Chapter Three

Fun With Flags

Doug came into the office, shaking his head with a smile. He glanced over at Harry, who was watching the board with a cup of tea in hand.

"Good morning. How did training go?" Harry wanted to know, sipping his tea.

"It was very entertaining," Doug admitted with a chuckle. "Even I learned something important today."

"Oh, what's that?" Harry asked.

"Never get on Jennifer's bad side," Doug replied.

"I could have told you that," Harry said. "I take it she won?"

"He was trounced. Repeatedly," Doug added for good measure. "At first, I thought he was losing on purpose, but apparently she had a vendetta."

"There's nothing more dangerous than a Craw with a score to settle," Harry said with a chuckle. "Where are they, anyway?"

"Oh, I let them stop off at the cafeteria to warm up since it's a bit damp out there, but they should be right in," Doug replied. "Seriously, though, you should have come this morning and seen her in action. I didn't expect it to be so lopsided. To be perfectly honest, I thought that Severus would win every single match in Hunter and Hunted, sparring, and Cat and Mouse... although she cheated on that last one."

"Did she break any rules?" Harry inquired.

"Well, no..."

"Then it wasn't cheating," Harry shrugged. "They have different ways of getting results, but those two are equally matched in defense. She's as tough as he is and just as powerful; they simply have different ways of going about things."

"Okay. So how do you expect me to train someone that's more powerful than I am?" Doug asked.

"Powerful isn't the same as invulnerable. Your job is work on that constant hesitation of hers," Harry told him. "Jennifer has spent her entire life having to curb her magic instincts because of her skill in Dark Magic. I want you to get her thinking better on her feet."

"Oh, as easy as that, then?" Doug said sarcastically. "Are you sure I can't train her in field work instead?"

"That'll be my job. Just as you will be working on getting her to respond faster, I'll be working to get her to respond without her emotions getting in the way," Harry said. "Of course, if you'd rather face one of her tempers, I'll gladly trade you..."

"Thanks, but I think it'll be safer for everyone concerned if you do it," Doug backtracked quickly. "Especially since that's half of what they were fighting about today... the Donovan thing."

"What was the other half?" Harry asked.

"She's still angry about Canada," Doug said with amusement. "But after what she did to Severus today, that score is probably settled."

"Let's hope so," Harry said evenly. "Because despite my promise, if those two don't get their act together by the time that Jennifer is fully trained, I am not going to let them pair up."

"What was that?"

Harry and Doug looked over as Jennifer peered inside, holding a paper cup and squinting at them suspiciously.

"I said that if you two don't make up soon, I'm not going to let you pair up," Harry repeated firmly.

"Oh! That's alright, then. I'm done getting even now," Jennifer said unconcernedly. She stepped inside, followed by Severus, who had a red mark on his face.

"What is that?" Harry said with a sigh. "Doug, you didn't tell me she got rough."

"That wasn't her fault, really," Severus said in her defense. "I took a misstep out of surprise and fell when Pockets jumped out at me."

"It made it ever so much easier to get out the Auror cuffs and get them on when he was already on the ground like that," Jennifer said brightly.

"I heard you got trounced, Severus," Harry said. "You know there's a penalty for that, right?"

"With all due respect, Harry, I don't think it is fair to make me pay a penalty while already being served a penalty by Jennifer for past grievances," Severus protested.

"Fair has nothing to do with anything. Nothing's fair in the Mouse Race, that's not a word Aurors really use," Harry said unconcernedly. "Doug, you're done for the day... you'll have Eben and Jennifer for the next training round on Monday."

"Right!" Doug said. "Then I'm off to band practice."

"Oh, say hello to Corey and the rest for us!" Jennifer said warmly.

"I'll do better than that, I'll give them the play-by-play," Doug said with amusement. Jennifer beamed at him, while Severus looked less than impressed as he made his exit.

"Alright, Severus, why don't you start teaching Jennifer how to use the flag board? I'm going to the Cauldron for lunch, then I'll be back to check on your progress," Harry said.

"Very well," Severus replied, watching him go.

"Now, why did he say that? I do know how these boards work," Jennifer said with a frown.

"Yes, but now you need context for how to use them while you're monitoring," Severus replied. "Each flag is color coded with a name, and they'll flash if they're out of jurisdiction or too close to someone they aren't allowed to associate with. You're expected to memorize the main color groups and right down anything peculiar that needs to be checked on."

"Well, what if something happens that needs immediate attention and I'm all by myself?" Jennifer asked.

