Chapter Three

The First Aftermath

Aurelius slowly came awake, the echo of his name being called in his mind. He was pinned by something, he realized, but still felt the presence of the leather chair against his knees. Wine bottles had begun to shatter barely a moment after he pressed his class ring, and shielding his eyes with his arm he had run behind Alastor's chair for protection, putting his back against the wall so it wouldn't be exposed. It had been then that something had fallen on him and he had blacked out.

"Over here!" he heard his father's voice say, and felt something lift off of him. Aurelius lifted his head and blinked in confusion as he witnessed the sky above him, its color strangely yellow. How could he see the sky from the basement? Disoriented, he was aware of a hand pulling back more of the debris and then saw his father kneeling there. "Hang on, Aurelius, we're getting you out of there. Can you respond? Do you know where you are?"

"Yes, I think so," Aurelius said. "Ciardoth…she…"

"It's all right, retreated for now," Severus assured him, turning to someone behind him. "Walk softly! Use the footprint spell, Jennifer, we can't afford another collapse!"

"Aurelius?" Jennifer said worriedly, appeared a moment later. Unlike his father, who seemed unusually calm and serene, her face was red and she was visibly shaken, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw him and began helping Severus lift the debris away.

"I'm all right, really!" he insisted, seeing her face. "I think I just got hit in the back of the head, and my legs are pinned. I have the Aegis on. Where's Audi and Moody?"

"Just hang on, you'll be out in a minute. Jennifer, call up a stretcher," Severus said, turning away from Aurelius. Numbly Jennifer stepped back a bit to do so.

"Where's Audi and Moody?" Aurelius demanded again.

"Aurelius, I want you to stay quiet and relax. I'm bringing you out," Severus said. Aurelius heard other voices in the background as he felt himself being lifted up and several others appeared around him as he was lowered onto the stretcher on his side. But as Severus stopped to cover him, Aurelius was able to get a good look at his face and he burst into tears. "Ginny!" he called out, and Aurelius was vaguely aware of the red haired woman coming over with her husband at her side as she knelt down to him. "Can I give him a sedative?"

"No, no, it's too dangerous right now. He's probably got a concussion. Let's get him to St. Mungo's," Ginny said.

"Go on, I'll take care of things here," Harry said, his own face wet as he stepped away and Ginny got out her emergency key.

"Jennifer! We're leaving!" Severus said in a strangely firm voice. Jennifer came back over from where she stood near a large group of Ministry Enforcers and Aurors, her expression haunted as she joined them and the four of them disappeared.

Reluctantly, Harry went back over to the others, many of them including Tonks and Thurspire, wearing expressions of intense grief and shock from where they stood numbly as others worked to free more debris away from the two sheet-covered bodies. No one said a word when Harry went through the rubble to gather up the pieces of two broken wands. After a quick word to Thurspire, Harry turned to Tonks, who had asked to accompany him. Nodding slowly to her, the two of them left, dreading their mission as they went to Hogwarts for Albus Dumbledore.

The death of an Auror was a terrible thing. The death of two was seen as nothing short of devastating; both by those they had personally touched over the years, and by those of the public, reeling over the ramifications. News spread quickly through not only their continent but across the sea where Audacious Belle had spent a great part of her life, and every wizard newsprint in both Britain and the States sped out extras to every witch and wizard residence regardless if they had a subscription or not.

The Heart's Ease Balm in Aurelius' room really did nothing to lighten the mood of the family standing vigil there, and none were so depressed as Aurelius himself, feeling guilty for having come away from it with a bump on his head when his mentors had died to protect him. No words of consoling seemed enough, for him or anyone else, and even Dumbledore's attempts at comfort seemed hollow compared to the unmistakable look of grief in his own eyes. In the lounge, Lunette Vallid did what she could to keep Harry calm, for he was pacing again, his anger overwhelming the despair he felt for his two friends.

"Why didn't anyone see this coming? Not even Essie Brim saw it coming," he said. "How did this happen?"

"Calm down, Harry, please, people are starting to stare. Come sit down," Lunette coaxed. "We attract enough attention just being here without causing scenes." Reluctantly, Harry sat beside her, putting his head in his hands. Lunette gently slipped a cup between his elbows, and reluctantly he took it. "Both of them asked to be cremated in their will, but I think we ought to have the ceremony where their house stood. I think you ought to stand up and say something."

