Chapter Two
The Wizard Museum
Ambrose Tinker walked through the nearly completed Museum of Wizard Heirlooms, Artifacts, and Treasures with his hands in his pockets, inspecting the work on the exhibits as they were putting the finishing touches on them. He had called in some favors in hopes of getting it done in time for the donor's reception on August first, and had a great many people in the building helping out. Some were even Hogwarts professors who thought it would be an interesting way of spending their summer months.
Down in sublevel three, also known as the Archives and Archaeology department, Sally Scribe was busy selecting what documents should be set on display first, while in the room next to her, Heather Weasley and Maurice Craw were working on setting up the Archaeology Lab featuring some of the finds from the Sudan site.
On sublevel two, the International Treasures exhibit, Bill, Amy, and even Rinan Scur had come in to work on the Egyptian section, while Arcadia helped Otto Delaney with the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea exhibits. Alvin Archibald, who was acting as an overall consultant for the entire floor, was currently helping with the France exhibit, which had some striking pieces on loan from Beauxbatons.
On sublevel one, World Cultures - Magicology, Leu was busy helping Jamie and Jacob with the Hyperborean Elves exhibit, while Gemshard and the Dash brothers worked along side Grendelbane on the goblin exhibit, and Sagittari on the centaur exhibit. Many of the other exhibits on those floors were already finished.
Upstairs on the main floor, Beth was in the Wizard History wing, working on a famous historical wizards display that included a number of robes and other garments as well as jewelry Heirlooms and Artifacts they had owned. Just down the corridor from where she was, Francis Pyther was helping with the Magical Art and Sculpture Wing. Next to the gift shop in the front of the museum were the temporary exhibits, one of which was a photo gallery of Modern History, sponsored by the Daily Prophet, and another was on the history of Wizard Currency, sponsored by Gringott's Bank.
Ambrose stopped by the cafe to check on Fortuna Chance, who was busy in the stock room filling the shelves.
"How's it going?" Ambrose asked.
"It's getting there," Lucky replied. "I have several staff members in training already. Some at the hotels, and two are at Kingler's and Company. I'll bring them over in a couple of days before we open to train in here. Did you find a manager for the gift store?" she asked.
"Ronnie Greisley. Alex has already signed off on it," Ambrose said.
"Yeah, that works," Lucky decided. "Make sure you send her my way when she gets here. I doubt she knows the goblin inventory system."
"Will do," Ambrose said, then stepped back out again, going up to the second floor where the Children's Museum was. He wandered past the hands-on displays and the toddler play area, ducking a flying train on his way to the miniatures display. Andrew had a large team of helpers working on the wizard areas of London. They included Laura, Viorica, Alicia, Mickey, Nicky, Dawn, and last but not least, Jay Clemmons, who was in charge of setting up the railways that connected different parts of the structure. Tunnels and overhead walkways would provide guests with different views of it, once it was finished and the glass was in place.
"This really looks awesome!" Ambrose declared, impressed.
"Well, I don't think we'll get everything done in time, Ambrose, but there's a hidden door in the partition just there so that we can get in and out and keep working on it, as well as to make it easier to maintain," Andrew said, going over and showing the partitioned section.
"Maybe it won't be all done, but it helped that you already had all of Hogsmeade finished... you even put in a brick wall where my Father's shop is supposed to be, I see," Ambrose noted.
"It's something I got out of your father's shop just before he left, actually. The brick wall fits over the model of his shop 'like a tea cozy', as Toby put it," Andrew grinned. "It has all sorts of 'hibbledy piggledy', as he calls it, and it's designed to protect the original from people that he doesn't want to notice it coming and going. I think it's highly likely that some visitors won't ever get to see the original."
"I get it. I'm glad it's there, then. You wouldn't have been able to include it the way it was," Ambrose admitted.
"I know. I'm glad he found a solution too," Andrew said. "Did Aurora go home?"
"Yes, some time ago, but she said to tell you that she should have everything done tomorrow," Andrew said.
"Really? Then I think I'll take a peek," Ambrose said, walking up the final set of stairs to the Observatory and Night Exhibits.
