Chapter Seven
Family Blending
When Jay learned that his mother and stepfather were going to be coming to keep an eye on things that weekend, he was less than happy.
"Can't you just ask Leu and Diana to stay a little longer? Assuming you don't think I can manage on my own... which I can," Jay added firmly.
"I'm certain that you can, Jay, but it isn't just you. Your brother and uncle are here as well, and this is more than a simple evening out. We'll be gone all weekend," Jennifer explained. "Diana has decided to take Caitlyn to the Westernmost Isle for a visit, and Leu is staying at the Craw Mansion because he is helping the Auror Department do some research while they're waiting to get the Indian government's permission to operate in the country. Besides, you still have drills on Friday and have to leave quite early. Who will make sure that Quintin and Rus get to work safely and on time if you're not here?"
"Quintin is always on time," Jay said impatiently. "Surely we can stay with someone else if Leu's not available."
"Come have a seat at the table, Jay, that way we can have a talk," Jennifer said, bringing her cup over. Sighing in anticipation that she was going to say something he didn't want to hear, Jay sat down warily. "I understand that you are seventeen now and that you want to be treated like an adult, so let's have an adult conversation together. Coffee?"
"Fine," Jay said. A cup appeared in front of him as Mercy worked her way through.
"I know you've had a complicated relationship with your mother ever since you were little, and although the circumstances are different, I do know how that feels. I had a complicated relationship with my father for years and years. There were a lot of different reasons as to why it was so complicated, of course. For example, when I was young, he was quite hard on me. He was a complete disciplinarian, drilling dark spells into me every day and night despite my young age. I'm sure you've heard the story," Jennifer prompted.
"You were his only child and your family was in danger, so he trained you to be the Keeper of Dark Magic at a very early age, as well as training you in defense in case Voldemort ever crossed paths with you," Jay repeated in a bored tone.
"Yes, and he did it because he loved me and wanted to protect me," Jennifer said with a smile. "His thoughts told me so while we were training, but at the time, it didn't make it any easier. As a child with limited understanding of what was going on, I took his criticism quite personally. He wanted me to be perfect and do things that no young child should be expected to do. Can you imagine what that must have felt like? Even with my mother stepping in now and again to protest on my behalf, can you imagine what it must have been like to go through that day in and day out? I wasn't allowed to have friends, it was just the three of us until I reached wizard school age when my mother put her foot down and said I was going to Whitebridge. Since I was a Truth Seeker, I had a hard time making friends... especially after I lost my home and way of life when I was seven. I had no experience with children my own age.
"And yes, I know you've heard this story before, Jay. But there is a difference now, and that is why I want to discuss it with you. You are now hearing this story through the ears of someone who is nearly an adult, and that is a different perspective," she explained. "While I was living through it, I didn't feel loved by my father. I felt as if he didn't even like me. I thought I was constantly punished for being bad... despite my mother's reassurances and despite those moments of tenderness outside of the lessons. I was confused and frustrated, and yes, even angry, although I didn't acknowledge it. I didn't acknowledge it until my Father faked his death. I was angry that he died, not knowing it was an extreme attempt at protecting my mother and myself when Voldemort returned. I was angry at him again when my mother died, and angrier still when he reemerged out of seemingly nowhere, perfectly well as if nothing had happened despite the fact that my mother was gone forever. I stayed angry at him for years, well after he married Fleur in an attempt to get his life back.
"Because you see, I had never gotten over that childhood anger, despite being mature enough to understand the reasons behind those decisions and benefitting from all that training that robbed me of my childhood. I wouldn't be here today if it hadn't been for that training. But even knowing that, my childhood anger still remained, refusing to be reasoned away so easily. I had to reason with myself in the mirror... 'Now, adult self, you know perfectly well that he did all of that because he loved me. No more nonsense!'" Jennifer said with a wag of the finger. Jay's lip twitched in spite of himself.
"But despite my best efforts, it still wasn't easy. I didn't really get over it until my darkest year, when Fleur's kindness convinced me to forgive my father for getting remarried. And after I forgave him for that splinter in my heart, it became easier to slowly forgive him for everything else, until finally the day came that I realized that I wasn't angry with my father and I hadn't been for some time. I often get exasperated with him since we don't always agree, of course, but that is entirely different," she explained with a quiet chuckle.
"I assume you're telling me this because you want to look at my own situation from an adult perspective," Jay said, and Jennifer nodded with a smile. "But do you really expect me to forgive her for all she's done when it took you years to forgive your own father?" he challenged her.
