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 23:

Filming for the first three advertisements was completed Friday afternoon, though working late. But then plans were put to Valencio and the other actors about an additional two in the series. That evening, he studied another contract, yawning over it. Carol offered to show it to Dot, and he thanked her, and went off to bed. They were long days.

Carol gave him back the contract the following day, with Dot's firm advice that he should ask for more money, especially as there was a nude scene. Valencio nodded. Carol had already assigned most of his pay. Furniture for new bedrooms, bedrooms with ensuites, for paying guests.

Tasha was in bed, sound asleep. Valencio cuddled up, and slept. Two days off, but back again Monday. He'd scarcely seen anything of Tasha while he'd been working, and she, too, was very busy. Saturday morning, he found her in the library, working with three reference books, and occasionally making notes in an exercise book. She was deeply absorbed.

She looked up, a bit reluctantly, and then stretched. "There's so much to learn," she explained. "We're all working hard."

Valencio asked, "The girls as well?"

"They are now, very hard. They're finding it difficult, I'm afraid."

Valencio pulled over one of the heavy books, and commented, "If I wasn't so busy... It's well worth doing."

"Kaede did the best she could, of course."

"Kaede was good. It was hardly a normal situation, and she helped." He looked into the past a moment. There had been one day. He'd been so sore, he forgot what from. And she'd just started calmly discussing the Panama Canal, instead of the arithmetic which he'd been finding difficult. That would have been Adil. If he'd complained to Nusa'pei at the time, would anything have been different? He shook his head. Nusa'pei had to have known, and besides, while he'd been owned by Adil, the risk of castration was reduced. He'd managed to grow to be a man, and maybe those several months had been worthwhile. And anyway, probably two thirds of the times with Adil, he'd been barely hurt.

"Kaede helped me a lot in the early days," commented Tasha. "Helped me learn English first, then Arabic, and only then did she try and start teaching anything else."

"Thirteen, and not knowing the language spoken. It must have been terribly difficult."

"I was so lonely, even when there were others all wanting to help. They hardly ever took anyone who didn't have a knowledge of English."

"I haven't seen Kaede today."

"She probably slept though breakfast. She was out all night with John."

Valencio was stunned, "She was?"

Tasha laughed. "He took her to see her old home, but there's a big time difference, and she had to go at night."

Valencio grinned. "I remember Kaede trying to explain that to Emma. I have the feeling she just didn't believe her."

Tasha said, "I wish I could apparate anywhere in the world. It must be so wonderful!"

"I heard the Khatabi women were not taught to apparate, not even told there was any such thing."

"I suppose they didn't want the women deciding to leave before they were ready. Like Bouchra, who tried to escape, and then was crippled."

"She was as much a prisoner as we were, but now she's Pasquila-Kha, and I'm a school student, and you're a farm labourer. Freedom. We can be what we want to be."

Valencio grinned, "Want to come riding? Honey was complaining she doesn't see enough of you."

Tasha rose, stacking her books. "Time to get some fresh air," she agreed.

Gloria joined them, riding Madigan. She'd also had an excursion the previous day, taken to John's home, with the idea that she should name some young horses for him. "Lovely gardens, and I saw Bess and Naji, whom he was given to ride while he was a prisoner. His wife tracked them down, and bought them for him."

She had to describe the house and property again, but said that spells kept it hidden, and he hadn't said where it was. "He's got two large paddocks, full of retired horses, mostly brood mares. Lots of white ones, and they're Andalusians, and lots of 'Line of Sheba' ones. That's what he calls his stud, Line of Sheba. He seemed to know them all, and showed me some, and told me what champions their foals had been."

Tasha asked, "Wasn't Connie supposed to be seeing his Art Gallery one day?"

"She had the chance yesterday, but declined."

"So did you see the Art Gallery?"

"Yes. He said it's only a few years old, since Clare died. There were portraits, a few landscapes, and also lots of ones of animals, especially horses. He showed me a portrait of Pat, and one of Julie, who was an earlier wife. And there was one he said was his daughter, Beth, except that she's dead now. Beth was fat and plain, and looked so, so wise, and had a beauty. Or that's how the artist painted her."

"It's hard to believe he's so old."

Gloria said, "He obviously loves his home. He said he bought the property soon after he married his first wife. I didn't see Zhor or Najia, though I saw Victor and Oliver."

"How did you go naming the horses?"

Gloria laughed, "I suggested Johndoe for one of the foals, but he said he hadn't actually liked being John Doe. He let me name one Damir, though. A really pretty dappled dun, with a creamy mane and tail. Only small, one of Bess's foals. He said that there were always a few young ones, and they just go to whoever needs them when they grow up, the same as Sherese and Reya's foals."

