Chapter Eight
A Touch of Fate
When the children arrived back at the Baker Street house that Sunday, Severus and Jennifer had already arrived home. They immediately recieved hugs from Serendipity and excited explanations of how the weekend went from Quintin and Rus.
"I thought Mage would never eat it. He put up even more of a fuss than Seren does when someone tries to feed her mushy peas," Jay said with a smirk. Seren squinted at him suspiciously.
"Oh, yes. I had a similar reaction from Bael when confronting him with grilled fish, albeit for different reasons," Severus replied knowingly. "He gagged on it because of his preconception and not because of the taste."
"That is exactly what Mage did. Then he turned into a dolphin and showed us the 'proper' way to catch and eat fish," Jay added with amusement.
"He was a lot more fun to swim with after that, though," Rus offered.
"So he has no moral issue with eating fish all because of his upbringing? Then I suggest serving it to him as a chowder or some other means of disguising it. If he's anything like Bael, he'll be over it in no time," Severus replied.
"It was still rather wrong of you to get Bael hooked on bacon and fish, Severus, since his was a moral dilemma," Jennifer told Severus sternly.
"I had nothing to do with his getting hooked on bacon. That was Fortuna's doing," Severus pointed out firmly.
"And who blackmailed me to keep me from warning him about it?" Jennifer reminded him. "Besides, hiding it in chowder isn't the right way to convince Mage anyway. Taking him to a famous pub and presenting him with fish and chips is the best way. You know how he likes to 'play British.'"
"Mum has a point. We just have to find one he's seen in a movie and he'll be all over it," Quintin agreed with a grin.
"That's a good idea. I think I'm going to use the computer," Jay decided, going into the living room corner to look some up while Rus and Quintin followed curiously behind. Jennifer smiled warmly, watching them.
"Am I mistaken, or is that the first time Jay has been over in that corner since we took them in?" Severus asked quietly.
"It is indeed," Jennifer confirmed softly. "Mage has been good for Jay. He's just one of those people with an almost infectious charisma that makes them very difficult to dislike."
"Yes, I know the type well," Severus replied, gazing at her.
"I have more than my fair of people who don't like me, Severus," Jennifer reminded him.
"And when they dislike you, it is always extreme, no one knows better than I," Severus agreed. "I won't be surprised if Mage develops the same sort of problem, beloved by the majority but reviled by a minority. After all, you know as well as I do that there are likely some members of our society who are less than happy with a Pooka in our midst, especially one who can put humans to sleep at the blink of an eye. There is likely to be a fair amount of push back when the society at large realizes that he's a Pooka rather than a talented Metamorphmagus."
"But Severus, he's so good hearted despite his powers, and he doesn't wish any ill will on anyone," Jennifer protested.
"The same can be said of you, Jennifer, but that doesn't mean you aren't dangerous, and many still who see your power as a threat. They thought so even when they thought you were only the Keeper of Dark Magic. Who knows what they would think of you now," Severus mused.
"Only the Keeper of Dark Magic? What on earth are you talking about, Severus? As far as I know, I really don't have any enemies left. They've all been dealt with one way or another, as you know perfectly well," Jennifer told him.
"That sounds rather complacent," Severus realized with a frown.
"I am not being complacent. It is a fact, and I really don't know how we got on the subject of me anyway. The subject is how others might view us having a Pooka in the family, and the obvious precaution is to simply keep our ears out. Perhaps I'll even ask Deacon Aldus to tea when I get back to Hogwarts. If anyone is going to know who has a particular hatred for Fae races, it will be Deacon," Jennifer said.
"Not a bad idea," Severus agreed. "I will speak to Mage about it when I take over as Minister of Mysteries, since he will be staying on an extra week before he goes on leave."
"I agree that you should talk to him about it, but I doubt he sees any human as a threat," Jennifer replied.
"Thus lies the danger. It is just a different type of complacency," Severus said.
"Maybe Wind will have some advice," Jennifer suggested. "I haven't told him that we have a Pooka in the family yet. I thought it'd be much more fun to surprise him, and since Mage is coming to Moving Day to help Rus, I arranged to have lunch with Wind so we'd have time to chat despite the chaos."
"I rather regret that I have to miss that particular meeting," Severus admitted, then retreated to the library to relax on his last full week of holiday.
