A/N Thanks for reading, don't forget to review if you can. ~DQ

Chapter Forty-Six

Waning

Laura was quite relieved to get back to the library after lunch the next day, glad that her trials in the Potion Lab were finally over. Now she could relax behind the desk, and maybe even find a moment to read an article or two in the Wizardday Weekly. But when she was finally settled and sorting returns, Professor Andrew came in. Laura immediately took out the book that had his name on it and set it on his side of the desk, hoping to get rid of him as soon as possible.

"Good afternoon," Andrew said, glancing at the book. "I see you're ready for me. And how did your classes go this morning?"

"Fine," Laura said briskly, holding the checkout list for him to sign.

"That's good. I was a bit worried you'd have another disaster after yesterday. All of the students were talking about it... a strange sudden disorientation, they called it. Did you really use the Freeze Frame over an antacid tablet?" Andrew asked curiously.

"Oh, get knotted," Laura snapped, pushing his book at him.

"So, you did," Andrew concluded from her reaction. "It's okay, Laura. Not everyone has the temperament necessary to become a teacher, after all. Don't take it so hard. Some people are just not cut out for it. I'm sure you'll find something better suited to you somewhere else. Don't give up hope," Andrew added encouragingly.

Laura, who was about to say something that probably would have gotten her sacked, suddenly heard the sound of a goblin clearing his throat.

"Have a nice day," Laura told him venomously.

"You as well," Andrew replied cordially, taking his book and walking out.

"Miss Lupin," Boulderdash said, climbing up on the stool so that he could look in her the eye. "I know the two of you don't get along, but it isn't appropriate for you to tell a Professor of this school to 'get knotted' or any other direct insult, especially in front of the students."

"It's not like they were paying attention," Laura said defensively. Boulderdash gestured to the nearest table, and she looked over to see a pair of students hurriedly turning around to stare at their books.

"Fine. Next time I'll write him a nice, private Howler," Laura seethed.

"There is a more effective way to get even, you know," Boulderdash ventured.

"Such as?" Laura asked with a sigh.

"Prove him wrong," Boulderdash replied, helping her sort the books.

By Saturday morning, Remus was back on the couch in Jennifer's sitting room, sipping on his recovery potion while watching Ivano and Jennifer with their latest experiments.

"So far, our modifications seem to be holding," Jennifer explained to Remus. "It's on day four now, and the formula is still present in the test samples."

"Perhaps it's about ready to test on a living subject?" Ivano suggested.

"Even if the results are promising, I'd rather hold off on any experimental adjustments until after the next full moon as a precaution," Remus immediately interjected.

"But even if there's any merit to this vision of yours, it may not have anything to do with our experiments," Ivano argued.

"I understand your skepticism, Ivano, but I share Remus' caution in this. For one thing, Icarus' warnings are very seldom wrong. For another, we've been working on this particular formula on Remus' blood only because of the amount of blood we needed. But his is different than all other samples, so I'd rather get a fresh supply so we can test it again with the other blood profiles."

"But we can't use prepared blood for this test, Jennifer, it needs to be freshly drawn, and I don't think we will find any willing volunteers for that."

"I have objections to that as well, Jennifer. The last thing we need is another werewolf on the premises," Remus said. "Even if we could find someone we could trust, what if something went wrong?"

"It also raises the risk of others outside of the school sphere to find out what we've been experimenting with, and I very much want to avoid that," Ivano said.

"I'd be amazed if it hasn't gotten out already, really. You can't keep a secret inside this school," Remus warned.

"Remus is right about that," Jennifer admitted quietly. "Maybe it's high time you spoke to your son about what we've been doing, Ivano. Tell him we've been making progress."

"You knew about that? Ah, of course," Ivano said, shaking his head.

"Even if I wasn't a Truth Seeker, I probably would have figured it out," Jennifer replied.

"She's right, Ivano. I've known from the beginning that you wouldn't have been so adamant unless you had some sort of personal experience with someone inflicted with this disease," Remus said. "I take it this isn't the first time you've tried to modify these formulas."

