Chapter Twenty-Eight

On the Block

The moment the train left the station, the staff and student volunteers turned their attention to getting the school ready for the auction the next day. Students staying over for the holidays were already informed that their meals were going to be served in their common rooms on the day of auction. Jeremy and Quintin, the only two members of the new house that were still in the castle, had breakfast in the Headmaster's Study. The headmaster himself was attempting to go through all of the last minute additions, wondering if some of them had intentionally missed the cut off to sneak in something questionable. Jennifer had yet to come back from dropping Serendipity off at Corey and Rose's house, the designated babysitter destination for the day.

"Severus, Boulderdash is inquiring if Quintin and Jeremy will still be going with him to the bank this morning," Armando said. "Jay and Rus are already in the Owl Room."

"Yes, I'll send them down just after breakfast," Severus replied distractedly.

"It's been a long time since I've been in one of those carts," Jeremy commented.

"It should be fun. The PLUG vaults for the auction are pretty far down," Quintin replied.

"Let's not forget that you aren't going for 'fun', you are going to help Boulderdash with last minute inventory checks," Severus replied. "Once you are done setting up, the two of you may head back to the common room for the day."

"Can't we stick around for the auction?" Jeremy asked.

"I suppose you could, but it would probably be frightfully boring, and you cannot sit in any of the seats reserved for the bidders," Severus replied.

"I was thinking we could just sit back where Jay and Rus are," Quintin suggested.

"Jay and Rus are going to be helping sort and bring up the items to be auctioned off. If you want to sit back there, you will have to speak to Boulderdash about it. Regardless of what you decide, you will keep me informed of where you plan to be in case of an emergency."

"What could happen?" Jeremy asked.

"I attempt to nullify the answer to that question by preparing for everything," Severus said, finally setting aside the list in favor of his plate.

He had no more than cut his sausages before there was a knock on the door. Severus waved it open and Anna walked in.

"Sorry to bother you, but I thought you'd want to know about this right away. Aunt Viviane decided to show up for breakfast this morning," Anna said, Severus staring at her in surprise. "She wants to donate something for the auction. I couldn't figure out a safe way to turn her down," she added reluctantly. Severus stared at her.

"Neither can I," he admitted. "Any idea what it is?"

"She wouldn't say, but it sounded like she planned to attend to see who bought it," Anna replied.

"Then we'll do hers before the first break... not early as to appear rude, but early enough that she doesn't have to stay longer than necessary," Severus decided.

"I'll go let Boulderdash know," Anna said.

"Are you two about done? You can walk down with Anna," Severus suggested, and the boys quickly finished their breakfast and left.

"Professor Snape?" called out a voice.

"Yes, Maisy?" Severus asked, becoming more focused when the Elf appeared in front of him.

She was proudly wearing her finely pressed Hogwarts dress uniform and a lovely string of multi-colored pearls that her son had made for her, along with her white cloth cap, which they had made together. She had been going by the name Maisy since their independence; the name was close enough to her original name to explain a slip, but veiled enough to protect who she was and where she was working.

"I want to talk to you about the training mirror that Deacon donated yesterday, Professor. It would be unwise for someone in your family to win it," Maisy said seriously. Severus frowned, glancing at his list. "It would also be unwise to remove it from the listings," she added when she saw him looking for it.

"Is it dangerous?" Severus asked. Maisy's sapphire eyes shifted to the school mirror and back again.

"Professor Craw would have discovered anything that was dangerous, Professor, I am certain of that," Maisy said. "But I have already said what Deacon told me to say, and I can offer no more, except... I have some advice of my own to give."

"Personal advice?" Severus asked.

"Perhaps you could consider it employee advice, since it is my job to look after this study and your family's personal rooms," Maisy suggested, glancing at the Sorting Hat and back at him again. "With so many strangers in the castle tonight, I think it is important to secure these rooms even better than usual, and tuck away items that have been controversial of late, just to be safe. Today is my day off, so I won't be here to look after things."

"Thank you, Maisy," Severus said. "Have a good day, then."

"Thank you, Professor, I shall refresh your coffee and let Francie know that I'm going," Maisy replied, curtseying and disappearing.

Severus pondered Maisy's words thoughtfully looking at the School Mirror as he debated what purpose that mirror had that Jennifer might not easily detect. Then he realized that it might have the same purpose as the School Mirror. Perhaps it wasn't charmed so much as it was linked, just as this one was linked to the mirrors in the school... a surveillance device... and not meant for his family. But who, then, did Bagman intend that mirror to go to? Deciding that who bought it would decide that for himself, Severus set the matter aside and got up, picking up the Sorting Hat.