"No, I really don't expect you to at all," Jennifer replied sincerely. "It will take time... no matter how often you visit Conner... no matter how much your adult side thinks you ought to forgive her. That is not even the point, really. Rather, I think it's time that you learn to have a reasonable conversation with yourself, just like I often did when I was going through it. I want you to learn how to stand in front of the mirror and learn to say, 'now childhood self, I know how you feel about things, but as an adult, I also know that she only did that because she loves me, and because I'm her son, and because we're family.' It won't always help, especially when she hits the wrong nerve. But I know I can trust you to try, because I know you want to do what's best for your family as much as anyone else."
"It won't change my opinion. I'm still going away at the first opportunity," Jay insisted.
"Of course you are. Taking care of family also means taking care of yourself," Jennifer explained. "And taking care of family also means welcoming new members and making them feel at home, which is something I failed to do when Fleur joined the family. I am very much hoping you don't make the same mistake, regardless of what you think about your Mother's decision to marry him or not. Besides, he's a great deal more likable than Fleur," she noted with amusement. Jay shrugged noncommittally at that.
"I don't know anything about Pookas except they're wild as hell... and that this one acts like a big kid," Jay said.
"Well, this weekend will give you a chance to learn more about them," Jennifer reasoned. "Can you do your best to be hospitable and polite?"
"Fine, as long as he doesn't attempt to behave like a father figure," Jay said.
"I'm certain he'll do nothing of the sort, and if he does, you have my permission to correct him," Jennifer replied in support.
"Alright," Jay said. Jennifer smiled warmly, then glanced at his cup.
"You barely touched your coffee," she noted.
"I only took it because the only reason you offered it to me was to make a point about having an adult conversation. To be perfectly frank, when I do have coffee outside of this house, it's always a cold brew," Jay informed her. A look of pain crossed Jennifer's face.
"I never could see the appeal of that," Jennifer admitted. Jay simply smiled as she gathered his cup to put in the sink.
"Jennifer?" The two of them glanced up as Severus peered in from the side corridor. "Should we not be packing by now?"
"Yes, about that, Severus. I just went through my closets and couldn't find anything suitable wear. Do you mind if I head out to do a bit of shopping? Jay, I don't suppose you'd come along to help with the shopping?" Jennifer offered.
"If it comes with lunch," Jay reasoned, but Severus was still staring blankly at his wife.
"How could you possibly feel as if you don't have anything to wear? We're only going to be gone three days for a Beaubatons visit," he reminded her.
"Precisely. It's a French school, and nothing I have is even remotely appropriate for that. My wardrobe is all last year's fashion!" she protested. Severus rolled his eyes and decided that a quick retreat to the library was in order. "Really, you'd think he'd know me better by now. Shall we be off, Jay?"
"Yes, Grandmother," Jay said with a smile, and the two of them were soon out the door.
Everyone was at breakfast that Friday morning when Alexandria and Mage arrived at Baker Street. Alexandria walked into the dining room with a pained expression on her face that caused everyone to gaze at her questioningly.
"Sorry, I couldn't talk him out of it," she explained quickly.
A moment later Mage stepped in, dressed as Sherlock Holmes.
"Good morning, fellow countrymen. I observe that you are taking in consumables, undoubtedly before a weekend trip abroad, while leaving these fine children within the capable hands of this consulting detective," Mage said haughtily.
"You have already married my daughter, Mage. It is a bit late to be asking for my permission. However, I approve," Severus replied evenly. Jennifer failed miserably at hiding her amused expression.
"What are you wearing? And who's face does that belong to?" Jay asked him flatly.
"Jeremy Brett. Would you prefer Basil Rathbone?" he asked, changing his appearance immediately. "Robert Downey Jr.? Benedict Cumberbatch?"
"Yes, alright, stop changing faces and go back to your normal one! You've had your fun," Alexandria protested, and Mage finally settled into his typical appearance.
"How is that even your normal one? What does a Pooka normally look like?" Jay asked. "What face you were born with?"
"Well, I would show you, but it's a bit far from the ocean for that. Perhaps we could go to the sea this weekend?" he suggested to Alexandria.
"The sea?" Rus asked curiously.
"Yes, I was born a dolphin, but I'm sure there will be plenty of time to speak of that. I notice that young Jay seemed to be in a hurry to finish this morning," Mage said.
"I need to head to drills class," Jay explained, glad for the excuse.
"Yes, alright. Jay, you will help look after your family while we're gone, won't you?" Jennifer asked him sincerely.
"Yes, Grandmother, I will do my best," Jay promised with a sigh. "Have a good trip."
"Stay safe," Severus replied.
"I'll be back at sixteen hundred," Jay told Mage and his mother, then went to the entryway to grab his cloak and head out the door.