The highest floor had a cathedral ceiling made up of tinted glass windows, charmed to control the light level during the day so that the exhibits within it never got direct sunlight, allowing for plenty of evening plants and small creature exhibits that were sensitive to that sort of thing. At night, the tinted glass filtered out the light pollution and weather, allowing visitors to look outside during the monthly night at the museum event. On either end of the floor were two large telescopes; one refractor and one reflector, both gated off for staff use, plus six smaller telescopes on each end, twelve all told, for guests to use. It looked like the exhibit was finished, he thought to himself, then noticed she was still working on a tricky horoscope machine she designed so that visitors could get a fortune based on the previous night's sky.
Looking amused at that, Ambrose went back downstairs, taking the long way around so that he could check the water tanks in the Ocean wing. They weren't filled with much more than vegetation at that point, but all of the informational exhibits and treasure displays had been completed. Then he went through a rock archway into the Magical Creatures wing, where Halbert was doing more gossiping with the two zookeepers from the Menagerie than he was actually getting done at the moment. Still, it was nearly complete, Ambrose thought with a chuckle, and none of the animals would go in until the full staff was in place to take care of them.
As he turned the corner to walk back to his office, Ambrose saw Adam Hinge standing outside the door, waiting for him.
"Oh, you're here, sorry," Ambrose said, opening the door for him.
"I figured it'd be faster just to wait here rather than try to track you down in this place," Adam grunted. "When are you going to get those security mirrors fully working on the top floor?"
"Oh, right, those. Well, since Sirius is gone and it was his system, I really don't know at the moment," Ambrose admitted.
"I don't think we can hold off a year in getting those fixed," Adam pointed out.
"I'll ask Uncle Severus, since he was the one who suggested the mirror room in the first place," Ambrose decided. "Did you get the rest of the museum guards approved with Alex?"
"Yes, and Thomas signed off on them as well," Adam said, showing him the paper. "I also brought the current security schedule."
"We should put in a small office for you so that you're not managing this from a corner of my office. Where would be best? Adjacent to the surveillance room, maybe?" Ambrose asked.
"Thank you, although if possible, I would like it to be somewhere that I can survey the grounds visually," Adam admitted. "The inside of the museum has highly sophisticated security... especially once those mirrors are fixed... and although I know the grounds has heavy security as well, it is not to the same scale, so I would prefer an office that is somewhere that has quick access to the more vulnerable areas."
"Okay, I'll talk to Beth about it and get back to you. We'll keep it in here until we've worked out a better solution," Ambrose said.
"Of course," Adam said, putting up the schedule before going back to his duties.
It wasn't long until Ambrose wandered back out of the office as well. He locked up before stepping outside, walking around the grounds to get ideas on where to put a guard house. But as he came around the front, it gave him a strange feeling looking at the finished property. He sat on a bench next to the fountain in front of the entryway, staring at the museum.
Thomas Craw Apparated in front of the museum and walked past the fountain, noticing Ambrose sitting there. He paused and looked at Ambrose, then over at the building.
"What are you looking at?" Thomas asked after a moment.
"The museum," Ambrose said. "I feel overwhelmed... but in reverse," he explained.
"Underwhelmed?" Thomas inquired.
"More like... I've been working on trying to get this museum built for so long, it feels very strange that the building part of it is nearly done," Ambrose explained.
"Oh. I guess I get what you're trying to say. I sort of felt like that when the Craw Mansion was finally restored," Thomas replied. "You stopped to see if you could make it feel more real to you, is that it?"
"Yes, I think that's it," Ambrose agreed. Thomas nodded in understanding.
"Don't worry, it's real. If you don't believe me, take a look at Beth and Mike's invoices sometime," he said with a snort. "I'm taking Adam, Maurice, and Beth to lunch. Coming?"
"Sure, why not," Ambrose said, and the two of them went inside to meet them.
July came and went in a flash, and before Jennifer knew it, they were getting ready for the Museums' opening reception for patrons and donors. As much as Jennifer wanted to see the museum, it was not lost on her that it was the last public event that she was going to attend at home until the winter holidays, and that had a rather sobering effect on her as she got ready to go.
"Don't put your jewelry on just yet," Severus advised from the other room. Standing in front of the mirror in her sitting room and looking at her thoughts more than her dress, Jennifer sighed at that.
"It's bad enough I let you pick out the dress. Don't tell me you plan to pick out the jewelry as well?" she complained. "Besides, I think the formal wear should be a bit more conservative for an event like this, don't you?"
"That dress is conservative. There are only six buttons down the back," Severus reminded her.