"Are we going somewhere?" the Sorting Hat inquired.

"You are going into the vault," Severus informed him.

"What? No! It's too dark in there, and I can't see what's going on! Besides, you'd be putting a pocket in a pocket. Don't you know the risk of too many incursions?" the Sorting Hat said, wriggling desperately. "Albus, tell him not to do this to me! Save me from this wretched, unfeeling..."

Severus tossed the Sorting Hat in the painting while Albus took great pains to catch it, apparently more sympathetic to the Sorting Hat's position than he was to Severus.

"I'm simply trying to safeguard him just as we do other school relics in high security situations! If he keeps fussing, dip him in the Cauldron, that should shut him up," Severus snapped.

Albus, who intended to do no such thing, eyed Severus critically before carefully putting the Hat into the Vault. Severus ignored them, turning his attention to getting Descartes' stand set up. He used his whistle to call the Stymphalian in from the nursery window and settled him on his stand with a couple of fish, then went into the back to make certain that Radiance was in Jennifer's sitting room and then went back to the nursery, unsurprised to find Rasputin sulking under Seren's cot.

"Come out, Rasputin," Severus hissed.

"I wait for fourth girl," Rasputin hissed back.

"Then you'll be waiting a long time, since she's not in the castle. You will see her at the other house when we head home for the holidays," Severus informed him.

"Can we go now?" Rasputin asked.

"No, we are about to have a school event involving a lot of guests to pay for Fifth Boy's new rooms," Severus explained, waving at the door. It shuttered and rumbled then stopped and Severus opened it, showing his sitting room. "I want you to guard the nursery, my sitting room, and the bedroom, please. If you need help, Radiance is guarding Jennifer's room and Descartes is guarding the Study."

"I must guard three rooms? They only guard one," Rasputin complained.

"Yes, because you are the oldest and I know that I can count on you to be dependable, especially when it comes to dealing with intruders," Severus said.

"Do I get a mouse?" Rasputin asked.

"Yes, when I get back to the rooms tonight," Severus agreed.

"I should get three mice," Rasputin reasoned. "Since I guard three rooms."

"Don't push your luck, you are supposed to be on a diet," Severus reminded him.

"What if a mouse comes in to chew on your things?" Rasputin asked.

"Then you can have it, but no mouse would be stupid enough to come in here anymore," Severus said. Rasputin pondered that.

"Good point. Maybe we should move," Rasputin suggested. Rolling his eyes, Severus turned his attention to getting dressed for the auction.


When Severus went downstairs, politics was the furthest thing on his mind, so he was more than a little annoyed when the groups of guests who were gathered for the auction seemed to singularly focused on them.

"Do you suppose they'll put up their own candidate at the Ministry Ball?" Percy Weasley asked Thomas, who was standing with Adam Hinge and Thatcher Boltin.

"I doubt it, they're too new and it hasn't had enough time to pick up steam. More than likely, they'll simply back another candidate this election cycle," Thomas replied. Severus, who was about to greet them, belatedly realized the topic and slowed in an attempt not to be noticed. Alas, it was too late. "There you are, Severus, what's your opinion on it?"

"Opinion on what? Something school related?" Severus asked evenly.

"I guess it depends on how you look at it," Thomas mused. "I mean about the new political party that everyone's talking about."

"To be perfectly honest, I haven't been keeping up on political news lately. I've been too absorbed in school affairs to pay attention to much else," Severus admitted.

"We're talking about the new political party that's been gaining members over the last few months, who refer to themselves as the Solidarity for the Equality of Wizards, or just solidarity for short," Percy explained. "Their main platform is attempting to insure that all wizards have an equal opportunity to improve their standing in the wizard community, and equal rights to representation in politics."

"Do we need a second reformist party?" Severus inquired.

"That's just the thing," Thomas said. "The solidarity party is made up of mostly ex-traditionalists that didn't like where the current party is heading," he explained, Severus squinting slightly. "There are a handful of reformists going over there too who aren't happy with us either, but the vast majority of them are families who've always voted traditionalist who don't like the current party."

"That's because the traditionalist party has fallen completely out of step," Adam said seriously. "They're still spewing the same ideals about clinging onto traditions that most of the newer generations abandoned a long time ago. The last few generations of voters believe they haven't adapted well to where society is today and are looking for an alternative. This new party gives them that."

"The Maxens are left with a dying party, and they're not too happy about it," Thatcher said in a lowered voice, glancing to the front where Worley, Blair, and Fritjof were standing, speaking to Horus Crumb and Damon Platt.

