A/N Third Chapter this weekend. Happy Mother's Day!

Chapter Thirty-Four

Work-In

Severus knocked on a small cottage door, raising a slight brow at the state of the yard, which was anything but in order.

It was Bill who opened the door, blinking in surprise when he saw who it was.

"Did you get a dog?" Severus asked evenly.

"Huh? Oh, the yard... that's just my daughter. She likes to dig holes," Bill Weasley explained, showing him in.

"Considering who her parents are, I suppose I should not be surprised," Severus said. "Although I hope you curb her of that habit before she goes to Hogwarts or I may have to hide all of the shovels."

"Oh? Do you expect to be back there by then?" Bill asked with a grin.

"I expect I'll be back next week," Severus admitted. "The board seems to have changed their mind once they realized the impact of all of us resigning at once."

"That was quite brilliant of Hermione, both the article and getting everyone to go along with it," Bill said with open appreciation. "I am glad it worked. She was rather nervous about it at Christmas. She didn't really want to resign, you know."

"None of us did," Severus agreed. "But hopefully with the concessions that are being made with our reinstatement, it will never have to happen again."

"Well, if you are worried about it, you could simply unionize and make it official," Bill said, stepping into the parlor and getting them some drinks. "Then again, it's working so well now without the paperwork, why bother?"

"Why indeed?" Severus said, accepting the drink and the congratulatory tip of the glass that went with it.

"So what brings you here, Severus? I know you wouldn't be here with everything going on unless it was important. Were you looking for Heather about that mine business?" Bill asked.

"No, I'm not quite ready to delve into that again with everything else going on, but I will be soon. Actually, I'm here to ask you about Firstborn loans," Severus said. Bill blinked in surprise. "And what it is like to be a child involved in a defaulted one."

"Who told you?" Bill asked in a low voice.

"No one told me. Someone simply hinted that there had been someone else," Severus admitted. "I didn't know until yesterday. I had always thought you were simply treasure hunting for the cheap thrill."

"Well, I was," Bill grinned. "I mainly just do vault assessment and appraisals these days, but I had a blast working in the treasure hunting department, that's why I stayed on after Mum and Dad's debt was paid off. Goblin employers may make you work hard, but they also teach you a lot of things that just can't learn in the classroom. You must have known that already, considering you sent Corey to work at Grendelbane's when he was young."

"That was different. It was an entirely voluntary arrangement, and Jennifer and I were there to help make those decisions. It isn't the same as a boy forced into a debt he had no control over and without any parental guidance to make sure he isn't being taken advantage of," Severus said.

"What? My parents had plenty of say... oh wait. I get it now," Bill caught himself, the confusion leaving his face. "This is about Leu, isn't it?" Severus stared at him.

"Why is it that after me going six months not being able to find out anything on the boy that everyone suddenly seems to know who he is?" Severus demanded.

"Well, you didn't ask me," Bill protested, parrying the Professor's seething annoyance. "I've known Leu since he came to Myrkinbrek two summers ago. Brilliant boy but very serious, as if the shock of losing his parents never quite wore off. Sometimes he walks around like he's just going through the motions, but at other times he can also be quite active and focused. If you want to see the kid really shine, just stick him in water. Nobody loves the ocean like Leu Murphy does."

"His last name is Murphy?" Severus asked flatly.

"Llewellyn MacLir Murphy," Bill nodded. "His mother went to Hogwarts I think, although I'm not sure her last name so you'd have to ask him... his father went to school in Ireland. I see him a lot during the times he's staying in Myrkinbrek. I helped train him so he sometimes comes to me when he has questions about something."

"Training him in what, exactly?" Severus squinted.

"Basic rules and procedures with treasure acquisitions, and how to use goblin devices that work as magic detectors, that sort of thing. Every now and then if the goblins have trouble explaining something to him they come and get me to help him through it. Not that it's happened lately, he's really adapted quick under the circumstances."

"So he does the same job you did?" Severus frowned.

"No, we just both work in acquisitions. He works the ocean excavation team as a diver," Bill said.

"That's what he was doing in the middle of the ocean," Severus murmured in realization. "He can breathe underwater, can't he?"

"More than that, he's also immune to changes in pressure," Bill said. "The doctors all believe it actually manifested during the boating accident. His natural magic was just trying to keep him alive... well that, and he got a lucky break in the gene pool. Bliant thinks he might have some Fomorian blood on his father's side of the family."

