Chapter Thirty-three

An Arthurian Tale

Anna was in the Headmaster's Study not long after classes got out when she heard the strange sound of someone intentionally clearing his throat over and over again.

First she checked the curtain, but the door behind it was closed; Severus had gone back there a few minutes ago to get himself ready for the busy night ahead. Frowning at that, she began wandering around the room to try to pinpoint it, then began looking over the paintings. That was when she realized that the sound instead was coming from the painting on the easel. Quickly she uncovered it, gazing at Merlin worriedly.

"What's going on? Is anything wrong?" Anna asked at once.

"Oh, you're not Severus," Merlin said with surprise.

"Not last I checked," Anna replied.

"Oh, well, I'm just about to the other end of the portal now, and wanted to check on some things before I arrived..."

"How exactly can you communicate through a painting when you're in the portal?" Anna asked curiously. "Come to think of it, how can you communicate in real time through a painting when you're in a different Time Stream?"

"Without getting into the vastly esoteric bits, Anna, this painting is something like a mental device. I am thinking things in my head which gets translated to where you are at, and it can relay those thoughts and images back into my head... thoughts transcend time very differently than matter. But that is neither here nor there, really. I don't know at this point if I'll be in here for an hour of your time or five hours, it depends on interference on that end... and don't you dare ask me to explain it right now, I'll lose my concentration," he said. "What I need to know is the date, because I was trying to get back before Halloween."

"This is Halloween," Anna confirmed. "Classes just got out for the day, and most of the staff are getting ready for the Halloween feast and the wedding later."

"It sounds as if I'm going to be cutting it close then. Is Severus or my wife handy at all? I'm a bit worried about what skeletons this wedding is going to dig up."

"Literally or figuratively?" Anna asked flatly.

"Both, I suppose, if it comes to that, but hopefully just figuratively," Toby replied. "I was planning to get back before the wedding started, and with any luck, I still can, because there can be no doubt that the Lady Moor will likely be quite a handful once the guests arrive and she realizes just what family lines she's dealing with. She can always tell those things, you know, it's part of her ancestry...she'll likely be interested in you as well," he warned. "But the fact that this wedding will be bringing together descendants from all of those different family lines of Camelot... well, things are likely to get a bit touchy."

"I don't like the sound of that," Anna said. "What line is she from again?"

"She's a direct descendant from Morgan Le Fey's legitimate line, through Urien... they go by the family name Goreland, I believe. Part of their property still has the ruins to Urien's castle, in point of fact," Merlin explained. "You are descended from the illegitimate line, through my twins with her, of course."

"Why do I get the feeling that particular union wasn't a mutual agreement?" Anna asked suspiciously.

"Let's just say it's possible she mistook me for someone else," Merlin said evenly. "Although considering that she slept with just about everyone, I doubt she would have turned me down even in this form. Regardless, it pales in comparison to what she did to my best friend, so how about we just leave it at that? The point is do not be surprised if she knows you're a descendant of Morrigan and Morgan just as she is; she may even guess you're an Aethermage. Fortunately for you, any malice that comes out tonight isn't likely to be directed at you. Rather, it'll likely fall on the Weasley family. So please warn my apprentice that he is walking into hornets' nest centuries in the making and ask him to do whatever he can to keep things civil until I get there. Oh, and one more thing. Tell Ashley that I'm on my way back, and no matter what happens, do not let Ambrose go to that wedding. Things are going to be dicey enough as it is."

"Right, I'll pass it on," Anna agreed.

"Thank you. I'll see you when I arrive," Merlin said.

The painting grew still again. So still, in fact, that Anna frowned and covered it back up, deciding it looked quite disturbing when it wasn't moving. She went back to her chair and poured herself a fresh cup of tea. A few minutes later, Severus came out in some black brocade robes.

"Sorry that took a bit, Anna. I needed to settle Quintin in for his nap so that he'll be able to stay up when Jennifer takes him on that outing this evening," Severus explained.

"He's going to have a blast tonight, I bet," Anna said.

"Hopefully not literally," Severus replied. He got his out box of cufflinks and frowned at the fact that they were exactly where he left them.

"Well, I need to pass on an important message, because the Merlin painting just spoke," Anna said, pulling Severus out of his distracted gaze. "He said that he's almost through the portal but he doesn't know how much longer it'll take and he's worried about not getting to the wedding the time."

"I wasn't even aware he was invited," Severus said flatly.