"Yes, well, it serves them right, and I don't blame anyone for leaving. Either way, I doubt it'll affect Draco's chances of winning again in the slightest, so I really don't care at the moment. My concerns are focused entirely on this auction and making certain things go smoothly this evening without incident," Severus replied.

"That's easy enough to say now, Severus, since neither the traditionalist party or this new party pose a threat," Percy said. "But I doubt we'll go on being the dominant party forever. It may not be a threat now, but in the future, it might be."

"Then I will keep a weather eye on it, but I will still keep my mind on the present and on my school. Don't worry, I will give all political parties an equal opportunity to bid on items to support the new house," Severus decided, then stepped away to see how Boulderdash and the rest of his staff were coming along with preparations.

"I swear, you wouldn't know he's the same wizard as the Professor I had in school," Percy said with exasperation.

"In a lot of ways, he isn't," Thomas said with a shrug, then decided to go look for a seat.

Severus approached the stage and noticed Francis, Alicia, and TJ working together to set up different paintings for the auction.

"How is it going?" Severus asked.

"We're just about ready, since there weren't many last minute changes to be made," Pyther assured him.

"TJ had most of the art sorted out before we even got here," Alicia agreed. "She really has a knack for appraising fine art."

"Well, I suppose we'll be seeing soon enough. I hope most of my estimates are close, or I might terribly embarrassed," TJ said.

"Now, don't take it to heart if a few of them are a bit off, TJ, auctions are run on the motivation of the crowd, and that's something you can't really control," Pyther informed her, then looked over at Severus. "I've double-checked all of her appraisals, as has Boulderdash, and we've both agreed they're within fair value."

"Even so, it's my first real test at art appraisal before I go out into the world and start doing it professionally," TJ pointed out. "I really hope it goes well."

"As long as they go above estimate rather than below, it is good enough as far as I'm concerned," Severus replied. "With any luck, everyone is feeling generous tonight."

"One would hope, considering the purpose of this auction," Pyther agreed with a smile, and Severus nodded and went over to Boulderdash and Jennifer.

"Are we about ready?" Severus inquired.

"Just about, Severus, I need to check in with Janus and the patrols one last time and then I'll close the doors until the break," Jennifer replied.

"Make sure my aunt is here before you do that, Jennifer, I don't want her blowing the doors down if she can't get in," Severus warned.

"I doubt she'd have to, but I'll wait for her," Jennifer promised, then slipped out the side door.

"Once those doors are closed and everyone is seated, feel free to begin," Severus told Boulderdash.

"I'm ready... that is, if we don't have anymore last minute item additions," Boulderdash said, looking past Severus critically. Severus turned around to see Ambrose walk up with a square box in hand. "And just what is that?" the goblin asked suspiciously.

"No idea," Ambrose shrugged, Severus squinting at that. "I told Dad about the auction in my last letter and the fact that Viviane was putting something in for it, and he asked me to go to the shop and look for this box. He told me that it won't open until you put it on the block."

"And we're just supposed to trust it's something that would pass the approval list?" Boulderdash asked skeptically.

"He said it was only fair, considering you're letting Viviane put something in," Ambrose said.

"Might I see the letter?" Severus said, and Ambrose handed him the Teledim. Severus poured over it, hoping to get some clue as to what was in it, but Ambrose had quoted his father nearly word for word. Pondering his intention, Severus looked up as his aunt stepped in with Sirius. "One moment," he told them, then went over to consult Viviane. She pondered the question, glancing over at Ambrose briefly before replying. Severus walked back up the aisle while the two of them took seats in the back row.

"Very well, you may put it in," Severus told him, then glanced at Boulderdash. "Try to get it in halfway before the first break, just after Aunt Viviane's."

"So be it," Boulderdash replied, and pointed Ambrose to a spot on his setup table to set it. Severus then took a step back, watching as Boulderdash's volunteers continued to set up. Jennifer and Aurelius came back in, and Aurelius stepped next to the double doors to greet guests as they arrived. Jennifer went over and sat down as other guests filed into their seats. Arriving in large groups since they were already waiting at the gates, the bidders began speaking with each other to decide on where to sit before sometimes filling up full rows, or in the case of certain families, more than one row.

"Your attention for a moment, since we are about to start soon," Severus requested, stepping in front of the podium. "As many of you have already been informed, you will not be allowed to leave this room while the auction is in session; we will, however, provide timed breaks throughout. Please stay in designated areas and do not attempt to pass any of the gargoyles blocking the corridors and passageways. An alarm will go off in the castle if you do so, as it is one of a number of high security procedures put in place for this event. I thank you all for coming tonight, and thank you for your generosity and support." The Headmaster then walked to his seat, the movement was enough to prompt the rest of the guests still standing to find their seats as well.

