Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 68

"So, you're telling me on the strength of a five minute conversation with a former degenerate you dropped everything and ran to Gringotts."

"That's exactly what I'm telling you Michael. I met with a recruiter who explained it all. Why do you think I'd lie about something like this?"

Michael let out a loud sigh. "It's not that I don't believe you. It's just that the situation is uncanny."

"What situation mate?"

"Anthony has also signed on to cursebreaking. He's attending his seminar now. He should be along in a few hours."

Terry jumped up chuckling. "No bloody way. Anthony? That boy wouldn't leave Harry if the Minister asked."

"Hahaha. That's what I thought, but after a lengthy conversation, Anthony was as chuffed to join as you are. If this is all true and I'm not in the middle of some fucked up dream, we will be formidable. The Ravenclaw Boys are back together after all this time. Anthony is not going to believe it. I know his situation, but what makes you want to leave good old London?"

Terry thought for a moment. "I don't know if I have an answer for you. I don't even have an answer for myself. All I know is as I stood there listening to you explain yourself, something clicked. Something said this could be right up your alley. I don't have anything to lose. I'm more than willing to leave London. If I didn't measure up, I wouldn't have lost anything, but if I was accepted, I'd be in a glorious, new position alongside a mate. That's about it."

Michael didn't reply. Instead, he sat there smiling over the way things were turning out. True he had been chucked out of London, but he was back better than ever and without any descriptive adjectives attached to his name.

/

Making The First Move: Chapter 69

Terry clapped Michael on the back holding out an Owl Post.

"This was slipped under the door while you were gone. Looks important. I remember you mentioning not many people knew you were back in London. It appears someone at The Ministry knows you're back."

Michael turned the envelope over. Terry was correct. Although there wasn't any return address, it was stamped with a Ministry insignia.

Michael stood there staring at the envelope until Terry gave him a slight nudge. "Well open the thing. Perhaps someone wants to throw a party in your honor."

Michael glared at his mate recalling how Kingsley had dismissed his request for an interview. He was speaking as he opened the letter. "Hardly likely Terry. I may have changed my life and myself around, but not enough to be welcomed by anyone of any importance at The Ministry."

Michael read the letter once then over again before handing it over to Terry for him to read. "My mistake. I believe I've become an acceptable citizen."

Like Michael, Terry read the letter then read it once again. "Blimey mate. The Minister of Magic wishes you well."

Dear Mr. Corner:

Although I didn't think it proper to receive you in my offices, after learning about your complete change and future endeavor, I would be remiss if I didn't offer my most sincere congratulations. Even though it took a distasteful turn of events to put you on the right path, it all seems to have been worth it. I commend your perseverance and wish you well as you move into the future.

Consider yourself fortunate to still have wizards who stand by you Mr. Corner. Stay the course and you will do well.

Sincerely,

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Minister of Magic

Ministry of Magic, London

The letter should have been another feather in his cap, but Michael wasn't impressed and responded to Terry a bit harshly. "The Minister is the leader of the magical world who can literally move mountains on his word. A sentence was imposed on me which I served. When I requested an appointment to speak with him yesterday, he could have received me without consequence. However, it was his choice to deny me the privilege. I was alright with his decision yesterday and I'm alright with it today. I have worked to improve myself without assistance. A letter from the Minister can't make me feel any better than I already feel."

Terry wasn't going to mince words. "You did some despicable shite and were censured for it. Kingsley could have done anything he wished. He chose not to receive you Michael. Nothing really to do with feelings but everything to do with protocols. We are about to embark on an amazing adventure. Leave any bitterness here in London."

Plopping down into a chair, Michael ran his fingers through his hair then held his head in his hands. "It was so hard being away from London. It just stings that the Minister and CW who had me ridden out of town on a rail…..."

Terry stood up. "I think it's time for you to put all that shite away. You aren't the same wizard who was forcibly removed from London. As you said to me, you'll be away from London and those who still disparage you Monday morning early. Let that be the end of that portion of your life mate. We are going to the Emirates. Speaking of Emirates, I believe Anthony's group is the last one which means he will bring us a completed itinerary. In an hour or so, we'll know our destinations. Until then, let's have a drink and toast to you finally getting it right."

