It was early Monday morning when Petunia and Dudley Dursley, dressed in their finest clothes, knocked on the front door of Whitehall Manor. Both mother and son where extremely nervous about being there, and still recovering from the Portkey ride. Dumbledore had shown up Saturday morning to inform them that it would be ok for Dudley to practice magic at the manor, and to introduce her son's tutor, Remus Lupin. Before the Headmaster left, he gave them a small wristwatch that would act as a reusable Portkey between Number Four Private Drive and Whitehall Manor. Petunia was still in shock about Dudley being a Wizard, she and Vernon where still fighting about their son's future.
When Dudley began to show signs of magic, the family had thought that it was Harry getting revenge somehow. Dumbledore himself had brought Dudley the letter for Hogwarts just so he could confirm that the boy was in fact a Wizard. Vernon had wanted Dumbledore to take away Dudley's abnormality right away, but the old Wizard had said it wasn't possible. When Petunia asked how her son was a Wizard now when he hadn't been one before, she got no real answer form the Headmaster. It was apparently still being investigated.
The front door opened, and a small creature greeted them. "Good Morning and welcome to the home of my master Lord Victor Whitehall. I is the House Elf Tilly and shall escort you to the Parlor." A shocked Petunia and a scared Dudley fallowed behind the small creature as the front door closed automatically behind them.
The Dursleys sat down on the couch and Tilly waved her hand through the air magically materializing tea and small lemon cakes. It wasn't long before Victor, dressed in a casual dark gray robe, and the Potters joined them. Harry, Willow, and Victor sat in the armchairs facing Petunia and Dudley. Harry was dressed like Victor, but Willow was wearing robes of bright pink with a red tent.
"Good morning sir, you have a lovely home. I thank you for allowing my son to study here." Petunia said with a nervous smile.
Victor studied the woman as if she were an unwelcome roach on his couch, so Willow decided to answer as she figured she would be the only one capable of being nice. "It's ah ... it's nice to meet you finally Aunt Petunia. Also, you as well Dudley. I'm sure we or .. ah .. I can help Dudley get up to speed on his studies." Willow stuttered threw her speech as she kept felling Harry and Victor's anger. Nether had even remotely forgiven the Dursleys for what they did.
"I'm grateful for any help you could give my son. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help him with his studies in ... ah ... magic. Also, please let me know if you or ah.. Harry need anything. Thank you." Petunia said awkwardly.
"You're quick to try being a better aunt now that you have no choice, seeing as you need our help. Tell me, where was your desire to be an aunt when my grandson Harry lived with you and your family? Where was this love of family when you threw him in the cupboard under the stairs?" Victor asked coldly.
Petunia could only look down in shame as she had no answer. Willow was trying to think of some way to keep the peace, when the fireplace flared green. Petunia gave a small shriek and Dudley gave out a small squawk falling off the couch. Out of the green fire step one Severus Snape dressed in his everyday all black attire. He stood and looked around the room and paused on Petunia.
He didn't really acknowledge her, nor she him, but Willow felt the emotional shock from Petunia as well as the loathing from Snape. The Potions Professor turned to look at Victor and said. "Good morning Lord Whitehall, I'm here to test your granddaughter on her knowledge of Potions and Herbology. Professor Sprout had a small emergency and can't make it today."
Victor turned to look at Snape and said. "Yes, I am aware of your appointment today, but wasn't expecting you until later. Also, this is Petunia Dursley and her son Dudley Dursley. There are the aunt and cousin of my grandchildren."
"Yes, I'm sorry for the early intrusion but, because I must now judge two subjects instead of one, I thought it best to begin early. If that is a problem we can reschedule?" Snape explained.
"That won't be a problem Professor Snape. If you would tell me the Potion I'm creating for you today, we can go collect the ingredients from my greenhouses. That would allow us to kill two birds with one stone. Aunt Petunia, if you and Dudley want to come with us you can. This would allow me to show Dudley some of the plants he might work with at school." Willow said cheerfully.
