Fifty-Eight

Awards and Acknowledgments

Viorica beamed when Boulderdash stood on his chair to fasten the Owl pin to her collar. Her order mates clapped, giving her the seat at the end as they sat for lunch on that last day of classes.

"It was kind of hard to compete, considering she had been on Professor Craw's research team almost from the start," Kim said. "Well done, though. Not many students your age get their names added to journal-level research like that."

"And she's getting one of the school service awards tonight," Maurice said.

"I can't believe the headmaster is giving three service awards out in the same year! And all to Slytherin!" Hope exclaimed in exasperation. "No matter how many points go out by the end of the day, nothing is going to stop Slytherin from getting the House Cup."

"Thank goodness!" Viorica said in sincere relief. "If I hadn't made up those points, my life would have been hell next year, especially without Maurice here. I still shudder to think how bad that Riding Hood thing would have gotten if you hadn't stepped in for me."

"Yes, but why did you, though?" Keir asked. "Sorry, Viorica, but you did deserve some lasting humiliation after that, and I figured you would be taking your sister's side in this, Maurice."

"I have my reasons," Maurice replied. "And Viorica, don't worry about next year. I'll make sure the next prefect knows that it's within his best interests to look after you and make sure things never go too far."

"Maurice, she'll be a third year. Personally, I think she'll be able to fight her own battles by then, don't you?" Keir asked. Next to him, Garvan and Harvey were both shaking their heads.

"Thanks, Keir," Maurice said.

"For what?" Keir asked.

"Helping to make up my mind for me," Maurice said evenly. "Isn't it about time for the end of the year speech, Leu?"

"Oh, sure," Leu said, getting up while Keir was still trying to figure out what Maurice meant by that. Then Leu looked out at everyone with a sigh. "I'm going to miss all of you... Maurice, Garvan, Natalie, Halle, Kim, and Paula. It's definitely not going to be the same without you next year."

"It's also a lot of butts to put in seats next year," Hope realized.

"True, but none of them can really be replaced. We just add more names to the roster, and all of them with their own ideas about things and own perspectives. And whether it's helping build stands, or help with a professor's research, run those crazy Olympic games, or rescue the castle from evil faeries, I know that the Order of the Owl will always be here to do our best for the school," he said, looking up.

"That's it, that's all I've got written down."

"Works for me, let's eat," Chuck said. "So what's everyone doing this summer... other than getting married," he added, quickly trying to stave off spending the entire time talking about that subject again.

"I'm going to work for Grendelbane!" Dasher announced excitedly.

"I haven't finished that contract agreement yet, don't hold your breath until I sign it," Boulderdash warned.

"I trust you, Father," Dasher said.

"Well I'm going to spend my last free summer catching up with all my Havener friends," Hope declared.

"Yeah right," Chris said, poking at his food. "What she really means is she's going to spend the whole summer chatting up Corey Martin."

"Shut up, no I'm not!" Hope said, growing red.

"How many here agree with me?" Chris asked. Natalie, Chuck, and even Leu had their hands up. "You know he's planning to go for a theology degree in college, right?"

"Maybe, but he's not in college yet," Hope pointed out.

"How many people think this is any better than the marriage conversation?" Chuck protested.

"And what are you planning to do all summer, Chuck Willowby?" Amy challenged him daringly.

"It doesn't matter what I want to do. Even if I wanted to get a rebellious streak like Hope and go chasing after some girl, our parents are going to have us pulling weeds and filling Sleepsand bins all summer," Chuck said. Hope sighed.

"He's right," Hope acknowledged. "What about you, Diana?"

"Swim training," Diana said simply.

"We're going abroad, probably Spain," Summer said.

"We're just hanging out at the beach," Karen said. "My parents have to work."

"Wandering around here, that's all I got," Noah shrugged.

"We're staying home because Leu's coming to visit us," Hadrian said.

"Yes, I'm going over to my uncle's place for all of it except for a week that we're going to spend on the boat," Leu said. "Mum arranged it all through the Owl Post, saying that it was a Head of the Family decision so it didn't matter what Father thinks," Leu explained, getting a few chuckles from his relatives. "But I don't mind, I've never been over there and I think it'll be fun to get to hang out with Hadrian all summer."

"Thanks, I'm looking forward to it too," Hadrian said with a grin.

"And I'm going to Sudan with my mother to dig in the dirt!" Amy declared.

"Anybody at this table could have guessed that," Chuck snorted, a lot of jibes going around before Boulderdash noted the time.

