Chapter Twenty-Nine

The Caretaker

Jennifer blinked awake to find Severus hovering over her and blearily noted how dim the light was in the room.

"Severus, really. You know I sleep in an hour on Mondays..."

"Sorry, but something's come up and I need to leave the castle. I have a meeting with Alex in an hour. Don't worry, I've already gotten Tangent to take over my Runes II class and Quintin is downstairs. I've put Hermione in charge for the day, but you should still get up in case she needs back up for some reason. Besides, it's only another half an hour, and it's your own fault you didn't get enough sleep," Severus chided her.

"I wasn't expecting to lose a half an hour of it," Jennifer complained, reluctantly sitting up. "What are you meeting Alex about?"

"You probably don't want to hear about it yet even if I didn't have to rush off. It involves a time paradox," Severus explained.

"Oh, no, not one of those! I can't handle an explanation like that before coffee," Jennifer protested.

"To be honest, I shouldn't be discussing it in any case until it has played out until the end," Severus decided. "Safety, you know."

"Fine. I'll get up and I won't ask any questions. Yet," Jennifer added, half afraid he would leave her out of the loop without that caveat added.

"Don't worry," Severus said, giving her a quick kiss before walking over to the wardrobe to get his cloak. "I believe things will work out in our favor this time."

Jennifer let out a soft sigh after he left, reluctantly getting ready for class.


Severus arrived at the Minister of Mysteries office before Alex did, so he walked over to the giant familiar tree that she kept for her animal agents and couriers. There were only three couriers perched there, as well as a Lightning Kitten who was curled up on the open windowsill next to the tree.

"Good morning, Tes. Good morning, Dodger," Severus greeted. The old owl greeted him enthusiastically, prompting Severus to pull a treat out of his pocket. "Here, Gambit, you may go back to the castle now, thank you," he added, giving the castle owl a treat as well. The grey owl accepted it and flew out, leaving only the Winged Serpent who was curled around one of the top branches. "Good morning, Austere. How are you adjusting to your new job?"

"I am adjusting. The witch is not," Austere hissed in Parseltongue. "She underestimates my intelligence. I am capable of more than being an internal courier."

"I really don't think that is the problem," Severus hissed back. "I believe she's looking for more consistency on your part."

"As if she's any better," Austere hissed in response. The Serpant leaned his head on the branch and attempted to ignore him. Not long after, Severus heard footsteps and he glanced towards the fog-filled entrance as his daughter stepped in.

"Sorry I'm late. I have a meeting with Draco every Monday morning," Alex explained, walking over to her post boxes and opening one, pulling out a coffee service. "Strange to see you in here on a Monday... I take it you found out something?"

"Yes, I stumbled onto a possible motive," Severus said. "I believe that we made a mistake when we ignored Rummert's disappearance for so long. The fact of the matter is that one of the reasons he disappeared was because he has something in his possession that he thought needed protected. Something that frankly would be better off in someone else's hands other than his: the research notes of Nicholas Flammel."

"What?" Alex exclaimed, aghast. "How did he get a hold of it?"

"He was holding them for Lucius Malfoy, how else?" Severus replied calmly.

"Of course. Rummert was one of Lucius Malfoy's lawyers," Alexandria realized. "And a fellow member of Equinox."

"Yes, and as a member of Equinox, I can see why anyone would be hesitant to put such research in the hands of Amadeus Longbottom. Instead, he kept them and hid them for a while, until he fled with them to protect them," Severus explained. "That's because he was not the only wizard who knew that he had them. His partners knew he had them, for example, and I believe so did several other members of the Equinox splinter group he was in."

"I wonder if Don Coventry knew about it?" Alex pondered.

"That I don't know, but I do think that Coventry's death is what prompted so many to go into hiding. After the Four Horsemen were broken up, everyone knew perfectly well that Abraxas Coventry was one of Bagman's pawns, and they were very afraid that Bagman would take an interest and send members of the Inner Circle to look into his death. They knew there was a very good chance that such an investigation into what happened to Abraxas would expose Rummert and what he had been hiding, especially since Donald Coventry was a member of that unnamed splinter group," Severus concluded.

"Actually, I do know the group's name now," Alexandria informed him, Severus gazing at her thoughtfully. "It's called Eclipse, and the splinter was formed ages ago by the darkest wizards of Equinox who didn't trust Bagman. They didn't like his handling of Equinox in general or the fact that he messed up so badly when he was attempting to steal the Tome of Merlin back from Fudge."

"I understand now. It was started by Lucius Malfoy," Severus concluded grimly. "This is the order that all of the Dark Wizards joined after Coventry and Balmweed split from Equinox and formed the Collector's Society for all the more 'reputable' members who wanted a better option."

"Yes, that's right. Before that point, Eclipse was mostly just made up of Malfoy's cronies plus a few wizards sympathetic to Death Eaters that were still around because Harry couldn't get enough evidence on to nab them," Alexandria explained. "As you can imagine, it grew quite a bit after that, which is why we had so many 'disappearances'. But now that we know why they left, I think it's obvious what they must be doing."

"They are attempting to make their own Philosopher's Stone, more than likely," Severus concluded. "And to produce the Elixir to go with it. A futile attempt, I might add."