At lunch, there were giggles. "Kaede. She's sunburnt. I didn't think someone with brown skin would get sunburnt!"

"Remember she was going to be a nun? Apparently the church and the buildings are in ruins."

Valencio remarked, "It would have been rather a blow to their faith when three prospective nuns walked out with Yiko instead!"

Tasha said, "Maybe Yiko had a sense of humour."

"A sense of irony, maybe."

Monday, Valencio was again driving to Edinburgh, leaving before dawn, to get there on time. The story of the housewife's fantasy had developed, and one of the two extra advertisements was likely to be only played late at night, as her fantasy became more real. The message was that the handyman company could provide competent handymen, not dream handymen. It was the last ad in the series that Valencio really liked, when he was to drop a hammer on his toe, and hop around, yelping.

They did that one first, and Valencio enjoyed the hilarity produced by his act. He even had a chance to shed tears, looking pathetic and mournful. But on Wednesday, it was back to Number 4. It was supposedly a closed set as there was full nudity, but there seemed to be the same number of people as usual. Valencio had seen nude scenes before, and hadn't expected anything different. It would be soft focus again, becoming softer as the dream handyman's clothing vanished off him, and he bore the plain and ordinary housewife to the floor in a passionate embrace. Valencio said to Vera, the 'housewife,' that it didn't really advertise the handyman firm much.

"I think they've got a bit carried away, myself. It doesn't seem to have much to do with the message." She glanced at his arms. "A good thing you're strong, Vince. I'd hate to be dropped!"

"Just weeks ago, I was dragging around haybales. That's a job that builds muscles!"

Vera said, "My husband's coming in to watch this one. He thinks it's not proper, even though I'm fully clothed!"

Valencio laughed. "He's right. It's not at all proper. But if I get excited, just tell him I was only thinking about the money. He won't be jealous then."

"Are you likely to get excited?"

Valencio answered fervently, "I hope not."

Vera chuckled, and said, "I'm supposed to be the plain and ordinary housewife. It would be very flattering!"

"Your husband might beat me up."

"I'll tell him not to."

As it happened, the scene went smoothly, and Valencio managed not to embarrass himself by showing inappropriate excitement, although he was not unaffected, and neither were those who watched. He slipped on his shorts with relief, and stood next to Vera, waiting to see whether the director was satisfied. The producer was there that day, usually close to the director, but now he wandered over to the two actors, stood next to Valencio, and said, "Well acted, Vince. I'd like to talk to you about more work." His words were matter-of-fact.

Valencio shook his head, and said, "I prefer working on the farm, quite frankly. It's more satisfying."

"Getting hay in? I heard that." He stroked Valencio's upper arm, and said softly, "It's developed muscles."

Valencio looked at the big man, becoming tense. The hand wandered, and then down over buttocks. Valencio flinched and stepped away, suddenly terrified, not of the man, whom he could probably fight off if needed, but of his own sudden temptation. Acting harder than he had all day, he said casually, "I'll have to bring in my wife to protect my virtue, maybe."

The producer said, disappointed, "Your wife?"

Valencio said, very firmly, "My wife!"

They were nearly finished, although Valencio had to strip again, just for a few shots of full body, then again, with shorts, and boots back on, then several close ups of face only.

"Look like you're wanting."

Valencio thought of Tasha, and looked like he was wanting. He was a professional. A minor disturbance should not interfere with his work. He was a lot more conscious of those who watched now, and was uneasy. At last, there was no more excuse to keep him, and he dressed quickly, making sure not to be caught alone.

Finished, and he arrived home late, as usual.

"Never again," he told Jimmy. "I don't care how much they offer to pay."

"Did someone make a pass?"

"At least I didn't hit this time." He glanced at Jimmy, "Maybe you're right. I'm a babe in the woods!"

Gloria joined them, saying that Mildred was now officially in charge of gardens, and had no intention of leaving. It was expected. Mildred was one of their older ones. It was very difficult to consider a new career after just nine years of childhood, and over forty years of imprisonment.

Gloria added casually, "I've sent Revenge off to a stallion. It looks like she'll always be a biter, so she might as well have foals."

"A bit small for any of us, anyway."

"If we have guests, there might be children."

Children! Few of them had thought about coping with children.

Valencio said, "I have no intention of lifting a finger tomorrow. I'm too tired. I'll ride a bit, if I can have Caesar, otherwise take it very easy. It's been hard work."

