Chapter Eight
Profound Warnings
Zoë had a very hard time keeping her eyes open during Snape's lecture of the Veela, despite his barking her name every time he decided to pick on the class about something. But she couldn't help but be slightly curious why he wanted to see them in his office after class, wondering if he had finally decided that setting up detentions in advance of events would save time.
"There are a few events happening this weekend that you need to be aware of. Friday night, Professor Craw, myself and one or two other staff members have a meeting of the Order of Merlin to attend, during which Professor Scribe will be in charge of the school. I expect the two of you to conduct yourselves as responsible students for a change and no leaving the school," he said, his small black eyes glaring at Zoë who looked back at him defiantly. "If all goes well and you can stay out of trouble until then, as dubious as that is, Professor Craw and I are heading to Durmstrang to attend a Quidditch game the next day and you both will accompany us, since you can't attend tryouts this weekend anyhow. However, if you do not keep yourselves in check, not only will you not be going, but you will find yourself in detention for the entire length of time that we are gone… even if we decide to stay the night," he added with an unfriendly smile. "Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir," Zack said softly. Severus turned to Zoë who was merely standing with her arms crossed, obviously expecting an answer and fully intending to wait until he got it.
"Fine," Zoë said at last. "Can we go?"
"Yes," Severus said after a moment. "But don't think for an instant I won't be watching."
As they walked out of the classroom and headed towards the Great Hall for lunch, Zacchius was doing his own share of watching his sister, whose face went through a full range of emotions.
"So what are you plotting, sis? Because I know you're coming up with something," Zack said at last.
"If you're not helping me, I'm not telling you," Zoë said curtly, heading to the table. Perhaps he was better off not knowing, Zack mused. But somehow he had the feeling that he wouldn't be able to stay out of his sister's plans forever.
Severus kept to his word over the next couple of days, casually standing around corners at random times as they walked in the halls, eating every meal with the students and even finding excuse to head to the library when they were. It had a very intimidating effect on Zoë's classmates who began to get jumpy any time they were around her. Zoë seemed as cool about it as he was, completely attempting to ignore his presence. But Severus wasn't fooled, not for one instant, so he was more than a little uncomfortable about going to the order meeting, despite the fact that he had to be there for this one.
He had just finished tying his hair back and was frowning in the mirror when Jennifer came into his sitting room, smiling mystically at him.
"Well? How do I look?" Severus asked, and then frowned. "Isn't that normally your line?"
"You look like the man of the hour," Jennifer chuckled with a smile, leaning on his arm as she looked in the mirror with him. "You know, though, I know what would make you look even more impressive."
"No."
"Oh, Severus, I haven't even finished what I was going to say yet!" Jennifer protested.
"I am not wearing my spectacles to a public event. Besides, they're only for reading, and I'm not going to make a…" he paused.
"Make a spectacle out of yourself?" Jennifer finished, laughing as he grimaced at her.
"At least I had the decency not to finish that one," Severus grumbled as he fastened his cufflinks and reaching for the bracelet.
"Still worried, I take it," Jennifer said, glancing at his face in the mirror. "You don't need to be. I spoke to Professor Scribe earlier and she's holding an Adopt a Ghost Meeting and Zack was able to talk Zoë into going. But I suppose it'd be asking too much for Zoë to meet a ghost that could turn her around?"
"Lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place, Jennifer," Severus said. "I'll feel better knowing I have it on. I don't believe for one instant she's behaving for our benefit."
"Maybe she just wanted to see Durmstrang? It's not often students get invited to the other schools. You know how they like to guard their secrets," Jennifer said.
"Perhaps, but I am not going to attempt to second guess her. She is counting on my making a mistake that she can use against me and we can't afford to give her that extra inch," Severus said. "So, are we off?"
"I should hope so, unless you want to be accused of being fashionably late," Jennifer teased him.
"I am never 'fashionably late,'" Severus said indignantly as he opened the door and they started out of the castle.
