Chapter Sixty
The Spring Garden Party
Even in Items class, Jennifer and Frank had a difficult time keeping the students on task that Friday before spring break, despite the fact that Willa was really depending on them finishing the charmed posthole diggers, wirecutters, and random farm equipment that her school needed to replace.
"Come on, everyone! Hands and wands on your projects!" Jennifer scolded them. "The entire reason that Willa asked us to do it instead of Plow Supply Co. was because she needed it done now and not October of next year," she told them with amusement, then turned to her painting. "Severus, can you see if any of there are any student aids free who can help get some of this larger equipment out of the way? Most of these sixth graders won't be able to get it to the van," Jennifer explained, and the Rogue Painting nodded, leaving to track one down.
"Also, if you haven't signed up for the Spring Garden Party, you should do it before the end of class today with who you're bringing. If you're bringing a familiar, you need to list it, and if it's something exotic, you should have already had that approved by now," Jennifer informed them. "In that case, you'll need to either leave it at home, or beg Brenda to add it at lunch today. Does anyone need to sign up?" Truman raised his hand. "Really, Truman? You haven't signed up yet?" Jennifer asked curiously.
"I was just wondering if it's okay to go even if you don't have a familiar," Truman asked.
"Yes, of course it's okay! You simply can't participate in the Familiar Games, is all, there will still be plenty of things to do at the Garden Party other than that," Jennifer assured him.
"That's good. We're not allowed to have any pets at all where we live, except for indoor pets. It's against our HOA," Truman said.
"What's an HOA?" Jennifer asked curiously.
"Well, from the way my Dad tells it, it's about paying hundreds of dollars in fees to a committee who tells you what you can and can't do with your house," Truman explained.
"Why in the world would anyone pay that much for someone else to tell them what to do with their house?" Jennifer asked blankly.
"Masochists?" Frank suggested. Jennifer gave him a dirty look, so Frank found a student to help.
"Well, Truman, there are a lot of Wizards that have indoor familiars, so you might consider that when you're ready for a familiar," Jennifer suggested. "In my family alone, there are toads, snakes, rabbits, chinchillas, finches, and even a Chameleander. You'll find there's quite a selection even if you do keep it indoors."
"Who has a Chameleander?" Frank asked with interest.
"Mrs. Pyther does," Jennifer replied. "But I'm afraid she won't be here tomorrow, she has an important commission to finish at Hogwarts. Now, does anyone else need help with their charmed equipment?" she asked, and focused in on getting as much as they could done before the end of class.
As the bell rang and the students took their finished projects to the van, Wind stepped in, smiling at them and greeting them as they went by.
"Hello, Wind! We're making progress, and I think we'll have Willa's order done just in time before the break," Jennifer reported.
"Good! Same plans after the break, I assume?" Wind asked.
"Yes," Jennifer confirmed. "One of us will remain here while we take smaller groups of students to the media room, each group spending a week in there learning how to use the press, the newspaper layout program on the WC, and some basic photography, which should take us close to the end of the year to get them all through. But you'll have plenty of trained students to help you start a full time school newspaper next year."
"Wonderful," Wind said, but his smile faded somewhat. "Well, I suppose I had better tell you the real reason I had for checking in, and that is to warn you who's going to be here tomorrow."
"Don't tell me. Stacey's coming," Jennifer said in annoyance.
"Yes, I'm sure that she is, but that wasn't who I was going to warn you about," Wind admitted. "Superintendent Brian Charleston has requested that I allow Steve Mason on the property, since all of the school board plans to attend this year," Wind said apologetically. "He's made a case that he can't be singled out when the rest of them are going."
"Oh, no. Wind, if he's coming tomorrow, he's only doing it to start trouble because he doesn't like the current direction of the school," Jennifer complained.
"Yes, I'm well aware of that, but please do me a favor and let Brenda and I handle anything he might try to pull. I really don't want you in the middle of it again," Wind said.
"Severus and Quintin are coming to spend the day with me, Wind, and I have absolutely no intention of leaving their side for a moment," Jennifer assured him. "And Steve would be the most foolish man alive to try and tangle with me when Severus is standing next to me."
"He would be a foolish man to tangle with you whether Severus is standing next to you or not," Wind informed her. Jennifer smiled at that, watching as he stepped out of the room before helping Frank clean up.
When Severus and Quintin came out of the Gatehouse, Jennifer was already waiting on them. She was wearing a white sunhat with a gold ribbon and a lovely floral green sundress that Severus particularly liked until she bent over to admire Quintin's cute overalls set and he got a look at the back of the dress.
"Three buttons? Do you really dare to invite me to an event and wear a dress with only three buttons?" Severus asked in shock.
"Severus," Jennifer said with a chuckle. "Most sundresses don't have any buttons at all, and I had to go through several shops to find this one. I bought it in New York," she explained. "And you, Quintin, look absolutely adorable in those overalls!"
"I look just like you when you're teaching!" Quintin declared, beaming.
"You certainly do! Is that the inspiration for it, is it? Well, you look as cute as a button in that!" Jennifer said.
"All three of them."
"Behave, Severus," Jennifer chuckled, standing up again and shaking a warning finger at him.
"I thought perhaps a practical solution for today would be a good idea for Quintin in case you wanted to teach him how to climb trees as well, but you obviously aren't dressed for it," he mused.
"I can't climb trees?" Quintin asked, disappointed.
"As it so happens, there's an oak tree here with very low branches that visiting children love to climb in a small corner of the garden near the stadium," Jennifer informed him, then looked at Severus. "It's charmed so that they can't get higher than they can handle, and I believe they cultivated that little area to give parents to take children if they needed quiet time during a sports game or stadium event. And the best thing is that you can't get into that area without a small child with you, so it might be a good place to go if we need some quiet time too," she added under her breath.
"I have a thought," Severus said calmly. "Instead of concerning yourself about where you might want to hide later, why don't we give other people a reason to hide from us instead?" Severus suggested. "Because regardless of what some of the parents and board members may try to make you believe, you are not beneath them. If anything, they are beneath you. Now come, let's see who dares to mingle was us." Jennifer stared at him.
"I'm not exactly sure who I trust you around now..."
"Does that mean you don't trust me?" Severus asked softly.
"Around me, yes. Around others, not especially, considering what you just said," Jennifer admitted.
