Chapter Twenty-One
Catching Up
Emil Trench gazed critically at the sparsely decorated flat as they entered it, then took a moment to glance out the window at Diagon Alley below.
"Didn't I tell you? Perfect location... you can get anything you need from here," Roy pointed out cheerfully. "I'll admit it's a bit small, but as promised, there is a Wizard telly and a full-sized icebox, so that's something, isn't it?"
"I'll need coin for expenses until I can get on my feet, since I'll need food and robes. I will also need a broker to sell some of my magic belongings since I am not allowed to handle them directly... as well as a deposit to start a bank account," he added.
"Yes, of course you will. We can take care of that straight away," Roy assured him.
"Also some sort of air freshener. Why does this flat smell so strange?"
"Ah! It was once a newspaper office that was converted to flats later after they moved the main headquarters to Hogsmeade... there was some sort of property dispute over the building at one point, I believe. Perhaps we can head to Myrkinbrek after we settle a bank vault? There's a good alchemist there that will have just the thing," Roy said.
"A good goblin alchemist? I thought the only goblin alchemist was a wizard hater..."
"Oh, no no no, Sludgebat is long gone... the resident alchemist is Sprinter, and he was wizard trained. You'll find him quite reliable," Roy explained.
"Wizard trained? Times really have changed," Emil grunted, checking the tiny bedroom and bath before finally turning around. "How about lunch first? And a newspaper."
"Straight down the stairs! See, isn't that convenient?" Roy said cheerfully.
"It'll do," Emil decided, taking the offered key before following him down the stairs.
By the time Ambrose, Laura and Sirius arrived, the Twilight Arc had already activated, so they didn't have to wait long before the portal itself appeared. Merlin was the first to step through, glancing at the dim light and then at the sun ascending in the east.
"Oh, good morning! I see we timed it perfectly," Merlin said.
"The full moon is still a few days away," Laura commented.
"With any luck, that will no longer be a problem, but we shall see! Have a potion ready just in case," he advised.
But before she could ask what he meant by that, a hand reached out and Merlin grabbed it, pulling Ashley through. Her face was rosy and she broke into a relieved smile at finally reaching the other side.
"Home at last!" Ashley said and gave Ambrose a big hug. "Oh, my goodness! I've missed you!"
"Not as much as I've missed you two," Ambrose replied. "There's so much to catch up on!"
"I'm sure there is, but perhaps you'd best take a step away," Merlin advised with only a gentle pat on Ambrose's back before reaching to pull Carol's hand out from the portal. She blinked as she looked around, then Laura and Sirius came over to her.
"Oh! Good mornin'! But where are the babes?" Carol protested.
"They're in the school nursery, I couldn't manage all three, and Andrew is handling a student detention and couldn't help. I can't wait for you to meet them!" Laura said excitedly. Remus was then helped out, smiling at the sun and stepping aside as Minerva and Albus stepped out.
Remus got a hug from his daughter and a hand from Sirius.
"Hey, I came to offer our house in case you wanted to stay closer to the school. Nice amulet, by the way," Sirius told him, drawing Laura's attention to a silver amulet engraved by the moon.
"Thank you, it's supposed to make it so I can control the urge to change, but we are unsure if it'll actually work here or not," Remus explained. "I'm going to take my potions to be safe."
"No problem. Corey made one in advance," Sirius said, handing it to him.
"Good, because I'd feel better taking it before I meet my grandchildren," Remus said, downing it.
"Who runs the nursery now?" Ashley asked curiously.
"Actually, it's been run by volunteers since you left. It was a way that Jennifer and Severus could keep the position open in case you wanted it back," Ambrose explained.
"Really?" Ashley said with open surprise. "As long as we were gone? I don't know what to say!"
"Don't worry if you don't want the job back, though, Ashley, we'll manage," Laura assured her.
"Of course I want it back! I'm so grateful, but I'm sure a lot has changed there," Ashley said.
"Well, since we obviously have to go over there next, why don't we make a party of it?" Carol suggested.
"Sure, I can drop your bags off at my house and catch up," Sirius offered.
"Yes, Ashley, feel free to run along. I'll drop these off at home on the way to the shop. I really should check in," Merlin replied.
"I'll go with you then," Ambrose offered.
"What about you, Albus?" Sirius asked.
"I think I'll join the party going to the castle," Albus decided.
"I believe I'll go open up the apartment and get settled in. Would you like me to turn on your stove as well, Ashley?"
