Chapter Sixty-Four

Upgrades

The next morning, Jennifer arrived for breakfast just to have Lavender shove a newspaper in her face.

"Look who made the front page of the Wizardview," Lavender said, waving the New York paper in front of her.

"And the Daily Prophet," Gretchen added for good measure, showing the other paper with the photo of her standing in front of the ROM machine.

"Where did you get those?" Jennifer laughed at them.

"Oh, I got the Wizardview from S&S, but Alicia Pyther brought in a giant stack of the Daily Prophet and left them right inside the doors of the Assembly building this morning," Lavender said, showing Jennifer that she had a copy as well.

Suddenly Frank peered over Gretchen's shoulder and scoffed.

"Are you still looking at that? Jennifer's ROM device? That's old news! It happened yesterday!" Frank said so flippantly that even Jennifer put her hands on her hips. "Fortunately for you, I happen to have here the very latest Jennifer Craw news! The newest that you can find anywhere," he bragged, holding up a stack of school newspapers. "In fact, it is so new, that I don't think that Jennifer Craw herself is aware of it... keep your specs up..." he added when the slid down, smacking the issue of the Whitebridge Gazette so close to her face that she couldn't read him if she wanted to. She took it from him just to get it out of her face.

"Hey, hey, hey! It's the election results! And what's this I see? Look, I got voted in as Physical Arts Rep!" Lavender said excitedly.

"Congratulations. I now get to come to you with all of my problems," Frank said.

"Oh, yeah. What did I just get myself into?" Lav joked. "Looks like Sue got Academics and Kevin got Athletics."

"Sure, that one is a shock," Kay said dryly.

"Well, it definitely looks like someone is shocked," Frank teased Jennifer, who was staring at the newspaper.

In fact, she looked as if she was in desperate need of a chair. The moment that the cafeteria doors opened, she walked over to her table still staring at the paper, and sat down without even bothering to get a cup of coffee. Lav smiled at her stunned expression and poured them both a cup of coffee, bringing it over and setting it in front of her.

"This one's on me, President Craw," Lav said.

"Now, don't you start," Jennifer said, but her friend only grinned at her and sat down, the other two teachers soon joining them. "I am happy you were selected as one the representatives, Lav... and I am thrilled to no end that your mother is now the school board chairman," Jennifer said. "But how did I get voted Academy President? I'm not even going to teaching here next year."

"That's easy," Kay said. "You got President because everyone who filled out one of those voting slips voted for you. Including me."

"And me," Gretchen added.

"And me, and the wolf den trio and... hell, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who didn't vote for you," Lav admitted. "You saved the school, Jennifer."

"I was just... excuse me," Jennifer said, flustered. She walked over to where Wind and Brenda had just sat down. Beside Brenda was a stack of folders and a copy of the school paper set on top of them.

"Good morning, President Craw," Wind said warmly when she approached.

"Good morning, boss!" Brenda teased for good measure. "Congratulations on that successful ROM device test!"

"Oh, yes, congratulations indeed. We are so proud of you, Jennifer," Wind added.

"Yes, fine, thanks and all, but... I can't be Academy President! I'm going home," Jennifer pointed out.

"Don't worry, Jennifer. Brenda will send all of your paperwork to Hogwarts," Wind replied unconcernedly.

"Sure, we'll make sure you're never out of the loop," Brenda said. "It'll be easy once we get the last of those paintings done, and Wind Elk has one of those mirrors for emergencies."

"Besides, you'll only have to drop by for meetings once a month, and I'm certain we can work out a schedule that's suitable despite the time difference," Wind replied.

"This is your way of telling me that you're not going to let me out of this, are you?" Jennifer said flatly, Wind smiling at that. "But surely there has to be someone else more appropriate to take that spot! There are lots of other teachers that have been here for years who I'm sure would be better. I am nothing but a one year exchange Professor on a forced sabbatical-"

"Oh, Jennifer. Just when I think you're over this, you backslide, don't you?" Wind said with exasperated smile, standing up. "Come along, let's take a walk together."

"No, really. I'm not letting you talk me into one of your schemes this time," Jennifer told him. "I'm not caving in not matter what you say."

"I see," Wind said cordially. Jennifer squinted at him.

"Every time you say 'I see' like that, I know you're not going to budge," Jennifer said flatly.

"The garden is quite pretty today, isn't it? Summer will be here before we know it," Wind commented.

