Chapter Thirty-Nine

Visitors and Advice

It was not long after they got the kitchen organized in the new flat that Sirius came to visit Lindsay and Laura.

"Hey, girls. Do you want to go on a quick adventure?" Sirius asked with a grin.

"We could use a break," Laura agreed, stretching her hands.

"Where are we going?" Lindsay asked with interest.

"Stonehenge! Zoe wants to know if you want to come along to meet Bael and Dumbledore at the portal," Sirius explained.

"Sure!" Lindsay said.

"Sure, why not?" Laura agreed.

"Are you sure it's going to be today, though?" Lindsay asked. "We can't really afford to wait hours, because we still haven't put the bedrooms in order yet."

"Oh, don't worry about that. Merlin gave Zoe a special crystal on a chain that can tell when they're near out end of the portal. He said when it glows write they're about to emerge, and it was a very pale yellow when I came to get you two. We'd better get going if you don't want to miss it. Grab your cloaks. The sun is down, so it's safe to Apparate."

Laura and Lindsay hurried to grab their socks, boots, and cloaks and the three of them Disapparated, Apparating several meters away so that they didn't come too near the Twilight Arc. The evening was cold and misty and made the stones seem even more mystical as they hurried towards the center so that they could safely breach the Arc. When they got inside, they saw Anna holding a bundled up Aubrey Lynn and Zoe, who was holding a large, bright crystal on a heavy copper chain.

"Wow. That's not one our aunt's crystals, is it?" Lindsay gawked.

"No, but it is a type of Elf Crystal," Zoe said. "Merlin told me that Elven Magic creates many different types of crystals with different properties, but all of them are made of the same thing; Wild Magic that has accumulated and solidified. They pick up traits either from those who made it or from the intent of the magic itself as it's formed. That's why Lucky's crystal has a very different type of magic compare to the Dragonheart Diamond, which is also very different from the crystals grown in the Crystal Cave," Zoe explained. "This one is attuned specifically to Bael and his relationship to this portal. In our time, he's already been in the thing for a month."

"It seems a lot longer when you're actually going through it," Laura said, thinking back. "Like you're in a state of slow motion and wading across a white water river... only the river is made out of light."

"The anchor that Severus put in here makes this portal a lot more stable than most, so it is the easiest to navigate now," Anna commented.

"Where's the portal at, exactly? I can't see it," Laura said.

"Near the altar stone... it's a bit hard to see when the Sentinels aren't here, but I can make it clearer," Anna said, waving her hand towards it so that Laura could see the faint image of the doorway. "When they come out, it'll solidify until they're through then disappear again."

"It should be happening soon," Zoe informed them, "so you may want to step back a bit."

Anna and Sirius stepped back where the rest of them were, and the crystal Zoe was holding began to glow brightly. A moment later, a doorway solidified filled with a white mist. Albus Dumbledore stepped through with a soft smile of relief, followed by Bael, who seemed even more relieved.

"Ah! It's so cold here!" Bael exclaimed in High Elvish, his voice ringing like bells.

"I did warn you to bring a heavier cloak," Albus chided him. "He always forgets that we don't always use magic to warm ourselves here."

"Here, you goof," Zoe chuckled at Bael, letting him borrow her cloak, but when she stepped over to give it to him, he took a moment to kiss her warmly before taking it.

"It is good to see you, Zoe," Bael greeted her.

"Come and meet your daughter," Zoe said excitedly.

Albus had used the distraction to go over to Anna and was already holding Aubrey Lynn by the time they turned around. In fact, she already had a firm grip on his beard.

"Hey, that's no fair," Zoe chuckled at Albus.

"What a strong, bright daughter you have, Zoe! She's bound to be a handful in no time," Albus added mischievously.

"Yes, so I gathered. Even Aunt Viv has warned me that raising a Half-fae isn't easy," Zoe said, Gathering up Aubrey Lynn and handing her over to a father.

"My, she's grown so much already! Some of my other children haven't even been born yet," Bael said. "Hello, my beautiful Aubrey Lynn. What does it mean?"