"I would very much appreciate it, thank you!" Ashley agreed.
"Yes, thank you indeed. Kiss the babies for me, Ashley! Come along, Ambrose!"
"See you again soon, Mum," Ambrose promised her, taking his father's hand so that he could launch them into the sky only to come back down again in front of the shop.
Unsurprisingly, it was Toby standing there now, pausing to look down the street.
"I sense that things have changed here as well since I left," he noted distantly.
"Quite a bit, actually," Ambrose agreed.
"Then it's probably just as well that you decided to tag along," Toby said, going into the shop long enough to glance at the security and then study the shelves, looking to see what was on them.
Ambrose waited quietly, knowing that his father was attempting to connect the dots between the memories he was still missing to what he remembered in the far future. He furrowed his brows, then several things disappeared and he seemed more relaxed, shaking his head as he turned towards the door with a glance.
Once they got outside and was walking down the street, Toby seemed distracted but a bit more willing to talk.
"So tell me, Ambrose. Still curating the museum?" Toby inquired, glancing at some of the newer shops as they walked towards the high street.
"Of course," Ambrose said. "I'm also working part time at the castle teaching writing and some history courses. I'm pretty sure I mentioned it on the Teledim... along with those reports about who got something weird out of your shop."
"Yes, I see. How is it going? Any interesting projects?" Toby went on as they turned the corner and he waved at Taylor sitting inside the bank.
"To be honest, since I have two jobs now, I haven't had time to write much," Ambrose admitted. "I've been too busy helping students with their research projects to have time to do my own lately."
"Oh? Anything interesting?" Toby asked.
"Well, I had a conference with Jeremy Miller yesterday. He and Quintin are currently researching O'Lauren's silver box..."
"Ah ha ha! I'm early," he said with an almost relieved chuckle. "We're still in the calm before the storm. Wonderful! That means I still have plenty of time to set up, I was so worried that last minute trip to the Shadow Kingdom to participate in nuptials would put us behind schedule when it came to getting back, but it would seem I was off on my timing by a week or two. It's much easier to travel with Quintin, you know. I envy his gift at times, although I'm sure it drives him batty on occasion. How old is he now? Is he in third year? Fourth year?"
"Third," Ambrose informed him.
"So there are... what... five houses at Hogwarts?" Toby asked for confirmation.
"Yes, five. I'm the assistant for Dusthorn house," Ambrose replied.
"Congratulations! Well, I suppose since it's that early, we have time for tea... is this the first time I've been here since this shop open?" he asked, peering in the Eight Brothers window.
"Yes, I believe so," Ambrose agreed with a smile.
"I see it's not open just yet. Let's visit once we've had our morning tea," Toby said. "I'm sure I'll feel more like myself then."
"Sounds like a plan," Ambrose agreed with a smile.
But as Toby turned, he paused and frowned at the small shop next door with its luxuriously stained wooden doors and windows etched and gilt with the words, "Maxen's Fine Spirits." Then he glanced over at the road leading up the hill with a frown, but didn't comment on either, keeping his observations to himself. Ambrose was more than used to these sorts of reactions from his father, but he couldn't help but try to remember the last time he had such an expression on his face.
"Come, Ambrose!" Toby said, interrupting Ambrose's thoughts. "Catch me up over tea and cakes. It is so nice to have a tea shop and bakery in this town, isn't it?"
"It sure is," Ambrose agreed, following him in.
When Severus peered into the daycare, it was packed with both children and visitors. Ashley was at the block table with Seren, Samantha, and Ryan since she wanted to get to know her youngest grandson better. Carol and Remus were taking turns handling Laura's girls, while Laura chatted at them excitedly as if trying to catch them up on the missed years in a matter of minutes. Albus and Jennifer were sitting in a pair of chairs that were much too small for them and catching any toddlers who came to request a hug before running off again.
"It is customary to inform the Headmaster when there's a loud party in the castle," Severus told them from the doorway.
"This isn't a party so much as a reunion," Jennifer replied.
"Can it be a reunion when some of them haven't met yet?" Severus pondered.
"'Tis a wee bit overwhelming, I'll admit," Carol said, rocking Sabina in her arms. "Ta think we've only but settled in our new home on the other side, and then to see our grandchildren at different ages, growing in the blink of an eye when they were nothing but a twinkle when we left!"
"It isn't as if I didn't send you plenty of Teledims about it," Laura protested.