"And twelve down the side," Jennifer said knowingly.
"Yes, but nobody hardly ever notices those... except you," he pointed out, slipping into the room and behind her. "I see you're having a consult with yourself." Jennifer sighed at that. "What do you see?" he asked.
"That I'm conflicted, what else?" Jennifer said. Severus gazed at her in the mirror.
"I know what this feeling reminds me of," Severus said. "Do you remember the first time we had to leave Alexandria behind so that we could return to Hogwarts?"
"And the first time for Aurelius, and Andrew, and Alicia," Jennifer added. "It never did get any easier."
"And what about when I went to Tir Na Nog and had to leave you behind to look after the castle?" Severus inquired.
"In many ways that was a lot worse, since I had no way to easily contact you," Jennifer said.
"Yes, or during our estrangement, when I left you abruptly and forced you to take over the castle before you were ready, as well as handle the student and faculty grief after Lyra died," Severus murmured.
"Why are you bringing that up?" Jennifer asked, a pained expression crossing her face.
"It isn't as if you haven't already been thinking about the times we've been apart already, Jennifer," Severus said knowingly. "I for one have been spending a great deal of time thinking of the only time you left this castle, other than to fetch me from the Otherworld. And that is when my watch read, 'Elsewhere' for months on end because you had been taken from me and Obliviated without my knowing what happened to you." Jennifer glanced up at him in the mirror and looked away, exhaling slowly to keep her emotions in check while he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "But this is not like those times, Jennifer," Severus reassured her quietly. "It's true that I think it would be counterproductive to have you popping back and forth, but we have many ways to keep in touch. We have everything from paintings to contact mirrors we can rely on, and with your Chest Cloak here, I will write you a great many letters."
"More than two, I hope," Jennifer said.
"You never do let certain things go, do you," Severus said, but sounded more amused than critical. "I promise you, Jennifer, if you need me for any reason, I will be there for you," he assured her, unwrapping his arms to show he had a necklace in his hand, gently bringing it to her neck. Jennifer gazed in the mirror and saw that it was a gold heart locket. "You won't be here for your birthday, so I may as well give it to you now since you could do with a bit of cheering up. Touch it and will it to open," he said, and Jennifer did so, the locket opening easily.
Inside, one side of the locket had a perfectly shaped contact mirror; the other had a tiny miniature portrait of Severus, apparently done over the summer, undoubtedly by Alicia. Jennifer smiled softly at that.
"The mirror and painting are my contributions, of course, but the locket is Tassels and Panning and has every protection charm I could think of thrown on it. You are the only one who can remove it, and only if you are under your own free will; you can't be compelled to take it off," Severus said.
"That's a new one," Jennifer said knowingly.
"Yes, well, I do try to learn from our mistakes. You know the situation with Arthur could have been quite disastrous, and even if we've already modified our earrings in the same way, I think for safety's sake, it should be a standard practice from now on, don't you?" Severus asked.
"Probably," Jennifer admitted, keeping the locket open a little longer to admire the picture before finally snapping it closed. "I don't suppose it has a homing device as well?"
"Of course it does," Severus confirmed readily. "You may go where you will, and have whatever adventures come your way, but no matter what happens, I refuse to let you vanish on me again."
"Promise you won't either?" Jennifer asked softly.
"Don't worry, you have an army of offspring to make certain that I don't go anywhere," Severus replied, only partially joking. "But I plan to stay close to the castle when you're gone, so I can be available any time you need me," he reassured her. "Now come, we really must be off. I'm sure you don't want to hear it from your father if we're late any more than I do."
"Alright, Severus," Jennifer said, taking his arm as they made their way to the museum opening.
When they arrived, Jennifer immediately held onto Severus' arm in a way that let him know she was not likely to let it go often that evening. The sun was just beginning to set, causing the water from the fountain to glisten, and figures of wizard, goblin, elven, and centaur children played in the bas relief surrounding the two ornate bowls that spilled water like a waterfall into the central pool.
"I rather like that they didn't include a central figure, Severus," Jennifer decided.
"Yes, they wanted it to represent unity rather than glorifying any one person. But then, considering the group of individuals in charge of designing this museum, I suppose we shouldn't be surprised," Severus said. Jennifer smiled warmly at that as the doors opened for them. They went inside to see a large group of people gathered around the buffet and wine tables that were placed along the main entrance hall.
