Chapter Thirty-Three

Cards and Castle Tour

As anxious as Jennifer was to get home and start preparing for the holidays, she couldn't resist staying a day later than normal when Albus Dumbledore challenged her to a game of Trial of Error.

"Are you sure it's okay if we use my deck?" Jennifer asked excitedly.

Now that the students had left, Severus suggested that they commandeered a table in the Great Hall, and even set up a smaller table with plenty of tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks so that each one of them could take breaks on the others turn.

"I take it from this set up that you think this game will take all day," Albus mused, looking it over.

"I did say so," Severus reminded him. "I wouldn't be surprised if it's longer than our first game... or even the second."

"You have come a long way from that first game, Severus," Albus complemented him. "And I'm not just saying that because you beat me in that last turn."

"Are you staying, Severus?" Jennifer asked.

"Only to see the start. I'm having lunch with Anna to go over the plans for the Dusthorn benefit tonight," Severus replied. "Albus, if you don't mind meeting me in the Study this afternoon once you're done, I'm sure you'll be eager to fill me in on the result."

"Spoiler, Severus, I'm likely going to win," Jennifer said.

"My word, Jennifer, I don't think I've ever seen you quite this confident," Albus said.

"That's because she cheats," Severus explained.

"I most certainly do not cheat," Jennifer protested, sipping her coffee. "In fact, it's quite impossible. You can't cheat if you're the one setting up the rules."

"And changing them at intervals so that it suits you," Severus said accusingly.

"Enough, I've heard enough from both of you, I'd rather make up my own mind on the subject by actually playing," Albus said, insincerely scolding them.

"Good luck," Severus said with a sneer that Albus hadn't seen in quite some time.

Cautiously Albus found a place for his plate and tea and then took his place at the table as Jennifer made her way around the other side.

"So what are the rules to this version of the game?" Albus inquired as he got settled and picked out a deck.

"The first rule is that I always play Hearts, so I always go first," Jennifer said, turning the top card over to reveal the Heart while Albus turned over a Diamond. "Second, you can call Mulligan on the first card until you get one you like," she explained.

"A very nice rule addition," Albus decided, but couldn't help but be surprised when it took Jennifer almost a dozen cards before finding one that suited her.

"Ah, here we are! 'During the winter holiday season, you have discovered that you have an extremely busy schedule filled with family obligations. If you put your second job on hold, go left. If you bravely face the challenge and continue as planned, go right,'" Jennifer read. "That's easy. I have no intention of leaving Harry in the lurch, especially when I'm the only one in the department that recognizes the Dashing Doppler on sight. I suppose I could come up with a magical device that could help them, but even so, I'd rather be there if he does show up at the Ministry, just in case he needs some advice," she decided.

Severus rolled his eyes behind her back and shook his head slightly at her last comment. The two of them watched as she put the card to her right.

Albus was about to reach for a card, then paused.

"Before I begin, does this version of the game allow for cards we don't have to reveal to those present? I still have some confidences in this world that I need to protect," Albus explained solemnly.

"Of course you can keep a card secret," Jennifer assured him. "But I doubt there would be anything sensitive on the very first card, especially since you can mulligan," she pointed out.

"Fair enough, as long as it is clear from the start that we can," Albus said, drawing the card and gazing at it thoughtfully without any interest in the mulligan rule.

"Your sister reveals to you the true identity of the Dashing Doppler. If you try to persuade her to keep it a secret go left, or suggest that she inform the Ministry, place the card below," he read.

"No! You can't inform the Ministry!" Jennifer insisted in surprise. "Not now, that'd be terribly bad!"

"It would?" Albus asked curiously.

"I really can't get into the reasons, but it's really important that Alexandria figures it out for herself," Jennifer explained.

"That sounds like a good enough reason to me," Albus decided, putting it to the left.

"Thank you, Albus. And I had no idea that Rosmerta knew who he was, but when I think it over, it makes perfect sense that she would," Jennifer decided. "In fact, Albus, I'm quite sure you'll be able to see him for who he really is when you first meet him too."

