Disclaimer: Harry Potter and his world belong to J. K. Rowling. In this story, Harry Potter is very old, and is known as 'The Great Wizard.' His name is Bellamy.

Chapter 22:

Bellamy and Zhor were at breakfast, both looking blissfully happy, and very much aware of each other. The women were more indulgent now. It was good to see John so happy. The pair were to leave after lunch, apparating to Denmark. They had to get dressed first, and the word went around, "She disapproves that his hair is short, and he has to dress up, because it's formal."

"Japan. Japan is to be accepted into the AOCWN."

"The same as Morocco. No picking on ordinary people, and no fighting just because each family wants to be feared most."

"It was good, that part - when the bastards killed each other off!"

Connie and Mary had promised to show John the Pamela Track again, now it was completed. But not Zhor. No Khatabi, ever, on the Pamela Track.

The word went around, that Bellamy would come outside, just before he left, in case he wasn't around for a while. Only Gloria didn't get the message, very much involved with Jeremy, in her room.

But when the time came, after lunch, it was no longer their John. He wore a green and grey outfit, the bodice of the long dress part elaborately embroidered, floor length, as was standard. Over it was the cape, the shoulders heavily embroidered, flared steeply upwards at the ends, the sleeves beginning from below. The material was rich, the emeralds real. Zhor, too, was richly dressed. She was leader of the powerful Khatabi Family, who now controlled the Anirage of both Morocco and Japan. Their rich dress reflected that status.

It was supposed to have been to say goodbye, but this wizard in the robes of a Khatabi Elder was not their John. Even Jeremy, just emerged from Gloria's room, saw the foreign cut of his clothes, and didn't like it. The great wizard was theirs. Who was Zhor Khatabi to take him away?

Valencio backed off. There had been too many Khatabi for him, usually dressed in those same elaborate robes. Adil, Hicham, Narzu-Han - they'd always worn rich robes. Brahim, Yiko. The most powerful. The Khatabi Elders. They'd all used him. Now it was as if John, with the change from casual medj clothing, had thrown off his disguise, and revealed himself for what he was, a wizard more powerful and dangerous than any other.

Emma, close to him, said softly, "He's not really a bloody wizard, just because he's dressed like a Khatabi. He's still our John, who gets into fights, falls off roofs, and turns red when we embarrass him."

Valencio's voice was unsteady. "I just don't want him near me. Not looking like that." He was a wizard. How had he forgotten that?

His reaction was not shared by the others, and after the first hesitation, Bellamy was surrounded by women, admiringly touching the embroidered designs on bodice and shoulders, kissing, saying goodbye.

Valencio and Emma retreated further. Valencio still watched him, although Emma only looked at Valencio's face, worried about her friend, whose hand she held. Bellamy gave them a searching look, and raised a hand to them. After a discernible pause, Valencio raised his.

Emma said, "Cam's driving in."

Bellamy and Zhor made an identical gesture, a quick check to be sure their wands were in their wand pockets, Bellamy extended an arm, Zoe came underneath, and they were gone. "They're gone," he said. He sighed, and smiled at Emma, "I've been cleaning tack all morning, but I'm finished now. I might go and see Joe Corbett. I want him to tell me which areas we can cut for hay. You can come if you want."

Emma hesitated. But they'd graduated now. It was time to face the world. She smiled. "I'd like that."

"As soon as possible," Joe suggested. "If the cold weather arrives too soon, it will not be nearly as good." And while Anne Corbett talked to Emma about the painting course she would be starting soon, he made some phone calls, and finally said, "Alec Payne. He's charging you a hire fee, but it's less than normal, and he'll deliver it late Tuesday, if possible, the moment he finishes his own harvesting."

Valencio was enthusiastic, and Joe smiled on him, accompanied him back to Loch Lomand, and pointed out that he'd have to limit his cutting to areas not too steep. "I told Alec you were a good driver, so don't wreck his harvester!"

Valencio said gratefully, "Thanks, Joe."

Joe said to Emma, "Anne mentioned you rode in the horse show as well."

Emma nodded, "I rode Wentworth, one of the horses John bought for us in February."

Joe smiled at her gently, "Do you and Vince want to show me the horses?"

Emma looked briefly panicky, and Valencio answered for her. Joe was admiring, and Emma began to lose her shyness, as she pointed out Gus, who'd won several ribbons for Inge, and Nigretta, who won a championship in the showing. "There's foals, too," and Valencio noticed Joe surreptitiously check his watch.

Emma noticed no indication of boredom, and when he finally took his leave, remarked, "It's almost the first time I've spoken to a strange man like that."

"Joe's a good bloke."

Wednesday, Valencio climbed into the seat of the harvester, and started experimenting with the controls. By Thursday, he claimed it was easy, and cut grass lay in mostly neat rows across a large paddock.