"Oh, there's Jennifer!" said the cheerful, unmistakable voice of Lunette Vallid. The two of them immediately looked in that direction as Lunette walked over next to a gentleman with dark hair and a warm, gentle smile.
"Why, Lunette! I didn't know you'd be here," Jennifer said brightly.
"Yes, I donated Cliff Wright's services, you know," Lunette explained with amusement. "Cliff was telling me that he's met Severus but he hasn't had a chance to meet you yet. Jennifer Craw, this is Cliff Wright, the famous wizard architect from New York."
"Lunette, really," Cliff said, protesting the 'famous' title.
"Cliff Wright, this is Jennifer Craw Snape, the famous... well, she's done about everything," Lunette decided.
"Lunette, honestly," Jennifer protested as well.
"Always," Lunette replied with amusement.
"Lunette was telling me you led the Lycanthropy research team that was able to get the treatment down to one dose, Professor. I have a cousin that's benefiting from that improvement," Cliff admitted.
"I'm glad we could help. I know from treating Remus Lupin how miserable having to take that formula was," Jennifer said.
"I don't suppose he'd be coming tonight?" he asked curiously.
"Oh, no, he's out of the country at the moment," Jennifer explained, glancing at Lunette over the rim of her spectacles and back again. "Taking a well deserved holiday. But his daughter is likely to be here tonight, she's our new Defense Professor."
"Yes, and she's been doing a fantastic job already," Severus put in.
"That's pretty high praise," Lunette commented. "Headmaster Snape has very high standards when it comes to Defense."
"I should think he would have to, if half of the stories I've heard about Hogwarts are true," Cliff agreed with a chuckle.
"Well, I can't wait to see the museum, Mr. Wright. I know it must have been quite the challenge taking over the project considering what you had to work with," Jennifer said.
"It was definitely a challenge, but I was happy to help, especially when I heard the circumstances." Cliff assured her.
"Well, I should go introduce him to other people... you stay put, though, Jennifer. I want to talk to you," Lunette said, leading him over to Eric Dalance.
"Oh, look. Is that a gift shop?" Jennifer asked.
"They're not going to have it open tonight," Severus informed her.
"Well, no, but I wouldn't mind a peek in the window while we're waiting on Lunette," Jennifer said, giving him a hopeful smile.
"Yes, fine," Severus said, and wandered over. But the moment they got close, Jennifer couldn't help but break into giggles, because one of the items inside was a stack of Janus Edgar's Wizardday Weekly Collection, authenticated as being signed by the author.
"Look at that, Severus, and such a markup," Jennifer said with amusement.
"Well, it is for museum funding after all," Severus replied.
"Good evening, Jennifer! Good evening, Severus!" Arthur Weasley said, coming up beside them.
"Arthur, how are you doing?" Jennifer asked sincerely.
"Recovered from your ordeal, I hope," Severus added.
"Yes, thank you, Jennifer, Severus. I took your recommendation and went to Maryced's and had that other charm added to my earring so that I can't be compelled to take it off again," Arthur assured them. "And Molly did the same."
"I am glad to hear it," Severus said solemnly.
"This museum is absolutely amazing. I wish we could have done this a long time ago... although to be honest, I'm not sure it ever would have passed the Wizard Council before now," Arthur admitted.
"We barely got it through as it is," Severus agreed.
"Yes, tonight truly is quite the celebration. Well, look at that... signed Janus Edgar books! I wonder how they managed to procure them? I heard that Wizardday has had a terrible time getting him to agree to any sort of book signings," Arthur informed them.
"I suspect he's simply doing his part in supporting the museum," Severus ventured.
"Where's Molly?" Jennifer inquired.
"Oh, she is babysitting for the family, but since this is her first time getting to look after little Margaret, I believe she was more than happy to do it this time. But I believe she and I will find an excuse to take some of the grandchildren back here to explore it before school starts," Arthur decided.
"Perhaps we should take Quintin before I leave, Severus," Jennifer suggested.
"Leave?" Arthur asked curiously. Lunette came up beside him with a thin smile.
"Oh, I'm going to be teaching Items at Whitebridge in the States for a year, as a guest teacher," Jennifer explained.
"Are you really?" Arthur said with interest. "I visited Whitebridge when Ginny was going there. It's a beautiful school."
"Yes, I know, I graduated from there," Jennifer replied.