"Then you're not the one who has any reason to be worried," Severus reasoned, taking out a chain glove. Jennifer's mouth opened in complete surprise as Descartes dropped out of a tree and landed in his arm.
"How did you get Descartes here?" Jennifer exclaimed.
"Alicia helped a bit," Severus explained. "Don't worry, I have his legal paperwork and I had Wind's permission first. I even sewed in a spatial portal in my robes that links to Descartes' fish barrel in case he needs a diversion."
"Can I have my bunny?" Quintin asked.
"No, not yet, I don't want him getting lost in the garden just now," Severus replied. "So which way should we go first?"
"Well, customarily, we take a wander around the main path of the garden and see who we can see, and who sees us," Jennifer explained with a smile. "Let's go, Quintin! Try and keep up, but if you do get separated, all you have to do is start looking for us while you're walking in the garden, and it'll eventually lead you straight to us."
"Yes, but don't get lost on purpose," Severus said for good measure.
"I won't! I want to spend time with my Mum!" Quintin explained.
"As do I," Severus agreed, and the three of them stepped onto the main garden path.
"Can we go find the tree?" Quintin asked.
"Yes, but not until after we go around the garden once," Jennifer promised.
"It's a tradition, Quintin, like going up the main stairs the first time one enters the castle, or how first years ride the boats," Severus explained.
"Am I going to ride the boats my first year too?" Quintin asked.
"Assuming you get your letter," Severus said sternly.
"I will. My name is in the book. I looked," Quintin explained. Severus frowned at him disapprovingly, while Jennifer tried unsuccessfully to hide a smile.
"We'll discuss it later," Severus decided, and they stepped on the garden path.
"Look at that!" Quintin said, and ran ahead to check out a Griffonlily patch.
"Quintin," Severus said with exasperation.
"It's alright, Severus. The Rogue Painting is the security control for the school at the moment," Jennifer whispered.
"Yes, alright," Severus replied. "But he's only here for a couple months more, so what do you have in mind for when you leave?"
"I'll show you later," Jennifer said with a bright smile. "I think you'll like it."
"Very well," Severus said, and they let Quintin set the pace as he began to explore the gardens, stopping near the brook to watch some minnows and tadpoles that were swimming around the edges of the path's bridge.
"Wow!" someone said, and a moment later, Severus was aware of a tall girl with a brown ponytail standing in front of him, staring at Descartes with open fascination.
"Oh, good morning, Kay," Jennifer chuckled.
"I remember you. You're the teacher who was wearing war paint," Severus recalled.
"Yeah, it was right before a game," Kay explained. "Is that really a Stymphalian? I've never seen one before, I thought they were ultra-regulated! He's amazing!"
"It's a long story," Jennifer protested with a chuckle. "Remind me sometime and I'll tell you about it."
"Well, maybe you'd be willing to come and talk to my Magical Creatures class sometime?" Kay asked hopefully.
"Perhaps I would, if Jennifer asked me," Severus mused. Jennifer chuckled at that.
"The only reason he wants me to ask him about it is so that I'll owe him a favor for coming," Jennifer said knowingly. "That means he'll do it."
"Great, send me some free dates then," Kay suggested. She didn't notice that anyone was sneaking up behind her until a grey-haired man in Auror robes came up and mussed up her hair.
"I'll get you some free dates, Kayray!" the Auror said cheerfully, and Jennifer laughed at that while Kay let out a sound of protest, blushing as the man put a friendly arm around her.
"Severus, this is Buck Eldridge, Raymond's father. He was a friend of Audi's," Jennifer added for good measure, and Severus nodded to him.
"Yep! Sure was! Good to finally meet you! Already met Jen-girl here and her father, of course. Great family you got!" Buck said enthusiastically, shaking his hand. "Nice bird, too."
"Which one?" Severus inquired. Buck burst out laughing again.
"A devilish sense of humor! I like that! Good choice, Jen-girl!" Buck told her approvingly.
"Thank you, I certainly think so," Jennifer said with a smile.
"It's hard not to be jealous. She's got everything goin' for her," Kay complained.
"Here, now, that's all right! Raymond may be no Severus, but he's the perfect match for you," Buck told her. "We've just gotta wait until he's figured it out for himself, is all."
"I see you've had a bit of help in the match-making department, Jennifer," Severus said knowingly.
"She started it, though, by getting Ray to invite me over for Thanksgiving," Kay explained.
"I don't doubt it," Severus replied.
"Well, I may have started it, but Buck has taken it to the next level," Jennifer teased.
"What can I say? I like her and I want her in my family. She's bold. She's not afraid to speak her mind. She cusses and drinks like a sailor. She fits right in, trust me," Buck told them. Kay looked at Jennifer pleadingly, looking for a rescue she wasn't going to get. Buck patted Kay's shoulder. "Come on, let's go find Raykay!"
"Yeah, okay," Kay said sheepishly, and the two of them wandered off and faded away.
"It seems she's already been taken in, doesn't it?" Severus observed, and Jennifer nodded and chuckled. "But where do you suppose Quintin has wondered off to?" Jennifer glanced around and heard a the snuffling sound of a bear.
"I think he's been found already," Jennifer said with a smile, and led Severus across the bridge and closer to the Swan Pond. Nearby, several lace-covered tables were filled with tiered servers that held sandwiches, pastries and sweets. There was also a tea service and dispensers filled with punch and Southern Sweet Tea as well.
Jennifer got a cup of tea and went towards one of the circular nooks next to the Pond, Severus following behind. As they walked to the table, they soon saw Wind sitting across from Quintin. Wind had a teacup in front of him while Quintin, unsurprisingly, had acquired some punch and a cupcake. Severus coaxed Descartes to take a perch in a nearby tree and then went over to join them.
"I hope he ate something healthy first," Jennifer said to Wind, nodding to Quintin who was unabashedly licking off all the icing.
"He tried the peanut butter, but he really didn't care for it," Wind said. "So he ate my cucumber sandwich instead and I had to eat the peanut butter. He really is a lot like you, Jennifer."
"Yes he is, in many ways," Severus confirmed, while Quintin beamed happily at that. "He even has her talent for trouble."
"Oh, dear. Well, hopefully your calm and careful nature tempered that somewhat, Severus," Wind says. "I'm not sure the world could survive another person with Jennifer's level of trouble-making." Jennifer blushed bright red.