"That's four o'clock," Quintin explained to Mage.
"Yes, I know. I understand that you and Icarus have jobs today as well?" Mage asked.
"Yes, but only today. We're off the rest of the weekend," Rus replied.
"It's no problem. Mage hasn't been to the WHAT Museum before, so I thought we might take Seren there while you're gone. Do you want to go play at the museum, Seren?" Alexandria asked.
"Yes, please!" Seren said, downing her milk despite her mother's protests at the speed.
"It sounds as if the two of you have things well in hand," Severus ventured. "Let's see the boys off to work on our way, that way they don't have to trouble themselves with that. Jennifer, the watch?"
"Oh, yes right," Jennifer said, handing Alexandria her spare watch. "Now you know where we'll be if you need anything."
"Honestly, Mum. I think I can handle just about anything now, short of a portal collapse or a time breach," Alexandria said. "And if something like that happened, I bet it would happen wherever you are rather than wherever I'm at."
"So it follows them around? Would they be the cause or the effect?" Mage pondered.
"I even approve of his sense of humor," Severus decided.
"If you run out of anything while we're gone, just let Mercy and the Trade Elf staff know," Jennifer said and stood up, the boys following suit. "Quintin, would you help your sister wash up before we go?"
"It's quite alright! We've got it! I need the practice," Mage said enthusiastically. "Hello, little sister Serendipity! Do you want to show me where you go to wash up?"
Seren immediately scrambled off the chair, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the corridor.
"I see Seren has matters well in hand, at least," Jennifer said with amusement. "Enjoy your weekend!"
"It's a shame we have to work today. I would have liked to have gone to the museum," Rus complained.
"I promise we'll do a lot of fun stuff when we're all together," Alexandria said, then walked over to the door so she could say goodbye.
Not long after they left, Mage and Serendipity emerged, still hand in hand.
"We're ready for some fun!" Mage declared.
"Then I guess we should see if we can find it," Alexandria said with a smile, leading them over to the fireplace.
It didn't take long for Serendipity to take over, realizing right away that Mage had never been there before. She dragged him around to the different areas in record time, and then showed him the magical creatures section. Seren gawked in amazement when he told her all sorts of fun facts about the magical beasts that even impressed Halbert, who had taken a break long enough to listen.
Seren then pulled Mage around the lower floors at a pace that was much faster than either Mage or Alexandria liked until she decided it was time for lunch in the cafe. By the time they reached the children's floor, Alexandria was more than ready to sit down. Mage seemed instantly aware of his wife's discomfort, insisting she make herself comfortable in one of the softer chairs while he took charge of Serendipity, taking her through the Levitation Tunnel several times. They finally sat down together at the art table, pulling out coloring pages of extinct magical beasts while consulting each other on the best colors to use.
Mage adjusted so easily to whoever he was with, Alex thought with a smile, fascinated with how quickly he had begun communicating on her level. During their honeymoon, she had seen him go from serious and polite to comfortable and down to earth depending on the situation, only to fall back into the person she fell in love with whenever they were alone together; strong yet attentive, intelligent yet mischievous, childlike without being childish, respectful of her opinions without being willing to sacrifice his own when he disagreed with her. It was all a bit of a puzzle how it fit together at times; being ever-changing was his nature, after all, and she was quite sure that it would likely take her years to unravel it all. Despite that fact, she trusted him... as hard as it was for her to trust anything or anyone she didn't completely understand.
They returned to the house at three and Alexandria suggested to Seren to lie down for a bit. The little girl needed very little prompting, and Mage gladly helped her up the stairs while Alexandria put on the kettle for tea as she contemplated the contents of the icebox.
"Mercy, do the boys typically have a snack when they get home, or do they wait for dinner?" Alexandria asked.
"They usually have sandwiches and some fruit, Alex," Mercy replied.
"Is dinner still at six?" she asked.
"On most nights, yes," she agreed. "Did you want me to prepare a menu?"
"Well, Saturday and Sunday we'll be out all day and probably for dinner, so I'd rather make it myself tonight," Alexandria explained. "But I would appreciate it if you make them their after work snacks. Is there any meal that all of the children like equally well?"
"Sausages and mash, or sometimes toad in the hole or bubbles and squeak..."
"As good as those sound, Mage won't eat any of those. How about something that doesn't involve sausages?" Alexandria asked. "Will they eat pumpkin casserole?"
"Seren will not, but the others will," Mercy reported.
"Well, I think I'll make it anyway, and we'll give her a small portion and then something on the side she likes," Alexandria decided, then looked up as Mage came back in.