"Actually, it is," Ivano said somberly. "I never tried to alter them when my son was infected, because originally, improving the formulas was the furthest from my mind. What I wanted was to develop a cure," he explained. Remus nodded in understanding. "I did everything I could to cure him as a child, and when he decided to become an alchemist as well, I had him assist in my work. I'll admit that it became an obsession for me, I wanted it so badly. But after a while, Matteo lost hope and he became jaded and resentful. We had a falling out and he threatened me, asking me to leave the formula alone and never to work on it again. He would be more than upset if he knew I was working on it now. I do have another subject who has been helping us... his friend Leonardo was also infected, but he is serving time in prison for an incident after he lost control. He has been donating samples as his counselors and the courts allow, but obviously he can not come here to help us."

"I find it interesting that his friend has not lost hope, despite his incarceration," Remus ventured.

"Prison has given him much time to think and reevaluate his own values," Ivano explained. "To be honest, although there are times I am grateful that my son has been lucky to stay out of prison, there are other times when I wonder if I would be relieved if he was... for his sake, rather than mine. I do not care how much he threatens me. I must do whatever I can to help him, even if it is only by making these potions a bit simpler to take. But what I truly want in my heart is a cure, despite the fact that I know I am probably not capable of finding it. I will still fight for it. What would you do if it were your child?"

"The same of course, what else?" Remus agreed. "In many ways, that's why I am doing this now. Any danger or discomfort I may risk is nothing if it means protecting my daughter. It's for the children."

"So it is," Ivano said. He glanced over at Jennifer, who was smiling warmly at them, nodding. "And as such, I suppose I have no choice but to speak to my son. I just hope he is ready to accept my work."

"Just be cautious and don't tell him about the school or who you're working with. If he reacts poorly, I don't want the school to be in the line of fire," Remus warned.

"You also shouldn't go by yourself," Jennifer added.

"I am not sure who would I bring if you don't want the school involved," Ivano said.

"Where is it?" Remus asked.

"It's on the edge of the Italian Alps, several hours away from Villahexen by coach. It's quite remote," Ivano said.

"So the ideal person to go would be versed on werewolves, high terrain, and could protect himself in a pinch. How about Hagrid?" Jennifer suggested.

"A good suggestion, but he may get the wrong idea and think Beauxbatons was involved," Remus said.

"Not if it was Halbert Hagrid," Jennifer amended. "And I'm sure he'd be willing to go along when he hears what it's for."

"Let's wait a few days for the moon to wane a bit more. He tends to be irritable just after a full moon," Ivano suggested.

"Who isn't?" Remus replied, downing the rest of his recovery potion.

Halbert Hagrid took a deep breath of mountain air, apparently enjoying both the view and the air as they looked down on a small, rugged farm high in the alps.

"Fantastic view! I wonder if they get any dragons up here?" Halbert asked.

"I'm not certain. My son's farm is below, but I don't see the herd so he's probably just over the snow embankment with the sheep... it's less snowy over there so easier for them to graze. I hope you don't mind trekking down from here."

"Not at all, I'm used to it. I've done more than my fair share of trekking in the Himalayas when I was researching Yeti," Halbert explained. "Nice secluded spot this is... perfect for a werewolf, I bet."

"Yes, if he has a bad turning, he only risks his own livestock. It is a hard lonely life, but a peaceful one, which is how he likes it," Ivano explained, as the two of them shuffled down into the valley in the snow.

It wasn't long after reaching the valley floor that a pair of maremma sheep dog came to check them out. They instantly seemed to recognize Ivano, but took their time sniffing Halbert's hand before dashing off again, barking as they went.

"I guess my son knows we're here now. Let's go to the farmhouse," Ivano suggested, and the two of them hiked over.

"I bet this place is lovely in the summer," Halbert commented.

"It is," Ivano agreed, and Halbert studied the adjacent buildings.

"Looks like a milking setup... I wonder what sort of yield he gets up here?" he asked curiously, knocking the snow off his boots before following Ivano inside. It was a warm, cozy place with little décor; unsurprisingly, Halbert decided, noting some of the deep gashes in the pine walls. There was a giant stone hearth that had a low-burning fire in it, and a small kitchenette with a large pot of melted snow on the burner. Investigating further, Halbert found the teapot and held it up.

"Do you suppose he'd mind?" Halbert asked. "I have some tea in my cloak pocket."

"Probably, but go ahead anyway. I'll say I did it if it comes up," Ivano said.