"Yes, you have a point, although Jennifer's particular brand of trouble-making is typically a rather positive form of chaos. It is disruptive and sometimes even destructive, and yet somehow when the dust settles, we all seem the better for it," Severus mused. Jennifer looked like she wanted to crawl under the picnic table.
"Oh yes, like the good face of the coyote in many ways, which is why I'm so fond of her," Wind agreed. "And this little one, will probably prove to be dear in the same way."
"I have little doubt of it," Severus agreed.
"Jennifer, I think I would like a photo of you and Quintin, on the same bench I took a picture of you and your mother at the Garden Party all those years ago," Wind suggested. "And perhaps one more of you, Rosemary, and I to go into the yearbook, like we did during your first year here."
"Yes, alright Wind," Jennifer agreed with a smile.
"In the meantime, I do not think we'll have this spot to ourselves for long, so we should relax while we can. I believe there are a few different individuals looking for me at the moment," Wind told them.
"Perhaps we should finish our walk, then," Jennifer suggested.
"Jennifer, as I told you before, I have very little intention of letting you run away from anyone today. You have no reason to," Severus said firmly. "Let's finish our tea and let Quintin finish his cake, and we will move along when we are ready, regardless of who decides to visit."
"That has always been her way of dealing with things, even when she was a student," Wind commented. "She would never turn and fight unless she was cornered, and then she had a tendency of getting a bit too zealous."
"If that is so, then why did they still go after her, knowing what she was capable of?" Severus asked, ignoring the fact that Jennifer was giving them both dirty looks for talking as if she wasn't there.
"Steve's uncle was the Dean of Whitebridge at the time, so my guess is that he kept doing it to try to get her expelled, knowing how close she came to it after that cactus incident," Wind explained.
"I see. So his intent hasn't changed at all, has it? He still is trying to get her expelled," Severus concluded, and Wind chuckled.
"Evidently so," Wind agreed.
"And Mrs. Cole?" Severus inquired. Jennifer sighed with irritation, sipping her tea and helping Quintin with his cupcake paper.
"Well, when Stacey was a student, many of her classmates thought she was the prettiest girl in school," Wind explained. "The boys fawned over her and the girls fought to join her little clique of friends, and she was voted the president or the captain of anything she ever tried out for. And the more her popularity grew, the bigger her head got," he said in a low voice.
"Oh yes, I know the type well," Severus said. "Then there comes a time when their influence goes no further, and the only way to make themselves keep improving their standing is to find prey to take down a few pegs."
"You do know the type," Wind chuckled.
"Let's just say I had my own Mrs. Cole problem in my day," Severus said dryly. "However, in my case, James was not jealous of me; rather, it was the other way around. But in Jennifer's case, I suspect it was quite the opposite. As our little cygnet grew and became more and more the beautiful swan," he began, taking Jennifer's hand despite her annoyed expression, "the nastier they probably treated her."
"Until Stacey graduated, yes, and left all those 'silly boys', as Jennifer called them, looking for someone else to turn their attentions to," Wind said with amusement.
"They didn't 'turn their attentions on me,' they just turned me into a target," Jennifer protested in irritation. "They bullied and harassed me worse during my last year than they even had in previous years, just when I thought I was going to get some relief from it all when Stacey was out of the way."
"Ah yes. That makes that quality in your personality all the more clear to me now," Severus said with a thin smile. "Even in your younger years, I'm quite sure you read a great deal of mixed emotions off those boys, Jennifer, attracted to your looks but unable to resist taking shots at an already wounded animal. So by the time they began to wise up and realize you were worth pursuing, you were jaded against them. You had learned to compartmentalize how they saw you with how they treated you... and on top of that... how you thought they were treating you, which was actually a whole different thing entirely; brought on by your defenses to protect yourself from further harassment. I've always loved that about you, you know," he added for good measure. Jennifer blinked in confusion.
"I'm sorry, what?" Jennifer asked flatly.
"Because this is one of the reasons that you have so much trouble spotting a man's intentions towards you," Severus explained. "You subconsciously shut it down before it even starts as a defense mechanism... except for me."
"Probably because yours was the only attention I ever wanted," Jennifer pointed out.
"Which is precisely why I choose to nurture it," Severus said. "I abhor even the thought of the misery you went through during your school years, and it pains me just how far down it drove your self esteem by the time you came to Hogwarts to teach. But it also helped shape who you became since that point, from those defenses of yours to your impressive self-restraint, your indomitable respect for life and your willingness to try every solution before harming someone, despite how often that's made you suffer and nearly gotten you killed. I blame Wind Elk for that part."
"Come now, Severus. Jennifer is hardly a pacifist," Wind pointed out. "But it is true that the closer one gets to pacifism the more one tends to suffer, and it will be so until the entire world learns to follow the path. I've learned to take on that suffering willingly in my case."
"So has she," Severus replied. "But the problem is when she suffers, the entire family suffers, as well as the school." Wind smiled softly.
"I understand, Severus," Wind replied. "But the truth is much more nuanced and of a lot larger scale than you believe. Many humans, magic and non-magic alike, have become detached from this world we live in, but I have not forgotten the teachings of my ancestors, nor have I forgotten to listen. Everything living on this planet is connected to one another in interconnecting bonds even stronger and more interwoven than the artificial one that was destroyed. And considering what you went through, I need not tell you that it is hardly invulnerable," he said, Severus nodding at that. "But what you should also realize is that the little things that happen in this web of life matter just as much as the big things do. Regardless its location on the earth, when a living thing suffers needlessly, we all suffer," Wind explained. "Pacifists doesn't suffer because we want to suffer, Severus. A pacifist suffers to prevent others from suffering."
"Wind, putting a finger in a dike doesn't stop the dike from bursting, nor can you attempt to stop a snowball from rolling down a hill when it's already picked up momentum. It'll simply roll over you can keep going."
"I may not be able to stop it, Severus, but at least I am not adding to it, either," Wind replied.
"What are they saying?" Quintin whispered loudly to his mother, not being able to make sense of either their words or their thoughts.
"It's called philosophy," Jennifer explained, getting up. "And if we don't get them away from each other, they're likely to be at it all day and we'll never complete our walk around this garden."