"I'm a Craw, you know. We can't be outstubborned, no matter how hard you try," Jennifer warned.

"Which is why I don't try," Wind replied.

"And yet somehow you always manage to get me to do what you want me to anyway!" Jennifer said with frustration.

"Yes, because in the end, you realize that what I want is exactly what it was that you wanted to do all along, and you simply didn't know it yet," Wind replied. "But that isn't really what I wanted to talk to you about. After all, I can't really force you to become the Academy President if you don't want to be. Even so, there are a few projects I would like to get your advice on. This whole idea of becoming a charter school is as new to me as to everyone else, and before you leave this year, I would like to get your opinion on a project or two," he explained, walking next to the Media Room and opening up an empty classroom next to it. "Do you suppose this room will be big enough to house the Wizard Wireless station? After all, I don't think I'm going to have much trouble getting it past the board now, do you?"

"Unlikely," Jennifer admitted, a bit exasperated by the change of subject. She peered in. "Well, it may need a bit of work, but I think there's room enough. You'll want to add an aerial to the dorms, of course."

"Do you suppose I should assign Frank to be in charge of the new media program?" Wind inquired.

"Oh, I think it'd be better if he were the new Items Instructor, don't you?" Jennifer recommended. "Still, if it were me, I'd probably give him the choice. Maybe he's ready to branch out a bit. I do know that he's been worried about not having a job since the Wizardnet went out."

"Nonsense. I'd never let a good teacher go if he wanted to stay, Jennifer," Wind replied.

"Yes, that's what I told him too," Jennifer admitted.

"And I think, if the Wizardnet does ever recover, I may have the programming course as an elective that is taught in the Industry room, since they do have room for it," Wind suggested.

"Yes, that does make sense. But it will be just an elective, right?" Jennifer asked suspiciously.

"You did say something to me about being in favor of increasing the Defense requirement instead," Wind reminded her.

"Without a doubt. You should add year at the minimum, but two years would be better. We require five at Hogwarts, you know, but at least with four, I know all of the basics covered. I don't want to see any more students coming out of this school without the faintest idea on how to take a defensive stance if the find themselves in a wand battle," Jennifer said.

"True, true. We should probably continue the Competitive Defense Club next year regardless," Wind suggested.

"Most definitely," Jennifer agreed. Wind gestured to the Potion Lab as they walked by.

"You know, Lav mentioned to me once that you thought out Potion Lab needed an upgrade as well," Wind prompted.

"Well, you must admit it's a bit old fashioned as far as potion labs go, Wind, and it is quite jarring to go from the high school lab to the one in the Healing School which is completely up to date with the best equipment one can buy," Jennifer said. "I'm not saying it needs to be as up to date or as expensive as the college's lab, of course, and it doesn't have to be as elaborate as the one at Hogwarts either, but it could do with some updating."

"What would you suggest?" Wind inquired.

"Honestly?" Jennifer asked reluctantly.

"Yes, of course, your honest opinion," Wind agreed.

"I'd probably level the building and build a new one," Jennifer admitted, pausing in front of it. "Look, there's a lot of room back here, and you have redundant paths around the building on top of it. It'd be easy to extend it a few feet on both sides and greatly increase the inside area even without a spatial spell, and it'll give you a chance to upgrade the security along with everything else."

"True, but it'd be an expensive fix," Wind said.

"Well, fortunately for you, I have connections... namely, my brother-in-law," Jennifer said. "He's on a bit of a sabbatical himself at the moment, but once he gets back, I may be able to get the school a good deal, either through him specifically or someone he knows."

"It would probably have to wait anyway, if we're going to put the Wizard Wireless station in this summer," Wind commented.

"True," Jennifer agreed.

"Although we should probably mention both of the projects at our first board meeting next week, just so we can plan ahead for it," Wind suggested. Jennifer stopped in her tracks, putting her hands on her hips and staring at him critically. "And while you're at it, you should also probably mention your thoughts on changing the Defense requirements as well. After all, if we're going to do that, we need to get word out to the parents as quickly as possible, as soon as we decide which will be the first graduating class that is going to apply to. You did want that changed, didn't you, President Craw?"

"You tricked me," Jennifer said flatly.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Wind said evenly.