"A long way to drive morning and evening."

Valencio nodded. "Over four hours a day driving, and some of it in heavy traffic. Too much!"

Gloria said, "No-one asks for Caesar except you. You can have him."

Jimmy said, "They're opening up the South Wing."

Valencio sat up, surprised, and very pleased. The South Wing had been roped off, as too dangerous. Jimmy continued, "The DMT team will be here a lot longer than planned, but there'll be thirty extra bedrooms, all with ensuites, small sitting rooms, a guest dining room, a large function room..." He grinned, and said, "It's fairly obvious they approve of the idea - they want us to become self-sufficient."

"Can we see?" asked Valencio, eagerly, casting off his fatigue.

"Only a bit. Two bedrooms, they're using as models, but there's still holes in floors, and we're not supposed to go any further."

Carol found them as they inspected, and hugged Valencio. "It's wonderful, and your first payment arrived today."

Valencio grinned, "A truck?"

Carol shook her head, and said, "Next. After we furnish the new bedrooms as best we can. As long as something else doesn't crop up."

Valencio shook his head mournfully, but at least the hay was in.

Carol said hopefully, "We might be able to have our first trial guests before Christmas."

Valencio had his day off. He wasn't nearly as idle as he'd said. He gave a few of the horses a thorough brushing, including Emanuelle, whom he thought neglected, did a little puppy training with Shona, played with the kittens, persuaded Tasha that making love in the open air was a desirable change, and in the afternoon, he rode Caesar to Bogridge, left him in a small area of grass behind Maliwan and Sheila's Frock Shop, and reported to Veronica who wanted to make him blonde.

Veronica succeeded very well, and he looked at his pale hair afterwards, grinned, and strolled off to the pub, to show off his new look. Mary was sitting with Gary in the lounge area, and laughed. Gary looked at him, and queried, "Vince?"

Valencio put his hand to his hair, and said, "Veronica. She says now she can make anyone blonde, and they only have to make an appointment."

Gary laughed, and spoke to Mary in a tone of tenderness, "Would you prefer me blonde?"

Mary shook her head, and said, "You're fine just the way you are."

"Grey? And with thinning hair?"

Valencio said, "I'm the first that Veronica's done like this. I might have thinning hair before night." But then he was hailed by a couple of friends in the other bar, and went to join them.

Mary smiled after him, and said to Gary, "He's so full of life."

"Blonde! He doesn't look like a blonde!"

"Angini was looking at a picture of a mohawk hairstyle, and he says they can do exactly as they please now the acting job's over."

An hour later, Valencio dropped in to see Sheila and Maliwan, who stared, laughed, and offered him coffee. He declined, and went to saddle Caesar, who flattened his ears and stamped his foot. Valencio told him to behave himself, and said, "Wait until you see me after Angini has a go." He glanced at the small area of unkempt grass, and commented, "Good thing they don't have a nice garden to ruin."

Caesar nuzzled him. He liked Valencio really, and he liked being able to stretch out in a full gallop. Valencio never tried to make him go slower than he wanted to.

Tasha smiled at her husband when he found her not long before dinner, though running her fingers through his hair, and complaining that it felt stiff and dry. Valencio did the same, agreed, and commented, "Two of Roddy's mates think they might like to be blonde, as well, but they're starting with light brown hair."

"Veronica will be pleased." But then Tasha said, acting casual, "Nikola and Bridget have jobs, starting Monday."

Valencio said, "I hadn't heard they were even looking."

"John helped, but they said they had to insist. He was reluctant, they said."

"What sort of job?"

"Working in a very expensive, very high class brothel in Paris."

"Surely they can't want to work in a brothel!"

"They say they do. And you know Bridget. She'd only be doing it if she wanted to."

"John should not have helped them. It must only be to support themselves."

Tasha shook her head. "They're thrilled to bits, they're crowing about the money, and can't wait to go to Paris."

Valencio shook his head, "I don't believe it. And I don't think John should have helped."

Tasha looked at him doubtfully. She'd been afraid he'd take it like this. She tried to explain. "It's not like in the enclosure. They can refuse any customer they want, they work only as hard as they want, and the money's very, very good. They're thrilled with themselves, and you mustn't spoil it for them."

At dinner, Valencio saw the two young women, sitting together, laughing and smiling, and as Tasha said, perfectly obviously thrilled with themselves. He joined their group a little later, and just listened.

Bridget said, "Marie's the boss. She said no-one, ever, would force us. Only that if we refuse too many, we could not stay as employees."