There were too many guests to name them all, but Severus couldn't help but note some in particular; on the back row where a larger set of chairs had been intentionally set out, sat Olympe, Rubeus, and Halbert, with Eigil and Stella right next to them. On the other side of the aisle, lithe but nearly as tall, Viviane sat next to with Sirius, Anna, and Zoe. Juliet Black was settled across the aisle from the Snapes with her sister Jocelyn and her family, since Zack was in the back preoccupying Peeves again. Directly behind Severus sat Tonks and Eric, who were next to Rolanda and Alvin Archibald. Ginger sat next to her grandmother, busy saving three empty seats for Aurelius, Alicia, and Pyther. Leu was sitting among the Willowbys in the row just behind them. Between the Willowbys and the back row, the chairs were mostly filled with Weasleys and their extended family... except for Helena and Xavier, visible dagger holders strapped to each boot, who were both sitting with Lucky, Balderdash, Grendelbane, and quite a number of other goblin merchants in the very front row to the left of the aisle. In the first row of the right sat Draco and several other representatives from the Ministry. Behind him sat Thomas, Delia, and the rest of his family, followed by Earham, John, and the Deputy Headmaster of Greenburrow, whose name escaped Severus at that moment. Just across from them the Maxens sat with what remained of the traditionalists, just in front of Jocelyn and Juliet and filling in the most of the seats on the left, but leaving an empty row between them and the goblins for anyone 'unlucky enough' to come in late. It was in this row that Deacon Aldus and Peter Gamban sat in, completely unconcerned about the cool reception they were getting from both the goblins and the traditionalists. Severus couldn't help but squint when a burly wizard decided to sit next to them, and although it was the first time he had seen the man in formal robes, there was no denying it was Mr. Jack, who the Mysteries and LE Department still had failed to pin anything on. Severus didn't miss the fact that both Thomas and Thatcher looked across the row with a frown, knowing it was unlikely that he was there to bid for himself.

Severus heard the iron bars lift out of place, and glanced back to see Aurelius securing the doors before making his way forward to slip into his seat.

"Please take your seats if you haven't already," Boulderdash called out. Then he nodded over to Eben, who helped him by setting up some of the lower-end items to get everyone warmed up, starting with a pair of signed books.

The first, a signed copy of Janus Edgar's latest poetry, went to Thomas Craw (Severus had a difficult time keeping himself from rolling his eyes at that), while the winner the copy of Lockhart's "All of Me" was more of a surprise. (Ron immediately collected the book and handed it to his mother so that nobody in the room mistook for an instant why he bought it.) As it happened, Ron's own donation of a dozen of the Daily Prophet's original Harry Potter photos was next on the block; the look that Harry gave Ron for donating them was worth the price that Sirius ended up paying for them.

"I really don't know what to make of this one, and we had a devil of a time appraising it," Boulderdash admitted, stepping up with a cake box that strangely enough had a lock on it. "Because next up for bid is a prototype for Weasley's Wizard Wheezes' Possibly Infinite Ever-Custard," Boulderdash said, reading the card. "'This Custard Pie has been charmed with a built-in rewind feature, which lets the owner retrieve the pie after its thrown repeatedly for multiple hours of fun.'"

"Oh, no," Juliet said flatly. Despite the crowded room, nearly everyone in the middle section heard her. Fred and George grinned knowingly at each other.

"Shall we start it off with a galleon?" Boulderdash suggested dubiously, but then blinked. "What really?" he added when someone actually bid on it. It was Sirius, all the way in the back. Jocelyn said something to Juliet, and she whipped around to glare at her father-in-law before putting in a bid of her own with every intention of destroying it before Zack got a hold of it. That was when Jennifer decided to bid, and Juliet's attention landed on her.

"You wouldn't do that to me! Don't bid for Zack!" she whispered across the aisle.

"Actually, I thought I'd give it to Peeves," Jennifer said mischievously. Blinking at the thought of how disastrous that would be, Severus held up his hand as well.

All of the sudden, the bids became a game of pass the parcel, with quite a number of people bidding to keep each other from putting the pie into the wrong hands. Even the twins threw in a bid now and again just to keep it going for as long as possible, completely entertained by the exchange going on around them. Realizing that she was hopelessly outmatched, Juliet finally gave in and Sirius won out, paying a ludicrous fifty galleons for the gag gift.

"I think I know what Zack's getting for Christmas," Jennifer laughed.

"I think everyone in the room knows it," Severus replied.

"We should make more of those," Fred suggested to George.