"Elven ruler by the lake," Zoe said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Ah, it's a reference to Diana?" Bael asked. Zoe chuckled and nodded.

"Well named, little one. I am Bael, your father," Bael introduced. "I look forward to getting to know you during my visit. And it is good to see you as well, Sirius, Anna, oh, and Lindsay," Bael added, looking around.

"I'm Laura Lupin," Laura offered. "We've only met briefly."

"Ah yes, Lady Laura the Kindhearted. It is an honor to see you again," Bael said, making a cordial gesture.

"Well, I have met her more than briefly. I happen to be one of her many godfathers," Albus said proudly, giving her a hug.

"Remus got carried away. I'm one of the godfather's too. So is Harry and Severus," Sirius explained.

"He just wanted to have all his bases covered," Anna chuckled.

"Speaking of Severus, where is he?" Bael asked.

"He's spending the first half of the winter holiday at the castle this year," Anna explained. "But he wanted me to tell you that if you didn't want to stay at the Black Mansion while you were here, you are welcome to stay at Baker Street with the family."

"What's wrong with the Mansion?" Sirius challenged. "Of course he's staying with us, that's where Zoe and Aubrey Lynn are."

"Dad, we're not married. We're just friends," Zoe reminded him. "Not to mention that Carol and Remus are staying with us too, and we're getting ready for the Christmas party."

"I definitely want to go to that again," Bael said with enthusiasm. "But I would also like to visit Severus' family too."

"You can stay where you like, Bael. It's your holiday," Zoe said. "You won't offend anyone no matter what you choose. Right, Dad?" Anna elbowed him when he didn't answer right away.

"Sure. But I want to get to know him a bit better too," Sirius complained.

"We will be here until late spring, Sirius," Albus promised. "You will have plenty of time to talk."

"I believe I would like to stay with your family tonight, Sirius, to spend more time getting to know Aubrey Lynn and all of your family. But after that, I'd like to go to Baker Street. I expect that the Lady Jennifer is probably very lonely if Severus has to stay at the castle," Bael decided.

"That is quite undoubtedly true," Albus agreed in approval. "I believe I shall go drop my carpet bag off at my sister's and pay Severus a visit."

"Not without a hug from me," Anna protested, and got a hug while conversations broke out all around, the mood cheerful and warm despite the damp evening. Before long they began to leave the Twilight Arc, with Sirius offering to accompany Albus to Hogsmeade and the rest going to the mansion to get Bael settled. Rather than deal with an uncomfortable meeting with her mother, Laura quickly opted to go with Sirius and Albus instead of the mansion.

Hogsmeade was bustling with holiday shoppers, many of which stopped to greet Albus when they saw him.

"So how have things been here? Quiet, I hope?" Albus asked Sirius as they walked.

"No more than usual," Sirius chuckled. "Severus will definitely have a lot to talk to you about, especially concerning an incident with Walter Rummert."

"Oh, goodness, is he still around? I thought he was gone," Albus admitted.

"Yes, so did everyone else," Sirius agreed.

"You're also looking frightfully well! Healthier than I've seen you in many a year," Albus said.

"Oh, well, that's a whole different story. And that's partially Severus' fault too," Sirius said dryly. "As well as Harry's."

"I always enjoy coming back for the holidays! So much gossip to catch up on," Albus teased. "Laura, how are you? Still working with Harry?"

"Um. No," Laura said uncomfortably.

"Laura's thinking about getting a job at the castle," Sirius intervened, nodding at her encouragingly. "Lindsay told me you had an interview with Hermione yesterday."

"Really?" Albus said with interest.

"Yes, for assistant librarian," Laura said, rather embarrassed. "She is going to talk to Librarian Boulderdash today, but if he approves it, I'll be starting my training during the holiday break."

"Ah, how exciting! That brings back memories, too. I remember back when Hermione herself was the school librarian so many years ago," Albus beamed.

"Professor Weasley was the school librarian?" Laura asked in surprise.