In contrast, Jennifer's last few days were a bit of a scramble. All of the school shopping had to be done early since Whitebridge started school the same week that she needed to head to Hogwarts for preterm paperwork. Jennifer decided that the best thing to do was to drop Seren off at the Black's mansion so that she could get it all done in one day. Fortunately, Jay was more than capable of getting his own shopping done and helped Quintin find his books at Flourish and Blott's while Jennifer was busy getting Rus sorted out.
To make things even more complicated, Ginger and Alicia had their babies within two days of each other. Jennifer went straight from washing bottles and smothering little Roland Snape to dashing over to help Alicia with little Alice.
As exciting as it all was, Jennifer was ready to take a break from family life by the time she needed to escort Rus to Whitebridge.
Just before it was time to leave, Mage showed up in jeans and a printed t-shirt, apparently more than ready for a trip to the States. After letting Rus say his last goodbyes to the family, Jennifer, Mage, and Rus took her Portkey to the Whitebridge Gatehouse. The moment they stepped out into the open, Mage set down Rus' suitcase and backpack in sheer amazement.
"What a place! It is so beautiful!" Mage declared in appreciation of the gardens.
"Yes, it is," Rus agreed. "It seems we're a bit early, Grandmother," he added, noting the gate was still closed and very few cars had pulled into the driveway.
"Then I timed it perfectly," Jennifer said with amusement.
"I feel someone coming," Mage said distantly.
Jennifer smiled as she watched the wind whip up around them. There was the sound of a snarling bear and Wind faded into view, gazing at Mage with serene fascination. Then Jennifer and Rus both heard the growl become louder, filling the air with a challenge. It was followed by the sounds of a dolphin, chattering as if it were laughing above the waves.
"A dolphin spirit," Wind acknowledged in surprise. "The embodiment of playfulness, joy, the love of family, and of deep empathy for others."
"And you are a bear spirit," Mage acknowledged with a smile. "Solitary, strong, wise, and protector of youth."
"Mage Wilder, this is my dearest friend and mentor, Dean Wind Elk," Jennifer introduced happily. "Wind, this is my new son-in-law."
"Why, Jennifer! So this is what has been keeping you from accepting my summer invitations," Wind scolded. "Were you keeping this spirit's presence from me?"
"Well, yes, but I really have been dreadfully busy this summer on top of it," Jennifer added. "Mage has been wanting to see the gardens."
"Yes I have, but I also have obligations today. I am here to help Rus get settled on Moving Day," Mage insisted.
"Then why don't you run along? We can have lunch in the gardens, and then you can have a proper look at them afterwards," Wind offered. "You will give our friend has a chance to play in the gardens before you show him home, won't you, Jennifer?"
"Of course I shall," Jennifer said with a warm smile.
"Rus, why don't you show Mage where to put your bags? Mr. Green will be opening the gates presently, so you may want to take advantage of the head start."
"It's this way, Mage! Wait until you see the floating gazebos!" Rus told him.
"Are gazebos supposed to float?" he asked, following the boy.
"At Whitebridge they are," Rus confirmed. Wind and Jennifer watched them take the path towards the dorms.
"It would seem that Rus has adjusted to this new family addition," Wind observed.
"Even Jay has warmed up to him. Mage has one of those personalities that makes him hard to dislike," Jennifer noted with a smile.
"No public outcry yet?" Wind asked knowingly.
"Right now, only the family knows about it. Outside of the family, most still believe he's simply a talented Metamorphmagus," Jennifer explained.
"That won't last," Wind warned.
"No, it won't, and everyone in the family realizes that," Jennifer assured him. "But we wanted to let their family have some time free of controversy so they could bond before their new sibling is born. I suspect that it'll be difficult to keep secret after that."
"Impossible, you mean," Wind replied. "Raising a spirit child will come with all sorts of challenges."
"Perhaps if that child had an understanding godfather it might go better," Jennifer suggested with a smile.
"Perhaps, if the parents asked," Wind mused.
"Alex thought it'd work better if I asked, since I am your favorite student and all. Or have I been replaced?" Jennifer teased.
"Not now nor ever," Wind said assured her with a chuckle, the two of them watching as Mr. Green opened the gates.
The very next day, Jennifer had Jay and Quintin pack their trunks for Hogwarts, while Jennifer sent hers and Seren's ahead to the castle.
