Chapter Twenty-Seven

Politics Unusual

Jennifer put long hours into the lab after that, hardly leaving the room except to sleep. More often than not, she worked later than Severus and even woke up earlier, her mind busy as she slept trying to come up with a viable solution to the problem at hand. During classes, she spent study times working out formulas to make sure she didn't try additives that didn't work on paper; for every drop left of the Wine had to be preserved. But there was one part of the formula that was never changed, for it couldn't be changed. Without it, there would have been no hope of using the wine at all… and that was, of course, Dagda's Cauldron.

The porridge within, Jennifer had long known, was a perfect base; a bland physical magic substance that could be altered to the needs of the maker and never ran out. For a time, Jennifer could change the entire Cauldron to make the potion needed, and enough of it to give to every person in the entire county if it came to that. That then, became the obvious solution… if she were able to make the potion work.

One night she had stayed exceptionally late, perhaps too late, she began to realize, to make any notable progress. Or perhaps there was none to be made? She shook her head as she watched the latest batch bubble, just as exhausted as her options were coming to be. The door creaked open and Severus slipped in with tall mugs of spiced tea, handing one out to her where she leaned near the Cauldron's niche.

"I gather this isn't just tea."

"Only mildly laced," Severus said calmly, coaxing her to take it. "You know, when we were joking about filling out missing wizards reports, I wasn't expecting to be the one to have to fill one out."

"You've been busy too," Jennifer said.

"But not stuck in two rooms," Severus said, stepping over and shaking his head at her desk. "A ton of uncorked ingredients, haphazard formula notes, half-eaten bowls of porridge… just how can you still stand that vile pink substance?"

"It's quick, sustaining, and I have plenty of it on hand," Jennifer sighed, then gestured over the notes. "I've tried everything, Severus. Everything I could think of. I can make a potion just as potent as the wine from the Cauldron, but it doesn't keep that potency from more than twenty minutes after its made, no matter how I try bottling it, and I'm nearly out of Wine."

"Essence of newt?"

"Tried it."

"Powdered Shadow Sprite Wings?"

"Even that."

"Have you tried…"

"Severus!" Jennifer said with exasperation. "I do happen to know something about potion making!"

"Sorry," Severus said sincerely.

"I've tried every formula and ingredient in this school that could have even an outside chance of helping, but I'm certain now that the mix I'm using now is the best I can do," Jennifer sighed. "There's not going to be any way around it, Severus. Even assuming there's a single drinking source for the Fomorians, there's no way that Boulderdash would be able to get through the maze, find them, and switch it out before the potency on the potion is lost. I'm going to have to go down there myself."

"No."

"Oh come, now, Severus, you know it's the only way," Jennifer said.

"Absolutely not. First off, we're not even allowed to be down there, and if you or anyone else not a goblin go in there it will start a war, a war no one can afford. Second, Ciardoth is down there, and if she anticipates you being down there, it will be the end of you."

"And it will be for Boulderdash if he's caught, Severus, but you're willing to gamble his life," Jennifer argued.

"Jennifer, not trying to be morbid, but the difference is that if Boulderdash were caught he would be swatted down like a fly, but you she would torment as long as possible before you died. Not to mention that the place is crawling with Dementors who positively hate you and would destroy your soul in an instant if they saw you."

"Then perhaps I'll get lucky and they'll catch me first?"

"This is no time to be flippant!" Severus snapped angrily, turning her around. "I am not about to let you go down underground when I know how it affects you, let alone into that death trap! Have you ever thought about what might happen to me if something happened to you? Or what it would be like if your spirit were completely obliterated and I was left with no hope for myself to join you even in death, your soul lost forever and any memory of me forgotten?" He paused then as if choking a bit, slamming his drink on the desk and turning to stare sightlessly at the painting of the ocean, refusing to look at her.

"This has something to do with whatever Ciardoth told you was going to happen, doesn't it?" Jennifer asked slowly.

"You are not going. I will go," Severus said.

"Severus, you can't possibly leave the school for something like this now and you know it," Jennifer said softly. "Just as sure as we both know that I'm the only one who can do this."

"Not alone," Severus snapped, his expression registering both frustration and resignation.

"No, of course not. I'll need Boulderdash as a guide," Jennifer said.

"And you'll take someone else as backup, someone of my choosing," Severus said firmly.

"Yes, Severus."

"And none of this will be done without getting goblin and Ministry approval. The school can't afford any more bad publicity in this matter, especially with the probation we're under with the board of governors. I'll not have you putting yourself and myself in a position where the board wants Minerva and I to sack you," he added, pacing the floor a bit.

"There's always a catch, isn't there?" Jennifer said dryly. "I suppose the first step would be to let the Ministry in on the plan to get their approval."

