Chapter 27: Breeding Conspiracy
Neesy was walking back and forth in the kitchen. Madam Bones should be coming any minute. The floo spat out a cloud of ash and a miffed Amelia who coughed as she used her wand to remove the ashes from her clothes and shoes. Neesy snapped her fingers, and the kitchen was back to its usual spotless appearance.
"Hello, Neesy. I am so sorry for the delay in bringing this back to you. There were so many spells each one darker than the other," Madam Bones smiled apologetically. "Everyone in the Department was fascinated with this wand. The curious thing is that this is not the wand that Dumbledore was photographed with the most. Apparently, he has another wand... Or rather... This was his other wand."
"Was?"
"Yes, here, try it," Amelia handed Neesy the knotted wand.
The elf took the wand and examined it. She held it in her right hand and pointed it upwards, in a tentative tone, she whispered, "Lumos!"
The burst of light that came out of the wand blinded both the elf and the witch. The wand vibrated in Neesy's hand. The elf threw the wand away with horrified eyes. Pain shot up from her fingers to her shoulder.
"Are you okay?"
"I never want to touch that again," Neesy said with wide eyes.
"Did it hurt you? Are you okay?"
"That is being too much power for Neesy..."
"I see, do you want to keep it as a... memento or something?" Madam Bones asked.
"Can I ask my mistress?"
"Of course," Amelia smiled. Dobby came inside covered in dirt. He was working outside.
"Would you care for some tea?" the elf smiled sheepishly after snapping his fingers and vanishing all evidence of yard work.
"That would be lovely, Dobby. Thank you"
Neesy found Lily talking to one of the paintings of the Dugard family from the 1800s. It was a regal-looking old woman, dressed to the nines in a rich purple dress with gold jewelry all over. She told Lily what happened. The woman looked pensive. She moved to the painting in the kitchen because she had asked to see the wand.
"Oh dear!"
"What?"
"I have seen this before," Lily frowned.
"Is that good or bad?" Neesy asked.
"Could be either. It depends."
"On what?"
"Neesy, the wand is yours. If you don't want to use it, you need to 'lose' it to someone else, so the wand's allegiance is moved to that person," Lily explained.
"Yes, mistress, I know. But it is much too powerful. Who can we trust with it?"
"Let me think about it. If that wand is what I think it is, we need someone who doesn't want power. Otherwise, we will get another Voldemort," Lily sighed. "Or worse... another Dumbledore," she grimaced.
"Meanwhile?" Neesy asked.
"You could put it in the family vault at Gringotts. That way only the family and you as our Head Elf would have unlimited access," Lily offered with a smile.
Neesy nodded and vanished with the wand that she had wrapped with a Gryffindor scarf.
"You know the wand your Neesy has... Many people would want it if only for bragging rights... to say they disarmed Dumbledore. It should be kept as safe as possible," Madam Bones advised Dobby. "Oh, and before I leave," she pulled out a big envelope and took out the papers within. "Please give this to Lord and Lady Potter. It's the evidence and eyewitness testimony we have gathered in the matter of your death and the accusation against Voldemort."
"Already? I thought it would take months," Lily peered at the papers from a painting in the kitchen that she had just arrived at.
"Hello, Lily, dear... Don't underestimate your influence," Amelia smiled. "After the public read the verbatim account of how both you and Emma put down Malfoy, you gained even more power than –pardon if this is indelicate- you ever had while living and that is saying something."
"No, you are right! I can't wait to tell James! Are you coming to the alliance meeting?" Lily asked with a grateful smile.
"Wouldn't miss it," Madam Bones nodded and went back into the fireplace. "You know, after so many years of magical travel you would think someone would have invented a way to make the floo network less... sooty. Oh well, see you!"
Lily smiled. Finally! A new project! No more dusty traveling. "Dobby, when Neesy returns, tell her I will be in the library doing research. James! I need you!"
In the cloister, things were going back to normal little by little. Martin had left without speaking to his aunt because he was beyond exhausted. William and Charles No-Name shared a look and left their sister's room once she was finally asleep. Ginevra was still not the child they remembered, but at least she sounded like a kid and not like a weird creature that gave them the chills. She was still icy and distant towards William. She blamed him for what she had gone through. Her skin was healing slowly in the places where the Holy Water had reached. He would take that blame if it meant she was better. They locked the door behind them and rushed to the convent's kitchen. Esther Shaw had allowed them to stay a few days while Ginevra recovered. They sat across each other.
"We can't keep putting off this conversation. What are we going to do?" Charlie asked.