He left it when a horse-box drove in. It was Dot and Victor, with three new horses for Loch Lomand.

Victor said, "Anglo-Arabs, quiet to ride, and good quality. Not on loan. They belong to Loch Lomand."

Gloria was thrilled, and made a fuss of the new horses. Valencio also made friends with them, and commented, "They're tall enough for me if I want to have a gallop."

Victor glanced at him, "Easily up to your weight."

Valencio stroked a large bay horse, thoughtfully. Easily up to his weight. The horse moved over casually, and trod on his toe, so that he swore, and tapped him sharply on the leg, to make him move. The halter had the horse's name on the browband, 'Caesar.' There were no saddles and bridles. That would be an expense. The horse snorted, and pawed at the ground.

Valencio said, "Caesar? Do you reckon you might like to be my horse?"

Caesar had his head high, and whinnied shrilly. Answers came from the other paddocks.

Valencio shrugged, "Come on, then," and he followed Gloria's lead, putting him in a small paddock with the other two new horses. A secret was shared that evening. Patrick was to go to Tiffany - a wedding present.

Wedding preparations were in hand. Cramsie wanted a religious wedding, and Tiffany had agreed, but it would be either outside, or if it rained, in the ballroom. Bernice would cater, others would decorate. Tiffany was the first to leave, and would have the best they could contrive.

xdividerx

Just two weeks later, baled hay lay everywhere, waiting for collection. Valencio had cut grass wherever he could - only the occupied horse paddocks had been spared. Horse feed was expensive, and the more of their own they could provide, the better.

Mealtimes now seemed a touch forlorn, with Tiffany gone for good, and an additional fourteen women spending time with their families. It was the beginning. They would soon start to disperse.

Others of the women were trying to study, preparing themselves for a gruelling year doing the bridging course, and the three girls, highschool. There was a school uniform for the girls, but they looked at themselves when they tried them, and shook their heads, giggling. After what they'd been through, and now they were school girls again!

The problem of a bus driver was solved, without using Jimmy, who'd seemed to be the only legal option. Instead, Veronica produced a record of a five year driving license she'd obtained just before she lost her freedom. She put in three weeks hard work, and with five years theoretical experience, the local policeman didn't dispute when she applied for a Heavy Vehicle driving license. It meant she could drive the big bus, and could take herself and Angini, Sheila and Maliwan, to work, and the others to school every day.

The only drawback was that school hours were shorter than work hours, but maybe they could do some of their homework in the library or something while they waited. Once November came, more would be able to qualify for a Heavy Vehicle license, with the required twelve months' driving experience under their belt.

xdividerx

The hay had to be brought in next, and Valencio and Jimmy undertook to help Joe Corbett bring in his hay, in return for the promise of the loan of his truck and haybale loader, though it would not be available for a few weeks. Joe commented, in a tea break, "I saw your picture was in a magazine, Vince."

Valencio nodded. "Me and the others. Horse and Rider magazine. We were paid for it, so we could hire the harvester."

"That one with the cutlass. You looked positively murderous!"

Valencio chuckled, "I haven't killed anyone in years."

Joe gave him a doubtful look, hoping he was only joking.

Valencio said, "Tasha. Did you see Tasha? The Arab?"

Joe agreed that he'd seen Tasha, and said, "The Spanish Senorita. She was lovely."

"Maharni. She took first in the showing, Best Ridden Horse, and first in the Fancy Dress. She was thrilled with herself."

Jimmy said, "The photographer fell in love with Hilde. Raved over her, and there's been another session. Another with Valencio, as well, but I stayed with him. I felt he needed a chaperone."

Valencio said, "I don't know why. He looked harmless."

"He was harmless, but I didn't want you hitting him if he made a pass." He explained to Joe, "Flagrant homosexual, but Vince has never met anyone like that, and didn't pick it."

Joe looked surprised at Valencio. So maybe he'd been just a servant, after all?

Valencio said, "I thought he was just like an artist. A really nice bloke. I've met men like that, but I never knew it meant anything."

"Most obvious homosexuals are really nice blokes," said Jimmy. "They get picked on a bit, but they're hardly ever predators. It's the ones you don't pick, are sometimes predators, or so I've heard."

Joe said, "Not that there's any around here. Maybe in the cities."

Valencio said, with an air of contentment, "It's a great place, around here," and when he started heaving around bales of hay again, he seemed to have sufficient spare breath to whistle, even if a bit breathy now and then.

They didn't know Bellamy was back, and married to both Zhor and Najia Khatabi, until they appeared late for dinner, and found Zhor and Najia at dinner, though Bellamy was gone, "Confessing to his daughters he's not only married, but with two brides!" Tasha told him, laughing.

Connie said, "He claims that it's legal under wizarding law, because he was married in Morocco, where it's legal, and British wizardry just has to accept it!"

