Chapter Twenty-Five

Nine-Tenths

Eben walked up to the gates of Hogwarts, gazing up at it thoughtfully as the light began to dim behind him. Boulderdash and Aurelius were at the gate, nodding as he came in.

"Happy Halloween, Boulderdash, good to see you! Happy Halloween, Rel. I thought you said you were going to be inside tonight?" Eben asked.

"That's later, after all the guests have arrived," Aurelius explained. "I'm going to take over for Mum because she's going to hop over to Pittsburgh after I'm inside."

"I don't know how she does it," Eben chuckled.

"Mostly by conning me to come in to teach for her tomorrow. By the way, do you want an extra flag board shift?" he asked.

"Sorry, can't hear you... too far away," Eben improvised as he hurried past, but Aurelius simply shook his head knowingly.

As Eben got closer to the castle, he began to pick up his siblings, and most of them were excited about the ball ahead of them. He was early enough that very few students were hanging out near the doors yet, watching as he stepped inside. He immediately received a warm greeting from Jennifer.

"Eben! I didn't know you were coming tonight," Jennifer said warmly.

"My father was throwing a social at the Traditionalist Club, so I was asked to come in his place and check up on everyone, as well as keep my aunt company," Eben explained.

"Oh, I see! Well, if the Traditionalists are having a social event tonight, perhaps we'll have a quiet evening," Jennifer said in a lowered voice, getting a grin from Eben.

"I hope you're right," Eben admitted. "I get enough excitement on the job, so I don't need it on my nights off. Still, I know how Halloween can get in this school..."

"Don't jinx it," Jennifer scolded him, making a gesture to ward against evil. "Feel free to go right in, and have a good time!"

"Thank you," Eben said, stepping into the room. I am here, he projected to his siblings.

I am aware, Zelda's thoughts came back at him. He sensed his aunt across the room and was about to walk over when someone came up behind him. Corey held him by the shoulders and mussed up Eben's hair as if he had been a little kid.

"Hey! What's that for?" Eben protested when Corey let him go.

"I always mess with my son-in-laws... especially the ones with questionable family backgrounds," Corey informed him with a grin.

Exactly what does he mean by that? Zelda thought, insulted.

He was joking, Eben thought back quickly. "You're not playing tonight, are you? If so, I should pop back out to grab my earmuffs," Eben said.

"It could be worse... they could have asked you to come play bagpipes," Corey said.

"Hey, I play five instruments," Eben bragged.

"I play seven," Corey challenged him.

"You're both amateurs," Dale said as he walked by, going over to the platform to make sure everything was set up.

"I never said I wasn't," Corey said defensively before glancing back at Eben. "Is Hope coming tonight?"

"No, she and Garvan had to fill in at the office so that Natalie could go to the Craw party and Doug could come here," Eben explained. "I came on my father's behalf tonight."

"Even better," Corey said, then noticed Danny waving from where she stood by Blair. The two of them walked over.

"Really, Corey, roughing up my poor nephew," Blair tsked. "And leaving him in such a state, too!"

"Oh, sorry," Corey said, fixing Eben's hair and jacket with a wave of the hand.

"Thanks," Eben chuckled. "It's okay, Aunt Blair, I'm used to it. Hope roughs me up a lot worse than he does." Danyelle sniggered. "I meant at work," he clarified after seeing her expression.

"Sure you did," Danny said.

"Okay, cut it out," Corey protested, and Danny followed Corey back over to where Doug and Taylor were setting up in front of the Spectral Band. Severus was standing next to them, nodding to Corey and Danny as they came over.

"There's no need to rush. Once you are set up you will still some time, because the Spectral Band will be taking the first set," Severus explained. "Jennifer will only be here for another hour, and then she'll be heading overseas."

"Who's in charge of security?" Corey asked curiously.

"Janus, along with Aurelius, Boulderdash, and Danyelle," Severus said.

"I just can't say no to that woman," Danny shrugged with a chuckle.

"What a coincidence. I have the exact same problem," Severus replied.

"When do you have to go over there?" Danny asked.

"Not until much later. I will stay until the guests have left and the houseroom security checks are completed," Severus replied.

"Great, then you'll get to hear the whole set," Danny replied mischievously.

"On the other hand, perhaps I'll go upstairs early," Severus mused.

"Unless a special guest arrives, that is," Corey said, waving towards the door.

Severus looked up and saw Albus Dumbledore in the entryway. Albus waved at Severus and then turned to get a warm hug from Jennifer.