Michael grinned as he raised his wand to Accio the Ogden's and two glasses. When the glasses were in their hands, he gestured for Terry to stand. "To me finally getting it right and the reemergence of the Ravenclaw Boys."

"Here! Here!" Terry shouted just as the door was pushed open.

/*/

Anthony Goldstein had finished his seminar and was at the door.

"Hello Michael. Hello Terry. Toasting without the wizard who holds your future itineraries in his hand, I think not."

"We have only begun to toast." Michael remarked, holding up his glass. "Grab a glass."

When Anthony had a glass in his hand, he called a toast before either of the other two could speak.

"To The Big Three back together again."

"To The Ravenclaw Boys." Added Terry.

"To getting the hell out of London by choice." Remarked Michael with a wide grin.

"Hahaha. Yes, there's that," joked Anthony. "Now shall we talk about how surprised I was to see the name Terry Boot on the itinerary. Just so you know how a dedicated mate works. I want you to know I approached the Recruiter Cursebreaker to inquire if it was possible for us to be assigned to the same site. The answer was a resounding yes. After a few adjustments, we are assigned to Site 19, Section 2 in the Ajman Emirate. As it is explained in our itineraries, Ajman is the initial sites for newly hired Cursebreakers. However, we will be moved up to digs in the larger Emirates as we prove our worth. Actually, there's no need for me to stand here explaining when I can hand you your set of orders which you can read for yourselves."

Anthony handed out the documents, but before Michael or Terry laid eyes on the documents, he pulled out his sandwich stating he was starving.

Michael pointed towards the kitchen area. "I stopped downstairs to order us a meal which we will now have to share with Cursebreaker Boot. Let's go over everything as we eat."

"Sounds like a plan to me," offered Terry. "I'm starving as well."

Anthony had another bit of information to share. "By the way Michael. I've given up my flat so I'll be kipping with you this evening."

"No problem Anthony. These rooms are small but we'll make it work."

Terry shook his head. "My flat is rented through tomorrow. It's large enough to support the three of us comfortably. Why don't you pack up Michael. We can spend our last night in London in a decent flat."

Michael nodded. "Sounds okay to me."

"Sounds good to me as well." Added Anthony. "We might as well get used to kipping with each other. Once you're packed up Michael and have paid the proprietor, we can Apparate to Terry's."

"Alright lads, gather your shite and lets get going. This starving Cursebreaker wants food and a review of his documents."

"Let's do this." Said Michael as he raised his wand to remove all traces of him ever being there.

/*/

Giving his notice and paying the proprietor hadn't taken Michael any time at all. Before long, Michael, Anthony and Terry were happily ensconced in Terry's soon to be former flat enjoying two dinners and a sandwich. Over the meal they discussed what they thought would happen when they arrived in Ajman.

"I am assuming there will be these little one man huts with outside toilets where it will be best to wait for first light to go and have a shite," offered Terry.

Anthony gave Terry a scowl responding without humor. "We are stepping into something new and possibly dangerous Terry. Now is not the time to be an arse. If you had the same seminar as Michael and myself, you'd know Cursebreakers will be housed in compounds of up to six Junior Cursebreakers and two Senior Cursebreakers per unit. I'm also certain the toilets will be located inside."

Michael continued eating without saying a thing. Impatient Anthony was a bit on edge. A little joking in stress situations never hurt anything. The truth, he was on edge as well.

Terry reached over to give Anthony a nudge on the arm. "Relax Ant. I know this is serious business. I'll clear up in here then we can go over our assignments in depth. Michael mentioned Harry wanting to meet for a drink this evening. Harry, Randy and Justin are my mates but I think we should take a pass. We'll catch them the next time we're in London."

Both Anthony and Michael smiled.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Asked Terry.

Anthony answered. "No. You haven't said one wrong word, but it's Sunday."

"So…."

"So, Sunday is a day spent with wives, girlfriends and significant others. I think Harry suggested us having a drink on a Sunday night as a throwaway thought because my news shook him to his core and his wits had left him. I'll send an Owl before we catch our Portkey.

A laughing Michael turned to Terry. "And there was you thinking Anthony would never leave Harry."

The three Junior Cursebreakers had a good laugh before settling down to study their itineraries.