"Not legal under medj law, surely!"

"He did look a little sheepish when he was asked that!"

The young ones all seemed to have congregated around Zhor and Najia, although they were avoided by most of the older ones. Gloria was the worst, taking her plate, and joining Jimmy and Valencio. She grumbled, "Bloody Khatabi witch! She inflicted me with elephant skin once, and then didn't know how to undo it, and Haru couldn't. I thought I'd be like that, forever!"

Jimmy asked, "So what happened?"

"It was fixed eventually, but about the seventeenth try."

"Do you think John would ever do anything like that?"

Valencio said, "Probably, and worse. He's a wizard."

Connie said indignantly, "John wouldn't do something like that."

Jimmy glared at Valencio, and said, "He's a good man!"

Valencio stuck to his guns, "He may be a good man, but he's a wizard, and they have different standards. Narzu-Han one time, showed me what he'd done to Chung Quoc once. He thought I'd be pleased, but it was awful!"

Jimmy said, very coldly, "You can't compare John to any Khatabi."

"He's married into the Khatabi family. He's more like them than he is like us!"

Gloria was the only one not furious with him. She smiled at him, and asked, "Tried Caesar yet?"

"I haven't had time. And I'm not set on him, if anyone else wants him."

"Well, we still can't really have horses of our own, but maybe they'll be easier to allot shortly, when some go, and others are at school or work every day."

Tasha said, "It's a bit sad, in a way. Already, Tiffany's gone, and soon they'll be others."

Valencio asked, "Tasha? Would you like to watch a film this evening?"

Tasha glanced at where Najia and Zhor sat, now being quizzed about what was happening in Morocco, and then back at her husband. She smiled, and said that of course she would.

Valencio was relieved. He didn't like Tasha being cross with him.

Connie asked, "What are you watching?"

"Farfalla chose it. It's an adventure story, set in ancient times."

"I might join you then. I'm on clean-up duty first, though."

"How long?"

"About three-quarters of an hour."

"We'll wait for you." Tasha said, "I'll see you there a little later." She wanted to know what Zhor and Najia were talking about.

Valencio went to talk to the new horses. Caesar was the biggest, but the two mares were more affectionate.

He strolled on. The foals were growing up, and he clipped a rope to their halters, one by one, and led them about a bit in the deepening twilight, as he'd seen John do. Best if they were quiet to lead. Tericai, one was called, from the half a name, Teric..., that Clarence had found written on the underside of a table. The other was Sonata, named after the woman who'd mangled a Khatabi penis so badly they never tried to demand that particular pleasure again.

When Valencio met Tasha, Connie and a few others in the small theatre, they were full of the news gleaned from the Khatabi witches.

"Botan's dead, killed when he tried to revolt against the new laws. Abensur was put in charge of the sheep and goats that are used these days to practise spells on, but nothing painful or lethal. The women are practising Defence Spells now, as there's too few Fighters left. One of them even has the green stripe, but it's a different colour green, as the training's different. They practise speed, but don't learn the serious curses. The men are apt to sneer, Madam Zhor says."

"Abensur. Najia said he had the animals loving him, fat and tame, but now he's Head of Wizardry in Japan."

Thierry said, "Rotan lost his leg in some fighting, and now he's a gardener, and so is Hicham, and he's quite happy. Married, and doing something he enjoys."

Valencio laughed, "Hicham! The great and powerful Khatabi Fighter! A gardener!" They all laughed about that.

Thierry said, quietly, "Remember Emma speaking about Larbi? Madam Zhor said she executed him."

There was a silence, and then Valencio observed, "She's a formidable woman. It's a good thing she left the family for a while, and had other influences. She would have been as bad as Riza, I think."

But then he put on the chosen film, and sat next to Tasha, taking her hand. He didn't want to think about Khatabis. Tasha remarked, "John came back, and they all left together, so presumably he's confessed to his daughters that he's been a bit busy." Valencio smiled, and relaxed. John was good luck, and a good man. He was welcome to stay away.

A couple of days later, the Aniragi News went the rounds. It was headlines, and there was a large photo, Bellamy looking thoroughly pleased with himself, an arm around a wife on each side. There was a lot of comment. One writer said it was legal. Another implied that respectable people had been deliberately tricked, that it was only legal in name, another that the relevant law must be rescinded without delay, and finally, a woman writer said how lovely it was to see their great wizard looking happy, and that maybe they could expect him to start socializing again.

Gloria pointed to a figure in the background, "Jeremy. I went to a party with him, but it was awful. They all stared at me, and some put on a false kindness, and asked me condescendingly whether I'd recovered from the past, and another asked me if we were really just women for Bellamy to play with." She shook her head. "I've given up the idea of marrying a wizard. I might just have a series of lovers. Much more convenient."