"You're sure?" Alex asked seriously. Severus nodded to her.

"Even assuming Glen's notes were complete and not edited, re-edited, and post-edited over top of his original alchemist notations, Glen never managed to work out all of the variables by himself. Albus Dumbledore figured out the other half of the formula, and without Dumbledore's notes, they do not have the complete picture. It's true that they probably have complete notes of some his failed attempts when he was working on it by himself, and they will undoubtedly have a plethora of interesting notes on regeneration potions, short-term longevity potions, and healing potion research... some of which is still actively used and adapted in modern healing potions. But even if they combine efforts and manage to create a facsimile of the Stone, they are undoubtedly going to run into the same problems and failures that Glen had. Any attempt at making an Elixir from such a facsimile will either backfire or be only viable in the short term. It could possibly cause permanent damage and is very likely dangerous to use in the long term. If they're smart, they'll do the gold test first. If they can't even get as far as managing an actual gold transformation, they certainly won't get a viable potion."

"Well, that's good to know, but I still don't want those notes in their hands. It's much too dangerous," Alex decided.

"Nor do I want them in Longbottom's hands, if he is the rightful owner," Severus conjectured.

"I have no idea if he is or not. I'm not even sure that the ownership dispute was even completely mitigated before Lucius died. I remember Rose telling me that her mother had been fighting it, but after he died, she never brought it up again," Alex recalled. "Either way, I do have the authority to confiscate dangerous magical items, especially when ownership of the item is questioned. I'll have to get Draco and Grandfather to sign it since it calls for an International Declaration of an Extradition of Artifact, but under the circumstances, that won't be a problem. I'm going to have you working on the team going in to confiscate the notes. Considering the assignment, I believe I'm going to have to assign you a partner for this one," she added, almost apologetically. "He's been working for me a lot longer than you have, so he'll be the senior partner."

"Considering I just started a couple of months ago, I'm certain any agent would be a senior partner," Severus said with a shrug. "I assume you have a name for me?"

An hour later Severus was back in the Headmaster's Study, sitting at the desk with his head propped up in one hand and staring at a cold cup of coffee. Finally there was a brisk knock, and the door swung open.

"Good mornin' Headmaster! I heard you have need of me," John Carnegie greeted cheerfully as he walked in wearing his painter's clothes. Severus vaguely recalled that he had been assigned to renovate the staff room next to the Great Hall. "Did I leave a paint splatter in the main corridor somewhere?" he asked when he saw Severus' dour expression.

Severus simply held up a folded note with the Minister of Mysteries special seal on it. Curiously, John took the note and glanced at the seal.

"Ah! So she finally got around to telling you my little secret, did she?" he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Not only that, but that you've been working for her since that incident with Excalibur."

"She thought it 'twould come in handy to have someone with my expertise in her arsenal," John said with a smile. "Besides, as you'll recall, I wasn't making any of my own money at that point, and it was nice to have a wee bit tucked away when Mitch and I wanted to relocate to Hogsmeade to be closer to the castle."

"At that point?" Severus repeated, his expression changing.

"You really ought to pay attention to your own finances, considering my deposits dropped off some time ago, Headmaster. I paid off my debt to you late last term," John informed him with amusement. "There! Another confession! And I'm not even in church."

"But you're still here," Severus said flatly.

"So I am! Fancy that, now," John said, opening the letter. "If you'll bear with me a moment, it'll take concentration to decode this and read it at the same time."

Severus gazed at him warily, wondering how to phrase what was on his mind without accidentally giving John the opportunity to hand him a notice of resignation.

"So, we have to confiscate dangerous research and possible research experiments, with an IDEA order to the United States, I see! So, you have some idea where it is, then?"

"Somewhat. I have a contact who should be reporting this week with more specifics as to where they might be," Severus explained. "He has been attempting to find out for a while, really, but his employer is only indirectly involved and doesn't know the exact location himself. However, he believes he should have the information the next time his employer attempts to make contact with them."

"Fine. Let me know when you have that information and I'll go o'er there. I would like to do some discreet reconnaissance for a day or two, and then we'll formulate a plan," John decided.

"Very well," Severus said resignedly.

"Good, then I'd best be getting back to my paintin' then... unless there is anythin' else, Professor?"

"No, but we should probably update your contract, since your debt has been paid," Severus suggested.

"Nae need to trouble yourself with it, Headmaster," John winking as he turned for the door. "'Twas all takin' care of a long time ago,"

Severus watched him go then got up himself, concentrating on Hermione's office to get himself there in half the time. He then opened the filing cabinet and searched through it until he found Carnegie's employment file, flipping through to find one of Hermione's standard employment contracts. It was a five-year renewable contract, he mused, with a modest incremental wage increase thrown in so that they wouldn't have to negotiate it with the board. It had just been signed at the end of last year, knowing Severus would miss it in the paperwork. No, that was hardly fair. Most contracts in the castle either began at the beginning or summer or the end of summer.

"Oh! Hello, Severus. Are you back from the Ministry already?" Hermione inquired, apparently coming in to grab notes for her next class.