"What do you think, Risa?" George asked the dark-haired girl sitting next to him.

"I definitely think you'd be able to get a good profit margin on that one," Risa confirmed. "But I suggest you limit the amount of charges to a hundred so that they run out eventually and have to buy more."

"Good point," both twins said at once.

"Heads up, Severus, they're thinking of making more," Tonks warned Severus after overhearing it.

"Remind me to get that on the students banned list before we leave, Jennifer," Severus said, and Jennifer chuckled at that. Up front, Boulderdash shook his head at the price tag.

"I think it's safe to say that the bidders are warmed up now," he said dryly, a chuckle going through the bidders.

Boulderdash auctioned off one of Alicia's many donations; one of her seascapes. Brushing off her brother's apparent concerns, Blair Villin won the bid, knowing that the fact there were several other pieces of Alicia's coming later in the auction had helped keep the price down. Then they rolled out a copper clockwork sculpture made by Tidwulf and Penwiggle with fanciful whirling, swirling gears and ball bearing tracks, and a smiling clock face twisting on its side. The twins were the first to bid on it thinking it'd be a great piece for the entryway of their factory, but Ambrose brought out his yellow card to bid on behalf of the museum, and it wasn't long before Risa warned them they had reached their limit, forcing them to let it go to the museum.

"Won't that look great in the museum gardens, Severus," Jennifer said with appreciation, and Severus nodded thoughtfully at that, glancing to see what was next. It was a beautiful full-length training mirror with a reddish golden wooden frame with a Celtic knot in each corner. "Isn't it lovely?" Jennifer commented in appreciation.

"This training mirror, donated by Wizardday Publishing, was made out of the heartwood of a Scots fir that fell down in a storm in part of the West Caledonian Wizard's Land Trust, which Wizardday has long partnered with to help preserve and provide sustainable recycling options," Boulderdash explained.

"In other words, they pinch wood any time they can," Ron murmured, earning an elbow from his wife.

"The mirror itself is styled to resemble a late-medieval handcrafted mirror, and is charmed so that it can be used for defense training exercises, as well as basic charms to reduce distortion and to prevent damage and smudging," Boulderdash reported before opening the bids.

At first, Severus ignored the fact that both Jennifer and Aurelius bid on it. But a quick glance over his shoulder at Aurelius was enough to stop him from doing it again, and then he leaned over to Jennifer.

"Now, what would you need that silly mirror for? You have mirrors aplenty as it is."

"We don't have a training mirror outside of the castle," Jennifer pointed out.

"Yes, but you have me," Severus murmured. "Or are you looking for a replacement?" he inquired. Jennifer put her hand down with a smile, leaning into him lovingly.

"Never," Jennifer assured him.

Worley, after seeing that Severus had managed to talk his wife out of spending more than the appraisal price on the mirror, placed another bid, realizing it would be long before he was able to secure it for his own household. Once that was set aside, Boulderdash brought forth a small jewelry box.

"Next, we have here a hexagonal crystal pendant intertwined in fine silver with a silver chain charmed not to tarnish," Boulderdash said. "The crystal itself only has its own natural magic; cut to be used as a focusing item for divination, healing, and meditation techniques. And while there is very little magic on the piece itself, it does have the provenance of once being owned by the Lady of the Lake," he explained, getting a murmur from the crowd. "And with that, as you can imagine, there is also a legend; it is said that few who own this crystal can use it for its purpose. For those who can unlock its purpose, it will lead to certain doom. Only one has been chosen by Fate to unlock the crystal's enlightenment."

Severus gazed at the stone fixedly, ignoring the murmur around him as everyone reacted to the legend and tried to figure out its meaning or if was even worth the risk of owning it. Maxen and Fritjof especially were confused, throwing up an arm, requesting a better look. Tassels and Panning did the same. Cedric Potter came down on his own accord, as did Ambrose, watching what the others were doing.

"Severus, I should take a look at it just to be safe," Jennifer said, and Severus looked at his aunt questioningly. Viviane nodded to him unconcernedly and Jennifer got up and walked to the front. By the time she had gotten there, Icarus Ravenclaw had appeared beside her. Even Essie came up for a look, frowning at it suspiciously as Jennifer inspected it.

"It really does look like nothing more than a focusing crystal, and all of the charms are on the chain are quite standard, really," Jennifer replied. "But even if it is just a shard of crystal, I have little doubt that it's probably a shard out of the Crystal Cave itself."

"Exactly how do you know that?" Worley asked.

"I've handled them quite often," Jennifer explained.

"Handled them quite often?" repeated an unmistakable voice.