"There are always two Aurors on call, and there's a list of how to contact other Aurors on that shelf. There is also a list with specifics about the names on this board and their backgrounds, charmed so that only Aurors can read it, of course," Severus explained, picking them up and handing it to her to look at. "As you can see, Harry and I are on call at the moment, although you probably could have easily guessed that since we're here. When someone is on call but not in the office, there are different ways to get in touch with them quickly, but it won't take long to figure out who uses what method and I'm sure you know some of them already. For example, it's quicker to get hold of Aurelius by using the Contact Mirror." Jennifer smiled and nodded. "Some Aurors who are harder to get a hold of outside of the office, such as Tonks and Harry, tend to stay in the building when they're on call and check this room often. When they're not in the office, they're typically in the cafeteria or in one of the other LE departments, such as Investigations, Enforcement, Justice, and so on. You can use the paintings to get a message to them quickly."

"Simple enough," Jennifer decided.

"Yes, it's all a matter of memorization, really," Severus agreed. "Any questions so far?"

"I do have one. Why do flags sometimes disappear?" Jennifer asked. "I was just watching Aurelius' flag step into the Ministry reception area, but then it suddenly went away."

"Oh, that. My guess would be that he went to see Alex about something," Severus surmised.

"Oh, I see. It disappeared because it's out of Auror jurisdiction," Jennifer realized. She opened a small drawer of tiny flags, seeing his was inside.

"Yes, it'll go back on the board when he's done. Flags will either go in the drawer, or in some cases, pile up in this corner of the ocean if it's someone whose gone of out the country," Severus replied. "Since Aurors can get special permission to extradite certain criminals when they bolt, they're not technically out of jurisdiction. Still, there all limits to how far the flag board can track."

"What about Myrkinbrek? It's technically out of Auror jurisdiction, but I see a lot of pegs there," Jennifer said. "In fact, there's Corey... having lunch with Grendelbane, I suppose... oh, and there are Laura and Lucky's flags! That must be the Dash Brother's house." Severus sighed with exasperation.

"Jennifer, the flag board is most decidedly not here to give you a way to spy on the rest of the family," Severus said sternly.

"Of course not, Severus. The reason our family is on here is to help keep them safe despite all of the run-ins we've had over the years," Jennifer replied. "Isn't it wonderful? I'm so glad we decided to spend the summer this way! It's refreshing to be able to stand here and have such a peace of mind, seeing them going about their daily activities, safe and sound! Not only that, I get to help keep them safe by keeping an eye on things. I'm helping keep everyone safe," she added with awe, becoming transfixed as she watched the flags move.

Severus watched her thoughtfully as she became completely absorbed. Sometimes she would ask him about a particular color or a flag but otherwise paid little attention to him at all. She was still standing there watching with intense fascination when Harry returned. Severus, standing with his arms folded, seemed to be gazing at Jennifer intently as she absorbed the information on the board.

"Hi," Harry said, walking over. "Anything interesting going on?"

"Well, for the most part, everyone seems to be just going about their business, really," Jennifer decided. "Although I am wondering about Gilderoy Lockhart. What do you suppose he's up to?"

"Why, is he doing something unusual?" Harry asked curiously, noting that he was at the bank.

"Well, he spent a lot of time in Borkin and Burkes, and then went to visit his solicitor before heading to Flourish and Blotts. Then he went to the Quidditch Shop, Madame Malkin's, and now the bank," Jennifer reported. Harry glanced at Severus, who shrugged slightly. Harry looked back at Jennifer.

"Okay, so what?" Harry asked.

"It's quite out of character for Roy to go to any of those shops," Jennifer explained. "He's not allowed to own any cursed items, his book signings are at the Hogsmeade Library or at the Wizardday Bookshop in Wales, and he buys all of his books at Webstrings. Minerva typically does his tailoring, and the only thing he could possibly be going to the Quidditch Shop for is a broom. Putting it together with the fact he went to visit his solicitor and the bank, I rather think he's getting ready for a trip," Jennifer decided. "Somewhere out of the country... given the rain, perhaps he stepped in to Malkin's for a new cloak," she mused. "And considering that he went to the Pawn Shop and a bookstore he doesn't particularly frequent unless he absolutely has to, I expect those are for his trip as well. Perhaps he's off on some sort of quest to find out what happened to one of the missing wizards."

"Missing wizards?" Severus inquired.

"Yes, the ones he Obliterated, Severus. He's been actively trying to get in touch with as many of them as possible, and there were several that he hasn't been able to track down yet. I would guess that he's about to go after one of them," she concluded. "He was probably checking in with his solicitor to make certain that everything was squared away and that he had permission to travel... ah, he left the bank for a quick stop home. He'll be leaving soon."

Harry stared at her, quite stunned.

"She's right, I gather," Severus decided from Harry's expression.

"How did you get all of that out of the fact that he was going to different shops than he normally frequents? Back up, how do you know that isn't his normal shopping behavior when it's your first time on the flag board?" Harry asked.

"Jennifer is an expert when it comes to other people's business," Severus explained. Jennifer turned to frown at Severus accusingly. "After all, being a Truth Seeker, she is an expert at picking up other people's behavior patterns through both thoughts and actions. Not to mention that her general concern for others makes it easy for her to notice things about other people that most of us discount as unimportant," he added calmly.