"Feel free to use Liquid Inspiration since you aren't students anymore," Severus said. The moment he turned and began walking towards Albus, Danny stuck her tongue out behind his back.

"I can't believe you're back already, Albus, and in time for the Spectral Ball for a change!" Jennifer said happily.

"Yes, the portal was being quite cooperative, especially since there were two of us," Albus said. "Good evening, Severus, and Happy Halloween," he added as Severus stepped over.

"Welcome back, Albus. Who else came with you?" Severus inquired.

"Bael came with me. He sends his regrets for the evening, but wanted to see Aubrey Lynn and went to the Black Mansion," Albus said.

"Well, of course he did," Jennifer said approvingly.

"I'm sure he'd love to see you tomorrow, as would I," Albus admitted.

"That may be tricky, especially since we won't be available in the morning and have a Quidditch game tomorrow evening," Severus replied. "We will be heading to Pittsburgh overnight."

"In fact, I only have an hour or so myself, Albus. I'm going to Whitebridge to help Frank with an Items class and then to set up booths for Halloween Trick-or-treating. In fact, Serendipity is already over there, staying with the Millers so that she can trick-or-treat with their twins tonight," Jennifer explained.

"A very full evening, but that also sounds quite intriguing as well," Albus replied.

"Halloween is extremely popular over there. You should see some of the decorations," Jennifer said enthusiastically.

"I doubt you're up for it after that portal trip, Albus, but if you're interested in experiencing festivities at Whitebridge, I will be going over there later in the evening as well and you're more than welcome to come. Of course, it will make for a very late night, and there's a great deal of walking involved," Severus warned.

"I already took a dose," Jennifer admitted with a chuckle. "But it is going to be so much fun watching Serendipity experience their version of Halloween. Molly helped me make her a Princess Witch costume."

"That does sound entertaining. I would like to go if I could get a Wakeful Dose as well," Albus replied.

"Well, of course!" Jennifer beamed, immediately producing one. "This is going to be so much fun, Albus, I can't wait to let everyone know you're coming! Oh, I had better get back to door duty," she realized, then stepped over to talk to Halbert and Nevera.

"I see she's doing as much gossiping as she is security greeting," Albus commented with a chuckle.

"In a way, gossiping is part of her job as well," Severus mused.

"In what way?" Albus asked curiously.

"Ask me again when we have a moment alone," Severus suggested.

"Very well," Albus replied, even more intrigued.

"Shall we see who else has arrived?" Severus inquired.

"Yes, and perhaps you could tell me more about the new house," Albus suggested. "You hinted in the last Teledim that there was a long story to it and thought it'd be best to tell me about it in person."

"Oh, yes. You didn't come back this year just because I said that, did you?" Severus asked.

"No, not just that. I had other business here," Albus admitted, glancing around. "Ah, there's Eben!"

"Yes," Severus replied. They walked over to where he was standing near Danyelle and his Aunt Blair. Eben smiled uncomfortably, conscientious of just how close he was to his aunt knowing that she would overhear every word.

"Ah, Eben, good evening! My sister was just telling me that you've recently married Hope Willowby and I wanted to extend my congratulations. How are you enjoying married life?" Albus asked warmly.

"Thank you, Albus. To be honest, it is different than I expected," Eben admitted with a nervous chuckle.

"It is always different than one experts," Severus replied drolly. "The two of them have become a very strong Auror team."

"Oh, is Harry allowing the two of you to work together?" Albus asked with interest.

"We owe that to Jennifer and Severus, for working at the department over the summer and showing Harry how couples can make for strong partners," Eben explained.

"Jennifer passed her Auror test? Including the flying portion?" Albus asked with interest, glancing at Severus.

"You would be shocked by her progress. She's refereeing Quidditch tomorrow," Severus added for good measure.

"Have they seen her fly since Flyer Wright trained her?" Eben asked.

"No, she's not been on a broom since we returned to Hogwarts," Severus confirmed.

"I have got to come back for that," Eben said emphatically.

"Then I suppose I must as well," Albus decided after seeing his reaction. Severus nodded sagely to him.

"Good evening again," Aurelius said as he came up beside them, glancing at Eben. "Eben, I know you came here to spend time with your aunt and siblings, but are you interested in helping with security when Mum leaves? If it's alright with you, Father."

"Yes, it's alright with me," Severus agreed.