/*/

By the time Lee, Millie and the children arrived at Mother's house, Randy and Dani were happily ensconced in the living room. After greeting Mother, Millie and Lee left the children in the kitchen ready to help their auntie and headed to the living room.

Patting Dani's stomach, Randy grinned at his cousin speaking in a low voice. "So, how was your time at the nonexistent appointment? Personally, I think you didn't want to be here when Mother greeted her favorite daughter-in-law. Yup, I'm sure of it. You do know you and Millie have fallen to the back of the line so to speak. From here on out, nothing matters to mum except Dani and the baby."

Of course Lee couldn't resist countering Randy's nonsense. "Really cousin? If that's what you believe, why are you whispering. I think, no I'm sure, if Mother heard you spewing such nonsense she'd give a whack across the arse with her wand. Besides, most of the time when a bloke has to whisper his bullshite, it's usually bullshite."

Millie leaned over and gave Lee a hard pinch. "Watch your mouth Jordan. Save that language for when you're talking to yourself in the mirror."

Randy grinned. "Yes Jordan. Watch that mouth or I'll put Mother on your arse straightaway."

Millie looked at Dani. "We've married a pair of idiots. Lovable idiots, but idiots just the same. Let's go see if Mother needs any help."

Dani let out a soft giggle. "We can go check but I'm sure Leisha has taken over the kitchen. She's the most knowledgeable three year old witch I've ever seen."

Millie stood and gave Lee a nudge. "You hear that Jordan. Dani just gave our daughter a big compliment. Of course it really has no bearing on you love because it was her lovely mother who taught her everything she knows."

Lee grunted. "But it was my superior sperm that made her and my superior blood running through her veins. Bullstrode blood counts for nothing. Now give me a kiss to show you aren't going to murder me in my sleep."

Both Randy and Dani grinned at the interaction. Their cousins were mad.

/*/

A wide grin came over Mother's face as her two favorite witches entered the kitchen and she grabbed them each in a hug.

"You only gave me one hug Auntie. Hug me too." Leisha stated plaintively, clapping her hands together to remove some excess flour.

Mother stepped away from Dani and Millie to pick up her favorite niece. "Auntie loves her girl. I'll give you all the hugs you want after you've washed your hands."

"Okay Auntie. Mum I need to wash my hands."

Taking Leisha by the flour covered hand, Millie led her daughter towards the bathroom.

While Millie and Leisha were getting washed up, Dani sat down beside Leon who was quietly drawing in one of the coloring books Mother kept at her house specifically for him.

"You're awfully quiet young Mr. Jordan."

"I'm coloring Aunt Dani. I need to concentrate to stay in the lines."

Dani laughed. "Alright young wizard, Aunt Dani will leave you to yourself."

"It's okay Aunt Dani. I like it when someone talks to me. Everyone talks to Leisha but not to me."

Dani was taken aback. Leisha was the baby. Everyone did have a tendency to fawn over her, but it shouldn't be to the extent of excluding Leon. She didn't know how to respond but it wasn't necessary because Millie was back and had heard it all.

/*/

Millie was tickling her daughter as they returned to the kitchen but stopped short when she heard what Leon had shared with Dani. Not one to become emotional over every little thing, Millie became emotional over Leon's words. No one talked to him. In no way was that right. The family always included Leon….. A kaleidoscope suddenly began running through her head. She and Lee loved both their children but they had overly fawned over their first little girl. Had they been that remiss their son felt left out or ignored? Sitting Leisha down in a chair, Millie walked around the table and sat down next to Leon and took his hand.

"Hi love. Mum wants you to come to the living room."

"Okay mum. Did I do a bad thing?"

"No sweetie. Why would you think that? Mum just wants her big boy to come sit with her and dad for a few minutes."

"Okay mum. I like talking to you and dad. Leisha can stay in the kitchen with the aunties."

Dani caught Millie's eye and mouthed that she would see to Leisha. Millie mouthed back, thank you. Even though Dani wasn't a mother yet, she recognized the need for Millie to have a conversation with her oldest child.

"Leon and I will be in the living room. I believe my little wizard needs a bit of mum dad time. Be back."

Mother had a look of surprise on her face as she softly asked Dani if she had been monopolizing the children.

"No Mother, of course not. The babies love you. We all love you. You haven't been monopolizing anyone. Leon just needs a bit of mum and dad time. Speaking of which, I'd better get my husband or he'll sit there staring down Millie's mouth. We can put him to work peeling vegetables or something."

