A/N Bonus Chapter! Enjoy! DQ

Chapter Forty-Four

Obstacles

The Order of the Owls took advantage of the fact they had a lot of warning before the Snow Festival, putting up notices for outside volunteers from both students and faculty. With so few booths made, they decided to set up a series of games to play in the Quidditch Pitch along with several tents, including one filled with games that Jack and Joey were running and a candy stand that Pippa and Pamina put together. Jeremy and Quintin's hot dog booth seemed to be popular, as well as the cocoa stand that Gloria and Sissy were running. It didn't take long for them to realize that having the festival after Christmas was a very lucky break; the students had their pockets filled with Christmas coins and weren't as stingy now that they didn't have to worry about buying for others.

Some of the professors were in a buying mood too. Jennifer was no exception, debating whether to go to Dawn's face-painting booth or to investigate what sorts of treats looked appetizing. Deciding to go once around the Quidditch Pitch to check on the games before heading back to Arcadia and Sagitarri's Picnics-To-Go tent, she noticed a young boy watching Jay and Ella at the obstacle course. Sighing with a smile, Jennifer turned back towards the booths to pick up food and drinks before walking over. The boy frowned warily as she came near, but she simply held out a cup.

"Here, have some cocoa. You look cold," Jennifer told the Magician. "My treat, it's a gift."

"Oh, thank you kindly," the Magician said gratefully, taking the cup.

"I have some goat cheese wraps that you might like. Arcadia's Constellation has a wonderful herd that ranges all over their mountain home in Greece. The cheese is quite lovely, and not too strong at all," Jennifer said.

"Thank you again, but I don't understand why you're here. I thought you decided not to interfere," the Magician replied.

"I certainly couldn't have you sitting in the cold without a warm drink. Why didn't you pick your other form? I'm sure that would have been much warmer," Jennifer said.

"I wanted to be someone where I could see what it the festival is like," he explained, looking out as someone attempted the broom course. "Look at all of those extra Quidditch rings! And in such strange positions! But they seem to be having quite a bit of fun. Even Jay seems to be enjoying himself for a change."

"Oh, so you were checking on Jay," Jennifer said with a smile. "Yes, obstacle courses are a part of training for the RBF, so he asked Severus to help him set this game up so that they could compete for prizes. Personally, I can't stand the obstacle course after having to do it for Auror training."

"Oh yes, you're an Auror as well. I remember that now," he said.

"In fact, right after this festival closes, I have to go on duty at the Ministry since Harry's had to double up on security. I have an even longer shift tomorrow, which means, of course, I will have no time off this weekend despite the fact that I have to make an important meeting at Whitebridge after I finish teaching here on Monday," Jennifer said, handing him one of the cheese wraps.

"I am very, very sorry for all of the trouble," the Magician said sincerely. "But I still believe I did the right thing intervening. I didn't want Alexandria brought down because I'm considered some sort of criminal around here."

Before she could comment, Jennifer noticed a floating figure and paused. Janus Craw fully materialized, squinting at the boy.

"Do you mind explaining what you're doing here?" Janus asked bluntly.

"Oh, this a friend... a student from Hogsmeade," Jennifer improvised quickly, pushing up her spectacles. "Flemming... James Flemming... he's just come to see the festival, you see. I know we weren't supposed to have outside guests, but I decided to make an exception. And as such, I'll take full responsibility for him being here."

"Very well. You are in charge of security, so I will trust that you know what you're doing," Janus said stiffly. "But if any member of my family is threatened by his presence in any way, I will throw him out, and we can take the discussion to the Headmaster's desk."

"I have no intention of doing so," the Magician said. Janus gazed at him dubiously before floating further along. The Magician looked sheepish. "I suppose everyone will know I'm here now."

"No, not necessarily," Jennifer replied.

"I also like the name you gave me," he added for good measure.

"Thinking of keeping it?" Jennifer asked mischievously.

"No," the Magician said. "I actually very much like the other name I was given, and I plan to keep it." Jennifer smiled.

"I understand," Jennifer said. "Besides, your other name is absolutely perfect for you."

"Do you think so?" the Magician asked. Jennifer nodded. "I think so too."