There were many orders of wizardkind throughout the world, but none had been so long lasting nor as prestigious as the Order of Merlin. Once every season they met under the protection of the Twilight Arc, a creation of the Father of Enchantment himself when the order was first created to encourage tolerance and understanding between Wizards and the common man. It had often amused Severus that he had even been invited at all considering his background, and despite the current order's chairman, Erik Dalance, had shown great interest in his work, he never would have expected what would have happened next. When Glen Witolf's death just before the summer meeting left a position open with the representatives, nominations were called to fill it. But the only person surprised when Severus Snape was voted Witolf's successor was Severus himself.
"Ah, here comes the new representative now," Arthur Weasley said brightly from where he stood talking to Erik and Harry Potter, all three wearing the order's council robes signifying them as part of the seven highest members. "Compiled an interesting report, I hope?"
"Perhaps," Severus said noncommittally, glancing over at a gathering of wizards standing on the edge of the Arc's hazy blue border. "I see there is some excitement tonight."
"Profound business," Arthur murmured. "From what I understand, Francis Pyther has been busy the last couple of weeks. Even those with just the smallest touch of a gift with Divination are getting strange dreams."
"I didn't know things were that wide-spread," Severus frowned.
"You as well?" Arthur asked, looking even graver than before.
"Yes, it began over the summer," Severus said in a low voice. "Perhaps it would be prudent to defer my time to Profound Business tonight."
"Oh, but we wouldn't ask you to defer your first report, Severus," Arthur said.
"I'm not a person that cares about formality, Arthur, as you well know. If that is what needs attention, the council doesn't need a report on what scrolls were recovered from the Mines when I've barely begun to research their contents. It can wait," Severus said, and Arthur nodded slowly.
"Then I'll support the decision of course, Severus," Arthur agreed, "As I'm sure everyone will. Oh, there's Lunette Vallid now," Arthur excused himself as the last of the members of the Council arrived, and Jennifer resisted the urge to duck into the crowd to avoid the other Truth Seeker's gaze, concentrating instead on getting into a position with the group behind Dumbledore. Some of her old students and friends gave her warm smiles as she joined them, making room for her in the semi circles that were forming as the splinter groups joined the meeting.
"Welcome to the Autumn Meeting of the Order of Merlin, Council and Colleagues," Erik said as the wizards gathered there fell silent. "I hope at least some of you had a quiet summer," he said, "although I wouldn't want us so quiet that we don't live up to the Oracle's claim that we're nothing but a bunch of old meddlers," he added mischievously, quite a number of the members chuckling at that. "I gather from what I'm hearing from different parties that there is quite a bit of news to import, so shall we start with Ancient Business as always? And congratulations, Severus, we're all looking forward to having you in the position."
"Thank you, Erik," Severus said solemnly. "However, my report this meeting is not of a time sensitive nature, and with all due respect would prefer to defer to Profound Business."
"I was rather looking forward to hearing what discoveries you have made in the scrolls ground in the mines, myself," Erik admitted.
"Erik, to be perfectly honest, even had Severus not deferred, Old Business would have deferred to Profound this session," Dumbledore put in.
"And it seems, sir," Lunette added, "That New Business is very much intertwined with Profound Business this time as well. I too would have been tempted to do the same."
"In that case, damn the formalities and let's hear what everyone wants to hear then," Erik said. "What have you to report, Francis?"
Francis Pyther, a deceptively young looking vampire painter stepped up away from the semicircle, and although he had had the position for longer than anyone could remember, he looked quite uncomfortable to be standing there.
"Perhaps I should sum it up first, Erik, sir, in saying that every seer and astrologer I have spoken to in the last few weeks, including a pair of centaurs, are coming to me with the same foreboding prediction. It appears that the end of the world is coming."
No one spoke for a moment.
"Might I inquire then exactly what the cause might be this time?" Erik asked politely.