Albus glanced at Severus.

"I've been advised not to pry, and the reason Jennifer gave me compelled me not to," Severus said. Jennifer smiled at him warmly.

"How very intriguing! I hope whatever is going on plays out before I head home in the summer," Albus admitted curiously.

"That's typically how it goes," Severus ventured.

"Life is filled with patterns," Albus said unconcernedly.

"Yes. In a way, that's the problem," Severus said vaguely.

Albus glanced at him questioningly. but Severus didn't reply, wandering out of the room as Jennifer picked up her next card and began to read it.

When Severus wandered through after lunch, he wasn't surprised to find out how far the game had progressed, taking up nearly half the table. Jennifer and Albus were too far into it to really pay much attention to him, which gave Severus time to glance at the board at the progress, tracing it back to the moment, it seemed, that Albus truly caught on and adjusted... going from the straight choices he had been given in the beginning to the curving patterns that Jennifer was making. They were weaving back and forth now, but it was obvious that Jennifer had already gained an advantage. Smiling thinly to himself, Severus went to the Headmaster's Study and set out the tea tray, knowing it wouldn't be much longer.

A few minutes later, Albus came up the spiral staircase with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Did you win?" Severus inquired evenly, despite already knowing the answer.

"No," Albus admitted as he stepped into the room, accepting the offered cup before sitting down. "No, at the last minute, she took a very unexpected turn and I ran out of choices."

"Such is life," Severus said almost flippantly, sitting down himself.

"Yes, so it is, but Jennifer has found a way around it," Albus replied with certainty. "I must admit that it does explain a great deal about Jennifer. She has a knack of turning things around in a bad situation that others do not. I wonder how different things would be had I not asked her to come teach all of those years ago," Albus said.

"I prefer not to even go there," Severus said firmly.

"Yes, I can see why. Such a dark path we were going down before Jennifer entered our lives, and made us all the better for it. She and Harry have something in common in that, I think," Albus mused.

"If you're finally admitting that he's a cheat at life, I'll be happy to agree with you," Severus replied.

"Yes, well, any cheating involved in Harry's survival was hardly his alone. It took a lot of effort from a great many people to make that happen, as you well know. He had guardians galore to help him through that mess, including us, Hagrid, Sirius, and even Jennifer," Albus pointed out.

"Don't forget to include the four apprentices in that, since their actions insured his survival also," Severus added.

"Yes, that's quite true, and his friends had a hand in it as well," Albus agreed. "We all contributed to making sure he got through that mess so that we could survive. If Voldemort had won, it probably would have been the death blow not only to his enemies, but our entire society would have crumbled along with everything we ever loved and thought was good about our world. At the point I asked Jennifer to Hogwarts, we were losing that battle, and what I tried to look forward down what was coming next, I saw only death and destruction and chose not to follow it any further."

"So it started with a choice," Severus replied.

"Yes, as it should," Albus agreed. "Probably one of the more important choices I've ever made, along with taking Harry under my wing, and you too, when you were a student with no where to go... despite all of the poor choices you made after that," he added teasingly.

"With you always attempting to lead me back to the right path on countless occasions no matter how poor those decisions were," Severus added gratefully.

"Until Jennifer came along and gave me some much needed relief from that task," Albus added with a chuckle. "So who else knows Jennifer's tendency to..."

"Cheat? Stack her own deck? Those are the terms I've been using for it," Severus replied. "Aurelius, Harry, Sirius, and Lunette all know."

"Oh, so you've known for some time then, considering how long Lunette has been gone," Albus concluded.