"I am quitting Hogwarts."
"No. Fuck that. You are doing a great job. Tonks told me that the kids love you," Charlie smiled.
"How the hell else am I supposed to take care of her then?"
"She needs professional help. That will not happen if we lower our incomes," Charlie replied.
"Having her committed is too expensive. You know how much St. Mungo's charges per night!" Bill snapped.
"I do, Billy, but we are in this together. You and I are her... parents. But hear me out... When we were preparing for the exorcism, Lady Greengrass talked to me and asked me if I was interested in working with Newt Scamander. Lord and Lady Potter hired him to work at their hospital. Lady Dagworth-Granger sent me a formal offer to work at the magical creatures' part of their hospital," Charlie smiled. "It's a bit more pay than what I make now, and I can move in with you guys. As a hospital employee, one of my benefits is discounts across the board so her therapy or whatever else would be needed would be cheaper. I would have fixed hours and we could come up with a schedule to guarantee she is never alone."
Bill felt a huge weight lifted off him. "Are you sure? You love dragons... I don't want you to sacrifice that for me."
"Yes. Brother, you have taken care of everyone for a while now. Let me help you," Charlie smiled. "Dragons will always be there, and I am still young enough to go back and work for a career in that later."
Bill stood up and squeezed his brother. "This means a lot to me."
"Hey, we are still family. We even share the same last name... or lack thereof," Charlie chuckled. "I am prioritizing us now, our family."
Bill gave him a watery smile and squeezed his hand. "I am so proud of the man you are becoming, Charlie."
"Thank you. I learned from the best," Charles winked.
Love for a parent is complicated. Your very biology makes you connected. However, not everyone has the blessing of having loving parents. Some people, like Draco, had won the unluckiest of lotteries when it came to shitty fathers. He sat in silence as Harry and Hermione answered all of Neville's questions about the goblin trial. The pair looked at him uncomfortably and apologetically as they satisfied their other friend's curiosity. Draco felt his eyes fill with tears when he heard the punishment his father received, despite how much pain the man had caused him. He stood up and cleared his throat.
"I have to go. I need to answer some letters," Draco lied easily and walked away before any of his friends could stop him. He walked and walked, not minding where he was going. His feet took him to the potions' lab. He knocked, and Severus opened the door and his arms. He had been expecting this. Once the excitement from the ultrasound images died down and Draco heard about Lucius' grim but very deserved fate, he would crash.
"Come here," Severus pulled Draco in for a hug and closed the door to the lab, locking it. They needed a long talk over simmering cauldrons. Draco jumped into his dad's arms and cried.
The alliance meeting had been a success. The centaur ally forces had managed to get the centaur communities from the north to sign a neutrality agreement. If they refused to help the light side, at the very least, they would also refuse to help the dark side. The alliance left them an open path to joining them if things got too risky for the centaurs to stay out of the conflict. Now that they were in the social part of the meeting, enjoying a delicious French dinner, all the members present felt relaxed and updated each other on their lives in hushed conversations all around the long table.
Clink, clink
Lord Potter stood with a wine glass. "Allies, friends… It is always a joyous occasion when we get to see each other. However, tonight we have much to celebrate. Lucius Malfoy is finally out of commission. We got to the centaurs in time, and Hagrid has sent back positive reports. Our Potions' Experts are making strides in their discoveries," he raised his glass at Severus and Narcissa who nodded with smiles. "And we are blessed enough to have been joined, at last, by Xenophilius Lovegood. Going forward all press will be done with The Quibbler. The people at The Prophet had been notified that their competition has exclusive rights to our interviews and quotes. Our alliance will make a great difference. We look forward to The Prophet going up in smoke," Charlus winked.
Dorea stood up. "The Alliance wants to thank the Dugards for a delicious dinner, as usual, and for all their priceless hospitality. We are moving back to an improved, strengthened, and more secure Potter Manor this coming week. House of Potter wants to thank all of you who have helped in one way or another, especially Lady Greengrass, whose warding company is second to none for a good reason."
Ianthe smiled and raised her glass back, "Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir!" [Prevention is better than cure!]
The Potters nodded solemnly, "Indeed, and on that note," Charlus turned to the other end of the table, "Lord Dagworth-Granger, any news on the hospital?"
