Chapter Twenty-Four

Spectral Spectacle

When Douglas got back to the castle, the rest of the family had commandeered a corner next to the board games in Conspiracies. Zelda didn't seem to be in the least bit upset about his escape from punishment; quite the opposite. in fact.

"Sorry you weren't able to come today, Broc, but we spent most of the time simply running errands anyway," Douglas said, nervous that Zelda might have picked up that he had been to the shop. Strangely enough, she didn't seem to pick it up at all.

"I'd rather have run errands than detention," Broc grumbled, glancing over the board game in front of them. "We also can't go to the Spectral Ball or the first Hogsmeade trip."

"Eben said he'll come back during the Hogsmeade trip to help me shop for all of you," Douglas offered as consolation.

"Of course he will," Zelda said unconcernedly, rolling the dice. "Things couldn't have been more perfect, really. You are much more reliable than Antonio as a relay at the Spectral Ball and he couldn't have gone to Hogsmeade since he is too young. It is much more to our advantage to have you there watching over things. Besides, we all know that Antonio will be distracted doing his job to be a good set of eyes and ears."

"That's true. Anyone in particular that you want me to keep an eye on?" Douglas asked.

"In general, everyone. In particular, our favorite ghostly professor," Zelda said cooly. "I have it on good authority that Professor Craw is not attending this year, which means that Janus Craw will probably ask Professor Ravenclaw to help with security in some fashion. Let us know when he arrives."

"Alright," Douglas said, wondering what Zelda was planning but knowing better than to ask. Whatever it was would surely get him implicated if he knew the details, considering that Aurelius would be handling castle guests if Professor Craw wasn't going to be there. Zelda acknowledged his thoughts with a thin, devious smile.

Severus was at his desk when Serendipity rushed in and hugged her father tightly, shivering.

"What is the matter? You should still be sleeping, you know..."

"Too scary!" Serendipity complained.

"Did you have a bad dream? What was so scary about it?" Severus wanted to know.

"All of the pumpkins had scary faces!" Serendipity explained. Severus rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"Surely you're not afraid of Halloween, are you? Or are you nervous because you're going to America? Your best friends will be right there with you, you know, Carrie and Kristin," Severus reminded her. "Come have a morning bun and some juice. Jennifer?" he called out, turning towards the curtain. "Seren is up... I told you that trying to keep her up late wouldn't work. She's here waiting for breakfast, same time as always."

"Oh, honestly!" Severus heard Jennifer say from the other side of the curtain. A moment later she opened it, dressed for the day and setting down a small suitcase. "I thought she'd be a bit easier to handle about this time change thing than Quintin was at her age."

"She is still a four year old girl and you are taking her out of her time zone without giving her proper time to adjust," Severus pointed out. "If she is anything like Quintin was at that age, she'll be so excited to see the twins that she'll naturally fall into their patterns. The moment you arrive and she sees they are asleep, she will more than likely join in out of boredom. Are you all packed? Did you want breakfast before you go? And don't give me the explanation that you plan to sleep when you get there when I know that you're unlikely to do so."

"You're right, I won't I took a dose and plan to use the time to go to my office and get some work done," Jennifer admitted. "Still, I do feel a bit uneasy about leaving so early this year. I keep getting the feeling that something is going to happen during the Spectral Ball..."

"Something always happens on Halloween, since the year we met and before. Really, Jennifer, don't you think I can handle it by now? Especially with Janus and Aurelius looking after things..."

"So you're saying that you can do without me?" Jennifer challenged him.

"No fishing allowed in the Headmaster's Study. Come have some coffee before you go," Severus insisted.

"Yes, alright. I still have a bad feeling that you're going to have your hands full," Jennifer warned again, then sat across from Seren.

"Jennifer, you and I both have work to do that is equally important. And while it's true that the majority of time that can be done together, you know as well as I do that there are times that one of us or even both of us need to take care of something ourselves. In doing so, we must not only trust each other to accomplish the task, we also need to trust those around us to take care of themselves, including our family, our friends, and even our schools. That way, we can concentrate on doing whatever it is we must do," Severus replied. "There will always be times when we'll be away from one another much longer than the other would like. But even when that happens, rest assured that we will find our way together again."

"All of the sudden you're turning philosophical when I haven't even had a cup of coffee... and your thoughts are clouded over again," Jennifer complained, while Severus unconcernedly handed her a cup.