They didn't see Bellamy again for a few days. It was the middle of August, and many of the women were trying to prepare for school, starting in less than two weeks. Tasha was doing a lot of reading in preparation for the bridging course, trying to remedy the holes in her education. Books of recent history were very much in demand, and Carol ordered a lot more, from Bellamy's second daughter, who'd left school the previous year, and had a bookshop. She provided them at cost, or quite often, free.

With the latest order, there arrived additional ones, not ordered, children's books by Henry Bellamy - a set of six books, each one about a different animal, one about mermaids, and half a dozen copies of a book about wild horses. It had a picture of a mare and foal on the cover. Dot had happened to mention to Lesley that their single copy of that book was nearly falling to pieces.

Several other books about horses, new and glossy hardcovers. Lesley Bellamy was beginning to make good money with her bookshop, and there was no account arrived for the latest order. She'd put in catalogues as well, to make it easier for them to order books. There were a lot of people interested in the welfare of the refugees, more than they knew.

Valencio very much wanted to start getting in the hay, but Joe's truck and bale loader were not yet available. He could drag hay bales, but managed only to clear an area close to the hayshed. Clarence started to help, but soon wearily stated that they'd best just wait for Joe. Clarence was not a strongly built man, and Valencio nodded, and said, "I've been meaning to try seriously riding. Maybe I'll do that instead for a couple of days."

Gloria was happy to take Valencio out. Valencio had Caesar, now provided with new saddle, bridle, saddle blanket, all with the horse's name on them, as they always did. They were sewn on this time, rather than printed on with magic, as even Melanie only came sometimes, now employed as Victor's helper, at Bellamy's place.

Valencio had a natural balance, and Gloria chose to take him fast, though he gasped that she should know he couldn't ride yet. Gloria gave a mocking laugh, and Caesar ignored requests to go slower, and kept up. Gloria had a theory that if Valencio didn't find the experience exciting, he wouldn't bother pursuing it. Quite suddenly, it seemed that Valencio found the knack, and laughed with the joy of it, leaning forward, so that Caesar flicked his ears back, and increased his speed. They arrived back at a full gallop, both with smiles all over their faces. The horses were hot, and Gloria said they had to walk them a while, before releasing them.

Valencio patted the horse, full of enthusiasm. "He's great, just great."

Gloria remarked, "I should choose one for my own special horse. John will want Madigan back one day."

Valencio was whistling when he went to lunch, finding Shona already obediently among the other dogs, just outside the dining room, waiting for their owners to finish lunch. The girls were together, as they usually were.

Inge couldn't wait. "We found you on the internet, Valencio. Under your real name, of course. Did you know that there's still a reward for information leading to your recovery?"

Valencio frowned, "I'm Vince McDonald now. I have no interest in what's on the internet!"

Evita asked, "Did you know you won an Academy Award for Summer in Rome?"

Valencio replied tersely, "I knew. I don't care."

Evita asked, disappointed, "Do you really have no curiosity about what they say about you? Fan clubs, even."

Valencio said abruptly, "No! Just as long as I'm not recognised, they can say what they like!" The girls were finally quiet, though Valencio still glowered, finishing his meal quickly and returning his plate to where those on duty would clean up.

Only when he'd gone, did they start talking about him. Evita: "Will he remain unrecognised, do you think?"

Inge shook her head. "He looks different, of course, now he's a man. But I think if anyone knows the films, there's a good chance he'll be recognised."

"He'll hate that!"

"We shouldn't have spoken about it. Jimmy told me that men say terrible things about what they call queers or fags. And while we know he's not really..."

Inge nodded slowly. "We'll have to remember that he was just a servant who married one of us."

"And call him Vince, not Valencio. Every time." They nodded.

Valencio was looking at the paddocks of baled hay again. If they got too wet, they might rot, Joe said. He was no longer whistling, worried and upset that Valencio Durano could be found on the internet. Surely no-one would recognise him. Lily had, but that was an exception - wasn't it?

He went to find Carol. He needed a small truck. He knew money was limited, but surely it could stretch to a small truck. It was essential for a dozen purposes, not just for bringing in the hay. But he found Carol deeply involved in a Committee Meeting. They were talking excitedly. He scowled, feeling thwarted. He'd best not interrupt, and strode off again.

So alright, he'd go out. He checked his own lists for availability of cars, and swore again. Only the big bus and the twenty-seater bus were available. What the hell? He grabbed a pair of swimmers and a towel, took the bus, and drove to the beach. It was hours before he decided that he was being silly. Thanks to the DMT, he had proof that he was Vince McDonald, and had nothing whatsoever in common with a poor lost boy of twelve.