"I'll worry about that, that's my job. I need to speak to Boulderdash and let him know the change in plan in any case," Severus pointed out. "Tomorrow's Saturday, so I'll catch him while he's in the gym in the morning before we go to visit the children."

"What would Boulderdash be doing in the gym?" Jennifer said puzzled, putting a few things away so they could head to their rooms.

"He's teaching Platt how to defend himself, and hopefully teaching him some other things as well," Severus said, snuffing out some candles.

"A goblin teaching a Platt how to defend himself?" Jennifer said incredulously. "What's next? Hawks teaching swallows how to fly? Lions laying down with the lambs?"

"How about beautiful damsels laying down with the dragons?" Severus put in.

"Well that happens nearly every night around here, doesn't it?" Jennifer teased.

"Yes, plenty of proof that miracles still do exist," Severus agreed, opening the door for his wife, who smiled coyly at him as a response before they went upstairs.


Dealing with the Ministry was the easy part for Severus, especially so when that Saturday happened to be one of the rare occasions that Arthur decided not to work on the weekend. But as Molly pointed out, it hardly did any good. Any time Arthur didn't go to the Ministry, work had a way of following him home. That day, it seemed, was no exception to the rule.

"I don't think you'll have any trouble convincing Brown of your plan, Severus, and there is no question that Jennifer would need to be there. No one else can control that Cauldron but her, and she is the only one licensed to use it in any case," Arthur said, glancing outside. The early thaw had inspired Jennifer to buy some pots and seeds that morning, and she was busy teaching Andrew, Alicia, Jamie, and Cedric some basics on herb growing. "As for Boulderdash, he is in a rather hard position, isn't he? Are you sure he'll be able to manage the maze? He's just a Librarian, after all."

"He's also a goblin, whose twin works at the bank," Severus said, catching Arthur by surprise. "I'm sure I need not tell you that most goblin twins have an unusually strong link to one another."

"So that's how Dumbledore was finding out so much about what was going on," Arthur chuckled. "I swear he has me thinking he's got eyes everywhere."

"So the problem then, would be the same as we have had since this whole thing started. Getting permission from the goblins to send a team down there," Severus said.

"Severus, despite the fact you managed to find the cup and freed the blame from the goblins on that issue, I don't see any more positive negotiations happening until after this trial, which will not be in those three goblins favor. After that happens, we expect the Gringotts board to formally denounce them, at which time they will be ready to enter negotiations again to enter the boycott."

"That will take forever," Severus said irritably.

"No one has ever said politics worked fast, Severus," Arthur said.

"I'm going to the bank to talk to them then. More specifically, to Griphook. They may not be happy with me, but as an administrator of Hogwarts, they'll see me."

"Don't be surprised if it doesn't go well," Arthur said.

"I won't, but it needs to be tried," Severus said.

There were exclamations of joy outside, and the two men looked up to see Harry standing with Jennifer, getting some quick hugs from the kids before he went inside, Jennifer following behind.

"Good morning, Harry. My, you're early," Arthur said questioningly.

"Yes, something's come up you should know about," Harry sighed. "Princess Thera is missing. Apparently she disappeared from St. Mungo's last night, literally. Nobody's been able to locate her."

"What do you mean, literally?" Severus asked.

"She didn't walk out," Harry said. "One minute she was in her room, and then the next time they went to check on her, she was gone. Heather and Bill are over there, but we've had absolutely no luck finding her."

"Well, so much for the weekend off. I had better go to the Ministry and see what's being done," Arthur said.

"I'll go with you," Harry volunteered.

"I don't understand, where would she have gone? Surely the effects of the Wine have long worn off by now," Jennifer said worriedly.

"Jennifer, head back to Hogwarts and alert Sagittari and Minerva," Severus said, "Then meet me at Diagon Alley, there's something I need to take care of."


The alley seemed quiet for a Saturday, and Severus couldn't help but wonder how much Gringotts restrictions had on its business. It had always been quite convenient to shop there with the bank close by, making it the center of wizardkind's activity in London. But now it seemed fairly quiet, the shoppers nodding politely to Severus as he passed, although he hardly responded in kind. His eyes were on the barricades in front of the bank, where two rather intimidating guards with daggers in their belts leaned on goblin sized two-bladed axes. They became alert as Severus stepped towards them, their eyes squinting suspiciously.

"No entry without specific permission from the Bank Governor," one of the guards said.

"Professor Dumbledore has permission to enter the bank on Hogwarts business, does he not?" Severus asked.

"Yes," the guard nodded.

"Then you would have been informed that he is on leave. I am here acting on his behalf, as acting Co-Headmaster of the school." Severus said, feeling a slight prickle on his neck. Why didn't he like hearing himself say that? It was the truth, after all.