"My thoughts are clouded because I want you to have a carefree day away from Hogwarts so that you can enjoy Trick-or-Treating with Seren. We will be fine, no matter how much I dread not having a dance partner this evening," Severus replied, earning a smile from his wife.

"Yes, well, where I'm going, there will be no dancing at all," Jennifer informed him.

"All the better, since there is no one to tempt you away..." Severus mused.

"You know perfectly well that would never happen," Jennifer chided him. Seren, who had been looking back and forth between them, finally got up and pulled on her mother's hand insistently. "Yes. alright! I don't know what the rush is all about! Everyone is going to be asleep when we arrive," she warned her daughter.

"Sleep parties are fun!" Serendipity insisted/ Jennifer put a hand up in front of her long enough to drink the rest of her coffee.

"I will see you both tomorrow... unless you plan to stay over..." Severus suggested.

"Oh, nonsense. I'll be back for your birthday."

"Must we go on about birthdays? I've rather lost count unless I break out paper and do the math," he complained.

"So have I to be perfectly honest. Let's not celebrate a number anymore. Instead, let's celebrate another year of living," Jennifer said. "As many close calls as the two of us have had, that's a good enough reason to celebrate."

"Fair enough, and it's easier to not resent birthdays when they're not tied to a number," Severus decided.

"I quite agree," Jennifer said and stood up. "Good morning, Severus! See you tomorrow!"

"Good night," Severus replied.

Jennifer grasped Seren's hand tightly and put her hand in her pocket. The two of them disappeared. Severus didn't move, waiting with a sigh until Jennifer reappeared without Seren.

"Forgot my extra suitcase," Jennifer explained in a fluster, grabbing the case. "See you tomorrow!"

"Yes," Severus said, ignoring the sound he heard as she picked it up and disappeared again. Shaking his head, he turned to the paintings on the wall.

"Armando, have you heard any reports from Caprica and the Rogue about their security assignments?" Severus asked.

"Ah, yes... Caprica says that the Great Hall should be ready on time for the Spectral Ball, and the Rogue Painting reports that while Miss Dawn Pyther was more than a little unhappy about the presence of the Paradox Painting in her room. He was able to make it quite clear to her that any attempts to get around it would garner the attention of his spy network. The Rogue wanted me to tell you that he will continue to keep an eye on her."

"Good. There will be more outside guests than usual tonight, and the last thing we need is any more student trouble. I am almost relieved that Zelda Maxen and most of her relatives are restricted to their rooms for the evening, even if that does cause me a headache or two with their father tonight. To be fair, tonight is likely to be dreadful regardless. I assume Armando filled you in on who was attending, Caprica," Severus said when he noticed that Caprica's frame had appeared in the room.

"Oh I saw it," Caprica said with a laugh. "And it's been a long time since I've seen such an entertaining guest list."

"Entertaining," Severus repeated flatly.

"Well, would you prefer exciting?" Caprica suggested mischievously.

"I would prefer neither. In fact, I prefer it to be dull and boring. In fact, I want it to be so dull that I wonder why I put myself through this every year and make excuse so that I can have a quiet hour with a good book," Severus informed her curtly.

"I hope you find an hour with a good book, Severus, but I have my doubts that it'll be a quiet one," Armando warned reluctantly. "I believe a bad storm is rolling in."

Severus groaned.

"You're not still sensitive to a bit a thunder, are you? I thought you got over that," Caprica tsked.

"He is mostly over it, thanks to Jennifer's efforts," Armando informed Caprica. "Of course, she won't be here this evening..."

"Armando, go find Janus since we're going to have to change security arrangements if we can't hold up our guests outside of the gate," Severus interrupted firmly. "Caprica, I want all security paintings in their frames and at their posts at all times this evening. Let Hermione know that changes will need to be made due to the weather and to meet me here for lunch. Cancel all outdoor practices, and inform Sagittari and Anna to keep their classes close to the school today."

As the two paintings spoke over each other to acknowledge his orders, Armando left his frame and Caprica's frame disappeared.

"Sounds like we're in for a long night ahead of us," the Sorting Hat ventured from his shelf.

"It most certainly does," Severus acknowledged, walking over to the chessboard as he contemplated how to prepare.