Clem McGregor, Bogridge policeman, stopped him as he drove back. He was speeding, but not nearly as much as he'd been speeding on the way out. Clem looked at the boy who'd been kidnapped. Valencio Durano, who now called himself Vince McDonald. Clem gave him a stern lecture, chose to ignore the fact that he was driving a vehicle he was not supposed to be driving, and let him go. He was very sorry for Valencio. One day he'd be recognised by someone who didn't keep his mouth shut. And then he'd be either too obviously pitied, or condemned. It was through his brother, Gary, that he'd had the clue, when one of the women called him Valencio instead of Vince. Then it was just a matter of checking missing persons records. He didn't think of claiming the reward. Not only was he sorry for Valencio, but Daryl's crio-magic was having an effect.

Valencio was relieved not to be fined, and thought that the tactic of looking humbly at the ground worked rather better with policemen than it did with wizards. He knew how he could bring in the hay, as well. He'd use one of the horse boxes. He should have thought of it before. He was far more cheerful now, and went to dinner happily, though avoiding the girls, and choosing a seat near Tasha and Veronica.

There had already been a notice put up, but Carol stood and called for attention anyway. They would be accommodating twelve employees of the DMT for probably around a fortnight. They would be checking the castle very thoroughly for long-term safety, maybe making any needed modifications. Also, she wanted a full meeting, every single person, in the ballroom after dinner.

When Carol sat down, Veronica said, "I know what that's about. There's been an idea put forward that we take in paying guests, in order to bring in some money ourselves, without taking on outside work."

Valencio was surprised, "There's a lot still worried by strangers."

"Yes, but if we make ourselves self-supporting, they can stay here, and stop worrying about becoming independent."

Connie said, "Twelve Anirage. Soon. Where will we put them?"

"I assume it's been thought of."

Veronica nodded, "Carol thinks of everything."

The talk went on to Veronica's hairdressing business then. "Have you had to box anyone else's ears?"

Veronica blushed, "Not lately. And we're very busy. One of us takes appointments, and one does just any customer who turns up, like a traditional barber shop. But we want to start trying different things, and will need test customers."

Valencio promised, "Soon, but Hilde wants me to take her to Edinburgh for the photography exhibition. I can't be looking too much the goose, yet!"

Veronica said defensively, "Inge's pink hair was a mistake anyone could make. I just missed out a step, that's all."

Valencio grinned, "You can have me after Tuesday, then. I don't mind looking strange."

The meeting in the ballroom that night became an excited and enthusiastic discussion of the idea of having paying guests. They were all sure that Loch Lomand was the most beautiful place in the world, and it was not only the older ones who didn't want to leave, or not for a while. Plans were put forward, and it was decided that whether or not the paying guest idea was pursued, it was a good idea to concentrate the bedrooms of the residents in one corridor, and have all the guest bedrooms in the other.

Brigitta said, "I don't really need a separate bedroom in the castle. I was just being selfish. I'll move in with Jimmy properly, and that will free up a bedroom."

Jimmy beamed, and Carol said, "You and Jimmy can have one of the cottages then, if you want, once they're ready for occupation, and that will free up Jimmy's bedroom, as well."

Clarence, Valencio and Jimmy were in conference. "Garages," said Jimmy. "Guests will demand a place to garage their cars, especially in the winter."

Gloria was speaking eagerly to Eva. "We can plan rides. Not the Pamela Track, but maybe we can make just an ordinary track a bit like it, but incorporating the waterfall, the Deep Hole, and the Deer Forest."

Eva said, "And gallop home along the Ridge Road."

"There's the Perimeter Track, too." They smiled at each other, gleeful.

For an hour they talked, the talk becoming louder and ranging wide, brimming with plans. At last, Carol stood and waited. People nudged each other, and it became quiet.

Carol spoke seriously. "This is all very well. But John got us this place primarily so we could recover. If any one of us is frightened of having strangers here, they're to come to me, privately if they like, and tell me. If just one of us doesn't want it, we won't do it. Meantime, we'll rearrange the bedrooms because that's a good idea in any case. The men can fix up the workers' cottages, as soon as they finish getting in the hay, and I think we really do have to put up with the maintenance men."

The DMT workers didn't waste time, but arrived Monday, conferred with Carol, and started working on the castle. Bellamy also turned up, found Valencio and Jimmy loading hay bales into the back of a horse box, and offered help. Valencio said hopefully, "There's no strangers here, and I want it in before it rains."

"So I can use magic?"

"Definitely."

A large load gathered itself up, and started moving towards the hayshed. Valencio watched in approval, but said to Jimmy, "Can you start stacking in the hayshed? I want to talk to Carol about the cottages."

Jimmy nodded. Vince was still a bit wary of John, he suspected. He hadn't liked seeing him in those robes, and now saw him as threatening. Jimmy had never even seen any of the powerful Khatabis, but he knew from Helene that Valencio had had far too much to do with them.

