Thanks to all of you who took the time to review my story, it really helps making it better:)
AN: chapter betaed by the amazing Miette and dstone12!
The next morning, Severus awoke with the sensation of having had weird dreams in unnaturally bright colours with high detail, and the picture of a majestic tree imprinted in his mind. Feeling unsettled and half-asleep, he accioed his slippers and startled badly when they flew past him and smacked into the wall next his bed with a resonating thud. Immediately feeling far more clear-headed, he blinked as he spotted the dent left by the slippers into the wall.
Taking stock of himself, Severus realised that the uncomfortable buzzing of magic under his skin had settled, replaced by the feeling of a well of power at his disposal. Mòr must have passed his
ritual.
On cue, Dhaal Sensed him the picture of the majestic tree of his dreams — a very old oak tree, supplied his now fully functional brain — with several Faery buzzing in and out of it. Severus was sure no such an oak had been on Caspian's grounds the night before. It really seemed like Mòr had passed the Ritual. Severus itched with curiosity. He could not wait to speak with the Esquire — was he still an Esquire after founding his Tree?
Severus laughed as Dhaal Sensed him another picture of himself chasing two giggling very tiny Faery — Mòr's children if Severus had to guess. For once, the Thestral was up before Severus. Only his insatiable curiosity could push Dhaal out of bed before nine.
Sighing to himself, Severus stretched up then made his way to the training room to go through the same exercises as the day before. He was amazed at the difference that having a Tree made. He could not wait to fight one of the voktere again.
Afterwards, he sat down for breakfast with multiple parchment sheets to review everything he had on blocking the Marks.
Potions/Drugs:
Muggle anaesthesia (Petunia's mix) = decrease the size of the Mark in the pattern / No visible side effect
Core stabilising potion = lessen the size of the Mark / Headache and vertigo
Stones:
Black tourmaline = separate the Mark from the pattern and separate the link to and from Voldemort from the rest of the Mark/ Loss of consciousness as long as touches the skin (tested up to 5mn of contact)
White quartz = separate the Mark from the pattern at the area it touches the skin / Nausea
Green malachite = separate the links to and from Voldemort from the rest of the Mark / Nausea and vertigo
Creature parts:
Dragon skin= separate the Mark from the pattern and separate the link to and from Voldemort from the rest of the Mark / Loss of consciousness as long as touches the skin (tested up to 5mn of contact)
Thestral hair-tail = decrease the size of the Mark in the pattern / No visible side effect
Nundu saliva (ten times diluted) = lessen the hold of the Mark on the pattern/ Nausea
Runes:
Mannaz (the self) = separate the links coming from Voldemort from the rest of the Mark / Nausea and vertigo
Othila (separation, withdrawal) = separate the Mark from the pattern / Loss of consciousness and seizure (tested up to 1mn)
Algiz (protection) = separate the links going to and from Voldemort from the rest of the Mark / Nausea
Eiwhaz (defence) = separate the Mark from the pattern / Loss of consciousness and seizure (tested up to 1mn)
Shì (self) = separate the links going to and from Voldemort from the rest of the Mark / Vertigo
Rán (correct) = separate the Mark from the pattern / Loss of consciousness and seizure (tested up to 1mn)
Amazigh (free) = separate the links to and from Voldemort from the rest of the Mark / Nausea and vertigo
Plants:
Agripaume (in solution) = decrease the size of the Mark/ No visible side effect
Angélique (crushed leaves) = disrupt the pattern around the Mark/ Vertigo
Chrysantellum (dry flowers) = separate the links to and from Voldemort from the rest of the Mark / Nausea
Kudzu (root powder) = numb the link coming from Voldemort/ Light nausea and headache
Valériane (rhizome) = decrease the size of the Mark/ Light nausea
Severus sighed as he read over the various sheets for the umpteenth time. Those were the ingredients with the most potential. Some of them seemed to produce the same effect to his Sense, but their secondary effects were different, which meant he was missing something. He was also persuaded that he had everything needed to block the Marks, but he was stuck about how to harmonise the various ingredients so that they would not harm the bearer of the Mark.
Severus had the feeling that he needed to find the way to attune the ingredients to the bearers of the Mark, like he had done while working on the Lupacem. However, while he instinctively knew how to attune a potion to a specific drinker, Maverick was the one who had created the specific wands for the Werewolves. Narcissa might have pointers for him as a Healer used to work with her patients' patterns, but what he really needed was a Wandmaker.
Bridge-making was the only art that could only be taught through an Apprenticeship, and according to the rumours, the Wandmaker was always the one who found his Apprentice, not the other way around. Severus had no hope of learning the Art in a book.
Could he ask for Maverick's help under a privacy contract? When they had worked together in Kyirong, they had seldom spoken of politics. The only thing Severus was sure of was that Maverick disliked Dumbledore. He had no idea which House the man had belonged to, if he had even gone to Hogwarts. And even if the man accepted, could he really involve Maverick when the Death Eaters had been pronounced terrorists and the Marks themselves broke so many fundamental magical and ethical laws? Wouldn't the Wandmaker Code of Ethics be enough to create a loophole into any privacy contract?
He took a sip of coffee and grimaced as he realised he had let it go cold. Casting a quick Tempus, Severus realised that it was already far later in the morning than he had thought. He had to leave in a rush to make it in time to Gringotts for his meeting with Hoardrock.
"Good morning Lord Caspian!" welcomed Hoardrock loudly as Severus entered his office. "How are you feeling this bright morning?"
Severus could not help but feel suspicious. Putting options on lands and adding a few members to his House could not be the reasons for the Goblin's "glinty-eyed" cheerfulness bordering on glee.
"Good morning Master Hoardrock. The sun is indeed shining brightly today."
"I noticed that you acquired a Tree during the night. You will have to tell me how you managed to find a Faery who could identify with your motto so soon!"
"It was all Tuei," answered Severus honestly.
Hoardrock looked at him pensively.
"The worst thing is that I believe you. We still have no idea why after so many years as a free Elf, she finally decided to adopt you."
"My charming personality I'm sure," answered Severus wryly, though he was intrigued by what Hoardrock was implying. "You wanted to see me?" he added pointedly.
"Please have a seat," answered Hoardrock, pointing Severus toward a seat further from his desk than usual.
Severus obeyed, feeling curious.
The Goblin opened a file on his desk and took out several sheets from it, then retrieved a stone from another drawer and put everything on the small table across from Severus. He put the sheets on top of each other, then set the stone on the top of the pile. Then, he tapped the stone lightly.
Severus watched in surprise as the stone reacted like Master Rhys' had, projecting a three dimensional map of what he quickly recognised as Spinner's End. Caspian Manor and its grounds were in blue. The buffer zones between the manor and the Muggles were in red. The areas that Severus had asked Hoardrock to purchase yesterday were in green. Then there were two other big areas, one yellow and one purple.