"What can I say?" Harry said, shaking his head. "I mean, Moody was as much a father figure to me as Arthur and Sirius ever were. You have no idea how many close calls I had my first couple years as an Auror that he pulled me out of. Audi…well, she was more like a grandmother, really, always pushing her nasty brews on me while she prattled on about whatever case we were working on like it was common dinner conversation."

"Well, it was to her," Lunette said amusedly.

"They'd been through so much, Lunette…both of them…caught countless Death Eaters, defied Voldemort and lived to tell about it only to be snapped down by this…this creature who saw their lives as not worth anything!" Harry said. Lunette put her hand over his.

"You're right, Harry, but I think Ciardoth underestimated just how much losing them would mean. The world has just suffered a terrible loss, not just us, and no one is going to ever forget it, let alone let it go unanswered. And Harry, I think deep down you know what to say. Just tell them what you'd say to me or Albus, that's what I told the other person planning to speak as well." Lunette looked up then and nodded as Severus came over to them, sitting back. "Something to drink, Severus?"

"Thank you, no," Severus said quietly. "Aurelius is going to be sent home in the morning. He's still going to need to take it easy, but should be ready for school. However, I admit I am more than a little concerned about their safety at their grandfather's since Fleur is the only fully trained witch there…"

"Say no more, Severus, they can stay with us," Harry assured him. "I have my own to get to the train this year anyhow."

"Don't remind me," Severus said in such a dry tone that Harry couldn't help but smile slightly. "If anything happens, I trust you'll send them on to the school…"

"Nothing will happen, Severus," Harry said gently. "Have you decided what to do about the Aegis?"

"Despite the risks, Dumbledore has advised us to leave it with him," Severus admitted. "He has used it in the past to keep his siblings safe, and also just having the four of them together may be a deterrent to her since they have successfully fended her off together before."

"Their strengths and talents are well balanced for each other," Lunette agreed. "And I can assure you, Severus, after what's happened Harry's won't be the only set of eyes on those four. You have a lot of people worried about your family right now."

"Thank you, but it is nothing we're not used to, as ridiculous as that may sound," Severus said bitterly. "You may go visit now if you like, but I need to catch an hour or two of sleep. See you at the ceremony."

"Good night, Severus," Lunette said thoughtfully while Harry nodded to him, watching him walk out the door before turning his gaze back to her. She nodded at him then. "You're right, Harry. He's not the same old professor you knew in school. Not by a long shot," she said with a smile. "Come on, let's go up and talk to the six reasons why." Tossing out the tepid tea in their cups, the two of them went up to see the rest of the family.

It had been some time since such a group of Aurors, Ministry workers, Councilmen and more had assembled in one place; not since, Aurelius remembered, Witolf's funeral two years ago. There were many others that Aurelius didn't recognize; Americans that worked for the Wizard bureaus there. Even Aunt Tony was there, standing near Anna, Megan and Thurspire, not one dry eye among them as Harry stood up for Alastor with Albus and Sirius by his side wearing haunted expressions. On the other side of the front row was a group of six Aurors, and although Aurelius didn't know most of them, he recognized Tonks, whom guarded his grandfather on occasion the year before. It was hard to listen, and even harder to gaze into Harry's face; and because of it he was certain he was the first to notice the woman standing in back apart from the rest. It was Viviane, wearing an expression as empty as the foundation of the basement behind them. Aurelius tugged on his father's sleeve who glanced over and frowned. Nodding quickly he gestured Aurelius towards the front again.

"There can't be any doubt they'll be missed, especially among those of us who worked with them," Harry continued, glancing over at his friends. "But one thing we all agree on is that even though we're all grieving right now and probably will be for some time to come, there can't be any doubt that this is the death they would have wanted…protecting what they believe in and for someone they care about," he said, glancing at Aurelius, "and to go out fighting…and together. I don't think any of us are going to forget that the world was a lot safer when they were here, and they'll never be forgotten. Thanks Audi, Alastor, wherever you are," he sighed, stepping out of the way.

It was Thomas Craw who stepped up then taking one last glance at his wife before looking at the others, making eye contact with his daughter a moment longer then everyone else.