"Well, he says he's worried about how the Lady Moor is going to act when the Weasley family gets there because he thinks she's going to be able to sense their family line, as well as a lot of other people's lines too," Anna said, Severus looking thoughtful at that. "I wonder why she didn't pick up Jamie's heritage before?"

"My guess is that it takes seeing several people in the same family for her to spot it, considering that she didn't recognize that Draco follows the Mordred line when she first saw him either. But with the entire Weasley clan there, it will be impossible to hide it from her," Severus replied. "It is likely going to be a rather uncomfortable evening."

"He also said that she'll probably pick up my heritage too, but she'll be more concerned about them," Anna added. "He asked us to tell Ashley that he's on his way and also that it's very important that Ambrose doesn't go to the wedding."

"Armando, see to that... send a reliable painting to track Ambrose down and make sure he isn't planning to go. Send a painting to the Craw Mansion as well, Thomas will make certain that message gets to him if nothing else."

"Yes, Severus," Armando replied.

"With all of these cross bloodlines, do you think there's any chance that Aunt Viv is going to show up?" Anna asked seriously.

"There's always a chance of that. I think it's best not to attempt to predict her movements regardless of what she plans to do," Severus replied. "Come, let's go touch base with everyone in charge of security before the feast begins. As soon as it's over, I'll need to get Quintin to Whitebridge, and then we can head to Owain's estate."

"Alright," Anna said, and the two of them left the study.

By the time that Anna and Severus arrived in the Great Hall, the tables were full and most of the staff was present, excluding Ginny, who had gone much earlier. But it was quite evident from what everyone was wearing which Professors were planning to go to the wedding and which were staying.

Severus didn't even bother to sit down as he took his place, Anna sitting down right next to him as Hermione tapped her glass to get the students attention.

"As most of you are already aware, many of the staff members will be going to the Auror Jamie and Sir Owain's wedding," Severus began. "Therefore, be advised for the safety and security for all concerned, that Halloween rules for curfews and corridors will be strictly enforced. Those not studying in the library should go straight to their rooms after the feast, where Halloween activities will continue in your rooms should you choose to participate. For those going to the library, it will be closing twenty minutes early so that you are not tempted to break curfew; in fact, there will be extra penalties for doing so. Any student not in their rooms by curfew will have an automatic detention assigned plus five minutes deducted for every minute late; which means fifty points will be lost if only ten minutes have passed. I trust everyone will keep that in mind and get back in time," he warned seriously. "Don't be surprised if you find a gargoyle in front of the door once bed counts are achieved. I expect everyone to remain in their rooms until breakfast tomorrow; don't use the excuse that you have an Astronomy or Astrology class when you know perfectly well they're always canceled on Halloween. One last note, if anything comes up that typically needs a house advisor past curfew, Gryffindors may summon Professor Andrew via painting, and Slytherin may summon Janus Craw. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, you will go to your normal house advisors, Professor Ravenclaw and Professor Scribe as always. Oh, and this should go without saying by now, but seances are never allowed outside of Ravenclaw's classroom, and that goes double for Halloween. Happy Halloween, I will see you all in the morning... and hopefully not in my office," Severus said. A moment after he sat down and the feast was served, Hermione took a quick drink and grabbed a pork pasty off her tray.

"Gotta go. See you there," Hermione said.

"Very well," Severus said, unsurprised that she wanted to leave early. He also wasn't surprised when Ashley got up next.

"I need to take care of some family business before the wedding," she explained.

"Yes, so you do. Feel free," Severus added, and she hurried out as well. Severus didn't rush out, but he also ate quickly, while Anna took her time. "I'm going to have a quick word with Leu and take Quintin across the pond while you're finishing security checks, then I'll be back."

"No problem, I'll be ready," Anna replied. Severus got up and strode down to the far end of the table where Leu and Noah were eating.

"Rooms or library?" Severus asked simply.

"Library. We're going to work on research for the museum project," Leu explained.

"I trust you will be back to the rooms on time... in fact, I suggest you leave the first time Boulderdash comes around to warn you it's getting close... and not the final call. Did you hear that, Copper?" he added, and there was a firm croaking noise from inside Leu's pocket. Nodding at that, Severus went towards the Doorlift to get Quintin.

When Severus and Anna Apparated into the designated spot on the hill between the gardens and the family graveyard, Severus noticed a light out of the corner of his eye and looked over to see that Anna was glowing softly. Anna looked down with a frown at her hands, but after a few seconds it faded away and she was left only with a slight shiver.

"I wonder what that was," Anna asked quietly.