Halbert had time to make tea and transfigure enough cups, saucers and silverware to go around and set the table, throwing another log on the fire and making the place look as bright and cheerful as he could by the time the door was pulled open and Matteo came with a frown. He looked a great deal like his father under his mane of brown, disheveled hair and weary appearance. But there was fire in his dark eyes, and he was obviously less than pleased to have visitors.

"What are you doing here?" Matteo asked his father suspiciously. "And who is that?"

"Ah, nice to meet you. Halbert Hagrid, at your service," Halbert said. "I'm a doctor of medicinal potions for mystical creatures, specializing in species from Alpine biomes."

"Really," Matteo said skeptically. "I suppose you've come up with some sort of miracle lycanthropy cure that I've yet to hear about."

"Ah, no, not at all, I'm afraid. Lately I've been researching Tibetian Cloud Dragons. It's a nice place you have here. Is there any chance I could get a peek in your cheese cellar?" Halbert asked.

"You're a nosy one, aren't you? And very talkative," Matteo said bluntly.

"I'm French," Halbert shrugged unapologetically. "I brought some tea. Care for some?"

"Not until you tell me why you're here."

"I just happened to be in the area... studying other types of Alpine dragons," Halbert improvised.

"There is nothing in this area for miles except my farm," Matteo pointed out.

"Right, which is why there might be dragons up here."

"Well, there aren't," Matteo said bluntly.

"Are you sure you simply don't want to get rid of me?" Halbert asked.

"You're right. That's exactly what I want."

"Try the tea," Halbert suggested. "Some cheese and bread might be nice with the tea, if I had any..."

"Matteo, surely it won't hurt to have a bit of company for a change," Ivano said.

"This isn't any sort of casual visit, and I refuse to pretend that it is, Padre. Just what is it that you want?"

"Well, I wanted to let you know that there have been changes made to the Recovery Potion and I brought the new formula list..." Ivano began, and Matteo opened the door again.

"Get out."

"It's not my doing, Matteo. I had nothing to do with these alterations, and they've already been approved an Alchemist Board," Ivano protested. Matteo frowned and closed the door, snatching the notes away from him and looking them over. "You'll probably find it much improved. I also know there is a team working on improving the lunar therapy formula as well," he said, Matteo's eyes automatically flipping over as his father. "A formula which I don't even own, as you know..."
"Thank god for that," Matteo snapped. "The last thing I need is for you to start mucking about with your insane ideas about finding a cure to the incurable. I swear, if you start that nonsense again, I will ask the Italian Counsel to have you mentally evaluated."

"Do you have the authority for that?" Halbert asked curiously.

"I happen to be a licensed alchemist myself, so that I have the proper licensing to make my own potions. It was necessary for me to be rid of my father and to stop him from meddling in my life," Matteo said curtly.

"I understand where you're coming from," Halbert said solemnly. "Though I doubt your father meant to do you any harm..."

"That's beside the point," Matteo said.

"I'm not here looking for forgiveness, Matteo, I'm simply here to inform you what's being worked on. They are hoping to get the lunar formula potent enough that you'll only have to take it once per cycle," Ivano explained. "But they need volunteers..."

"Forget it," Matteo said evenly. "I've been a lab rat more than my fair share already, and I'm not doing it again. What do you care how many potions I take, anyway? It's not going to lead to any sort of miracle cure, and that's all you've ever been interested in... a way to make me 'normal'."

Ivano sighed.

"I had a feeling you wouldn't be interested, but I had to ask anyway. I was only trying to help," Ivano explained.

"The best way you can help is to stay out of it altogether," Matteo said. "Come on, Mr. Hagrid, I'll show you the aging cellar."

"Ah, yes! Thank you very much," Halbert said brightly. The two of them walked out towards one of the other buildings, while Ivano stayed to brood at the table.

That evening, Halbert had tea with Severus and Jennifer in the study.

"He didn't seem to be a bad person, but it is obvious he is still very angry at his father," Halbert explained. "He seems very lonely... I felt sorry for him being out there by himself like that, so I asked if I could visit again. He was very hesitant at first, but he said I could so long as I promised never to visit him when the moon was close to full. Perhaps I can earn his trust with enough time, but it will take much patience, I think."

"I suppose it was a long shot, asking him to help," Jennifer said with a sigh.

"And yet he seemed open to accept the changes to the recovery formula when it was offered to him," Severus ventured.

"Only because his father convinced him that he had nothing to do with the changes to it," Halbert pointed out.