"Don't you give me that! I know better!" Jennifer laughed in disbelief. "You have done nothing but spent the entire time on this walk getting opinions on things that you know I want to see improved here, enticing me to share my views on where I'd take this school next in an attempt to persuade me to take that board position."

"In that you are incorrect, Jennifer. I cannot persuade you to take a position when it is quite evident that you already have it," Wind said. "Look at the gardens, Jennifer. Look at them and see them for what they are," he said, and she sighed and looked up. That was when she noticed that, for the first time since she had been at Whitebridge, she could see every path, both above and below. Every nook, every roundabout, and every hidden fountain was as obvious to her as if the gardens weren't enchanted at all.

"I'm not sure I like that," Jennifer said flatly. Wind chuckled.

"It is only revealing itself in this way because of our discussion about renovations. Close your eyes and look again," Wind coaxed, and she did so. Now it was back to normal, except now she was seeing more of the students than usual, heading for their first classes, but still at a casual pace that let her know there was a good ten minutes left. "There, now. I will show you other ways to look at the garden before we leave, so we can make more plans." Jennifer sighed with exasperation. "This is your school as much as it is mine now, there's really no denying it. It is futile to even try, you know."

"Wind, I'm going back to Hogwarts," Jennifer reminded him again.

"Jennifer, you have eight children and love each one, do you not?" Wind asked. Jennifer blinked. "Surely a witch who has enough heart for eight children also has heart enough for two schools."

Jennifer let out a long exhale and shook her head with a smile.

"I can't win. I can't win, and I am certainly not doing anything but digging myself in deeper for trying. I suppose there's really no way around it. Apparently I'm part of two schools now," Jennifer said in resignation.

"In many ways, you always have been," Wind informed her with a smile.

It seemed like no time at all before she was saying goodbye to her students, hugging Truman and sending them all on their way with finished projects to take home that they were all proud of. Alicia had pitched in and helped get Radiance and some of the bulkier items home, so that Jennifer wouldn't have to take anything other than her cloak through the Portkey stations.

On that very last day, the room looked pretty bare as she set all of the chairs on the desks and pushed them to the side. Frank was busy organizing the Items closet to give himself a jump start on next year, now that he was named the new Items Instructor.

"I had a crush on you, you know," Frank said without looking over, organizing the crystal trays. "We all did. Despite knowing how futile it was."

"Yes, quite futile, but thank you just the same," Jennifer said with a smile. "If you want my advice, you'll look a bit closer to home. The best girls don't typically come in a catalog, you know. Especially the settling down kind," she observed.

"Ouch," Frank said with a chuckle. "No, that's okay. I'm glad I told you anyway. We've all learned a lot from having you here, and I'm so glad you came to teach."

"I am too," Jennifer agreed with a smile. "But don't worry. You'll see me often enough, now that I've permanent obligations here... both for board meetings and general check-ins, and maybe even a function or two if I can spare the time."

"Looking forward to it," Frank said sincerely.

"See you later, Frank," Jennifer replied, and then wandered out of the room, heading inside to turn in her keys.

But before she went towards Brenda's office, she decided to peek into the Commissary and saw Raymond, Kay, Gretchen, Lav, and Asher sitting at her table. Kay was excitedly waving her over for some reason, and when Jennifer approached she finally saw why, grinning when she saw that the table now had a shiny golden plate on the edge with the word's, "Jennifer Craw's Table" hammered into it.

"Who's idea was this?" Jennifer asked.

"Oh, I made it," Asher said sheepishly. Jennifer came up behind him and kissed the top of his head. He let out a contented sigh.

"I'll never wash my hair again," Asher declared.

"Try it, and the rest of us will push you in the Swan Pond," Ray warned him, the girls quickly backing him up. Jennifer chuckled.

"Well, I'm heading home. I guess I'll see you guys the next time I come around," Jennifer said.

"We're really going to miss having you here on a daily basis," Asher said, propping his head up.

"Thank you. Try to stay out of trouble, or at least try to narrow the field," Jennifer suggested to Asher.

"I can narrow it down just by comparing them to you, Jennifer. I'm sure there aren't all that many girls that can live up to your standards," Asher said.

"He's hopeless," Ray declared flatly.

"I'm sure you will find someone someday," Jennifer told Asher optimistically.

"And until then, I think Jennifer still needs an escort," Lavender said, getting up. "I'll walk you to the Gatehouse."

"Yes, alright," Jennifer said with a smile. The two of them walked out, stopping by Brenda's office with her keys in hand.

