Chapter Twenty-Four

Return of Summer

Dumbledore smiled at Jennifer from across his desk as she leaned back in her chair. Nearby sat Minerva McGonagall, also looking thoughtful. They had just gone over her record for the year, and were waiting for an answer.

"I want to come back next year," Jennifer said firmly. She didn't think there could have been any doubt of that. "I know I've only been here for a year, but I just can't imagine being anywhere else now." Dumbledore smiled.

"Well, one thing is certain; you've turned a lot of people on their heads this year. And there's no argument that you have definitely made an impact on this school. Mostly in a good way," he teased. "I would be delighted to have you on as permanent staff. Of course, if you have any reservations at all, now is the time to say them."

"Oh. Well, since you put it that way, you know, I don't really think Defense is my best subject. I'm not sure I have the right disposition for it," she confided in him. Severus, who had been standing behind her chair, stopped drumming his fingers.

"Don't listen to her, Dumbledore, she's the best Defense professor we've had in five years." Severus scowled at her suspiciously.

"No offense, but frankly, that's not saying much." Jennifer shrugged. "I just think it's a waste, when you have someone on staff who can avert a death spell." Minerva smiled at that, her theory confirmed.

"You found a way to defeat a Dementor army," Severus pointed out.

"With a little luck, and your warning before what was going on, if you'll remember."

"And you saved Ginny Weasley because of your knowledge of Dark spells…"

"And by making a potion that you admitted you couldn't have done, Potions is my subject," Jennifer said.

Dumbledore finally put up a hand, looking between them.

"That's enough. Don't make me have to ask one of you to leave," he said with amusement, then sat back in his chair thoughtfully.

"Professor, if she wasn't interested in Defense, I doubt that she'd have agreed to spending the summer with Auror Belle to hone her Truth Seeking skills. As much as I hate admitting it, I think she'd be throwing a great deal away not to stay on as Defense." Severus insisted.

"Just the fact that you're standing there advocating for another person to keep this position is enough to give me pause," Dumbledore smiled softly. "Jennifer, as much as your heart, and indeed your logical thinking is in the right place, I think so sudden a move would, for one thing, arouse too much suspicion. And, I was looking forward to hearing what you had planned for your agenda next year after studying with Madame Belle. Severus, I know I've held you back on this and I have my reasons, and yet, even as I admit that you are probably ready to move into the position, I don't think that's what's best for the school right now." He leaned forward, looking between them. "Let's talk about this again in another year or two, and we'll see how you both feel about it with a little more time, and a little more experience." Jennifer grimaced. She knew that was aimed at her. "Besides, I want to end this silly "one-year" curse we've been having lately."

"Very well. I had to try," she shrugged with a smile.

"You had better get packed, I suppose. I expect you'll be here and ready to go well before classes start next year?" Dumbledore asked as she got up.

"This is home to me now. I don't think I could stand being away too long," Jennifer admitted. Exchanging glances with Severus, Jennifer left, and after having a couple of words with Dumbledore about what the Headmaster needed him to do this summer, Severus followed.

Minerva shook her head, watched the door as it closed.

"You know, Albus, I really don't think they're going to be able to hide it," she said with a sigh, "At least not for very long."

"Yes, I do believe you're right, Minerva. But they're going to have to figure that out on their own, I think. Quite an interesting couple, aren't they?"

"Quite. Next year should prove another exciting year at Hogwarts," Minerva smiled mischievously.

"I'd not have it any other way," Dumbledore smiled.

Jennifer gazed in her mirror thoughtfully as she stood upon the parapet, waiting impatiently. She missed them already, her students. In fact, she was worried about them as if they were her children. Harry getting stuck at the Dursleys for a couple weeks didn't thrill her any more than it did him, but Sirius was busy doing something for Dumbledore. Ron's house, from what she heard, had been chaotic ever since Arthur got his ministry post. At least Hermione had a nice normal family to go home to.

"Oh, no. Not that old mirror again," scowled Severus, coming out the door. "I thought you gave up on that thing."

"Well, I always like to double check before a long trip."

"That reminds me why I came up. I made you up a sedative for the way," he said, handing her a phial. She put it in her pocket.

"You sure you two are going to be able to manage?" Jennifer asked.

"By that you mean, am I going to be able to work with Sirius without wanting to kill him?" Severus asked.

"Your words, not mine," she chuckled.

"Well, you'll know the answer in a few weeks. You know what to do if you get into trouble, correct?"

"You, Dumbledore and I have gone over it a thousand times, enough already. Besides, with an Auror living in the same building, how much trouble can I get into?" she asked.

"Knowing you? A lot." Severus grunted.

"Are you still here?" Dumbledore came up the stairs, closing the door behind him. "How long does it take Hagrid to rent a coach?"

"Busy time of year, everyone's going on break," Jennifer shrugged.

"Try not to work too hard, Jennifer. Wouldn't want to have you so tired when you come back that I catch you sleeping on the job again." Dumbledore teased.

Severus and Jennifer both gave him a dirty look, causing him to chuckle softly to himself.

At last the coach appeared, hovering just to the other side of the parapet, rolling out steps that went down over the side. Hagrid popped out, carefully walking down onto the parapet.

"Sorra it took so long. Ready, professor?" Hagrid asked, putting her trunk and suitcase on the coach.

"See you in a few months, Professor Dumbledore,"

"Take care, Jennifer. Send Madame Belle my best." Dumbledore smiled.

"Good luck, Severus. And try not to kill Sirius. Harry would never forgive you," she grinned, hopping into the coach. Ruby and Babe neighed restlessly, and the goblin driver took off, heading east towards the ocean. Severus glanced at his watch, as the hand stayed steadily on "Elsewhere." He was suddenly aware that a part of himself was elsewhere too. Frowning at the realization, Severus explained that he had some work to do and left.

Dumbledore stood quietly there for a moment looking out at the stars, smiling to himself.

End of Book One.

Thanks for reading Jennifer Craw and the Phoenix Wand! If you liked it, the next book is called Jennifer Craw and the Ivory Skull (not to be confused with Return of, that's book 13.) Also if you liked it, please send me a review to encourage others to read it for me. Thanks much, see you in Book 2! JCWriter

(Last Edit: 7-2021)