"Fair enough. Jennifer, go ahead and finish your tea first since you haven't. I can clean Quintin up," Severus said. Quintin got up and went over to his father with his arms out, waiting for his father to take out his wand to get the crumbs off his outfit.
"Honestly, I am completely amazed by how much Severus has changed this year," Jennifer admitted to Wind Elk. "I swear that he does or says something surprising every single time we get together now."
"I feel the same way about you, Jennifer, I assure you," Severus replied, turning to Wind. "As rough as this year has been and as much as I've missed her, I am still grateful for it. I believe we've both benefited from it."
"I think the whole world has benefited from it," Wind said with amusement. Jennifer winced slightly and then hid it, wondering if that statement gave away too much. "But most especially Whitebridge, above all else," he added for good measure. Jennifer smiled at that.
"Can we go see the tree now? I want to see if Jeremy and Timmy are there," Quintin said.
"Yes, alright," Jennifer said. But as they got up to leave, she saw a couple coming over and groaned involuntarily. Severus looked up with interest, unsurprised to see Mr. and Mrs. Cole walking over.
"So this is where you've been hiding, Wind," Stacey said critically.
"No, I have not been hiding at all. I'm sure you know how this garden works by now," Wind replied calmly. "I simply stopped to have tea with Jennifer and her family in a place where we could enjoy the view of the swans. And how are you today, Clive?"
"Very well, thank you. I'm so glad the weather cleared up in time for the party," Clive Cole said with a warm smile. "But might I be introduced to your other guests, Dean Elk?"
"This is my Items instructor, Jennifer Craw, her husband, Professor Snape, and their youngest, Quintin Snape," Wind said with a smile. "This is Clive Cole, who is in wizard engineering. He helps design wizard neighborhood subdivisions."
"It is a pleasure to meet you all, especially you, Professor Snape! Thank you ever so much for saving us from Ciardoth!" Clive replied.
"I can hardly take the credit. I would have never been able to defeat Ciardoth without Jennifer's constant support. You can thank her if you like," Severus suggested. Neither Severus nor Jennifer missed the dark look that crossed Stacey's expression when the kindhearted man turned to do just that.
"And thank you very much, Ms. Craw, for helping the universe see us through such a trying time," Clive said warmly. "Stacey has told me, of course, that you went to school together."
"We did, although I'm afraid we were far from friends, Mr. Cole," Jennifer admitted.
"Yes, I know, I've heard many stories about that," Clive replied. "But children will be children, and it's obvious that you've grown up to be such a lovely, kind person, so do not trouble yourself over it. We've forgiven you many times over and what's past is past." Jennifer, Wind, and Severus stared at him in disbelief.
"I see. How kind of you to forgive me for letting Stacey and her friends push me into the pond," Jennifer said, looking over at Stacey to try and figure out just what she told him.
"What I meant was all the terrible rumors that you spread about her, and how much trouble she got into after you lied to the teachers about what you saw with your mind reading," Clive explained. Jennifer was too stunned to respond at first, so she was quite surprised when Quintin stood up on the bench.
"My mum doesn't lie! And you don't like my mum!" Quintin declared, glaring at Stacey furiously. "I don't like you either!"
There was a sudden pulse of Wish Magic, and Stacey Cole was hit with a powerful gust. It tossed her sideways into the air, sending her flying into the Swan Pond with such force that she landed in it with a giant splash. Swans panicked and flew out of the way as the water went spraying out in all directions, making enough of a scene that everyone standing on all three sides of the pond became aware that someone just fell in it.
"Oh no! Quintin!" Jennifer exclaimed, putting his arms around him to try and calm him down. "Severus, do something!" she added desperately.
Severus decided to slowly clap his hands. It seemed to inspire a much louder, more enthusiastic applause that came up from other sides of the pond, including from Harry Cole and his wife, who were standing by the sandwich trays.
"That's not what I meant!" Jennifer told him, getting flustered.
"You don't really expect me to punish him for that, do you?" Severus asked expressionlessly. Jennifer could tell that he was quite entertained by Clive's attempts to help his wife out of the water, who only succeeded in getting himself drenched as well as Stacey splashed about furiously. "Still, I suppose we're finished here," Severus admitted reluctantly. "Shall we move on?"
Jennifer was quick to take up his suggestion, helping Quintin off the bench and grabbing his hand as they hurried back onto the garden path.
Pondering his own situation, Wind decided that Stacey was going to need a quiet moment to reflect her position after what had happened. The wind picked up and quickly swept him away to a different part of the garden entirely.
It was much later in the day when Jennifer, Severus, and Quintin finally saw Steve Mason. At first, they had made their way around to the oak tree so that Quintin could burn off some energy, playing with Jeremy and Timmy. Severus was happy to recount what had happened to Luke, who was more than delighted to hear about it, while Jennifer appeared to be a lot more unimpressed about the situation.
"Isn't it wonderful when our children take matters into their own hands and do what we've always wanted to do and couldn't?" Luke said with a chuckle once he heard the whole thing.
"Until she finds some way to turn it around and make everyone believe that I put him up to it," Jennifer said irritably. "If she tells stories like that to her own husband, who knows what she'll say about what happened out there?"
"You know, Jennifer, since Harry Cole and I went to school together, I've spent a lot of time over at that house," Luke said. "And I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't believe those stories she told her husband. She's told them over and over again for so long that I'm sure she's convinced herself that her version of the facts is what actually happened."
"She's just as capable of coming to a similar conclusion that I had something to do with what Quintin just did," Jennifer pointed out.
"Jennifer, I know that as a Truth Seeker it's a bit more difficult to understand, but you really need to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks, especially when it comes to a person who is so beneath you that it really doesn't matter what they think," Severus informed her.
"No one is beneath anyone, Severus," Jennifer said.
"Shall we attend the Queen's Garden Party next? I'd like to see how you get on with that philosophy there as well."
"That's hardly funny, Severus," Jennifer replied, frowning at him.