Nikola looked at Valencio, gave him a wide smile, and said, "We'll be higher earners than you've been these last few weeks."

Valencio was still troubled, but Bridget said, "John was upset, too. But Marie pointed out he used to be a good customer, and it makes no sense to think it's alright to be a customer, yet think it's not alright to work there."

"This Marie. Will she look after you?"

"There are all sorts of safeguards. We won't need to put up with anyone like Botan, for instance."

Nikola said, "It was something I enjoyed, extracting information from the wizards. Using them, when they thought they were using me."

Bridget nodded, "I liked that, too. Manipulating them."

Valencio finally spoke, and Tasha sighed with relief. "When do you start?"

In the morning, Valencio found that their haystack had fallen over. The lean had apparently developed overnight. He scratched his head. It should be undercover, but maybe they needed a bigger hayshed in any case. By the time the others joined him, he was marking out places for new uprights. They'd simply extend the roof over the fallen haybales, and maybe next year, they'd be better at making haystacks.

The others laughed at the simple solution to the problem of a toppled haystack, and he went to Carol for money for more sheets of roofing iron, and more timber. Carol was agreeable, though she found it difficult to think of anything than her new South Wing. She was crowing again. "Thirty good sized bedrooms, all with ensuites, a large function room..."

Valencio said, "Jimmy says we'll need garages, as well."

"That'll have to wait a few weeks. This is our first priority," and she looked at large windows all along the South Gallery. They needed drapes, preferably heavy drapes to keep out the cold. How much would that cost?

Valencio mentioned, "I don't plan on doing any more acting, by the way. It might be well paid, but I don't like it much."

Carol had already heard that there had been some sort of a pass made, and while she didn't understand his temptation, did know that he could be dangerous to any man who molested him. She would not encourage him to do something that was risky for him. As she'd said to the others, Loch Lomand was primarily a place to recover. Better to ask for more money if they needed it, than that Valencio was put at risk.

xdividerx

Just two days later, Nikola and Bridget were surrounded, as the others said their goodbyes, and wished them luck. Jimmy was to drive them to Duich, and then they were to go by train and then ferry, with both Jimmy and Valencio to go with them, to carry luggage, and to look after them. Carol had allotted them plenty of start-up money, for taxis, and whatever else required, and they'd confided to the men that John said he could call them in an emergency, and he'd come. She laughed to Valencio that he'd been thoroughly upset when they'd asked him first. "Remember when he turned the horse box into a dressing room? Someone said it looked like a French bordello, and he said he liked French bordellos, so we thought they must be alright. John wouldn't like anyplace that hurt women."

Nikola had her eye on the entry drive, but it was when Madigan jumped the fence, and galloped toward the gate way that she knew that their Good Luck had come in time to see them on their way. Bellamy hugged them, as soon as he arrived, and said, "You know, if you don't like it, you could always get jobs as interpreters, with your languages. I thought of it about two o'clock in the morning."

Bridget said, "If we don't like it, we'll think about it."

It was the first time that Valencio had seen John for several weeks. He didn't look any different, but somehow he felt different. Happy. He guessed he was no longer pining for Pat. From medj wife, to Khatabi witches, two of them. Quite a change!

Jimmy drove, and Nikola said they had to practise their French, so they spoke French all the way, to the port, on the ferry, and to the Paris taxi-driver. Only Jimmy had trouble, though he claimed to know the language.

The Maison Rose-Marie was an old-fashioned building in Paris, with an air of ancient graciousness. It was in a good area, surrounded by middle-class homes. It looked very respectable - even classy. Both the men were dubious, but Marie looked at the girls' escorts, guessed immediately that Valencio had a similar history to the girls, even if Jimmy didn't, and they were shown over the establishment, had a chance to meet a few of the girls, and Marie patiently explained some of the safeguards that protected her girls. It made Jimmy uneasy, wondering if he'd been watched in a similar situation, but Valencio nodded, relieved. Men didn't hurt if they were watched.

But then they were hugged and dismissed, and went outside, wondering what to do next.

"Paris," said Jimmy.

"We could wander around for a bit, see the tourist sights..."

It was already evening, and Jimmy said, "Maybe we'd best find a cheap hotel first, and book in."

They stayed the day after, as well, but then had to hitch their way from London to Duich, as the money for the train had been spent. They did make a phone call, just so no-one would worry, but arrived home a day late, and very weary. There had been not a thing to disturb Valencio, and he had a renewed confidence. Having another man always close was a big protection, though Jimmy was becoming a bit annoyed at the assumptions he could see on the faces of those who noticed them. Just because the man was good-looking!