"Be that as it may, I very much doubt he's immune to sharks," Severus snapped.

"Severus, I am absolutely certain that the goblins on that crew take every single precaution to make sure Leu stays safe," Bill reassured him.

"Only because they don't want to lose their investment," Severus said with disgust.

"Partially true," Bill admitted. "But considering how much they prize their investments, are you sure you really have anything to worry about? He is well taken care of, and I know from personal experience they will treat him as one of their own if not better. When he's paid the debt and he's of age, he'll have a job for life if he wants it. Besides, I didn't turn out all that badly, did I?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?" Severus said flatly. Bill simply chuckled at him and shook his head. "Fine, I accept that they may not intentionally harm him, despite the fact that he has 'care givers' rather than loving parents like you had. But let me ask you this, William. Have you ever once... even for an instant in the worst of times... have you ever considered putting your daughter Amy up on one of those Firstborn loans?"

Bill checked himself, well aware of how intense the scrutiny was. He looked through a window towards his backyard for a moment before finally turning back around.

"No," Bill admitted at last, but then forced a smile on his face. "After all, I think Heather would kill me if I even suggested it."

"Yes, well, I'm beginning to think she hasa point," Severus said as he got up. "Thank you for the chat. It was quite enlightening."

"Sure, Professor, drop by any time," Bill said.

"If I'm not careful in that yard, I may do so quite literally," Severus said dryly. Bill chuckled as he showed Severus out, but when he left, Bill still had a lot to think about.

Aurelius drummed his fingers from behind the desk of the Auror office, watching at the flag board keeping track of all known dark wizards in the country. In fact, he was watching the movements without truly even looking at it, impatiently waiting for his sister to show up and hoping she would confirm his suspicions on those killed in Solomon's mines. Just then there was a knock and he looked up quickly, sighing in annoyance when he realized it wasn't Alex at all.

"Hullo, Rel! Don't you look bored," Andrew teased cheerfully.

"What do you want, Andrew?" Aurelius asked warily.

"Actually, I have some good news. Apparently the board went groveling to Father on their hands and knees, so the rest of us professors will be able to go back to work on time," Andrew said.

"Yes, I know," Aurelius said expressionlessly.

"How could you know already?" Andrew asked with exasperation. "I know you're not allowed to leave this office when you're on board duty... or is that bored duty?" Andrew mused.

"Simply enough, Ben told Alex. And if Alex knows, the entire world knows," Aurelius said.

"Oh. Well, that wasn't all I came to talk to you about anyway," Andrew said. "I was wondering if you'd like to room up at my house for a while? I know you've got to be feeling crowded at Baker Street, and since I'm gone most of the time, you'll have the place mostly to yourself, except for three house elves. You'll find the kitchen is well stocked, and I did a bit of rearranging already if you're interested."

"Thanks, Andrew," Aurelius said sincerely. "But I think I had better stay where I am for right now."

"If you're worried about running into anything questionable, don't be. I put all that stuff away; it's all as clean and disgusting as you are," Andrew insisted.

"As much as I appreciate the offer, Andrew, I really don't think it'd work out," Aurelius said. "You and I are polar opposites, we always have been. The first weekend you decide to come home, we'll be at one another's throats from the moment you step in the door."

"Trust me, you won't even know I live there. I'll simply take my dates somewhere else if things run late," Andrew said. Aurelius sighed at him.

"Aren't you ever going to grow up?" Aurelius asked.

"That's a rhetorical question, right?" Andrew said. He heard a soft groan and turned around to see Ginger walk in with some papers in hand.

"Test results on the Locksley case. I don't think it's going to be enough to nail him," Ginger said, ignoring Andrew.

"I'll put a copy in Harry's folder then. Maybe he has some other ideas," Aurelius said.

"And just where have you been hiding?" Andrew asked Ginger. "I went over to your house on Christmas, but you weren't there."

"Of course not. I had dinner with my mother and the rest of the family like I always do," Ginger said.

"I also came by yesterday, but you weren't there either..."

"I didn't know it was illegal to leave my house," Ginger said curtly. "And you're not my mother."

"Leave her alone, Andrew," Aurelius said, glaring at him.

"I was only asking as a concerned friend," Andrew protested. "I simply haven't seen you around much since Yule, that's all."