"It's been over four years since I've known, since the first time she pulled me aside and told me that I was playing the game 'wrong'," Severus replied. "And although technically there is no wrong way to play the game, she was correct in that I had to change my way of thinking at that point in my life if I wanted to change my path. My other four confidents found out after confessing that they had been doing everything they could to keep me steady on my personal path. In essence, they were helping me to stack my own deck, just as we had done with Harry all those years ago." Albus smiled at that. "In fact, that was the moment that I truly understood how to trust those around me, and gave me the first glimpse as to how advantageous it could be not to know everything. After last year, I truly embrace that fact. On occasion, I've even found humor in it when things play out around me."

"Oh my, yes, I have found humor in it as well on occasion," Albus admitted with a soft chuckle. "Especially after learning about some of Harry, Ron, and Hermione's adventures after the fact. You have learned how to put faith in your students as well, I hope?" he asked, looking at Severus over the rim of his spectacles.

"Indeed I have, which has caused a great many people both inside and outside the castle to believe that I've absolutely lost my mind," Severus admitted.

"Ah yes, I know the sentiment well," Albus replied after a hearty chuckle.

"Yes, and from one of those who accused you the most of being the eccentric, I apologize, albeit several decades late," Severus added.

"Quite alright, Severus. You lacked perspective on lessons that you had to learn yourself, so it's understandable. Just don't forget to be forgiving of that when your time comes and you start scouting possible candidates for your position. The more passionate they are about the school and its students, the more they tend to be baffled by it," Albus warned him with amusement. "As for what's going on with Jennifer, what are you planning to do concerning it?"

"Absolutely nothing," Severus replied. "Unless she asks."

"Ah, I see. So we're back to that again," Albus replied, but nodded with an approving smile.

"So we are, but I can say that I am a great deal more comfortable with it now than I have ever been in the past," Severus assured him. "Even so, it is good to have another confident in the matter, especially a former headmaster who I can speak to on the same level."

"I am delighted that we finally can, Severus," Albus said sincerely, sipping his tea.


Jennifer finished her security checks and slipped into her room from the nursery so that she could get ready for the charity dinner. But as she attempted to button the very last button, it came undone again. Squinting suspiciously, she tried again and again. She even attempted magic only to find it remained stubbornly undone.

"Severus?" she called out, going into his sitting room to find that he was in the process of getting ready himself. "Just what exactly did you do to my dress this time?"

"I didn't hex the dress, only the buttons... and I used Ancient Magic to do it," he added. Jennifer furrowed her brows, knowing it was his way of warning her that she wouldn't be able to unhex it. "The top button can't be buttoned unless I do it myself. Shall I demonstrate?"

"Oh no, you don't. I'm going to change my dress," Jennifer said, turning for the bedroom.

"You can try, but I happened to also curse the other buttons as well. Once you've buttoned them, I'm the only person who can unbutton them," Severus replied unconcernedly.

"What! Oh, you devil! I'll get even with you for this!" Jennifer warned, still going to the bathroom to attempt to get it off.

"It's within your rights," Severus said with a shrug, knowing any attempts she made of getting her figure through that tight bodice was futile no matter which direction she tried. He was unsurprised when she came back out in the same dress a few minutes later, her hair disheveled and glowering at him.

"I will get even with you over the holiday," she warned them again.

"That's two warnings. I thought Craws only gave one?" Severus asked. "Shall I fix the last button?"

"No, you certainly will not," Jennifer declared, storming back to the bedroom to finish getting ready.

"The entire board will be here tonight, and their husbands and wives," Severus pointed out. "The Selwyns, the Greys, Beth and Maurice, the Hagrids..." he paused when Jennifer came back out of the bedroom and reluctantly turned around in annoyance. Smiling thinly, he fastened her button.

"You just wipe that smug look off your face. I mean it when I say I'll get even with you over the holidays," Jennifer warned.

"It'll be interesting to see what you come up with," Severus said unconcernedly, running a finger down her back until she smacked his hand away and wagged a finger at him.

"You are going to behave at dinner, aren't you?" Jennifer suggested threateningly. "If you don't, I'll head home without you even if I have to cut the dress off."

"That would be entertaining... until Minerva finds out, of course..."