She, Snape, and the Dursleys left the Parlor with Sr. Huggs fallowing close behind. Petunia and Dudley weren't thrilled about the snake and Snape wasn't thrilled about the Dursleys.
Harry turned to look at his grandfather and asked. "When is Parkinson due to arrive?
"Later this evening. Her father will bring her and have dinner with us before heading to France. What are you going to do today?" Victor asked. He was wondering what to do about Simon Parkinson. The man's rage was a dangerous thing, and the last thing he wanted was an incident between him and Willow.
"I was going to go to the Burrow. Hermione is staying over so she and I are going to drag Ron to the movie theater in town." Harry told his grandfather. At Whitehall's confused look Harry explained. "It's this place that Muggles go to that shows a moving painting that tells a story. It has sound and everything."
Whitehall didn't fully understand but decided it wasn't that important. "Do you need any money. I keep muggle currency in my office ever sense Willow told me it would be a good idea. I've come to find your sister is seldom wrong about certain things."
Harry took a thousand pounds and headed to the Burrow.
After Willow and the others arrived at the greenhouse clearing, she turned to Snape and asked. "So, Professor, what Potion am I making for you today? I'm sure I have enough ingredients between my greenhouses and storage cupboard to make just about anything."
Severus looked around the clearing before turning to Willow. "Did you do all this yourself Ms. Potter?" He inquired. This was stirring up a lot of painful memories as Lily herself was quite good at Herbology.
Willow tried her best to ignore the private emotions of Professor Snape as she answered. "Yes sir, the House Elves helped but only under my own instructions. It took a little while, but most of the houses already had plants growing in them. I just had to reorganize and replant them in the way I wanted to. Greenhouses six, seven, and eight are all mine though."
Snape walked to each greenhouse and read the plaque in front as Willow lead her aunt and cousin to the first and safest house. Upon entering, Petunia asked Willow. "Are any of the plants dangerous dear." She and Dudley appeared to be afraid.
Willow turned back to her relatives and gave them a reassuring smile. "Yes, Aunt Petunia, some of the plants are dangerous, but none are deadly. In fact, some of these plants you would find in an everyday Muggle's home, like various herbs and spices." Willow walked over to one flower bed to show Dudley those very plants.
Snape soon walked in and approached the group. He cleared his throat to get Willow's attention and said in a smooth draw. "Your knowledge of Herbology is far more than what I was expecting Ms. Potter. Your work in Ward creation and Ruin Magic is also high level. I'm curious who taught you such magics, Ms. Potter?"
Willow just smiled at Snape and said. "For the most part, I'm mostly self-taught Professor. Have you decided on the potion that I'll brew for you today?"
The Potions Master seemed to think upon the question before answering. "The Girding Potion I believe would be a good test of your potion skill, Ms. Potter. Do you need a list of ingredients or are you familiar with the brew?"
"No, thank you Professor, I'm familiar with the potion. We have used it quite a lot in Sunnydale over the years. Perhaps my cousin can assist me to learn a little about potion making?" Willow said while looking at her relatives.
"Oh yes, that's a wonderful idea Willow. Dudley would be more than happy to help you. Won't you Dudders?" Petunia said sweetly.
Willow had to hold back her laughter at Petunia's pet name for her son. She also noticed by Dudley's facial expression that he nether liked the idea of potion making or the nickname. Snape said nothing as he crossed his arms and scowled. Willow got the impression he was trying not to laugh as well.
Willow walked towards the back of the greenhouse and stopped before a small row of Leaping Toadstools. She reached down and picked three. She then walked back towards the front and stopped before a large Wiggentree and picked four leaves. Snape didn't say anything about the additional ingredients, but wondered what Willow was going to do with them.
Everyone then returned to the manor and walked towards the Potions Laboratory. The laboratory was located on the top floor of the right wing of the manor. It had magical ventilation to safely remove the harmful fumes that brewing potions sometimes produced. Willow walked towards the cupboard in the back and retrieved the ingredients she would need to make the potion. Then she walked towards a storage closet and retrieved standard size two pewter caldron. She returned and placed the caldron over the fire pit. She waved her hand through the air and filled the caldron with water and started a fire in the pit beneath it.