"That was a week and a half ago, Andrew. Do you mind? I'm supposed to be working," Ginger said. "Surely you have something better to do."

"Actually, I'm trying to talk Aurelius into rooming with me, and I don't plan to leave until I've talked him into it," Andrew said.

"Oh, are you?" Ginger said slyly. "Well, I think that's a brilliant idea!" she decided enthusiastically. Aurelius frowned at her. "But don't you think your girlfriends would object?"

"My brother is more important than my social life, Ginger," Andrew said, too busy looking at Ginger to miss the dirty look he was getting from Aurelius.

"Well, that's very charitable of you. Aurelius, I think you should take him up on it," Ginger said with a wide smile.

"See? Even Ginger likes the idea," Andrew says.

"I'm staying where I'm at," Aurelius said flatly. "Get out, Andrew."

"He's so stubborn! It must be an Auror thing," Andrew said.

"It must be a Snape thing," Ginger retorted, turning to leave.

"Wait," Andrew said, tugging her sleeve. Ginger and Aurelius both rolled her eyes. "How about a truce? Come to dinner with me before I have to head back to Hogwarts?"

"I'm working," Ginger pointed out.

"I don't mean today. How about Saturday?"

"I'm busy."

"Since when are you busy on a Saturday?" Andrew frowned. "How about next Saturday?"

"No, sorry, I'm booked solid," Ginger said.

"Andrew, I'm going to have you thrown out," Aurelius warned.

"I can handle it, Rel," Ginger said. Aurelius immediately quieted down.

"How could possibly be booked solid?" Andrew asked.

"If you must know, I'm taking golf lessons abroad," Ginger said.

"Golf lessons?" Andrew repeated incredulously. "What would you want to do that for? You're about as un-Muggle as they come. You're a Quidditch player from a Quidditch family, what would you want to mess with a game where you spend more time walking about than playing?"

"I'm sick of the fast paced game, Andrew," Ginger said briskly. "I may have made a habit of it, but it wasn't what I ever wanted. It's time I learned how to take things slow and contemplated a sport that includes me rather than uses me. I'll see you later, Rel," she added before she went out the door. Andrew stared at her from the doorway with his mouth open as she walked off.

"She's seeing someone, isn't she?" Andrew said incredulously, meeting only his brother's deadpan gaze. "She is, she has to be! Who is she seeing?" he demanded.

"Why are you asking me?" Aurelius asked fixedly.

"Because you're the mind reader, why else?" Andrew said with exasperation.

"Yes, but I know when it's time to mind my own business, which is something you evidently still have no clue on. You can go after any other girl in the country for all I care, but it's time you left Ginger alone. No means no, stop means stop, and go to hell, Andrew means go to hell, Andrew. Thanks for the offer of the house, though, glad things are all right at the school now. Can I get back to work?" Aurelius said.

"I swear, you're even more of a prick now than you were before you lost Pali," Andrew said, but Aurelius simply became interested in his paperwork, having no intention of letting Andrew provoke him.

"Excuse me! Andrew, really, get out of the doorway! Are you two fighting again?" Alex said with exasperation from behind him. Reluctantly Andrew stepped out of the way, while Aurelius looked up expectantly.

"So?" Aurelius asked.

"You were right," Alex said with a grin, handing a scroll.

"What's going on now?" Andrew asked.

"Oh, mind your own business Andrew..."

"The men who died in the mine," Alex interrupted, ignoring the exasperated sigh behind her. "They were all members of the order of Equinox."

"I thought it might make sense, considering what they did for a living... one in apprehending magic treasure, and one working for the Artifacts department," Aurelius said.

"Not only that, but I was able to cross reference this old members list with missing wizards reports to find out who the other two men were. I have them marked, Rel," Alex said.

"How in the world did you get a hold of that? I thought they always kept those lists secret," Andrew asked, sounding more impressed than he intended.

"I have connections in the Ministry, and really that's not the point," Alex said evasively. "The point is we have two more individuals to research, and it also I think it's very likely that whoever they sent out a message to was probably also in the order, and that information could have passed down to other members. So there is a high chance that whoever it is that's behind these accidents was a member of Equinox before it got disbanded."

"Yes, and who do we know that might have access to both the knowledge passed down through Equinox and knowledge passed down through the Ministry of Mysteries?" Aurelius said, folding his arms.

"Ludo Bagman," Alex concluding with a nod.