"Behave!" Jennifer told him again with exasperation, then went to finish putting on her jewelry. Smirking softly, Severus got his own cufflinks and sleeved his wand before meeting her at the door so they could go downstairs.


Janus, Andrew, Aurelius, and Sashassin stood at the gates, waiting until the majority of the guests were there before finally allowing them in a group at a time.

"Every time we come to an event, it seems as if the security becomes more and more inconvenient," Worley Maxen complained.

"It's because of the Dashing Doppler, Father. They're taking every precaution," Eben explained from where he stood near Hope, still waiting to get in.

"Grandfather wanted to prepare for every eventuality," Hope agreed.

"Are Truth Seekers in this country not trained to see through Animagi and Metamorphmagi forms any longer?" he asked.

"They are, but apparently he has ways to keep them seeing through it," Eben said.

"Perhaps the Dashing Doppler has some mental skills of his own," Hope suggested. "Or maybe he's trained in Occlumency."

"A powerful enough Truth Seeker should still be able to see through it," Worley decided.

"Then we should have nothing to worry about," Hope said.

Eben frowned, wondering if Hope wasn't trying a bit too hard to get along with his family. But he was soon distracted as a figure even larger than Eigil walked up with a woman in fine robes just under his height. They paused long enough to give a courtesy greeting before the half-giant was surrounded by a slew of friends who had run over to greet him. A moment later, Halbert Hagrid stepped over, and it was seeing them together that made Worley realize they were his parents, apparently visiting from a different school. It gave enough of a distraction that the three of them were able to work their way inside, passing the gargoyle and receiving only a 'good evening,' from Janus without further comment.

The guests made their way along an intentionally lit path all the way into the castle and straight over to the Great Hall where Anna and Jennifer greeted them.

Much to Hermione's dismay, the seating arrangements she had toiled over to make sure that everyone was appropriately seated was immediately dashed when Jennifer realized that Hagrid and Olympe was among the guests, insisting they sit near them. Harry decided to sit with them too, and pretty soon there was a chaotic moment of shifting around as everyone attempted to find a new place at the table.

"I can't wait to see what you did with the guard wing and this new house of yours," Rubeus told Jennifer.

"I think you're going to love it, Hagrid! Especially the new spiral staircase..."

"Jennifer! Don't spoil it!" Sirius protested as he moved behind them to get to his chair beside Anna.

"I wasn't going to," Jennifer assured him. "But it's going to be so much fun all the same."

"I never thought I'd see the day that Hogwarts would add houses," Hagrid said.

"But we have added two more quarters of our own at Beauxbatons in recent years," Olympe pointed out.

"I still don't get how they can still call them quarters when there's more than four," Hagrid commented.

"They are within a new building at the end of the new garden extension," Olympe explained to Jennifer, ignoring him.

"A new garden extension?" Jennifer said with interest. "That sounds quite interesting, actually! I just realized how long it's been since I've visited the school... my goodness, it's been years, hasn't it?"

"I understand that you have been quite busy between Whitebridge and Hogwarts, Jennifer, but you should make some time to come tour my school as well sometime. Perhaps at the beginning of the summer holiday? I understand you have a property in France, we could arrange something then," she suggested.

"What do you think, Severus?" Jennifer asked, looking across to where he was sitting near Eric and Tonks.

"It's alright with me... unless, of course, you would prefer to go back to Canada for another flying lesson..." Severus suggested.

"Not going to happen," Jennifer said so fervently that Harry couldn't help but chuckle.

On the other side of Eric Dalance, Albus was chatting to Pierce Selwyn, sitting across from where his daughter sat next to Beth Coventry, with Ambrose and Maurice on the other side of them.

"I must admit, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the students' article about the founding of the school, Mr. Tinker," Pierce told Ambrose. "Such a dark past to have... but then, history is filled with scoundrels of all sorts, isn't it?"

"No one knows that better than I do," Ambrose agreed. "In fact, I'm thinking of adding a Dark Magic exhibit as a possible temporary exhibit, so that museum guests can have a chance to learn more about it."