"Oh, yes, I remember that now. And you to get to teach your specialty as well? That sounds very exciting," Arthur said encouragingly.
"Thanks, Arthur. I'm sure it will be," Jennifer said with a smile.
"Hello again, Arthur. I think Bill and Heather were wondering where you were," Lunette said.
"Oh, yes, they actually donated a few items to one of the exhibits. I'm sure I'll see you in a bit, Jennifer," Arthur said.
"Alright, see you later," Jennifer said. Lunette stepped up with a knowing smile on her face.
"Really, Lunette, was that a little white lie I heard just now?" Severus inquired, causing her to chuckle.
"No, I'm quite sure that wherever they are, they're probably wondering where he is," Lunette said. "But I'll admit that Jennifer looked as if she needed rescued."
"You're right, I did," Jennifer admitted.
"So who all went on 'holiday'?" Lunette asked. "Because I hadn't heard about that yet."
"Remus, Carol, Minerva, Mike and Delia Coventry, and Sirius, Zoe, and Aubrey Lynn," Severus replied.
"What? It's not like Anna to keep something like that from me. I bet she didn't want me over here checking on her," Lunette said with concern. "She must be playing the 'I'm a Snape so I can handle anything' card."
"Possibly," Severus admitted. "She isn't entirely alone; Laura has been staying at the Black Mansion since they left, and Mitch is staying there until his house is finished. Anna is also going to be taking over some of Jennifer's responsibilities when she returns to school."
"Well, I have no doubt the two of you can get each other through this year. Still, that doesn't sound like much of a support network until she gets back to the school," Lunette said. "I'll see if I can corner her tonight and see how she's really handling it. And as for you, apprentice, I'll see you at lunch tomorrow," she added, using her thumb to point at the Coven Suites. "Over there... eleven-thirty."
"Yes, alright," Jennifer agreed. It had been a while since Lunette had used that tactic to get her to cooperate.
"I use it when it's needed," Lunette said with a smile, and Jennifer blushed and pushed up her glasses. "You two have fun tonight. I bet you're going to love the place," she added before disappearing back into the crowd.
"Let's start at the bottom floor and work our way up," Severus suggested, knowing that Jennifer would make excuses for not going down there if they tried to go in the reverse order. Then again, as clingy as she was, she might just be fine anyway, he mused, opting for the Doorlift to the Archives.
Jennifer peered down the tunnel going to the hotel, then glanced into the Archaeology room with no interest at all, despite Severus' obvious curiosity in the sandstone statue that they were in the process of cleaning. Sensing her impatience, they moved to the Archives room, which was currently displaying a few original Ministry of Magic documents, as well as a beautifully preserved stone filled with Celtic Runes that seemed to be some sort of spell related to the Winter Solstice...
"Nope, nothing down here, let's go up," Jennifer said, dragging him by the arm up the stairwell despite his obvious interest.
Severus sighed and humored her. It isn't as if there wouldn't be plenty of other occasions to go down there, he thought, then grimaced, wondering if he shouldn't feel a bit more guilty about that. Fortunately, the International exhibits seemed to be holding her attention much better, curious about every heirloom that had a curse and an interesting back history to it. But after they were halfway through it, Severus noticed that the circulation to his hand was being completely cut off by her grip.
"I doubt we can see the entire museum all in one day, Jennifer. Perhaps we can go up to the next floor and wait a day on the rest," he suggested.
"Yes, alright," Jennifer said immediately, pulling him to the Doorlift, since it was the closer option.
With the presence of the half windows on the floor, Jennifer's grip lessened a great deal as they stepped out into the World Cultures exhibit. At first her eyes were drawn over to Diana Kitane and her foster mother standing by the Fomorian visit. Her mother was looking at the exhibit with open interest, while behind her, Diana was shaking her head critically for some reason.
"Which way did you want to go first, Jennifer?" Severus asked in a much louder voice than normal. Diana turned to look at them, then said something to her mother, who then nodded as they wandered towards the stairs to get something to drink.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Jennifer murmured accusingly.
"She has one year left, Jennifer, let's make certain she gets through it," Severus said softly.
"She's still wearing the hair comb Leu bought her," Jennifer noted quietly. "Yet he's still a bit clueless. And lately, he's been too busy thinking about Noah to think about anything else."
Severus gazed at her thoughtfully.
"It sounds as if he has figured out his friend's path to ascension, then," Severus conjectured.
