Chapter Forty-Five

Round Two

When Sunday rolled around, Alexandria had a headache and was not feeling her best at all, and couldn't help but be worried about it. But instead of going down to talk to her brother, she got dressed and went to the office, sitting down at her desk with a sigh and propping her head up as if disinterested in doing any work at all.

"Good morning." Wilder hooted questioningly, a bit puzzled by her behavior.

"Sundays are good days to sleep," Austere protested.

"I know you don't like coming in on Sundays, but we have to while we're on high security, Austere, and you know it," Alex said with a sigh. "Once we have the last of the security doors installed this week, we're going to take security down a step, then you can have your odd Sunday off. Right now, I don't think I've recovered from that horrid council meeting last night."

"It didn't go well?" Wilder hooted.

"We gave them the report on why we're at high security for reasons of 'full transparency and disclosure', and naturally, they had a fit about it," Alexandria grumbled.

"Humans only want to know things until they actually know them," Austere hissed.

"I know, right?" Alexandria said emphatically. "After learning that Bagman was indeed active in the area again, they demanded even more transparency on the prison upgrade to 'make sure it's secure enough'. How stupid is that?"

"I agree, very stupid," Austere said in full support.

"They backed down after my Grandfather got up and told them that the only way to make certain we could keep Bagman in prison is if we didn't tell anyone our plans, and most of them quieted down after that. But there was still a small handful of them that still insisted on seeing a more detailed budget to make sure we were being fiscally responsible," Alexandria fumed.

"Probably some of Bagman's sheep," Austere hissed helpfully.

"More than likely," Alexandria agreed.

"What did the Traditionalists' say?" Austere asked, looking for someone else to insult.

"Worley said that the entire renovation was a waste of money, because the Ministry is incapable of catching Bagman anyway," Alex said briskly. "And then he went on to comment on how the Ministry had to make a deal with the Dashing Doppler to get him to cooperate, and that it was time for a vote of no confidence on the entire staff of the LE, Justice, and Mystery."

"How did that go?" Austere asked with open interest.

"Not very well, because Worley had apparently forgotten that Peter Gamban works in the Justice Department. The Auror department is under the LE Ministry, so Garvan and Natalie's jobs would be along the line too. Not only were Reformist-leaning members of Solidarity not about to go along with it since they support Draco, the Traditionalist-leaning members weren't that keen on going along with it since Peter has a seat on the Council. Worley's attempt succeeded in getting him less support than before, and several people told him that the Traditionalist party would be better off working with Solidarity instead of against it," Alexandria said.

"That would have been entertaining to witness," Austere hissed.

"You would think so," Alexandria replied disapprovingly. "They also asked how long the Magician's temporary amnesty was going to last. I really need to talk to him about his legal status. I'm not sure if he'd be willing to talk to me again, even on a professional level."

"You're willing to talk to him again if it's business?" Wilder hooted curiously.

"Humans do not understand the concept of the word 'never'," Austere explained to Wilder. "They always change their minds."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Wilder wanted to know.

"Thank you, that's enough out of both of you," Alexandria scolded them. "It isn't as if I really want to speak to him, but this is about job integrity. I'm obligated," she explained. "I need to go to the Justice Department to talk to Jeffers about the Magician's case. Wilder, I don't suppose you're willing to try and hunt down the Magician again?"

"Yes, it'll be easy! I just need to go where there's good food," Wilder declared with a hoot.

"You've got that right," Alexandria said dryly, getting up. "I think it'd be better for everyone concerned if I file proper paperwork, especially considering the heat we're getting from Solidarity already. It'll likely take most of the day, so if I'm not here at lunch, I'll see you at home," she said, stepping out into the foggy doorway.

It was indeed late into the afternoon when Alexandria arrived back in her office. She wasn't entirely surprised to see that Austere had gone home and had probably left not long after she had that morning. But Wilder was back, dozing on his branch.

"Wilder?" she said, and he opened his eyes and hooted. "Any luck finding the Magician?"

"Yes, he seems to be working in Hogsmeade," Wilder hooted.

"Hogsmeade? What in the world is he doing all the way up there?" Alexandria asked.

"Did you want me to go spy on him to find out?" Wilder suggested.

"No, I'll ask him myself. Come on, let's head home then. He'll be easier to find him from above Corey's shop," Alexandria pointed out. Wilder dropped down on her shoulder as went through the foggy corridor over the the Portkey pad that led to her flat. Soon they were inside, and she glanced at a wall mirror with a frown. "I think I'll change. Do you want me to get you some kibble or go out?"