"Perhaps not, but it sounded as if you needed a bit of a reality check," Severus replied. "While I agree with you in principle that everyone should be afforded an equal chance to make something of themselves, to work hard with due diligence and receive the respect and treatment they deserve for their accomplishments and contributions, it doesn't really work like that and this is far from being a Utopian universe. If it were, we wouldn't be having to perform all of this silly hoop jumping so that you could be acknowledged for the respect you already deserve. Even so, Jennifer, in this particular case, I wasn't referring to that sort of equality," Severus explained. "Instead, I am speaking about stature. Stature reflects your level of earned respect, integrity, your contributions to society both academic and through personal sacrifice, the influence you've accumulated, how often you have aided others of similar or even greater stature than your own, as well as how many you've helped find stature of their own. That includes me, by the way," he added for good measure, and was rewarded with an exasperated smile. "When it comes to stature, she is so far beneath you that she really doesn't deserve even a passing thought... nor does Steve Mason, for that matter," he added. "Let her think what she likes. Let her fool herself with her fantasies as it suits her. You have much more important things to do than waste your time on her."
Jennifer smiled warmly at that and looked around at the boys playing on the tree. Then she noticed that Luke had been watching them carefully, and she blushed lightly. Severus followed her gaze over to where Luke was standing.
"I can see why she married you now," Luke said with a chuckle.
"Then perhaps you could explain it to me, since I still don't think I've figured that one out myself," Severus mused.
"Oh, Severus," Jennifer chuckled, leaning into his arm lovingly.
Pretty soon the three boys declared they were hungry, and Luke led them out to the tables out in front of the Assembly Building where hamburgers and hot dogs were being grilled courtesy of Frank Byrd.
"I see you're being useful for a change," Severus commented.
"That's right! I got skills!" Frank said, flipping his spatula. "If I lose my job, I can get one just across the street."
"We are partial owners of a cafe in New York," Severus offered. "Do you mind working with semi-reformed criminals?"
"Nah, I'm a teacher. I'm used to that," Frank joked.
"A fair point," Severus agreed, helping Quintin to take his burger over to the table.
It wasn't long after they started eating that Rosemary caught up with them, and Jennifer agreed to get the photos with Rosemary and Wind next, along with a few shots of the three of them on the bench and one of Jennifer with Radiance on her shoulder and Quintin holding Ebony. Even Descartes was enough of a novelty that Rosemary wanted a photo, but after the first, Descartes nearly took out her camera and she quickly realized that one was all she was going to get.
"You'd better head to the familiar games if you haven't been over there yet, Jennifer, the day's not getting any younger, and neither are we," Rosemary suggested with a grin. "And these three ought to be shown along with the rest of them, because I bet the judges will be more than impressed! Jennifer, are you going to enter the Patronus Ring this year?"
"Not me, no. My current Patronus wouldn't make for a good candidate for that, but I wouldn't mind watching some of the matches all the same," Jennifer admitted.
"Patronus Ring?" Severus inquired.
"Back when the school started, there used to be a competition between familiars of the same type," Rosemary explained.
"Oh, do you mean like familiar competitions like the ones held at familiar shows? We've had one of those at Hogwarts before," Severus replied.
"We still host those sorts of events too, although as far as that sort of familiar show is concerned, the main familiar event of the day is typically a couple of teachers running around giving out random ribbons with very specific awards on them," Rosemary said with amusement. "But what I was referring to was specifically a one-on-one competition, where one familiar attempted to get the other to yield... sort of like sparring matches. Of course, as you might expect, some of the familiars got overzealous in their attempts to chase back their opponent and familiars started getting hurt. So, it was soon replaced with a similar competition but with Patronuses instead. The way it goes is that a couple of students, typically seniors, start it off first thing in the morning, and whoever wins is the champion. They then proceed to have matches until they lose, and then their opponent becomes the champion; then she competes until she loses and so on. Volunteer judges tally the amount of victories each person gets, then at the end of the day, the person who had the most consecutive matches wins the gold ribbon," she finished. "What about you, Professor? Care to try?"
"Thank you, no. My Patronus changed recently, and I'm still getting used to it," Severus said.
"Getting used to it? What do you mean getting used to it?" Rosemary laughed. "A Patronus is automatically an extension of yourself, you know that."
"What he really means is that he has been keeping his new Patronus a secret from his wife all year, and for some reason he's not ready to tell me about it yet," Jennifer translated, Rosemary laughing again when he pointedly reached over and pushed up her spectacles.
"That is precisely what I meant," Severus agreed evenly.
"Well then, what about you, Jennifer? What makes you so sure it's not a good candidate? It's not still a squirrel, is it?" Rosemary coaxed, hoping for a hint.
"It hasn't been a squirrel since I was a student, Rosemary. I just don't think it'd be fair for me to enter the contest, that's all. Let's just leave it at that," Jennifer said.
"I take it her squirrel Patronus didn't do well in the ring," Severus surmised. Jennifer sighed with exasperation when he didn't just drop it.
"No, I'm afraid not. Kevin Mayer dominated the event when I was in school, so my weak Patronus certainly had no chance," Jennifer admitted.
"Yeah, he still wins most years, unless Wind is in the mood to play," Rosemary admitted. "But that's just another reason for you to enter and get some payback!"
"Very tempting, I'll admit, but no," Jennifer said with a chuckle, and the four of them stepped down the steps and found a spot to sit closer to the stadium level so that they could relax and enjoy the students, teachers, and guests as they went about different competitions around a circular platform at the very center of the field, which Severus could easily guess was the Patronus Ring.
Severus brought out a miniaturized stand for his pocket and set it beside them, enlarging for Descartes so that his shoulder could have a break. Soon Radiance alighted on the opposite side, and the two of them began softly making bird noises at one another as if they were gossiping, while Ebony sat sprawled out on Quintin's head, making up for the fact that his mother made him take his hat off.
It was immediately apparent that the adults had yet to have time to participate in the ring, because right now it seemed that it was made up of a pair of seniors. But the girl student was more than a little intimidated by the fact that she knew what the other student's was; Dante's patronus was a honeybadger.
"She's never going to win if she steps in the ring that nervous, no matter what her Patronus is," Jennifer commented.
"Why?" Quintin asked. "Maybe she has something really big!"
"She might, but even if she has a very strong Patronus animal, it still needs to be backed up with a strong personal spirit inside," Jennifer explained. "Confidence, determination, heart, and experience all play a part in it as well."
"Not to mention the strength of your magic level," Severus added.
"Well, yes, obviously, but I think it's the lack of confidence that's going to determine this match. It certainly did my squirrel in when I tried to go up against Steve's bulldog in school," Jennifer admitted.