"Yes, he has, and he doesn't know how to deal with it yet," Jennifer murmured. "And I won't be at the school to help him through it."
"Yes, but I will be, and if I can help Noah through a similar crisis... and help other students including your brother through their own personal crises, I'm certain I can handle it," Severus said. Jennifer sighed, leaning into him slightly as they walked around.
"Of course you can. You've always been brilliant when it comes to that, and yet I feel that I'm going to miss out so much... from Leu's last year, and what those Owls will be up to, watching the grandchildren's progress, not to mention seeing what happens between Laura and Andrew now that they're finally dating..."
"In other words, you want to be kept apprised of all the school gossip," Severus said disapprovingly. Jennifer smiled at him innocently, but Severus didn't buy it for an instant. "Very well, Jennifer, I suppose if I must, I must," he said with an exaggerated sigh, and Jennifer beamed at him. "Speaking of your tendency to gossip, look who's over there," Severus said, and Jennifer followed his gaze.
"Oh, it's Arcadia!" Jennifer said happily, picking up the pace as they went over to the centaur exhibit. There was a lovely painted backdrop of the night sky above an ocean filled with islands, while in front of it was a collection of centaur spears, slings, pottery, and some ancient star sighting tools. But what interested Jennifer the most was the circular weapon she had seen them so often use in the Dark Forest.
"Hello, Professors," Arcadia said with a smile. She was standing nearby the exhibit in her human form, apparently deciding to hang out for a while and give some insights to some of the guests who had stopped to look at them.
"Did you come all by yourself?" Jennifer asked.
"No, indeed. Sagittari is upstairs in the Magical Creatures wing," Arcadia explained with a smile.
"I've always wondered about these, Arcadia. I've seen the centaurs in the Dark Forest use them both in ceremony and as weapons on occasion," Jennifer explained, looking at the information plate. "Kýklos kéntavros," she read.
"Typically, we just call them Kýklos, or chakrams," Arcadia said. "Chakrams are actually a human version of this type of weapon that came from India and are better known, although technically ours are much older. And yes, they're used for weapons, ceremonies, and status, and the engravings around the Kýklos are different, typically depending on what it's used for; if it's ceremonial, it'll have symbols of the constellation, where personal ones will usually have symbols that represent the more favorable traits of the time that you're born. The reason for that, other than identification, is to ask for the stars guidance in battle."
"So for good luck," Jennifer said with interest.
"In a way, yes. Centaurs really don't have the same concepts of luck that humans do, exactly... it's more like a prayer of sorts, hoping that our charts remain favorable," Arcadia explained.
"Yes, that makes sense," Jennifer said.
"My goodness, you are well informed, young lady!" exclaimed Norman Balmweed. Jennifer looked up to see that Norman and Eric had stepped up beside them.
"Oh, not really, but thank you. I learned all of this as a filly," Arcadia said, causing Norman and Eric to both blink.
"I believe some introductions are in order," Severus offered. "Doctor Arcadia, this is Norman Balmweed and Eric Dalance from the school board. Gentlewizards, this is Doctor Arcadia from Whitebridge, who will be teaching Potions for us this year. And despite her current form, she is a centaur."
"Oh, that does explain a lot," Norman said with surprise.
"How very good to meet you, Doctor! I was just glancing over your file the other day, getting ready for our first board meeting of the year. Your credentials are quite impressive," Eric said warmly.
"Thank you, I'm always driven to learn new things," Arcadia said.
"One of my great grandchildren will be going to school this year. I'm sure they will benefit from your teaching tremendously," Norman said.
"Oh, which one?"
"Deborah Balmweed... Lyle's daughter," Norman explained. "He'll have two coming eventually."
"Oh, yes," Severus said, and Jennifer brightened.
"I remember Lyle. Severus, you'll have to let me know if she's a Ravenclaw too," Jennifer insisted.
"Don't worry, Jennifer, I'll send you the whole list if you like," Severus assured her.
"Severus, might I speak with you a moment?" Norman inquired. Severus glanced and Jennifer and she reluctantly unwrapped her arm, stepping closer to Eric and Arcadia.
"So you're teaching Potions at Whitebridge then, Jennifer?" Eric inquired.
"No, actually, Dean Elk has asked me to teach Items," Jennifer replied with a smile. "All students are required to have two years in it there, and all first years have to take an introductory course that includes identification of items, application of devices, and safety."