"I'm going to be bored out of my skull for the entire two weeks we're at Hogwarts alone," Jay complained. "Can't we stay at Baker Street with Grandfather?"
"No, he's going to be quite busy while Mage and your mother are on leave," Jennifer said. "On the bright side, since your mother's flat is going to be in Hogsmeade for the duration, it'll be easy for us to visit there any time we like."
"Well, I don't know about visiting her, but I would like to visit Hogsmeade while we're waiting for school to start. There aren't any rules keeping me on the property, are there?" Jay asked.
"Hey, what about me?" Quintin asked when he realized that his mother had no objections.
"You may go if Jay invites you to go with him. You are still not old enough to go on your own," Jennifer immediately informed him.
"But I'm a third year now, and that means I can go on Hogsmeade trips with the rest of the school..."
"Yes, which is always chaperoned. Jay can fill in as the chaperone until school starts," Jennifer said.
"Fine, but don't expect to go with me all the time," Jay warned him.
"Well, sometimes I want to stay and play with Seren and the Hat anyway," Quintin decided.
"Yes! Let's play with Sir Hat!" Seren agreed happily.
"And I'm sure Jay will also stay to play with Seren sometimes as well, won't you, Jay?" Jennifer requested.
"If that's what it takes for me to get town privileges, I will," Jay said evenly.
"Alright, Jay. It isn't as if you can't get back in a flash if there's an emergency. You'll have the same curfew as you do here in the summer," Jennifer decided. "Unless you're with Quintin, of course, then you'll need to be back by dark, since that's his curfew."
"Can't I stay an hour or so later, since I'm older and more responsible now?" Quintin argued.
"You're still a kid. Two years of Defense doesn't make you an expert," Jay told him.
"I've had Snape training on top of that..." Quintin protested.
"Even so, Jay is right and my decision is final. Don't be in such a rush to grow up, Quintin! Enjoy your childhood while it lasts. It goes away far too soon," Jennifer protested, kissing the side of his forehead and ignoring the expression she got in response. "Mercy! These trunks are ready to go! You may send whatever staff has chosen to go to Hogwarts with us whenever you like."
"Yes, Jennifer. Stay safe and return home soon!" Mercy replied, and the trunks disappeared.
Grabbing a hold of Seren's hand, Jennifer held out her key. Within a few whirls and a flash, the four of them were standing in the Headmaster's Study once more.
"Welcome home!" greeted the Sorting Hat, followed by greetings from Armando and a few violin notes from the Rogue Painting.
"Thank you! It is good to see you as well... no no, Seren! You mustn't play with Sir Hat just yet, I'll need him today! You can see him at bedtime!" Jennifer told her before Seren could put him on her head.
"Yes, yes! I'll let you pick out one of your favorite stories," he promised her. "Quintin, how are you?"
"Still just a kid, apparently," Quintin said grumpily.
"Oh, good! The ghosts have been restless and a good game of Brave Knights is just the thing," the Sorting Hat said.
"I'm going to go unpack. Quintin, how about tennis before lunch?" Jay asked.
"Alright," Quintin said. "Can I cut through the nursery, Mum?"
"Yes, fine! See you all at dinner! Try to stay out of John's way, wherever he is!" Jennifer said.
"I believe he is currently in the upper Dusthorn corridor, helping Zoe with the last of the tapestries and light fixtures," Armando offered.
"Windows all done?" Jennifer asked.
"Yes, and they are a picture to behold," Armando said.
"I'll have to check them out later. How about the new security in the other four house rooms?" she asked.
"I can answer that. Good morning, Jennifer," said Icarus Ravenclaw as he materialized. "The charms on the witches' quarters have all been removed, but Pyther is still working on hanging up all the door guards to the individual rooms. I believe from what he's told me that little Alice has been making it rather difficult for him to keep his energy up lately."
"Well, it sounds like John is just about done with Dusthorn anyway, so perhaps he can help pick up the slack," Jennifer suggested.
"I believe that would be wise, but it will put John behind on the rest of his preterm duties," Pyther said.
"Severus, do you mind popping over to the Black's house to see if Sirius has time to come help out for a couple of days?" Jennifer asked the Rogue Painting, who immediately nodded and stepped out of the frame. "Any problems to report, Icarus?"
