Chapter Forty

Mystery Date and Candy Crush

Eben Maxen wore his spidersilk tie, his best cloak, and even tamed back his hair, creating just enough of a difference to get more than his fair share of whistles and comments when he boarded the bus to Hogsmeade. Everyone was disappointed when he sat by his sister Cadha, because everyone was interested to see just who it was he had a date with.

"Are you wearing cologne?" Cadha asked him critically.

"Not much," Eben said.

"Plenty enough," Sissy murmured to Rus, causing him to snigger.

"I heard that," Eben warned them.

"Just don't forget you're supposed to help with the candy order, Eben," Elliot said.

"I know, I know. In fact, I agreed to meet my date in front of Honeydukes because of it," Eben promised.

"Then I guess we won't have all that long to find out who it is," Rus teased.

"I guess not," Eben replied as the bus came a stop, waiting for his turn to get off.

As always, a great many students ran to beat the Honeydukes rush, but when they got there, they had to dodge several empty carts waiting outside. Next to them stood Hope Willowby, waving as they came closer. She had a clean cloak and her boots without bloodstains on them, but otherwise didn't seem to make much effort in appearance at all.

"Hey there!" Hope said, glancing between Elliot and Eben then settling on Eben. "You're my date, right? I'm Hope Willowby."

"Eben Maxen," Eben replied.

"I thought I'd go ahead and raid my Dad's house for the carts to save you the trouble of having to go after them," Hope explained.

"That's your date?" Joey Black gawked. "No way! You can't handle her!"

"She's a bit old for you," Jay added, while Jack nodded at him in agreement.

"Thanks, fam! I knew you'd approve," Hope replied cheerfully, then turned to Eben. "So how about we go take care of this errand for the Order of Owls and then go find somewhere to talk?"

"Thanks, Hope, especially for getting the carts up here," Eben said.

"Not a problem. I was an Owl too, you know, so I'm glad to help out," Hope said.

The two of them went inside, leaving Joey and Jack shaking their heads, while Jay stared through the window at them in confusion.

"That match will never work," Joey declared expertly. "A Maxen and a Willowby? Not a chance. Especially not Hope, she's too much of a player to take a date with a seventh-year too seriously."

"How in craters did those two end up on a blind date in the first place?" Jack wanted to know. Joey lifted his shoulders high and back down again in a very exaggerated shrug.

Pipaluk, who had 'gone home for weekend', helped load up the carts as her mother and TJ ticked off the order to make sure it was all there. The moment two of the carts were loaded, Eben and Hope pulled them out a side door and hurried them over to the apothecary. Hope used her key to open the side door, making it much easier for them to get the carts in than it would have been taking them through the store proper.

It took several trips to get all of the candy order down to the tunnel to Hogwarts and double-checked to make sure it was there. At the very end, Hope went up to the lab door to check in with her Dad.

"They're all set, Dad! We're done traipsing through the back, now," Hope reported.

"Good, then don't forget to lock up. It's just as well you came by, Hope. I was worried they were going to knock over my new display trying to get it through to shop."

"No problem! I had some business in town, so I just figured I'd lend a hand to my old order!" Hope explained. "On that note, I'd better get back to business!"

"Be careful, Hope. Don't kill anybody," Corey said, turning back to his cauldron.

"Killjoy," Hope replied.

"Not even that," Corey said, going back to work. Hope gestured and led Eben out the back, locking up.

"There! Now we need to find somewhere to talk. Do you mind the back room at the Pig's Pannage?" she suggested.

"I thought we were supposed to be going somewhere we could be seen," Eben reminded her.

"Seen but still private is tricky in this town," Hope mused. "We'll try the balcony at the Three Broomsticks. I'll just keep the snoop detector out and I'll put an anti-listening detector under the table. Until then, don't talk about anything sensitive. A casual chatting up will suffice."

"A casual chatting up?" Eben repeated, not quite sure what to make of his date.

"Did you want me to start? No wait, give me a minute or two. I've got to remember how to keep it clean," Hope realized.

"You're a real piece of work, aren't you?" Eben commented.

"No, I just make it look easy," Hope countered smoothly as the two of them walked through town.

Sitting in the tea room, Jennifer stared out the window.

"What do you make of that?" Jennifer asked.

Severus, Quintin, and even little Seren looked out the window too. It didn't take long before Severus realized she was referring to Eben and Hope walking down the street together.

"I'm not certain. It doesn't appear to be a hostile encounter," Severus mused.

In fact, Hope seemed to be teasing Eben, who looked appropriately embarrassed by her behavior.

"Eben told me that he had a blind date today. Someone fixed him up," Quintin explained.

"A date? With Hope?" Jennifer repeated with surprise, staring at them.