"Sure, Uncle Rel, but if that's the case, I should probably go speak to some people," Eben replied.

"It was so good to see you, Eben. Perhaps we can get caught up over tea the next time you're not busy," Albus suggested.

"Sure, we can arrange something tomorrow at the game," Eben suggested. Albus nodded with a smile before stepping back over to his Aunt's side.

Severus and Albus casually wandered towards the refreshments.

"So how are you feeling about having a Maxen in the family?" Albus inquired.

"We all have to come from somewhere, do we not?" Severus replied calmly. "Eben is a good man despite his family ties. He's been under Aurelius' wing since before he left school, although I never inquired as to the circumstances behind it. I only know that Aurelius feels that the two of them are very much alike in many ways." Albus gazed at Severus thoughtfully. "In fact, Aurelius was the one who introduced him to Hope when he was attempting to coax Eben into becoming an Auror."

"I see," Albus said with a smile as they walked to the table.

Exactly what did he mean, despite his family ties? Zelda thought at Eben.

I didn't hear it, Eben reminded her.

I think he was trying to justify why he thought it was alright for you to marry into the Snape family, Zelda said irritably.

Oh. Well, they would feel the need to justify it when talking to certain people, wouldn't they? We're not mutually respected in wizard circles, Eben thought back.

And we are quickly changing that perception, thanks in part to Eben's match, Aunt Blair suddenly intervened. Come, children, let us be polite and focus on those around us, else we might miss something that we oughtn't.

How can I, when I can't even get inside? Zelda thought with frustration. Blair and Eben looked over to the door, then noticed that several professors were moving towards the doors as if getting ready to open the second one.

They are getting ready to let the students in now, dear niece, Blair reassured her, then turned her attention back to Eigil and Stella. Eben took a step to the side so that he could watch the students come in. wanting to get an idea as to how the rest of his siblings were doing.

Cadha came in first, and while she was the only one other than Zelda who didn't have a date, she was quite excited, hurrying over to her aunt while the rest of them were still stuck in the queue.

"I got your letter about my ball, Aunt Blair! I can't wait, it's going to be so good!" Cadha said enthusiastically.

"Yes, it's going to be the event of the season, despite being in June. Tell anyone you like," Blair said.

"You could start by telling me," Eben suggested.

"Uncle Caliban turned by Debutante Ball into diplomatic event," Cadha informed him with a mischievous smile. "There will be wizard dignitaries from all over Europe going, and their eligible sons. I'll have the pick of the lot."

"You most certainly will, darling! There are even one or two from Caliban's own family you might find quite suitable," Blair said.

"Cousins?" Eben asked.

"It isn't as if we're the same blood, is it? I can't wait to meet them," Cadha said. "You will go to my Deb Ball when I'm out of school, won't you, Eben?"

"Well, I can't promise since things can change at work in a flash, but I promise I'll pin up the invitation once their sent out," Eben said.

"You're job is so inconvenient, Eben," Blair sighed at him. "Is there no hope of you ever having a schedule that doesn't move about? At least take a day off for holidays."

"Unfortunately, Dark Wizards don't take off for holidays... if anything, it makes them more likely to take chances," Eben explained. "Speaking of no holidays, I want to see the rest of my brothers and sisters before I help Aurelius with school security."

"Well, you really ought to talk to my brother about his date," Cadha said with exasperation, then looked over as Culver and Gloria came in. Blair hushed her scoldingly.

"Please take it private, I don't want to offend any of my friends," Blair said, glancing at where Danny was setting up her keyboard and talking to Doug.

"If I take it private, Culver will hear me," Cadha pointed out.

Shall I deal with the problem? Zelda thought. Eben glanced over and noticed Culver, Moira, and Douglas look around, wondering what problem Zelda was referring to when she hadn't gotten into the Great Hall yet.

"Actually, Father already told me to handle it when he asked me to come on his behalf tonight," Eben admitted to his aunt.

"Yes, perhaps it is best if you handle it. I know how discreet you can be," Blair replied quietly.

"I promise I will be, Aunt Blair," Eben said."I had better go see the others."

"Yes, do have fun!" Blair said with a practiced smile, waving him on.

Eben turned around, walking over to Moira, who had apparently made a convenient date out of Ethan Box. Next to her was Douglas and Ivanka Carpe, who had reluctantly gone with him for lack of better options. As Eben stepped over, he was soon distracted by the fact that Douglas' face was reddened with apparent wand burn.