"That's quite interesting!" Eric said with obvious enthusiasm. "You'll have to grace us with a report and perhaps an appearance at a board meeting at the end, Jennifer, so we can hear what you've learned from it! And I'm quite certain they equally have a lot to learn from you... really, now that I think of it, that is definitely a much better subject for you to teach. It'll be very advantageous to both sides, I think. And I'm certain that Hogwarts will benefit from Doctor Arcadia's knowledge of teaching medicine at a tertiary level."
"And I, for one, am looking forward to learning different types of magic other than Light Magic with a hint of Wild and Ancient Magics, to be honest," Arcadia said. "While I do love Whitebridge, Hogwarts is well rounded when it comes to learning all four magic types," she said, glancing up as Severus and Norman returned. "I would love to continue learning how to use Wizard Magic in a more balanced way."
"I will make certain that Hermione knows of your interest, Arcadia, and perhaps arrange that you have a time slot free to join my Ancient Magic course," Severus explained.
"Oh, do you allow Professors to sit in classes at your school as well? I didn't think you would, being secondary only," Arcadia admitted.
"It isn't common, but yes, it's been done. In fact, Severus has sat in my Items course and I took his Ancient Magic course in the past," Jennifer said. "The only reason that it's not done more often is the scheduling is quite tight when you're teaching a major subject. Not only that, but I should warn you that most healing potions are made in house too; we don't have a company that we order from like Whitebridge has. The Potion Master makes most of them, with only a few being made by Sagittari or the local Alchemist."
"Really?" Arcadia said, her jaw dropping when she realized how much work that was going to be. "Oh, wow, now I understand why everyone has to get there two weeks early instead of one!" Arcadia said, a bit overwhelmed.
"Yes, but I'm sure our resident doctor will be more than happy to help," Severus suggested, Arcadia smiling at that.
"Ah, so I take it you've met Sagittari during your visits, then," Norman said.
"Oh yes. Often," Arcadia said with a smile, Jennifer pursing her lips at that. "In fact, I think I'll go up and find him."
"Nice to meet you, Doctor Arcadia," Eric smiled warmly, and they watched her go. "I'm curious to see what she looks like in her centaur form now. I'll have to drop into Hogwarts unexpectedly more often," he said with a chuckle.
"She is quite beautiful in that form as well," Jennifer said with a smile.
"Are we about ready to head upstairs? I'd like to find Ambrose or Adam if we can. Norman is interested in our security arrangements, and I promised that to give him a quick tour," Severus said. Eric rolled his eyes at that.
"Couldn't that have waited until another day, Norman?" Eric asked with exasperation.
"I saw a great many heirlooms on both the International floor and upstairs in Wizard History, Eric. I would simply feel a bit more comfortable if I knew a little more about how they're protected," Norman explained.
"It's quite all right, Norman. Although obviously, we can't show you all of the security we put in, but if getting a hint to some of the precautions will ease your anxiety over it, I'm certain you'll feel much better about this new addition to our society," Severus said.
"Perhaps we could look for Adam upstairs?" Jennifer asked quietly, Severus' attention immediately focused on her, offering her his arm again.
"Shall we?" Severus said, and the two of them made their way to the large grand stairway and began to walk up them. Halfway up, they saw someone thundering up the steps behind them, and they looked over curiously as Harry took the stairs by twos.
"Oh, hi," Harry said briskly, not breaking his stride.
"There's a Doorlift, you know," Severus informed him, but whether he heard him or not since he was quickly out of sight. Not long after they reached the top, Ginny came up behind them with a sheepish look on her face.
"What do you suppose the emergency was?" Norman wondered.
"My guess was that he decided to tour the Archives," Severus ventured.
"I know that was my first reaction to that floor," Jennifer agreed emphatically.
Severus tracked down Ambrose in the reception area, and Ambrose quickly offered to show Norman and Eric the surveillance room. But it wasn't long after Jennifer and Severus got rid of them that Severus noticed Conner watching them from where he stood near Lindsay and Anna, who were in the middle of a conversation with Charlie and Bill Weasley. Severus nodded to Conner and he said something to Lindsay and stepped over to them.
"Good evening, Conner. Just arrived?" Severus inquired, glancing at Jennifer who had stepped away long enough to get herself a drink.