"Further proof that Hope is her father's daughter... not even waiting until he's out of school before approaching him," Severus said with exasperation.

"I'm sure it's quite innocent," Quintin protested.

"I wonder who fixed them up?" Jennifer asked.

"I did." They turned in surprise to see Aurelius standing by their table with his hands in his pockets, peering out the window as well. "What's wrong, Mum? Don't you think they look well together?"

"I have no idea. I am still trying to process it," Jennifer admitted.

"I commend you for creating a match bizarre enough to stun your mother," Severus told Aurelius. "But might I ask what exactly prompted you to arrange such a thing?"

"I'm trying to talk Eben into becoming an Auror," Aurelius explained calmly.

Jennifer stared at the window again, seeing the two of them together in a completely different light. Was this it? Was this Eben's way out?

Severus, who was watching her carefully in the reflection of the glass, witnessed the smile that slowly grew across her face.

"What do you think, Jennifer? Do you see them together?" Severus asked.

"I see them becoming close friends... Auror partners even," Jennifer replied, watching them carefully. "I'm really not certain whether or not it'll ever become more than that... and yet... I think it would be a very good match for Eben if they did find a way to come together. In fact, it might just give something Eben's never had before."

"Hope?" Severus inquired.

"You did that on purpose," Aurelius accused his mother, her grin widening. "You knew he'd say that pun for you."

"Of course," Jennifer said unabashedly. "Being capable of supporting each other is one of the most important parts of a good relationship. In fact, Aurelius, if he does decide to become an Auror, I think it'd be best to keep them together as a team. I know Harry typically doesn't like Aurors working together who are involved but... he really needs to make an exception in this case."

"Mum, if we make an exception for them, how long do you think it'd take Nat and Garvan to demand the same?" Aurelius asked.

"Oh, I think they should team up as well... and Jamie and Owain too, come to think of it," Jennifer said sincerely. "In fact, I believe Harry is making a very big mistake breaking couples up. He's so afraid that their sentiment will cause them to be distracted that he doesn't see just how strong they would be working together. If only he'd try it for a little while, I'm sure he'd see that the benefits outweighs the risks," Jennifer said. "And if he'd just think back, I'm sure he'd realize it himself. Alastor and Audi were one of the best Auror teams there ever was! They knew each other so well that they fed off each other's strengths and balanced out each other's weaknesses like no Auror team that's come after them."

"While that's very true, Jennifer, I think you hit on the reason that Harry is so adamant about his policy to keep couples apart," Severus said quietly. "Losing them both in one blow shook him worse than he let on."

"Yes, I know," Jennifer replied. "But policies concerning safety and security should be based on facts and not fears. Even you must agree that there's a limit to how much you can do before it starts affecting quality of life... or worse, make it impossible to respond in an emergency. Like that room restriction thing."

"Room restriction thing?" Aurelius repeated.

"It's a bit off topic, but Jennifer's referring to the fact that I've been fighting the board over the security charms on the witch dorms for years now, because she wants them removed," Severus explained.

"What? Why? Isn't that just asking for trouble?" Aurelius laughed.

"Why would it be, when witches can freely go over to the wizard dorms without question?" Jennifer challenged him. "Besides, it isn't as if it really stops students from going off together. If they want to... well... break the rules in that sort of fashion... they will find a way to do it, which is why the school now takes the education and counseling approach to that particular matter. On top of that, this is more than a fight over the double standard that's been going on since the beginning. It's actually a security concern," Jennifer explained. "When I got back to the castle after that clockwork invasion and we were speaking to different students about how so many were taken, it became obvious that a great many of the students who had been dragged off might have been saved if the witches' dorms hadn't been restricted. Eben, for example, couldn't get to his sister when he realized she was in trouble, and Viorica had to go in after her. If it hadn't been for those awful room restrictions, the students could have helped each other. I took complaints from wizards in all four houses about wanting to help out on the witches' side that night and not being able to do so. And before you argue about that being an isolated incident, what if there was a fire on the witches' side of the dorms and they were knocked out from the smoke? Precious time would be wasted waiting for the staff while they could be getting help right away before the situation got out of control in the first place."

"Okay, okay! You've convinced me," Aurelius protested with a chuckle. "How is it that you haven't convinced the board?"

"We've only been able to secure four votes in favor since the start. Not even Norman will budge on the issue," Severus replied. "But don't worry, Jennifer. I know how to win that war now, and we're getting off topic. Aurelius, I believe Jennifer is correct. Harry would be better off allowing any couples who want to work together to do so. They should have the choice on whether or not they want to try it, after given the chance to weigh the risks and benefits responsibly."

"Agree all you like. I don't think you'll change his mind on it, no matter what you say," Aurelius said.