"What happened to you?" Eben asked.

"Dawn Pyther again," Ivanka said with exasperation.

"She pulled a wand on me in the queue, do you believe it?" Douglas said. "Fortunately, Professor Andrew caught it and she's going to be spending the evening in her houserooms now."

"Why, what did you say to her to get her that upset?" Eben asked.

"Doesn't matter what I said. She started it, and she shouldn't have pulled a wand on me, or used magic in the corridors," Douglas said indignantly. "I told Professor Andrew as much, and he agreed with me, and I have every intention of thoroughly enjoying this evening so I can rub it in her face tomorrow."

"She'll just get angry at you again," Ivanka warned.

"I doubt it. Her wand's put away until class time, and she has detention for lunch," Douglas said.

"All the same, you might want to work on your wand defense," Ivanka suggested, and Douglas frowned at her.

"I agree, and I'm sure that Father would too. They have sparring at this school, don't they?" Eben pointed out. Douglas sighed at that. "How are you, Culver and Gloria?"

"Alright," Culver said noncommittally.

"We are planning the thoroughly enjoy the evening, or we would be if my parents weren't playing in the band tonight. It's so embarrassing!" Gloria said in a loud whisper.

"My Father-in-law and my Auror trainer is up there too, so I hear you," Eben pointed out. "But we must grin and bear it politely for their sakes."

"So we must!" Gloria agreed. "Shall we?"

"Go right ahead," Eben said, then glanced at his brother. I need to talk to you later, he projected at him.

If it's about what I think it's about, I already know, Culver said curtly. I'll handle it when her parents are distracted.

If that's what you want...

Of course it's not what I want. I simply don't have a choice.

How very true, Zelda interjected.

All of the Maxen children looked over as Zelda finally stepped into the room. The rest of the first years became annoyed when she paused just inside and they had to work their way around her. Eben glanced beside the door as he saw Jennifer glanced at each one of them, sensing the tension between them and wondering what was going on. But all of them had their backs to her now, and she reluctantly turned her attention to the guests coming in.

I think Professor Craw noticed something. She seems to be on her guard, Eben warned them.

Oh, what can she do? Besides, I heard she's not staying the entire night. I can behave until after she leaves, Zelda reasoned.

Aurelius will still be here, Eben reminded her, and Professor Ravenclaw.

Zelda frowned at that, looking over to where Janus and Icarus stood guarding the back entryway. There could be no doubt that her Divination Professor was the quickest to catch on to any schemes she plotted, and one of the few professors other than the Headmaster who she felt could stop her if she took matters into her own hands. Still, there were many ways of getting rid of a ghost, she thought, going over to the table to make up a plate.

Pete and Sissy had already made their way over to the table, and Pete was listening with interest at Sissy's explanations of how she managed a buffet situation.

"If it's at a party or on holiday, my parents typically help me with it," Sissy admitted. "But here at Hogwarts, the serving spoons and tongs are all charmed to respond to my earpiece just like the books are; I just have to touch them while wearing it and it tells me what's in each. Honestly, though, I could probably do it by smell alone if need be, especially with Fletcher on my shoulder. But parents are parents, and they've just gotten into the habit of helping when I don't want them to. I have to remind them that I'm not five anymore and I can manage."

"All parents do that," Pete informed her with a chuckle, filling his plate.

"My parents never helped me unnecessarily," Zelda said as she came up beside them. "We were all expected to fend for ourselves, even when we were five."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Sissy said, going over to the dessert section just as much to get away from her as to add to her plate. "You know, you can raise a child to be independent and still be very caring while doing it. My parents are proof of that."

"Are you actually proud of them? I suppose you're simply biased because they kept you. I wouldn't waste my time with a defective child," Zelda informed her.

Pete's fist came at her, but Zelda was much quicker, gazing at him dead on and forcing him to stop what he was doing with a single thought. Pete was launched backwards as his fist seemed to have a mind of its own. He hit the wall and slid down it, causing a great many students around them to let out exclamations of surprise.

It was then that Zelda blacked out.

Shaking his head to clear the ringing in his ears, Pete looked up in confusion when he saw Zelda's hand came down and an uncharacteristically concerned expression on his face.

"Are you alright?" she asked, frowning at his dazed expression. "Shall I escort you to the Hospital Wing?'

"Professor Ravenclaw?" Sissy asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Yes, it is I," the girl confirmed.

"Woah," Pete said in surprise, but took the offered hand.