"Yes, she held the job for a few years while she was studying for a teacher's license. She wasn't quite ready to be a teacher straight out of school, you see, and it would have been difficult for her teaching students that knew her as a student. One needs to go in a teacher's position with a bit of earned respect, or the students do tend to take advantage," Albus explained. "Of course, even as librarian she was soon into every intrigue that cropped up in that school, and back then, Jennifer also had a knack of getting over her head into things. It didn't take long for the two of them to team up, and soon Hermione was doing all her research."

"I remember that. Hermione was also helping Anna with research at that point. And that's how they found the Cauldron," Sirius recalled.

"Among other things, yes," Albus agreed with a chuckle. "What is Jennifer up to this year?"

"Oh, she doesn't have time to get into much trouble this year. She's too busy doing research with Ivano Disparte to improve on the current therapy potions for Lycanthropy," Sirius explained.

"Really! Very intriguing! Who is Disparte?"

"An Italian alchemist, a part of the European Healer's Council. They've been working together all year. Very closely," Sirius added for good measure.

"Oh dear," Albus said with a chuckle.

"Now who's stirring up trouble? There's no reason why you should have said it like that, Uncle Sirius. I'm quite certain that Professor Craw has little interest in anything but the potion they're working on."

"Yes, but you've been in that lab when they're working. Can you say the same thing about Ivano?" Sirius challenged her.

"Well... no, not really," Laura said sheepishly. "He seems a bit gone on her, actually. Not that she notices."

"Ah, yes. You know, every time I come to visit, I come back to countless surprises that are almost overwhelming at times. It is nice to know that some things never seem to change," Albus said with a twinkle in his eye. Sirius chuckled in agreement.

The next morning, Alicia, Andrew, and Lucky got busy helping Jennifer with the holiday baskets, while Leu was put in charge of watching the kitchen and Francis and Dale in bringing the Christmas boxes down and decorating the living room.

"It's such a pity that everyone else has to work today," Jennifer sighed for the third time, causing Alicia and Lucky to roll their eyes.

"Alex, Aurelius, and Corey all promised to meet us at Grandfather's, Mum," Andrew reassured her. "But between Rummert, the Grimshaw Gang, and in Corey's case, Sludgebat's death, it certainly can't be helped."

"Yes, I know, although part of me still doesn't want to go to Father's for Yule. He's probably going to make a colorful address... too colorful for young ears," Jennifer said.

"Rel's already thought about that too, Mum, he's bringing some extra earmuffs," Andrew said with amusement. Lucky walked into the front room with some left-over candy canes in hand.

"Jackie is being even more difficult than usual this year. I need a breather," Lucky told Dale and Francis, putting them on the tree.

"Yes, but I believe it has less to do with the other children not being here and more to do with Severus not spending Yule with the family," Pyther observed.

"Yeah, he's never missed Yule before. He's always taken it off and and worked Christmas instead," Lucky agreed.

"Really? Has he ever missed?" Dale asked.

"Sure, that year he went to the Otherworld," Lucky said.

"I'm not sure that counts. Besides, they were still together then," Dale replied.

"Yes, you're right, Dale. The last time they didn't spend Yule together was the year of Severus'... well, estrangement," Francis murmured. "We went to the Ministry Ball instead."

"Yeah, but that was years ago," Lucky pointed out.

"But considering it was the last time they were separated on Yule, I'm sure it doesn't seem like it to her," Francis explained in a low voice. Lucky sighed, realizing he was right.

"She's too damn sensitive," Lucky complained.

"It is her sensitive heart that defines her, as well as the fact that she is the bravest woman I have ever met," Francis said. "Most of the time, she is so focused on taking care of us that it doesn't show. Countless times, she has put all of her feelings on hold to keep the rest of us safe and out of trouble... whether we want her to or not. But that is why it's so important that we support her during these moments when her heart does falter a little."

"Yeah, I know, but she doesn't make it easy," Lucky murmured.

"She's a Craw," Francis said with a wink. Lucky nodded, going back into the kitchen.

"Should I start decorating the mantle?" Dale suggested.

"Good idea. I'll put the finishing touches on the tree," Francis said, then caught movement out the window. "Oh! It seems Jennifer has a guest," he said and went to the door just as there was a knock.