"My guess it has something to do with your heritage. We are on protected grounds here," Severus replied softly, gazing over at the manor. "Despite outward appearances that make the house look only a few hundred years old, this site is much older and better preserved than it might look like to the common eye. It has a deep, inner feeling that rather reminds me of Stonehenge just before an Order of Merlin meeting... perhaps its because we're standing on a barrow." Anna looked at the circular hill she was on with a frown, realizing he was right. "Come, let's find out if Eric is here."

"Would he even have been invited?" Anna whispered.

"I'm certain Arthur would have invited him even if Harry didn't," Severus decided. He glanced around to see that the ruins just above the graveyard were well lit with hundreds of candles.

The two of them walked over, focusing in on a wandering Weasley to help lead them over to a crowd near the pavilion where Jamie was getting ready.

"Mom!"

The two of them glanced over as Zack walked over to them in a new set of dress robes.

"Wow, look at you! That takes the scruff down a notch," Anna said, noticing that his hair was still a bit out of control.

"Yes, Jocelyn knew a shop on the other side of London the was posh in appearance but not in price... I'm standing up with Owain," he explained. "So is Doug and Aurelius. Owain doesn't really know many people outside of the Auror department, and since most of his relatives are dead, he didn't think Harry would approve of having them standing up with him," Zack explained.

"You're joking, right?" Anna said dubiously.

"Partially," Zack grinned. "Actually, there might have been a ghost or two who were planning on attending originally, but they took one look at the Weasley family, stuck their noses up in the air and left. But nobody really minded them leaving, considering they were a sour old bunch... but then Owain's mother saw the ghosts leaving and stuck her nose in the air as well. After she started launching threats and shouting about thinning the blood and all that rot, Owain pulled her away from the party and is talking to her in the manor house."

"How many people know exactly why she disapproves of the Weasley's?" Severus asked in a quieter voice.

"Most of them think she's just being a snob and is wondering why it hasn't come up before," Zack murmured quietly. "Draco and Eric figured it out pretty quick, though."

"Where are they now?" Severus asked.

"Eric's around here somewhere... over there inspecting the ruins I think. Draco and Danny are over there with Thomas and Garvan. They were talking about maybe going to the manor to see if they could speak with her, although I don't know whether or not it's going to work. She's a bit out of touch," Zack said.

"I'm sure she feels the same way about us," Severus said. "She probably believes that we're out of touch with our heritage."

"Well, maybe we are, but at least we're not shackled to it," Anna said.

"True, although it does have some influence on our lives whether we want it to or not," Severus replied.

"I think I'm living proof of that," Anna said. "Where's Lindsay at, anyway? I thought they said they were coming."

"In the Weasley crowd. She was talking to Helena and Xavier a few moments ago," Zack replied.

"Why don't you go on? I think I want to go speak to Eric about these trivial little heritage issues that seem to be cropping up," Severus suggested.

"If only that wasn't a sarcastic comment," Anna said dryly, then followed Zack over to the Weasleys while Severus walked up into the ruins.

The strange sensation he had felt when he first arrived was even stronger as he stepped past the ruin walls, glancing at the prepared wedding area in what once might have been the great hall. Now it was merely a grassy field with a hint of a wall here and there, with shadows of a dilapidated tower casting a faint shadow in the dancing candle and wisplight.

But Severus found his eyes concentrating less on the ceremony area and more on the existing walls themselves. The castle had a presence of its own, even in this state of ruin, he realized, and the echoes of the past were strong. Perhaps not as strong as the living presence he felt from Hogwarts, but still almost tangible. On a normal day, the presence was probably muted, and the voices no more than a whisper on the wind. But now, somehow... it was as if the castle itself was aware of the fact that so many of the ancestors of those who roamed those very halls had come to stand there once more, and it had awakened itself for the occasion.

Severus finally began to focus his attention on others wandering next to the walls and finally saw Eric. He was wearing a strangely haunted look as he gazed up at it; more than likely a reflection of the expression Severus had himself a moment ago, he mused. That was when he noticed that Eric was wearing a sword belt. Severus stared at it with disbelief, walking over to him.

"Eric," Severus greeted simply as he approached. "Why are you wearing that?"

"I went back for it," Eric admitted, glancing at the walls again. "I've never felt so close to my roots, Severus. Even at Stonehenge, it's not this strong," he explained. "Astalot is long gone, you know... the only remnants of the place are in my drawing room back home. The area of the old kingdom has long since been industrialized and what little there was is buried so deep beneath it, there is little feeling left to the place."