"I'm sorry if I startled you, but I wanted to make certain that no one else got hurt," she explained. She turned and went to the Headmaster and Jennifer, who had begun to walk over to find out what happened.

"Ick?" Jennifer asked with a frown. Severus glanced at Jennifer and back at the girl again.

"Permission to take this student to my office for a bit of a heart to heart?" Professor Ravenclaw inquired.

"Yes, take Aurelius with you as a representative of her house, since Danyelle is otherwise preoccupied this evening," Severus suggested.

"I'm sorry, but did he just possess a student?" Eric Dalance asked in horror, finally realizing what was going on.

"It isn't against the rules," Professor Ravenclaw informed him. "I did only what was necessary to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible, and I find this method quite effective."

"Were any other students involved?" Severus asked.

"I was, sir," Pete admitted, stepping up somberly. "I don't know what she did to me, exactly, but she made me pull away and hit the wall like that because I was about to flatten her for insulting Sissy."

"I was attempting to get general information, Mr. Cander, not a play by play," Severus informed him. Then he glanced around until he saw Anna and Sirius, who had only arrived a few minutes before. "Professor Black, perhaps you should go with them as well, since it involves one of your students," he suggested.

"Sure," Anna said evenly.

Sirius put his hands on his hips as he watched Anna join the two students plus one, walking over to where Aurelius was standing and asking him join them on their way out the door.

"I just lost my dance partner! We should have come in ten minutes later," Sirius complained.

"Do you want me to fill in?" Conner Donovan asked snidely.

"Fine, but I'll lead," Sirius grumbled. Severus rolled his eyes.

"Never mind the dance partners. With Aurelius in a conference, I'm going to be late for my breakfast with Wind," Jennifer complained.

"Jennifer? Perhaps I can help," Eben volunteered, walking up. "Uncle Rel already asked me to stay and help him with security. I'd be happy to watch the door."

"Oh, thank you, Eben! That would be a big help," Jennifer said gratefully.

"Not a problem," Eben assured her, walking towards the entrance. Severus gestured for the Spectral Band to play something to get everyone's mind off the apparent student altercation.

"Severus, I understand wanting to move on from what just happened, but I have some serious concerns about a senior faculty member possessing a student like that," Eric said sternly.

"And I in turn wonder what she might have done to cause him to do so, since he's never used it at Hogwarts except in extreme emergency," Severus replied solemnly, glancing one last time at the open doors before turning his attention back to his guests.

Sissy sighed with exasperation, picking up a couple of extra desserts before taking her plate to the back door.

"She's heading to the library, I bet. Maybe I should go with her," Gloria said.

"She can take care of herself, you know that as well as anyone," Culver said.

"Yes, I suppose you're right. Do you want to dance?" she asked.

Culver pondered the question, glancing around. Zelda might be gone, but there was no doubt that his aunt and Eben were there to keep an eye on the situation.

"Actually, I really don't feel like it at the moment. In fact, I'd like to sit down and talk for a minute."

"Okay," Gloria said, knowing that was easier said than done with so many people in the room.

Finally they found two seats in the opposite corner away from the food that no one was sitting near and settled into them.

"It's about what we talked about earlier this year... about the fact that you're going to concentrate on learning the business after school so you'll be ready to take it over when you're the legal owner and all of that," Culver said.

"Okay," Gloria said again, wondering why he was rambling.

"Your family advised that you concentrate on learning how to manage your business and not get married until you're older, and after a lot of heartfelt discussions, you came to agree with them, and I did too, because I knew it what was best for you," Culver explained.

"Exactly why are you repeating all of this?" Gloria asked in confusion.

"There's no easy way to put this," Culver said with a sigh. "See, my family is advising me to get married straight away, so..."

"Well, that isn't going to work. Didn't you tell them what we agreed on?" Gloria asked with alarm.

"You're right. It isn't going to work," Culver said seriously. "I don't think it's fair stringing you along when I know it isn't going to be possible for us to get together. I wouldn't be a good friend if I did that, would I?" Gloria didn't say anything, but her head and heart were pulsing. "I'm sorry it has to be this way, but I don't have a choice. My family has its own set of standards, and if I want to secure my part of the family business, I need to adhere to my family's ideals. So, no matter how much I care for you... because I do... I can't wait for you," he explained. "I just hope we can still be friends despite our family's wishes."

"Friends... right... of course we're friends," Gloria said hollowly, giving him a wan smile. "I understand. You know what? I think I forgot to do my Transfiguration homework. I'll talk to you later."