"Oh look... Jay's going to try it since there isn't anyone queued up at the moment," Jennifer pointed out, and the Magician immediately regained interest in the course.

"She has such fine, handsome children, does she not?" the Magician commented as Jay took off like a shot, easily taking every turn with precision. In fact, it was obvious when Jay landed that he was more interested in the time, conferring with Ella, who had the stop watch. His shoulders slumped, apparently having missed his goal.

"She does indeed," Jennifer replied with an enigmatic smile.

"I miss her," the Magician admitted. "I suppose that must sound strange to you."

"Not at all, really," Jennifer assured him. "You see, when Severus and I first got together, we fought a great deal and tried leaving each other many times. But since we worked together, we saw each other constantly whether we were speaking to each other or not. And during those times, we also kept very careful track on what the other was doing to make sure the other wasn't getting in over our heads."

"She told me she never wants to see me again," the Magician said. "Do you suppose it's true? Have you spoken to her?"

"I haven't," Jennifer admitted. "Severus tried to talk to her, but he told me that she wasn't in a listening mood. Being a Snape, she can be quite stubborn."

"Really? I heard the LE Minister himself claim that no one can out-stubborn a Craw," the Magician pointed out. Jennifer made a face.

"Fine, it comes from both sides of the family," Jennifer acknowledged in a low voice. "I don't suppose you tried apologizing?"

"I suppose I could send her a note apologizing for upsetting her, but I will not apologize for what I did," he said firmly. "That man's actions caused her a great deal of distress, and considering my part in it, I felt obligated to intervene."

"You do realize your actions caused her some distress as well," Jennifer informed him seriously.

"It is far from the same thing. The Ministry was better off raising up security until the most vulnerable offices were secure anyway. It probably should have done so the moment I broke their security the first time," the Magician argued.

"I admit that's a fair point," Jennifer agreed. "Although I for one will be glad when those offices are secured. In fact, I might even talk Severus into letting me go over there to help speed things up a bit."

"Do you suppose she'll calm down once it is done?" the Magician asked hopefully.

"Possibly," Jennifer replied. "But I really don't know. It's up to the two of you to decide, and no one else."

"I have decided that it's time that Alexandria apologized for yelling and me and for doing what's best for my family," he declared. Jennifer laughed softly to herself. "But I'd settle for her taking back the part where she never wants to see me again," he admitted somberly. "It puts me in such an awkward position. I only want to protect her."

"She can protect herself," Jennifer replied.

"Of course she can, most certainly," the Magician agreed. "But having a partner to watch one's back is still much safer, even if you do know how to protect yourself."

"I certainly can't argue with that," Jennifer said with a smile, sipping her cocoa.

"Do you mind if I inquire about something entirely different? Something I have gotten mixed opinions on thus far," the Magician asked, and Jennifer gazed at him quizzically. "It is about young Janus Clemmons. I would very much like to be his friend, but I am not sure how he would feel about the invitation to be friends."

"That is tricky, I'll admit. But I think that if you handled it carefully, the two of you might become friends," Jennifer decided. "If you make it clear that it is just a friendship and that you are not attempting to be a parent in any way, he may leave a window ajar for you."

"That's all I need, really," the Magician said with a chuckle.

"Handling it sooner would probably be better than later," she decided. "Have you finished your cocoa? Perhaps we can go down there, and I'll introduce you as you are now. You can try the game."

"Really? Are you sure he won't know who I am?" he asked.

"Oh, he'll know who you are immediately," Jennifer said with amusement. "But in this case, perhaps it's just as well. Let's go down this way, there's a bin just there," she pointed out.

The two of them worked their way over to where Jay and Ella were standing, painfully watching as one of the first year Gryffindors attempted the course for the first time. Jennifer glanced over towards the bottom of one of the towers, quite glad to see Ginny sitting at the ready with her first-aid kit while munching on a hot dog.

"Can I speak to you a minute, Jay?" Jennifer inquired as they walked over.

"Sure, Ella's taking time this round," Jay said.

Ella nodded showing the stop watch, then winced as the first year nearly hit the ring. Jay glanced at the boy next to her curiously.

"This is a friend of mine, James Flemming, James, this is Jay," she introduced. Jay gave his grandmother a blank, dubious look.