"A bulldog, how appropriate," Severus said. "You know, Jennifer, it's a miracle that you were able to get any Patronus at all out of the Mallus Craw wand. After all, a Patronus is a concentration of positive emotions, and most undoubtedly one of the strongest symbols of Light Magic there can be, where that wand was all about death, despair, and destruction. I marvel that you were able to conjure one at all, especially after all you had gone through personally up until that point."
"And how did you cast your first Patronus, Severus? Surely it must have been just as difficult," Jennifer inquired.
"By digging deep, and constantly reminding myself that any spell could be mastered. Positive emotion was something that slipped through my fingers like sand through a sieve, but Albus was certain I could learn it and kept me on it until I did," Severus recalled.
"Wind and Rosemary did the same for me," Jennifer said with a smile, watching as the girl student walked away with annoyance when her woodpecker's attack came up short against the Honeybadger and yielded. "You know, Severus... I don't know how many times I've been accused of favoritism over the years. In fact, I've been expecting someone to accuse me of it this year as much time as I have had to spend with Truman, despite dotting all of my i's beforehand. And yet both of us had many of an occasion where a teacher has to step aside for us to help us learn something that was a stumbling block," she pointed out, and Severus nodded at that. "And as heads of houses, we both have certainly needed to do that. Some students simply need a lot more tutoring than others, or help to cross social and emotional hurdles."
"Yes," Severus agreed.
"You know, I don't think I'm going to worry about whether people think I have favorite students or not anymore," Jennifer decided.
"High time."
"Thank you very much, there's no need for you to say it like that!" Jennifer said with a protesting laugh.
"Jennifer, how long have you been tripping over particular students in the way in and out of my office, be it when I was teaching full time and head of Slytherin House or even in the Headmaster's Study?" Severus challenged her.
"Since the first year I taught there, actually," Jennifer said sheepishly.
"And how often have you heard anyone of consequence complain about it?" Severus inquired.
"I have heard the students complain about it often enough," Jennifer pointed out.
"Students who are not privy to why any of those students needed extra help in the first place and are jealous for all the wrong reasons. Especially considering that majority of the children who stepped in my office had more of a reason to be jealous of the ones outside of it for not having to be in there," Severus pointed out. Jennifer chuckled quietly at that, knowing he was right. "Remind me, is that Raykay or Kayray?" he inquired, and Jennifer looked over to the Patronus Ring to see one of the teacher's standing in line, waiting for their chance to get in.
"His father is calling him Raykay," Jennifer answered. "But don't tease him about it, Severus. He doesn't like it at all, and I would like to see their way through to each other, despite the fact that his father's enthusiasm has been putting him off. Deep down he is more than a bit afraid that the teasing will put her off," Jennifer said with a lowered voice. "Part of him is quite convinced that no girl would be interested in a scar-faced Auror has-been who turned to teaching as a refuge. It's made him quite wary... afraid he's misinterpreting her attentions, I think."
"He's intimidated by it," Severus concluded. "I recall the feeling well."
"Let's just say that despite our vastly different personalities, Kay and I have similar tastes in men in some ways," Jennifer said with amusement, the two of them watching with interest as Ray's wolverine Patronus made short work out of the student's badger. But Quintin was much more interested in the two witches in Whitebridge robes walking up the aisle with a box of ribbons.
"Hello! Happy Spring!" Sue Williams said cheerfully as they stepped over to them.
"Happy Spring," Jennifer grinned. "Severus, this is Sue Williams, English and Literature, and this is Lynn Weaver, the Transfiguration instructor," she said, nodding to the witch holding the box. "This is Severus and my son Quintin, of course."
"Yes, she's told us about both of you on occasion," Sue agreed. "I have a ribbon for Radiance first of all. In fact, I've been holding onto this one especially for her," she added mischievously, taking it out a ribbon on a breakaway collar. "Most unique!"
"Thank you very much," Jennifer said with a chuckle, taking it.
"And as for you," Sue said, musing over Ebony. "Lynn, did we give away cutest already?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Lynn replied.
"Okay, well how about most adorable black bunny?" Sue suggested.
"Oh look, I have that one right here," Lynn said, with a quick gesture that only Quintin missed before she pulled out a ribbon. Quintin beamed proudly. Descartes cawed out curiously.
"Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you," Sue promised him. "That's a Stymphalian isn't it? I'd hate to see how much paperwork you had to sign for that!"
"Magnetized and bonded to him after hatching, they had little choice but to allow him to keep it," Jennifer explained.
"You'll have to tell me the story sometime," Sue chuckled. "What's his name, Professor?"
"Descartes," Severus replied.
"I know! Most coordinated!" Lynn suggested, and Severus gave her dirty look for the pun. She chuckled nervously. "Or not."
"How about the most dangerous familiar?" Sue asked. "Or the most terrifying?" Descartes had been looking at her with interest, cawing at all of the attention. "Very well! Most terrifying it is, since he seemed to like that better."
"What does he normally eat, anyway?" Lynn asked.
"Fish, generally," Severus replied, Descartes growing excited at the word, and Lynn handed the ribbon to Severus. "Thank you."
"Have a good day," Lynn chuckled.
"Have a good spring break, Jennifer," Sue added for good measure as they walked over to the next group they saw with familiars. Jennifer helped Quintin put Ebony's collar on and then fixed Radiance's.
"You may want to go ahead and give Descartes his, Severus," Jennifer grinned. "These are all made out of transfigured familiar treats. I'm betting that one is made out of fish treats for cat familiars, though."
"Did you want to wear it, Descartes, or eat it?" Severus queried, unsurprised at the excited answer. Severus dangled it in front of him and Descartes scarfed it down. After seeing Descartes doing it, Radiance wanted to do the same, while Ebony was content to wear his snack for now.
"Oh look, Severus, Kay is going to try it," Jennifer said with amusement, and Severus turned his attention to the Patronus Ring. "I wonder what her Patronus is?"
"You won't have to wonder for long," Severus pointed out, giving Quintin a dollar to stop pestering him.