"Alright, come here Dudley and I'll show you what I'm doing. First, you need to have the directions for the potion your brewing, which you can find in your potion's book. I already know how to brew the potion, so I don't need the recipe. The ingredients for the potion are simple. One toasted Dragonfly thorax, Flying Seahorses, Doxy Eggs, and Fairy Wings are what you need to make the basic potion, but I'm also adding Leaping Toadstools and Wiggentree Leaves to make it stronger. This potion is used to increase one's physical endurance, but I'm also adding in protection from magical injury." Willow explained to her confused cousin. The more she talked the more confused Dudley seemed to get.
Snape and Petunia stood in the back of the laboratory watching Willow work and teach Dudley. Nether said anything for a time as they watched the young witch start adding ingredients, until finally Petunia decided to break the ice. "She looks a lot like my late sister doesn't she, Snape? She also seems to have inherited Lily's talent for learning and teaching."
Snape continued to monitor Willow's progress as he answered Petunia. "Yes, on both accounts Mrs. Dursley. I thank you for not reviling that we knew each other to the children as it would be awkward. Your nephew is unaware that Lily and I were friends before Hogwarts, and I would like to keep it that way for personal reasons."
Petunia looked curiously at the Potion Master and said. "I don't see what it could hurt but I'll respect your wishes. Has Albus Dumbledore found out how Dudley was overlooked regarding his magic?"
Petunia seemed to grow a little stiffer at the end of her question, letting Severus know she wasn't happy about something. He honestly didn't know if it was because Dudley was a Wizard or because his education was hurt by the fact someone made a mistake. He knew Petunia was jealous of both Lily's beauty, brains, and magic, but had no idea her reasoning regarding her son possessing magic.
As for why Dudley was overlooked was another matter entirely. He and Dumbledore had talked about what happened when he returned to Hogwarts after the dinner at the Crabbe's home. He still had a hard time believing Dumbledore would make such a mistake pertaining to the wards but saw no other explanation. Snape decided not to tell Petunia about it sense there was nothing that could be done, and no one really got hurt.
"I'm not sure as this has never happened before. The most anyone can figure is that something was blocking Dudley's magic somehow. The matter is still being investigated, but so far there aren't any real answers. There is quite a bit of theories but nothing to support them." Snape told Petunia.
Both adults watched in silence as Willow continued to brew the potion and teach Dudley. Finally, after forty-five minutes the potion turned dark green, showing that it was finished. Willow carefully bottled it into eight small vials and gave one to Snape. The rest she put into the potion storage cupboard. The group then proceeded to the Parlor. As Snape began to reach for the floo powder, Victor came in.
"Before you go, Professor Snape, I was wondering if we could have a quick word." Victor stated. Everyone present could tell it was no request.
Snape simply gave a nod and sat down in one of the armchairs and Victor sat at another one. Willow decided to take Dudley and Aunt Petunia to the library to get a book of basic charms for Dudley to study. Tilly came in at Victor's call and placed a tray of tea and small lemon cakes. Both men fixed themselves a cup of Earl Gray and sat back in the armchairs.
Victor though about what he wanted to say to the Professor. He understood the house rivalry system at Hogwarts well. When he himself had gone to school his head of house favored the Slytherins as well, but Snape seemed to hat Harry for other reasons. He also seemed oddly detached when he was around Willow.
"Don't take this the wrong way Snape, but I'm curious as to why you seem to hate my grandson. Before you jump to conclusions Harry hasn't said one thing to me about it. I still have friends on the Hogwarts Board of Education." Victor said as he sat back in his chair.
Snape took a small sip of his tea as he thought of a good response. The truth was he and Victor where somewhat in the same position. Both men no longer believed in the old ways or blood superiority, but both were trapped by past sins and wrong deeds. He decided honest would be the best policy.