Severus looked at Hoardrock askance.
"Lord Caspian, as you have no doubt realised, this is a map of your Manor and its surroundings," began Hoardrock, suddenly looking very serious. "You will be pleased to know that I have bought the areas you asked for yesterday for a fee that was incredibly low. As we discussed previously, I believe that it will allow you to comfortably expand your House. You now possess enough land to give your members privacy while keeping them close enough to protect and to create the necessary bonds between them."
Severus had thought that he and Lucius were fast when they had bought several properties in two weeks.
Hoardrock shuffled the sheets, and the green and red areas turned blue, while another buffer area appeared all around the new perimeter of Caspian's grounds.
Severus almost pinched himself. He could not believe he was the owner of this entire estate.
"Now, I want us to discuss a proposal that I have for you, concerning the yellow and purple areas," stated Hoardrock.
The Goblin's tone would have made Severus sit straighter if he had been one to let his thoughts show. This was the true purpose for their meeting.
"You are one among the painfully few Wizards who have had dealings with many magical races without antagonising them unduly, and who wish to keep developing your relationship with them. You also are in the unique situation of being a new House which allows you to choose the direction you wish to give House Caspian's development."
Meaning that Severus was not restrained by centuries of previous agreements that limited how much and how fast some Purebloods could alter their House's politics.
"You must have noticed that apart from Sanctuaries, there are few places where more than three different magical races live together peacefully."
In fact, Severus knew of none, aside from Hogwarts and Bǎo, where more than two magical races cohabited, and they managed mostly by ignoring each other.
Hoardrock seemed to echo his thoughts.
"In England, Hogwarts is the meeting place for political agreements between various magical races, as well as for academic exchanges. However, it has never been a place of trade, and several voices have begun protesting against the influence that Hogwarts' Headmaster holds on the place and its inhabitants."
Severus was beginning to feel faint. Surely, Hoardrock was not proposing what he thought he was.
"It has been brought to my attention that Caspian's grounds were developing new magical flows at an impressive rate, and that their intensity was already on par with those of several minor Houses. I confirmed it during my visit yesterday, and I believe that they will be even more impressive in a few weeks when your Tree has settled. The flows that course through your grounds are bound to spread to the areas in yellow and purple," explained Hoardrock, gesturing toward the map. "It will appeal to many magical creatures as it creates the perfect conditions to set up most magical businesses, no matter their field. It will appeal to many creatures, even those you don't want near you, be it Ghouls, Gnomes, the Black House or Land Qiada. Which is why I advise you to buy these lands as well and then lease it to those you approve of."
Hoardrock really wanted Severus to rush his House through years of growth.
"Buying so much land won't be cheap," remarked Severus, trying to look at the Goblin's proposal rationally and without panicking.
The yellow and purple areas were three times bigger than Caspian grounds after its new additions.
"This is where it becomes interesting," stated Hoardrock with a toothy smile. "Most of these areas belong to derelict mills which have been sitting abandoned for the past ten to fifteen years. The buildings and grounds are so polluted that it will cost several millions of pounds for the Muggles to purify them. I assure you they will be more than happy to sell to us for a trifle."
"Do you know a magical means of easily depolluting soiled grounds?" asked Severus, intrigued despite his reservation.
"The Dwarves have developed a very impressive and effective method for purifying or as the muggles call it "remediating" such derelict structures and polluted grounds. It is expensive, but it's nothing compared to what I expect you to earn from this investment. And I suspect that Master Rhys will be more than willing to negotiate a fair contract with you for this "remediation" project."
Severus nodded slowly.
"I suppose you have a plan to involve House Caspian's allies so that they may share both our investments and our rewards."
Hoardrock's eyes seemed to glow with satisfaction and predatory anticipation.
"I have begun drafting proposals depending on your Allies' known business interests. You will lease the land to them and they will invest into building businesses. I also thought we could ask a few of the most neutral Redes to invest too."
Severus looked at the Goblin pensively. He felt like Hoardrock was pushing too fast, no doubt to help his own goblin politics. Yet, he could not deny that it would benefit House Caspian greatly.
"Alright. You may draft every proposal you wish to. My Allies are to be considered first in this, though I am not opposed to opening this investment to some neutral Redes if their investment remains small at first. We'll review all of your proposals together before formalising them or discarding them. Don't forget to add in the proposal a... "right of refusal" reserved for the Head of House Caspian "with cause" for anything not covered in the proposal and/or subsequent contract," added Severus, remembering one of his lessons with Lucius.
He paused, getting up to study the three dimensional map carefully before looking at Hoardrock with determination and pointed out a very precise area on the map, at the limit of the buffer zone with the Muggles and the future business area and the furthest away from Caspian Manor.
"I also want you to work on putting an entrance to the Room of Crossings here, which will be controlled by House Caspian in the same spirit that Family Ressurs use their own."
For the first time, surprise showed on Hoardrock's face, quickly followed by pride.
"With pleasure my Lord. Everything should be ready in two weeks."
"Don't rush it, Master Hoardrock," warned Severus. "I'd rather you take three weeks and be thorough than miss this opportunity because we went too fast."
The Goblin bowed lightly.
"I will present you the proposals once they have been properly reviewed."
Severus nodded.
"I will discuss the project with the rest of my House. I believe we will need at least Mrs Tonks' input on this."
He paused, tilting his head as he considered the map Hoardrock had drawn.
"If we buy the yellow and purple area, roughly 80 to 85% or so of Spinner's End will belong to House Caspian. You may as well consider buying the entire district if we can afford it."
Hoardrock offered him a gleeful smile which revealed his pointy teeth.
"I believe I will convert you to my way of thinking, Lord Caspian."
Severus laughed.
"Yes, you are dangerously contagious."
They spent the next twenty minutes reviewing House Caspian's assets and income. The House's income had increased thanks to their allies' distribution of the Lupacem all over the world. Severus was surprised to learn that Australia but Peru as well were big consumers for the Lupacem coupled to the Werewolves' specific Bridge. The Bridges were far more popular than Severus had expected despite being expensive, which showed that classic wands really were not adapted to Werewolves. It meant that, with careful planning of expenses, House Caspian could afford Spinner's End without spending all its budget.
Severus also asked Hoardrock to begin a plan for establishing his apothecary on Caspian's grounds, with a firm demand to consult Andromeda before drafting a proposal for Severus' review. The sooner he began selling his adapted potions the better for his finances and future projects. His gel to protect hair from potions fumes had been approved by Saint Mungo two weeks ago, and the Hospital was eagerly awaiting its production. He only needed a place to make it and potioneers to brew it. Andromeda had told him rather unsubtly that some of the potential House members she had in mind were gifted in Potion making. He made a note on his to-do-list to have her arrange interviews for hiring only.
He already knew that the apothecary would be named Eïleen's Apothecary. After all, soon, his House would be strong enough for him to tell the world that he was Mother's son without fearing how it could impact his standing among the Death Eaters.