"Out, please! There's lots of good hunting out there!" Wilder hooted.

"Well, be careful, the Dark Forest isn't exactly a city park, you know," Alexandria told him, and Wilder hooted in understanding as she cranked open the top window and he flew outside. Checking on Austere only to find him snuggled up under her bed, Alexandria washed up and changed out of her work clothes before working her way downstairs.

Thanks to a persistent cough that was going around town, the alchemy was filled with sniffling customers. In fact, Corey had yet to change out of his church robes, which meant that it had been busy all afternoon.

"Oh, hi Sis. Want to come to dinner at our house?" he offered distractedly.

"Um... actually, that doesn't sound like a bad idea, but I have to take care of something first... I have the Magician's legal paperwork to give him warnings and probation," Alexandria said.

"What, no fees for trespassing? That's not fair," Corey joked with a straight face. "I thought that was Draco's favorite form of punishment."

"Considering the Magician has no funds to pay them, I'd say it wouldn't do any good. Still, I'm certain that Draco's likely to throw fines and everything else he can think of at the Magician if he's ever caught trying to infiltrate the Ministry again," Alexandria said.

"True," Corey replied. "Anyway, I think he's been staying in town somewhere, because he came in here with a bunch of foraged herbs he got out of the Dark Forest to sell. I bought his first batch and sent him out with a list of components I'd be interested in buying if he came across them, and he told me he'd look for them. He does seem to know what he's doing when it comes to foraging, though. He even found Rosmerta some Frostcap Truffles."

"Then I'm going over there next," Alexandria said. "See you in a bit."

"Feel free to bring your friend if you like," Corey said with a wave, and Alex worked her way past the queue and out into the snow.

She hurried over the slushy streets, casting a footprint spell on her shoes to keep them dry enough not to muddy Rosmerta's doorstep. From the looks of it, she was too late, since some of the other customers hadn't taken their own precautions.

One of the few who had was Mr. Jack, sitting at one of the tables close to the fireplace. His eyes went down to the Ministry scroll in her hand, having little trouble telling that it was official legal papers from the size. But after noting his thoughtful gaze in her direction, Alexandria turned her attention to finding Rosmerta. This was one of those cases where she decidedly didn't mind if Bagman knew what she was doing.

Rosmerta came out of the back room with one of her girls, helping her with a couple of extra plates at one of the larger tables in the back before walking over and seeing Alexandria.

"Oh, good afternoon, Minister. On business?" she guessed seeing the scroll in her hand.

"Yes, it's the Magician's warnings and probation. I don't suppose he has a room here?" Alexandria asked.

"That's unlikely, is it? Someone who can change shape doesn't necessarily need temporary lodgings when any abandoned rabbit hole will do," Rosmerta said.

"He would need somewhere to put his things, though, wouldn't he?" Alexandria pointed out. "Anyway, my brother mentioned that he'd been selling things he's been foraging out of the forest, including Frostcap Truffles."

"Yes, so he has. He asked to do some performing, but since there's none of that here short of festival days, I suggested he run errands if he wanted to earn the odd coin. He isn't always in town, but when he is, he's dashing about delivering this, that, and the other. So if he's here, all you have to do is stand outside long enough and you're sure to see him," Rosmerta explained.

"Thanks, Rosmerta," Alexandria said.

Alex went back outside, looking around for a moment before going over to Dragonwing Deli. With the bakery closed for the evening, it was the more likely place to run into him, she thought. But much to her surprise, she met him coming out of bank, coming out just as it was closing for the day.

"What in the world were you doing in there?" she asked, causing him to look around. She took a moment to wave at Taylor Brittle, who waved back as he locked the door and went about his business.

"I have my own account!" the Magician said proudly.

"How could you possibly have your own account when you won't even give anyone your name? I had to use one of your aliases even on legal paperwork," Alexandria asked dubiously.

"Mr. Brittle let me register as a business. I am now the Magician Entertainment and Services Company," he explained. "And I have two whole galleons saved!"

"Great. Lovely. Well, sorry to bother you, but if you have some time, I have some paperwork for you to sign... official Ministry business," she explained.

"I understand. Official Ministry business," he replied. "Although I can't help but be a bit disappointed, since I was hoping you were ready to offer me an apology."

"What? You want me to apologize to you? You're the one... wait... I don't want to do this in the middle of the street," Alex realized, seeing one or two people glancing in their direction as they were coming out of the shops.

"Should we go to your flat?" he asked.

