreed to go to the Ball, Alex mused, hoping that the diversions associated with the dance would keep her mother too occupied to get too depressed during what was normally her favorite holiday. Had any of them guessed that that decision was going to backfire as badly as it did, they might have decided to stay home instead.

It wasn't long after Thomas and his family had gotten there that Jennifer spotted where the Snapes were sitting, taking only a moment to stop by the Weasley table to say hello to Arthur and Molly before going over to where Ben, Janus, and a ton of half-empty glasses were. Janus burbled and held out his arms and Jennifer grinned, needing no translation as she picked him out of Ben's arms and sat down.

"Have you been missing me?" Jennifer asked him. "Can you say gramma?" she asked him, but he simply burbled.

"He hasn't said much of anything yet," Ben said with a deep sigh.

"Well, don't worry yet, Ben. As I recall, Aurelius didn't start talking until well after he was a year old," Jennifer said. "Of course, looking back, that was probably his natural Truth Seeker ability at work."

"If only that were it," Ben sighed, "instead of what I'm afraid of." Jennifer glanced at him thoughtfully and then out into the crowd at where Alexandria was busy talking to Percy and several Ministry employees she knew.

"Perhaps you should talk to someone about it," Jennifer murmured to him. "I mean, if you think she's holding him back."

"Not intentionally," Ben protested.

"Oh, obviously not intentionally, or you wouldn't hesitate so much to bring it up to her," Jennifer said with a slight smile.

"I thought about talking to Doctor Sagittari about it, but under the circumstances…"

"Yes, I know. Not that he's in the country at the moment anyhow," Jennifer said. "You know, perhaps you should consider taking her to Bliant? After all, he is an expert on anomalies like hers and he was close enough friends to Alex and the others growing up that I think he'll be tactful if it is what you think." Ben nodded thoughtfully at that, accepting Janus back. "And don't give up on him in the meantime. Just keep talking to him," she suggested.

"Oh don't worry, I have been and I will," Ben assured her with a smile. Suddenly the table seemed to fill up with Snapes as if they had begun Apparating there as Francis, Alicia, Alex and Aurelius all piled in practically at the same time.

"There you are! But where's Lucky?" Jennifer frowned.

"Don't worry, Mum, she's with Connie and Helena over at Percy's table," Alex said. "After having to put up with us the last few days, I think she was more than ready to see some of her friends."

"I don't blame her," Aurelius said.

"What about Andrew, is he here?"

"Yeah, he's here somewhere with that Tracey girl that Corey fixed him up with," Alex said. "You know, the one from Vallid's office that was trying to pick him up when he had to fill out that accidental damage report for the camera Aurelius told him to bust." Jennifer stared at her daughter.

"You just never know when to stop, do you," Aurelius asked his sister flatly.

"Well, I'd love to stay and figure out just why you guys are breaking cameras in the first place, but Erik and Tonks just came in, and I'm quite certain he's looking for me," Jennifer said, getting up.

"You want one of us to go over there with you, Mum?" Alex asked, Alicia nudging her warningly.

"Thanks, but things being as they are, I think it's better if I go myself. He needs to understand I'm more than willing to stand on my own. I'll be back over in a bit," Jennifer said and walked over, while the rest of them exchanged glances.

"Jennifer!" Tonks waved her over, hugging her warmly. "I wasn't sure if you were coming tonight!"

"Oh, yes, since Aurelius had to come and Father as well, it was the easiest way to spend Yule together, really," Jennifer explained with a smile, following them in their futile attempt to find a quiet table and sitting down with them.

"All the same, we are very glad to see you here," Erik said with a smile. "How is Severus?"

"Oh…um…well, to be honest, we're all in a bit of a shock still over what happened," Jennifer said carefully. Erik nodded thoughtfully, gazing at her.

"I had a feeling that played a part in Severus' decision to take a break. Did it?" he asked in a low voice.