"True, but we're not used to birth announcements coming at us once a week," Remus replied with amusement. "As much as I love our new life in the Forest, the time difference takes getting used to. How do you adjust so easily, Albus?"
"I never claimed it was easy," Albus replied, holding up a hand in protest. "Part of the adjustment involves realizing that time races by regardless. Children seem to grow in a flash no matter where you are, and those out of your direct view seem to change at an alarming pace even when you reside in the same time stream."
"Fair enough, but that doesn't change the fact that I feel as if I'm missing it," Carol replied.
"Do you regret our moving to Tir Na Nog, Carol?" Remus asked her seriously.
"Nay, I don't regret it in the slightest. I've never felt so much at home as I do in the pack, and to see you so strong and healthy for the first time in your life is a marvel in and of itself. But I do miss the fact that I cannot share in my daughter's triumphs when they happen," Carol explained.
"Well, maybe if you stay longer than Christmas, you might. We're going to try for a boy again this year, but have to time it for the summer," Laura explained. Carol glanced at Remus, seeing immediately from his expression that he wasn't keen on idea of extending the trip.
"Perhaps your father wouldn't object if I stayed on even if he goes on home?" Carol suggested.
"Let's just see how things play out, Carol. After all, we're at the mercy of those who know how to navigate the portal, and I certainly wouldn't want to wear out our welcome," Remus said.
"What is this now? Talking about leaving when you've only just arrived?" protested John Carnegie, standing in the doorway in front of Sirius Black, who had gone to find him.
"John!" Carol said excitedly, handing the baby over so that she could give her cousin a warm hug.
"If Sirius tires of you. Carol, come stay with your cousin. We still have a spare room even with our Sharon taking one," John said.
"Your Sharon?" Carol repeated, baffled.
"Didn' I tell ya then? Mitch and I adopted a young lass who needed a good home..." he said.
"You did not! When was this?" Carol demanded.
"Over a year now..." John admitted, and got slapped on the arm. "I'll make it up to you later when you visit the bakery. You can have anything you'd like!"
"I'd like to be kept up to date on family matters," Carol told him sternly.
"There is always going to be something left out, Carol. They are too busy living their lives to remember everything," Albus pointed out. "But then, surprises are part of the fun."
"Must you look on the bright side of every single situation?" Remus asked with exasperation.
"Moony has a point. Trying to find something positive to say no matter how dark things get must be positively exhausting," Sirius agreed.
"Quite the contrary, really. In recent times, I have discovered that I have no energy to spare on negativity," Albus replied. "Negativity breeds only negativity. Let those who peddle it do their own work, because I haven't the inclination, the motivation, or the time. Speaking of time, Severus, I only came along this trip to help Toby manage the large group and ensure that everyone arrived safely." Albus explained. "I haven't decided how long I plan to say, but I may have to head back earlier than the others if they prolong it."
"I understand, Albus. Care to come up for some tea?" Severus inquired.
"Yes, and perhaps a quick tour of Dusthorn if it's finished now," Albus suggested.
"So it is," Severus confirmed, and the two of them stepped out of the room.
Severus wasn't surprised when Albus took the long way and set a leisurely pace.
"Things feel quite calm in the castle, although the paintings seem to be whispering more than usual," Albus noted.
"Oh yes, Caprica is awake attempting to better organize all of the new security paintings we put in to modernize the other four houses," Severus explained. "Although she is up to her old tricks again and has gotten several students on a quest to find O'Lauren's Silver Box."
"Has she?" Albus asked brightly. "I've always wondered what happened to it. Does she believe it's still in the castle somewhere?"
"Yes, she doesn't think he would have taken anything so valuable with him. I had been hoping to find it hidden in the Scribe's Quarter, but so far John hasn't uncovered it," Severus explained.
"Are you actively looking for it as well? Hardly fair, is it?" Albus tsked at him.
"Oh, I was looking before they began the search, but have since stopped. But John has a side project to restore the rooms in the Scribe's Quarter whenever his schedule allows, so there is a chance he'll find it while he's working," Severus explained.
"Restore the Scribe's Quarter? You do know why those rooms above the chapel aren't used, I hope?" Albus asked curiously.
"Oh yes, the noise, I know. But I've been assured by my usual contractor that the problem can be greatly reduced by replacing the windows with enchanted Dwarven glass and layering in some sound-proofing plaster to the inner chambers," Severus explained.
"That sounds expensive," Albus ventured.