Mother laughed. "As if. Randy can't manage to make toast without burning it."

It was Dani's turn to laugh. Poking the side of her nose with a forefinger, she shared a bit of interesting information. "Your son has changed and grown Mother. He can now make pasta, salad, fish and chips and a decent beef wellington. He also brews tea very well."

Mother Jordan gave Dani a skeptical look not only because Randy had refused to cook when he lived at home but also because his learning to cook might mean he and Dani would stop coming to her Sunday dinners.

Mother sighed.

She would be a grandmother in a few months but a grandbaby really didn't belong to her. The truth was, her son and nephew had long moved on. No matter how she turned it, she would probably be alone in this big house if she didn't do something about it. Perhaps she could join one of those witches clubs she'd never made time for in the past. She'd make connections and meet people. Now, she had time.

Another sigh.

Even though she hadn't thought about it in years, Mother knew she was still a rather fit looking witch. With a bit of self maintenance, she might appeal to some older wizard looking for a companion. Perhaps it was time for her to start thinking about her own future.

Dani noticed the change that had come over Belle Jordan and inquired. "Is everything okay Mother? You seem lost in thought."

Mother smiled at her lovely daughter-in-law. "Just some stray thoughts Dani. Nothing monumental. Weren't you on your way to get that husband of yours? Leisha and I will finish up the dinner. Right Leish?"

"Yes Auntie. Can I hold the wand?"

Giving the three year old a quick kiss on the top of her head, Mother shook her head. "You may pass me ingredients, but I will wield the wand. You'll have your chance to cook with magic once you're trained up a bit."

Leisha grinned at Mother. "Yes, Auntie. I'll cook with the wand when I get trained up a bit. May I have some juice?"

Dani left the kitchen wondering over Mother's brief bit of melancholy and smiling at a three year old who thought she was grown.

/*/

After Severus proved his ardor was in perfect working order, he and Hermione laid there cuddling for several minutes before he suggested they have a snack.

"A snack?" Questioned Hermione. "I'd think you'd be full to the brim with the lovely birthday dinner."

"And you'd be wrong Mrs. Snape. In truth, I was so excited over putting something over on you I couldn't eat much. Now, if it's alright with my wife, I'd like a little something to eat."

Hermione shrugged. "It was a simple statement Severus. No need to go off the deep end."

Pulling on his boxers, Severus let out a sigh thinking how wonderful it would be if he didn't have such a cheeky wife. Then he back pedaled. It would be nice to have a soft spoken, pliable wife but then he wouldn't have the volatile Hermione Granger Snape. He smiled to himself. Unacceptable. He wouldn't trade Hermione for any witch no matter her disposition.

"Off the deep end? Another one of those muggle sayings I'd venture to guess. I'm neither going off the deep or shallow end. I'm simply going to fix myself a bit to eat. Can I get you anything?"

Hermione sat up in bed. "Well since you asked, I'm a bit hungry myself. Please heat up some of the left over meatloaf and gravy. You might as well heat up the mashed as well. I'll just have a quick wash while you're heating things up."

Giving his wife a roll of the eyes, Severus couldn't resist commenting. "I can't imagine you'd be hungry after that lovely birthday dinner, but you are pregnant and it is my duty to keep you happy."

"And don't you forget it mister. By the way, your pregnant wife saw you roll those eyes. If you keep that up, it's going to be a long seven months. Are we clear?"

"Yes love. We are clear. My only question, at what point shall we hide your wand away. You know, just to be safe."

"Cute Snape, very cute. Keep it up and you won't have to worry about when I should lock my wand away because I'll hex that arse here and now."

Severus laughed out loud. "So agreeable. I truly believe we'll be having a daughter this time around. Your pleasant disposition speaks wonders. Now get that lovely body up. I'll freshen everything up while you're using the toilet. Then I'll heat up an entire meal." He added in a low voice.

Sitting on the toilet, Hermione chuckled to herself. She was feeling fit, sassy and cheery. Perhaps Severus was right. They might be having a girl.

/*/

Severus was already seated when Hermione entered the kitchen so she kissed him on the top of his head before slipping into her chair before dropping a gem of information.