"That they don't agree on, sir. Some have seen disturbing shadows of murders and…and of marks in the sky… a sense of restlessness and hatred and revenge scattered in many directions, some from unsuspecting sources, and yet others… others have pointed to Death Eaters as the cause, and others still to a tall pale woman not of this universe." Pyther said quietly. A murmur arose, and Erik turned to look towards Severus.
"Erik, there has been indeed been some signs that Ciardoth may have escaped back into our time," Severus spoke up. "My son Aurelius, who helped imprison her, and I both had that feeling over the summer, but I have been watching for other signs. I suppose I should also note that Essie Brim has been having a number of visions of Ciardoth as late, but we have had no luck pinpointing if these are events that have occurred or are soon going to occur."
"And that goes right back to this being Profound Business," Erik said irritably. "No offense to our esteemed representative…his job is there to make sure we have forewarning of certain events. But if we're getting signs all over, one would think we could find something substantial actually happening somewhere. What of these other visions of murders and marks, Death Eaters and other sources? Does anyone have any solid information on what any of those may be about?"
"I have something to add to that if I may, Erik," Vallid said quietly.
"Of course, Lunette, what is it?" Erik said, turning to the fellow councilman.
"I've been busy tracking the movements of one Amadeus Longbottom for a client, a name whom I'm sure most of you recognize," she said slowly, many eyes turning on Jennifer. "And I happened to have news on the way over here that Lucius Malfoy just finalized paperwork that hands over all of his shares and complete control of his holdings to Amadeus." All the eyes immediately turned back to stare at Vallid. "Consequently, those orders were given to his accountants and counselors by messengers and not by person. Apparently, Lucius Malfoy hasn't been seen in over a month." Another discussion broke out, this one much louder, until Erik finally called their attention.
"When was the last time anyone here saw him?" Erik asked.
"Most likely, myself," Archimedes Muse spoke, everyone growing quiet again. "I spoke with him a couple of days after he destroyed a priceless painting Culwch kept in the back of the Pig's Pannage. His son Draco then came in and they got into a heated argument about his granddaughter, and attempted to have him detained for an evaluation. I do not believe he's been seen since."
"But the only painting Culwch keeps in the back is the one of the Four Horsemen," Pyther gulped, another murmur breaking out. "Do you suppose Lucius might be…"
"Until I see a corpse," Erik said in a voice loud enough to cut the discussion to silence again. "I don't believe he's dead. And considering what Profound has had to report, I think that this event alone is reason enough to exert extreme caution. I find it very disturbing that our Seers are still seeing Death Eaters after all this time, especially after the efforts this gentleman has put to rounding them up," he said, glancing at Harry.
"Well in all honesty, I wasn't good enough to get Lucius, was I?" Harry reminded him.
"Personally, I consider that our failing, not yours, Harry," Magistrate Muse said quietly.
"Perhaps it's still not too late to correct our mistakes," Erik said. "I want everyone to be on the lookout for Malfoy, and New Business, please keep up your work watching Longbottom, he may give us a clue to where he may be."
"And what of C… Ciardoth?" Pyther said, looking very nervous to even say her name, wondering if she might still be lurking about the doorway that sealed her prison.
"If she truly is out, we need only follow the corpses then, won't we?" Erik said bluntly, leaning back in his seat as the rest of the order began discussing the matter. Lunette excused herself then to step into the members, glancing around with a frown before turning to Bill Weasley.
"Where did Jennifer go?" Lunette asked, glancing around to see Severus coming towards them, but alone.
"She said she was tired and didn't feel well and left the moment we broke for discussion," Bill said, nodding to Severus. "She asked me to tell you. I was thinking perhaps she might have been upset about Longbottom taking over the company."
"Maybe that's it," Lunette said, frowning.
"You don't sound completely convinced," Severus commented.
"I don't know, Severus. I only met her gaze for a split second all night tonight, but I got the strange impression that there was something major hanging over her. Is everything all right at home?"
"Yes, except for the problems with Zoë, which you already know about."