By the time they returned, there was more news. Eva and Lucy had jobs, modelling, and were staying in Edinburgh for a few weeks until the work ran out, and Farfalla had a few days' work in a fish and chip shop in Bogridge.

Gloria was ecstatic about a new horse that Bellamy had brought them, "Sirius," she said. "He's about ten, and Bellamy says he's very fast, and we can have him long-term. There's another as well, called Heathcliffe, but Dot and Michael's horses are gone. He said they were missing them." And she remarked, with satisfaction, "The App. Box is gone."

The men conferred, and Valencio suggested, "Finish the roof of the hayshed, then think about garages?" The DMT workmen were still working in the castle, and expected to be a few weeks yet. Many of the women were talking easily to them now, and they had frequent visitors wanting to inspect, and some wanting to watch. Valencio was happier keeping away from wizards. He still had a sneaking suspicion that wizards might be more attracted to boys and men, than were medj.

They didn't work long, as they ran out of materials, and Carol said there was no more money at present for any more. Valencio scratched his head, and finally started heaving bales around again, getting as much as possible back under cover. It never stayed dry for long in that climate. But then he straightened, looked around at what he was beginning to regard as his farm, and said, "Might go and see Joe. I think we should plant grape vines, and make wine."

Jimmy grinned, thinking he was joking, but Valencio saddled Caesar, and it was Joe who explained that crops depended on climate, and the climate was quite unsuitable for grapes. Valencio was disappointed, but stayed for lunch, enjoying the undemanding company. They told him about the grandchild, getting into non-stop mischief, and that another was expected in the new year. Valencio told them that Tasha was back into schooling, and that it seemed so quiet, with so many either left, or out every day.

"How many have left?" asked Anne.

"Three permanently, probably, and a few more, but we don't know for how long."

"Not so many, then."

"It's just that we've been together so long, and each one is missed."

Anne Corbett asked, very quietly, "How long were you a prisoner, Vince?"

Valencio hesitated. She shouldn't ask that. But they'd done a lot for him, and he finally answered briefly, "I was twelve." It was an admission that he was taken for sex, and he was deeply uneasy.

Anne asked him if he wanted anything else to eat.

Joe asked, "Jimmy?"

"Something different. He was taken for different purposes, and was only a prisoner for a few months."

He was looking at the table, and his face was red.

Joe said calmly, "I bumped into Gary McGregor the other day. He's looking as happy as a boy, head over heels in love."

Anne helped, "Mary, wasn't it?"

"Mary. He said her name every two sentences. Hard to forget. He says it might take a while yet, as she's so shy."

Valencio was relieved that there were no more questions, and said, "A lot of the women are still worried by strangers. But I like Gary. I reckon he'll get what he wants if he perseveres. And Mary. She's quiet and shy, but she's very strong. If she accepts him, she'll make him happy."

There was a whistling neigh, and Valencio stood up. "Caesar, my horse. He thinks he's the boss."

Joe admired the horse, as Valencio tightened the girth again, and Caesar pawed the ground. "Really yours?"

"He belongs to Loch Lomand, but I mostly ride him."

A moment later, they were off at full gallop. Joe chuckled. "Gary also said that Clem pulled him up for speeding a second time, maybe that's why he rides a horse now."

"I guess we always knew."

Joe said optimistically, "He seems perfectly alright now. Game for anything."

"Maybe he was handled gently... Maybe it was alright."

"I thought he wouldn't answer."

xdividerx

The next project for the men was to work on a track that Connie and Mary had mapped out, devised especially for prospective visitors. They called it the Heidi Track. There were several places that needed a little work to improve the going, and one place that needed a bridge, wide and solid enough for horses, and possibly nervous riders.

They inspected that place carefully, and Valencio said, "It might have to wait. I couldn't even get Carol to give me enough money to finish the hayshed."

Connie looked disappointed.

Clarence asked, "The money from the ads, Vince?"

"Gone, I believe. New furniture needed."

Jimmy asked, "You just gave it all to her?"

Valencio explained, "I'm planning on staying here long-term now, or at least as long as Tasha agrees. My home, so money just goes into the pot."

"Well, we'll bypass Carol, and I'll pay for materials for your hayshed first, and then Connie and Mary's bridge."

Connie and Valencio beamed, Mary hugged him.

Clarence groaned, "That means more work. I wasn't made for heavy work, I think."

His complaint was ignored. Clarence wore a settled, contented look these days. In the enclosures, his look had been primarily one of defeat.

xchapter endsx