"I know this will sound mad but even though the meatloaf and gravy smell delicious, my mind is on the turkey we did not eat."

Severus had a lot he could say refrained from saying anything. Instead, he continued spooning gravy over the meatloaf on Hermione's plate. "I hope that's enough love. We don't want to upset either your stomach or the baby."

Hermione gave Severus the side eyes but only took small portions onto the fork and chewed thoroughly after the food was in her mouth. "You'll notice I'm not responding with my usual wit which is only because you've given me a lovely son, a lovely surprise birthday party and another child. I plan to be this pleasant throughout this entire pregnancy. You may post my words on the board at S&L."

Severus laughed so hard a piece of meatloaf went down the wrong channel and he began to choke.

Effortlessly, Hermione called out. "Accio wand, Anapneo."

"Better?" She asked, bringing another forkful to her mouth.

The blockage in Severus' throat cleared right up. Eyes watering, he grabbed a glass of juice and drank it down. When he was able, he thanked Hermione. "Much better. Thank you love. Might I suggest you keep your jokes to a minimum while we're eating, otherwise, there might be a fatality."

Looking up from her plate, Hermione gave Severus a cheeky wink before putting a forkful of food into her mouth.

They continued to eat in companionable silence. When their plates were clean, Hermione swished and flicked the remains away while telling Severus how satisfying it was to have a meal after 6:00 and not have to run to the toilet to vomit. Severus smiled and wisely refrained from mentioning that the pregnancy was young and there was still a ways to go. Instead, he suggested they play a few games of Wizards Scrabble.

"Ah! Looking to be soundly defeated then Mr. Snape? You do know I quite the extensive vocabulary."

Severus smiled down at the floor. His wily wife was baiting him. "That may be true love, however, I have quite the extensive vocabulary as well."

"But do you know French?" Smirked Hermione.

Severus answered with a sigh. "We speak English so we'll play in English. I only want a game of wizards scrabble not a lengthy discussion Hermione."

Grinning, Hermione grabbed Severus and began nipping him on the neck. "It's just too easy to get your irritable arse going. You go ahead and set up the game. I'm going to check on Sebbie and get us some drinks. What would you like, pumpkin, apple or honey lemon?"

Another thing that slipped past me thought Severus as he called out. "Honey lemon sounds interesting." He hadn't noticed that Hermione had been stocking up on juices. How long had it been since he saw her with a glass of wine in her hand? He was slipping. As busy as the shop would be, he'd have to make time to to glance through The Silver Book for anything else pertaining to pregnancy (witches ailments) he might have missed.

/*/

Hermione was back in five minutes with a carton each of honey lemon and pumpkin juice.

"I feel like having pumpkin juice." She replied to Severus' raised eyebrows. "We don't have to drink the same thing. Ready to get the trousers beaten off you? Witches go first."

"I defer to my wife. Witches go first because I intend to win even though I was relegated to second start. Shall we begin?

/*/

Severus and Hermione played for the next hour with Severus winning three games to two.

"What kind of word is atemoya? You made it up."

Severus chuckled at his frustrated wife. "I did no such thing. Atemoya is a perfectly reasonable word. Someone with such an extensive vocabulary should recognize the word."

Hermione pulled a slight pout. "Oh, so you're going there are you Mr. Snape? My vocabulary is fine except when it comes to made up words."

Severus walked over and pulled Hermione into his arms. "Here's what we'll do. We'll put the game aside so you can have a relaxing soak where I will wash your lovely back, and if you're good, I'll wash your front as well."

Leaning into her husband, Hermione let out a soft giggle. "Yes love. I do feel like a soak and the promise of your manly hands all over me. However, a soak will not change the fact you play fast and loose with the rules of wizards scrabble, but I will forgive you if you wash me in all the good places.

Severus let out a loud laugh but quickly covered his mouth when Hermione shushed him.

"Come on before you wake up your son. Another thing."

Severus frowned. Not another thing.

"Please keep your ardor in check. I want a soak not a romp."

"That's not what you were saying a few hours ago." Severus mumbled very softly as he followed Hermione to the bathroom.

"I heard that Severus. Soak not a romp. Got it Mr. atemoya?"

"Got it Mrs. extensive vocabulary."

They were both smiling as they stood watching the tub fill.