Carol listened to Valencio, and then looked at the cottages for herself. Structural decay, Valencio thought. Not something easily fixed. But the wizards could, and then he and the other men could finish off. There were four cottages in addition to his own and Clarence's, though one had a wall fallen in.

Carol found the DMT workmen in the attic, and spoke to the foreman. He nodded, and said casually, "Merv, just continue here, while I look at some cottages."

Valencio and Carol went with him as he looked closely at the cottages, and pronounced them no problem. Valencio pointed to one, and said, "That one looks nearly alright. Maybe if you could just make it solid, and I'll clean and furnish. Then Jimmy and Brigitta can move in."

Brett drew his wand, and Valencio jumped. Brett glanced at him, and said, "Just reinforcing the framework, and repairing a few of the floor timbers. Eradicate the damp, put a spell on it to make sure it doesn't just return, and you can start cleaning and painting." The workmen had been carefully primed, especially as they'd be staying on site. No robes or even capes, keep away from the women unless approached, and take care with the young man, who'd given Michael a black eye the very first evening.

Valencio wished he hadn't betrayed himself. Just because it was a wizard, didn't mean that he was prey.

Brett took just an hour, did a cleaning spell, and left a solid cottage ready for painting. Valencio was already in Bogridge, buying paint. Four extra cottages, one for Brigitta and Jimmy, but the others? They'd need furniture as well, and they all knew how reluctant Carol was to ask for extra money. They were beginning to have an appreciation of how much they were costing. Even with a half dozen now self-supporting, expenses were very high.

That afternoon, Jimmy, Clarence and Bellamy completed the job of bringing in the hay. Clarence straightened the final haybale, hoped the whole thing wouldn't fall over, as there was a distinct lean to the left, and thanked Bellamy. He'd saved them weeks of work.

Bellamy observed, "Vince didn't come back."

"Doing something else, probably. He works very hard."

Jimmy said, "I think I saw the car he mostly uses. Maybe Carol sent him on an errand."

Bellamy very much regretted his mistake in showing himself in wizard robes. He was very interested in Valencio, not sexually, but for his courage and character. He would have liked to know a great deal more of his history than what he'd been told that day, but had been quite surprised to be told anything. It had seemed that day that he was finally trusted, and it had taken so little to lose it again.

Valencio looked with satisfaction at the cottage. Clean, and sparkling with white paint, but only undercoat. Brigitta and Jimmy would have their own ideas about final colours. It was very small, the same as his and Tasha's, but there were two bedrooms, a kitchen, though without fridge or stove, a bathroom and toilet, but no plumbing yet, and no electricity.

"Tomorrow," Brett had said. "I'll get Merv onto it. That's his specialty."

Brigitta gleefully inspected. "It's our own home!"

Valencio asked, "You are going to marry him, then?"

"Nothing decided, and certainly not until I've finished school." She frowned and said, "You know when you both saw Bryce, and said you were sterile? Is it true?"

Valencio shrugged. "I don't remember them doing it, and I don't know why they should have. But that's what Bryce said."

"Just that I wondered if Jimmy was lying, so that I wouldn't say he should find someone who could have children."

Valencio smiled at her, "If you love someone, it doesn't matter if they can't have children."

"Maybe I will marry him then. It was so sweet that he should have lied to me."

Valencio opened his mouth, and then shook his head as she hurried off to find Jimmy. His acting might not have been as good as he'd thought it was.

The maintenance people, eleven men, one woman, were eating in a separate dining room, which they'd routinely set up when they came, explaining that it was orders. Emma said to Valencio, "They're only men, and only look like men, but I still don't like them much."

"There's a feel about wizards. They have a power, they know it, and it shows."

Brigitta was laughing and chattering. "We'll paint tomorrow, Jimmy and I, and then we'll go and spend some of Jimmy's money on furniture and a TV."

"I'd forgotten that Jimmy has his own money."

"He's told Carol she can have whatever she needs, but Carol's determined to manage on what's already allotted."

"Do you want my help with the painting, or moving furniture?"

Brigitta kissed him, and said he could have a day off. He worked too hard.

"I forgot. I can't, anyway. I'm taking Hilde, Kaede, and Tasha to Edinburgh, to see an exhibition of Damien's. He said that photographs of Hilde form the basis."

"And then a bookshop," said Kaede. "I know we can order from Lesley's shop, and it's cheaper that way, but I want to browse, and choose. Such luxury."

Emma said, "And no-one to decide we shouldn't have certain books."

Kaede said, "I have a book in my room now, that comes with a film - learning Japanese. I very much wanted it, but now, I really can't be bothered. No point any more."

Valencio asked, "Can I borrow it then? I always felt so close to being able to understand it properly, and you never know what can come in handy."

"If we have paying guests, languages might be useful."

Emma said, "No! Let's not encourage either Japanese, or Arabs!"