"Long ago, I believed, like your sons, that the Dark Lord had the right idea about Wizards and Muggles. I fallowed him loyally and did his bidding in the war. I was perhaps a much bigger fool than your sons ever were though, because I grew up next door to a Muggleborn Witch who, for a time, was my truest friend. I grew to love her but, in my foolish youth, I insulted her and she never forgave me."
Snape took a moment to regather his thoughts and compose himself. He took a long drink of his tea and cleared his throat while Whitehall waited patiently for him to continue. Finally, we placed his cup back on his saucer and began again.
"After school she married a man who I hated with a passion. I had hated him long before he stool my friend, and I blamed myself for driving her into his arms. I joined the Death Eaters in some false hope that she would come to me for protection when her husband died fighting the Dark Lord's forces. Instead, the Dark Lord himself killed her and her husband. When he tried to kill their son though, her sacrifice turned his magic back on him and her son became the Boy-Who-Lived." Snape finished.
Whitehall didn't react visibly to what Snape told, him but inside he was trying to collect his thoughts rapidly. He had not realized Snape had known Lily before Hogwarts. He knew they were in the same year but had never heard they were friends. Despite the information about the past it didn't help answer the present question.
"I maybe a bully to your grandson but there are reasons behind my actions. I broke promises that I made Lily and the only way to atone for that is by protecting her children. The Purebloods can never suspect me of betrayal, or they would get reed of me somehow. I will also admit that it hurts seeing Lily's eyes on the face of James Potter. The boy is a constant reminder of what I lost and now Willow shall be as well. Despite all my personal issues there is nothing I would not do to protect Lily's children. I would die for both of them." Snape finished. He sat back in the chair and waited for Victor's response.
Victor took a long draw out of his teacup as he thought upon all Snape had revealed to him. He couldn't fault the man for being a Death Eater no more than he could his own sons. He also knew that if he hadn't been such a public political figure during the war, he too would have most likely been a Death Eater. He and Snape truly were in the same boat regarding the Purebloods, and they both had to walk a fine line to avoid repercussions. That was in fact the very reason for the marriage contract deception.
"All right Snape, I will not pursue any legal actions at this time. After some of the stories I've heard from various sources, I was going to try and get you sacked. However, if you truly have my grandchildren's best interest at heart then I won't interfere. Just know that from now on I will defend my grandson from any allegations that you, or anyone else, brings forward." Whitehall said in a formal tone of voice.
Snape stood to leave but stopped short at the fireplace. He turned back to Victor and pulled out a small picture from inside his robes. He then pulled out his wand and duplicated the photograph. He handed the copy to Victor and said. "This is a Muggle photo of Lily during her tenth birthday. It was taken in the backyard of her family home under a Willow tree. Something that might interest you about the Even's family is that all girls are named after a flower or tree. Willow was in fact Lily's grandmother's name."
Victor took the picture and studied it. Setting under a Willow tree was his daughter dressed in a yellow dress and white shoes. She was smiling up at who ever took the photo holding a brown teddy bear. "Thank you." He said to Snape.
With that Snape threw some floo powder into the fireplace and left.
Meanwhile, Willow was trying to instruct Dudley in how to perform a Levitation Charm. The day after Petunia learned about Dudley's magic, she took him to London to buy a wand and a few other things. She remembered from her trips with Lily when she was younger how to get to Diagon Alley. She and Dudley hadn't spent very long there as they were both uncomfortable around so many Witches and Wizards. They had purchased a wand from Ollivander's as well ice cream and candy. Dudley's wand was an 8" Birch wood with a unicorn hair.
At first Dudley hadn't wanted to do something so simple. He had wanted to fly or turn into a dragon, until Willow explained that he could fly on a broomstick and turning into a dragon was impossible. He then inquired about how Willow managed to fill the caldron with water while starting a fire underneath with only a wave of her hand. The California Witch had to explain a little bit about Wandless Magic and Elemental Magic, which was the powers that she used on the caldron earlier.
When Dudley had expressed a strong desire to learn Fire Magic, his cousin told him no. He had thought about throwing a tantrum, but one look at Willow's resolve face told him the tactic that he used on his mother would have no effect on the redhead. The young Witch promised him a small Static Shock Charm if he could get the Levitation Charm right.