"All right, you rascals, time to finish packing your trunks and checking your marks, and whatever else you need to do, the End of the Year Feast is tonight, you know, and three of you are getting awards, so I expect I ought to go myself," Boulderdash mused, and everyone began to clean up.

The rest of the day went by quickly, and almost before he knew it, Maurice was putting on his best robes and tossing the last of his clothes in the trunk, tagging it and bringing it down to the Common Room of Conspiracies, where Garvan was waiting for him. Glancing around to see who hadn't left yet, Maurice found who he was searching for among the students and walked over to Apollo Grey.

"Grey, could you please take my trunk to the drop off for me?" Maurice asked him. "And tomorrow, plan to be sitting with me on the train. I would like to discuss some things with you."

"Of course, Craw," Apollo said solemnly. Beside him, a couple of Apollo's mates grinned at each other knowingly.

"Let's go," Maurice said to Garvan, and the two of them walked out together. Garvan chuckled softly and shook his head. Maurice looked at him questioningly.

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about this morning. Keir is such an idiot," Garvan said.

"I would have liked it to have been an order member, since it gives an incoming prefect some advantages, but to be honest, Grey was probably always the better choice," Maurice admitted. "He was already slated to be the captain of both football and Quidditch next year, he never questions authority, his marks are much better than Keir's, and on top of that, his father went to school with Aurelius. When he hears the details of Viorica's current position in our family, I am certain he will act accordingly."

"And if he doesn't?" Garvan asked.

"Then he'll be as much of an idiot as Keir was. Going against anyone associated with the Snape family is never a good idea," Maurice said, walking over to the doors of the Great Hall to see Viorica already standing there.

"You've been taking your time," Viorica commented.

"We have plenty. Not everyone has left the house rooms yet," Garvan said.

"Lurking in the halls, are we?"

The three of them looked up to see the headmaster standing there looking between them almost searchingly.

"This is where you told us to lurk!" Viorica pointed out.

"Ah, yes, so it is. In that case, I was wondering if you were ready?" Severus asked solemnly.

"Sure," Viorica said immediately, but Maurice and Garvan both had a strange look on their face.

They had both realized that question was directed at them, and that he had meant more than that. Even with their impending marriages, there was great darkness on the horizon in both of their lives, and extreme challenges they would face much sooner than most of the students coming out of the school that year.

"Yes, I believe so," Garvan said at last.

"Not really," Maurice admitted, but then shrugged. "But I'm a Craw. I'll adapt."

Severus nodded in acceptance.

"I suppose I should get on with it then. Listen for your names at the door," Severus said, turning and walking around the corner as he made his way to the side door near the professors' table.

Severus took a leisurely pace to give all of the students some extra time to get inside. He came in and noted that every single professor was in their place. There was also a full count at the auxiliary table, where Quintin, Ashley Tinker, Ginny Potter, John Carnegie, Headelf Francie, and Laura Lupin sat. Severus wandered up in front of the main table, pretending not to notice when two first year Gryffindors scrambled in to find a seat at the last moment.

"Before we begin, I have a Special Service to the School award to give out. Or perhaps two. Or three," Severus said, glancing at all four tables of students. "I want you all to understand that I have given out very few of these over the years, so few that I can recall every one, as well as many that were given out before I was headmaster. Therefore, I hope you appreciate that since giving out one is rare, giving out three is next to unheard of; even if two of them were for the same event. The last one I gave out was to a second year Ambrose Bailey for an academically proclaimed revision of Hogwarts, a History. The first one I am giving out tonight is to someone also in her second year. It is for her contributions in Medical Magic while serving on Professor Craw's Lycanthropy Potions Research team; Miss Viorica Eddy."

As Viorica walked down the aisle with a grin, Jennifer clapped enthusiastically and jumped to her feet, quickly followed by Ivano, Remus, and Icarus. Severus handed her an envelope, saying a soft word to her before she stepped to the side with a smile.

"The next two will be given in tandem for something that actually occurred last summer holiday," Severus announced. "Yes, well, considering the enormity of the events, you can perhaps understand why I decided a bit of a breather was in order, to give those who weren't quite ready for what occurred in this castle some time to adjust. Don't worry if you're confused, you won't be in a moment," he said, looking up at the closed doors.

"This award goes to the two who led the valiant student team that breached this castle when it was overcome with magic that no adult could traverse. They and their team used all of their resources to save this castle and all of its inhabitants when no one else could have accomplished such a feat, and which led to the freedom of an entire race. Truly there is no reward great enough for their efforts, but obviously, I must give them something.