"You know, Audi Belle was actually a very private woman, which is probably why she asked me to be the one to stand up for her in her will. She knows as well as anyone there's not a Craw in history who wasn't more than a bit self-centered, and she probably figured I didn't know enough to get too sappy on her. She wouldn't like that sort of thing and I respect that. Anyone with the nerve to name a daughter Audacious to begin with deserves what they get; of course, I also think that all of us probably didn't deserve what we got out of it. In my case, she acted as my sanity when I had none during the darkest moments of my life. A thankless job, really. I cursed her often and praised her not at all, not that she let it faze her…that's just the sort of friend she was. She could dish it out too if she needed to, and she did from time to time. I never thought I'd ever meet anyone to match her…until she introduced me to Alastor Moody. My only regret is that they didn't meet earlier in their lives so they could have unleashed their mayhem on those that deserved it sooner. They were Aurors as they should be, doing their jobs for justice's sake and not bending to the bloodthirsty bureaucrats who seem to hire Aurors only to give them someone to keep from doing their jobs," Thomas said dryly. Several eyes darted to Draco and Thurspire, but their expressions didn't seem to change. "But one thing is certain; although I agree with Harry completely in that this is the death they would have wanted, I also believe the truest homage we could pay to our fallen comrades is to see to it that the entity that caused this tragedy is served with the type of justice they fought for."

As the most of the crowd gazed at each other unsurely, the Aurors in front all stood up and applauded him enthusiastically, Thomas nodding with a grim smile in response at their support. Most of the Enforcers, including Thurspire, were gazing at Draco, who was observing the Aurors with a distant look, while in the back, Jennifer attempted futilely to try and catch her husband's eye to see what he was thinking.

Aurelius had been hoping to get a few minutes alone with his father when they got home, but he soon realized that wasn't going to happen. His aunt and uncle, Harry, Ginny, and even Thurspire appeared moments after they got back, and Jennifer quickly suggested that they entertain Jamie, Cedric and the twins in the backyard. By the time Andrew rushed up and brought down an assortment of games, cards and even his wireless, Joanie Weasley joined as well, a sure sign that Ron and Hermione had arrived.

"Does that hurt?" Joanie asked sympathetically, staring at Aurelius' bandaged head as she sat down beside him at the table.

"Only when nosy little girls pester me about it," Aurelius said, getting out his chessboard.

"I'm not little," Joanie said indignantly. "I am starting Hogwarts this year too, you know. Of course, I seriously doubt I'd be a Slytherin like you. My parents were both in Gryffindor," she said, looking at one of the pieces.

"Good, then I won't have to worry about your house's points this year," Aurelius said, snatching the white rook out of her hand and putting it on the board across from him. "If anyone can tank them, a Weasley can. Andrew, come play."

"Hang on, I'm still trying to get this thing to work," Andrew said, fiddling with his Wizard Wireless.

"Doubt that thing will work out here, too much interference," Alex said as she came out with a tray of drinks. But Andrew kept at it, determined to get a signal no matter how bad the reception.

"I'll play with you, Rel, if you don't mind a challenge," Joanie said.

"Yes, funny. Alex, come play," Aurelius said.

"I can't Rel, Mum needs me in the kitchen. It's a madhouse in there right now. Harry and Uncle Sirius are putting Fae detectors in the house, sort of like a toned down version of what the school has," she explained, handing he and Joanie both a drink. Joanie took it and nonchalantly began setting up the rest of the white pieces.

"Why bother? We're only going to be here another week," Aurelius said.

"Well, they're discussing putting them in Harry's house as well, actually," Alex said, then gazed over at where Zack and Zoë were teaching Jamie and Cedric some basic knee kicks with her football. "Drinks over here, guys! I'll have sandwiches in a minute! Rel, why don't you play with Joanie? She looks willing," Alex said as she headed towards the kitchen again. In fact, she was sitting calmly in front of the pieces with her fingers interlaced and a pawn moved two spaces forward.

"I wouldn't play her if I were you," Jamie warned him as she went to grab a drink. "She'll knock you off your broom."

"Fine, one game," Aurelius sighed, moving his knight.

By the time Alex got back out, everyone in the backyard was huddled around Aurelius and Joanie, and quite a number of pieces were now off the board, some of them still in pieces with only the sound of low music from the wireless the only distraction. Aurelius sat staring at the board with his full concentration, his brows furrowed. Despite his softer features, Aurelius would have been surprised at how much he looked like his father in that moment. Joanie, on the other hand, sighed loudly, drumming her fingers until Aurelius stopped and glared at her.

"You really have only one good move, you know," she said.

Behind her, Zack was attempting to signal him, but only ended up earning both of their glares for the effort. He cleared his throat then, and went for one of the sandwiches. In annoyance, Aurelius attempted to tune out the outside interference, not even noticing when Ron slipped out the door and came over to watch. Finally, he slid his bishop forward to take her knight, pleased with the fact he had the King in its sights.