Gilderoy Lockhart arrived in his second-best jacket after deciding that arriving in his best jacket would be overdressed and would garner too much attention. But when he attempted to Apparate in front of the gate, but was surprised to have been diverted to the Boathouse. Several other wizards and witches stood nearby, just as perplexed.

"Good evening! Happy Halloween," Hermione Weasley called out. They glanced over to see her standing with Aurelius Snape. "We're having a bit of a storm and we're on the wrong side of the mountains for it, so it's quite a downpour. For your comfort and ours, we've diverted guests to this staging area so that get everyone to the castle in a safe and dry manner," she explained.

"How very thoughtful!" Gilderoy declared, adjusting his cufflinks as he looked around to see who was waiting for a quick chat. But Aurelius Snape was doing his best to get everyone greeted and on their way, and it was soon made obvious that they didn't want anyone lingering in the area.

"Good evening, Roy, welcome back," Aurelius said when he stepped up.

"It feels quite strange to be back after all of these years," Gilderoy admitted. "Why, Professor Weasley, you were but a student when I first arrived... and here you are, Deputy Headmaster!"

"Yes, I have been for quite some time," Hermione reminded him.

"I know you have been, but I find it jarring just the same now that I'm standing under these parapets after all these years. Where does the time go?" Gilderoy asked himself distantly.

"Right this way, Roy... just follow the covered path over to those stairs and it'll lead you inside," Aurelius informed him.

"Thank you! I'm sure we'll have opportunity to chat again," he replied, giving them a dashing smile before stepping onto the covered walkway.

"Who invited him again?" Aurelius asked softly.

"Your mother, who else?" Hermione said from the corner of her mouth.

"Father should have made her stay for the ball, then," Aurelius commented. Hermione grinned and nodded knowingly before turning her attention to their next set of guests.

Inside the Great Hall, Albus Dumbledore stood next to Severus as the guests began to trickle in, then noticed Severus scowling at the window.

"This storm doesn't seem to be altogether natural," Severus grumbled in annoyance.

"No, it certainly doesn't," Albus acknowledged. "Still, it isn't likely to affect us in here. You know as well as I that this storm pales in comparison to some of the ones we've seen in the past."

"True, but that doesn't mean I have to like it," Severus said. He did a double-take as Aurora Sinistra came over.

"Why, Aurora! Good to see you, my dear! My goodness, you're up early," Albus added in surprise.

"I haven't even had an espresso yet," Sinistra said quickly then glanced at Severus. "It's this storm, Severus. There are voices in it again."

"The Moor Hags are back," Severus concluded. Sinistra nodded at him in confirmation. "Worley is getting even for the fact that most of his children are confined to their rooms tonight."

"Oh, well, if that's all it is, we have little to worry about," Albus replied. "They are very unlikely to get in here."

"True, but it will raise everyone's stress levels under the surface, and of course the students need to be warned. Aurora, go put a note on all the boards in the House Rooms warning of the possibility of nightmares and suggest some remedies, please," Severus told her.

"I'm on it," Aurora said, hurrying towards the back door and passing a tall, red-haired man.

"Good evening, Aurora! Don't tell me you're leaving already," Rhett greeted, noting her quick stride.

"Sorry, Rhett! Security! Nice to see you," she added as she went out the door. Seeing that the Headmaster had noticed him, Rhett wandered over to them.

"This place at Halloween, eh? Always something going on," Rhett said jokingly. "And what about that rule no lingering in the corridors? Nearly every student in the school is outside waiting to get in."

"There are always exceptions, of course," Albus replied.

"Albus, you've met Rhett Heron before haven't you?" Severus inquired.

"Only on brief occasion," Albus said.

"Nice to see you again, sir," Rhett said with a cordial nod. "And where is Professor Craw this evening?"

"She had obligations at Whitebridge and won't be attending," Severus explained. "But I am certain that she would be quite interested in catching up with you if you drop her a note."

"I will have to do that," Rhett agreed. "Cheers, as they say here! I should go greet some others I know while I'm in the country."

"I hope you enjoy the evening," Severus said, privately wondering what Rhett was really doing here as he went over to where John was setting up the pie table.

"There you are, my friend," Rhett said to John as he walked over.

"Yes, here I am, but I am working tonight, not a guest," John warned him. "Still, it is good to see you. Happy Halloween."

"Happy Halloween," Rhett said, following John as he checked to make sure the tables were attached to the floor so that Peeves couldn't throw them. "I was wondering if you could do me a favor and look into something for me," he said, pulling out an envelope.