"Sure," Culver said, conscientious of the fact that his voice came out raspy as he watched Gloria hurry to find Penny Morris and retreat out of the Great Hall.

Thank god that's over! No offense, brother dear, but you should have called it off the moment you realized it wasn't going to work instead of stringing her along like that, Cadha's thoughts blazed over to him.

She isn't all that pretty anyway, and she's overweight, Moira's thoughts added.

Yeah, next time find someone as pretty as they are rich, Douglas suggested.

At least he found someone. I still can't get a date! Broc complained. And Bonnibell stole Ian so I don't even have anyone to talk to tonight!

Come over here, darling! We'll see if we can remedy that, Blair thought in his direction, and Broc shuffled over. Culver went over to the table for some punch, pretending he hadn't heard any of them.

Eben frowned between them, wondering if he could get Culver's attention without alerting any of the others and hoping he would come closer so he could talk to him. Culver walked over to the punch bowl by himself, trying very hard to ignore his other siblings after what he just went through. Seizing the opportunity, Eben asked Laura to guard the door for a moment so that he could go over to him.

"Are you alright?" Eben asked Culver, getting a cup of punch for himself.

"Not really," Culver admitted to him quietly. "But I did what I had to do."

"I know," Eben murmured back. "You know what? Maybe you could use a weekend away... how about coming over for a breather at our flat? Great view, good location, and quiet as long as Hope isn't home... I'm off Saturday already because of a deal I made with Professor Craw, and I'm sure I can wrangle Sunday off too with the right bribe."

Culver sipped his drink as he considered it, but when he breathed in, he realized his throat was still tight.

"How likely is the chance anyone will be throwing a party there?" Culver murmured softly.

"Zero," Eben replied knowingly.

"I could use the time away... as it is, I'm sure I'll catch hell with all of our mates until then," Culver admitted.

"I doubt the rest of the family would let you get too much grief about this. They'll step in for sure," Eben pointed out, turning to walk back to the door. As he did, he happened to glance over to where Albus Dumbledore was standing next to Jennifer and Severus. He was watching Eben carefully, while Jennifer was still distracted by the previous confrontation between Zelda and Pete.

"What do you suppose they're going to do about Zelda?" Jennifer asked Severus quietly.

"If you don't know, I certainly don't," Severus replied. "But it appears the rest of the evening will be quiet."

"I doubt the quiet will last the evening, Severus," Jennifer warned.

"Yes, but it is probably safe for you to slip away now. Unless you don't believe the rest of us can't do without you?" Severus inquired, then pondered his question. "Perhaps I could have worded that better," he admitted. But Jennifer smiled, easily picking up his revision before looking over at Albus.

"I will see you both in a few hours," Jennifer promised.

"I am looking forward to it," Albus assured her, and she slipped out the door. Albus came a step closer to Severus. "She seems quite comfortable juggling her new roles, doesn't she?"

"Hm," Severus said noncommittally and with such a distant gaze that Albus gazed up at him questioningly.

"Have I missed something during my absence?" Albus asked. "Other than the stories behind how the new house found its name, that is."

"Well... the latter I can easily explain over tea... the former is more complicated... something that few know about, in fact. I am in a delicate position with someone I hold confidence with," Severus admitted.

"Mysterious enough, but I know better than to ask," Albus replied.

"Actually, I wouldn't mind another confidant myself, and some of your sound advice. After all, you were Jennifer's mentor when she first began teaching as I was," Severus replied.

"Not to mention Minerva and a great many others I can name," Albus chuckled.

"Fair, but this is delicate enough that I need a certain perspective that comes with being a Headmaster... both the qualities you've taught me and the ones I had to learn the hard way," Severus admitted.

"Some things never change," Albus teased. "So how shall I get the insight needed to give you my perspective on whatever your concern is?"

"That will be simple enough. Find a day to set aside to play a game of Trial and Error with Jennifer, and use her personal deck," Severus replied. "I'm certain you'll want to talk to me after that."

Albus became thoughtful, recalling his game with Severus and just how much it revealed about Severus' progress over the years; how he had grown, and even what he still needed to work through at that point. Many of which, Albus mused, Severus now was on the other side of. It only made sense that it would reveal the same things about Jennifer.

"Very well, Severus, I shall. But in so saying, I would also like a rematch using your deck sometime," Albus replied.