"Check," Aurelius said, suddenly aware that that Ron and Zack were both shaking their heads from beside her. Joanie whipped forward the knight immediately on the call, taking the bishop.

"Checkmate, mate," she said, getting up to get a sandwich herself.

"Half a minute! That can't be checkmate!" Aurelius said, frowning at the board.

"Try again, my queen and castle have you nailed," Joanie grinned, and as Aurelius stared at it, Ron chuckled.

"Ouch, I can't believe you just got smashed by an eleven-year-old," Andrew said, Aurelius glaring at him.

"Don't feel bad, Aurelius, she even beats me half the time, and the Deputy Headmaster hasn't beaten her since she was eight," Ron winked. "Come on, Joanie, I need to get you to your grandparents."

"What? I should have known," Joanie said with a frown, putting down her sandwich. "Every time something interesting happens, Mum heads to Hogwarts, you head to work, and I get stuck with Grandmama getting force-fed and listening to stories of you, Aunt Ginny and all my Uncles growing up. Can't I go to Jamie's?"

"Actually, I have a feeling those two will be joining you in a bit," he said, Jamie and Cedric looking up at him with a frown as the two of them headed in.

"I can't remember the last time I've seen this many people upset," Alex said with a sigh, nibbling on a sandwich herself and sitting down.

"I still can't believe they're gone," Andrew said quietly.

"I'm just glad you weren't badly hurt too, Rel," Alex said. Sighing, Aurelius got up.

"I think I'm going to go have a lie down," Aurelius decided.

"Are you feeling alright? Not dizzy or anything, are you?" Andrew frowned with concern.

"It's just been a long day," Aurelius said.

"Well, let Alicia know there's food down here. She's retreated in the attic again," Alex said with a sigh.

"For once I don't blame her," Aurelius said, stepping inside.

He hadn't been in his room very long before there was a gentle knock Aurelius didn't recognize. Curiously he looked up to see Albus Dumbledore standing there with an owl on his shoulder, smiling gently at him.

"Good afternoon, Aurelius, mind if I have a word?" he said, and immediately Aurelius got up, feeling a bit conscientious for having the Headmaster in his room and quickly offered his chair, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I have a problem I was hoping you would help me with."

"Certainly, Professor, anything," Aurelius said, suspicious and surprised at the same time.

"It's about our dear friend here," he said, carefully petting the front of the old owl. Aurelius recognized him then. It was Audacious Belle's familiar, Fluke. "I happened to have stayed over today to talk to the Minister of Magic and noticed this fellow watching from the trunk of a downed tree. Apparently, he'd been out delivering post when things went wrong and has been hovering about, not really understanding what happened. I had Alexandria speak with him briefly, but he is terribly upset. I'm afraid with everything that's been going on, no one has had time to see to his needs."

"I know the feeling," Aurelius said dryly, petting the owl absently.

"Yes, I understand," Dumbledore said quietly. "Although I believe had they the option, your parents would be spending a great deal of time with the four of you right now. As it is, with Ciardoth's powers so resistant to so many spells, many of the Council and the Order believe that the only way to defeat her will be by using the Ancient Arts, and since much of that was lost for many years, your father's bound to attract a lot of unwanted attention by people wanting advice on how to handle her."

"But Ciardoth uses Fae magic. Wouldn't it make more sense fighting her with Wild Magic instead?" Aurelius said.

"Yes, there is a definite argument for that, quite a number of wizards and witches think so," Dumbledore nodded. "I imagine Doctor Sagittari has his share of visitors as well, although I'm sure he is a bit more proficient at turning them away. Your father, however, has felt personally responsible for Ciardoth ever since she has shown up, and that with the severity of the attack keeps him from shutting the door at the moment." Aurelius grew quiet then, his thoughts turning back to his father's last fight with her at the Riddle mansion. "But despite that, rest assured that their thoughts are on you. And mine are on this little fellow. I would have already added him to the Owlery staff, but right now Fluke needs some extra special care and a lot of understanding before he'd be ready for that. Losing a familiar is a terrible thing, but I assure you, it's no easier on him. Fluke loved them both deeply."

"I'm not sure my father would agree to having another animal in the house. The place is a zoo already," Aurelius admitted.

"I will take care of that, Aurelius, and it's only until he's ready to face the world again. It seems to be a rather scary place for all of us right now," Dumbledore said gently, putting Fluke on a wooden stand that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

"Thanks, Professor," Aurelius said.

"No, thank you," Dumbledore smiled, stepping out of the room while Aurelius went to the owl some food and water.