He left Hoardrock feeling both proud and overwhelmed, but did not have the time to overly worry about the future as he went to see Mòr – now Chieftain Mòr– to congratulate him on the creation of Tree Caspian and to meet his family. Then he had a quick lunch in his office that he barely tasted, pouring over his notes on the Marks as he racked his brain to find a new way to look at the problem that did not involve Wandmakers.
Far too soon, it was time for the first Death Eaters meeting since he had cut off Moody's leg. He wondered if Lucius would be able to feel the influence of the Marks more clearly now that he was aware of it.
Severus went to the meeting prepared to keep his cool but prove that he was Lord Caspian and had been right to adopt the Tonks into his House.
He was not surprised when Lady Walburga Black honed on him only minutes following his arrival, Bellatrix lurking behind her aunt while the other Death Eaters conspicuously listened in at a safe distance.
"Good evening Lord Caspian," greeted Lady Black, her voice deceptively warm while her eyes were colder than ice.
"Good evening Lady Black," answered Severus with a light bow, his voice calm and steady.
"We did not have much time to speak together since you joined us, with so many commitments already vying for both our time. I thought it was a shame as I had great hope for you despite my niece's misgivings and the... youth of your line. But I must say that after your failure with Moody and the adoption of a blood-traitor, I am inclined to believe that Bella was right and that you are not really invested in our cause."
Severus looked at her straight in the eyes, allowing his face to show how unimpressed he was with her arguments.
"Lady Black, you seem to have missed the part where I'm not responsible for the Moody disaster. Our Lord said so himself. As for adopting a blood-traitor, I am sure you won't be surprised that my definition of the word and yours are not completely aligned, no doubt because of the youth of my line."
She pursed her lips, unimpressed with his defence as well.
"Well, what can you expect from a Halfblood of a low wizarding line who thought that a Mudblood hung the moon to the point of continuously humiliating himself for her despite her rejections. One could almost suspect that you joined the Death Eaters to better protect her."
Severus raised an eyebrow at her, allowing his mouth to form a slightly mocking smile.
"You are still giving credit to this rumour? Of course, it makes so much sense that after she ended our friendship because I called her a Mudblood, I left Hogwarts, passed my NEWTs during the summer, went on an apprenticeship without any outside contact except for letters, came back with four masteries, created the Lupacem, joined the Death Eaters, built my own House and supported Lord Voldemort's campaign effort, all this because I'm a Slytherin "love struck" all this time for a Muggleborn who married my school enemy and gave birth to our Lord's potential murderer."
From the corner of his eyes, Severus saw the other Death Eaters nod at his arguments.
Lady Walburga inclined her head, offering him a cold smile.
"Ah yes, it's so easy to forget your achievements when you behave like one of Dumbledore's worst followers."
"You can't deny that you're trying to sow dissent within our ranks by adopting Andromeda," hissed Bella, suddenly coming closer to them. "You are trying to disavow our House by adopting her when we branded her a blood-traitor."
Severus met her eyes calmly.
"Mrs Tonks' abilities and fierceness are impressive. Moreover, she comes from a renowned magical bloodline. You cannot deny that she will bring strength to my House."
Lady Walburga subtly put her hand on Bellatrix's arm to prevent her from speaking. Severus' words were a compliment to her House and all those present knew it.
"Well. I suppose we might as well have one House for the Low Bloods and Blood-Traitors to keep an eye on them and ensure they are making themselves useful."
The older woman paused, tilting her head in false thoughtfulness.
"My dear, you are close to Augustus aren't you? You should really ask him where his disgraced daughter is. A bloodline like the Prince's will certainly help your House."
Severus could not prevent himself from tensing up at her words. He barely managed not to clench his right hand into a fist, and let out a controlled breath to make his body relax.
He had no idea how to answer her, and felt his anger grow at the victorious glint in Lady Walburga and Bellatrix's eyes.
To his relief, Augustus intervened.
He admired his grandfather as the older man spoke up in an even voice.
"My dear Walburga, I've told you several times that my daughter is dead. She has been for several years now. But I would have been more than happy if Severus had accepted her into House Caspian."
"Even though you disowned her?" said Bellatrix, incredulous.
"Even though I disowned her," echoed Augustus.
"What would Lucius have thought of it?" asked Bellatrix, shaking her head in mock disapproval.
"No doubt the same as his father," answered Augustus, letting some steel show in his voice and looking at the younger woman with a warning look.
She had the good grace to avert her eyes briefly, looking up suddenly when Lucius joined them.
"I could not help but hear your last exchanges," said Lucius lightly, "and I must agree with Augustus. Father would have been happy to see Eïleen as a member of House Caspian. And it would be quite hypocritical of me to shun Severus for making Andromeda a member of his House seeing that she is my son's Godmother."
He paused to let his words sink in.
"Narcissa is very proud of steering her sister back to respectability."
"But he took her muggle husband in too!" exclaimed Lady Black, forgetting to keep her cool. "I can understand why he accepted her and her child, the girl being a Half-Blood from the Black line, but the Muggle?"
Severus was pleasantly surprised that she was not as opposed to Andromeda joining his House as he had thought, and fascinated by the fact that she truly seemed unable to grasp why he would integrate a mere Muggle into his House.
He let his face show a bit of superiority.
"Must I remind you that Muggles are dangerous? Abraxas' death is only one proof of it. What better way to fight them than to have someone in my House who understands them? Moreover, this Muggle is one of their best. He even understands how they managed to get on the moon!"
Severus might have been exaggerating Ted's capacities, but he was fairly certain that the man at least understood the main concept behind space rockets.
"What kind of lies are you trying to spread, Caspian?" snapped Bellatrix angrily. "Who would even get the absurd idea of going to the moon?"
Several of the other Purebloods present laughed mockingly in agreement with her. Bellatrix looked at him in triumph, only to deflate when Lord Voldemort spoke up.
"I don't see what is so funny when Severus is telling the truth. Muggles have walked on the moon. They are dangerous because they get absurd ideas. Never forget that."
An uneasy silence fell on the group. The Lord let it hang several seconds before speaking again.
"Now, let's settle. We have many subjects to cover and only two hours to do so."
Once everyone had taken their seat, Lord Voldemort stared at them with such coldness that Severus felt a shiver run down his spine.
When the Lord finally spoke, his voice was deceptively calm.
"Before we begin with the agenda, I would like to remind all of you that all actions taken by the group must be approved during our meetings. Imagine my surprise when the news about our torture session and its subsequent messages were almost pushed from the front page by the poisoning of Lord Potter and his inexplicable survival after ingesting the deadly Certa Mor potion."
With everything happening within his House, Severus had still not read the newspapers of the past two days. He was regretting it now, though he had no idea when he would have found the time to do so. Certa Mor was a well known potion which was very difficult to brew, even harder to detect, and which would cause death only minutes after its ingestion. It had become illegal to brew in the eighteenth century. Two of its main ingredients were Basilisk's venom and Graphorn's horns, and their sales were heavily restricted.