"To Maurice Craw, for his leadership, ingenuity, and helping to find the Distaff of Disruption, which had long been missing and thought lost. And to Garvan Gamban, for his bravery, compassion, and taking a stand even in the face of adversity," he said, nodding to the two men standing in the doorway, walking in side by side.

This time, it was Anna and Hermione who jumped up first to clap, but they were barely alone for a second before the entire faculty followed suit. All at once, Hogwarts' Trade Elf staff appeared, side by side in rows down both sides of the aisle, the two of them smiling knowingly at each other as they strode to the front to receive their awards as well.

"If anyone doubts which House wins the cup this year, I'd take a closer look at those uniforms," Severus said, a chuckle going up as everyone returned to their seats, including the three recipients. "Really, the students here never cease to surprise me... or my staff, for that matter," he added in good measure. "Speaking of which, I should probably thank two of them who will be leaving this year. Our guest instructor from Italy, Professor Disparte, and Professor Lupin... or I should specify... Remus Lupin," Severus added as everyone clapped lightly. "The other one is not going anywhere... not if I have anything to say about it," he said, glancing at the side table where Laura sat, smiling sheepishly. She also hadn't missed that Andrew had rolled his eyes. Then he shrugged with a smile and clapped in resignation, disagreeing but knowing better than to argue with his father about his staff choices.

"That is all I have to say, so to those graduating, I commend you for getting there an hope for your success. For everyone else, have a good summer; I'll see you next fall," he finished, returning to his seat.

The next morning, Severus glanced at his appointment book and then at the Lunar candle, deciding to use the time in between to file old paperwork he no longer needed and organize his desk, handing some of the more sensitive devices over to the Dumbledore painting for safe keeping. At the thought, his eyes went over to the Teledim, and upon seeing a note, he stopped to read it. Then he folded it over and put it in his cloak pocket before returning to his desk.

It wasn't long until Remus stepped in, looking much healthier than he had in some time. In fact, he almost looked younger now that some of the stress he carried around had lessened dramatically.

"Good morning, Remus. On your way out?" Severus said, tying up some of the scrolls on the desk.

"I am, although I hope to see Jennifer before I leave," Remus replied.

"She is downstairs breaking down the lab," Severus offered. "I believe you know the way by now."

"Intimately," Remus chuckled. Suddenly he became more serious, and his smile thinned as he thought about what he wanted to say.

"Severus, I know perfectly well you don't do sentimental, except perhaps when Jennifer and your family are concerned, so I won't pain you with it. But I do want to say one thing, nonetheless," Remus said. "You saved my daughter's life twice that night. And I know that you probably intervened many more times this year than I am aware of. I will not forget it."

"It's alright," Severus said simply. "Thank you for teaching Defense this year."

"My pleasure entirely," Remus said. "I believe I'll go down to see Jennifer now."

"Be my guest, but I wouldn't leave out the sentimental portion of the conversation in her case," Severus advised.

"I had no intention of it," Remus replied with a chuckle, stepping into the Doorlift.

Severus glanced at the time and took out his smoky crystal ash tray, cleaning it carefully and polishing it vigorously before tossing it at the Dumbledore painting, who caught it neatly. He then cleaned his pipe and put it in its case, the fond memory of when he got it coming to his mind. Glancing at the clock again, he put his pipe in his cloak.

"Ivano is on his way up, Severus," Armando informed him.

"Good, I've been looking forward to this one," Severus said. "Do you suppose he'll say anything?"

"I've been told that he left his office looking as if he was about to meet his doom," Armando offered.

"Excellent," Severus said. He sat behind his desk and looked for more paperwork to shuffle, but he had already gone through it all. "Fine, we'll go for the tea instead," Severus decided, glancing at the Doorlift thoughtfully. "He must be taking the stairs. Such a martyr," he said, pulling out the knob.

Severus turned over the cups as Ivano stumbled up the stairs, wondering to himself how he had gotten there so fast.

"Good morning, Ivano. On your way out, I suppose. Please, have a seat for a moment. Cup of English tea before you go? It might be the last time in a while since you're going home," Severus said, cordially pouring two cups. "Or did Jennifer already serve you tea this morning?"

"Um... no, I haven't spoken to her today, actually, and I just was soon not..." he began. Severus tsked disapprovingly.

"She'll be quite disappointed if you don't say alla prossima, not after the two of you have become such close friends," Severus said. Ivano rubbed his temples. "I know, take her on one last picnic! I'm sure she'd enjoy that. Of course, she's a terribly picky eater, but when she does like something, she'll always go out of her way for it, you know."