Petunia watched in silence as her niece taught her son magic. If she was honest with herself, she had to admit that it hurt. The woman knew that she had been horrible to Harry, but it wasn't until Dudley gained magic that she regretted it. Had the tables been reversed and Lily was forced to take Dudley in, her sister would have treated him as if he was her own. Watching a girl that could have passed for Lily's twin interact with Dudley only showed her more how wrong she had been, and she didn't know how to atone for her actions.
They were soon interrupted by the House Elf Misty. "Ms. Willow, Ms. Willow, I's informing you that your friend Ms. Pansy Parkinson is her. She also has her father with her, and a Mr. Lupin is here for your cousin." Misty said in an exited scared voice.
Willow looked back at the elf curiously and said. "They're early. Did anyone say why they are here so soon? Mr. Lupin wasn't supposed to arrive until after lunch, and the Parkinsons weren't supposed to arrive until just before dinner."
"No ma'am they didn't. There ah ... seems to be some tension between Mr. Lupin and Mr. Parkinson though." The little elf said while nervously ringing her pillowcase shirt.
Willow simply sighed. She hadn't met Mr. Lupin but knew that he was definitely one of Dumbledore's people. As far as Simon Parkinson went, Willow really didn't care if he got his butt kicked. Still, she didn't want Mr. Lupin getting into trouble, so she hurried to the Parlor with her aunt and cousin fallowing close behind.
Petunia was a little nervous herself when she asked Willow. "Is there something wrong dear?"
Willow looked at her aunt and thought about how to best answer the question. "During the war against Voldemort, Mr. Parkinson and Mr. Lupin where on opposite sides. Mr. Parkinson fallowed Voldemort and Mr. Lupin fallowed Dumbledore. It's an unfair reality, but many who were guilty of crimes during the war escaped prosecution with both their money and political power intact. Simon Parkinson was definitely guilty of war crimes."
Petunia paled and Dudley looked confused. He understood enough to know that Parkinson was someone to avoid. "Are we in danger Willow?" Petunia asked.
"No, Parkinson isn't stupid and would never do anything while in Whitehall Manor. He would be too afraid of the American Aurors, and the fact he would be held accountable under American Magical Laws." Willow explained to her family.
Upon entering the Parlor, Willow noticed the Parkinsons standing by the left wall and a man in tattered brown robes by the right. He had light brown hair that was beginning to gray and old scares on his face. When he looked to Willow, his breath caught in his throat. 'Looks like he was a good friend to my parents as well.' Willow thought.
"Hello Mr. Lupin, I'm glad you could join us today. Dudley has been very eager to begin studying magic and Willow was nice enough to show him a Charm already." Petunia said trying to break the tension between the two grown men. It seemed to work as Simon's attention moved from Remus Lupin to her, and his disgust became rather noticeable by his facial expression.
"That's good Mrs. Dursley, we can begin whenever he is ready. Is there a place we can go to safely practice?" Lupin asked politely.
"Yes sir, there is a protected practice room just down the hall from the library. Aunt Petunia and Dudley can show you the way. Also, if anyone should need something, just call for my House Elf Tilly and she'll respond." Willow explained to Lupin.
The shabby dressed man nodded to Willow and lead the Dursleys back out of the Parlor. He didn't want to leave the girl alone with the Parkinsons, but couldn't think of a good enough excuse to stay or have her fallow. He knew that both father and daughter were here on the girl's invitation as her guests, but was still relieved to see Victor Whitehall walk into the Parlor just as they began to leave.
Victor merely gave a citrusy nod of acknowledgement as he passed Lupin's group. He walked up to Simon and shock his hand. "Good to see you Parkinson, and your lovely daughter." He reached down taking Pansy's hand and bringing it up to his lips to kiss the back by way of greeting.
"Good afternoon Victor, sorry about dropping in early but there seems to be a problem with an overseas investment that could turn urgent if left unattended. Perhaps we can discuss this in private. I'm sure the girls can entertain themselves for a short time." Simon explained.