"No, it's been a quiet summer. I will let Hermione know you've arrived so that she can bring up this year's budget and scheduling," Icarus offered.
"Thank you, Ick!" Jennifer said. "Seren, why don't you go play in the nursery? Which Trade Elf is on duty?"
"I am here, Jennifer," Francie said.
"Oh, good! Could you send Seren up a snack in half an hour and lunch for me in two? How are things with the Trade Elf staff? Anything you need?" Jennifer asked, wondering if she shouldn't have asked that first.
"Everything is going very well, Jennifer, although the food budget is a bit high this year," she admitted.
"Yes, Severus warned me that it probably would be, but we have a plan for that. Anna and Rose are going to get together and create a more self sufficient crop schedule at the Popcorn Farm this year. After doing the math, Severus decided it would be much more cost effective for the school than growing a coin crop this term," Jennifer explained.
"We have a lot of Trade Elves who work here who are very interested in that sort of gardening, Jennifer. Surely the students will need some help if it is more elaborate than what they've done in the past," Francie said.
"I do admit that you're probably right. Feel free to get with Anna once she arrives to see if she would like some volunteers," Jennifer agreed.
"Thank you, Jennifer! Anything else?" she asked.
"No, go ahead! I know how busy things are for you as well! Icarus, I know you have plenty to do, but I do hope you'll be willing to fill in for me again when Alexandria goes into labor," Jennifer said.
"Yes," Icarus said distractedly, still hovering despite the obvious dismissal.
"Is something wrong?" Jennifer asked curiously.
"It is just... these children... your newest grandchildren. I don't remember any of them for some reason," Icarus admitted solemnly. Jennifer smiled softly.
"That isn't all that surprising, is it? Surely it's not a shock that things have changed since you had those memories, especially considering everything you and your friends did to make things better than what you remembered back then," Jennifer said. "Didn't you already warn me that you didn't remember little Seren either? But now that you've seen her, you know she was meant to be."
"Oh, yes! I'm quite happy... happy to see my family thriving now," Icarus replied. "I just wonder at times how useful I'm going to be now that my memories are fading. The only memories I have left are those things that are still fated to happen that have not been changed. I will be left with only regular Divination tools at my disposal from now on."
"I don't think that's such a bad thing," Jennifer decided. "In fact, I think it's probably one of the best things that could have happened to you."
"What could you possibly mean? That phrase typically doesn't apply to ghosts," Icarus pointed out skeptically.
"It means that you can now make more decisions for yourself. Without those memories to get in your way, you have a lot more freedom of choice," Jennifer explained with a smile.
"Fate is still Fate, whether we see the future or not. Choice is simply an illusion," Icarus said.
"Oh? Then why have there been so many changes?" Jennifer challenged him. "Choice wasn't the illusion, your idea of Fate was, otherwise those memories wouldn't have changed at all."
"Since when have you become the champion of choice? I thought the Obol broke you of that habit," Icarus chided her.
"Fate and Free Will both play a part... not just in the lives of the living, but in all sentient entities," Jennifer argued, Icarus eyeing her dubiously. "You have more control over your existence than you think, Ick, or you wouldn't be at Hogwarts, let alone teaching right now. Give yourself more credit."
"Perhaps I shall, when I think I actually deserve it," Icarus said evenly. "I am going to be doing some research this year to find the best avenues to hone my Divination skills and compensate for the changes in Fate. I know that most people spend most of their lives in the dark about the future, but I am not used to it."
"I think I understand. It rather reminds me of what Toby went through when he lost his future memory and had to adjust," Jennifer recalled.
"Different causes, but perhaps similar in scope," Icarus acknowledged.
"You should probably talk to him when he gets back. He's probably already in the portal by now, it won't be long," Jennifer assured him.
"Actually, it's not that bad of an idea. I think I shall," Icarus decided.
"Good luck with your research! Feel free to pull in resources and ask for help from other staff if you need it!" Jennifer said, making a note.
"Thank you, Jennifer. I suppose I should be off then," Icarus said.
"Just one other thing," Jennifer added before he could fade away. "You said that most of your memories have changed, but not all. Those memories that are still Fated to happen... they have something to do with Quintin, don't they?"