"I really don't think that's a good idea, Severus..."

"Nonsense. It's always worked before, and you have her food preferences down to a T... Ivano, you haven't touched your tea. Do you have a headache? I do have some powders," Severus offered.

"No, if it's just the same, I simply want to get something off my mind before I go," Ivano admitted.

"Sorry about that, just trying to be hospitable. Exactly what was it you needed to get off your mind?" Severus inquired politely. Ivano took a single sip of the tea and set it aside, lacing his fingers.

"Severus, I have a confession to make," Ivano said. Severus gazed at him, his expression unchanged. "You see... for a very long time... since I arrived, to be perfectly honest... I've been deeply in love with your wife."

"I can't say that I blame you," Severus replied indifferently. Ivano blinked. "Care for a biscuit?"

"Aren't you going to get angry with me, or kick me out, or curse me out, or challenge me to a duel?" Ivano asked, baffled by his reaction.

"Now, why would I challenge you to a duel when we both know what the outcome would be? Besides, Dumbledore may have just gone home, but I really don't want to explain to him how bloodstains got into the carpets when he does return. Ivano, you are a gentleman that has never even dared come close to the line, you simply danced with it. You've always been professional about both research and teaching. If you weren't, someone would have ratted you out a long time ago. Especially him," Severus said, thumbing towards the wall. Ivano blinked again and looked over to see the portrait of Severus Snape leaning against the frame of Dumbledore's painting. "So, I really don't care whether you're in love with my wife or not. Tell me, Ivano... in all of the time you've been here... has she ever even indicated in the slightest that she was aware that you were in love with her?"

"No!" Ivano said with such open frustration and exasperation that a thin smile crept on Severus' lips. "I don't understand it! After having to work with her every weekend on such a project, and after so many meals together, she still did not seem to pick up one hint of anything. She's never seen me as anything but a professional colleague that spent time with her because we had some compatible interests. How is it that such a strong Truth Seeker never seemed to notice or react to it, either by aversion or acknowledgment, or to put me in my place? How could such a person so inquisitive and open be so blind to it?"

"Because she's wearing rose-colored glasses," Severus explained.

"She doesn't always wear them," Ivano pointed out.

"I didn't mean those," Severus said calmly, getting up to warm up his tea. "I meant her real ones," he clarified, glancing at his portrait to see he was giving him a thin, knowing smile. "Jennifer has always had a strong tendency to internalize her feelings, and her response to the outside world has been colored by that fact since before I even met her. It often blinds her talent unless she is actively seeking answers, and it always has... especially when it comes to picking up certain cues. I took it for granted in my younger years; I even found it entertaining on occasion. And then, in an act of selfish stupidity, I did something to break them," he admitted, sitting down again. "My mentor then gave her the physical spectacles she still wears to this day. It helped her to train her Truth Seeking talents, yes, but it was a poor substitute to what she lost. Even before I hit my breaking point, my actions were already having an effect on her. She became suspicious... wary... fearful of being hurt... and she began picking up those cues that she had never noticed before. At first, I was quite convinced those glasses were gone forever and that there was no going back. But then after a particularly bad year in which I had to go through extraordinary lengths to turn things around for her, I began getting hints from her that perhaps those glasses weren't gone forever. Perhaps with a lot of hard work and endless support, it might be possible to restore that which had been lost." Severus looked over at Ivano, who was listening intently.

"And then you came along," Severus said in an amused voice that made Ivano wince. "After noticing how you were behaving from the start, and after being warned by quite a number of people that you might be misconstruing her natural warmth for something more, I decided to conduct a test of my own this year. I wanted to see if those glasses had returned, and I wanted to see how long they would hold. And the very fact that the two of us are sitting here having this conversation at this very moment makes me delighted to no end."

Ivano propped his head in his hand, shaking it slightly in resignation.

"I could not compete when there was no competition to be had. No matter what my feelings are, or anyone else's... all she sees is you," Ivano concluded. "I was never a threat."

"So now you understand my reaction at last," Severus affirmed. "Although I admit with everything that's happened this year, it was probably a tad unfair of me to use you as a test subject."

"I will think of it more as a cautionary tale," Ivano admitted with a chuckle, standing and putting his cup down and offering his hand. "It has been nothing short of an honor to work here, Headmaster Snape."

"Do come visit again, Ivano. I am certain there will come a time when you are ready to come back and will want to catch up with her. I am sure she will miss you if you don't," Severus replied.

"I'll keep in touch," Ivano promised with a smile. He then walked out the Doorlift and promptly left the castle.