"Yes, I'll fill you in about it during our next conference," Severus assured her. "I was just checking to see if John's contract was in order."

"Oh that. I took care of that months ago," Hermione admitted sheepishly. "Did I overstep? You weren't planning to let him go once he paid you off, were you?"

"Let him go? Are you mad? I would have fought tooth and nail to keep him," Severus admitted, getting a smile in response. "He's become an integral part of this school, and regardless of his past, I've come to trust him."

"Me too," Hermione agreed wholeheartedly, grabbing her notes going going back to her class.


The word came early on Friday.

Severus stirred in his sleep, his dreams more about the abhorrent answers he had gotten on the last Ancient Magic test than it was about anything else. But when he awoke, he found himself thinking of Auror duty and moaned. He reached over for his watch on the end table, but then sat up in bed when he saw a huge pair of eyes staring at him beside his end table. She was hushing him insistently, pointing behind him at Jennifer, who so far had only turned over from his sudden movement. Severus grabbed his wand from under his pillow and called up a wisplight, staring at the House Elf.

"Maisy?" Severus finally whispered, then reached for his watch again.

"I have news, sir," Maisy explained quietly.

"I'll meet you in the study," he murmured, and Maisy nodded, disappearing.

Scowling at the time, Severus threw on some robes and pocketed his wand and his watch, stumbling in to find coffee and a pastry waiting for him.

"I had Francis prepare something for you. It is a bit early," Maisy said.

"3 a.m. is more than 'a bit early'," Severus said. "But you shouldn't have woke up Francie for this."

"She was already awake doing the menu for December, Professor," Maisy explained calmly, waiting for him to get a couple of sips of coffee in.

"So, did Dandy find out where Eclipse is holed up at?" Severus asked.

"Yes, Professor. He told me that they have a hidden headquarters behind a gift shop under London Bridge," Maisy explained. "Not all of them are staying here. Some have found rooms in hotels nearby."

"London Bridge? How could they possibly be in London? I was quite sure they were in Arizona."

"They are, Professor," Maisy agreed. "But that is what his message said." Severus stared at her, then realization sunk in.

"Old London Bridge," Severus said after a moment. "That's right, some silly American bought the old London Bridge in the sixties and reconstructed it over a man-made lake..." he recalled, pulling out a United States road Atlas out of a drawer and studying it for a moment. "Lake Havasu City, Arizona, that is where they are," he said at last. "So they aren't all staying there. Some are spread out, you say?"

"That is what his message said, sir."

"But some... some are more worried about being discovered than the others... else there are some that are simply less complacent... perhaps the hidden location is not as comfortable, or there simply isn't enough room. Are there any wizard hotels there?"

"I'm not sure, sir, Dandy didn't say. Shall I go back and question him further?" she asked.

"No, I'd rather you not have to do that any more than necessary. Some of the wizards missing had Imp companions who would be very quick to engage any Trade Elf who they didn't feel belonged there, and some of them know you are and who you're related to," Severus said.

"Yes, that is quite true, but I have been careful," Maisy assured him.

"And I trust that you have, but there is too much at stake for you to take risks unless you absolutely have to. I think it'd be safer to send you to the Craw Mansion to speak to Beth; she may be able to easily find out what accommodations are there without raising suspicions. Armando, get John in here. Tell him it is about a matter 'unrelated to school business.'"

"Yes, Headmaster," the portrait said with a nod.

Severus pondered if he was going to have to out his source or not, more than a little uncomfortable with the idea of telling John how he was getting the information on where they were. As it happened, when Carnegie at little while later, he didn't even ask where he got it, he simply nodded and studied the map.

"Well, if the focal point of this little lake is the bridge, then it shouldn't be too hard to find the right shop," John decided.

"I am also making inquiries to whether or not there are wizard accommodations in the area," Severus said.

"Most American wizards stick to the Muggle ones," John pointed out. "There may not be any."

"If not, some of them will stick out like a sore thumb. Many of the members of Eclipse are very old world wizard families who haven't had that much exposure to that sort of thing," Severus pointed out. "There must be at least one hotel. They wouldn't have picked that location without accommodations for Muggle-phobic members."

"Do you suppose Miss Coventry has a property here? They are one of the bigger wizard hotel chains," John inquired.

"I am waiting to hear. Breakfast?" Severus suggested.

"Delighted," John agreed, getting up to help set up. By the time they were settled with their coffee, the Owl Post dropped off a note from Beth. Severus quickly read it.

"Beth says that the nearest Coventry Suites is in Los Angeles, but that the company has a subsidiary that runs boutique hotels in the area called Painted Lands Resorts," Severus reported.

"Lovely," John said cheerfully. "Then that all tha' needs to be done is givin' me a week or two so that I can go down there and do some reconnaissance. You needn't worry about my international travel anymore. Alex cleared that matter up ages ago."

"A week or two? Without a caretaker?" Severus asked flatly.

"Don't worry, I'll put that old Wiz-o-matic Launderer to rights before I leave," John assured him cheerfully. "Besides, I believe you can come up with a name or two to fill for me while I'm gone... one of them is even indirectly related to you." Severus stared at him. Then, he let out an audible groan.