If one of the members of the group was responsible for this murder attempt, chances were high that the Aurors would find a trail leading to them. And they would not give up until they found this trail, not with the victim being Lord Potter. More puzzling, what had the culprit expected to gain?
Lord Voldemort kept talking.
"Now I'm only going to ask once. Is one of you responsible for this attempt on Lord Potter's life?"
Silence met his words as all the Death Eaters shook their heads, looking at each other.
"I don't see what we would gain from it," said Lucius. "It would only give more protection to James Potter and his heir."
Mulciber nodded.
"Yes, we're already having enough trouble figuring out how to reach the kids, especially the Longbottoms'."
Assents rose from the group, and Lord Voldemort finally relaxed.
"I'm glad that I was right in thinking that none of you would have taken such a foolish action. But who would have any interest in killing Lord Potter?"
It was a very good question. Another one was who would be skilled enough to brew this potion but also be willing to do so? Speculations filled up a good thirty minutes, without finding a satisfying answer. They concluded on trying to use this incident to sow discord within the other side by spreading rumours about several of their theories, the most popular among the young Death Eaters being that James Potter had decided to sacrifice his father to save his son.
Severus seriously doubted that poison was the Marauders' way, especially one so complicated to brew. Petunia and Lily living under the same roof as the Potters, he doubted they would have missed such a plot.
From this subject, they slowly deviated to the difficulty of reaching the kids of the Prophecy to be able to kill them. Both the Potters and the Longbottoms were old Houses, which meant their wards were powerful and complex. Their members also were renowned for being skilled duellers. Adding to the mix that they both had the support of Dumbledore and knew that their kids were targets, and the mission became almost impossible.
"Keep working on your duelling skills. I will give you what you need to breach the wards," stated Lord Voldemort confidently. "I don't want to reveal too much on the off chance that one of us is caught by the Aurors, but give me two to three weeks and we'll be ready."
Did the Lord also suspect spies in the mist, to refuse to disclose more information? And two weeks… They really needed to move on on the Horcruxes side.
"We're still not sure about the Potters' hiding place," said Mulciber. "We're sure the Longbottoms are keeping their kid in the heart of their manor, but the Potters… There are several rumours of the use of the Fidelius."
"They can't use a Fidelius on Potter Manor," stated Lord Rowles. "Magic won't accept it."
Many nodded in agreement. Most slytherin Purebloods knew their wards.
"They will either move out of the Manor to use the Fidelius, or do the same as the Longbottoms and hide behind Potter Manor's wards." predicted Lord Black.
"Won't the wards be weaker if Lord Potter is ill?" asked Evan.
"It depends on the structure of the House," answered Augustus. "Some Houses will rely strongly on their Head for protection while others will spread the duty of protection among all its members."
"The Potters being mostly Gryffindor oriented, they should rely heavily on their Head," added Lord Nott.
"It's only a supposition," cautioned Beltram. "But even if it's true, rumours are that Lord Potter has completely recovered from his poisoning."
"How is it possible?" asked Bellatrix, an intrigued light in her eyes that made her look younger than usual. "To survive the Certa Mor is already an impressive feat, but to survive without suffering any after-effects…"
"I agree," said Lord Voldemort. "We need to inquire about this. It may be an unusual kind of ward that could prevent us from reaching our goal. Yaxley, Dolohov, Beltram, MacNair. You're to focus on this; no other missions or raids until we have more information."
They bowed in agreement.
"Of course, you all are welcome to help them, but I know that between your other tasks for the group and your duty to your Houses, you don't have much time to focus on such a project for several days," added Lord Voldemort.
Severus felt relieved that he had not been asked to help, and that the reason for it did not seem to be mistrust from the Lord.
The meeting went on, Lord Voldemort giving each Death Eater their assignment. All the Lords were to keep up with their open campaign of support of Lord Voldemort and the mentorship, be it through their various businesses or patronages. Severus was commended for his work at Hogwarts which seemed to already be bearing fruits with the Muggleborns and neutral Houses, and asked to continue his subtle work against Dumbledore's propaganda. The younger Death Eaters were to keep training on their attack and defence spells, and to attend duelling sessions four times a week.
Then they moved on to discuss the ministry's retribution for Moody's injury and to speculate about their strategy to identify and arrest the Death Eaters
"The Wizard Time won't be able to publish anything for another two days at least," said Dolohov, frustrated. "The Auror search of their premises yesterday did not yield much results, but they still seized hundreds of documents that they have yet to analyse. They have also kept Gibbs, Patel and Pham for interrogation another day."
"Isn't Patel the one who interviewed several of us at the beginning of the Defenders, about our goals and hopes when creating the group?" asked Mulciber.
"Yes," confirmed Gibbon. "She didn't give any names at the time, so I suspect they hope she will give them up now."
"We didn't give her our names or show our face if I remember well," intervened Beltram.
"True, but we were not that careful about personal details that we may give during the interviews, even if Patel edited them out when she published them," said Gibbon, looking worried.
He was among the interviewed.
"Alright, those who gave the interviews must lay low for a while, no partaking in raids or in the Defence training," stated Lord Nott.
Murmur of ascent went over the group.
"Why did they keep Pham too?" asked Evan, puzzled. "Gibbs is the director of the Wizard Times so I understand that they think he knows as much as Patel or could help put pressure on her, but Pham?"
"Pham and Patel are close friends," answered Euphemia Rowles unexpectedly. "They must think that they share their secrets with each other."
"They are really focused on the information side right now," remarked Lord Selwyn's cousin. "Have you read Witch Weekly's latest drivel?"
"Their Seven ways to tell if your ex-husband/boyfriend/lover/in-laws/son/neighbours are really Death Eaters don't seem very efficient to me," answered Bellatrix with a pout.
Nobody dared to ask why either of them was reading that kind of magazine.
"There have also been a lot more Auror patrols in Knockturn Alley," complained Lord Fleamont's brother. "Artefacts dealing is taking a dive."
As did all the shadiest trades done in the Alley.
"It won't last long. We must keep our heads low for now and avoid Knockturn for a few weeks, unless it's a glaring change from your habits," stated Augustus.
"Indeed, we must not attract unnecessary attention to ourselves for the next few weeks. Raids will be kept to a minimum, only not to alert the Aurors that we are planning something unusual," added Lord Voldemort.
"For those going on raids, be sure afterwards to cast at least fifteen light spells. The ministry has added a random review of the last fifteen spells cast to their Wand Scan Procedure required for entering the ministry building," warned Yaxley. "It became effective this afternoon."
The ministry was truly upping their game, though it had been expected. For now, it was nothing that should impede their Horcruxes reunification plan.