"I think that would be unwise right now, don't you?" Horus Crumb protested. "You've stirred up enough controversy as it is."

"I've also stirred up a lot of discussions," Ambrose replied, holding his ground. "Having people discuss our origins rather than burying them is a lot healthier in my opinion."

"He is right about that, Father," TJ quickly chimed in after Horus rolled his eyes.

"I think it is only natural that a historian would believe that a better understanding of the past is beneficial," Pierce reasoned, and TJ smiled at that. He then looked past her as the remainder of the guests arrived, including Xavier Platt, who was walking with George Stockton, Hephaestus, and Apollo Grey, and right next to him, Aurelius.

Pierce stood up long enough to acknowledge Xavier, who took a seat near Ambrose and TJ, while Heph, Apollo, and Aurelius took up the remaining seats. Andrew, coming in last, worked his way to the other end of the table to sit with Halbert and Laura. After some quick acknowledgments, the Headmaster sat down, and small bowls appeared at each plate to start the meal.

"Ah, escargot!" Pierce said with appreciation. "I admit I wasn't sure what I'd expect at this meal tonight, but if this is the start, I believe it will be a delight."

"Beth catered the event tonight as part of her donation," Ambrose offered. "Apparently, escargot is a traditional Christmas dish in France."

"It also happens to be one of my mother's favorite dishes," Aurelius added for good measure.

"It's one of mine as well," TJ admitted with a smile. "It reminds me of several holiday trips we've taken there."

"In my case, it just reminds me of Hogwarts," Heph admitted, eating it more out of politeness than actually liking it.

"Hogwarts? Really?" Pierce asked with surprise.

"We were served everything from deep fried snails to traditional escargot while at school, typically when Headmaster Dumbledore thought that Professor Craw needed cheering up," Xavier explained. "Along with all sorts of other dishes from the Mediterranean region that she fancies. I'm not surprised that it continues to this day, considering the current headmaster."

"It's good to know that some things don't change at least," Horus commented.

"Apollo, I hear you're one of the nominees for the annual Quidditch awards ceremony in January," Pierce said, noticing that Apollo didn't seem engaged in the conversation. "Chaser of the Year... quite an honor."

"Yeah..." Apollo was cut off as Heph nudged his son. "Yes, thank you," Apollo corrected.

"My son is a wizard of few words," Heph explained.

"Yes, I knew that already. I've read some of his after game interviews," Pierce admitted with amusement.

"Actually, I've got a lot of words, but she had to help watch the kids at the Craw Mansion tonight," Apollo explained.

"Ah, is that a reference to Viorica Snape, perhaps?" Pierce asked with amusement.

"Yes, my fiancee," Apollo agreed.

"The two of you have been engaged for quite some time now, haven't you? Will you be marrying soon?" Pierce inquired.

"No, we're not ready. We just did that to get the fan girls off my back," Apollo explained evenly.

"Anyway," Heph quickly intervened. "I expect his chances are really good for winning this year, it's been the third time he's been nominated." Apollo nodded at his father.

"Considering your record last season, I wouldn't be surprised," Pierce replied, then shifted his gaze. "Xavier, how are things with the Old Town Merchant Coalition?"

"Quite well, although the current tax proposal by Solidarity on Goblin-made items leaves much to be desired," Xavier admitted.

"Oh yes, I saw the paperwork on it myself, and it does seem a bit excessive," Pierce admitted. "Goblin-made goods are already at a premium, and even in a recovering economy I see no need to further exacerbate the situation when it is obvious their claims of 'stifling wizard businesses' are quite incorrect."

"It certainly hasn't been stifled in Hogsmeade," Ambrose replied. "We seem to have a new shop opening every year. Have you been to the Eight Brothers yet, Mr. Selwyn?"