Daniel stood after passing baby Gabriel, who he had been feeding, to his wife, "Our opening is set for Monday next week. As you all know, we decided to forego any galas. We want to do a small ribbon-cutting ceremony first thing on Monday and get straight to business. We already have a waiting list for some services, so we should start working as soon as possible. Our staff is as complete as possible for the circumstances. Mr. Scamander hired a couple of squibs and wizards that will help him with his research, and we should have the last delivery of our pending state-of-the-art equipment arriving in the next couple of days."
Gabriel babbled happily and clapped in excitement.
"Gabriel knows what's up!" Tonks ruffled the baby's hair with a smile, and he immediately threw his pudgy arms up for her to carry him.
By the end of the table, Bill looked at Tonks with his heart on his sleeve. Ianthe placed her hand on top of his and whispered in his ear, "Be a little less obvious, mon cher…."
Bill blushed furiously and looked at Ianthe questioningly.
"Everyone can tell, and unless that is your intention," Ianthe raised an eyebrow slightly.
"No, of course not."
"You know your competition is significant, right?" Ianthe quickly side-eyed Elloise, who was sitting three seats to her left.
Bill's eyes widened, but he looked at Elloise. She was looking at Tonks with a special spark on her eyes and a small smile. Ianthe chuckled, and he swallowed hard. Since he was crushing hard on Tonks, he had not looked at Elloise more than in passing during the meeting, but now that he took a good look, he felt intimidated. Elloise was beautiful, elegant, poised. He had heard comments about her being an incredible, resourceful, kick-ass Auror. As he looked at her now, the light of the candles made her complexion look almost ethereal. Her messy bun looked artfully done and the red wine lipstick she wore made her lips look irresistible. He could see Tonks being very attracted to the woman.
As the dinner ended, Elloise stood in her white cocktail dress. The design emphasized her cleavage without showing more than a quarter of an inch of skin vertically down her neck. It made her waist look smaller than it probably was, and her hips looked rounder. The fabric clung to her body in such a way that Bill had to look away lest she noticed and thought he was a creep. Bloody hell. That's not fair competition. She will chew me up and spit me out if I don't do something about it… Wait. Do I want to do something about it? Elloise made a beeline for Tonks and Gabriel. Ianthe pushed him slightly to stand up. We agreed we couldn't date because we are co-workers... Elloise works with her too. Does the same rule apply to her? Better not wait to find out. He stood up and followed the Auror.
Martin took after Emma. She had left to gather some books she had promised to Professor McGonagall. When he saw Ianthe whispering to Bill, he felt quite an unchristian rage. He called out after Emma, but she was a fast walker. He finally caught up to her by the bathroom.
"Martin?"
"Yes, sorry for chasing after you," Martin smiled sheepishly.
"That's alright. I just wanted to leave the room while Gabriel was busy. He's at that age when if we leave the room, he thinks we vanished and starts crying," Emma smiled back.
"That's inconvenient…"
"Okay… Spill. What is happening?"
"Can you counsel me?"
Emma blinked, surprised, "Me? Counsel you? Shouldn't you appeal to someone more… you know," the doctor tapped his crucifix.
"No. I need a different kind of expert," Martin's head hung low.
"Meaning?"
"An expert in matters of the heart…."
"Oh dear," Emma was a bit perplexed. Looking at her priest, who was more like a brother, she noticed he looked like he was in a terrible dilemma, "Come," Emma offered him her hand. "Let us grab some ice cream and some firewhiskey and elven wine syrup."
"I look that bad, huh?"
"Worse. But I need some adult conversation to distract me from all the baby babbling talk. I love my son, but I need a break sometimes," Emma was about to call Neesy, but Tremmy popped next to her with a tray of her emotional snacks. "Tremmy, you are a God-sent! Thank you!"
"Daniel?" Ianthe approached him with a dubious face. They had grown closer through the years, but this was the kind of thing she would feel more comfortable discussing with a woman. Emma was nowhere to be found, and while Narcissa was now a friend, they weren't there yet. She felt that if she were to seek someone else's council, she could guess how that would go.
Dorea would for sure recommend her to step aside and sacrifice for Martin. She saw him as a son. Andromeda, Narcissa, and Tonks would tell her to hand the church and to go get her man. So would Sirius, by the way. Remus would probably side with Dorea and Emma… She honestly didn't know. She wanted to talk to people who knew Martin best and that was certainly the Grangers.
Daniel looked up from the paperwork he was reviewing as he had a cup of coffee. "lanthe, hello."
"Remember when you told me that I could talk to you?... As a friend?" she said awkwardly.
"Yes. Is something wrong?" Daniel asked, putting his pen down.
"Maybe?" Ianthe covered her blushing face with her hands.