"I am here and ready to help. What do you want me to do?"
"We're going to make pumpkin casserole. Do you suppose you could cut some onions?" she asked, getting out the cutting board.
"But I thought you were going to teach me how to use the cooker," Mage complained.
"First we have to put it all together, because there are a lot of different ingredients to go in," Alexandria said. "Then it'll have to bake it in the oven."
"Yes, I want to learn about that too. Human cooking is so complicated, isn't it? Wouldn't it be easier to learn to use the top part first? I'd like to fry things and learn how to flip things in the air," Mage said.
"Great stars, you sound like my siblings when I was trying to teach them how to cook when we were teenagers," Alexandria said. "At least I know you can handle the salad... but first, cut these two onions for me."
"Yes, alright," the Mage said. "Is there a scrap container for broth? I don't want to waste anything."
"Yes," Alexandria said, and handed him a container to put it in.
He hadn't been cutting onions long when he heard the front door open and shut, and Jay walked in.
"Hi. Are you making dinner already?" Jay asked in confusion. He noticed a plate of sandwiches and tea appear on the far end of the bar and sat down.
"Yes, we're making pumpkin casserole, and I'm going to teach Mage how to use the cooker," Alexandria replied.
"How do you not know how to use the cooker?" Jay asked in confusion.
"Well, I hadn't lived in a human house until recently, after all, and one doesn't use a cooker out in the woods. I've seen a few cookery shows on television, but your mother is convinced that isn't good enough," Mage said.
"Of course it isn't," Alexandria said with a sigh. "Mage learned about humans mostly through films and taking classes in random things. He has some strange skills that he's an expert at and even stranger gaps."
"How is it strange?" Mage wanted to know.
"You don't think it's strange that you know how to make just about every drink cocktail under the sun but you've never touched a cooker before?" his wife asked critically.
"I may not have used a cooker, but I can cook with a blowtorch!" he declared.
"See what I mean?" Alexandria said to Jay.
"Well, I didn't ever have to cook when I was on my own. Most of the time, I simply took a form where it was easy to live off of nuts or crumbs and things," Mage explained. "And when I was practicing to be human, I performed for coins and bought food from carts and restaurants already prepared. I never had access to a full kitchen before."
"It's not the only strange gap he has like that. It's going to be a process getting through them all," Alexandria went on.
"Perhaps you could help me too, Jay?" Mage suggested.
"I'm only in this for the weekend," Jay said firmly. "I'm not even going with Rus to visitations this last year."
"Well, of course not. You're all grown up and don't need any mentoring. I meant that request sincerely... just like you helped me last year at the school festival," Mage reminded him.
"Even if all you do is let him know when he's doing something that's only done in films, it'd be a help," Alexandria said with exasperation. "Can you get those onion bits a bit smaller, please?"
"Yes, Alex," Mage said, turning his attention back on his task.
"You know all of that work is going to be for nothing if you try to put that in front of Serendipity, right? When she's served something she doesn't like, it ends up on the walls," Jay warned.
"Mercy didn't tell me that part of it. She just told me that Seren didn't like it," Alexandria said with a frown. "What sort of disciplines do Mum and Dad use when she does that?"
"Typically, they remind her that she's not allowed to use magic at the table, and then she has to help clean up her mess," Jay explained.
"Not to use magic at the table?" Alexandria repeated in surprise. "How about not to use magic at all?"
"No, they never say that anymore," Jay said. Alexandria stared at him. "Grandfather says there's no point because children in magic families are going to use magic no matter what threats a parent uses, and Grandmother says that she doesn't want to accidentally stifle any magic potential."
"I can't believe it! They did everything they could to keep us from using magic before we were at Hogswarts age!" Alexandria exclaimed.
"And how well did that work?" Mage asked with amusement. "Considering some of the stories you told me about the four of you going on adventures behind their backs, it didn't work so well. I would think it's common for parents to learn from mistakes they made with their first children, which is why I'm so eager to learn from your family about how to be a good one, since they've had so many of them."
"You should meet the Weasleys, then. They're better at it than this family is... and have made less parenting mistakes," Jay added.
"Well, I'd love to meet them for certain, but if they made less mistakes then it's not as valuable as learning from those who've made them," Mage decided.
"In that case, you probably learn a lot from my mother," Jay said dryly.
"Yes, I learn a lot from her!" Mage agreed enthusiastically.
"Hey!" Alexandria protested, while Jay smirked softly.
"What is wrong with that? You are much older and more experienced than I am, and I know I can learn a great deal from you," Mage said sincerely.
"So you're saying Mum's a cougar."