Francis opened it to see Bael and Sirius standing there.

"Hey, Pyther! Happy Yule!" Sirius greeted. "I'm dropping off an Elf. Got a shelf to put him on?" he teased.

"Well, I don't know about that, but I think he'll be warmly welcomed," Francis chuckled. "Shall I get your shoulder bag?"

"Oh no, it's no trouble," Bael protested, stepping in.

"Hey, it's Bael!" Lucky declared loud enough that Jennifer dropped what she was doing and ran to greet him, giving him a warm hug and pulling him further in.

"It's so good to see you! Are you staying? Here, let's put your coat and boots just there," Jennifer insisted. Bael found himself laughing instead of protesting as she fussed over him. "Andrew make sure the window to the front guest room is open and charmed, you know he doesn't like glass on windows. Let me make you some coffee. Or would you rather have tea?"

"Whatever is easiest," Bael protested.

"I take it he's allowed to stay here," Sirius ventured with a chuckle.

"Of course, don't be silly!" Jennifer said. "Or were you planning on staying at the mansion?"

"Here, if you'll have me, although I did promise to spend Christmas at the mansion with Zoe and Aubrey Lynn," Bael explained.

"That'll be no trouble. You can go back with them after Natalie's birthday party," Jennifer said.

"Yes, that's what I told him," Sirius agreed.

"Care for a cup of coffee as well, Sirius?" Jennifer asked.

"No, I'd better get back. Lindsay and Laura are coming over later tonight, and I may have to mediate some. Carol especially is a bit agitated that Laura hasn't spoken to her since she lost her job and I think she's taking it quite personally," Sirius explained.

"I'm sure Laura probably feels uncomfortable talking to her parents about it," Jennifer agreed. "But to be fair, she's been quite busy moving and dealing with all of her unexpected guests. It isn't as if she's had the time to process it just yet."

"True enough," Sirius agreed. "Carol tried to get her to come over early to talk, but apparently Laura had to go to the castle to speak with Librarian Boulderdash today."

"Thank the stars for that at least," Jennifer said. "If that's the case, you probably don't have anything to worry about. I'm sure it'll be easier to talk to Carol this evening when she feels more sure of her new position."

"Carol, sure. But I doubt Remus is going to be so happy when he finds out they're going to be working under the same roof," Sirius admitted. "He just returned to the mansion this morning so we haven't told him yet."

"Well, there's no reason for him to overreact. It's a very big castle, after all, and we do have every contingency in place in case he does have a bad moon-turning," Jennifer said with exasperation.

"Yes, I know, I helped put the contingencies in place... but as far as Moony is concerned, when it comes to his daughter's well-being, no measure is safe enough to suit him," Sirius said.

When Laura arrived at Hogwarts, she automatically began walking to the Quidditch Pitch out of habit. She was halfway across the field before she stopped herself, cutting towards the nearest doorway instead. Would Aurelius get someone else to help him with the Auror Club? Or would he simply do it by himself? A wave of guilt hit as she thought about it, and she decided it was probably best if she avoided going out there on weekends. Of course, the students would question her about it too, she was sure. She frowned when she thought about it. It was then that she realized she wasn't going to be able to avoid the questions about what happened much longer. Even if she did find a way to smooth things over with her parents that night, the fact that people at the school would ask meant that she was going to have to confront it sooner rather than later.

Laura stepped into the library, wondering if Boulderdash was going to be the first to ask. But when he jumped up and stood on his seat to acknowledge her approach, she was quite certain he wasn't going to mention it at all.

"Ah, Laura! It is good to see you," Boulderdash said with a toothy, sneery, smile. "You have no idea what I've been going through this year not having a library assistant. Come, come, let's get you access in the library system. You remember how to do this from when you were my aid, I hope."

"Yes, I remember," Laura said as they went over to the book registry to be given her card. "Has it really been as bad not having an assistant as all of that?" she asked, sounding more dubious than she had intended to.