"Sit down and tell me," Daniel patted the chair closest to him.
"I… I don't even know how to start," Ianthe sighed.
"The beginning is usually a good place," he chuckled and took a big sip of coffee.
"Today, when I got to my office, Martin was there… and… I think he would have kissed me if Astoria hadn't interrupted."
Daniel choked on his coffee and had a coughing fit. "WHAT?!" he croaked.
"I have shocked you... I'm sorry. Perhaps I should talk to someone else," Ianthe looked away.
"NO!" Daniel exclaimed with a horrified expression.
"What? Why?" Ianthe didn't expect such an outburst.
"Ianthe, sorry to point out the obvious, but Martin is a priest. If this got out, he could lose his position in the church, his livelihood!" Daniel whisper shouted.
"I know that… but only you and Emma are catholic here. How would the church find out?" Ianthe blinked, perplexed.
"He would be bound to tell them! He made vows to the church as I did to Emma. He's married to the church like Christ was," Daniel whispered.
"I will not even pretend to begin to understand that statement. But Martin did say that he asked the Pope for a leave of absence because he is not sure he can keep his vows anymore," Ianthe said all this slowly.
Daniel paled with wide eyes. Martin was a man of conviction and principles. For him to ever say that out loud, it meant that he was serious. The doctor looked at the witch. She was very moved. He took a deep breath, "When did it happen?"
"When did what happen?"
"When did you fall in love with each other?"
Ianthe gasped, "Is it that obvious?"
Daniel smiled. "You are both very subtle, but now that you said this… I was going back in my memories. When you came back for Christmas, you were decidedly closer. Emma mentioned it, but I thought you just became good friends when he stayed with you in France."
"We did… I… Daniel, I don't… Merlin! I didn't intend for this to happen. I just… When my husband was murdered, I really thought I would never feel anything for anyone again. Ugh! This may be too much information…."
"Ianthe, if it makes you uncomfortable-"
"No… A bit. I just don't want to cross a line. Will Emma be upset that I am talking to you about… personal things?"
Daniel chuckled, "I am sure you know that we are an… unconventional couple, particularly for magical folk. I don't think anything you have to say would shock or upset her."
"Okay, then… My husband was my first and only boyfriend. I never knew any other man, if you know what I mean," Ianthe blushed.
Daniel nodded, keeping his expression as neutral as he could. "I do."
"You can imagine then that when I started… feeling things… I wanted to ignore it all. I thought it was a passing fancy. Martin is a very good-looking man and I have eyes, you know?" Ianthe sighed and Daniel nodded. "I thought that maybe I was just too lonely and that I was craving... attention," Daniel's eyebrows shot up at that. Ianthe realized what he was thinking and rushed to give him more details. She didn't want him to think ill of Martin. "Not to say that anything untoward ever happened, of course. Martin is a gentleman. He never did anything other than talk and listen to me. But he treated my daughters and me with such kindness. They adore him, and he has been such a source of support and advice. My company wouldn't have taken off the way it did without his help. He refused to take payment for all his help, so I offered to show him around France as a thank you."
"I see…"
"And so, we traveled when he wasn't working. Sometimes even while he worked, and he was protective, sweet, and so marvelous," Ianthe sighed. "And one night, the girls were tired and went to bed early. We stayed up, having some wine and watching a muggle movie… I know how this will sound, but before I even knew what happened, we were cuddling on the couch. Strictly platonic mind you! We just held each other, but it felt so nice to have a man there for me. I am probably not making any sense. And you are a man. I must sound absurd."
"You don't. I get it. Not as a woman would, probably, but I understand the need for connection and not knowing how something happened," Daniel replied.
"And I have been feeling so guilty… I don't want to cause Martin to step away from the church. I-I feel like a scarlet woman… Like a mistress! But we haven't even kissed!" Ianthe combed her hair back with her shaky hands.
Daniel's eyes widened, "Whoa. Stop. Don't think that... You need to sit down with him and discuss this. I assume you came to me for advice, and that is my advice. Tell him what you want. Talk to him directly, ask him what he wants to do, explain you feel guilty, and that you don't want to force anything on him."
"But Daniel, my daughters… They won't forgive me. Their father was their favorite person. Especially Daphne… She will be furious."
"Ianthe, with all due respect, you are the adult here. Your daughters love Martin. I don't think they would be set against you rebuilding a life. As I understand it, wizards and witches live much longer than us. You are a beautiful woman. You are young. I honestly don't think they would be surprised that you want to rebuild your life," Daniel smiled.
"You know Daphne…."