"I also heard that they were printing posters of the convicted Death Eaters or those pending trials, as well as of their known associates," added Lord Rowles.
"Yes, and it seems to have caused quite the disagreement between McMahon and Brimlow, the Minister's new pet," confirmed Lucius. "There are not that many of us who were convicted or apprehended as Death Eaters, and they disagreed about their right to label Death Eaters those who were known Defenders. It will be my great pleasure to sue McMahon if they dare put Father on one of these."
"I trust that all your lawyers will be working on how to best counter this," said Lord Voldemort, looking mostly at the Lords in the assembly.
"We are well used to countering the calumnies that have been so often sprung on Slytherins these past decades," stated Lord Black, earning many shouts of approval. "I am more worried about the fact that they want to pass a law that will require to check for our Lord's Mark anyone wishing to enter the ministry or Gringotts."
"Even with Merlin's power, they can't implement this kind of law without the Wizengamot voting it with a two-third majority," protested Lord Rowles.
"It will never pass," added Augustus.
"Except they are mostly thinking of setting-up a ward that would alert them that someone is bearing the Mark," intervened Yaxley.
"That would fall in the grey area of the law," said Jonathan pensively. "They could argue that they don't need the Wizengamot for this."
"Only if they succeed in creating such a ward," said Lord Voldemort with a satisfied smirk. "I wish them good luck."
That seemed to reassure the group. Severus was not so sure that such a ward was impossible to create, but it would certainly take time.
"Yaxley, what is that I hear about the ministry pressuring our allies?" asked Lord Voldemort, suddenly serious.
Yaxley shrugged.
"It's nothing new my Lord. The Muggleborns are still scared of any magical being who is not a unicorn so the ministry is putting more and more effort in keeping a detailed register of those who live in wizarding areas. The fact that at least half of the magicals in these areas are in our favour doesn't hurt. They have forbidden two meetings held by Werewolves under the pretext that some of the participants were not declared to the ministry."
"It was supposed to make the Wizard Times' headlines," added Mulciber darkly.
The ministry was surprisingly wily, muzzling their main way of communication at that moment. Severus was almost impressed.
Others shared his sentiment and they spent another thirty minutes discussing Birkins and his councillors' actions. To Severus' surprise, nobody spoke of Dumbledore.
He was glad when the meeting finally ended. He, Augustus, Regulus and Jonathan had a lot to cover before their day ended.
Severus quickly made his way back home then waited impatiently in the Horcrux meeting room for the others to arrive. They tried not to leave together too often so as not to raise undue suspicion.
Jonathan was the first to arrive, clapping Severus on the shoulder then making a beeline for his armchair and settling himself into it with a sigh. Augustus was next, greeting Severus with a light hug before making small talk. He successfully prevented Severus from growing too irritated with Regulus when the younger man made his entrance more than ten minutes later.
The Black heir gave them a curt nod before sitting in his own armchair.
Immediately, Tuei came in with various appetisers like gougères and smoked salmon toasts as well as small sandwiches. Severus poured each of them a glass of their favourite alcohol while they helped themselves with the food.
It was hard to think on an empty stomach.
"I am so glad there was no torture tonight," said Jonathan. "I'm relieved that it won't be a regular occurrence. The group is not completely lost yet."
Regulus snorted.
"Yes, well we'd better hurry up with our plan. I can torture if I must, but I would like to feel like myself doing it."
He turned toward Severus, a challenge in his eyes.
"Did you make any progress on blocking the Marks?"
Severus forced himself to push past his first instinctive reaction and to answer calmly despite the young Black's tone.
"Not enough. I think I have narrowed down the ingredients I need, but I just can't see how to pull them all together and harmonise them with the Marks to block it. The thing is, I don't think it should block the Marks completely because of its integration in the bearers' patterns. I suspect it's the reason why Jonathan lost consciousness with some of the ingredients. We need to block the links that can influence you or kill you but not the rest of the Marks. I'm thinking of asking Narcissa if she knows some Healer techniques that could help now that she's partially aware of the Marks' influence on its bearers."
Jonathan looked at him in surprise.
"I thought you did not want to involve her unless we truly had no other choices."
"I did not have much choice," answered Severus, crossing his arms against his chest and sparing a displeased glance at Regulus.
He briefly told them of Narcissa's visit two days ago, as well as how he had taught her the Patronus' trick for the Marks.
"As you can see, between Lucius and Regulus, she managed to get quite the picture."
"We needed her help to get the Horcrux from Malfoy Manor," answered Regulus defiantly.
"Yes, but do you really think that "I'm looking through the Blacks' library to find the hidden power of the Dark" was the best cover story to give your family? Do you really think you're fooling Bellatrix? She may be crazy but she's no fool. Even if she believes you, it could be understood as a desire to go against Lord Voldemort to impose the Blacks as the new leaders of the group!"
The Black heir glared at him.
"I know what I'm doing, I'm careful."
"So careful that Narcissa knows almost as much as we do without even trying," replied Severus, looking at him unimpressed.
"As she should have from the start!" retorted Regulus, his hands gripping his seat's armrests tightly.
"That's enough!"
Severus looked at his grandfather in surprise. The older man looked murderous.
"Jonathan and I will get out now. You have fifteen minutes to sort this out. We cannot afford such a rift between the two of you. I gave you time to mend your relationship on your own, but the two of you are too stubborn and too prideful to accept to stand down from your position."
"You're one to talk about pride," retorted Severus sharply.
"I learnt from my mistake. So should you," replied Augustus.
He went out, Jonathan following hot on his heels after looking at Regulus and Severus with hopeful eyes.
Silence fell on them.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming. They needed to talk. He just was not sure that the outcome would not definitely break their plan.
"Why were you so harsh with Augustus? He's only trying to help."
Regulus' voice sounded surprisingly small.
Severus sighed.
"Because he did not help me when I needed him the most, and that's hard to forget."
Regulus frowned.
"I don't understand. He was here for you when you came back after gaining your masteries. He wrote to you after Abraxas' death to support you. I know he helped Lucius a lot too when he first became the Head of House Malfoy."
Severus tilted his head, considering. He had already decided that once House Caspian was stronger, he would reveal that he was Eïleen Prince's Halfblood son. His earlier argument with Lady Black had only cemented his decision. Should he tell this secret to Regulus right now, in a show of good faith to help mend their relationship? Lucius already knew. His standing as Lord Caspian now was high enough to survive the gossip whiplash in the event that Regulus let it slip, even though he'd rather wait for another few months before announcing his filiation.
"I am Eïleen Prince's son."
It felt good to say the words aloud.
"I don't understand," answered Regulus, biting his lower lip. "If you are… Why didn't he claim you?"
"It's complicated."
Severus let out a short laugh.
"It did not make much sense to me for a long time either. Sometimes, it still doesn't."
"Alright. So what, you feel that Lord Voldemort is the only mentor who hasn't betrayed you?"