"Definitely. I am head of the economics program and I am teaching several classes now, as well as being advisor to the Owls, of course. I have missed having an assistant more than you know. It is rather hard to put together exams, let alone mark them, when the library is filled with procrastinating students trying to find last minute research references for their history papers," he grumbled. Laura grinned at that in understanding. "You will find you have no lack of work while on duty, but there are some benefits as well since you will have full access to both the main library and may also want to use the faculty research library while you're here. Ambrose used them both liberally to write historical essays to further his career, for example."

"I'm not much of a writer, but I do like to read," Laura said.

"Yes, I remember. You were a top student, and very good with tutoring, as I recall. I'm certain that will come in handy especially, since you are already skilled at pointing students in the right direction to find what they need," Boulderdash said.

"Sure, I can do that," Laura agreed.

"You may also get sucked into some of the different Professor's pet projects from time to time as well, especially when they're doing something intensive, such as the research Professor Ivano and Professor Craw are doing right now. So, I advise you to stay on your guard. If you don't, you'll end up knee deep in school intrigues if you're not careful."

"You mean like the ones we got into as students?" Laura asked with a chuckle.

"Oh, no, the Professors are far worse," Boulderdash warned. "Ah, Headmaster Snape," he said as Severus walked in from the hall.

"Good morning. What are Professors worse at than students?" Severus asked.

"About getting into school intrigues," Boulderdash sneered.

"Oh. Yes, that's true. And Jennifer is the ringleader of them all," Severus admitted.

"And you are her latest contender," Boulderdash observed. Severus squinted at him.

"I'll deal with you later," Severus threatened the goblin.

"I'm sorry, I'm due back at my brother's after I finish this first training session," Boulderdash said unconcernedly.

"I won't forget," Severus said, then turned his attention to Laura. "When you're done here, please come up to my office so that we may finish your paperwork and so I can cover some security outside the library I'd like you to be aware of."

"Yes, Professor," Laura said.

Severus nodded and went back upstairs, knowing that Boulderdash had things well in hand. As he stepped out into the hallway, he paused to listen to the castle. That was when he felt a familiar presence and turned in the opposite direction towards the front doors. He manged to open them just as Dumbledore reached the top of the steps.

"Ah! Severus! And here I thought I might still be able to surprise you," Albus teased him.

"The castle let me know you were here," Severus explained, showing him in.

"I am so glad the two of you are finally getting along," Albus said mischievously. "You may have taken the long path when it comes to adjusting to your post here, but it sounds like you've settled into the job at last."

"Yes, although I am learning that sometimes that means leaving it," Severus said. "But let's talk about that over some hot drinks. It is turning quite cold outside."

"Ah yes, I ran into Essie when I went to Corey's to say hello," Albus said. "She said it should start snowing by Christmas."

"Shall we take the Door Lift or the staircase?" Severus asked.

"The stairs, definitely," Albus said enthusiastically. "I too would like to listen to the castle as we make our way up."

"Of course," Severus agreed, turning down the hall.

On the way, Severus gave him an account of what had happened since his last visit, spending most of the walk talking about Deacon and the Elf Revolt, and all of the changes that came because of it. Albus was quite delighted to hear about the matter, and equally delighted to hear that Dobby was their commission chairman.

"It's astonishing, and yet at the same time, I wish that it happened much sooner. Hermione must have been truly proud of them!" Albus said as they reached the spiral stairs.

"Oh, yes, and she has been helping them form a government since day one. Anna has had a hand in it as well, and I have also contributed when I can. In many ways, our society is still upended from the event; many who took them for granted have found themselves alone, while others are realizing they can't afford all of their previous help even if they do stay. We were paying ours already, of course, so it barely affected the school directly, thanks to Hermione and Minerva's foresight," Severus explained, opening the door for Albus.

"I always hoped a pathway would open for them. And despite the ongoing outrage by certain parties, there can be no doubt that our society as a whole will benefit from the change," Albus agreed, taking a chair as Severus got them some tea.

"We may be interrupted by our incoming assistant librarian later on, so there's a matter I would like to discuss with you before that happens," Severus said, handing him a cup. "And that is about the fate of Nicholas Flammel's research."

"Oh? Why? Has some problem come up with the Stone?" Albus asked with concern.