"Yes, I recall that coming up during that Scabbard business," Severus replied softly.

"But here, Severus," Eric said, touching the wall. "He visited this place. He walked through these halls, and I have never felt closer to it all. You have an advantage that your ancestor is still around," Eric added with amusement. "But mine was but a magicless human that was caught in the middle of one of the greatest stories ever told. It is a precious thing to be allowed to walk here Severus. Of course I had to bring Arondight, so that the two of us could reconnect with our heritage together."

"Speaking of which, the 'ancestor' you alluded to is planning on attending tonight," Severus said quietly, immediately getting Eric's full attention. "He seemed concerned about how the Lady Moor might react when so many of her... ancestral rivals... on her property."

"Well, she invited us," Eric chuckled.

"Yes, well, my guess is that her son was not completely forthcoming about the family he was planning on marrying into," Severus replied.

"It isn't as if it hadn't happened many times before, Severus. These families ahve intermingled many times over over the centuries... and in a much less direct fashion than the Malfoy's ancestors," he added for good measure.

"Yes, I know," Severus agreed. "In a way, it reminds me a great deal of what Sagitarri has been going through," he admitted, glancing over at where he could see the centaur's silhouette. Apparently, he was trying to get a star reading, and had the Spear strapped to his back. "The Dark Forest constellation is so desperate to maintain its traditions that it has turned hostile against both the school and all of wizardkind, despite the inevitability of change. And here is Owain, determined to come out of centuries of his family's chosen isolation in an effort to join wizard society, while his mother is so determined to preserve her family's heritage that she does everything to get in his way."

"I understand Owain's position... and you are right in that holding back change is as futile as holding off the passing of time. But I feel a great irony in saying that in these ruins, Severus," Eric said seriously. "Yes, we must change, but it is also important to preserve our past as well... so that we can understand where we came from, and what has been passed down to us. It gives things more perspective, and gives us a chance to ask ourselves what it is that we want to leave behind as well. The duchess and this family have done a great service to all mankind for preserving these ruins, barrows, and graves, considering how much of the old world has been lost forever. I cannot help but respect that decision. Necromancers they may be, Severus, but after standing here, I am coming to realize that does not mean they do not respect the dead. In fact, it is quite the opposite. We could learn a lot from them."

"Well done, Eric."

The two of them looked over at the woman who spoke; Eric in complete surprise, while Severus wasn't surprised at all as Lady Viviane stepped into the candlelight with a thin smile on her face.

"Lady Viviane," Eric said, bowing solemnly.

"Good evening, Aunt Viviane. Anna and I were wondering if you were going to attend," Severus said.

"Yes, but there's no need to be concerned. I am here only to observe, come what may," Viviane replied, glancing over at where Sagittari stood in the dark and then back at them again. "Whether tonight follows the stars or not still remains to be seen."

"I understand. Anna is over by the bride's pavilion," Severus offered.

"Thank you, Severus," Viviane said with a thin smile, wandering in that direction. Eric glanced over at Severus once she walked behind the opposite wall.

"Should we be worried?" Eric asked softly.

"About her presence, no. About what might have inspired it, perhaps. It's too soon to say," Severus replied. "It is significant that she admitted that she is uncertain how tonight is going to go. She doesn't often do that. However, it isn't unusual at all for her to begin observing a situation carefully when she is unsure of how something will play out. She has done that in the past, and typically in person or at least outside of her home so that she can see things clearly away from illusions."

"I through perhaps it was simply because of who is here," Eric admitted.

"Perhaps that is a part of it, I don't know," Severus said, then noticed movement from down the hill as someone came out of the mansion, too far away at first to see. He joined another silhouette, and as they drew closer and entered another puddle of light in the garden, he realized it was Owain and Aurelius walking back towards the ruins. "Here comes Owain, it would seem," he informed Eric, and the two of them came out from next to the wall and walked over to the edge of where the enchanted candles were. Spotting them, Aurelius led Owain over to where they were standing.

"I take it things did not go well," Eric ventured as they stepped over.

"My mother is quite livid, actually, and refuses to come out of the manor, although for that we should probably be grateful," Owain admitted. "My mother had no idea that Jamie was related to "Sir Westley's family" as she's calling them and has demanded I cancel the wedding at once, including the non-magical formal wedding set for tomorrow. Yes, well, that I don't mind canceling so much, Jamie really isn't keen on that level of pomp and circumstance, and she doesn't like having to take a potion to prevent yawning when we spend any time with my upper class friends. But I refuse to let my mother ruin this wedding, even if she's now threatening to curse our children if we go through with it."