"Yes, and she is more like you than you think. She will understand. Talk to her once you have talked to Martin. She is not a child. I bet she suspects more than you know," Daniel shrugged.
"Oh, no! This is so mortifying. Widows are not supposed to remarry in magical society. Do you see Augusta and Minerva? They became widows when they were quite young, and they never remarried. Augusta has had her… dalliances. But Minerva hasn't even looked at another man," Ianthe stood and paced back and forth.
"Ianthe," Daniel stood and placed his hands on her shoulders to make her stop. "You are not them. I am sure they have their reasons for their decisions. So will you. You are allowed to be happy. You are allowed to love again. From all I have heard about your husband, he would have wanted you to live a fulfilling life and have someone good at your side to protect and care for you and your daughters."
Ianthe's shoulders shook, and she rested her forehead on Daniel's chest, in between sobs, she said, "I just... I f-feel l-like I am b-betraying Toby."
Daniel sighed and pulled her in for a hug, "I can't tell you that I know how you feel because I don't. However, you were a good wife. You loved your husband all through his life. You created a family together. You love him still and probably always will, Ianthe. However, you can't build a life based on nostalgia. You deserve something real, something concrete: a hand to hold, a shoulder to lay your head on in the bad days. Now, I don't know if that will be with Martin or anyone else, but never doubt that you are worthy of happiness and a relationship based on mutual love and respect," he squeezed her tight and pulled away to kiss her forehead. "I consider you, Narcissa, and even Tonks, as my honorary sisters. I am glad you trust me with such a delicate situation. Do you want me to speak with Martin before you do?"
Ianthe was touched; she was glad to be a part of such a family. "You have been very kind and patient with all of us, even when you are working like crazy and training. I think Em is talking to Martin right now."
"Good. Martin needs to sort things out and not to brag, but my wife is a magician at untangling complications of the heart," Daniel squeezed one of Ianthe's hands.
"You are so well matched. I hope you live a long life together and that neither of you has to outlive the other," Ianthe squeezed back. "You deserve each other and all the happiness and success in the world. Now, if you excuse me, I will go get my baby fix from your handsome son. That will help me calm down."
Daniel chuckled, "You are a sniffer too? Emma has to do that all the time."
"It's addictive, and he has so much beautiful hair now that it would be a shame to let it go to waste. He smells lovely," Ianthe thanked him again and left the study.
Daniel knelt, looking towards the open window. He crossed himself and closed his eyes, "Almighty Father, thank you for all you have given me today and always. Thank you for helping us with the hospital. I know this past week it has been all you. I hope the work we will do will please you. Caring for your creatures is something we, as doctors, are honor-bound to do. Lord, I know you are busy with a billion other things, but I hope this situation with Martin and Ianthe resolves in the best way for everyone involved, whatever that is. Martin deserves a family, and the Greengrass ladies deserve him... Not that I would ever tell you what to do, but if he does leave the church, please forgive him. He has sacrificed so much for the people he loves. He deserves to be happy. He has fought the good fight for You his whole life. Please consider that. In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen."
"Good Lord!" Emma exclaimed at Martin's declaration.
"And when she got to her office, I almost kissed her. Had it not been for Astoria, I definitely would have," Martin's head hung low. "The worst part about that is that I would have no idea what I am even doing if I were to actually kiss her."
Emma was a bit shocked and wanted to squeal, but as she understood the gravity of the situation, she merely sat next to her friend holding his hand.
"How am I to face her again? What will I tell His Holiness?"
"Well, first of all... color me shocked that you have never kissed anyone…" she chuckled. "Especially looking the way you do... I can't believe that it was for a lack of options."
"EMMA! READ. THE. ROOM!" Martin looked at her in desperation, and she saw tears in his eyes.
"Sorry… I shouldn't have. I just wanted to diffuse some tension. But honey… you need to take a deep breath and a long gulp of this."
Martin looked dismayed but still drank the whole glass of firewhiskey. He had to cough for a while.
"Much better. I understand, to a degree, the depth of your dilemma. That being said, His Holiness himself offered you a way out of the church because of everything you went through years ago… And Ianthe… She's a catch, and you guys are friends," Emma shrugged.
"She's a widow with two daughters!" Martin whisper-shouted.
"She's been a widow for a long time and her daughters adore you," Emma countered. "And that doesn't make her any less of a catch"
"Of course, it doesn't... That's not what I meant... Emma... I am a priest! I can't do this!"
"Can't or won't? Because all throughout the meeting, the sexual tension next to me was melting my makeup off!" the doctor chuckled.