"Really," Jay said at last.

"I have an awful lot of security to do, and I was wondering if he might stay with you and help out. I don't suppose you'd be willing to you have lunch with my friend and escort him around the festival for me? You could be a sort of ambassador for the school today," Jennifer suggested with warm smile.

"What's in it for me?" Jay asked bluntly. "I mean, I don't mind showing him around, I guess, but I'd like there to be some points involved. Preferably enough to secure Slytherin's current lead."

"Well, that depends on how well you do. If I get a good report back from him, I'll make sure you get the points you deserve," Jennifer promised.

"I also could use some coins for expenses," he added.

"Well, of course you do," Jennifer agreed and handed him a few galleons. "Have fun! Be sure to escort him to the gates when you're done today!"

"I plan to," Jay said evenly. Jennifer smiled and went to check on the other games. Jay shifted his gaze back to do the boy. "Before we get started on this charade, tell me one thing. Are you dating my mother?" he asked bluntly.

"She decided that I was untrustworthy and told me that she never wanted to see me again," the Magician replied somberly.

"Then consider yourself lucky," Jay replied. "My mother is toxic and codependent. She only cares about people that she can use. She is ruthless and self serving, and any affection she shows is simply a means to an end."

"I am sorry, but you make her sound like Austere," the Magician admitted with an amused smile.

"Like witch, like familiar," Jay said.

"You don't really believe that, do you?" the Magician asked. "I rather think you're only saying that to discourage me."

"I'm saying it because it's what's best for both of us," Jay said with a shrug. "She's in constant danger, and the safest place to be is as far away from her as you can get."

"Aren't you worried that she might get hurt without backup?" the Magician asked.

"If she wants to be reckless with her life, that's her problem," Jay said.

"As long as no one else is put in danger in the process," the Magician concluded.

"Exactly," Jay agreed.

"I understand why that is important to you, and I will try to make sure that doesn't happen," the Magician decided. "So now that matter is settled, how can I help with your game?"

"Do you know anything about flying?" he asked.

"Flying a jet, or a broom?" the Magician asked.

"A broom, obviously," Jay said impatiently.

"Oh. Well no, I can't," the Magician admitted. "But I can fly just about anything else!"

"Do you know how to handle a stopwatch?" Jay asked with a sigh.

"Yes, I can do that," the Magician agreed.

Jay had Ella hand the young boy the stopwatch, while she took over the scoreboard and Jay gave instructions to the new challengers. No one seemed to be bothered by the presence of a Hogsmeade elementary student helping out; they simply assumed he was someone's relative. They were much more interested in their scores, watching where they fell in the top ten before either trying again or giving up and going to another game.

Finally they took a break for lunch, and it wasn't long before the Magician was insisting on visiting the hot dog stand.

"Surely we can find something better than this," Jay complained while Ella wandered off to find something else.

"This one will do!" the Magician insisted, stepping up to Jeremy. "I want one without the sausage!"

"You want a hot dog without a hot dog?" Jeremy asked skeptically.

"Oh, but add everything else, yes, thanks!" he agreed.

"Who's this kid?" Quintin asked curiously.

"Flemming, James Flemming," the Magician answered happily.

"Oh, it's you! What are you doing here?" Jeremy asked, then looked at Jay. "Do they know who he is?"

"Grandmother paid me to escort him around," Jay confirmed.

"Are you saying this kid is the Dashing Doppler? Sorry, the Magician, then," Quintin corrected, when he noticed the boy cringe. "And Mum knows about it?"

"I'm just here to have some fun today, and that is all. Is that alright?" the Magician asked.

"I'm not going to stop you if Mum's okay with it," Quintin said, giving Jeremy a bag of crisps to put in the box with the boy's condiment-filled bun. "Have fun, I guess."

"Thanks! I love to have fun!" the Magician said with a beaming smile.

"I think I'm going to have my hands full today," Jay said, paying for their meal and getting his own box with a hot dog and crisps. "Come on, let's find a table."

As they walked away, Quintin turned his attention to Jeremy.

"I don't suppose you know what that's all about?" Quintin asked. "Why is he here?"

"Obvious, isn't it? He's here because he wants to get to know Jay a bit better," Jeremy explained with a shrug, moving the hot dogs up on the rollers so that he could put more on.