"Of course," Severus agreed, glancing over at where Eric and Norman were standing, apparently discussing what happened earlier.

Severus was in for a school board headache because of how Ick handled the situation, he mused. As often as Ick had threatened to, it was the first time in quite a while that Ick had done that, and the first time with a student. Jennifer was right; it was not likely to be all that quiet of an evening.

When Griselda came around, she felt quite dizzy and disoriented, and inside an office she'd never been in before. It was fairly tidy and had large windows looking out into the front garden. But the walls were filled with photos and prints that didn't seem to move, except for one photo next to the desk that seemed to be taken at a family barbecue. There was also a painting next to the desk of a tall, lanky blonde man she didn't recognize, wearing formal robes and with his arms folded as if trying to make himself look more impressive than he actually was.

"What is going on? Why am I in... this place?" Zelda demanded, then noticed Pete beside her.

"It's my new office, as head of Dusthorn," Anna replied. "Be grateful we chose this office instead of making the two of you walk up the North Tower stairs."

"So what happened, Professor Ravenclaw?" Aurelius asked.

"I think it would be best to start with Mr. Camden," Icarus suggested, and the three Professors looked over at Pete.

"I went over to the tables with Sissy because we were loading up plates to take to the library..."

"Since when are we allowed to have food in the library?" Zelda snapped.

"Well, on Halloween, Boulderdash pushes together a couple of tables for students to eat at so that we don't eat in the corridors," Pete explained.

"Moving on?" Ravenclaw suggested.

"Right, well, while we were talking, Zelda made a comment about Sissy being defective, and I got so hot that I took a swing at her," Pete admitted. "All of the sudden, my fist stopped and I couldn't move on my own anymore. It felt like someone else was controlling me like a puppet. Then I was pushed back and hit the wall. The next thing I know, Zelda's looking at me funny and asking me if I was alright and helping me to my feet."

"What? I did no such thing!" Zelda protested. "The last thing I remember was your sorry arse flying at the wall!"

"The explanation to that is I possessed you for a short time," Icarus explained to her.

"You did what?" Zelda said, aghast.

"I have warned you many times before what would happen if you ever crossed the line and used your mental abilities to control someone else," Icarus informed her sternly. "Such practices are outlawed in this country, as I'm sure you are well aware of, and as such, it is most decidedly against school rules. I could not allow that situation to escalate any further. It was the only way I could quickly diffuse the situation, not to mention to get you to understand the severity of the offense."

"Professor Ravenclaw, I may not know if ghost possession is allowed in the rules or not, but I can plainly see there are some mitigating circumstances here," Aurelius chimed in. "Regardless of what Miss Maxen may or may not have said, Pete admits that he tried to strike her. In that split second, she might have just been following her instincts to defend herself."

"Then I suggest that it is high time she learns how to control them, before she ends up doing something irreparable to another student or to her future," Icarus said. "It is true that I am teaching her how to meditate and use her abilities in a productive manner, but it does not include any defense situations."

"My father always taught us to do whatever it takes to get the job done," Zelda said proudly. Aurelius gazed at her.

"When you're in a life-threatening situation or in a Wizard's Duel to the death, I agree with you to some extent," Aurelius said. "But that was far from a life or death situation. If you hadn't used that mental manipulation, it'd probably ended with Pete getting in trouble and you walking away with little more than us recommending you take Professor Black's tolerance course next semester. Instead, I think the best thing to do is for you to join the Sparring Club or the Auror Club so that you can learn some restraint."

"I suggest all three," Anna chimed in, and Aurelius nodded at her. "As for you, Pete, you need to learn to control your temper and learn more constructive ways to deal with someone intentionally goading you to react... especially considering it was obvious aimed at someone else who can very well take care of herself."

"Yes, Professor," Pete said glumly.

"Also, your broom is grounded from the game tomorrow," Anna added for good measure, and Pete flailed.

"What! But I'm the Seeker!" Pete protested.

"Sorry, the team will simply have to call in a sub," Anna said firmly.

"Zelda, you're benched during your next football game as well," Aurelius added. "And both of you are going to go downstairs and help the staff clean up the Great Hall after the pie fight."

"What! But that'll take forever, and I was going to study with my siblings after the ball!" Zelda exclaimed.

"Then they're going to have to do it without you," Aurelius said. "Shall we go? Or did you want Professor Icarus to do the walking for you?"

Pete and Zelda didn't have to be told twice at that point, quickly scrambling for the door.