The Black heir snorted.
"That doesn't make sense either. Even admitting that he didn't know that making several Horcruxes would corrupt his core, he betrayed all of us when he created the Marks. He wanted you to bear one too."
"I told you before, I feel that the Marks were not supposed to influence us. I think he made a mistake and I'd like him to have the chance to correct it. Right now, he isn't in any state to understand and solve the problem."
Severus looked him straight in the eyes.
"Why is it not enough for you that I agreed to kill Lord Voldemort if plan A fails?"
"And why not skip to plan B which would be a lot safer for all of us?" countered Regulus, getting up to pace in front of Severus. "You can't keep telling me that it's because you don't want to kill, you were ready to kill Bella in front of witnesses!"
"She was ready to kill me too! And I have no admiration for your cousin. You know very well that I consider her to be very dangerous," replied Severus sharply, feeling his anger grow as Regulus turned back to his usual arguments.
"So you won't kill Lord Voldemort because you find him excuses for his actions, but you will kill her because you haven't found her excuses?" sneered Regulus.
"No, I won't kill Lord Voldemort because I admire him and because I believe that once he is reunited with his Horcruxes, he will be back to the rational man he was when I first met him," answered Severus, getting up to be at eye level with Regulus.
"I am willing to kill Bellatrix because she keeps on trying to undermine me and because I have no doubt that she would ruin me in every way if she could manage it. I know she's the one who engineered my duel against Beltram," said Severus, fighting the urge to roll his eyes as he repeated the arguments he had already given Regulus several times before. "I am not the one who always insists on giving people second chances except when it is inconvenient for me. You're the one who is ready to give out second chances like candies when it comes to your family but won't consider it for anyone else."
Regulus huffed in frustration, turning from Severus to pace the floor. Several times, he made to talk then stopped, shaking his head to himself and pacing with renewed vigour.
Sighing to himself, Severus forced himself to take a deep breath then spoke calmly.
"Regulus. Even if I was ready to kill Lord Voldemort, it would not be a good idea. We don't know what will happen to all of you bearing his marks when he dies. Even with the blocking circle, I'm not sure of what will happen once the circle is opened. There are too many things we don't know. Too many unknowns. We have to be careful."
Regulus nodded slowly, looking suddenly deflated.
"I hear what you're saying. I just… It was not supposed to be like that."
Severus looked at him sympathetically.
"I know. I really did not expect this mess when I came back though… The day of Lucius' wedding, Lord Voldemort told me that he counted on me to help him balance our group once I was back from my Apprenticeship. He told me he would need my help to keep our extremes focused on the group's common path."
"He told you that when you were fifteen?" asked Regulus, a look of surprise and reflection on his face.
"Sixteen," corrected Severus, absently.
They remained silent for several minutes, Regulus deep in thought and Severus watching him intently.
The young man finally seemed to come to a decision.
"Alright. I'll accept to follow your lead on this and to stop being… difficult if you promise that one way or another, we'll be done in a month's time."
Severus felt himself relax. Finally.
"I plan to be done in two weeks if possible. We need to discuss the details of the plan," stated Severus, offering Regulus a small smile.
"Good."
The Black heir hesitated then held his hand to Severus.
"Friends?"
"Friends," echoed Severus firmly as he accepted Regulus' hand and shook on it.
They nodded at each other solemnly, then Severus went to call Jonathan and Augustus back in.
"So, what are we missing to implement the plan?" asked Jonathan, immediately getting down to business to avoid any lingering awkwardness. "I don't fancy waiting for Lord Voldemort to finish whatever he needs to do to reach the kids."
"I think we all agree that the best would be to implement our plan within the next two weeks. I just don't know if we can fit everything in," answered Severus, looking at the board.
1- Retrieve all the Horcruxes (check there are still only five)
Locket: done
Ring: done
Diadem: at Hogwarts
?: at Malfoy Manor
Nagini: by LV's side
2- Convince Lord Voldemort of the need of reuniting with his Horcruxes or immobilise him (muggle anaesthesia)
2- Block Lord Voldemort's Mark (stone circle) or Block the DE's Marks so the changes within him won't affect the marked DE (not ready yet)
3- Reunite Lord Voldemort with his Horcruxes or destroy the Horcruxes
4- Have Lord Voldemort pay his sacrifices back to Magic or kill him (make it look like an accident or natural death)
5- Check that he's back to sanity or find another candidate
"Well, let's start at the beginning," answered Jonathan cheerfully. "When can you get to the Hogwarts Horcrux?"
"My next teaching day is in two days," answered Severus. "And then, four days later."
"And are you sure you'll be able to get to it without anyone noticing?" asked Regulus. "There's a reason you haven't got it yet."
"I think I can do it. I have kept an irregular schedule when I'm at Hogwarts, sometimes leaving right away after my classes, sometimes remaining after dinner to meet with some of the professors. I should be able to find ten minutes to get to it. And I'll ask the Bloody Baron to help keep away the students and other potential irritants," answered Severus.
"Are you sure he won't tell on you?" asked Regulus, suspicious. "He must obey Dumbledore, right?"
"It's a risk, but the last time we spoke, I had the feeling that he was abiding by my wishes on the subject."
"We'll have to trust your instincts on this," stated Augustus. "For the Horcrux in Malfoy Manor, I understand that Narcissa will be the one to give it to us?"
Severus nodded.
"She's checking that the House Elf guarding it will obey her, but yes. We'll have to wait until the last moment if we don't want to raise Lucius' suspicion."
"That works. And Nagini will be with Lord Voldemort, so she'll be there. That's the easy part, I think," said Jonathan. "How are we going to lure Lord Voldemort where we want him, away from any other Death Eaters and to restrain him so we won't hurt each other?"
Severus frowned.
"It would really be easier if he was willing to go through our plan. I'd like to try convincing him of the righteousness of our plan before using coercion."
"We can't take that risk!" exclaimed Regulus, alarmed. "Once he knows what we are planning, it will be a lot harder to take him by surprise. And he can call for reinforcement through the Marks anytime!"
"I'm with Regulus on that point," agreed Jonathan. "Lord Voldemort has changed too much for us to be able to reason with him. And with the threat posed by Nagini, we have no other choice but to take him by surprise."
If he had been alone, Severus would have taken the risk. But they were right, it was a big risk.
He nodded reluctantly.
"How are we going to take him by surprise, though? If we ask to meet with him so that he's not with any of the others, he will be on his guard. He's a formidable opponent, and with Nagini by his side, I don't see how we could overpower him," said Regulus, frustration coming from his voice.
"Our best bet is to take him by surprise, so something from a distance, and preferably a muggle means," answered Severus reluctantly. "I think that muggle anaesthesia in a hypodermic dart gun would be the best. He won't expect it. The wards and spells to stop such projectiles are complex and seldom used."