"She did what?" Eric said with alarm.

"Sir Owain, I hope you're not offended by my asking, but is your mother threatening that as a deterrent, or is she the sort of person who would carry out such a threat?" Severus asked seriously.

"My mother is capable of anything in a vengeful mood," Owain admitted. "When I went in the house to calm her down, I was immediately subjected to how much I've dishonored my family and have disgraced my dead ancestors to have stooped so low as to marry one of the family's sworn enemies, regardless of how many generations removed. If she could legally disown me and strip my title without a vote from the Wizard's Council, I'm sure she'd have threatened that as well."

"Did she threaten Jamie at all?" Eric asked with concern. Owain pondered that.

"As a matter of fact, she didn't threaten her directly," he mused. "Only our children."

"I know why," Aurelius spoke up, the other three looking at him. "It's because at some point today she found out that Father is one of Jamie's godfather's, and somehow... through the Daily Prophet, I think... she found out that Father is the Heir of Merlin. She's terrified of Merlin... I really didn't pick up why she's afraid of him, but she is."

"Then the solution is obvious. Simply name me as your children's godparents," Severus replied.

"That would not be possible, Severus," Owain replied apologetically. "My mother may have accepted Jamie as a possible bride based on her Father's wealth and undeniable status in modern wizard society, but our children will be born into their class."

"What he's trying to put delicately and completely failing at, Dad, is that saving the world isn't good enough to be their godfather. You're still just a headmaster and an apprentice without a title," Aurelius said bluntly.

"Fine. Then Merlin will be their godfather," Severus said with a shrug. Aurelius, Eric, and Owain all stared at him. They stood in silence for several minutes, hearing only the echo of the other guests talking on the other side of the ruins.

"Um... Severus," Eric began carefully. "Are you certain that you're not over promising a bit?"

"No, I am not. I am quite certain that he will do so," Severus said. Owain gazed at him with an intense frown that somehow reminded him a bit of Jennifer when she was trying to get past one of his walls. "Merlin and I may not agree on many things, and I admit that personally don't trust him or his methods, because he can be quite manipulative at times," Severus went on. Eric looked at him curiously, wondering what had inspired him to say that. "But I am also certain that he would stop at nothing to prevent a grievance as old as Camelot to come between the two of you. We learn from the past, we survey the future to contemplate our choices, but the present is all that matters," Severus said firmly.

"I understand what you are saying, Severus, but none of us would be here without the sacrifices made by those who came before us," Owain replied solemnly.

"You can respect your heritage without agreeing with its outdated principles," Severus replied without hesitation. "They don't have to be synonymous. You respect your mother even though you disagree with her, do you not?"

"Sometimes," Owain said with a thin, exasperated smile. "She doesn't make it easy."

"Nothing worthwhile ever is," Severus replied. "Aurelius?" Aurelius, who had been about to roll his eyes, suddenly looked serious. "I need you to go over to Jamie's tent and see if she is willing to preemptively name Merlin as the godfather of any children she might have." Owain made a pained expression.

"Actually, we haven't truly discussed our intentions on that with each other, really, other than speculation..." he began.

"That's your own fault," Severus cut him off. "You should have been established that before you even became engaged, but it's a bit too late to worry about that now. Owain, will you agree to ask Merlin to be the godfather of your children?" Severus asked. Owain nodded.

"Yes, of course, if that is what it will take to protect them from all of this," Owain agreed.

"Aurelius?"

"Going," Aurelius said, hurrying towards the Weasley camp.

"Owain, who is officiating today?"

"Well, until Mother turned on us, we were going to have a family ghost officiate. Taliesin."

"Taliesin is a family ghost?" Eric began, "But how are you..."

"No. We need someone neutral... someone not apart of any of this Camelot nonsense and doesn't have any sort of heir involved in this feud," Severus said firmly, then began walking towards the guest seating.

"I take it you have someone in mind?" Owain asked.

"Yes," Severus said. "I only hope he can keep it clean," he added as they hurried over.