"EMMA!" Martin covered his overheated face with his hands.
"It's true! The intense stares, the longing looks, the blushes…"
"Was it too noticeable?" he asked, panicking.
"For most people probably not… For me, yup," she popped her 'p.'
"If this got out-"
"I hope you are not implying that I would say something without your and her express permission," Emma interrupted.
"No, of course not. But I must. I need to talk to the archbishop," Martin said.
"Really? And tell him what exactly? Sugar, before you do anything that will have permanent consequences, you need to make up your mind... Talk to Ianthe, take some time to figure it out. Once you decide, contact His Holiness first. You are on a mission entrusted to you by Him. Then, you may tell the archbishop or anyone else."
"But I have so many things to do still," Martin replied with a sigh.
"And you will do them poorly until your mind -and your heart- are clear. I suggest you spend some time by yourself. Maybe go to the cloister for a couple of weeks. Pray and think on it. I bet your aunt would be happy to see you and she could advise you too," Emma suggested. "Oh! I know! You could join Remus and Sirius. It's just them on Potter Island and you could use a beach getaway. You are quite pale."
"But Emma, if I ask Charlus, he'll want to know why…" Martin blushed.
"Leave that to me. You go pack and phone your contact so they can update His Holiness."
Martin sighed gratefully and nodded, "Yes, mom…" he said with a lopsided grin.
"Do I need to remind you that I am younger than you?" Emma lifted a dangerous brow.
"No, I am ancient, I know; you are a youthful, gorgeous, glowing queen," Martin chuckled.
"And don't you forget it," Emma patted his arm with a smile. "Now, go get your stuff."
Emma walked to the study where she had been informed that Charlus was. She knocked.
"Come in," Charlus paced as he read a folder filled with a stack of paper rather intently.
"Hey... Is this a bad time?"
Charlus replied, "A bit. Remember the meeting that the goblins had with us and the prizard?"
"O'Brian, yes, I remember. We've been so busy we haven't had a chance to go over what you learned," Emma replied with a slight frown.
"Do you really want to know? The depth of this? The horrors? You are a believer, and I don't want to get in the way of that," Charlus replied.
"Charlus, if my faith was in an institution, I would tend to agree. However, I believe in God, not in the men who represent Him," Emma replied. "O'Brian knows entirely too much about our families. Doesn't he?"
"Alright, here you go then."
Emma took the papers and read as quickly as she could. Her face went through many expressions, but mostly shock, anger, and sadness. She had to sit down.
"Charlus... this... this is too big."
"I know. O'Brian's people insist we get Martin off the case. He has made it hell for them to do what they want."
"Which is exposing the church..."
"More than that. His Order wants magic to become mainstream. They want to promote witches and wizards as some sort of superhumans destined by God to rule everyone else."
"Yeah, the whole race supremacy spiel but with magic versus non-magic. But this would never work... Right? As I understand it, magical folk's population is too small for any sort of uprising in any country, isn't it?" Emma frowned.
"Perhaps..."
"I mean... No, but then... What he said... In the exorcism... Merlin!" Charlus gasped. "I need to talk to Martin's aunt immediately."
"What? I don't understand. What who said?"
"Please tell Dorea that I will be back as soon as I can,"
"Charlus! Wait! Don't you need backup?"
"I'll be fine," Charlus grabbed his wand, the files, and apparated away.
"Famous last words," Emma whispered as she hurried to find Dorea.
In the cloister, Esther placed a plate of bread pudding covered with a rum sauce and a cup of strong coffee in front of Charlus while they talked. He took a spoonful and had to sigh in contentment. Esther could cook.
"Lord Potter... Those things are other people's business. They are secrets. They trusted their priest in confession."
"I know you don't want to speak on it, Ms. Shaw, but we need to prove that they are trying to raise population numbers..."
"What they did to those young women was atrocious. Do you promise you will keep my confidences to your Alliance only?"
"Yes."
"Some years ago, we took in 45 young women."
"45?! But there are only 20 nuns here, right?"
"They weren't nuns. They were... witches and non-witches and they had all been raped and impregnated."
"Wait a minute," Charlus' brain rushed tying things together, "When was this?"
"We had two groups... According to the former Mother Superior, one group of 52 came in 1943 and the other came 1979. The Mother Superior told me the first group was made up of victims of World War II. That they were in nazi occupated territories, and as it always happens, they became a part of the spoils of war," Esther said with a disgusted grimace.