Kaede said, "Fair enough. We might have the odd one or two, but we have some control simply by choosing where to advertise."

Discussions continued throughout the evening, plans for the future, what the maintenance men were doing, Emma's latest painting, that Vince was speeding on a horse now, as well as when driving. Ginger's kittens tumbled about on the floor, and Kaede commented they could go to their new owners soon.

"Not too soon," said Tasha. "I think they need their mother for a while longer." Tasha had not yet seen her parents, though there had been a few stilted letters back and forth. She was glad that she could use the excuse that money was limited, while her mother maintained that if only she wasn't so badly afflicted with arthritis... Her brothers hadn't even written.

There were a few like that, as if their daughters had disgraced the family by being taken away against their will. Clarence, Valencio knew, like himself, had enquired about his family, but had no intention of announcing his return from the dead.

No-one said that they should not have guests. Emma explained that she didn't really want them, but it was a lot better than living on charity. Tasha remarked, "John says it's only what we're owed. That Wizardkind can't restore the years we spent as captives, but help as long as we want - that's owed."

Emma said, "Yes, but I don't think it's Wizardkind paying for us. I think it's mostly John. And if I can stay here and yet not feel like I'm a burden, then I'm happy to help with guests."

It appeared to be what the other shy ones were thinking as well. But Carol wasn't hurrying, and no decision had yet been made.

The following evening, there were new topics. "Gloria - she told Zhor Khatabi to clear out and never come near us again."

Gloria said ruefully, "I lost my temper, and they were only helping. I told them to take the damned App. Box away as well."

"Good idea. It only goes from Morocco to here, and who wants to go back to Morocco?"

"Or have any of the bastards come here!"

Hilde. "Enormous black and white photographs. And I believe him now. They had an impact."

"Were there any of Vince?"

"No, but Damien introduced him to someone who wants him in a TV commercial."

"Not like the one in the toilets that time?"

Valencio said, "There's auditions tomorrow, but he introduced me to the director especially, and he says he very much wants me. It's a series of three advertisements, for some sort of handyman service. He said how much it would pay." The figure he repeated was impressive, and Valencio added, "It would buy me a small secondhand truck maybe, or Carol might want it for something even more urgent."

"How long would it take?"

"Probably between one and two weeks filming, then about three times as long putting the final version together."

"It's amazing money."

"I never actually planned to do any acting, but it's only a few ads, and it's Britain, not America."

"Are you worried about being recognised?"

"Not really. It was so long ago, and I looked different then."

Jimmy said casually, "I might come with you tomorrow."

Valencio said, surprised, "But what about your cottage?"

"It'll wait. Same as when I came with you to Damien. We need your work. We can't have you hauled off to gaol because you beat him up for liking you."

Valencio acknowledged, "I far prefer to be liked the way Erin or Roddy like me."

Jimmy added, "Besides, I have an errand in Edinburgh," and was pleased that Valencio didn't object.

He might not have admitted it, but Valencio was happy that Jimmy sat casually in the back as he auditioned - just walked in, said a few lines, and then was asked to strip to underpants. He'd been expecting that, as he was to be a woman's fantasy of the ideal handyman, as opposed to the actor who would play the ordinary looking, but competent, workman. Without fuss or quibbling, he pulled off his shirt, and jeans, turned around, faced them again, and remarked, "The usual extra money for nudity, of course."

The director said, "No full nudity required. Just brief shorts, probably." And then, curiously, "Are you sure you haven't done any acting before, Vince?"

Valencio shook his head, "I'm a farm labourer."

"Do you have an agent?"

"It's a one-off. Just these three, and then no more."

"Very well, you can dress, and we'll settle the details later."

Valencio nodded, not showing whether he was happy or not to be accepted. Instead, he took a seat beside Jimmy, and watched as the other parts were decided on, including the part of a fierce looking dog.

When offered the contract, he studied it, but remembered some firm advice given to his mother. He stood, said he'd have someone check it for him, and get it back within a couple of days.

The director was even more convinced that it wasn't a farm labourer he was dealing with, but all the same, was pleased with him. He looked like a fantasy - too handsome, yet with a strong body that was in no way effeminate. He couldn't think of any other actor who could pull off the idea of a fantasised ideal as Vince McDonald could.

Carol looked closely at the contract as requested, followed by Dot, the day after, who carefully crossed out a few lines, explaining that projected future advertisements should be renegotiated, rather than be included in the initial contract, and said that the royalties provision seemed very fair.

Valencio thanked her, and sent off the contract, before going to inspect progress of Jimmy's cottage.

"Moving in this afternoon," said Brigitta, proudly. "Everything's new. Nothing left that came from the enclosures, nothing conjured, and even saucepans and crockery, so if we want, we can cook for ourselves."

Jimmy said, "That was my idea. Brigitta has no intention of cooking ever, if she can help it!"