As Kay stepped up to take her turn, Quintin returned with a multi-color stick of cotton candy, planting himself back in front of them. Fortunately, his parents were much too distracted to comment on it, watching as the two contestants drew their wands up and then cast their Patronuses. Jennifer was both delighted and impressed when Kay's Patronus ended up being a cat-o-nine-tails, her love for magical creatures shining through as it boldly went to take on Ray's wolverine. But the wolverine was a master of getting down low and began attacking the cat's legs, while the cat quickly retaliated, its tails going every which way to catch the beast off guard. For a few minutes they dodged each other at a stalemate, so it was almost a surprise when one of them finally broke from the pattern and Ray's wolverine attacked, managing to bring the beast down. Clapping could be heard closer to the ring.
"Well drat, I thought for sure she had the upper edge there! That was quite a match, wasn't it?" Jennifer said.
"I believe if she had been taken that match more seriously, Kay would have won," Severus commented. "In fact, it almost looked as if she had let him in the end. The cat didn't seem to try and defend itself when the wolverine changed its tactics."
"Hm, maybe you do have a point," Jennifer decided as she watched Kay leave the ring with a smile. "Maybe she didn't want him to lose face if she had won."
"You should help her get over that," Severus suggested. Jennifer looked at him with a searching smile.
"Severus, are you actually encouraging me to meddle?" Jennifer taunted him.
"Well, it isn't as if I've ever been able to stop you, have I? What other choice do I have?" Severus inquired.
But before Jennifer could make any sense of that, a shadow loomed over them from the aisle, and she had the displeasure of looking up to see Steve Mason standing on the steps leading down in tailored white dress robes and golden gloves, tie, and gold handkerchief for good measure.
"Professor Snape, an honor," Steve said, adjusting his gloves.
"Mr. Mason," Severus said stiffly.
"Are you competing in the Patronus Ring today, Ms. Craw?" Steve asked her evenly.
"No, I'm not planning on it. I really don't think my Patronus would be very fair in such a competition," Jennifer admitted. "We are just relaxing and enjoying the show today."
"I see. I suppose some things never change, then," Steve said, evidently believing that Jennifer was likely avoiding the competition so that her Patronus wasn't swiftly pummeled in front of an audience.
"I don't like you," Quintin said in such a dangerous tone that Jennifer quickly pulled him back, putting her arms around him and vainly attempting to do so without getting sticky.
"What a charming child," Steve said, politely but unsuccessfully attempting to hide is contempt for the boy's fierce gaze and demeanor.
"Thank you, we think so. He is very much like his mother in many ways," Severus replied. "Such a good judge of character."
Somehow Steve managed to look even stiffer than he had before that point, nodding coolly before indignantly pulling up his chin before making his way down to the ring.
"Speaking of characters, his personality is a bit like Abraxas and Lucius mixed into one person, is it not? Except, of course, for the fact that he really has no power whatsoever," Severus concluded with open dislike. Jennifer smiled thinly at his comments, knowing that Severus was making them so that Jennifer wouldn't feel put out about him being there. "Still, considering his self-absorbed confidence level, it'll be interesting to see how he does in the ring. For some reason, I don't think he'd be going down there at all unless he already had a known track record at this game, and unless he's confident going in that he'll be able to make a good showing. Let's stay long enough to see if my prediction is right," he added, sensing that his wife was already looking for an excuse for them to move on to something else.
Letting out a long sigh, Jennifer stood up long enough to get them some ice teas and a lemonade, sitting back down and passing out drinks just as Steve was about to enter the ring.
"I see Ray is still in there at least," Jennifer said.
"For now," Severus said, and Jennifer frowned. So Severus was convinced that Steve would be able to handle Ray, she mused, sipping her tea thoughtfully as she watched the two of them took their places.
Finally, they cast their Patronuses, and facing Ray's wolverine was a large, long-horned bull.
"I see his Patronus still suits him," Severus sneered with amusement.
"It looks tough," Jennifer admitted, and then cringed when the bull charged, nearly trampling the wolverine before quickly turning around and lowering its horns, dissipating the wolverine before it had a chance to get more than a couple of snaps at it.
"Yes, it would appear that our bullheaded friend is going to be there a while," Severus said.
"Oh, no, you are really going to lay it thick when it comes to bull jokes now, aren't you?" Jennifer scowled at him.
"There are also quite a few enticing puns involved in that word, isn't there?"
"Behave, Severus," Jennifer said knowingly, then watched as Lavender decided to step up.
"So does Lavender have anything against our young bull friend?" Severus inquired.
"I don't know, and he's hardly young, is he?" Jennifer retorted.
"Yes, but how else am I going to get that particular pun to work?" Severus wanted to know.
"You're impossible, Severus."
"Thank you," Severus said, completely unoffended and entirely entertained by her disapproving tone, gesturing to turn her attention back to the ring.
As Lavender cast, a sleek and beautiful dog came out of it. Lavender took a step back as if very surprised at what had come out. It was perhaps a greyhound or a whippet or some other fast breed; it was too hard to tell from its white ghostly appearance. But while it managed to run circles around the bull for a while, the bull finally charged and chased it off, and a rather bewildered Lavender trudged off the stage.
"It looks as if her Patronus changed on her unexpectedly, doesn't it?" Jennifer said.
"Yes," Severus agreed. "She must have not thought to check it before entering the competition."
"No, probably not," Jennifer agreed as one of Steve's nephews went up to try and take his uncle on. Ajay seemed to be lined up too, and right behind him was his father. "Looks like there are a few brave students down there, plus Harry Cole."
"I doubt any of them will be able to take on Steve Mason, though," Severus admitted.
"Why don't you go down there?" Jennifer suggested brightly. "I'd love to see that."
"You're simply trying to get me to show you my Patronus, which I definitely will not do," Severus said firmly. Jennifer pouted. "And that tactic won't work either. You will simply have to wait. Whitebridge finishes the school year three days before we do, correct?"
"Yes," Jennifer confirmed.
"Well, when you return to the school, I promise that I will tell you then, but not before. And no snooping," he added.
"You really are being mysterious, aren't you?" Jennifer said.
"You prefer it when I'm being mysterious," Severus pointed out, Jennifer sighing with exasperation. She heard a soft bear growl and looked up as Wind stepped down to their level.
"Ah, hello again Jennifer, Severus, Quintin. Fancy running into you again," Wind said as if it was a coincidental meeting. But Jennifer squinted warily, wondering if it was as coincidental as he pretended it was. "Hoping to see someone take down Steve Mason, I take it?" Wind asked.