"Jay!" Alexandria snapped.
"No, I'm sure she's human. I'd have known if she was anything else," Mage reassured him, while Alexandria decided the best course of action was to ignore them by turning her attention to dinner.
Finishing his snack, Jay headed up to his room. Not long after, there was a pair of poofs from the living room as first Quintin and then Rus arrived home through the fireplace, taking a moment to stand in front of the ice fire to cool down and gossip with each other about how their days went. Finally they used a spell to clean up and stepped into the dining room to raid the plate of sandwiches.
"Hi! We're back!" Rus declared, sitting down at the bar with his sandwich.
"Welcome back!" Mage replied from where he stood by the oven, watching as Alexandria put the casserole in.
"Are we having pumpkin casserole? I haven't had that in ages!" Rus said. "Grandmother doesn't make it often because Serendipity doesn't like it."
"I'm going to make her something else and just give her a little. It's better to keep offering foods to children her age even if they reject it at first," Alexandria said.
"Good luck with that," Rus said.
"So how was work today?" Mage asked curiously.
"I spent most of it stocking for a sale. I'm very glad I don't have to work this weekend, because I won't have to deal with the invasion that comes with it," Rus said.
"True, but that's less money you're going to have when you go back to Whitebridge next year," Alex said.
"Whitebridge! I would love to visit there!" the Mage said wistfully. "I saw beautiful vines hanging over the walls surrounding the school, but the security kept me out even in owl form."
"Dean Wind Elk has very powerful Wild Magic. It's not all that surprising that he'd know a way to keep Pookas out," Rus explained. "But you're family now... hey, why don't you come with us on Moving Day? You could help me move into my dorm room and see the campus at the same time! I'm sure Grandmother would let you go."
"That does sound like fun! Can I go, Alexandria?" Mage asked.
"What? You don't have to ask my permission to go anywhere," Alexandria protested.
"Americans go to school earlier than here. It'd be quite close to our due date," Mage said.
"If she goes into labor, you're excused," Rus teased him.
"Yeah, and I'm definitely not carrying any trunks or suitcases. You go," Alexandria insisted.
"Thanks, then I shall! I love having an opportunity to help someone in my family," Mage replied. "Is there anything you need me to do now?"
"Not really, the casserole needs to bake. Unless you want to go down to the basement to check on Dad's familiars, since I really shouldn't be handling Rasputin right now," Alexandria suggested.
"I'll show you where it is," Rus offered. "Come on."
Quintin watched as Rus showed Mage where the basement door was and led him down the stairs.
"He's really making an effort right now, isn't he?" Quintin commented.
"Which one?" Alexandria asked in such a tone that Quintin chuckled.
"True. They're both trying too hard," Quintin acknowledged.
"I guess that's to be expected. I wonder how long before the awkwardness goes away," Alexandria asked.
"Twelve months three days and fifteen hours," Quintin replied.
"What?" Alexandria asked, gazing at him in confusion.
"I'm just joking. Some things just can't be timed," Quintin replied.
"Just when did you start growing up?" Alex asked with a thin smile.
"Why, did you want an exact date for that as well?" Quintin teased, getting up. "I'm going to go upstairs to change clothes and check on Seren. Are we going to do anything interesting after dinner?"
"I'm sure we'll come up with something," Alexandria assured him as he walked away. Finding herself alone, Alexandria decided it was a good time to check on Radiance, bringing her down from the roosting box in the attic.
"Are you sure my darling won't be long?" Radiance worried from where she sat on Alexandria's shoulder.
"They're just gone for the weekend. Mage and I are here to take care of things while they're gone. Would you like some berries? I'm pretty sure Mum said she left you some," Alexandria suggested.
"I do like berries," Radiance confirmed.
Not long after Alexandria stepped into the kitchen and brought out a tray of raspberries, she heard Mage say, "Wow! That's amazing!"
She looked up, fully expecting the comment to be about Radiance. Instead it came from the living room, because Rus had uncovered the television. Alexandria sighed with exasperation, shaking her head with a smile. She put Radiance on a stand with her berries before walking through to the living room.
"Grandmother covers it up when we're not using it, you see, since it's in the cabinet. That's because it's a special set that picks up Wizard television stations as well as regular channels," Rus explained.
"I didn't even know there were any wizard channels in this country," Mage admitted.
"Probably because it's only been about four years since we got Wizard TV over here. Most of the programming isn't very good or it's reruns of American shows. Otherwise, it's just local news, educational shows, and talk shows," Rus explained.
"Really, Rus, did you have to show him the telly? It'll be hard to get him away from it now," Alexandria protested.