"Why ask the question when you already know the answer to that?" Icarus asked her solemnly. "I remember everything about the affair except the final outcome. I am guessing that everything else that changed has left that to be determined. But that is all I can tell you, Jennifer. To give you any more detail may do more harm than good, and I did promise Merlin, after all."
"Yes, I understand, Ick. Thank you," Jennifer said. Icarus nodded and faded away, leaving Jennifer alone with her thoughts.
It was only a few days later when Jennifer and Severus were informed that a little nameless Snape was born. Rather than attempt to pile everyone into Alexandria's small flat, Alex was soon made comfortable at the Craw Mansion, where everyone was more than eager to see what Andrew was calling the "final installment" of the four expected babes.
"Honestly, Alex, you could have had a boy like you were supposed to. Roland is going to be outnumbered now," Ginger teased from the other sofa.
"I'm glad I had a girl, or Alex would have gotten the name Alice instead of me," Alicia said.
"We can't name them both Alice?" Mage asked from where he sat next to Alexandria, playing with the baby's hand.
"No! That'd be terribly confusing," Alicia said. "But you should have picked some names out, Alex!"
"I was just so convinced it was going to be a boy! I didn't think I was supposed to have a girl," Alexandria said.
"Well, that was very silly," Mage said. "I will pick a name then! How about... America!" The entire room immediately protested. "Apple? Aubergine? You have to admit that one is pretty..."
"Alexandria, say something quick before your daughter gets named after a vegetable," Andrew protested.
"Besides, don't we have enough 'A' names in this family?" Aurelius added.
"Not an A name? How about Brittany? Or do you prefer Broccoli?" Mage asked.
"I think he's just trying to be funny," Alexandria warned when her family protested again. "What about Beatrice?" she suggested. Mage changed shape and went buzzing around the room.
"How about Beatrix, then she can use the name Trixie if she wants?" Alicia suggested.
"Trixie is an appropriate nickname for a Half-Pooka of any kind," Severus said dryly.
"Beatrice is prettier than Beatrix," Alexandria protested.
"Fine, but I'm calling her Trixie anyway," Alicia teased.
"What about a middle name?" Jennifer asked, ignoring the fact that Mage was still buzzing about.
"I know! How about Caprica?" Dale suggested.
Severus raised his arms in a show of protest, but it was quickly evident from the laughter and enthusiastic agreement surrounding him that he was going to be outvoted.
With so many babies in attendance, it wasn't long before the small welcome party broke up into different groups as nappies were fetched, and there were trips up to the nursery to lay them down in one of the cots lined up along the wall.
Jennifer took a break from cleaning to sit down with the new baby in her arms, exhaling in pure contentment as Mage went off to the kitchen to help Fleur fetch tea and sandwiches.
"I'm still in a state of shock... not only just from having a baby in general, but the fact that it's a girl," Alexandria admitted softly. "I always thought I couldn't have a girl. Everyone knows that Alicia follows the Ravenclaw line and not me, despite my given house."
"You're an heir of Ravenclaw too, Alexandria, that is quite plain," Jennifer assured her with a smile. "But it is just as plain that Beatrice is not, and it is not as mysterious as you might think. The reason that Beatrice isn't an heir is because she is following her own line... the Wilder line... a whole new family and a whole new line that started when you decided to let a Pooka into your life."
"You make it sound a lot more intentional than it was," Alexandria protested with an embarrassed chuckle. "I had little to do with it, really..."
"Fate may have wanted you two together, Alexandria, but it was your decision to seek each other out and your quest to find happiness that led to this. Fate and Free Will are at their strongest when they are working together to make things come about," Jennifer reminded her, handing the baby back to her.
"Yes, I guess you're right," Alexandria acknowledged happily, pulling Beatrice close.
Not long after Aurelius and his family got home after meeting his newest niece, Ginger was quick to put Roland down for his nap.
"No seriously, Rel, I'm really tired after all of the family visits. It's been nonstop since May," Ginger complained. "I mean, I'm happy and all of that, but I haven't had a break since my mother and grandmother left. Just once I'd like to spend a day at home without any visitors so I can just enjoy being a mother again."
"In other words, you want me to handle Justice's school shopping tomorrow," Aurelius said evenly.
"Normally I would love to go, especially since I know just how important this is to Justice, but I'm sure that you, Justice, and the girls will tell me all about it."