"No, I typically do my shopping in London, but perhaps I will make an occasion," Pierce said. "I am certain that a toy shop was a very welcome addition to the village considering the surrounding schools... quite overdue. It rather makes me miss the years when my children were young. I used to delight in going into such places with them at Christmas, and I will look forward to finding an occasion to delight in it again when my children have settled down."

"Actually, I was thinking about staying single, but I'm sure Elliot is quite interested," TJ said quickly, using her drink as a shield against her father's concerned frown.

"They do seem to take their time about it these days," Heph commented. "But considering how disastrous my marriage turned out, maybe it's best that they waited a few years."

"Yes, I am divorced as well, although we are currently on amicable terms," Pierce replied.

"So are we, as long as she stays at the Barrister's Cayman Islands estate," Heph said. "But I think Apollo's planning to wait until after he's retired from Quidditch."

"That long?" Pierce asked.

"No, not that long," Apollo replied. "I'm just building up my Goblin Vault before I leave. Maybe after the World Games and the Wizard Olympics."

"Have you been signed on for the World Games?" Pierce asked with interest. Heph sighed at his son's ability to say too much even as little as he spoke.

"They're not making those announcements until after the annual awards ceremony. They're supposed to keep it quiet until then," Heph said.

"I'm playing for England," Apollo announced unconcernedly. He quickly earned congratulations from others in their section, although it was obvious that Heph and Aurelius had both known about it already.

"That is a prestigious honor. Are you sure you want to leave the sport?" Pierce asked once it died down and they started on their antipasto plates.

"Yeah. I don't want to get married with reporters hounding me," Apollo explained. "Viorica gets hounded enough because of me."

"You can say that again," Aurelius said with a grunt, Apollo nodding in agreement.

"And what do you plan to do after you retire from Quidditch, if I may ask?" Pierce said.

"I'm going into the LE Ministry. That's why I'm making some money first, it doesn't pay enough," Apollo explained.

"It certainly doesn't," Heph agreed.

"Father wants me to start a business," Apollo explained. "He still doesn't like that I changed from Industries to Law and Defense my last year of school."

"Then why not do both?" Pierce asked.

"I won't have time to dedicate to a business. I don't want to do anything half- I want to focus," he corrected himself.

"All you need is a good investment strategy. You could make some real estate investments that could be easily managed through a single individual," Pierce suggested. "Then you could meet your father's concerns and still do your civic duty." Apollo thought about it a moment before nodding.

"Yeah, that makes sense," Apollo agreed. "My grandfather's been trying to get me to invest in land. But I want to do it in my own way."

"That is always best. I must say, Hephaestus, even if your son is a wizard with few words, he doesn't lack for accomplishments, does he? I imagine great things are in your future, young man," Pierce complimented sincerely.

"Yes. Thank you," Apollo said, quite grateful when Aurelius rescued him by changing the conversation to the news of the day.


While all of the guests seemed quite appreciative of the decadent meal, most of them had burnt out all of their conversations with their neighbors by the end and were quite glad to move on to the tour. They wandered through the older four houses first to view how well the extensions had been integrated into each house and were shown some recent upgrades to both the paintings and furniture as spares had been replaced over time with newer and more durable furniture. Finally, they made their way to the fourth floor and to the Guard Wing, and Severus paused to wait for everyone to gather in the entryway.

Rubeus Hagrid did not pause.

He spotted something past the open doors that caused him to walk straight inside without waiting. Severus pretended not to notice, nor did he notice when Sirius, Harry, Ron, and Hermione slipped in behind him.

Rubeus gaped at the beautiful stone statue of the three-headed dog, stunned and close to tears.

"Like it?" Sirius asked with a smile.

"It's breathtakin'! Fluffy! Look at tha'! Fluffy, here for all time," he said, falling back into his old speech patterns just from the nostalgia.

"I take credit for the staircase, but it was just as much Harry's idea on what the gargoyle should look like," Sirius said.

"Harry!" Rubeus said brightly, giving him a hug and wiping a tear from his eye.