"Maybe it is just Longbottom, then, and she's more upset about it than she's showing," Lunette mused. "How is Zoë doing, by the way?"
"When I have that figured out, I'll let you know," Severus said dryly, but his thoughts quickly strayed to Jennifer, wondering how long as a representative he should stay before heading home.
"Go, Severus, go, I'll cover for you," Lunette said when she saw it cross his face.
Severus nodded in thanks to her, silently making his way out of the Twilight Arc to head home, glancing only momentarily at the bracelet before heading up to their rooms. But Jennifer had already gone to bed and was apparently fast asleep. Sighing softly, Severus slipped back into his sitting room to chew his pipe a bit and think before heading to bed himself.
The next morning, Jennifer would have liked to sleep in longer, but Severus had begun to poke at her, despite her attempts to squirm out of reach.
"Come on, don't blame me. It was your idea to go to Durmstrang today," Severus said. "Are you not feeling better?" Jennifer blinked then, trying to focus on what he was saying and then sat up.
"Fine, fine. Durmstrang," Jennifer repeated with a yawn then found a mug in front of her. She took the coffee out of Severus' hands and he headed to the bathroom.
"Don't forget to dress warm. It's much colder there even this early in the year," he warned her as he bent over the sink. "I admit I've had doubts about going today with everything going on…I hope those twins are moving. If they're not ready, I swear we should take them as they are."
"Alex was very livid when she found out they were going," Jennifer said with a yawn, taking a sip of the coffee, grimacing slightly at the bitterness. "What could we do? The others had to be here for the tryouts."
"I would have thought she'd have been more livid when she found out the main reason why they needed to stay," Severus said.
"I didn't tell her that part, actually," Jennifer admitted sheepishly. Severus came to the door a moment and stared at her.
"Oh, no, not again," Severus said disapprovingly.
"I thought it'd be better if he told her this time," Jennifer said. "After all, it was Jocelyn's decision and the Slytherin team to make Aurelius captain, she can't really blame us for that."
"It's not us I'm concerned about. You know as well as I do that the two of them have always been at each other's throats and now they have another reason. Which reminds me, I took a few precautions today to make sure the twins are preoccupied. I have a feeling with how quiet Zoë has been that she has some plan to make a scene today to cause us some undue embarrassment," he said, reaching for a hand towel.
"Oh? Like what?"
"I had Alvin arrange some dates for them during the game," Severus said, drying his face and hands.
"What?" Jennifer laughed. "Severus, are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"Four pairs of eyes are better than two. Besides, Zoë is less likely to cause us personal embarrassment at the expense of her own if another party is involved. Jennifer…" he paused then and frowned, putting down the towel and picking up a jar on the sink curiously, coming back over the door with it raised in his hand puzzledly. "What is this?"
"Oh! Um," Jennifer said uncomfortably, "Well, it's just beauty cream, Severus. You know, blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles," she said, Severus staring at her. "Does it matter?"
"Only strikingly out of character after all the years you've fervently denied using anything at all."
"Well, it's just a free sample, Severus, and honestly, I'm not getting any younger…"
"Jennifer, you have hardly aged at all in twelve years! What would you need it for?" he sighed, turning to put it back where he found it. " You don't have any of those problems!"
"It works on freckles and moles too, actually, and I have those," Jennifer said defensively. "It's not anything to make a fuss over."
"I for one see no need for to cover those. I can't believe you still feel threatened by Fleur."
"Threatened!" Jennifer repeated indignantly.
"It's entirely uncalled for. So what if the students have taken to her? Teaching is hardly a popularity contest. If it had been, I'd have been out of this business years ago," Severus said. "Just because you may not be viewed as everyone's favorite teacher any more doesn't mean your work is less important."
Angrily Jennifer got up, only taking a moment to put down her coffee before she grabbed the jar of cream. She glared at Severus on her way past stormed into her sitting room, slamming the door behind her. Sighing in exasperation, Severus shook his head at the closed door before turning to finish getting ready.