"Thanks to recent changes in the houses budget as well as alumni donations, I have the rennovation covered by and large," Severus assured him. "Care to see what we've done so far?"
"Yes, I'm quite interested," Albus replied sincerely. "After I've seen the finished Dusthorn rooms, of course. And perhaps a tour of Gryffindor to see how you've managed working around the room enchantments?"
"Yes, of course, but if this discussion is going to include the new security, we had best discuss that in the Headmaster's Study. You know there's always a set of curious student ears around," Severus warned.
"Oh yes," Albus chuckled with a nod. "Always."
As the two of them walked down the corridor, Bonnibel peered out and watched to make certain they were heading to the Dusthorn rooms before slipping out and into the nearest secret passage. Then she hurried off to the abandoned classroom that the Villins and Maxens often went to on the weekends so that Antonio could join them, using her wand to wipe off the dust from short-cutting through a rarely used passageway to get there. Everyone was there but Broc, who was stuck in detention with Professor Andrew after pushing him a bit too far.
"Guess what? I overheard something interesting from the Headmaster," Bonnibel said smugly.
"That's what you're supposed to do," Antonio said, looking over his cards while Douglas and Moira waited for him to play.
"You're going to play the Queen of Spades, aren't you?" Moira said. Antonio's eyes flicked up at her. "You're so behind in your mental studies!"
"Am I really?" Antonio said, playing the two of hearts.
"You just did that because I called you out on it," Moira accused him.
"What did you find out?" Douglas asked impatiently.
"Hm? Oh, sorry, I keep forgetting that you aren't like the rest of us," Bonnibel said. Ordinary, she thought.
Douglas didn't know what she was thinking since she wasn't projecting, but he could guess from the way that Moira and Antonio were be sniggering. Douglas threw in something at random like he always did. He had learned a long time ago not to think when he was playing cards.
"He was talking to the old headmaster... the one that's from the Otherworld," Bonnibel said. "He was showing him around the castle to inspect the renovations, I guess, but in the process he happened to mention O'Lauren's Silver Box and that the painting of Dusthorn asked Quintin and his friends to find it. Apparently, the Headmaster has been looking for it too, and the old wizard with him seemed quite intrigued as if he's known about its existence and wanted it found as well."
"Was that what he was thinking about?" Moira asked.
"I don't know what he was thinking. They were too far for me to read them and walking in the wrong direction," Bonnibel replied. "But they did say something else, and that is that they thought it might be hidden in the Scribe's Quarter, and that John... I think they meant the caretaker... is working on those rooms but he hasn't found it yet."
"The Scribe's Quarter? Where is that?" Douglas asked curiously.
"Above the chapel, apparently," Bonnibel replied. "It didn't sound like it was fully renovated. In fact, it sounded like it was low priority."
"So that means that Silver Box might still be there," Antonio concluded. Bonnibel nodded in agreement. "We need to find a safe time to search."
Having a meeting without me?
"That is entirely impossible and you know it, Griselda," Antonio replied, glancing up at the door just as Zelda stepped into view and gazed at them disapprovingly. "I'm sure you heard every word."
"Listening is important," Zelda acknowledged, nodding to Bonnibel. "Studying behavior is important as well. For example, I happen to know that Mr. Carnegie tends to leave the castle on Saturday evenings and typically goes home to spend Sunday with his family whenever he's caught up with his work. From what I saw walking past his office, his duty board has been checked off. That means someone can go take a look inside areas that Carnegie hasn't gotten to yet to look for that box before he finds it."
"I'm all for that, but shouldn't we wait until next week just in case we get caught?" Douglas asked. "Halloween is in a couple of days, and if we get caught poking around, they're likely to restrict us from going to the Spectral Ball."
"All the better," Zelda said. "I have a backup plan if we're caught."
"Well, I am not going to risk it, considering how many girls I promised that I'd dance with them that night," Antonio protested. "I shall stay out of it in case you do get in trouble. It will insure that you have a conduit to the Ball."
"Being that you're in a different house, you're in the best position to stay behind anyway," Zelda agreed. Douglas raised his eyebrows at that. The two of them didn't often agree to anything, and he couldn't help but wonder if he was missing a mental exchange. "Douglas, go get that cat of yours to tail Carnegie until he leaves today. We'll meet up in Common Room A after dinner."
"You mean Conspiracies," Moira noted.
"I prefer to call it Common Room A now," Zelda informed her, exiting the room.
Shrugging at Bonnibel, Moira began picking up the cards so they could get ready for dinner.