"Nae then, you know how busy of a man I am these days," John protested with exasperation. "I suppose this is concerning that prize of yours."

"I am merely being cautious. I anticipated that you would be busy so I wrote it all down, and I need to speak to the other party tonight about my concerns anyhow," Rhett said.

"If you mean your new friend Lockhart, it looks as if he's just arrived," John said, taking the letter. "You'll be hearing from me."

"Thank you, John," Rhett said, turning to see where Roy was.

It seemed that he was not far inside the door speaking to a witch who seemed poised and gentile who seemed entranced by the conversation. On the other hand, the wizard behind her didn't seem to be the slightest bit impressed and made no pretense otherwise.

"How fascinating to live the life of a famous writer. I adore all of your work, Mr. Lockhart, especially the older books," Blair complemented. "Even if you didn't have those adventures yourself, you did still write them and model them from your own perspective, after all, regardless of where you got your inspiration from."

"True, and how good of you to notice! An unfortunate amount of my current fanbase shun the older volumes as being unauthentic despite the fact that I did write every word," Roy assured her.

"You must come to my next party so we can talk more about it. I shall make sure you are on my guest list from now on," Blair said with a practiced smile.

"It would be my honor," Roy said, but before he could even make the pretense of a bow, he heard his name and Rhett stepped over.

"Good evening, folks! Sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to my friend here," Rhett said.

"This is Professor Heron from Nova Scotia," Roy introduced.

"Oh, so you're the other idiot who got trapped in that cave in India," Worley said.

"Now, Worley, be polite," Blair tsked at her brother.

"I don't feel the need to waste the effort. Politeness is just a way to cover up the fact that most people are in it for themselves and couldn't care less other than how it is going to get them ahead. These two individuals are so self-centered that I really don't think they're worth my time. I'm going to go to the doors to wait for Douglas and Antonio," Worley said, walking away.

"You'll have to forgive my brother. His Truth-Seeking ability has made him quite cynical over the years, and crowds are quite hard on him," Blair explained in a sincere tone. "He is only here because he wants to see his family, nothing else would distract him from his duties as head of the Traditionalist party right now."

"How commendable to take some time away from work to visit the family," Roy said. "I may not have one of my own, but I do appreciate how important it is, just as I appreciate it is important to take time to speak to my colleague. You will excuse us, I hope."

"Of course! It was a pleasure speaking with you," Blair said with a cordial smile as the two men walked off. Then she projected her thoughts at her brother. Really, Worley, you could at least pretend to be polite. I am very interested to learn more about that key to Pandora's Box.

I am not interested in a relic of hope, Worley thought back at her. Fear and suspicion are more important tools, and what we must use to assert our dominance! We won't win them over by charming them.

I disagree, Uncle Worley, thought a young voice, and Worley turned to the door in time to see Antonio. Despite being a first year, he had managed to manipulate his way to the beginning of the line. Antonio smiled confidently when his Uncle looked his way.

They can easily work in combination, as long as we continue not to fight about it, Blair thought back.

I will be civil, Antonio promised nodding to his uncle as he stepped into the room. In very little time other students gathered around Antonio, agreeing with him when he suggested that they start at the refreshment table before it got too busy.

Worley watched him work from a distance, regaining focus only when Douglas stepped in.

"Good evening, Father," Douglas said.

"Come, you must represent your siblings by staying at my side tonight," Worley informed him. Douglas nodded, already knowing that was the plan. Still, it was a very strange position for him to be in; such an honor typically went to Zelda, or whichever child was the oldest. Being in the middle and without power, it never had applied to him before.

Your power is that you are a Maxen, so start acting like it, Worley thought at him.

Yes, Father, Douglas projected back, lifting his chin as Worley went over to confront the Headmaster. But Severus had been expecting it, apparently unfazed by both the prickling pressure in the room or the howling winds outside. Albus Dumbledore paused only to get a drink from the table before watching with apparent interest.

"Good evening, Mr. Maxen, Happy Halloween," Severus greeted cordially.

"It would be, if more of my children were present," Worley said, then glanced at the door as Quintin walked in with a ghost girl on his arm and the Sorting Hat on his head. "And yet there is your son, poking about in all sorts of quarters doing whatever he likes in this school no matter how many times I complain to the board. My children get in trouble while your child researches whatever he pleases with special privileges that none of the other students have. Must you be so blatant about the favoritism?"