"Then we won't say anything," Severus said, glancing over at Jennifer. "How do you feel about doing a bit of moonlighting this summer once the boys head to summer camp?" he suggested. Jennifer brightened, then frowned at Serendipity.

"Oh, but what about Seren?" she asked.

"Don't worry, I'll make arrangements. Perhaps she'd like to spend the summer with Samantha," Severus suggested.

"I want to play with Sam!" Seren said enthusiastically, having understood that much. Jennifer gazed at her with a frown.

"Aurelius is right, Jennifer. If I suggested such a thing to Harry, he'd listen very politely and then tell me bluntly that he doesn't tell me how to run my school and I shouldn't tell him how to run his department," Severus said. "I'm certain that he'd tell you the same thing... just in a more polite and diplomatic fashion than what he would say to me," he added dryly. "If you want the situation to change, Jennifer, it may take a bit of effort in our part, since we'll need to show them ourselves. I will leave it up to you."

Jennifer frowned and looked out the window, but Eben and Hope moved on.

"I don't know. I'll have to think about it. A lot can happen before summer," Jennifer said.

"True enough," Severus agreed, then turned back to Aurelius. "Care to join us for breakfast, Aurelius?"

"Oh, no thanks. I'd better get back to chaperone duty," Aurelius said.

"Yes, thank you for taking it today!" Jennifer beamed at him.

"Sure, Mum," Aurelius replied and then stepped outside. He wondered where the rest of the Maxens were and if they'd noticed Eben yet. Realizing that the couple were walking towards the Three Broomsticks, Aurelius wandered over there, slipping inside and spotting them on the balcony. Then he made his way over to sit with Anna and Sirius, who had been securing tables for the faculty.

"I see Rel's here," Hope commented when Eben gazed downstairs distractedly.

"Yes, I think he's been here. He said he was one of the chaperones today," Eben said.

"I know. Harry was trying to get him to come to the office today since he didn't have Auror Club this week, but he'd already committed," Hope replied. "Garvan ended up working the shift. Bet they have their hands full today... I'm glad I asked off in advance. I hate stakeout operations, they're so boring. That's the sort of thing that Enforcers are supposed to do. We're supposed to be cleaning up their messes," she said.

"Yeah," Eben replied, peering at the door.

"You don't have anything to worry about," Hope reassured him. "If your father asks who I am, introduce me as Snape's granddaughter."

"If you think it'll be enough," Eben sighed.

"Of course it's enough," Hope said calmly, signing to one of the barmaids, who nodded and went to the kitchen. "If your father is interested in getting some leverage in our society, what better way than marrying into the family with the biggest arsenal?" she pointed out, Eben looking at her thoughtfully. "You don't need a high title if you're the most powerful caster in the room, and my family boasts the most powerful wizards in the entire planet, including Grandfather Craw, Grandmother Craw, Grandfather Snape, Grandfather Tinker..."

"Grandfather Tinker?" Eben asked in surprise.

"Well, he's the husband of Grandmother Ashley Tinker, so it's close enough, right?" Hope grinned.

"You'll pardon me if I don't let my father in on that one. I don't want him asking awkward questions about Toby," Eben said critically.

"Yeah, good point," Hope mused, looking over the edge. "There's your father now."

"Yes, I know," said Eben without looking around.

Worley glanced around thoughtfully before finally homing in on Eben and glancing up at the balcony with a frown.

There you are. Who is that? Worley projected at Eben.

Hope Willowby, Snape's granddaughter and Harry Potter's Goddaughter, Eben explained. A friend of ours introduced us.

I thought she was married, Worley squinted.

Her sister is married. Hope is single, but she's an Auror too, with all sorts of inner connections in the Ministry, Eben added for good measure.

Really. Then why would she be interested in you, especially since she's undoubtedly a reformist? Worley inquired.

I don't know. I haven't asked her about politics yet, and I can't read her, Eben explained. But my guess would be it's because she doesn't have any money... being an Auror and all.

Perhaps she's trying to find out if you know something about Mari's disappearance, Worley speculated.

Maybe. She hasn't mentioned it, but we haven't even gotten our drinks yet, Eben said. Worley glanced over as he saw a barmaid setting a share-plate of meat rolls down along with a couple of brews, focused on bringing them up the stairs. Should I make excuses so that I can join you, Father?

No, continue for now. See if you can get her to lower her defenses, Worley suggested. Even if you can't, do whatever it takes to keep her attention and get as much information as you can.

Yes, Father, Eben said, then became aware that the serving girl had already come by with their meat rolls and brew. Hope glanced over as Worley stepped out again, then noticed that Eben had come out of his dazed expression.

"You don't mind regular beer, do you? I guess I should have asked first," Hope admitted. Eben waved it off.