Harry resisted the urge to look behind him after he reluctantly escorted his daughter up the aisle and stepped closer to where Ginny sat holding Margaret in her arms. It was hard not to expect trouble after what Severus had told him, despite the headmaster's reassurances that he had the matter well in hand. It didn't help that the ruins, which seemed so peaceful and mystical while they had been waiting for the ceremony to begin, had all the sudden begun to feel more menacing to the point where he felt the hair stand up on the back of his neck. He unconsciously but quite noticeably took a moment to feel his sleeve to make certain that his wand was where he could get to it. Across the aisle sat Severus and Anna, taking advantage of the fact that this particular ceremony was for the benefit of the bride's family and sat up front as close as possible in case something happened. Draco and Danny were doing the same, but while Danny was glancing around, Draco was watching Thomas Craw with interest, hoping that he would mess something up on the cheat sheet he had been handed so that he would have a chance to ridicule him tomorrow when they got to the office.

Thomas made no pretenses about not knowing what he was doing. Once he understood the situation, he borrowed Percy's book that he used for Ministry weddings. He also displayed a wand on his belt. Those in the wedding party who knew him quickly saw that it was actually his old wand and he was simply posturing; his new Beansidhe hair wand was up his sleeve. It was also obvious that Harry was spending more time scanning the ruins then watching the ceremony itself, and even Owain had one hand behind his back during most of the ceremony, just in case a little 'unconventional' magic was needed. The tension reminded Thomas very much of Garvan's wedding, in fact, and yet somehow, in these ancient ruins filled with so many ancestral links, it was definitely more pronounced. The mist that was gathering since the fading of the sun clung to the walls of the ruins, making many of the walls more complete, and he could see a ghostly silhouette of what must have been an impressive castle in that early age.

"If there is anyone who knows a valid legal reason that these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold your peace," Thomas said. No one missed the sudden addition, or the reason behind it. And no one was surprised when the Lady Moor stepped out of the mist from seemingly nowhere.

"I will speak against it!" the Lady Moor said dangerously, her grey hair free and her face stern. In her old fashioned robes and appearance, Severus saw how much she resembled one of the Priestesses of Danaan from the Otherworld. He quickly stood in the aisle in front of Jamie and Owain, with Arthur, Eric, and Draco doing the same, blocking any direct contact with the wedding party.

"I did specify any legal reason," Thomas said firmly. "Which means if either were married, under age, incapable of making their own decisions, or related... at present, and not centuries removed," he added for good measure.

"Your stupid modern legalities are inconsequential when it comes to a question of blood lineage, Assassin," the Lady Moor snapped. "Owain intentionally kept that girl's lineage a secret, knowing full well that I wouldn't approve. You will not tarnish our blood with that of the Westley line, or there will be consequences."

"Lady Morwynna, like it or not, my family is the true Arthur line. Even if it was through a legitimate daughter instead of a son, it is still Arthur's line and it'll be referred to as such," Arthur said firmly.

"If it did pass through Arthur's son, it'd be my line," Draco interjected seriously. "But we all know damned well it isn't. As for our family mixing blood, it's too late for that, you know. I lost that battle a long time ago when my daughter married Jamie's brother. You're wasting your time just as much as I did when I tried to stop it."

"All the more reason for me to keep my line away from it!" she snapped.

"They could have simply eloped or had a Ministry wedding a long time ago," Draco pointed out. "In fact, this is such a headache that I wish they'd done just that, actually."

"We still can," Owain said firmly. "I didn't have to honor our traditions by coming here, Mother."

"You do not honor them! You defile them!" she snapped furiously. "And if you go through with this, I swear that I will send a vengeance curse on your children to make sure any you have will suffer their entire lives, and any mates they may find will be as cruel and licentious as Uther himself!"

Severus quickly put up a hand as both Harry and Owain moved for their wands.

"I would think twice about that if I were you," Severus said seriously, and although he was looking at the Lady Moor, it wasn't initially apparent who he was addressing with so many on their guard. "Because this young couple have taken measures to prevent you from doing just that, naming Merlin himself as the godfather of their children. As his heir and apprentice, I have accepted on his behalf," Severus explained calmly.

"You have no such authority! You may be his heir, but how dare you claim to be his apprentice!" the Lady Moor snapped.

"Lady Morwynna, I know you've been a bit out of touch lately, but Severus is Merlin's apprentice," Eric said. "Merlin himself has stated as such on the rare occasions that he visits our world."

"Even if I were to believe such an implausible statement, not to mention take the word of someone who is nothing more than the heir to a priestess' foundling, Lord Dalance, as an apprentice, he would still would not have such authority as to make such a commitment on his master's behalf," the Lady Moor said, gazing at Severus with distaste. "This is obviously just a ruse to try and scare me away from making good my threat. But I will not be thwarted!" she swore, taking out her wand, only to have everyone else around her to the same.