Victor looked at his granddaughter for conformation. "Is that fine with you Willow, or did you have something else do?"
Looking at Pansy, Willow figured she wouldn't want to get her dawn red silk robes anywhere near her greenhouses, and she doubted that the girl studied for fun like she did. The Wicca needed to check on her greenhouses and she also wanted to go to the Burrow and pick Harry up. She could fill Harry's bad mood and figured he was going to be a baby about having dinner with the Parkinsons and the Dursleys. Deciding, Willow created a copy of herself.
Everyone looked on curiously as Willow began to wave her hands and mutter words that no one recognized. Finally, after a display of red and gold lights, another Willow stood next to the original. "Clone, please show Pansy my room. There are a few things I need to take care of that can't wait. Also, Grandpa do you mind if I go to the Burrow and get Harry. He will probably want Ronald, Ginevra, and Hermione to join us."
Victor wasn't happy about this. "I wasn't really planning on having anyone else for dinner except the Parkinsons and the Dursleys dear. Perhaps they can have dinner with us another day."
"Nonsense Grandpa, we have plenty of food. I know Harry wants his friends over and I was hoping to discuss Human Transfiguration with Hermione. I'll just pop over and see if there available. Clone, please tell Tilly to water the Blood Leaching Tree." Willow said. She popped away before anyone could stop her.
"So now we must dine with Muggles and Mudbloods? How can you allow her to dirty your house with such filth Whitehall?" Simon asked with a snarl.
"I don't like that word, Mr. Parkinson. If you have a problem with my family and friends, then you don't have to dine with us." Willow's clone said while maintaining her cheerful smile. Everyone could tell that it didn't meet her cold eyes.
Simon looked at her with an intimidating glare, before answering. "Your conjurer should show more respect for her elders. If she needs a lesson in respect, I would be more than happy to give it."
"Enough everyone, I will not have such talk in my house." Victor said angrily.
"Now Willow, or Clone, I'm not sure, take Ms. Parkinson to your room please. I'm sure she would love that American Crystal Ball magazine that you recently got a subscription for. Simon, we shall go to my office and discuss business. Should I contact Charles Braner, or can we settle this on our own?" Victor said with an air of finality.
"In honesty he may actually be needed for this discussion. He has handled business matters for me overseas as well, so he already has knowledge of the problem." Simon explained. Both men headed for Victor's office as the girls headed for Willow's room.
Upon entering Victor took a set behind his giant black mahogany desk and glared at Simon. "If you ever speak to my granddaughter in such a way again, I'll kill you."
Simon Parkinson had to take a moment to get over his shock. Victor Whitehall was not a man known for threats and Simon had not really expected one. It was believed that the old Wizard had lost his fire and strength to fight. It would seem his fire had returned.
Simon was able to regain his composure setting in the chair opposite of Victor. "You allow that girl to get away with far too much, Whitehall. You should be more forceful with her and perhaps a little more heavy-handed in order to straighten her out. You must teach her to lessen now so Vincent Crabbe will have an easier time after they marry. Otherwise, the girl may rebel against the wishes of the Old Families."
Victor could only stare in disbelief at the fool that sat before him. "Tell me Simon, do you have any idea how Willow created that double, or perhaps how she can teleport with ease simply by vanishing silently or creating portals to walk through? No, you don't and neither do I. There is no way to truly know the limits of Willow's power or how she would react to a more heavy-handed approach."
"Despite your fear of your granddaughter's power, your forgetting one thing. The girl is still young and could be intimidated even by someone weaker than herself, if that person asserted themself as the authority figure. If she truly sees you as her better than you can still make her lessen, even if she is stronger than you and the same goes for your grandson. The boy himself should be here and not spending time with that little redheaded whore and her blood traitor family." Simon said in a quiet rage.
Victor closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He forcibly calmed himself down and changed the subject. "Let's get on with are meeting. I'll go ahead and contact Braner to meet us here. What is the issue overseas that you wanted to discuss?