"No! No, no, no. I learned my lesson from last time," Alex said firmly. "Let's go to the Pig's Pannage and see if they're back room is free."

"Good idea, I like their fried bread," the Magician said enthusiastically.

"What am I going to do with you?" Alex asked with exasperation.

"First, you are going to apologize, and after that, I have a list of suggestions," the Magician replied.

"That was a rhetorical question," she snapped, leading them towards the Pig's Pannage.

Alexandria had forgotten it was Sunday, so she was surprised that her Grandfather was there, sitting in a booth with Brogan, Earham, and Rinan and having a dark brew. Thomas looked up, seeing that she still had the scroll in her hand.

"Good afternoon. Anyone using the back room?" Alexandria asked Brogan.

"Nope, feel free," Brogan said.

"Make sure he signs that paperwork before you even thinking of getting into any personal conversations," Thomas commanded threateningly.

"Fine, fine," Alexandria said, pausing to order fried bread with the barmaid before escorting the Magician into the back room.

"You did get that room sound-proofed, right?" Thomas asked Brogan.

"I decided against it. I want to know if anyone dies in there," Brogan explained.

Thomas sighed and got his wand out long enough to flick a Sonorous Shield around the back room.

"If anyone dies in there, I promise to clean up afterwards," Thomas assured his friend, putting his wand back up his sleeve and reaching for his brew.

Alex gestured for the Magician to have a seat before she unrolled the scroll. He frowned at how long it was and the fact that it was several sheets thick.

"You don't expect me to read all of this, do you?" the Magician asked her flatly.

"I already had Arnold Jeffers go over it. He's a public defendant, and he'll be counselor you go to if you mess up this probation," Alexandria explained. "You can request for him to be present when you sign these if you want."

"No, I trust you. Just tell me what I'm signing," the Magician said.

"This states that you're on probation with the Justice Department. You have to promise to follow their rules... mostly by not using magic in front of Muggles and never impersonating any witch or wizard with the intention to deceive, especially members of the Ministry. As long as you keep out of trouble for five years, all charges against you and all fees are waived unless you screw up. Got it?"

"Yes, mostly. But what if there's an emergency that requires me to use magic in less than ideal circumstances?" he inquired.

"There are provisions in there for that. Basically, you should try to cover up your magic in advance whenever possible. At the very least, you need to come up with a clever non-magical explanation to any Muggles that witnessed it... and you'd better be damn sure that magic was an absolute necessity in case anyone decides to call it in question, because that'll mean going in front of the Magistrate to explain it to them," Alexandria said.

"I see. So if I sign this, no one will try to arrest me as long as I don't do it again?" the Magician paraphrased for good measure.

"Yes, as long as you don't go and break some other law, that is," Alexandria pointed out.

"But I don't know them all," the Magician admitted.

"Nobody knows them all," Alexandria replied with a snort.

"What an inefficient system! It seems to be rigged in favor of the justice department," the Magician complained, but began signing the forms with an "X" followed by "the Magician."

"Most laws are a matter of plain common sense," Alexandria told him with a sigh, then glanced at the paperwork. "You're not going to sign your name on these either?"

"Is it illegal not to have a name?" the Magician retorted. "As I understand it, even an X is good enough as long as someone bears witness to the signing to can identify its owner."

"Fair point. Apparently you do know someone about laws, don't you?" Alexandria said, countersigning under his.

"When I need to know them, yes. And apparently I'm going to need to know them all," the Magician said testily.

"No need to go that far. Just behave yourself, and don't associate with other criminals... like Bagman, for example. That goes against your probation as well," Alexandria added for good measure.

"Then it's a good thing that our business with each other has been concluded, since the only reason I spoke to him in the first place was to make sure that he wouldn't be making any more insinuations about our relationship in the newspaper. And for the record, he hasn't done so since that day, so I feel that it was well worth the risk, even at the cost of your wrath against me. Even so, I really don't feel like I deserve this sort of poor treatment for protecting our private lives, and I really think it's time you apologized. I'll give you until after I've eaten the fry bread," he said after he noticed the barmaid poking tentatively at the bubble around the door before stepping through it to deliver the basket. With only a couple of comments to make sure they had enough comments on the table, the girl went back through the kitchen door again. "So are you ready to make up or not?"

"Aren't you going to apologize for going behind my back and meeting with the most wanted wizard in the entire country?" Alexandria demanded.

"I will not. I am not an Agent and do not answer to you. All did what I had to do to protect our family," he said firmly.