"Well, Mage was telling me that we were planning on staying in after dinner, and he was talking to me about how much he liked to watch films. I thought perhaps we could all watch a film later. What do you think?" Rus asked.
"Personally, I'd rather play a game, but I'll go along with whatever the majority decides. If you do choose a movie, it'll need to be child friendly for Seren's sake. No James Bond," Alexandria said sternly.
"Yes, alright! I should probably learn more about children's films anyway," Mage agreed. "Is it alright for us to watch some wizard television before dinner?"
"Fine, as long as you turn it off when dinner is ready," Alexandria said. Mage excitedly began fiddling with dials even before Rus had time to explain to him how to turn it on. "Honestly, it's like having another kid around sometimes."
"I most certainly am not a... oh that button!" Mage said as Rus demonstrated.
"There's only going to be news on this hour," Rus warned.
"If you're going to watch the news, at least put it on Wis3 TV," Alexandria said, and Rus changed the channel.
"Does it matter all that much?" Mage wanted to know.
"Wand1 likes to get into conspiracy theories about the Ministry," Rus explained.
"That sounds like it'd be entertaining," Mage said.
"I find it infuriating," Alexandria replied.
"Come now, Alexandria, there is no lie that cannot be addressed..."
"In normal circumstances, maybe," Alexandria interrupted. "When it's possible to actually reveal that information. But you know as well as I do just how much classified information I deal with and how most of it is impossible to declassify. They just love to come up with theories as to what government is hiding, and nearly of them are derogatory and even damaging when too many people actually buy into those stories and start believing them."
"Then perhaps you should launch a campaign of your own that puts out equally damaging information about the conspirators," Mage suggested.
"Propaganda by the government is frowned upon outside of war situations in this country," Alexandria informed him.
"Oh, I wasn't suggesting that you lie. I was suggesting that they might have skeletons in their closets that are petty enough that you can declassify. Perhaps that would discourage them from that sort of creative storytelling," Mage said with a thin smile.
"Maybe we shouldn't be talking about this in front of Rus and Quintin," Alexandria said.
"I don't mind," Rus replied.
"I don't either, feel free to continue," Quintin said.
"Let's see what they're saying one Wand1 right now so we know how much they're in for it," Rus suggested helpfully, changing the channel.
"Rus, really," Alexandria protested, but Mage hopped over the sofa.
"Turn it up a bit," Mage suggested.
"You're just encouraging them," Alexandria scolded him.
"Consider it an exercise in observational investigation," Mage replied unconcernedly. "Besides, I think these boys might benefit from learning how to assess such information with an unbiased eye and without giving into bursts of emotion. Don't you?"
Unable to come up with a suitable argument to that, Alexandria went back to the kitchen, painfully aware that the television was at a high enough volume that she could still hear a large majority of it.
"Such low production quality," Mage commented.
"Like I said... all of the local stuff is pretty new," Rus said. "They've hired a bunch of Americans to come over, and the guy in charge of programming used to work at the BBC. But most wizards still don't even own a set and get their news from the Daily Prophet."
"It's just as well," Mage decided. "I wouldn't want to hurt a Post Owl's job security."
"They're getting ready to start the politics section after the commercial break," Rus said.
"What's to report? The Wizard Council is on summer recess," Alexandria told them from the other room. Mage waved her off distractedly.
"Fair warning, there is no chance I'm buying one of these things when we get a new house," she informed Mage.
"Oh, why not? We'll have more room," Mage whined.
"Because we have better uses for our time. Mum believes so too, that's why that thing has been covered up for so long," Alexandria pointed out.
"I think it's because she prefers to use the Muggle computer instead," Rus decided.
"I bet they won't get to politics until after the advertisements," Rus said.
"What's to say? We're on summer recess," Alexandria repeated.
"Apparently they're going to give an Azkaban update," Quintin said.
Alex looked over suspiciously, but then relaxed when she saw the screen and finished making tea.
"This is a reminder to all of those with friends and family with visitation rights in Azkaban that your last day to do so will be June thirtieth," the newscaster read. "Visitation to the facility will be suspended for eight to ten weeks while certain security adjustments are being made, due to the security renovations. Anyone with any comments or complaints about the extended suspension may leave a message with Ministry Public Relations."
"Ministry Public Relations? Is that something new?" Rus asked.
"No, it's always been there. That's what department the receptionists at the front desk work for, and a lot of the general office secretaries," Mage explained. "It's just that no one ever remembers they're there unless one of the Ministries have a lot of unpopular opinions to get rid of."
"Okay, that's pretty funny, but is that description really all that fair?" Alexandria protested from the dining room.