"I can't make up my mind if what you're saying about me is supposed to be a critique or a complement," Jennifer said flatly, squinting at him to try to read through his clouded thoughts.

"Neither can I," Severus replied unconcernedly. Jennifer furrowed her brows at him.

"If the two of you start fighting again, I'm going to take back my offer of letting you two pair up," Harry immediately warned.

"What is your opinion on harmless flirting?" Severus inquired.

"Just don't push your luck," Harry told him sternly, then looked back at Jennifer. "You're right, by the way. That's exactly what Lockhart is up to," he confirmed. Jennifer looked pleased with herself. "In fact, he came to speak to me about finding an escort, or at least a defense instructor. Apparently, the wizard he's looking for a treasure excavator that disappeared decades ago, who used to do some contract work for the bank as a Cursebreaker, but from what he found out from the Artifacts Department, he hasn't been seen since before I graduated."

"That would explain why Roy was spending so much time at the bank. He must have been looking for more information," Jennifer conjectured.

"Do you recall the name?" Severus inquired.

"Trench," Harry said. "Emil Nimbus Trench." Severus shook his head.

"No, and I think I would have recalled a name like that had I met him," Severus decided.

"Perhaps my father would have heard it," Jennifer suggested.

"I suggested it," Harry replied. "As to his request for help, I gave him permission to ask some of the others since I have extra help right now, I'd be surprised if anyone was actually interested. Personally, I think he'd have more luck at Mysteries. Alex loves a good cold case."

"That much is certain," Severus agreed. "Anything else interesting, Jennifer?"

"Not really. Things seem to be pretty quiet," Jennifer admitted.

"Good, that's exactly how I like it," Harry said with a chuckle. "Even if it does make flag board watching boring."

"Boring? I could never get bored doing this," Jennifer said sincerely.

"Give it a few days," Harry replied.

"She'll never get bored of it," Severus predicted. Harry chuckled and shook his head at them, going to his office.

"Oh, look! Here comes Hope, but I thought she was off today," Jennifer observed as she stared at the board.

"Yes, I believe it's Amber who has the next flag board shift once we're done, and Aurelius and Harry are on call all day," Severus confirmed, glancing at the schedule. "Still, there are many reasons to come to the Ministry on any given day."

"Fair enough, Severus, but they get so little time off during the school year when Aurelius is with us at Hogwarts. You would think they'd be staying out of the Ministry as much as possible during the summer when they have more help," Jennifer said.

"Especially this summer," Severus agreed, then looked at the door when he heard footsteps.

Hope peered around the corner then leaned against the door.

"Great, you're here... hey Gran..."

"Good morning," Severus interrupted.

"Right, sorry. Good morning," Hope continued. "Grandmother, do you have any lunch plans? I'm going to Eben's aunt's posh garden party next week, and I don't know what to wear. Can you help me shop for a dress?" she asked hopefully.

"To help pick it out or to pay for it?" Severus asked suspiciously.

"Maybe a bit of both?" Hope admitted sheepishly. "It's the first time I have to go and do the meet the family thing."

"You're dating a Maxen," Severus said flatly. "I'd prefer you did everything but impress them."

"Severus, be nice," Jennifer chided him. "Of course I'll help. We'll be done in an hour."

"Thanks!" Hope said with a grin. "I'll head to the cafeteria while I wait."

"And while you're there, ask Uncle Aurelius to work on your Occlumency skills," Severus suggested firmly.

"But Aurelius is covering me already!" Hope protested.

"Work on them anyway," Severus replied sternly.

"I'm afraid Severus is right, Hope. It is wise to develop better skills all on your own, just to be safe," Jennifer replied. "Consider weekly mental defense lessons a condition of my helping you put together a formal wardrobe."

"Did you say wardrobe? Do you mean more than one dress?" Severus asked his wife flatly.

"Of course that's what I meant. You didn't think I'd buy her a cabinet, did you?" Jennifer parried.

"Thanks, Gran, see you in a bit," Hope said with a grin, slipping back out so they could argue.

"Jennifer, why would you buy a full wardrobe for a girl that's even harder on formal dresses than Fortuna?" Severus asked.

"I think we're in a better position to do so than Corey and Rose are, don't you?" Jennifer pointed out. "But if it'll make you feel better, I'll let Rose see to her wedding dress."

"Wedding dress? Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves?" Severus inquired.

"No, not really," Jennifer said, then grew more serious. "I expect an elopement will be in order in this case, or a Ministry wedding... and sooner rather than later. She'll do it to save Eben," she explained.

"And in the process of saving Eben, she'll be tying us to the Maxen family in an uncomfortably close tie that is likely to cause us a great deal more harm than good," Severus warned.

"Yes," Jennifer said quietly, gazing at Severus solemnly. "Yes, I know."