"Our family?" Alexandria repeated, feeling strange. "You think we're a family all of the sudden?"

"Of course we're a family, you're my mate," he replied.

"Woah! That's really jumping to conclusions! Just because we had a one=night stand doesn't give you the right to suddenly declare that we're a family," Alexandria told him firmly.

"Of course we are, don't be silly," the Magician said. Alexandria stared at him. "And I don't believe in one-night stands. You don't either, or you wouldn't be so hesitant to invite me up to your flat."

"How can you not believe in one-night stands when you're a James Bond fan?" Alexandria retorted.

"James Bond isn't real. Films are just Muggles playing pretend," he informed Alexandria, who apparently wasn't impressed with his explanation. "James Bond has been played by all different actors, and all of the Bond girls are just there to keep the male audience interested, you see. Most of them don't even have realistic names, and certainly not that type of name that a loving mother would give to their daughter."

"True, but you're missing the point," Alexandria said sternly. "Did you or did you not miss the part where I told you that I never wanted to see you again?"

"I didn't miss it," the Magician replied solemnly. "Yet here you are, more than likely getting ready to apologize for saying that and shouting at me..."

"I AM NOT APOLOGIZING!" Alexandria shouted at the top of her lungs. The Magician gazed at her critically. "Except for just now, since I didn't mean to yell, but you are so very frustrating I can't help myself," she went on, and he smiled at her approvingly. "You can't just declare you're my family just because we slept together. It doesn't work like that."

"It does," he argued stubbornly.

"No! We need to talk about this. We need to both agree to it on a mutual basis," Alexandria said.

"We already did that, that's why we slept together," the Magician pointed out. Alexandria smacked herself in frustration, grabbing a piece of bread to gnaw on out of annoyance. "Send me away if you must, but we are still family whether you send me away or not."

"No, we are not, and I don't even understand why you think we are. You know... I have a friend that might like to talk to you about it, we went to school together. His name's Conner Donovan... I'll get you an appointment," Alexandria replied.

"I know who Conner is. He's the one who Jay talks to," the Magician replied.

"What would you know about that?" Alex challenged him.

"I spoke to Jeremy about Jay and Rus to find out more about them and so that I could get them Christmas gifts. I wanted to get to know them better," he explained.

"That's a very bad idea. Not that I minded what you got them for Christmas, exactly, but I'd rather you leave them out of this, especially since we're not dating anymore. I'm just here to file your paperwork," she said, rolling up the scroll. "My boys would not be in favor of me getting into another relationship, and I am starting to think they have a point."

"Well, I know Jay feels that way, but I don't know Rus except for what I've been told so far," the Magician said. Alexandria squinted.

"How do you know Jay feels that way, then?" she asked.

"I spent some time with him," the Magician admitted. "I took the form of a younger student and invited myself to their Snow Festival. But before you get upset, I did ask Professor Craw when she discovered me..."

"You didn't ask me!" Alexandria snapped, her temper rising again.

"Well, you weren't there to ask, and since Jay lives with your mother, I thought it'd be appropriate. We spent most of the afternoon together, then he escorted me out," he explained. "And you're right that's he's still very angry about losing his father and doesn't want another. But I thought that perhaps he might accept me as a friend."

"You don't have the right to think anything about him! He's mine! I don't care if you asked Mum first or not, you had absolutely no right in talking to him without asking me first! And if you try to get close to either of my children again, I'm going to annul that probation myself, and you can expect a restraining order as soon as I can figure out a way to bind you to the flag board! Now get out! I never want to see you again!" Alex shouted at him.

"What, again?" the Magician asked with exasperation.

"This time I mean it!" Alex snapped, opening the door.

"How about a compromise? I will apologize for visiting Jay without your permission, and you apologize for throwing me out the first time," the Magician suggested.

"OUT!" Alexandria ordered again, and the Magician sighed and went back into the main room.

Thomas and his friends turned and watched as the Magician unexpectedly, leaving with as much dignity and poise as he could muster. He was followed soon after by Alexandria, who glared at the door as it shut as if attempting to sear his path with her gaze. Growing with anger, she then stormed down the middle of the pub with long strides and out the door, slamming it behind herself.

"What was that about?" Brogan asked, wondering if he should check on his back room.

"Just a sign that a Snape is falling in love. Common occurrence," Thomas replied unconcernedly, taking another sip of his brew.

"A bit theatrical," Earham commented.

"After awhile, you get to where you don't notice it anymore," Thomas explained with a shrug.