"Maybe one day. But here, it's cheaper and more practical to eat as a community."

A week later, Valencio was acting - not that there was much acting involved. He was simply to wear brief shorts, boots with gaiters as workmen used, and copying the action of the actor playing the part of the real workman. "You'll be soft focus, but Don clear, and the image will flip from one of you to another."

Jimmy watched again, and no-one had tried to suggest that Valencio's friend should not be there. He was a protection, as it was assumed he was the lover. Jimmy didn't worry about the assumption, which he guessed at, though Valencio didn't. The direction was clear and professional, the actors were competent, and Jimmy decided that a chaperone was not needed. Valencio agreed. It was almost routine, though a long way to drive in and out every day.

Eva and Lucy came in with him the second day, and had Damien take a series of photographs for a portfolio. They had an agent in mind - to see whether they could get any modelling jobs. They were in their mid-twenties, but they were very beautiful women. The agent was optimistic.

Bellamy was almost every afternoon at Loch Lomand that week, but Valencio was able to avoid him without trying. He came home weary each night, but Bernice put aside a dinner for him. "It's always the same," he complained. "You do three minutes, then sit around for an hour while other ones do their part, or the cameraman has to change a film, and it winds up a long, long day."

"Good money, though."

"The bloody dog nearly took a piece out of me today - supposed to be well trained, but didn't seem to think I should be parading nearly nude."

Bernice was surprised. "Is that what you do?"

"I wear shorts, and pretend to paint walls, fix leaks, but then I have to turn around and look at the housewife, and look as if I can't wait to jump into bed with her."

"Is that difficult?"

"Not very. She's a nice woman anyway, and if that's not enough, I think about what I'm to be paid."

Tasha caressed Valencio awake Monday morning, and whispered, "I start the bridging course today. I thought if I started the day with some lovemaking, I wouldn't be so nervous." Valencio kissed her, and obliged.

Tasha wasn't the only one nervous, and when Valencio went to get himself an early breakfast, he saw Inge and Evita already there, looking quite unfamiliar in navy checked dresses, and navy blazers, though still barefoot. Inge said, "I've been awake since about four o'clock, worrying about how behind we must be."

Valencio said, "I bet the others don't know Arabic."

Inge nodded. "Kaede taught us French, as well, and you taught us a whole lot of words in Japanese."

"You won't need that now, ever. And in this classroom, nobody will be waving wands at you."

Evita said, "We're lucky. There's nothing really to be frightened of." She glanced at Inge, "I scarcely slept all night either."

Valencio assured them they'd be fine, but he was in a hurry, ate a quick breakfast, and left for Edinburgh.

As usual, he arrived home late, found the meal that Bernice had put aside for him, yawned, and looked for Tasha in the ballroom where people still gathered. Tasha greeted him, and answered his enquiries, "Our teacher's name is Andrea McConachie. She's middle-aged, and obviously knows our history, and tries very hard to be tactful. She said that we knew more than she'd expected."

Adolfina said ruefully, "Not altogether. Other things we didn't have a clue about."

"We already have a lot of reading to do, but Andrea says she's positive we can all do it."

Georgia said, "Roumania, my country. It's now very, very rich, and called a different name, which I made sure to write down, but still can't remember."

Tasha said, "Things in my country, as well. She went through our countries of origin, and told us what had changed that she could think of. I didn't realise just how much I didn't know."

The three girls were still in school uniform, and were not as pleased with themselves as the older ones. "We should have done more work in advance," admitted Inge.

Evita said ruefully, "Already we've got loads of homework, and two of the teachers told us to buy extra reference books, and get stuck into them."

"No more parties, no more dances..."

"Maybe just a few," said Inge.

Brigitta said, "We have teachers for different subjects, but the history teacher, Miss Davies, and it's definitely Miss Davies, she sneered at us, and even said to Evita that no-one should expect privileged treatment."

Evita said, "I imagined her with Botan. That helped."

"We want the qualification. If we get that, there's no need for anyone to know we missed a few years of schooling."

Brigitta stood, "Homework?"

The others also stood, reluctantly, Inge complaining, "I'm tired already, and we've been back at school just one day!"

Valencio remarked to Jimmy, "I'd hate to try it - go straight into ordinary school."

Jimmy said doubtfully, "Seeing Brigitta in school uniform. It makes me realise just how young she is. Am I doing the right thing nagging her to marry me?"

Clarence said, "Brigitta is not a child, and knows her own mind. Maybe you shouldn't nag, but I can't see her being happy with a boy her own age."

Jimmy asked, "Vince?"

"Clarence is right, Jimmy. Brigitta stopped being a child years ago."

Jimmy sighed. Clarence and Vince knew. Clarence at eleven, and Vince at twelve, and he guessed they'd stopped being children, as well.

xchapter endsx