"In my family, a spoonful of scotch was as common as a Pepperup Potion for a cold. This is nothing," Eben assured her.

"We'll get along just fine then," Hope decided. "Assuming your Father approves, of course."

"I don't think he's made up his mind," Eben admitted. "What political party are you anyway?"

"Huh, well, what's less offensive to your father, reformist or solidarity?" she inquired.

"Oh, the first, the first," Eben said fervently.

"We'll go with that then," Hope decided, taking a drink. "Anything else?"

"How about why you're doing this? Going on a date with me, I mean," Eben asked.

"I don't know. What did you tell your father?" Hope asked curiously.

"That you're probably in it for the money," Eben admitted. "He thought it might be because you suspect I had something to do with Mari's disappearance."

"Both are reasonable conclusions to make. Let's go with the first one," Hope suggested.

"Yes, but why are you really?" Eben asked seriously.

"It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it," Hope said cheerfully. "How are the rolls? Too hot?" Hope asked.

"No, they're just right," Eben said, and Hope helped herself to one. "But I really don't know what to make of you."

"That's okay, it's a first date, it's supposed to be awkward," Hope declared.

"I don't think awkward is the right word," Eben said flatly. "I just don't have a better one."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Hope decided, offering Eben another one.

Tuesday mornings were always difficult, after having Astrology the night before. But when Quintin sat up and stared at the pile of small chocolate boxes and chocolate frogs piled on his desk, he had to stare a moment.

"Stars and constellations, it's even worse than primary school," Quintin realized, staring at his haul. After a moment, he decided the best thing to do was to lay back down and pull his blanket back over his head. Two minutes and twenty-three seconds later, he heard a knock on the door and Jeremy poked his head inside.

"Now that's more like it!" Jeremy exclaimed, stepping in. "That's quite a haul! Hey, since when do you sleep in?"

"I'm attempting to use my mind to make them all to go away," Quintin said, his voice muffled in the blankets.

"No need to get overwhelmed. I'll happily share them," Jeremy said cheerfully. "I told all of the girls who asked that your favorite candy was chocolate... boy, did that pay off. Tell you what, if you let me have half, I'll organize all of the girls' notes for you so you know who to thank."

"I'll know when I look at their faces. I'm sure they'll be thinking about it and awaiting a response," Quintin said.

"I'll organize them for you anyway," Jeremy decided. "Can we split the frogs at least?"

"Didn't you get any chocolate boxes this year?" Quintin asked him.

"Yeah. I got four. A lot less than the dozen I gave out, though. How many did you buy?" Jeremy asked.

"I bought one for Mum, Aunt Anna, my sisters, and my relatives at school, which was enough of a financial burden, thanks, it took half my Christmas money," Quintin said, finally sitting up. "Besides, I don't want to give any of my classmates the wrong ideas."

"You are into girls, right?" Jeremy inquired.

"I think my parents are quite relieved that I really don't have time to be interested in girls yet," Quintin replied. "And really, you don't either. Didn't you want to help me finish up on those books so that we can do that memory hunting thing this weekend?"

"So you got permission, then?" Jeremy asked.

"Yes, we can look for them, but she doesn't want us to actually trigger any memories we find until we're supervised," Quintin said.

"Supervised?" Jeremy repeated, making a face.

"Mum is afraid of us getting in over our heads, so she advised me to have a staff member present when we start going through them, preferably someone already involved in our research," Quintin said.

"So her, in other words," Jeremy concluded.

"Yes, or Ambrose, Aunt Anna, Boulderdash, Janus, or Professor Weasley," Quintin added.

"Weasley?"

"Yes, she's helped out on occasion too. She's been helping out by going to the Archives with Mum for the backup records I need for my resources page, and she's been helping track down some of the genealogy stuff," Quintin said. "They've all been brought up to date as to where we are in our research and about the missing memories, and I have an appointment with Professor Weasley because I want to ask her about that Scroll that the apprentices left. I'm also going to talk to Ambrose after writing class today, and Mum volunteered to teach us some basics on how to look for memories on Thursday during her conference. So, the sooner we can get the rest of this section written out, the sooner we can get started."

"Right," Jeremy said. "Once we get this edited, there's only Janus and Slytherin to do. At this rate, we'll be done before football starts back up in late March, which leaves us plenty of time to vote on a name, a motto, and a mascot."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Quintin said, pulling on his robe. "First thing's first. Namely, we have to survive this stupid holiday."

Jeremy pulled out his journal and quill.

"'And with that, Quintin Snape steeled his resolve and bravely walked forth from his room and into a swarm of witches, crazed with the curse of Valentine's Day to appease their starved attentions,'" Jeremy said out loud as he wrote it down.

"You're such an arsehole," Quintin said, Jeremy laughing at that as he followed him out into the Common Room.