"No, not directly. I meant rather the missing research, the papers that Lucius Malfoy took out of his house just before the funeral. They were found in the wrong hands by someone who attempted to use them," Severus explained, Albus' expression turning more serious. "They didn't get as far as to be remotely successful but far enough to be of concern, having made a duplicate of one of Flammel's failed attempts."

"Who, Severus?" Albus asked sternly.

"Walter Rummert, and an entire splinter group from Equinox not only knew of his attempts, but did everything they could to hide it. However, they seemed to be more concerned about Bagman finding out than myself."

"And what happened to the research?"

"Lunette Vallid stepped in and had the court award the notes to Flammel's next of kin, then Ashley immediately sold them to me. I'm having the less volatile portion of those notes bound, since they are good references for healing potion research and have removed the ones that allowed him to get as far as he did. In fact, I had Jennifer Erase a couple of the pages, just in case anyone attempted to copy them," Severus explained.

"It is a reminder, however, that while they may truly believe that the Stone is destroyed, there are few who have forgotten that it once existed. Rummert's meddling gave many who shouldn't have even known about those notes a great deal of hope that the Stone could be duplicated. Even if the attempt failed, it does not kill that hope. I truly do not envy you in having to deal with that. I'm sure you know enough about history to know that the original race to create what was then considered the pinnacle of alchemy was one of obsession, greed, and hysteria. So many good alchemists burned out early, or even lost their lives and research to their pursuit. At times they stepped off the path of true alchemy altogether and pursued radical theories with no true basis in reality; a pseudoscience so misleading that it actually held back alchemy rather than propel it forward," Albus recalled, shaking his head.

"There was a bit of that mixed in with their failed attempt, actually. Rummert was simply reading notes; he is not a trained alchemist and didn't notice some of the more inconsistent notations... nor did he understand some of the accidental toxicities he had created by putting the wrong elements together," Severus said. "What bothers me the most was the fact that they went to such lengths to hide it. They moved into a secret compound to stop its discovery, somewhat like a cult worshiping a forbidden god rather than a pursuit of forbidden knowledge."

"In a way, I suppose it got boiled down to the same thing," Albus decided. "Knowledge maybe be dangerous, but pursuing false knowledge is ten times more so, especially when you are blind to the consequences that one might face when those falsehoods start to dissipate. You need to watch that situation very carefully."

"I agree," Severus said. "Although while we're on the subject, I feel the need to confess a bit of bending the rules as far as the Stone is concerned," he admitted, Albus watching him intently. "It wasn't about aging so much, as it was about both mercy and the fact that had I not done so, the presence of the Stone might have been detected again."

"In what way, Severus?" Albus asked. Severus looked uncomfortable. "I'm sure you wouldn't have brought this up if there wasn't a reason." Severus sighed.

"I began noticing a problem when it came to the couples affected by the Stone because of the difference paces in the aging. Fleur has nearly caught up to Thomas in appearance, while Rose looks several years older than Corey. Ginger already looked older than Aurelius despite being a year younger."

"Aurelius had been given that Elixir when he was much too young," Albus agreed with a sigh. "Not that we had a choice."

"Yes, well, just before the presence of the Stone was rediscovered, there were observations being made about the age discrepancies. It was degrading the secret even before that fiasco with Sirius in the hospital. Because of the events and knowing we needed to 'destroy it again,' I thought it wise to offer the couples who were directly affected by the problem the choice to equalize the matter," Severus said. Albus nodded in acceptance.

"And did they all take up your offer?" Albus inquired.

"All but one. Ashley turned it down," Severus explained. Albus furrowed his brows.

"Merlin was not a recipient of an Elixir potion, Severus, nor would he need it," Albus tsked.

"Yes, I know, but I thought it was only fair to offer under the circumstances," Severus admitted.

"I see," Albus said thoughtfully. "Well, I don't truly think you broke any promises, then, Severus, at least as far as the couples are concerned. As you pointed out yourself, there was more factors involved other than aging, and you gave them the choice, and I'm certain that all of them knew full well the responsibilities and unspoken obligations that tends to go with taking it. In fact, Ashley was the only questionable offer, and she had the good sense to refuse it. And, it is quite understandable that she did so considering what she went through with her grandfather."