Jennifer looked up, quite surprised that Viviane had came up and wondered what in the world she was thinking to be so open to who she was in front of so many people. Then again... Jennifer couldn't think of a time when she had ever tried to disguise it.

"Child, you've handled the crystals so little that even with your vast knowledge of magical relics in general, you have only scratched the surface of what is out there," Viviane informed her critically.

Suddenly there was a shuffle, and Worley and Fritjof looked around in surprise to see the vast majority of the people in the room were kneeling or curtsying as recognition took hold.

"Lady Viviane," Frijof said, bowing his head solemnly.

"Despite the fact that Jennifer is, as always, professing to expertise that she does not have, she correct about the nature of the crystal I have gifted this auction," Viviane informed him evenly. "It is a shard from my home. It is quite harmless for the majority of people who might choose to wear it. And I can also confirm the legend; it has the potential to lead many to their doom, and there is only one who can harness its power for enlightenment. But this world, I am often told, is as much about choice as it is about accepting Fate. So today, I will leave the choice to everyone in this room," she explained. "Do you choose to bid on this shard, knowing it will most likely do nothing at all, and knowing there's a chance it will lead you to your doom," Viviane posed. "Or do you take the chance that you are the one individual who may benefit from it? It's up to you to decide, now that I have freely donated it. I will wait with interest to see who is willing to sacrifice the most to procure it."

"I don't want to have anything to do with that thing," Essie said immediately, then walked off to take her seat.

"The last thing I need right now is another legendary magic item," Jennifer replied. "Shall we call this authenticated?"

"Of course," Fritjof said with another nod before everyone returned to their places.

Severus watched Jennifer return to her seat, his thoughts clouded despite his obvious curiosity.

"I take it they were convinced?" Severus inquired.

"I don't know what she was thinking making herself known like that," Jennifer murmured softly, unsurprised when Worley bid on it.

"Hardly the first time. Don't you remember Jamie's wedding - oh, that's right, you weren't there that night," Severus recalled. "Aunt Viviane probably revealed herself because she in no way felt threatened and wanted to clear the matter up. But don't you think we ought to bid on it? To keep it out of Maxen hands if for no other reason?" Severus suggested, watching as Eric bid, taking turns with Aurelius.

"Why should we play into her hands when we have better things to do?" Jennifer asked curtly. "I'm not buying her silly trinket when it's obvious that she only did it to play mind games with everyone in the room."

"Yes, alright, you have a point," Severus replied.

He was, however, privately worried about where that necklace would end up, especially considering that despite the casual bids, the Maxens were singularly focused on it, well aware that the rest of the bidders didn't seem all that motivated to win it.

But just when Severus was about to bid again, Icarus Ravenclaw appeared standing in the middle of the aisle, holding up a paddle for good measure to make certain that nobody missed his bid, his gaze fixed on Boulderdash and countering every bid immediately as it came.

"Why is a ghost even being allowed to bid?" Fritjof whispered with frustration.

"He's a member of the faculty," Worley murmured back. "He's the Divination Professor."

"How utterly ridiculous," Fritjof hissed back in annoyance. "How can he possibly divine anything if he's already dead?"

Worley clamped his mouth shut after seeing that the headmaster was watching them interest, In fact, Severus found their frantic whispers rather amusing. Severus had been debating confronting Ick about his bid, but after seeing their reaction, he decided to let it go. After all, Icarus probably knew more about the situation than anyone else there did, Severus mused. Was Icarus buying the crystal as a Divination tool, to keep it out of the Maxens' hands, or did he suspect who that crystal was meant for? Either way, at least if Icarus bought it, Severus knew it would stay in the castle...

"Sold, to Professor Ravenclaw," Boulderdash said at last.

"I suppose that does make sense. After all, Divination is his field," Jennifer murmured softly. "I do hope he's careful with that thing." Severus pondered it a moment, glancing at his aunt. She had turned to speak to Sirius and Anna but seemed quite relaxed.

"I'm sure he will be," Severus decided at last, distractedly watching as Boulderdash reached for Toby's box to get it over with.

Curiously Boulderdash opened it and took out a book, blowing off the caked dirt on top and frowning at it. Then he took a paper out of the box and frowned at that. Shrugging, Boulderdash stepped back up to the podium.