But at that moment, she was suddenly frozen, unable to complete her action. In fact, everyone else found themselves having the same exactly problem. It had also become very quiet to the point where everyone there heard footsteps on the rocky terrain as someone stepped in from the far side of the ruins.

"Sorry for the intrusion, I know some don't like having a wedding-crasher. But might I say something?" Merlin inquired. Everyone began moving again, and the many of the guests put away their wands. Then nearly everyone either curtsied, bowed, or in a couple of cases, knelt. Even those who refused to put away their wands curtsied or bowed; the only ones still standing in the wedding party were Thomas, Draco, Anna, and Severus. Severus also noticed Lady Viviane outside the wedding area. She was standing with her arms folded near the dilapidated tower and observing so quietly that Severus was quite sure that few people were even aware of her at the moment.

The Lady Moor curtsied as deeply as the others, but also had not put away her wand. She also looked more than a little shaken at his appearance and was not very happy to see him.

"Thomas... I see you got roped into the whole officiating thing," Merlin said when he got near enough. "You might as well get used to it, it might be the first time, but it won't be the last."

"Thanks for the heads up," Thomas said dryly.

"Jamie, such a lovely bride you make! You're a very lucky fellow, Owain," Merlin said, and Owain finished his bow.

"Yes, sir, and I am honored that you are here," Owain said solemnly.

"You are more than welcome. And I must say, Owain, I am deeply impressed with how you have adapted your Ancient Arts to serve in the present society, despite its... shall we say, controversial aspects," he added with amusement, glancing at Harry's strained expression and then back at Owain again. "And your commitment to bring your family back in step with the present is both commendable and brave. Thank you for your efforts. Mind if I stay for the cake?"

"You are always welcome here, sir," Owain assured him solemnly.

"Thank you," Merlin said. Then he patted Harry on the shoulder cheerfully. "Well, Harry, I know as the Sentinel of Light, it must feel like two-zip as far as your children's choices in spouse's go. Third time's the charm, so they say," he teased.

"Gee, thanks," Harry said unenthusiastically, causing Merlin to chuckle.

"Now, now, your children have actually done quite well for themselves, if you ask me, and there's something to be said for both trying to strike a balance in their relationships as well as striving to heal old wounds. And while the one Cedric closed was old in your terms, the one Jamie is attempting to close is old even in my terms, and that is saying something," Merlin pointed out. "And the virtues your children have been employing to keep an open mind, to let love in when it comes, to strive for peace and balance, and to fight for what they believe in... all of those traits they got from their parents, you know. Never doubt it for an instant," he said firmly, glancing at Ginny, who smiled at him and nodded. He nodded back then continued on up until he was standing next to Severus.

"Good evening, Morwynna. I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, despite how many generations have passed since the first tree was sown. Don't you know what sort of problems comes from not cross-pollinating? Can't get a healthy crop from that, you know. Even though I'll admit Owain here is by far the best apple from that orchard in many a year, still, the poor boy can't even get a bit of sun without turning red as a beet. He's right to want his apple rolling down the hill in another direction," Merlin said. "So why don't you honor your son's decision and we call for Pax Britannica on this issue? If I'm forced to intervene on behalf of my potential godchildren, I will, you know."

The Lady Moor's expression grew dark briefly, then looked somewhat resigned.

"It seems that I have no choice in the matter," she said crisply.

"Of course you have a choice in the matter, you always have a choice," Merlin said calmly. "I simply don't think it would go in your favor in this case." The Lady Moor nodded coolly at that. "Then I suppose I should get out of everyone's hair so that these two can finish their nuptials. Thank you for stepping in for me, Severus. I'll meet you in the normal place after you're done here."

"I'll bring you some cake," Severus replied evenly.

"Thank you, I love a good lemon," Merlin said. "Congratulations, by they way," he added for good measure as he walked into the mist and fading away, most of the guests staring after him.

"Well, now that that's over with, let's continue, shall we?" Thomas said pointedly. Everyone took their places except for the Lady Moor, who still wanted little to do with what was happening and began walking back to the manor, more than a little surprised when someone joined her on the way there.

It was well after midnight when Severus tiredly stepped into Toby's Trinkets, dutifully putting down a box with a couple of pieces of cake on the counter.

"Ah, thank you, Severus. I do love a good lemon pudding," Toby said as Severus sat at the counter, picking up the teacup that had appeared there. "So how did things go after I left?"