"The girls?" Aurelius repeated, while Ginger smiled at him pleadingly. "No, there's no way I'm taking the girls. How about I drop them off at the Willowby's or the Craws for a play date instead?"
"As long as they're not in my way, I don't care," Ginger said. "Where did they go, anyway? To their room?"
There was a loud crash in the kitchen. Ginger put her hand on Roland, but fortunately he didn't stir.
"I guess I'll go see what that was," Aurelius offered reluctantly, wandering in to a snack-making disaster.
The next day, Aurelius reluctantly pulled out a bit extra from the coin purse when it was obvious that Justice had been too wound up to get any sleep the night before. The boy sleepily got dressed and was still clutching his school shopping list in a death grip when his father stopped in the Leaky Cauldron for sausage rolls. They were were just coming out of the Cauldron when they heard someone call out to them. Aurelius turned as Nicky Pyther ran up to them, out of breath.
"Hey! You're here too!" Nicky declared. "Hullo, Uncle Rel! Where are you going?"
"We were on our way to Madame Malkin's," Aurelius explained.
"Oh! I already got my robes in Hogsmeade. We came to get my wand," Nicky explained. "Hey, Uncle Rel, could you help me convince my Mum to get me a cat?"
"So that's the real reason you ran over here," Justice said knowingly.
"Well, I just happened to see you, really, so I'd say I am simply being resourceful enough to take advantage of a chance encounter," Nicky reasoned. "Maybe we should hang out together, so you'll have enough time to convince her. We're going to get out books and then going to Ollivander's to get a wand. That'll give you plenty of time to talk her into getting me a cat."
"Where is your Mum, anyway?" Aurelius asked curiously.
"Over at that drink cart just there," Nicky said, pointing out where Alicia sat at a taffy table with a hot cup in her hand, dozing off.
"Apparently you weren't the only one who didn't get much sleep last night, Justice," Aurelius noted. "Why don't you two go ahead inside?"
"Good idea. I'm sure Mickey could help us out. He and Dawn are already inside," Nicky informed Justice. The two boys walked towards Flourish and Blott's, speculating whether or not they'd end up in the same house.
"Get a load of the beak on that kid," they both heard when they stepped inside the door. Justice simply sighed and pretended he hadn't heard, while Nicky was quick to spin on his heels.
"You wanna take it outside, big mouth?" Nicky asked dangerously.
"Nicky," Justice said sternly.
"Sorry, just having a laugh," the boy said with a grin. He was wearing plain school robes as if he had just come from Madame Malkin's and had decided to leave them on. "Are you related to Headmaster Snape perhaps?"
"He's our grandfather," Justice explained. "I'm Justice Snape, and this is my cousin, Nick Pyther."
"Carl Wyatt," the boy said. "My mate here is Tad Grimsby. Are you two going into first year Hogwarts as well?"
"Why else would we be in this mess?" Nick asked testily.
"We could have been second years," Justice pointed out to Nick.
"You could have been, anyway. Nick here's only big enough for first," Carl noted.
"Are you actually attempting to provoke my brother?" asked an older student. Mickey stepped out of the crowd, taking in the situation before putting a calming hand on his brother. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, mate. My kid brother's got a temper and he's not good at holding it in, but as a friend he'll fight for the lot of you, that's his way. He's a bit like our Uncle Sirius, even tho that's the other side of the family."
"Oh, I'm related to the Blacks," Tad offered. "We're distant cousins."
"Every old family is related to Blacks," Carl told him with exasperation.
"There then, that's good enough to be family. So how about let's stop acting like primary students and come to an understanding? There's no need to wind up someone who just might end up being your best mate by Christmas time," Mickey advised.
"Fine, I'm sorry," Carl said.
"Okay," Nicky said with a dubious expression, apparently unconvinced that he meant it.
"That's alright then. I suggest you head over to that corner for your first year Charms book. Nicky, you're going to need a new one too, it seems. I noticed that Professor Weasley changed to an updated book, so Dawn's copy isn't going to work," Mickey said.
"I'd rather have a new copy anyway," Nicky admitted.
"Come on," Justice said, leading the other boys over to where Mickey had pointed.
Mickey watched until he heard his name and looked up to see Olivia stepping over to him.
"That was well done. You're going to be a brill Prefect this year, Mickey," Olivia said with a smile.