"I concur," said Augustus, his eyes going darker, no doubt at the thought of Abraxas' fate. "However, it requires good aim, especially if you're going to be far from your target."
"Regulus played chaser," offered Jonathan.
"You'll need to train," stated Severus, looking at the young man. "I have also added a system to help you predict where your dart will go."
Regulus nodded decisively.
"I will train too," added Augustus.
Always plan for the worst and have a back-up.
"Now, about blocking the Marks, I suppose that if you had had a breakthrough, you would have told us, Severus," continued Augustus.
"Yes, I'm still stuck on that. I have ideas but in such a short time…"
"So we're using the stone circle," said Jonathan," It's good enough for what we need."
"I'm not fond of the part where Severus has to be inside with Lord Voldemort," said Regulus darkly.
"But it's the best we got. And he'll be unconscious," remarked Severus.
"But you won't be able to get out without us breaking the circle," countered Regulus.
"It's a calculated risk. Anyway, you'll be outside to give me the Horcruxes one by one, and to control Nagini," answered Severus calmly.
"We're using the muggle darts on her too I suppose?" said Jonathan.
"That would be best," agreed Severus.
"Alright, so you're in the circle with Lord Voldemort. Anyone can get in but nobody can get out once inside. It also cuts you from the magical flows outside the circle," recapitulated Jonathan.
"Yes, it diverts the magical flows so that they remain outside the circle instead of inside, thus preventing the use of magic," explained Severus.
It was a bit of an exaggeration as they could still use their core Magic, but it meant that their capacity to cast spells was severely limited.
"However, we have a time limit," warned Severus. "The flows will strongly try to go back on their natural path, and given enough time, I think the stones will crack under the pressure. I would say we have two to four hours."
"Wonderful," muttered Regulus.
"Do you have anything better to propose?" asked Jonathan, annoyance showing in his voice.
"No. However, we would be safer destroying the Horcruxes, it would go more quickly," replied Regulus, avoiding Severus' eyes.
Severus was thankful when his grandfather immediately answered the Black heir.
"I don't think it's safer, Regulus. It would mean that Lord Voldemort's stock of magic in his core will be very low, and it will put even more pressure on the stones as his Mark tries to take Magic from the bearers to fill it. Really, I think it will be safer to reunite him with his Horcruxes."
"Will he be able to pay Magic back if he's cut off from its flows?" asked Jonathan, frowning.
"I don't know," answered Severus honestly.
In theory, he would say no. But there were still so many things he did not understand about Magic.
"So what? You reunite him with his Horcruxes then open the circle and hope he doesn't suck us dry while paying Magic back?" asked Regulus, anger growing in his eyes.
"I was more thinking of waiting for his core to stabilise, and see if he was beginning to pay Magic back. If nothing happened, then I would cast my Patronus on his Mark and open the circle," answered Severus.
It was not a perfect solution.
"Would it be better if we cast our Patronus on him too?" asked Jonathan, hopeful.
Severus nodded.
"The more Patronus the better. It will certainly end in a battle of wills between the Mark and us."
Augustus offered them a smile.
"It's not a perfect plan, but our chances of success are not null. And it's less dangerous than doing nothing."
His grandfather had made more reassuring speeches in the past.
"There is one way we can try to lessen the risk to the Mark bearers, but I don't know if we can afford to wait for so long," admitted Severus.
Regulus looked at him with a speculating look.
"Are you speaking of the vernal equinox?"
"Hmm, the day of balance and equilibrium. You're right, it could help," said Augustus thoughtfully.
"But it's on the 20th, 17 days from now," said Jonathan with a grimace.
"We're still within our three weeks' frame," remarked Regulus.
"But not in our preferred two week frame," countered Jonathan.
"But it's an added insurance for our success," said Regulus. "What do you think, Augustus?"
The older man took his time before answering.
"I think that we should prepare to be ready to implement the plan in two weeks, but to wait for the equinox if the group does not show signs of going after the kids before then."
That was sound reasoning. It would also give Severus some more time to work on blocking the Marks.
They went over the plan once more, trying to provide for contingencies the best they could, and ended the meeting in a sombre yet hopeful mood.
The next morning, Severus got up determined to check on every new member of his House. He really had trouble understanding the differences between members and helpers, and was more and more convinced that it was only a way for Lines like the Blacks to differentiate between Wizards and other magical beings, meaning he was going to consider both like members of his House.
He met with a grumpy Manylion who answered his inquiries tersely but without any animosity, and with Chieftain Mòr who was a lot more talkative if very busy organising his Tree and welcoming his own new members. Then he spent two hours with Tuei and Andromeda.
After the incident with Tuei, Severus was concerned about Andromeda and Tuei stepping over each other while trying to improve the House's stature. To his relief, the two of them seemed to have come to the same conclusion, and were quite happy to discuss the matter together. They easily decided that Tuei would keep managing the household while Andromeda would focus on increasing the House's status socially and financially. Both were to keep helping with finding new allies and members.
It naturally led to Severus presenting them with Hoardrock's proposal. They were both enthusiastic, and as expected, Andromeda was quick to point out that three of the members she had identified as potential new House members were potioneers who could help launch Caspian's apothecary. Severus agreed to have her set up appointments to hire them only at first, two weeks from now.
All of them thus were in high spirits during lunch, to Ted and Nymphéa's delight. Severus had to admit that new members made the manor livelier, though it was a bit too much at times.
Needing time away from his House, he decided to go to Diagon Alley right after lunch. The thought of establishing his own apothecary had reminded Severus of the mailbox that he and Mother had once used to send their potions to their customers. He still had the box in the house, but Mother was the one who paid the monthly fee to keep the link working and he had not needed it after her death. He had no idea if the link could be easily reactivated or if he would need to buy another mailbox, but he liked the thought of selling potions both in his apothecary and by mailbox.
After waiting for a surprisingly long time to finally talk to an employee because of the impressive amount of people who needed such a service, Severus learnt that his mailbox was still in working order and could be reactivated as soon as he paid the necessary fee. The employee also proudly told him that the company had expanded these past years and now offered mailboxes in several of the main wizarding cities of the United Kingdom instead of Diagon Alley only. They were also developing mailbox services all over Europe, though they were still working on the various administrative requirements they needed to comply with.
Severus left the shop with his mind buzzing and wondering if Hoardrock truly had contaminated him with his delusions of grandeur. It might also be Lucius's training kicking in.
"Severus!"
Severus looked up in surprise, suddenly roused from his thoughts by an unfamiliar voice.
A woman who looked familiar was smiling at him, her long blond hair put into a messy bun decorated with several blue flowers that emphasised the azure of her eyes. It was the brooch made of radishes and feathers proudly pinned on her chest that allowed him to put a name to her face.
Pandora Lovegood. He had seen several photographs of her in the Quibbler, and she always wore one of her trademark pieces of jewellery.