"As everyone took their places, I noticed that Aunt Viviane went to speak with Lady Moor, but it did nothing to prove her mood," Severus admitted. "She returned during the reception and told her son that she didn't want to see him again and not to return to the manor for any reason while she was alive. And for good measure, she told him never to summon her corpse when she was dead either."

"Oo, I bet that one hurt," Toby said, making a face. "That is the ultimate sign of displeasure in that family; she really is quite put out over this."

"It didn't get any better when he chose that moment to let her know that Jamie promised to be cremated and so did he," Severus said, Toby cringing again. "A great many people called it a night after that. I stayed until the end to make certain that everyone got safely out of there."

"Yes, that was probably wise," Toby admitted with a sigh. "One of the problems with being a member of a long-lived family line is that old grudges are also long lived. I'm surprised she was willing to speak to Viviane at all, as a matter of fact, considering what she did to their line. And I'm not surprised that the conversation was unfavorable."

"I suppose you're implying that things were not friendly between Viviane and Morgan," Severus concluded.

"Complicated would probably be the correct term," Merlin decided.

"What isn't about that time period?" Severus inquired.

"Fair enough," Toby said with a nod.

"So which is the right story about what happened to her?" Severus asked. "I take it she wasn't really Fae, considering that Sentinel of Wild came from the other line."

"Just a touch, really," Toby replied. "Through her mother Igraine, who was part Fae herself. But even though she was human, the Fae line was quite strong, and two of Igraine's children had very pronounced magical powers, Morgan had the strongest, inclined as she was with Ancient Magic and then Dark, while the second oldest sister Morgause was the reverse of that, Dark, then Ancient... that's the Malfoy line," he said for good measure, Severus nodding at that. "But her powers were so strong that she earned the moniker despite she was more human witch than not. She used those powers for her advancement, of course, and was ambitious enough that it lead to her falling out with Viviane, who began using her visions to manipulate her into doing her bidding. But Morgan soon caught on and turned against her, helping Elaine get the scabbard and set Arthur up in a hopeless battle. Yes, well, needless to say, by the time I got back, I was more than furious. After taking my pain and anger out in ways I am not proud of, there finally came a time point where I calmed down enough to realize that none of it would bring Arthur back.

"But I was still angry at the divisions that had only grown despite our attempts to unite them all and bring them to the table. By the time I broke out of my imprisonment, war had erupted on all sides, and the only solution I could think of was to seal the portals against the races that traveled through them to stop their part in this. Among those humans born with magic, I began Equinox to preserve the history of Camelot and make sure that humanity didn't make the same mistakes in my absence," he said, then rolled his eyes at his own naivety on that point. "And then the Order of Merlin, of course, to help guide the human race towards peace and civility. And last but not least, I established the Sentinels to guard the four items that would make up the seal, using Morgan to get a bit of vengeance for helping cause that mess, and Gwen, so that she could have some vengeance of her own. And then I went to Viviane, to exchange some of my longer range prophesies for her... cooperation... and that little vengeance attempt backfired, as I'm sure you know better than anyone," he said somberly, Severus nodding at that.

"Realizing that the child would only bring destruction if left in this world, Viviane went back long enough to put her in the hands of the Priestesses of Danaan. Upon Viviane's return, I finished rerouting the portals, split the seal, and made sure the items were passed down in the proper hands. And then I left, which the sole intention of staying in Tir Na Nog until what had happened in Camelot became a faded memory. With any luck, I'd forget it altogether," Toby said, a discernible bitterness to his tone.

"And yet you never did," Severus finished.

"No. I never did," Toby agreed, then somberly rummaged under the counter until he pulled out a small package. "Here... for you on your birthday, although I don't doubt it'll be missed among the sea of presents you'll get tomorrow."

"Thank you, although I doubt I'll misplace it. Other than Jennifer's present, which I'll no doubt get upon picking up Quintin, my children always do their best to resupply the Headmaster's Study with licorice for the rest of the year," he explained, getting a soft chuckle from Toby at that as he took the small box very similar to the ones that licorice Cauldrons came in.

"I'll be here until after the holidays... perhaps even a few weeks after that," Toby said with a smile.

"I'm sure your family will enjoy you being home again. I know I am certainly looked forward to the Yule holidays myself," Severus admitted getting up.

"I'll bet," Toby said with a chuckle. "Hang in there, Severus! Believe it or not, it'll be here before you know it."

"Right now, it is quite hard to believe," Severus admitted, then bade Toby good night as he went to the castle to crash on his sitting room sofa for a few hours.