"That is an incredible likeness to that dog, even better than I expected," Ron said, never having seen it before.

"The spittin' image! Slobber an' all!" he said.

"We used the Pensieves to get the image right, and Janus Craw did the work," Hermione explained.

"Did he now? Who knew he old ghost had it in 'em?" Hagrid asked.

"To be fair, I didn't know myself," Janus' voice called out, and Hagrid beamed.

"I'd shake yer hand if I could, Janus. I'm grateful mor'n I can say. It feels like a piece of me is permanently a part'a the school now," Hagrid said.

"That goes without saying," Hermione protested.

"Isn't there a painting of you somewhere, Hagrid?" Sirius asked in surprise.

"Pyther did a painting for our wedding, it's above Olympe's desk," Hagrid explained.

"Then maybe it's about time for one in Hogwarts too... one for in here, maybe over there by the Lift so it can admire the statue," Sirius suggested. "What do you say, Harry? Joint Christmas present, we pitch in and have Alicia do a portrait for in here?"

"Oh, I'm definitely in," Harry said, and Hermione glanced at Ron questioningly.

"Yeah, we're in too," Ron agreed.

"I canna wait," Hagrid said, giving even Ron a pat on the back before looking up and furrowing his brows. "When did those doors close?"

"I don't know, but we'd better open them before Severus bores them all to death. Get the other side, Hagrid?" Sirius suggested.

"A pleasure," Hagrid said happily, and the two of them opened the doors again to find that it was Anna who had been the one stalling for time waiting for them to finish.

"The area is secure and ready for the tour, Professor Black," Janus announced as a way to explain the delay.

"Shall we continue on to the common rooms, then?" Anna said.

"Can't we see how the stairs work?" Hagrid said, a bit disappointed that she wanted to go straight on through.

"Don't worry, Mr. Hagrid, we'll head down to the second floor too," Anna promised.

Hagrid smiled, lingering in the room until the end so that he could see the reactions of some of the other guests who had seen the statue for the first time. Halbert especially stopped to take a closer look.

"C'est magnifique! A very detailed young Cerberus Hound," Halbert commented.

"He was mine," Hagrid explained to his son. "I'll tell you all about him later."

"I can't wait to hear it, and why they made a statue of him. But then, who wouldn't?" Halbert asked.

"Like father, like son," Jennifer teased, coming up beside Hagrid.

"Aye, that he is," Hagrid agreed, walking with them into the common rooms.

Sounds of appreciations went around and everyone spread out. Even Pimra and Norman Balmweed seemed impressed, admiring everything from the research corner to the fireplace nooks and window seats before joining the rest to walk down the long, rather dull, dark corridor and into the wizard's dormitory section.

"As you can see, the security is quite different than the original four houses," Severus explained as they came into the lobby area. "Instead of central corridors, each room has its own door guard which is linked to the students' room assignments with the other corridor leading to other rooms and to the wizard's bathrooms. Students are allowed to change their passwords so long as everyone in the room votes for a new one, and they may allow in other students for studying, projects and so forth."

"It does seem more secure, Severus, but I'm sure it took up a great deal more of the budget. Does it justify the means?" Norman asked.

"Security has always made up the most of the school's budget, especially in recent years," Severus admitted. "Having individual doors to each room not only provides another layer of protection on the students assigned to them, and it also helps us to respond in an emergency. We can quickly identify any affected rooms so that we don't have to go door to door, and we are provided clearer information in any incidents that occur," Severus explained. "And while I won't go into further detail on what all the guards capable of for obvious reasons, I will point out that some of these security changes were already on Professor and Mr Craw's recommendations for further budgeting. But being that this is a new house that built from scratch, it was easier and more cost effective to implement those changes from the start rather than having to add them later."

"That sounds perfectly reasonable," Albus said before everyone else could comment.

"I have no objections," Eric said calmly. "Especially since I did request that you take into consideration student needs over the long term."