"Huh. I guess that means it's official. They're serious about each other," Quintin decided. "Alex talked to Rus before she left about him, and now he's trying to get to know Jay."

"But he told me in his last letter that the two of them broke up. She said she never wanted to see him again," Jeremy told Quintin.

"Yeah," Quintin said, handing him a bun as someone walked up. "I have often found that adults mean what they say when they say it, but they go on to contradict themselves after a random interval of time has passed. Tricky business, being an adult."

"Yeah, let's avoid it for as long as possible," Jeremy joked, then looked to see who was next in the queue.

Jay had attempted to keep his escort duty as professional as possible, deciding that his main objective was to keep the Magician out of trouble and to make certain he didn't change forms and get lost in the crowd. But as they began going through the games and vendors, the Magician became more and more excited, fascinated with every booth and behaving so child-like that there were times when Jay almost forgot he wasn't the nine year old boy he portrayed. He sometimes had trouble counting money, and wasn't sure how much was acceptable to spend in the candy tent, especially with Pamina and Pippa making suggestions on everything from Chocolate Frogs to discounted candy canes left over from Christmas.

"Would you like some Frogs that contain last year's Quidditch set, or last year's Famous Wizards set?" Pippa asked.

"Is Minister Clemmons in the Famous Wizard's set?" he asked. Jay frowned disapprovingly at him.

"Sure, but she's really rare. Might take a few cases to find one of those," Pippa warned.

"How many can I get?" the Magician asked Jay.

"Three or four packs," Jay told him firmly.

"Buy five get one free," Pippa offered.

"Okay then, six," Jay replied with a sigh.

"So my chances aren't that good with that few, is that right? Is it because she's the rarest of them all?" the Magician asked wistfully.

"No, the rarest card out of people still working at the Ministry is Thomas Craw. That's because he was only in one series, and it's out of print," Pippa explained.

"Yeah, the Chocolate Frog company kept getting parental complaints about the card's use of colorful language," Pamina explained, handing him his bag of frogs.

After they finished shopping, they got drinks and went back to the game to find Ella already having started back up again.

"Why don't you take care of the scoreboard this time?" Ella suggested to the boy.

"I'll be happy to!" the Magician said enthusiastically. In fact, he did everything Jay asked in hopes of making a good impression, up until the point that it was time to pack up.


Jennifer tiredly stepped out of the Doorlift and into the Study to see Seren eating her dinner. Severus sat beside the girl, but his eyes were fixed on Jennifer.

"Good evening, Severus! Sorry if I'm a little late, but I had to make sure everything got back to where it belonged," Jennifer explained.

"And everyone associated with the festival back to where they belonged," Severus said knowingly. "In fact, Janus Craw floated up here some time ago to complain about an unexpected guest on the property to make certain that I had heard about... which I hadn't."

"Really, Severus, it wasn't that much of a big deal. Very few students even realized he was there," Jennifer protested. "I found him sitting on the stands watching Jay's game. He wanted to know if he could go down and get to know him better, so I arranged it. And from what I understand, they seemed to get on decidedly well." Severus' expression changed as he listened to her reasoning.

"You realize, I hope, that strategy may very well backfire," Severus warned.

"Backfire?" Jennifer repeated questioningly.

"You may have the right to give him permission to speak to Jay as both his guardian and Head of Security, but Alexandria is likely to be enraged when she finds out about it, especially considering they currently aren't speaking to one another. She would never have given permission, and will most decidedly take issue with it when she finds out about it. I know, because I know how I would react if something like that were to occur without my knowing about it first," Severus informed her.

"Then she would be wrong, because this wasn't really about Alexandria," Jennifer replied. "Nor was it even about Alexandria and the Magician together. This was about what was best for Jay, and making certain that he doesn't condemn him for dating his mother without at least getting to know a little about him first. Whether she approves or not, whether it starts another fight or not, that doesn't really matter compared to Jay's mental welfare, does it?"

"Yes, well, you certainly have a point," Severus acknowledged. "And even though I know that Alexandria will forgive you on that basis, I can't help but feel a bit sorry for what sort of the clash the two of them are likely to get into when she finds out about it."