"I'm glad it's finally time for us to meet!" greeted Pandora warmly. "I am so eager to work on that memory recovery potion together! I'm sure that if we can find the right spell to associate it with, we could reverse even an obliviate!"
Severus stared at her. They had exchanged a few letters after Hagrid had told him of her interest for his research, but he did not remember them making any plan to work together on a project.
"I'm sorry Pandora, but I'm not sure I understand what you mean," he answered, trying to soften his words with a smile.
She nodded with a knowing look.
"Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself. We need to wait for him before we can formalise anything. Don't worry, he shouldn't be long now. I'm so excited! Mìa is so happy with her Tree, she's really proud to be part of your House."
She was making less and less sense.
"Mìa?"
"Mòr's wife," explained Pandora, looking at him as if he should know this.
He knew Mòr's wife's name. He just needed some time to integrate that she and all the other Faerys he had met this morning were part of his House.
"So you know Mìa?" asked Severus, trying to understand what Pandora was telling him.
She was a lot more understandable in her letters.
"Yes, before marrying Mòr, she belonged to Tree Ogden. Meredith Ogden and I were friends during our school years," explained Pandora. "She went to America to finish her studies and then she married an American so we don't see each other much anymore, but Mìa and I remained true friends even when she left for Tree Brown. I knew she would not remain long within that Tree, they are so narrow-minded, but now we will finally be true sisters! Isn't that amazing?"
"True sisters?" echoed Severus.
Was she asking – ordering– him to integrate into House Caspian?
"Here he is," exclaimed Pandora, waving at someone behind Severus.
She looked at him conspiratorially.
"He so rarely gets out of his cavern, but Magic wanted us to meet today! Good afternoon, Bret," greeted Pandora warmly.
"Afternoon Pandora," replied Maverick with a nod. "Well met, Severus."
"Good afternoon Maverick," answered Severus, feeling like he had better accept what was happening without overthinking it.
"You took your time," accused Pandora with a light smile.
"All of us don't hear Magic's call as well as you do," answered the Wandmaker, his face impassive but a teasing glint lighting his eyes.
The both of them were brilliant in their field but far stranger than he had thought them to be, with their seer-like allusions.
"So, do we pass?" asked Pandora, turning to Severus with an interrogative look.
Maverick sighed.
"Pandora. You know there are discussions to have, agreements to make and Oaths to take…"
She huffed.
"Always so traditional. But I suppose Severus needs that, being such a new Head of House. Shall we go to Caspian Manor then?"
Severus did not think about his answer for long. No matter their quirks, the both of them would be a priceless addition to his House if they found an agreement. Dhaal was never going to let him forget that he had once thought they would be a House of three until their death.
"Shall I apparate us?"
Pandora smiled as she seized his arms delicately but with a strong grip. Shaking his head, Maverick grabbed his shoulder gently.
Severus immediately flow-travelled them to the apparation area of the manor. They landed smoothly, neither Pandora nor Maverick missing a step.
"Are all your apparations always so smooth?" asked Pandora, curious.
"Not truly apparation, is it?" commented Maverick.
"Really?" said Pandora, looking at the Wandmaker.
Maverick's answer was interrupted by an excited high pitched cry.
"Pandora!"
Severus stared as Mìa breezed past them to greet her friend and began speaking animatedly with her.
"You get used to it," said Maverick idly. "Or you avoid her altogether."
"Should you really tell me this if you hope to both become part of House Caspian?" asked Severus dryly.
The Wandmaker laughed.
"I am confident that Pandora will be a great asset to House Caspian. After all, I've known both of you since you were eleven."
"How old are you exactly?" blurted out Severus, feeling embarrassed as soon as the words left his mouth but refusing to blush.
Despite his wrinkled face, Maverick moved with a surprising spring in his steps and looked the same as when Severus had first met him ten years ago.
"I'm sixty-eight," answered Maverick easily.
"You're younger than Augustus Prince"? said Severus, surprised.
"I might use a few charms to enhance the wizened Wandmaker looks. I had to when I first took on the shop after my Master's early death. I was only nineteen then," confided Maverick. "You'll get to see my boyish good looks soon if things go as they should."
"Why should you become part of House Caspian?" asked Severus.
"I have never had any desire to belong to a House before. I never needed to, and none appealed to me despite numerous offers along the years. But our world is changing on many levels. The ministry is trying to erase Familiars from our world as they believe them to be an unfair advantage over other Wizards. After discouraging many Wizards from taking the Ritual by making Gringotts readiness tests and registration mandatory, they are now implementing new standards on wandmaking to favour Ollivanders. I don't know what will come next, but I believe I now need the protection of a House. Your motto is one I would be happy to abide by, and from our previous cooperation, I believe we would both benefit from my joining House Caspian," answered the Wandmaker evenly.
"What about Pandora?" asked Severus.
What was their relationship?
"Pandora was a charming if peculiar child. She had few wizard friends of her age but loved to spend time in my woods with Mìa. Tree Ogden is near my land. House Ogden is among the Houses that asked me to become one of them. Anyway, after meeting time and time again in the woods, we struck an unlikely friendship. I was her witness when she married Xenophilius. The Lovegoods had been loosely affiliated with House Blishwick which had all but disappeared for lack of an heir about fifty years ago. As a vassal house, House Lovegood was not a strong House and is even weaker now without their overlord House as they have only Pandora, Xenophilius and their newly born daughter Luna for members. Neither Xenophilius nor Pandora are strong fighters. When she learnt that she was pregnant while the possibility of a civil war loomed over us, Pandora began looking for a stronger House to join."
Maverick hesitated then added.
"She has also dreamed several times of a Thestral during her pregnancy."
There it was again. This seer touch that Severus had so much trouble believing in. It might be a good thing for his House to have members who had a different view from his on the matter.
Three hours later, after much debates and forays into subjects that had nothing to do with the subject at hand, House Caspian counted four more members: Pandora and her husband, their tiny baby daughter, and Maverick. Nymphéa and Dhaal had both fallen in love at first sight with baby Luna, while Andromeda and Pandora had sized each other up before tentatively bonding over setting up House Caspian's Apothecary. Ted and Xenophilius had taken an instant liking to each other, leaving Severus feeling a bit jealous.
Tuei was delighted with their House's new additions and was organising the Lovegoods' move to the Manor. Maverick had refused Severus' offer to live in the manor and had instead made him an intriguing proposal: to link his territory with the Caspian grounds so that it would be integrated into them. Severus suspected that it was the same principle as the room of Crossings and was eager to witness the process. It would also require an expansion of the wards but Maverick assured him that with Blake and Kasai's help, it would be done easily.
Mòr and Mìa were, of course, ecstatic to welcome the Lovegoods and Maverick to the family, while Manylion had welcomed them as grumpily as anyone else. However, Maverick's presence had earned Severus an impressed look from the Centauress so he counted it as a win.
His House was shaping up to be impressive. He only hoped that the Horcrux plan would go as well.