"It would appear to be an old book, cotton and board... tight ribbing as if never opened. It is entitled, 'A Critical Review of Much Ado About Nothing,'" he reported. Severus looked quite nonplussed by the title, but then again, so did Boulderdash. "There's no byline or dustcover, maybe 19th century at earliest date? My professional appraisal is half a galleon," Boulderdash admitted. "But there's a note here from Mr. Tinker requesting that this book be offered at the sale price of the previous item on the block... not that I expect anyone to pay that price for this book, but I'll honor his wishes," he said. "Any takers at 250 galleons?" he inquired, not expecting anyone to take that bid in the slightest. But Severus raised his hand with resignation, ignoring the fact that his wife was looking at him as if he was completely insane. Everyone who noticed it decided they agreed with her. Viviane rolled her eyes critically, shaking her head so slightly that only Sirius noticed it.

"Any other bids?" Boulderdash said, knowing there wouldn't be any. "Sold to the Headmaster."

"I'll take it now," Severus said, giving everyone an extra minute or two to question his sanity as he went up to acquire the book and pocket it, returning to his seat.

"What in the world are you thinking, paying such an insane price for that book, even if Toby did put it up?" Jennifer immediately scolded him. "Especially considering what it's about, you know I despise that play."

"It isn't about the play, it's an Ancient Magic lesson," Severus murmured back. He turned his attention to the front, well aware that Jennifer was scrutinizing him intently. "And the price was because it had to be an equal measure of interference compared to Viviane's." Jennifer grew thoughtful, realizing he had a point, but then quickly recovered.

"Well, that's a pricey piece of ancient politics you're playing, and I reserve the right to spend at least that much on something equally ridiculous," Jennifer replied. She braced herself for the oncoming threat, but Severus simply gazed at her seriously.

"Of course, whatever you think is appropriate," Severus said, leaving Jennifer speechless that he had given in so easily. A bit baffled and annoyed that Severus had clouded his thoughts again, Jennifer had trouble concentrating and was glad when it was finally time for the first break.

While she went out with Janus and Aurelius to watch the corridors and provide escorts to those leaving, Severus had his attention on Worley, who had stepped up to confront Boulderdash about the crystal pendant.

"Ghost or no ghost, he is a productive member of society, and I don't see why his coin wouldn't be good as anyone else's," Boulderdash was saying as Severus made his way forward to where they stood, with Boulderdash standing on the dais to be at a better level with Worley. Eric, seeing Severus move up, decided to excuse himself from the conversation he was having and worked his way over as well.

"Just how is it that a ghost could possibly have so much money in the first place?" Worley snapped irritably.

"Did you think that he worked for free?" Boulderdash inquired.

"Is there a problem?" Severus asked, stepping up.

"Mr. Maxen is asking about the validity of allowing ghosts to participate in auctions," Boulderdash explained.

"Oh, that. Well, I believe that was settled by the Ministry many years ago, after the Sentient Rights committee brought it up," Severus said. "The Ministry's ruling was that any entity who must pay taxes has the right to basic services and privileges, and Professor Ravenclaw has had to pay taxes well before he even came to Hogwarts, since he served as Warden of Azkaban," he pointed out. "Not to mention it was stated in the rules for the auctions that staff members of the school may and will participate if they like, other than Boulderdash and his helpers, of course. I understand being upset about not winning an item, but your father could have simply kept bidding."

"We weren't about to pay any more than a focusing crystal that may or may not have an interesting legend... regardless of who owned it, especially when it was obvious that the other bidder was quite prepared to go as high as it took," Worley said.

"Considering that taxes are his only expense other than the books and instruments he needs for his class, Ravenclaw likely has the funds to back that up... in fact, I think he already paid for it," Severus said, and Boulderdash nodded in confirmation. "And considering that Divination is his profession, it makes a great deal of sense that he would want it, so it was a sound decision," he added for good measure. "Anyway, I had best get a spot of tea while I can," Severus said then went over to the refreshment table. A moment later, Jennifer slipped in from the side door.

"Aurelius just got back from escorting your aunt to the gates," Jennifer reported.

"Good, I was hoping she would leave the moment her business was done," Severus replied. "I doubt she wanted to deal with the attention she was getting."

"That's her own fault for announcing it," Jennifer said curtly. "Yes, well, I suppose I should be grateful that she donated something, but I have no doubt she had other motives in mind as she always does."

"Just what did she say to you that got you this irritated?" Severus pondered.

"Nothing, really," Jennifer said, but Severus' fixed stare told her that he wasn't buying it. "Yes, alright, she may have said something, but it isn't just her. I'm simply tired of everyone questioning my expertise with magic items all of the sudden, that's all. I shouldn't have to prove it to anyone," she muttered, and his gaze soften.

"No, you definitely shouldn't," Severus agreed. "Perhaps you should look for friendlier conversation for the remainder of the break."

"Actually, I really want to go over and meet George's fiance," Jennifer admitted with a smile.

"Oh no, the heckling committee. Are you sure that counts as friendlier conversation?" Severus complained.