"You obviously don't read either school newspaper or the Daily Prophet, since the research in question is actually being led by Mr. Miller, not Quintin, because he is dealing with time constraints. His parents – namely me – have insisted that he bring his personal defense level more in line with what is required when one is born a Snape. Certainly you of all people understand the importance of making certain one's family members can take care of themselves," Severus began.

"Clearly," Worley said. "But I see little difference between Jeremy and Quintin when it comes to special privileges, especially considering that his family is tied to yours..."

"And so is your family, Worley, since your son is married to my granddaughter," Severus interrupted. "But family ties have nothing to do with discipline at Hogwarts. Your children aren't being disciplined for taking it upon themselves to interfere in their research. That part of the offense has been handled by their Housemaster, who is teaching them the proper way to request a special research project, as well as how to write an appropriate argument as to how their research is beneficial to the school and their own education. What landed them in detention was the fact that they went into an area they had no business in which was clearly being renovated and structurally unsound, which put them in needless danger. They also desecrated an altar and inspected its cache, when both of the older students admitted that they knew there was a possibility there were remains inside. Fortunately, the priest in question never had a ghost in this castle, but that does not lessen the severity of the offense. Professor Ravenclaw's disciplinary action of detention along with room restrictions is quite appropriate considering the severity of the misconduct."

"Oh, hello, Erik," Albus said. The two men broke their gaze as Erik Dalance clasped the old wizard's arm warmly. "Happy Halloween."

"Happy Halloween, Albus. I do apologize for lurking," Erik told him then glanced between Severus and Worley. "Seeing these two standing toe to toe made me want to come over and find out what was going on in a cautious manner, considering I didn't know what I was walking into this time. But upon hearing the complaint, I agree with Severus on this. We can't have students poking their noses in dangerous construction zones."

"How were we to know it was a dangerous construction zone?" Douglas blurted out, more than a little conscientious about the fact that all of the adults were suddenly aware of his presence. "There weren't any signs posted to 'Keep Out' or anything."

"The students had no reason to be in that section at all, Douglas. There shouldn't have been any need to put up any signs," Severus pointed out.

"All the same, you must admit that young Mr. Maxen has a point, Severus," Erik intervened. "It's true it was dangerous for them to be there, and it's true that there's no excuse for them getting anywhere near that altar. Don't you think so, young Maxen?"

"Of course it was wrong. I knew they were taking things a step too far," Douglas replied firmly. Behind Erik, Albus gave him a soft, knowing smile.

"Then I see no reason for the punishment not to stand," Erik agreed. "Although, Severus, on your student's behalf, I do believe it would be in everyone's best interest if you did put up better signage around construction areas both now and in the future... regardless of whether students are supposed to be in there or not," he advised. "You know as well as anyone just how much students will poke about, especially on a rainy weekend. In fact, it probably should be clearly stated in the Hogwarts' rulebook to add proper signage for construction work regardless of where it is in the castle."

"I wouldn't object to such a rule," Severus admitted.

"I might even be able to get a unanimous vote to add that rule," Erik said with an incredulous expression on his face. "First time in years! Thank you for the suggestion, young Maxen!"

"Oh yes, ten points for Slytherin," Severus added distractedly.

Douglas didn't react at first, wondering how his father would react now that his argument had lost the wind out of its sails. But when it became obvious that his father wasn't altogether certain how to proceed, Douglas gave them a cautious smile.

"Now that most of the students are inside the Great Hall, I should go ahead and tell the Spectral Band to begin their set," Severus decided.

"How nice! I do want to see the Fifth Floor Phantom again," Albus commented.

"We should walk over then," Erik agreed. "Happy Halloween, Mr. and Mr. Maxen!"

"Enjoy the ball," Severus said cordially. The three wizards stepped away as if completely missing the irate expression on Worley's face.

"This is the last time I ask you to accompany me," Worley snapped at Douglas, having no one else to snap at.

"I was just defending my siblings to try to get them out of trouble," Douglas replied.

"Apparently it didn't work," Worley said curtly.

I didn't want it to work anyway, Zelda thought at them. I am just where I want to be at the moment.

Suddenly remembering his task, Douglas began scanning the room for Professor Ravenclaw. It seemed that the ghost had just floated in from the back door, and was glancing around nervously. Were ghosts affected by Moor Hags? Surely not, Douglas decided.