"It's true, he didn't. Severus is the one who made most of the changes to the formula," Jennifer said.

"With a couple of your own suggested changes," he reminded Jennifer.

"So the question is how do you think he will feel about the lunar therapy potion once he learns that his father is responsible for some of the changes we're making?" Jennifer asked.

"I do not think he would take any potion with his father's name on it at all. When we mentioned the research, Professor Disparte hid the fact that he was involved and told Matteo that the formula belonged to someone else," Halbert explained. "Even if he knew it was safe from his knowledge as an alchemist, I am certain he still wouldn't take it. The grudge between them runs very deep."

"We certainly can't help someone who obviously doesn't want to be helped," Severus said.

"Agreed, and I'm hardly going to push him towards volunteering if he doesn't want to. We'll simply have to go somewhere else," Jennifer said.

"Where has Ivano been getting the smaller samples thus far, Jennifer?" Severus asked.

"Oh, from a friend of his son's, he's in prison somewhere. He can't help us with this current group of tests. I would need them as soon as they're drawn," Jennifer explained.

"In prison? Where?" Severus asked.

"Oh, not sure, really," Jennifer admitted.

"Let's find out. Maybe I can pull some strings to get us more access," Severus suggested.

"Thank you, Severus," Jennifer said with a smile. "Until then, we'll continue working on the formula with Remus. He wants to hold off a moon cycle before we test it, but that gives us plenty of time for some further safety tests and tweaks to make sure it's going to hold up."

"Might I see your work? I'm quite interested in what those changes might look like," Halbert said.

"Sure, we can go down now," Jennifer suggested, putting down her cup.

"Can we stop by and see Andrew?"

"Yes, of course. He's probably still in his office, since he's organizing OWLS and NEWT tests this year," Jennifer said.

"No wonder he hasn't written back lately. I was going to ask him to come visit since he hasn't seen Holly since just after she was born," Halbert explained.

"He won't have time during the school year. I am going to need him here," Severus said.

"It's all right, I'll ask him to come during the summer holiday," Halbert assured him. "Nice to see you again, Professor."

"Have a good evening," Severus said, and the two of them stepped out of the room.

By the time Jennifer had returned an hour later, Severus had settled into his sitting room for the night. After stopping to check on Quintin and Rasputin, she stepped in to see Severus studying an astrology chart.

"I'm back," Jennifer announced, then sat down. "I take it you're still worried about that vision."

"I'd hardly call it worry, Jennifer, but I am keeping an eye on things," Severus said. "This is Aurora's report, pertaining specifically with the school's outlook for the next month, and even her readings confirm that things are about to get rocky. Perhaps if this was by itself I might brush it off, but when you add my Aunt's warning plus the vision int the mix, it is quite another story. I'd like to think that I have learned something from my past mistakes." Jennifer smiled softly at that. "Jennifer, I'd like increased security until further notice, especially as we get closer to the full moon. In fact, prepare for for a possible castle lockdown on those evenings. I am not going to take any chances. We should keep heightened security until find out what these warnings are about, or until the end of the year if nothing manifests."

"All right, Severus. I'll arrange patrol teams and speak to John and Sagittari about it in the morning," Jennifer promised. Severus nodded, rolling up the charts and pondering what else he could do to prepare.

When Laura arrived at the library the next morning, she was rather surprised to find the door was still closed. Wondering where Boulderdash was, Laura opened the library doors, brought up the lighting, made sure the stampers were on the correct date, and then began sorting through that morning's periodicals. She had just gotten the place to the point she could take over the main desk when Boulderdash finally walked in.

"Sorry I am late. I see you have everything in order," Boulderdash said with appreciation.

"Yes, I think I'm starting to get the hang of things," Laura agreed.

"Good. I need to look at the schedule, then you and I will need to look at it together. Professor Craw has been asked to strengthen security, and I have been 'volunteered' to help with the patrol shifts, so it will need to be adjusted."

"Patrol shifts? Like what the professors do on Halloween?" Laura asked curiously.

"A step above that, really. Halloween patrols typically only involve the grounds and has more to do with what's going on in the castle rather than around it, and involves forest and sky patrols as well," Boulderdash explained.

"Oh. Why, though, is there something wrong?" Laura asked with a frown.