"Yes, just a few minutes ago. We haven't left the reception area yet, actually," Conner said. "Do you know if Laura and Andrew are here?"
"I haven't seen them yet, but my guess is they're probably up on the level with the Children's Museum since Andrew contributed to that," Severus replied.
"Well, I haven't seen them at all lately," Conner hinted. "Not since Laura asked for 'a week' to see her parents off when they left town."
"I see," Severus said, glancing at Jennifer when she came back over. "You should have sent me a note sooner."
"Well, at first they started sending me legitimate sounding excuses... attending a festival, helping with Helena and Connie's wedding, that sort of thing. They've been using the museum as the excuse up until this point. I realize Andrew has a lot to do, but I found it rather convenient when everything had to be 'done by Thursday' no matter what the excuse was..."
"One might wonder why," Jennifer said with such open amusement that Conner looked at her curiously.
"Perhaps we should allow the good doctor to come to his own conclusions on the matter, Jennifer," Severus decided. "Shall we go on up? I'm certain if both of us are there, we can resolve any scheduling conflicts on the spot."
"Thanks, Severus," Conner said. The three of them walked to the Doorlift, taking it to the second floor.
As they stepped out and looked at the different brightly colored areas and exhibits, it was quite evident that Jennifer was impressed just by how quickly she slipped away from Severus, fiddling with all of the clever magical exhibits meant to entice young hands... and apparently Items professors... into playing with them just to see what they did.
"She's just like a big kid sometimes, isn't she?" Conner observed with amusement. "I take it she had a very lackluster childhood." Severus turned a gaze on him so dark and threatening that Conner cleared his throat. "So, where do you suppose Andrew is?"
"This way," Severus said, leading him over to the miniatures corner.
There were, in fact, a great many wizards and witches who had gathered in that corner to admire the miniatures and trains. This was where Tonks and Pimra were hanging out, as were Connie and Arnold, and Sally Scribe. Sally had talked Andrew out of the controller for the Flying Hogwarts Express, while Laura was busy flying a mechanical dragon around. But as Laura circled the dragon around, she spotted Severus and Conner and the dragon crashed into a small model of Hogwarts.
"Careful, Laura," Andrew said when he saw it, putting his arms around her to help her steady the controller.
"No! Look over there," Laura warned, and Andrew looked up and saw them. The dragon dropped into the lake.
"Oh," Andrew said, then realized he had his arms around her and quickly yanked them back as if nothing had happened. As Conner folded his arms with a sigh. Laura blushed brightly and handed Andrew the controller, going around to fetch the dragon.
"Any observations, Doctor?" Severus inquired.
"Let's just say I see why they were making excuses now," Conner said, and they stepped over to where Andrew was standing.
"I see you got those controllers you invented working... somewhat," Severus added, noticing that the dragon was currently missing a wing.
"Um, somewhat. Only the rail trains are going to be accessible to the kids... the ones that don't fly, I mean," Andrew explained. "These two require skilled operators."
"Then why did you let Laura fly one?" Severus inquired.
"Hey!" Laura protested, but Sally laughed.
"That comment wasn't against you, Laura. The Headmaster is accusing Andrew and I of being 'skilled operators,'" Sally explained.
"Hey!" Andrew protested once he realized that Sally had a point.
"Guilty," Sally said with a shrug, and went back to what she was doing.
"Speaking of guilt, do you the two have any confessions to make? Or are you too busy for that?" Conner asked.
"I love a good confession," Sally said, sticking her tongue out a little as she tried to navigate the Hogwarts Express back down on its track.
"I am certain that no matter what happens, Conner, Laura and Andrew are never too busy to sit down for a nice chat with a friend. Perhaps even time enough for a bar game or two," Severus suggested. "Isn't that right, Andrew?"
"Yeah," Andrew said evenly, then Severus glanced at Laura.
"Yes, fine," Laura replied resignedly.
"Conner, feel free to let me know if their schedule gets 'busy' again, and I'll do what I can to help them find some extra time," Severus told him, noting that Andrew and Laura both grimaced at that.
"Thanks!" Conner said with a smile, then looked around at the setup. "Hey, can I get one of the child-friendly controllers?" he asked.
"Like to play it safe, do you?" Sally said, then accidentally crashed hers into the tunnel it was trying to go through. "Busted."
"You can say that again," Laura said under her breath, getting her wand out to fix the dragon.