"You don't have to go over if you don't want to," Jennifer told him, but wasn't surprised when Severus followed her over anyway.

"Here she comes, Professor Dragon Tamer herself!" Fred declared when he saw them coming over to where they were standing near the fireplace, the dark-haired girl standing near George looking up curiously.

"Hello, you two! Thanks for donating to the auction this year," Jennifer said with a smile.

"Although I suspect we'll all regret it," Severus added, the two of them laughing in response to that.

"Molly was telling us the last time she volunteered in the daycare that you're planning to get married, George," Jennifer said.

"Yes, we are! We're getting married on a roller coaster over the holiday," George replied. "But it's a very small wedding... there are only sixteen seats."

"I'm glad we weren't invited," Severus replied, inspiring another round of chuckles.

"We'll keep you in mind in case someone cancels," Fred said mischievously.

"I'm sure you have plenty of relatives to choose from," Jennifer said, smiling at the girl.

"Jennifer Craw Snape, this is Risa Bayes, my fiance, as well as the company's production manager. She's also a Number Turner," George introduced. "And she's one of the first girls we've met who could easily tell us apart even when Fred's not dying his hair."

"That's because you have a scar from that factory explosion now, and Fred's a bit more serious than you when it comes to business," Risa pointed out.

"That's true," George admitted.

"She actually dated me first because of that," Fred said. "She liked me because I was a touch more serious."

"Yes, that's true," Risa said. "But after a thorough testing of both models and then comparing them on a statistical chart to see which had a better probability in a long term successful marriage, George won." Severus and Jennifer stared at her.

"I guess that's my lot in life, getting the short end of the stick," Fred said with a shrug. "They go on honeymoon, and I get left behind to mind the factory."

"Don't worry, Fred, your number will come up," Jennifer said with an encouraging smile.

"Yeah, you should hire her, Fred," George agreed. "When it comes to matchmaking, Jennifer corners the market."

"No truer words were spoken," Severus said expressionlessly, and Jennifer grew quite red as the twins laughed again.

"Do you charge by the hour, or just by the successful date?" Fred inquired.

"And what determines what a successful date is?" George asked with a wicked grin.

"You know... I think I'll just avoid answering that question by checking on security," Jennifer said quickly. "Severus, Albus is here now."

"Yes, alright. I suppose that gives me a good exit point as well. Have a good wedding, I suppose."

"It'll likely have its ups and downs," Fred said.

"In more ways than one," George agreed, and Severus hurriedly escaped before either of them said anything else.


When the auction was finally done and the castle was put back to order, Jennifer made herself comfortable in her sitting room. Sleepily, she sat on her sofa and sipped her tea while admiring the large pile of jewelry boxes, magic items, and other acquisitions piled up and threatening to fall off of the table.

Severus came in from the bedroom to check on her, then sighed with exasperation.

"Really, Jennifer. Did you manage to get a single Christmas present the entire evening? Or did you just shop for yourself?" Severus taunted her.

"I did buy that cuckoo clock kit from Gribitz Emporium for Quintin," Jennifer pointed out.

"More than one present, then," Severus acknowledged.

"Well, it's rather difficult to shop for people who are in the room, Severus, and practically everyone was there!" Jennifer protested. Severus rolled his eyes at that. "By the way, when I was escorting George and Risa to the gates, I asked them what they wanted for a wedding present and George suggested they could use a better explosion seal for the factory. Is that alright with you?"

"I suppose, but it seems a very strange wedding present," Severus replied.

"Well, apparently he's a bit worried about his brother. He got his scar because he was pushing Fred out of the way of the explosion," Jennifer explained. "In fact, George is feeling more than a little guilty about getting married in general, because he wants his brother to be happy, too. It's only natural, after all," she decided. "So I think when I'm over there inspecting the factory to see what sort of safety upgrades they need, I might do a bit of snooping about to see what I can do about Fred. Is that alright, Severus?"

"I don't know. Do you charge by the hour, or by the success of the date?" Severus asked flatly.

"Oh, Severus really!"

"You know, it's frightening to think of, but the older that I get, the more I understand George and Fred's brand of wit," Severus admitted. "Perhaps because their observation skills are brutally spot on." Jennifer made a face at him. "Time to turn in, Jennifer, we're going home tomorrow, you know. Our last night before the bedlam of the Christmas season begins, so I hope you don't hold a grudge any more than I you that you overspent our budget when we haven't even begun to shop," Severus said expressionlessly.

"All for a good cause, Severus," Jennifer reminded him with a smile, taking a moment to tag her haul for home delivery before following him into the next room.