"It is! I've been in that office, and all of the suggestion boxes they fill up every day to take to that warehouse of theirs. Ever seen Raiders of the Lost Ark?" Mage said.
"Now he really is joking. They get logged and then get sent to the Disposal Room," Alexandria explained.
"Who does the reading?" Quintin asked.
"Typically the bored wizards in Disposal, looking for something to do while waiting for the Asherator to work," Mage explained. "That's what they call the big furnace that turns things into ashes."
"Okay, stop fooling around... we're missing what they're saying now," Rus protested.
"The Ministry's Auror department has recently confirmed to our reporters that the famous writer and adventurer, Gilderoy Lockhart, and his companion, Canadian Rhett Heron, are still missing. Auror Harry Potter acknowledged that he has several volunteers helping him with the investigation in an effort to confirm their last known location."
"Do you know anything about what's going on with Roy Lockhart, Alexandria?" Quintin asked curiously.
"A bit, but since I've just gotten back to work this week, I haven't had a chance to look into it much... not that it's our department's job to look into it, of course. It isn't our jurisdiction until it turns into a cold case," Alexandria replied. "Let's hope that doesn't happen."
"Auror Potter is a very capable wizard, and so is his entire department. If there's a trail to be found, they will find it," Mage decided.
"Assuming nothing fatal happened to them," Rus said.
"Mum sounded awfully convinced that Mr. Heron could take care of himself, even if Roy's not that good at it," Quintin reminded Rus.
"Yes, but anyone can be caught off guard, Quintin. We're only human," Rus pointed out.
"At the moment," Mage replied in amusement.
"Sorry, I meant mortal. That works, doesn't it?" Rus asked apologetically.
"Considering that counts for just about everyone, I would say yes," Mage replied, patting Rus' shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with hoping for the best, and doing what we can to preserve the best possible outcome while being prepared for the worst."
"That's what Grandmother always says," Rus replied.
Mage nodded in approval before walking to the dining room where Alexandria was attempting to ignore the conversation.
"You have such fine boys, Alexandria. We are going to have such fun this weekend," Mage commented quietly as he sat down, a cup appearing in front of him. "Rus seems to think very highly of you."
"You mean because he forgives me," Alexandria replied irritably.
"Not at all. He never had to forgive you, because he never blamed you in the first place," Mage informed her with a gentle smile. "Your Icarus is a very selfless young man."
"True," Alexandria acknowledged softly, gazing distractedly at Rus as he got up to find something more interesting to watch.
"Learning that nothing lasts forever is a hard lesson so early in life, but it has also made them both more sensitive to the needs of others," Mage commented.
"Well, I definitely see it in Rus, but I don't see it in Jay so much," Alexandria said.
"Then perhaps you should challenge yourself this weekend, to look beyond yourself and your relationship and see Jay as he sees himself. Yes, perhaps he puts on a mask to defend himself like many Snapes I have met, but I am quite certain that you know how to look past such things. Just because he resents you, it doesn't mean you have to resent him back," Mage pointed out. Alexandria sighed, sipping her tea.
"You're right, of course, just like always. You always have such wise -"
"Hey, Mage! This channel has a rerun of The Avengers on," Rus commented.
"Really?" Mage said and immediately leapt to his feet, jumping over the sofa and peering at the set.
Alexandria barely had time to blink. How could he change from wise companion to young child so instantaneously? She was used to seeing duality in people, but Mage definitely took it to a completely different level. Alexandria exhaled with exasperation, shaking her head with a smile. Then she slowly worked her way out of the chair to check on the casserole. Serendipity ran into the living room, hurrying over to the sofa and Mage helped her up beside him. Jay came down the stairs not long after Seren, no more impressed of how they were crowding around the television than his mother was.
"Is this really how we're going to spend the entire weekend? I may as well be over at the Craw Mansion," Jay complained.
"Only until dinner, Jay. We can do anything you like after," Mage promised, not taking his eyes off the screen.
"You have five minutes," Alexandria warned from the kitchen.
Jay went into the kitchen grabbing a stack of plates as an excuse to be there.
"You really shouldn't let him watch telly. He has all sorts of twisted ideas about humans already thanks to those films of his," Jay warned.
"Yes, I know and I entirely agree with you, but I'm not going to stop him from doing what he wants to do. Even if I wanted to restrict him, I don't think I could if I tried," Alexandria admitted. "Right now, I need to concentrate on making sure he knows all of our laws so that he doesn't break any more. The manners are going to have to wait... unless you want to help me teach him? Especially since we'll be out of the house all day tomorrow."