"Wait, wait, aren't you both jumping to conclusions here?" Andrew said with a chuckle. "A high chance of being a member still isn't a sure thing, after all. Besides, he's been in Azkaban for years and is only allowed to see relatives, you know that."

"Then maybe it's time to find out who his relatives are," Aurelius said, glancing at Alex.

Dale craned his neck around when he saw Professor Snape step in with Lucky right behind him in a black dress instead of a normal uniform. Quickly Connie and Gary moved over to make room for her at the table, the three of them huddling around her and whispering. At the Slytherin table, Don shook his head disapprovingly.

"Good evening, sorry we're late," Severus began, darting a disapproving look towards the three chatterers at the Gryffindor table. They quickly quieted down. "I hope you had a good holiday, or the very least better than mine. As you can see, with the exception of Professor Craw, all the staff are back and ready for the second half of the school year. And no, you may not use the excuse that 'you didn't think x professor would be coming back' as an excuse for not doing any homework you were assigned over the holiday," he said, getting a nervous chuckle from some of the students with a few grimaces mixed in.

"Professor Craw will be returning, but is currently on a personal leave of absence. In the interim, Professor Willowby will be filling in for her," Severus explained. Corey gave a tentative wave and a nervous smile from his seat beside Severus, trying not to grimace when Natalie, Ambrose and Lindsay got their table sections clapping in support. "Other than that, it's business as usual, so let's all concentrate on getting back into our routines and putting our best efforts forward, shall we? All for one, and one for all," he added and sat down, Hermione giving him a nod and a smile in response.

"You had to say that, didn't you?" Corey said.

"Just my way of thanking the staff," Severus admitted. He gestured towards the plates, which contained each Professor's favorite foods. "I do not think things would have gone quite so smoothly without your support."

"We were just doing our jobs, Severus," Hermione said with a grin. "Isn't that right Rhett?"

"Well, that, and I'll admit also to throwing in my support out of guilt when I found out what was really going on with that girl. I really did think Miss Snape was just testing me," Rhett admitted. "I had my fair share of that in Durmstrang."

"There is nothing wrong with being skeptical when it comes to judging someone's intentions, Rhett, as long as you have an open mind in the process," Severus said.

"Meaning?" Rhett asked.

"Meaning, he'd have acted the same way if a student had done anything like that when he was teaching," Hermione put in before Severus had a chance to answer. A round of chuckles and agreements from the rest of the staff cut off his chance for a comeback.

When they had finished eating, Lucky found Dale standing outside the Great Hall.

"Mind if I walk up with you guys?" Dale asked. Connie and Gary shrugged at him, while Dale fell in step alongside Lucky.

"Sorry to hear about your friend," he said quietly.

"He had been sick for a while," Lucky said somberly. "I'm okay, but Jackie was pretty broken up about it. She's staying to take care of his wife, I guess they've all been friends for years. He died on New Year's, you know? Just after midnight. He woke up because of the sound of the crowds outside, and when he heard them singing Auld Lang Syne, he said, 'Listen, that's for me.' Then he fell asleep and didn't wake up again. He sure loved New York. As much as I do, even," she added. "I know, you don't get it."

"Well, I admit to me it's just another venue," Dale said. "But I know how I feel about California, so I can relate."

"You can't love a whole state, that's just crazy," Lucky said, and Dale chuckled at her. "Are things better at home?"

"Sort of. My father still isn't speaking to me. As much as he's always loved media attention good or bad, he's suddenly decided he doesn't like it when they're all focused on him to try and find out why I fired him. At least it took some of the attention off you," Dale said dryly. "Also, my mother says if they lose interest in that and try to get nosy about us again, she's going to go ahead and announce that next month's tour is our last. That ought to be enough of a bombshell for them to choke on for awhile."

"Just don't try quitting again before it's time for it to be over, okay?" Lucky said.

"I won't," Dale promised with a smile, and then noticed that Connie and Gary standing on the landing, staring at him.

"Ravenclaw is that way?" Connie pointed out.

"Oh, yeah," Dale said, waving and walking around to another stairway.

"So, are you guys official yet, or what?" Gary asked bluntly.

"Official what?" Lucky scowled at him, going up the last set of stairs.

"You know, official official," Gary said. "You know..." he said, then began making fish lips.

"You want me to put a fist through that pucker?" Lucky snapped at him, and Gary quickly ducked into the common rooms ahead of them.