Ravenclaw is here, by the way, Douglas projected at Zelda.

Excellent, Zelda thought back. Douglas couldn't help but wonder what she was up to. Had she been worried that Ravenclaw was going to be too busy keeping an eye on Zelda to go? The ghostly professor seemed to be searching the crowd, hovering over to where Erik, Severus, and Dumbledore stood in front of the band, speaking to Erik's wife.

"Did Moony not come tonight?" Tonks asked not long after the four of them were together.

"No, the two of them stepped in to take Elinor, Catherine, and Sabina to the Craw children's party," Severus explained. "Emma Elizabeth wasn't feeling well, so Laura decided to stay at the castle to watch her. Andrew is helping with security."

"Drat. See? I knew I should have gone to the other party," Tonks told Erik. Erik cleared his throat.

"I'm certain you will be more than welcome if you decide to go over there instead," Severus replied, quite unoffended. "I understand how dull this party can be when the right people aren't attending to keep things lively."

"Missing Jennifer, are we?" Albus teased him.

"Always," Severus replied. "But she has her duties and I have mine, and it is something I am slowly becoming more accustomed to."

"As someone who once had to teach classes while being chairman of the Hogwarts governor's board, I admire her stamina... especially considering she has the added pressure of two countries and the time change that comes with it. I had enough trouble keeping up when it was just a quick pop away from the Ministry building," Erik admitted with a chuckle.

"Fortunately, adding part-time instructors has helped her a great deal," Severus replied, then shifted his gaze. "Tonks, if you feel like going over to the Craw Mansion, don't think you have to stay by any means."

"Thanks, I'll stay a few more minutes," Tonks replied diplomatically. "Just in case things pick up."

"Don't hex Severus with your desire for something exciting to happen, Tonks. This is a ball, not one of your captures," Erik protested with an exasperated laugh.

"It's not that, it's just that things tend to get a bit weird at Halloween, that's all," Tonks explained.

"Good evening, Icarus! Happy Halloween," Albus greeted as he noticed the ghost hovering nearby, hugging his own misty arms in a distracted manner. "Are you alright?"

"Good evening, Albus, thank you. And to be perfectly honest, I don't know," Icarus replied anxiously.

"What's wrong, Ick? You look spooked," Tonks observed. Erik gave her a dirty look for her wording.

"Yes I... something isn't quite right. I feel like something's going to happen... something dreadful, but I don't know what," Icarus explained uncomfortably.

"There, you see?"

"Really, Tonks," Erik chided her.

"Are you certain it isn't just the Moor Hags that is throwing you off?" Severus asked him.

"Oh, is that what's causing the storm?" Erik asked. Severus glanced at him. "To be fair, I've been feeling uneasy as well, but that would explain it."

"I have been feeling uneasy as well, but I also attributed it to their presence," Albus admitted.

Severus frowned.

"Is it them? Or are we simply assuming it is them to explain the unsettled feelings?" Severus asked. He glanced around and gestured at Andrew, who hurried over from where he stood with a plate in his hand.

"Have Janus take security up another level," Severus told him.

"We're already on high alert because of the Moor Hags," Andrew replied.

"Then go into soft lockdown the moment the last of the guests arrive," Severus said.

"On it," Andrew assured him, handing his father his plate before disappearing.

Severus frowned at Andrew's overly stuffed plate, wondering what he was going to do with it.

"Where are the voices coming from?" Icarus wanted to know, putting his ethereal hands on his head.

"Outside, I'd imagine," Erik said.

"Not Hag voices. Student voices," Icarus attempted to explain. The others looked around.

But most of the students weren't paying attention to them at all, gathering in packs or heading to the refreshment table, or watching to see when the first students would be bold enough to dance so that they could join in. Nothing seemed out of place, Severus mused, except for the growing pressure inside of his head.

"STOP THAT!" Icarus snapped at out of the blue.

By the time Severus looked over to where he had been hovering. Icarus was gone. Albus, however, stepped closer to where Severus was.

"Something or someone just summoned Icarus," Albus warned.

"Summoned?" Severus repeated with growing alarm.

"It must be close. I doubt that any ghost in the Memoriatorium could be called outside the boundaries of the school," Albus reminded Severus quietly.

"I know exactly where to look," Severus said grimly.