Charlus's eyes widened. He started looking around as he did his mind started to draw confident links. "Esther, do you know of any other convents that did this too?"
"As a matter of fact, the Mother Superior told me once that, in Europe alone, there were thirteen different convents that received women in similar circumstances."
Charlus opened and closed his mouth a few times. He finally stammered, "Raped and pregnant?"
"Yes," her voice conveyed so much pain that Charlus almost regretted asking.
"And what happened to them? What did you do for them?"
Esther looked terrified and guilty for a second, "If this gets out... they will end us"
"They?"
"The Church," she whisper shouted.
"Oh, I see. But we need to know. I can create a privacy ward. That way no one can hear what you tell me. Would that help?"
"Yes."
He took out his wand and muttered the appropriate enchantments. She looked at the bubble of energy that surrounded them in awe.
"You were saying?"
"We helped them terminate their pregnancies."
Charlus frowned then stared in awe. "You terminated 45 pregnancies and the church never knew!?"
"We are a cloister. No one is supposed to come here. They were smuggled in with flour sacks, grains, soap, rolls of fabric, and even lard," Esther replied, her eyes looked haunted. "We could only help those 45 in my time. Many more were trapped as they tried to get here. Some died. Others were taken away. I assume they delivered those children, but I can't know for sure."
"I assume there isn't, but do you have any of the names written down somewhere?"
"No. All they had to tell us was whether they were magical or not. However, some of them were so ill it was any wonder they were alive," Esther replied.
"Merlin... Were the ill ones non-magical?"
"Yes, actually. All of them were. How do you know that?" Esther frowned.
"Magical babies are like leeches to the life and strength of a non-magical woman. Without proper treatment and supplementation as well as a dramatic increase in food consumption, many of those pregnancies end in natural miscarriages because the bodies of non-magical women don't have a magical core for the babies to feed on, so they need to convert food and nutrients instead and this is a lot harder," Charlus replied. "Many years ago, Emma lost her son Ajax late-term. She was very ill and weak, so we think Ajax was probably a magical child. With Gabriel, we had her on potions and doubled –at times tripled– her calories."
"I see..." Esther looked down.
Charlus took a sip of coffee, "You feel guilty, right?"
"That is why that demon thing in the child kept telling you those things... That you were a sinner, that the land had been corrupted. That's what he meant by you consorting with fallen women, isn't it?"
"And bearing false witness and lying to my priest... All of which are especially bad because I am a nun but now that I am Mother Superior it is worse," Esther sighed.
"I understand. For all it's worth, and at the risk of offending your sensibilities, I think you did right by those women. Motherhood should never be an imposition. I believe that being a parent is a calling like priesthood... Thank you for trusting me with this. I have to go."
"Wait, bring some pudding back for my Martin and the family," Esther requested. She took a plastic container and placed the rest of the bread pudding.
"Thank you."
Back in Maison Dugard, Dorea was pacing the study with a concerned Emma. When Charlus apparated inside both women jumped.
"Why did you leave like that?"
"Love, it was urgent."
"I was terrified something happened to you!" Dorea slapped his chest.
"Did you find out what you needed?" Emma asked.
"Yes, Esther sent this for the family," he handed Emma the container and looked at her in a way that told her she needed to go.
"I will go share it. But before I go, Charlus... Could Martin spend some time on the island?"
"Our island?" Charlus blinked.
She nodded.
"Of course. He's family. He doesn't need to ask. Just make sure to warn our sons... Oh and Scamander! Who knows what they may be doing? I wouldn't want to traumatize Martin," Charlus chuckled.
"Of course. I'll save you a piece Dory," Emma squeezed the woman's arm as she left.
"Spill..."
"How young can girls be to have them on a contraceptive potion?"
"I... Sorry, what? What does that have to do with anything?" Dorea was perplexed.
"Please answer the question."
"As soon as they have their first period," she replied with a frown.
"I want all our girls on it as soon as it is possible. I want Severus to work on something similar for the boys."
"Explain, now," Dorea crossed her arms.
Charlus motioned for her to sit down, "Both in times of Grindelwald and in times of Voldemort, there was a breeding experiment going on that we had no idea about," Lord Potter whispered.
"A breeding experiment?"
"I guess we could call it a conspiracy. Whatever it was, it was a crime."
"Tell me everything," Dorea took her husband's hand and they sat on the couch.
In a dark room somewhere underground in Vatican City, a very jet-lagged Charles O'Brian was talking on the phone to an irate archbishop. The conversation was getting worse and worse... for him.