"I am told it is merely precautionary," Boulderdash shrugged. "The headmaster tends to strengthen security in any situation that puts him on edge about something, and since those precautions have saved the castle multiple times, nobody really questions it anymore," he explained, stepping into his office. Laura grew thoughtful but then nodded to herself, deciding that she ask Hermione instead.

"Security?" Hermione repeated curiously, looking back over her shoulders before pulling a few more books off her shelves. "You're going to have enough to do studying all of this material with me, considering you have only half a year until the next exam board."

"Well, security would give me a break from the books," Laura reasoned.

"I thought you sweet-talked Boulderdash into giving you goblin self-defense lessons," Hermione ventured.

"We haven't started yet, but yes. I thought it'd be nice to learn how to defend myself better when I don't have a wand in my hand, but I did that for me, not anyone else. Recently, it feels like everyone is going out of their way to help me for some reason, and to be honest, it's rather uncomfortable with it. I'd like to find a way to help out with what ever is needed."

"Who's been making you uncomfortable?" Hermione asked with a frown.

"The headmaster, mostly... well, kind of... I mean... he seems to be working mostly by proxy," Laura blurted out, then instantly wondered if she was even on track. But something about Hermione's expression further convinced her that Laura was onto something.

"That's a surprise. I was expecting you to say it was your father," Hermione admitted.

"My father has been avoiding me since I started working here," Laura replied.

"Then he'd have more reason to act by proxy," Hermione reasoned.

"I have a feeling that Father hasn't done anything directly either, but I'm sure that he probably asked Severus to keep an eye on me to some extreme. In fact, I know it's Snape because Lucky told me that her father had been planning to rescue me since before I was even sacked, as if everyone thought it was inevitable," Laura deduced.

"Laura, you of all people know that Lucky tends to speak out of turn and has a unique view of everything," Hermione reminded her.

"Maybe, but she wouldn't lie about anything like that," Laura said firmly. "Look, I know the advertisement for an assistant librarian was running for weeks before I got sacked. But given that everyone was so convinced that I was going to get sacked, and the fact that all of my friends were going out of their way to remind me of my love of books and research before they even told me on the job, I get the feeling this whole thing was orchestrated. So tell me honestly, did you hold this position open for me?"

"Gosh, you're so much like Jennifer when she first started teaching!" Hermione said with such conviction that Laura blinked in surprise. "If you want to help with security, you'll have to talk to her, since she's the one in charge of that. I really have nothing to do with it. That said, she might already have all the people she needs right now, since I know for a fact she already gave me a schedule for patrols. Even if she does still have something open, I really think you have enough to do studying these books for the exam." Hermione picked up the stack, holding them out for her to take. Laura sighed and took them. "If you really want to find a way to pay back the headmaster, the answer is in your hands right now," Hermione said seriously. "Pass your teacher's exam."

"I was planning on doing it either way," Laura said curtly. "To show that ass I can do it if for no other reason."

Hermione blinked.

"Who?" she asked.

"Never mind. Thanks for the books. I don't suppose Jennifer is having lunch in her office?" Laura inquired.

"Demura?" Hermione inquired.

"She is there, Hermione, if you call picking at sandwiches while testing phials still constitutes as 'having lunch'," the taciturn painting replied.

"It is for her," Hermione shrugged.

"How am I like her again?" Laura wondered out loud, but obviously wasn't expecting an answer as she left the office and walked towards the back stairwell.

Hermione let out a long exhale and shook her head. She moved a chess piece on the board then went to the Headmaster's Study for lunch.

Jennifer, it seemed, had some warning that Laura was coming; another plate and cup set out. Laura glanced up at the portrait of Severus, who nodded at her cordially and let out a single violin note.

"Oh, good afternoon, Laura! Have a sandwich! There's some coffee just there, or you can get some tea or juice from the cart outside if you like," Jennifer said, barely looking up over the phials she was preparing.

"Thanks, coffee is fine," Laura replied, stepping inside.

"The Rogue said you wanted to see me about something?" Jennifer asked.

"I heard you were planning extra security details. I was wondering if there was some way I could help," Laura said.

"You want to help?" Jennifer asked thoughtfully, then suddenly brightened up. "I know how you can help! Football!"

"Football?" Laura repeated, confused.

"I am scheduled to referee two football games and one Quidditch match this spring, and you're well versed in both. I don't suppose you could take my place in those? It'd help me out tremendously not to have to worry about that right now," Jennifer said hopefully.