"Yes," Jennifer admitted. "But we're all right, really, I hope the board isn't too concerned about it. We have matters well in hand at the school, Erik…"

"Now, you don't have to worry about that, Jennifer," Erik interrupted with a smile. "Even without Hermione's impressive letter of recommendation and having every member of the staff signing it as she did, I can't think of anyone else better to fill in during Severus' absence," Erik reassured her with a smile, a mischievous twinkle in his eye when he caught her blinking in surprise. "Of course, the letter did a lot to quiet the nay-sayers and in the process made my life easier," he murmured, Tonks grinning at him in response. "You'll be at the board meeting at the end of the month?"

"Yes, Erik," Jennifer said with a nod with a smile.

"Good, I'll be looking forward to hearing your first report," he said, glancing at his wife before leaning over the table. "But I would take extra care about what you say to Norman or Abraxus about all this, if I were you."

"Thanks for the warning," Jennifer said with a nod and a smile. "Now enough business! Go have fun, you two!"

"You won't hear any arguments from me," Tonks grinned, getting up and lifting her heels up until her Ultra-lite Slippers began to hover.

Jennifer chuckled softly as she watched them head to the dance floor. Well, how else would she possibly manage it, Jennifer thought with a grin. Her mind began to wonder then on the time she had worn them…that first dance…at a dance very much like that one, she remembered, thinking about the look in his eyes. A dull ache began to grow in her; an ache that became increasingly hard to contain as she watched the dance floor. But Aurelius had been watching her quite intently ever since she got up, and swiftly jumped in, ignoring the questions from his siblings as he made his way over to her side.

"May I?" Aurelius asked, holding out his hand in front of her. Jennifer gazed at him knowingly, and a strange exchange of expressions ensued, the thoughts behind both of them filled with different strong emotions. "Well, Mother, you went to the trouble of making me learn to dance, I might as well get some use out of it," he pointed out. Jennifer chuckled and shook her head at him, accepting his hand.

"I don't suppose you'll ever consider asking a pretty girl to dance instead?" Jennifer teased.

"I just did, didn't I?" Aurelius answered smoothly.

"I meant one that isn't related," Jennifer said dryly as she followed him on the dance floor.

"No, it's not likely, no. Really, do you blame me all that much?" Aurelius asked her, and she thought about it a moment, gazing at the thoughts hidden in his enigmatic smile.

"No, I don't suppose I do," Jennifer admitted with a smile of her own, and although it was a little stiff and a tad awkward dancing with her son, it was definitely better than not being out there at all.

As the tune ended, another hand came up, and Jennifer found Aurelius handing her over to her father, who to Jennifer's utmost surprise had developed a graceful, dignified style all his own. But Aurelius no more then waited for them to pull away that he hurried over the Snape table with such a solemn look on his face that he had all of their complete attentions.

"We need to try and keep Mum occupied," Aurelius said. "I don't care how…dancing, talking, anything, but don't leave her alone with her thoughts tonight for an instant."

"Not a problem," Ben said, handing Janus over to Alex. "I think I'll take the next round."

"I'll take the next," Francis agreed, watching as Ben worked his way through the crowd to take Thomas' place. Jennifer was more than a little surprised, but when she had trouble reading the why of it shot Aurelius a dirty look. Andrew, who had happened to notice the exchange from where he and his date was standing near the punch bowl, excused himself to take his own turn on the dance floor, and then finally Francis stepped up to the plate despite Jennifer's laughing protests when they didn't allow her a moment to rest in between.

"This really isn't fair, you know. It's not like I have a chance at all when the entire family gangs up on me like this," Jennifer grinned when the music finally paused.

"That's the general idea, yes," Francis said with a smile.

"I don't suppose you want some punch?" Jennifer asked.

"Not unless I know what's all in it," Francis said, Jennifer shaking her head at him.

"And people think I'm picky. You've become much worse that I ever was," Jennifer said fervently.

"Nonsense, Jennifer, I've had a picky diet for six centuries," Francis chuckled, opting for the water instead of the punch while Jennifer got herself a glass.

"Professor Craw!" a voice called out, and Jennifer glanced up to see Minister Coffers and Plum standing together. It was quite strange seeing them together as different as they were; Coffers a tad overweight and cheerful, while Plumeria was gaunt, withered and even now wore the sort of expression where anyone in the room could plainly see that she would have rather been anywhere else but there that night.