"Yes, Eric. I am glad you recall that conversation as well," Severus replied. "Shall we head back through the corridor to see the lower level?"

"Great!" Hagrid said a lot louder than he had planned to, turning and heading back the other way. "I take it this here corridor is the one you're still raising funds for, Professor Snape?"

"Yes, it will require experts in castle masonry to get it done. We're hoping to hire the same team that added in the windows common room extension." Severus explained. "Fortunately, it is just the one project, and will only be a fourth of the cost, isn't that correct, Hermione?"

"Yes, and with this fundraiser and the Order of the Owls' fundraisers, we should be able to meet our goal, hopefully with some left over for tapestries and new light fixtures," Hermione informed them as they walked through the common room and over to the gargoyle.

"Down, Fluffy," Anna ordered. There was a rumble as the statue spun downwards, opening up the spiral staircase.

"Anyone who doesn't want to wait for the staircase may take the Doorlift if you prefer," Severus suggested before leading them down into the lower room. It was a smaller space connecting the stairs to a wide archway leading further in, but there were several study tables, an item's work table, and a large mirror on the wall.

"I've heard this particular room called everything from the Staircase Room, the Research Room, the Mirror Room, and the 'Room that Harry Fell Down In,'" Severus informed them, getting chuckles from Hagrid and Minerva and a smirk from Ron. "I believe that most of the students are referring to it as the Mirror Room, so I wouldn't be surprised if it sticks in the end. It's main function is simply as a stairwell and to provide extra workspace," he explained, then led them through the wide archway.

Sounds of appreciation came from all around as they admired the recreation area, especially from Albus, who had a very satisfied smile when he saw how it was repurposed. He also couldn't help but admire all of the new doors with paintings on them, many of which were Alicia's own work, or some that had been in Hogwarts storage and had been repaired to be put back into use.

"This is the Chess Room, which serves not only as Dusthorn house's game room but is the main lobby for the witches' quarters. As you can see, just like the wizards' dormitories, the witches dormitories have had their security brought up to date, with individual doors leading to each room and the bath."

Minerva and Albus both pursed their lips knowingly.

"What, what?" Norman said, suddenly becoming alert.

"A bit unfair, isn't it? For the witches to be the only ones who can access to the game room?" Horus asked suspiciously.

"Everyone has access to the game room," Severus said calmly.

"I take it the paintings are the main guards to keep the wizards out of their rooms, then," Horus suggested.

"Wizards and Witches rooms have the exact same security," Anna replied. "They can invite whomever they want in their rooms just like the young wizards can, and since there's no trap corridors in the way, we have a better response time if there's an emergency."

"I like that change," Eben offered while most of the board were stunned at the admission, considering how long they'd been fighting over the issue. "Those hexed corridors caused a real problem trying to rescue my sisters when those cursed clockworks took over."

"Yes, I agree. It was right after the incident when Professor Craw, as Head of Security, recommended that we disable those corridors and go with this system," Severus explained.

"If Professor Craw recommended it several years ago, why has it not been implemented in the other houses yet?" TJ asked.

"I have had trouble securing the funding from the board," Severus explained calmly. "After all, there have been other priorities..."

"I'll donate ten thousand galleons," Apollo spoke up out of the blue, as poker faced as ever. His father stared at him with a dropped jaw, wondering what would have possessed him to donate such an outrageous amount. "After what happened to Viorica that night, I want Slytherin up to date as well."

"Five thousand would suffice," Severus replied calmly. Apollo nodded solemnly.

"Then I will donate the same for Gryffindor," Pierce Selwyn offered, receiving an approving smile from his daughter.

"Count me in," Taylor Brittle offered. "Five thousand for Ravenclaw."

"The same for Hufflepuff," Alicia said with a raised hand. "And I'll do any paintings required at cost."

"Well then, it would seem we have another project for summer, Professor Craw," Severus suggested, ignoring the flustered red faces of the board members. Instead, he focused in on Jennifer's alluring, triumphant smile.