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"We're going to the beach for the day... a wizard beach, so Mage doesn't feel as restricted. I thought we might do some grilling out near Uncle Augustus' beach house," Alexandria said.
"I see. Well, I guess I don't mind that. I know that beach well, and there are a couple of small wizard shops nearby. The market always sells ice cream in the summer," Jay said.
"Sounds good. Do you want to get the casserole out? Mercy, do you have Seren's dinner ready as well?"
"Yes, Alexandria, but I'm not sure it's wise to put the casserole on the same plate," Mercy warned.
"Maybe if we put it in a desert cup she'll think it's a desert," Alexandria suggested.
"Unlikely," Jay informed his mother as she dished out the casserole and called everyone into the dining room.
"I am sorry, Alexandria! You should have called me to help you get it out of the oven!" Mage exclaimed apologetically.
"It's okay, Jay helped me," Alexandria said.
"Something smells bad," Serendipity said suspiciously, inspecting the plates.
"Mage and I made pumpkin casserole, but Mercy made you a special meal," Alexandria informed her.
Climbing on her chair, Serendipity inspected her plate of macaroni cheese, frowning at the small dish of pumpkin casserole next to it. During the shuffle when everyone was getting to their seats, she pushed the dish further away from her.
"If you don't take at least one bite, you won't get any special treats when we go to the beach tomorrow," Alexandria warned her. But Seren turned to the rest of her dinner and pretended the extra dish didn't exist.
"Typically, we catch and grill fish when we go to the beach," Quintin explained.
"Yes, we usually do. Would it bother you if we grilled fish, Mage?" Rus wanted to know.
"Yes it would! No one should cook dead fish!" Mage said emphatically. "You should only eat fish when they're still alive!"
"Wait, what?" Jay said, confused. "I thought you said you didn't eat animals!"
"I do not," Mage agreed.
"Fish are animals," Jay informed him.
"No, fish are fish!" Mage replied.
"How come you've never mentioned you eat fish before, especially when we were at that restaurant with trout tartare on the menu in Lake Geneva?" Alexandria exclaimed with exasperation.
"I wouldn't eat fish in front of you when you shouldn't be eating fish," Mage protested.
"What makes you think that I can't eat fish?" Alexandria asked.
"There was a sign that said that expectant mothers shouldn't eat fish," Mage explained. "So if you can't eat fish, I'm not going to eat in them front of you."
"I can if it's grilled properly," Alexandria informed him.
"But if you grill it, it'll die," the Mage complained.
"The fish are dead long before you grill them," Jay said bluntly.
"Then how could you possibly eat it? My mother always told me never to eat dead fish because they might make me very ill," he explained. Alexandria propped her head up.
"Mage, your mother's form was a dolphin," Alexandria said. "You were born as a dolphin and were raised as a dolphin."
"Yes," Mage agreed, not understanding what that had to do with the topic.
Jay and Rus stared at Mage and Alex. Quintin began to snigger.
"Well, your preferred form is human now, and we prefer our fish cooked," Alexandria said firmly.
"Except for sashimi, sushi, tatare, poké..." Quintin began to tick off.
"And they're dead," Alexandria amended, giving her brother a dirty look. "If you freeze them properly once they're caught, they won't make you sick. They only tell that to expectant mothers as an extra precaution, and since I have no intention of eating any fish raw, it is not going to be an issue. So yes, we can fish and grill on the beach... to educate Mage, if for no other reason," Alexandria said dryly.
"Great!" Rus said enthusiastically.
"Apparently, he needs all the education he can get," Jay agreed dryly.
"I must admit that I've never fished in human form before. It's much easier to catch fish when I'm a dolphin," Mage replied, looking at Jay. "Will you help me learn how to fish like a human, Jay? I can teach you how to jet ski..."
"No! No jet skis," Alexandria told him firmly. "It's a wizard beach! You won't find any jet skis anywhere near there."
"I thought humans were supposed to be fun," the Mage complained. "Humans have way too many rules!"
"Well, you married my mother, so you get what you deserve," Jay replied unsympathetically. "You made that bed, and now you have to sleep in it."
"Yes, I suppose. But things were much easier when I was just her messenger owl. She's even more demanding as a wife than she is as a boss..."
"Yes, thank you very much," Alexandria said, aware that even Jay was sniggering now. "How about finishing your dinners so we can play a game or something before bed? Where is that pumpkin casserole that I made for Serendipity, anyway?" she added, realizing it was no longer on the table. Quintin pointed up. Rus did the same. Alexandria looked up to find that the ceiling was covered with pumpkin.
"Oh," Alexandria said, realizing that making the girl to clean it up herself was going to be impossible.