"Good evening David…Plumeria…"

"Minister Plum," Plumeria corrected.

"Of course," Jennifer said with a smile she didn't really feel. "I hope you're enjoying your holiday."

"Oh, we just got here," Coffers explained with a smile. "Did Severus come with you this evening?"

"Ah, no, actually, he's taken some personal time off and gone away for a bit," Jennifer explained, her smile quite fixed despite the fact that Plumeria was squinting at her.

"That explains a lot, then. I know Samira has been trying to get a hold of him on that research concerning Clemmons and that flute and all," Coffers said.

"Oh, that…well, I suppose I can look at that if you want to send it to the castle. Who's Samira?" Jennifer asked.

"Sorry, I meant Miss Lamya, of course, the one who's been helping Severus with all the research," Coffers said. Noticing his obvious confusion to her reaction, Jennifer studied his face carefully. Then she simply smiled wider.

"Oh, of course, how silly of me. International Council, right?" Jennifer inquired, ignoring the fact that Plumeria was frowning at her after having noticed the sudden strain in her voice.

"That's the one. Anyhow, I'll have her send that to the school then, you said?"

"Yes, I'll be acting as Headmaster until his return," Jennifer explained. "Now, if you'll excuse me, Minister Coffers, Minister Plum."

"David, Jennifer," Coffers said with a smile.

"Of course, David," Jennifer said, finally getting the courage to turn away.

Suddenly, the glass in her hand shattered, despite the fact that Jennifer barely acknowledged it as she strode across the floor to find someone. An instant later, glasses began to shatter in hands everywhere in the entire room and everyone reacted with cries of surprise. Not knowing quite what happened but knowing very well who had caused it, Aurelius strode over to Francis, pulling on his arm.

"You fool! I told you not to leave her alone!" Aurelius hissed.

"But she hasn't left my sight for a moment, Rel. She simply went to chat with Coffers and Plum," Francis protested.

Just then, the crystal punch bowl shattered and sent everyone in the area scrambling, while all of the Enforcers in the area had their wands out and were looking around for the source. In fact, Thomas himself was so intent in trying to figure out who was causing the mayhem that he missed his daughter's presence until she was almost next to him, becoming immediately alert when he saw the boiling fury behind her stony expression.

"Whatever is on your mind, Jen-girl, can it wait a few minutes?" Thomas asked with exasperation.

"No, not really," Jennifer said in such a strange tone that he frowned at her. "Dad, do you know who Samira Lamya is?"

"Yeah, she's an International nuisance who's been working in the Artifacts Department lately," Thomas said.

"Do you know if Severus knows her?" she asked.

"Knows her? He's been doing nothing about complaining about that woman to me for months now, why?" Thomas asked, squinting when Jennifer nodded slowly.

"Then can you explain to me…can anyone please explain to me…why is it that if she's been helping him with his research and he's been complaining about her for months that the first time I have ever heard that name was tonight?" Jennifer asked on the verge of tears and so angry she was shaking. Thomas stared at her.

"Craters, why didn't I see it before…" Thomas muttered and then heard a crack from above. Blinking up at the crystal chandelier in the center of the room, Thomas immediately dove for his daughter and pulled his cloak around them as it too shattered, spraying out in different directions, while Enforcers began to cast reveal enemy spells. But Thomas knew full well they wouldn't find anything. Desperately, he glanced around until he saw his wife and led Jennifer over, still wrapped protectively in his cloak.

"Thomas! What's wrong?" Fleur asked.

"What is it? Is Jennifer hurt?" Percy asked from nearby.

"Yes," Thomas snapped, slipping off his cloak and draping it over Jennifer's other arm, the head fully down so no one could see her face. "Fleur, I need you to take Maurice and Jennifer home, and give her a Sleeping Potion while you're at it. It looks like I'm going to be late."

"Why, Thomas, what are you planning to do?" Fleur asked fearfully.

"Spend the night in the law office, for one thing," Thomas said, a dark expression on his face. "Just don't ask me what I plan to do tomorrow."