"Oh, you could have just given your set to Frank, Jennifer, but I'm glad you stopped by anyway," Brenda said with a smile. "Thanks for everything this year."

"Yes, thank you as well, it was fun," Jennifer agreed. "I'll see you next month."

"So you will! I'll send you the minutes from our first meeting and any notes you need to your house a week before every meeting," she promised.

"Alright, see you," Jennifer said, and as they were coming out, she spied Wind around the corner.

"Didn't think you'd get out of here without a bear hug, did you?" Wind asked. Jennifer laughed and hugged him warmly. "You are coming back next month, aren't you? I'll send the three wolves after you if you don't," he warned, and she chuckled.

"I'll be back, don't worry. Severus already knows I have permanent obligations here now," Jennifer reminded him.

"Very well. Take care, little squirrel," Wind said with a wave, watching as Jennifer and Lavender walked to the Gatehouse.

"So! Homeward bound at last!" Jennifer said happily.

"Yeah... but before you go, there's something I want to say," Lavender said, looking around carefully before finally turning back to Jennifer. "It's about my first girlfriend, Hannah. I wanted to explain to you what happened."

"Oh. You mean why you broke up abruptly?" Jennifer asked with a frown. "I thought you told me she was jealous of looking at other girls or something."

"Yeah," Lav said, slightly embarrassed. "She broke up with me because I was in love with you," she confessed. Jennifer's jaw dropped. "I know, I could tell you didn't pick up on it," she admitted. "And I know you've always been madly in love with your husband, it was obvious even outside of Coven Night. But um, still," she said with a shrug and a smile. "Kenzie knew about it too, but for some reason, it didn't bother her so much. She just laughed and said, 'everyone falls for Jennifer at one point or another.' Then she brushed it off and told me she loves me anyways. Thanks for hooking us up, by the way. I know you sat at the bar that day for my benefit," she added. "Still friends?"

"Of course we're still friends," Jennifer assured her. "See you at the next meeting, okay?"

"See you then," Lavender said with a smile as Jennifer stepped in and took her first Portkey jump.

Stopping at the Portkey waystation long enough to put her hand on her head and wonder why the Rogue Painting never warned her about that one, Jennifer took the next Portkey over to Ireland. From there she could finally jump the rest of the way back, arriving at the gates of Hogwarts Castle and gazing up at them with a smile.

"Home at last!" she said out loud. She was so busy taking in the castle that she had almost forgotten that Severus had said something in his last note about meeting her at the gates.

Still, he didn't seem to be there. Perhaps he was out of the study and the paintings hadn't told him she was there yet. Then she began to wonder how long she should wait before going in on her own. Perhaps she could surprise him, she thought with a grin.

But before she could step inside the gate, she heard a loud, Caw! Caw! Caw! and looked up.

Squealing in wide-eyed surprise as a Raven dove down from the castle and over to the gates, she let out several more exclamations as the large black bird finally made it to her and landed on her shoulder.

"I don't believe it! I just can't believe what I'm seeing at all!" Jennifer said excitedly, petting the bird lovingly. His head rubbed against her hand in return. "Beautiful! Stupendous! Tremendous! I'm completely bowled over!" she went on as she walked towards the castle. "I swear, when I think you couldn't surprise me any more, you always find ways to do it. That must have taken you all year," she went on, climbing the steps. She walked into the castle, startling Andrew and Laura, who had stopped in the corridor to talk about final exams.

"Welcome back, Mum," Andrew said with a smile.

"Welcome back, Jennifer!" Laura greeted as well. "Nice raven. Did you get a new familiar?"

"Even better," Jennifer grinned happily. "Thank you, Andrew."

"No problem, it was fun," Andrew chuckled, watching as the two of them stepped into the Doorlift.

Laura watched them go thoughtfully, then turned to look at Andrew.

"What was she thanking you for?" Laura asked.

"I'm willing to answer that, but promise not to tell anyone else," Andrew said.

"Fine," Laura said with a shrug.

"That was my father," Andrew explained, turning down the hall. "I've been working with him all year, actually." Laura blinked.

"What? And you never told me? Oh, you are a fine one for secrets!" Laura complained, hurrying to catch up.

"Thanks, it's not easy in this castle," Andrew replied.

"I did not mean that as a complement!" Laura informed them as the two went back towards their classrooms.