"Do you think so?" Mickey said, and Olivia nodded in confirmation. "I doubt I'll be as good as Elliot was, but I'll do my best. Any word about who's going to be Head Girl?"
"You're looking at her," Olivia confirmed proudly.
"Then Gryffindor is going to be well represented this year," Mickey said with a smile. "We might even get the cup back."
"Do you suppose that your brother is going to be a Gryffindor as well?" she asked.
"I'm not sure," Mickey admitted, but then gestured over at his cousin. "But Justice over there is going to be a shoe-in. There's no cousin more Gryffindor than he is, and I've a lot of cousins."
"Any good on a broom?" she asked hopefully.
"Oh yeah," Mickey said. "And we'll have the first year Sparring Tournament in the bag." Offering up her fist, Mickey met it with his own, seeing at once they were likely to have a very productive year.
Justice heaved up a large stack of books, grateful when his father took them off his hands.
"Sure you've got enough quills? I know how hard you are on them," Aurelius noted.
"Well, I figure that fixing quills is probably a spell that they teach first years early on because they do it a lot," Justice said as they walked out of the shop.
"It's better to be prepared and not to assume anything," Aurelius warned him. A moment later, Alicia stepped out of the bookshop with Nicky, Dawn, and Mickey.
"Can we get my wand next?" Nicky wanted to know.
"Can't we take a break for something to eat first?" Dawn complained.
"We can do that after getting a familiar. Right, Mum?" Nicky suggested.
"I don't remember agreeing to snacks any more than agreeing to a familiar," Alicia warned him grumpily.
"Food might be a good idea. Come on, Alicia, it can't be all that bad, can it? I've seen you go on two hours of sleep several days in a row when you were in the middle of a painting that you were passionate about," Aurelius said, leading them towards Ollivander's.
"I can only do that when I'm motivated," Alicia protested.
"Aren't you motivated when it comes to Alice?" Aurelius challenged her.
"Yes, but she's not here at the moment," Alicia pointed out.
"I guess that means we're too old to be motivation now," Mickey teased.
"Oh no! We are no longer anyone's inspiration! How tragic!" Dawn said dramatically. Nicky simply sniggered.
"Okay, you three, stop taking advantage of your poor Mum on her off day," Aurelius told them with a soft chuckle.
"Can I ask about something else?" Justice asked. "Because I was wondering what you thought about Roy Lockhart being missing, Aunt Alicia. I don't suppose you can find him?"
"That's not a great subject for the middle of the alley," Aurelius told him sternly.
"Rel's right. Let's just say that your Uncle and I are aware of it," Alicia replied.
"Yeah, because Father looked for him, but it took him too an abandoned wizard's cottage overlooking a jungle," Dawn said.
"Really? Where at?" Justice asked.
"Okay, reel it in. I know better than to let the two of you get too interested in Auror business," Aurelius said, putting a hand on Justice's head warningly.
"I can't help it. It's been all over the Daily Prophet, but the articles aren't really telling us much," Justice complained. "Besides, it's only natural for a son to wonder about his parents work and be interested in what they do, isn't it?"
"You're in for it," Alicia told Rel with a smirk.
"You're the one that should worry, considering what your kids can do," Rel said curtly back.
"I'm not as worried as you're going to be when we enter this shop," Alicia teased him, stepping into Ollivanders.
"Why would he worry?" Justice asked curiously, the children filing in behind them.
"Ah! I wondered when I would be seeing you again, Alicia!" Ollivander said from behind the counter. There was a large stack of wands in front of him, a sure sign that he just had a very difficult customer and he hadn't found time to put them all back again. "Good morning, Michael with the Dragon Heartstring wand, and Dawn with the Eagle Feather. And there is the boy I have seen peeking over the counter all of these years! You're most welcome, young Severus. And speaking of Severus, you, young man, are the spitting image of Professor Snape when he stepped in for his wand, although yours is a gentler gaze. Is this your son, Aurelius? He has your eyes."
"Yes, this is Justice," Aurelius introduced.
"Wonderful! The perfect name for the son of an Auror. I do hope, Justice, that you aren't anywhere near as trying as your father was when he received his first wand," Ollivander teased.
"You're right, I was terrible. I've really come to regret how I behaved that day, especially considering how precious that wand is to me," Aurelius admitted. "I have other wands that I use for work, but that's to make sure that one doesn't get damaged."