"Yes, where is Kevin this year? I thought he was the top champion at this game," Jennifer asked.
"It is hard to see from this angle, but he's the referee this year," Wind explained. "Which means that someone else will have to step up and take him out this year."
"I've been trying to talk Severus into going down there, but he's not budging," Jennifer explained.
"I see," Wind said calmly.
"So perhaps you ought to go down there and put him in his place?" Jennifer suggested hopefully.
"Jennifer, you know as well as I do that there is only one person in this stadium who could possibly 'put Steve Mason in his place'."
"Yes, I quite agree," Severus said supportively.
"Oh, no," Jennifer said, putting up her hands in protest. "Don't even go there." Wind nodded at her with an approving smile. "I don't need to give him another reason to come after me."
"Don't think of it as another reason to come after you, Jennifer," Severus replied. "Think of it as giving him another reason to leave you alone."
"Yes, that's right," Wind said, nodding approvingly.
"Hey! No fair ganging up on me," Jennifer protested.
"Jennifer, do you or do you not owe me one, for my looking the other way about a certain incident that happened on school property?" Wind reminded her. She grew wide-eyed with alarm, shaking her head slightly in an attempt to keep him quiet around Severus.
"Oh? What incident?" Severus inquired with interest.
"I'm sure it's nothing particularly worth mentioning, Severus. I simply was reminding her that she owes me one. Or do I need you to refresh your memory, Jennifer?" Wind inquired.
"Fine, fine! I'll go down there! I really don't have a chance when you're both egging me on anyway," Jennifer said, setting her tea down and checking her wand as she followed Wind down the stairs.
"Come, Quintin, you can sit in the big chair for this one," Severus suggested. Quintin happily climbed on his mother's chair so he could see better.
By the time Wind and Jennifer got down there, Harry Cole was already in the ring, figuring that if anything had a chance at that bull, his reindeer would. But despite the fact that his reindeer's antlers helped extend his reach as it went for a forward attack, the bull's strength won out, finally able to toss the reindeer aside. As Harry hopped down off the stage instead of taking the ramp, he glanced between Wind and Jennifer.
"You going to take Steve out, Wind? Nothing defeats a bull like a bear does," Harry said with a grin.
"While that is true, I believe Jennifer should have the honor of going next," Wind said.
"I'd better get to my seat quickly, then," Harry decided, and hurried towards the amphitheatre while Jennifer took her time coming up the ramp.
"Oh, hey, Bludger," Kevin said with surprise when she appeared at the top of the ramp. "I thought you said your Patronus wasn't appropriate for this."
"It isn't, but Wind Elk wouldn't take no for an answer again," Jennifer explained.
"Good luck then. I have to be impartial but uh..."
"Thank you," Jennifer chuckled, walking to the opposite side of the ring. "Alright, Steve. It looks like you're going to have your chance to see my Patronus after all. You can thank Wind for that."
"I'll thank him after I trample yours," Steve said evenly.
"You might want to see it first before you make any claims on trampling it," Jennifer warned.
"I don't care what it is. No Dark Witch is going to defeat me in a contest involving a Light Spell of the highest order," Steve told her indignantly, taking his place.
"Yes, alright. Don't say I didn't warn you," Jennifer said, calmly taking her spot as well.
"Wand salute," Kevin said, and they both held their wands to their faces, gazing at each other as they brought them down again. "On my mark, cast your Patronuses," he instructed, making sure they were in position. "Cast!"
Steve was quick to cast, his proud, stalwart bull large enough that the top of its head was actually taller than Jennifer, easily double the size of a normal ox, and it stamped the ground threateningly. But Jennifer ignored it, calmly casting her own Patronus. She was completely unsurprised when both Steve and Kevin became as white as sheets, because towering high above them was a full sized male dragon, and he looked far from happy about being disturbed.
The dragon let out a deafening roar that echoed through the amphitheatre and reached all corners of the school, leaving everyone's ears ringing. In the silence that fell afterwards, Severus allowed himself a moment of triumph, immediately recognizing the dragon as his own door guard.
Jennifer's dragon wrapped his jaws around the bull's back and probably would have had lunch had either of them been actual creatures. But as it was, Steve's Patronus retreated, and a loud applause erupted as Jennifer walked towards the edge of the ring.
"Hey, wait! You're supposed to stay and defend!" Kevin reminded her.
"Oh, no thank you! I think I've made my point already," Jennifer decided. "Please continue, I don't want to ruin anyone's fun. Are we caught up in favors now, Wind?" she asked, seeing that Wind had come up the ramp.
"Well done, Jennifer," Wind agreed with a smile. "It's alright, Kevin. I will take over for Jennifer," he offered.
"Either way, I think it'll have the same result. No one else is likely to win today," Kevin said with a chuckle. "The two of you are unbeatable."
"Yes, that's the general idea," Wind agreed, ignoring the fact that Steve had yet to move, both stunned and furious at the result.
Not long after making her way back up to the stands, Jennifer led Severus and the very tired Quintin inside, and they were all grateful for the sudden quiet.
"I want to go to bed," Quintin declared.
"Yes, alright, but I promised your father I would show him something," Jennifer explained, finding the right key and leading them into the art room. "Here it is, Severus. This one is going to be the control when it's finished," she said, showing them the portrait with both Wind and her together in it. The two of them were smiling warmly, rough but mostly finished, while the background was just getting penciled in around them.
"I see. So both of your images will be the security control," Severus said, finding himself rather fascinated with how their mentor and student relationship somehow came out in their still subtle movements.
"It was Wind's idea to have us both sit for it, actually. Part of the reason was to help anchor the wilder side of his nature, and part of it was to offer two different perspectives and advice if it's required down the road," Jennifer replied. "Alicia is doing a fantastic job with it, don't you think?"
"Oh yes, she really has come a long way. I must find time to see it when it's finished as well," Severus agreed.
"Does Mum love Wind?" Quintin wondered as he looked at the portrait.
"Yes, Quintin. Wind is like a second father to me," Jennifer explained with a smile, taking his hand as they made their way back out of the room.
"One father is enough for me," Quintin decided.
"Thank you," Severus replied.
"And one Mum!" he added.
"And one Quintin," Jennifer said mischievously.
"Yes, wouldn't that be nice," Severus said dryly, and Jennifer chuckled at him as she walked them to the Gatehouse.