"Yes, although I wonder what hardship that will bring them down the line..." Albus interrupted with more tsking sounds, his blue eyes looking at Severus sternly.

"What is the rule, Severus?"

"Natural aging is not an emergency," Severus said evenly.

"That's right," Albus said with a thin smile. "You did the right thing, Severus, offering it to those who truly needed it, just as Ashley did the right thing refusing it when she didn't need it."

"Yes, I see that now," Severus said quietly. "More tea?" he suggested, looking for a break to change the subject.

"Yes, thank you very much," Albus agreed.

By the time Laura was making her way up to the Headmaster's Study, the two of them had moved on to discussing Ivano and Jennifer's research, and subsequently the reason that Severus had encouraged Jennifer to do the research in the first place.

"I like how you're attempting to further the recognition of your female staff, and I'm glad you recognize that it needs to be done. I tried something similar myself at one point, although I did run into obstacles. I wonder even now if Jennifer will get any credit if they do succeed in improving this formula... after all, even if she does the lion's share of the work, the fact that Ivano's name is on it as well, I expect that most of the acclaim will go to him," Albus warned.

"I'm sure that Disparte would not let that happen. And besides, times have changed since you were Headmaster, after all," Severus said.

"Oh goodness yes, they have very much so, and I do not deny that. But society tends to move at two speeds: very quickly and very slowly. The problem is that both of those happen at the exact same time," Albus explained. Severus frowned.

"I'm not quite certain I understand what you're getting at," Severus admitted.

"Oh... you will," Albus said with a gentle smile. "Give it time."

"Time again," Severus said with exasperation, and Albus gazed at him quizzically. "Lately it seems to be both my ally and my nemesis lately."

"Then perhaps you understand my point better than you think," Albus decided enigmatically, then paused to listen. "I believe I heard someone on the stairs just now."

"It's probably Laura," Severus replied just as there was a timid knock. He waved the door open to see Laura standing there, a little surprised to see Dumbledore sitting there.

"Oh, sorry, am I interrupting?" Laura asked.

"Not at all, we were simply catching up," Severus explained.

"Yes, and I really ought to be getting back to the Three Broomsticks. Rosmerta is planning one of her Yule parties this evening, and I still have a message to deliver to Ashley and Ambrose before I head back to the inn," Albus explained.

"No messages for me?" Severus asked expressionlessly, although not truly wanting one.

"Oh! Oh yes," Albus said. "Merlin asked me to tell you to 'keep up the good work'." Severus blinked.

"I don't know how to take that," Severus said flatly. "I never know if getting a complement from him is a good thing or a bad thing."

"Neither do I, so I sympathize," Albus chuckled, getting up. "Happy Yule, Severus. Happy Yule, Laura."

"Happy Yule," Laura replied, watching Albus as he left thoughtfully. "He is looking quite well, isn't he?"

"Yes, now that peace has returned to the Faelands, he's been able to enjoy his retirement again. Please have a seat. I won't keep you long. I know you are probably due back at the Black Mansion for Yule this evening."

"No rush," Laura said emphatically.

"Oh?" Severus prompted, making a fresh pot of tea.

"Well, I haven't really spoken to either parent since I 'resigned against my will', actually," Laura admitted. "And considering the tone in my mother's posts, I'm really not looking forward to it."

"Not to mention that the moon is just starting to wane since the full moon was a mere two nights ago," Severus mused, glancing at his lunar candle.

"No, that definitely doesn't help," Laura agreed.

"Yes, well, I suppose I don't blame you for not wanting to deal with it, but you couldn't have avoided it forever anyway, especially now that you're working in the castle," Severus said, pulling out some papers.

"Yes, I know," Laura replied.

"Anyway, what I need to discuss - other than getting you to sign the finished payroll, waivers, and contract, of course, - is to discuss what duties you'll have outside the library once school resumes," Severus explained.