"I am happy to hear that you are taking care of it and it is still in good working order," Ollivander said with a smile. "But now, who would like to be first?"
"You go ahead, Nicky. It sounds like you're been waiting a long time for that wand," Justice offered.
"Your mother began with a Vampire Tooth wand, I believe. Let's start with something in between your brother's and hers. Let us try batwing," Ollivander mused, taking out an ebony wand.
"I wouldn't mind that," Nicky admitted with a smile, taking the offered wand and taking a swipe only for it to be taken away again.
"Close, but not close enough," Ollivander informed him. "You seem to need a very balanced wand, Mr. Pyther, but I believe I have just the thing... a Serpent's Tooth with a lighter wood. Ah, perhaps this twelve and a half oak will do." Ollivander handed it over, and there was a tingle in the air when Nicky waved it again. "Much better!" he decided. "And you're the first in your family since your grandfather to have a Serpent's Tooth wand. Of course, his was ebony and a tad longer, as I recall."
"I didn't know that. He uses a carved wand now," Nicky said.
"Yes, I've heard. One might break a wand or two over time, but if you take good care of it and keep it polished and out of your pocket, it can last a lifetime, just like it has your uncle," Ollivander assured him, boxing it up and thanking Alicia when she paid for it.
"Now! Let's see what -" Ollivander paused when the pile next to him became unsettled, and he had to carefully stack it again. "So sorry. Would you care to try the bat wing, Mister-"
Ollivander abruptly dove at the pile as it once again threatened to fall over. Aurelius pulled Justice back a step just in case any of the boxes fell on that side of the counter.
"We're in no rush if you need to attend to that first," Aurelius offered. But Aurelius wasn't quite sure if Ollivander had heard him or not as he bent over to inspect the labels.
"Ah! I believe I have found the culprit. Come, young man! Come here behind the counter for a moment so we can see whether or not I'm right," Ollivander suggested, lifting up the end of the counter so that Justice could come in.
Alicia and Aurelius glanced at one another. They had never seen Ollivander let anyone on that side of the counter before. Justice smiled nervously as Ollivander led him over to the pile.
"Now then! Just put your wand hand up in front of the pile and let's see what happens," Ollivander instructed, and Justice did what he was told.
The pile began to shift and tremble, but this time, Ollivander didn't attempt to stop it. Instead, he carefully studied a particular box at the very bottom of the pile, smiling a thin, triumphant smile when the box slowly slid towards the boy on its own.
"Go ahead and retrieve the box, Mr. Snape," Ollivander told him.
Justice carefully retrieved it, while Ollivander gently guided a different box from in its place so that the stack remained stable.
"It has been some time since I've had a wand pick its own owner, Justice Snape. It is even rarer when it is someone not even Sorted into Hogwarts yet. Bring it back out to the front, Mr. Snape! I am certain your father will pay for it."
"But aren't you going to ask me to test it?" Justice asked Ollivander.
"There is no need," Ollivander assured him with a smile, then stepped in front of Aurelius. "Seven galleons for the thirteen-inch Willow Unicorn Horn wand, Mr Snape."
"Unicorn Horn?' Justice repeated, opening the box to look at it. Then he smiled proudly at his Father. "Hey, Dad! It's almost the same as yours!"
But Aurelius didn't reply at first. He was already staring at the box with a stunned expression, gazing at his son's warm smile. Aurelius' hand shook as he took out the Galleons, and he had a lot of trouble counting them out. In the end, Ollivander had to point out Aurelius had given him one too many and handed it back. Thanking Ollivander with a silent nod, Aurelius was vaguely aware that everyone was looking at him.
"I think I need a moment," Aurelius said at last and dashed out of the shop. Mickey, Nicky, and Dawn looked out after him with a baffled expressions. Justice frowned worriedly, but then noticed that Alicia and Ollivander were both smiling softly.
"Did I do something wrong?" Justice wanted to know.
"Your father was just a bit overwhelmed, is all," Alicia reassured him. "That's a shard of Pali's Horn in that wand of yours."
"Wow!" Justice said, his eyes growing wide before turning to Ollivander. "How do I take care of my wand so it lasts a long time again?" he asked, feeling quite nervous. Ollivander pulled out a couple of tiny scrolls with care instructions on them, giving one to each of the boys with a smile.