The two guards murmured to each other a moment before one of them went inside, the other shifting to stand directly in front of Severus as if in attempt to make sure he didn't try to pass while the other guard was gone. But Severus didn't move, nor did he allow irritation to show on his face as he waited. After quite some time, the doors of the bank opened once more. The guard was followed by Griphook, who eyed Severus speculatively as he walked over to the guard post.

"Professor Snape. I was under the impression that Professor McGonagall was handling monetary queries in Dumbledore's absence," Griphook said.

"So she is, for the most part. Nevertheless, there are some school concerns that I would like to discuss with you if you have the time. And considering you have only limited clients with the current boycotts, I am sure you could oblige speaking with me a moment," Severus said. Griphook couldn't help but look slightly amused by that.

"Very well, Professor. Let him in, Munchclaw, but prepared to throw him out again if needed."

"Gladly," Munchclaw said with a toothy grin, stepping out of the way to let Severus through.

Griphook led the way inside, walking past the mostly empty teller stations. In fact, only one teller and the exchange seemed open, both looking up as the two of them went by with wary eyes. At the back of the room, he opened a door leading to his office, and Severus stepped in behind him, glancing around with casual interest.

"So, what sort of 'school business' are you on, Professor?"

"First, are you aware that your human 'charge' is missing?"

"You mean the princess I assume, although I'm not sure I can see that as being school business," Griphook grunted. "Yes, Weasley of course informed us the moment it came up. In fact, we have people looking for her, as I'm sure the Ministry does as well. But this matter is on Weasley's shoulders. He assumed the responsibility on our behalf, and it's his matter to see to."

"So you aren't aware of her whereabouts?" Severus asked bluntly.

"If we did, or knew of anyone who might," Griphook snarled, "rest assured we would have told William Weasley, not the Ministry and definitely not you. But we are not here to discuss goblin business, but school business, Professor Snape."

"As it happens, school business seems to intersect with yours quite a bit. I am sure you have heard by now that the missing cup was found on school property."

"That did not come as much of a surprise to the majority of the officers, Professor. Hogwarts has had a habit of attracting hazardous artifacts regardless of whether or not it actually belongs to them."

"We have since returned the cup to the Ministry, Griphook, although the Wine within it was nearly depleted by the time I had found it. The remainder was sent to the Potion Lab for testing, and Professor Craw was able to come up with a slightly diluted version of the Wine that may end your problems under Glastonbury Tor. Provided, that is, that you allow Professor Craw access to administer it to the Fomorians."

"Absolutely out of the question," Griphook said.

"Even with a goblin escort?"

"Especially with a goblin escort," Griphook snapped. "Knobgait would not stand for any wizard intervention, despite…" Griphook hesitated then, growling at himself. "You do not know what you ask. I suggest you go back to the school and leave this matter to us."

"At least we offer a solution. I have yet to hear anything that has convinced me that the goblins have found one," Severus said. "This has completely gotten out of control. An act of aid should never have been used as a basis of this conflict, when it truly has nothing to do with it, other than the timing. You can hardly be happier with having your lands invaded any more than we are for knowing what Ciardoth must be doing down there. You have gotten the Ministry to acknowledge that policies need changed and negotiations need reopened, and perhaps in the process opened enough eyes in the outside world to finally get some results. So what's the harm in saving lives and letting us end this?"

"I'm sorry, Professor," Griphook said in an even voice. "But I can not help you any more than I can help them. Knobgait is not about to let go of any bargaining chips when the pile is so low."

Severus stormed out of the bank in frustration, his eyes meeting Jennifer's where she stood near the guards. They parted to let him pass, sneering at his annoyance. Severus ignored them, continuing down the alley with Jennifer following beside him, studying his face.

"At least he listened," Jennifer said after a moment.

"He saw me, yes," Severus said curtly. "Listened, I'm not so sure. Knobgait has got all the officers dithering under his thumb, and he wants overnight miracles to problems that has existed for hundreds of years!"

"Let's head for the Leaky Cauldron," Jennifer suggested. "You need a drink."

"What I need is a way to get those stubborn green moles to acknowledge they can't handle what's down there!"

"Severus!" Jennifer hissed. "You know that sort of slander is part of what got us into all this trouble in the first place."

"I don't have anything against goblins, I never have… at least not until this moment," Severus said irritably.

"Did he know anything about Thera?" Jennifer asked.

"He knew that she was missing," Severus sighed, lowering his voice as they stepped behind the pub. "But I don't think they have any more idea where she may be than we do."

"I can't imagine where Thera could have possibly even wanted to go. She knows we found the cup, and Minerva says that if she shows up on Hogwarts ground that you or she would know it." Jennifer paused as they stepped in and Tom greeted them, quickly handing them their usual drinks. They worked their way towards a table near the fire.

"There is nothing we can do for her now," Severus murmured somberly after they were settled. "Except leave it to Bill and the Ministry. Once again, she seems to be out of our hands."