"I don't know what you think I did, but I-"
"I know everything. You and your deviant order will be excommunicated. Working with heretics, wizards, and witches, collecting dark objects, participating in unauthorized, illegal exorcisms. What were you thinking?" the archbishop yelled.
"You don't want to do that. We are everywhere. I guarantee several popes already tried and failed to take us down and you will too. Also, to set the record straight. I am not working with wizards and witches... I am a prizard."
"A what?!"
"A priest who is also a wizard! And don't you threaten me! One swish with my wand and you will forget everything you know, even your own name."
"I don't warn. I don't threaten. I ACT!" the voice growled.
There was a loud bang on his door.
"Charles O'Brian! Gendarmeria! Apri la porta!" [Gendarmerie!* Open the door!]
Charles swore. "I will end you!" the man hung up the phone, took his wand, and vanished on the spot, leaving all his belongings behind. He would find out who sold him, and they would be fucked. He vanished towards the nearest international magical travel point. I need to find Martin Shaw, he thought as he paid for a Portkey to England.
Draco walked to the Common Room. He was still moving like a zombie. His dad was great, and he felt better, on a logical level. However, his heart begged to differ. He found Neville waiting for him on the sofa while he worked on a plant. Draco hoped Neville didn't want to talk.
"Neville?"
"Draco!"
The Slytherin froze as for the first time ever, Neville rushed to give him a hug. Draco's arms went around Neville's body a bit stiffly.
"I am really sorry about... well... him. I am bad at talking and I know you well enough to understand you don't want that... So, I bought you this," Neville handed Draco a box that was next to the plant.
"The Honeydukes Chocaholic Deluxe gift box!" Draco looked at it in awe.
Neville smiled. "I thought you could use a new stash since you gave yours to Mione."
Draco's eyes watered. "Thank you!" He hugged Neville tightly. Sometimes he thought he and Neville were from different planets but then there were days like this when he couldn't have asked for a better friend. "This means a lot to me. Good night..."
"Nite," Neville smiled
Gellert paced in his room. O'Brian did not bring good news. They were expecting to have a bit more time to start in earnest, but now, their timeline would have to be accelerated. Albus was still jumpy and a nervous wreck. That made him not useful to Gellert. He had 4 million galleons so far. It was time to start decimating their enemies. He had a meeting in a few days with his international strategy heads. After that, they would start making people vanish as they did before. Gellert went downstairs to find wizards and witches pulling the cases that had been ordered in. The only way to really land a blow to the enemy was to lessen their ability to heal and protect themselves. And so, Gellert had his people running around buying essential potion ingredients, dragon hide, salves, tonics, etc. I want to see how creative they can get without all this, he smirked.
In their lab, Narcissa and Severus frowned over the bill they got from their supplier. Very basic and essential potion ingredients were quickly doubling in price. It was normal for some of them to get pricier because of typical season changes and such, but not this much, not this fast. They took last month's bill and this month's bill and sent them to the Alliance Headquarters. They needed to find out what was going on. The greenhouse was starting to produce ingredients, but not at the rate they would be needed if things continued to deteriorate.
"This is not okay," Narcissa rested her head on Severus' shoulder.
"I know, love. We will figure it out."
She smiled up at him, "I know. If we don't they will run us out of our business. People will not keep buying if we have to hike prices so much."
"Don't worry. I make a decent living at Hogwarts. We may have to cut back on some things, but we will be fine," he kissed her forehead. "I don't want you to worry."
"I don't. We have you. We will be fine."
Severus hugged his wife. "Please let me know what they reply. I have to get going."
"Of course," she kissed him slowly. "Please send Draco my love."
"Always," Severus left through the floo.
A leather-gloved hand silenced Narcissa from behind. "You move and you are dead," the voice warned in a low growl as Narcissa tried to turn.
"Who are you? What do you want? You can take the money. Please don't hurt us," She placed her hands protectively over her lower abdomen.
"I don't want your money. My name is payback, bitch," the voice replied. "And I've been looking for you for a while."
Narcissa's eyes widened. Was that-? It couldn't be. Morgana, please protect my baby. She was about to bite the hand and scream for help but she heard the voice muter Somnum, and she knew no more.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Like I had told you before, I was not abandoning ToG for Wizards of the Caribbean. I am still working on finding some of my files. However, I found half of this chapter and decided to finish it. -Lux-
*Gendarmerie: The Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City State (Corpo della Gendarmeria dello Stato della Città del Vaticano) is the police and security force of Vatican City and the extraterritorial properties of the Holy See.