"Sure, I suppose, that's no big deal," Laura said with a shrug. "But I was thinking more about what I could help that had something to do with security."

"I see," Jennifer said, growing thoughtful again. She stepped away from the test phials and over to her coffee cup, pouring it out in the lab sink and making a new one. "I know what you could do. You could be a fill in supervisor for the prefects for me; take their reports, help them organize hall monitors, that sort of thing. You were a Head Girl, so I'm sure you know what's involved in that, and Maurice is a tremendous help; I'm quite sure you could handle it. Prefects eyes and ears are an essential part of security, you know, they help us know of problems that crop up on a student level," Jennifer explained when Laura's expression showed that she was less than enamored about the idea.

"You're right," Laura sighed. "Of course I can do that." After all, she had been an Auror, but a failed one... and what was she expecting, anyway? She was only an assistant librarian, not an integral part of the faculty. They weren't likely to trust her with much at this point.

"Come sit down, Laura," Jennifer insisted, bringing her cup and the tray of sandwiches over to the coffee table by the fireplace. Laura blushed, realizing that Jennifer probably had read all that.

"Now, don't be silly. I'd hardly call your thoughts ungrateful, and really, you've nothing to worry about. Typically, I won't even bring your reactions to things like this," Jennifer assured her.

"Why do I doubt that?" Laura said skeptically.

"Because right now you're in a period in your life when you doubt everything and are suspicious of everything and everyone," Jennifer replied. "Especially yourself."

"You don't waste any punches, do you? You're starting to sound like Conner," Laura said. Jennifer made a face.

"In that case, I really am sorry," Jennifer said sincerely. "But I do want to clear something up. There are no 'token' employees at Hogwarts. Everyone employed here is essential to running the school and educating its inhabitants, including you."

"That was strangely worded. Instead of saying 'educating its students', you said 'educating its inhabitants'. Am I here because I'm essential or am I here to be educated?" Laura asked. Jennifer looked rather amused.

"You do like to pick apart words, don't you?" Jennifer observed.

"I don't have the benefit of reading minds like you do," Laura retorted. "It's something I picked up as an Auror."

"Well, I think it'll help you when dealing with students, as long as you remember sometimes people don't truly say what they actually mean, especially students," Jennifer pointed out.

"That's why I tend to question it," Laura shrugged. "So what did you mean?"

"Everyone is learning all of the time, Laura, no matter the age. I'm sure you know that," Jennifer said with a smile. "Education isn't a one-way activity. The faculty is constantly learning as well, from the students, from each other, from everyday life events and challenges, and of course, from self exploration and research. It helps to be surrounded by like-minded people all doing the same thing, of course, and that makes it a perfect place to learn no matter who you are."

"Including support staff? Like cooks and gardeners?" Laura asked. There was a knock on the open door and Laura looked up to see her uncle leaning against it, a spanner in one hand and his knuckles leaning against the door casually.

"And maintenance," John replied with a mischievous smile. "I'm here for the usual."

"Thank you, John," Jennifer said warmly.

"Why do I get the feeling you've been standing there for a while, Uncle?" Laura asked flatly.

"I have, but I did'nae want t' interrupt the Professor's lecture," he teased.

"And what of you, John? Haven't you learned a lot here?" Jennifer prompted.

"I started learnin' from the good headmaster even before I took the job here," John chuckled. "And if you don't feel the Trade Elves are learnin' from being here, then I'd remind you of their recent rebellion and call to freedom."

"That was because of the Distaff, though," Laura pointed out.

"The seeds of freedom was planted long before the Distaff, darlin' niece. Those seeds were planted at this castle, with the help of Harry Potter, Professor Weasley, Madame Black, Headmaster Snape, and many others who have fought on their behalf o'er the years, all the while giving them a chance to learn, grow, and prepare for the future as they worked for the school," John pointed out. Jennifer nodded at him with a smile. "As for me, I got a second chance at my life... I life I once hated, and now I love it dearly, just as I love working here."

"We'd be lost without you, John," Jennifer said fervently.

"Now, if only our good professor here would learn to go just a little easier when it comes to the hook on this potion vault door... but then, I suppose that just goes to show that everyone has more to learn," John teased as he began to work on the bolts.

"Yes, that's very funny, thank you," Jennifer said with a scowl, while Laura could help but chuckle softly.