"And so, it seems, are the Fomorians," Jennifer said in the same solemn tone. "We could use a miracle right now."

"I would settle for a bit more leverage to work with," Severus muttered back, taking a sip of his anise wine.

It hadn't taken the Elf Willow long to figure out that the amazing pot it was in took it to sunlight when it craved sunlight and under the dripping water spout in the greenhouse when it was thirsty. Before long, the pot began to stand up and walk over to Rose during classes when the Willow wanted attention, and in no time the pot began following her nearly everywhere, except in classes where there had been very direct protests from the professors. But despite the Willow's growing attachment to Rose, it hadn't been allowed to go home with her when she left in the spring. Alex and Mandria did their best to take care of and entertain the overly animated tree, but the Willow merely took to sulking in one corner of the greenhouse until the day that Rose returned.

No amount of professor coaxing could get the plant to move from the end of the Gryffindor table that day when Rose went to eat, its branches curled as if watching and listening to every word as she talked to her friends.

"It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be at all, although they kept cutting me off whenever I tried to get into any detail about Athos and the others," Rose said, sounding slightly frustrated. "If it hadn't been for him, I wouldn't have been saved, and they wouldn't have been caught red handed in the bank. Why shouldn't I mention them?"

"Because they're not real people," Aurelius said, earning a dirty look from Rose.

"Well what matters is that it's over," Alex said, still glancing at the copy of the Daily Prophet in her hand discussing the trial. "With that out of the way, perhaps now they can actually get the goblins to listen about the Ciardoth problem."

"Anything in there today about Thera?" asked Aurelius.

"Not a word," Alex sighed. "And I'm really worried. Where could she possibly have gone? Why aren't they looking for a kidnapper?"

"The Ministry stated there was no evidence at all of any foul play in the last article," Aurelius said. "She seems to have taken off somewhere on her own. They even site her irregular behavior at the hospital. I guess they even called in a historian who specialized in Phrygian language and culture. She didn't even acknowledge him."

"But where she can she go? She doesn't have a real home, and it's been over a month," Alex sighed, then suddenly looked thoughtful. "Do you think she might have tried heading back to Turkey?"

"We are not going back to Turkey," Aurelius said flatly. "It's bad enough I had to explain to Father about Alicia's part in finding the cup. If we used that route again, we'd be sure to get her and us both in a sling."

"Good afternoon, everyone." They all looked up to see Xavier Platt standing there, nodding to them politely. "Welcome back, Rose, and congratulations on winning your case."

"Yes, thank you. The papers all think that the goblins and the Ministry will start open negotiations to end the boycotts now," Rose said. "Although I'm not exactly sure why, considering it didn't really have all that much to do with it, did it?"

"People are sometimes judged by how they treat their enemies, Rose," Xavier said quietly. "Despite the fact that they were found guilty, they did get a fair trial, probably the first fair legal action that the Ministry has imposed on the goblins in years. Knobgait has no choice but acknowledge that, whether he really wants peace or not."

"So you think there still may be a war?" Mandria asked. Xavier shrugged.

"Who knows? But at least I have a better idea of what side I'm on," Xavier said.

"And whose would that be?" Mandria asked.

"My own, of course. Alexandria, may I speak with you a moment?"

"Sorry I asked," Mandria murmured to Rose after Alex got up and followed him out the side door.

Xavier walked down the hall a bit until he was fairly sure no one was nearby then leaned with his back to the wall.

"All right, I'm here. What did you want to talk to be about?" Alex asked.

"I think there is something you ought to know about that's going on in Slytherin house, not that I'm one to talk about house business to outsiders. But you're a friend and since it concerns you and your brother, you have a right to know," Xavier said.

"Is something wrong?" Alex said warily.

"Not exactly, not yet," Xavier said. "Horus and Camille have been putting some pressure on your brother over the sparring tournaments. They want him to get you to drop out."

"Like my brother would do anything like that!" Alex said angrily. "I'd think the Crumbs would understand a bit more about family loyalty."

"They've offered him quite a bit of compensation for the trouble, including a spot on next year's Quidditch team," Xavier said. "Of course he turned them down. But they're still not giving up. Horus wants to be the first house since sparring tournaments started to win in all seven years, and you're in the way. I expect you ought to watch your brother's back as well as your own until the tournament is over."

"Well, thanks for telling me," Alex said.

"Sure, let me know if you need anything," Xavier said, nodding politely before heading back towards the Great Hall.

But Alex stayed there, trying to work things through. To think of his own housemates pressuring him like that! And it sounded as if Aurelius was standing up to them despite any threats or promises, even given a spot on the team, and in his very second year. Alex frowned at that. She had no need to feel guilty, definitely not for being good at sparring. Why did she feel then as if she were standing in the way?