"I didn't know I would have any duties outside of the library," Laura admitted.

"There are a lot of duties in the school that need to be taken care of outside of the classrooms and the library that everyone on the faculty pitches in to do," Severus explained. "For example, hall monitors after hours, referees for Quidditch and football, substitute teaching, organizing end of the year testing and college testing and so forth, fundraising, chaperoning trips to Hogsmeade, the Dark Forest, and other destinations... really, the list goes on," Severus explained, Laura nodding thoughtfully in response. She thought back to her own time at school and how many times she had seen one professor or another doing all of those things without thinking about it, having taken it for granted. "At the same time, everyone also shares some basic security duties, such as everyone is assigned a location to secure during lockdowns and general emergencies, bed checks, forest patrols, checking secret passages, making sure students aren't in the Chamber of Secrets, that sort of thing. You also will need to learn procedures for what to do in case there is a threat of some kind, be it flooding or a security breach."

"Yes, Boulderdash was just telling me about some of the library security systems," Laura said.

"In a typical year, library security will probably be all you had to worry about, other than making certain the students in the library get back to their room during a lock down," Severus said. Laura nodded. "But this year is a bit different. As you're already aware, all of my free time is being spent outside of the castle... so much so that other professors such as Hermione, Andrew, and Jennifer, have been stepping in during my absence. No one more so than Jennifer; since she has experience as a Headmaster, she has been filling in and is in charge of the castle when I am absent when school is in session and on the weekends. But Jennifer is also in charge of security, and along with the research she is doing, it is leaving her stretched thin. When she arrives before term, please get with her and help her out as needed with security or whatever else she needs. I'm sure she'll be accommodating if you decide to keep up your appointments with Mr. Donovan, just let Jennifer and Boulderdash know when they are so you don't have scheduling conflicts," Severus said. Laura blinked.

"If I decide? You mean you're not going to make it a condition of my employment?" Laura asked.

"Reading your employment contract is always a good idea before you sign it," Severus advised. Grimacing sheepishly, Laura picked up the contract to read it. "As far as I'm concerned, whether or not you keep up your therapy or not is entirely your affair. Besides, Jennifer would rake me across the coals if I ever even thought of making it a condition of employment... she has a very dim view on psychiatrists. If I thought you weren't capable of taking the job, I wouldn't offer it. If I thought you weren't capable of continuing the job, I simply won't renew the contract, and that is that. However, my personal advise to you is to seek help when you need it and don't be afraid to ask for additional help in a crisis. The worst thing you can do is keep it to yourself. If you are struggling for whatever reason, make sure that Boulderdash or one of the senior faculty members is aware of it, and I am certain they will help, no matter what sort of calamity you may get yourself into while you're here."

Laura nodded warily. It almost sounded as if he were anticipating a problem. But then again, isn't that what the Headmaster always did?

"Is there anything else you wish to ask before I stop talking long enough for you to make an attempt at reading that thing?" Severus asked. Laura wondered why he worded it that way as well. Why did his words go all over the place instead of taking a direct route?

"I do have one question, but it's not exactly job related," Laura said.

"I didn't specify that it had to be," Severus pointed out.

"You asked me to go talk to Jennifer about security like it's going to be a long term thing."

"For the rest of the term, more than likely," Severus agreed.

"But why are you still an Auror?" Laura asked, unable to hide the fact that she had been wondering that for some time. "The missing wizards are found, the interviews with Eclipse are nearly finished, and Counselor Vallid made sure that you got Flammel's notes with indisputable paperwork. Why go back at all?"

"Despite what the public thinks... and despite what the board might think," Severus added in a lower voice. "That wasn't the only reason I became an Auror. And until the other reasons are cleared away, I intend to keep my position."

"That's the problem with becoming an Auror," Laura said. "There's always something going on, and there's always something left to do. It's really hard to know when it's time to stop."

Severus gazed at her thoughtfully, but Laura didn't want to look at him. Instead she tried to read her contract, but probably not as carefully as she should have. Even so, Severus didn't offer any more comments after she signed it. Instead, he simply wished her a Happy Yule and let her head out to visit her family.