A/N Next week's chapter will be out Sunday instead of Friday (Sept 7th). Have a good Back to Hogwarts Day!
Chapter Forty-Three
Reception
Week by week, Roy Lockhart couldn't help but notice how Emil Trench's flat became so comfortably furnished. In fact, the quality went well above what one would expect in such a low rent area. It also appeared as if Emil had taken precautions because of it, making some basic security improvements to the flat based on the suggestions of his publisher.
It was a very rainy December, but it was cozy inside; Emil had hired a Trade Elf to come in for a couple of hours every morning to tidy the living area, start the fire, and set out his breakfast, tea, and newspaper at an ornate mahogany table by the window.
One wintry morning, Emil shuffled out of his bedroom and into the main living area to find the room warm and his breakfast waiting for him. He took a moment to pour a cup of tea before he turned his attention to the paper, lifting an eyebrow at the headline.
Ministry Ball Canceled!
The Minister of Magic has decided to cancel this year's Ministry Ball due to projected low turnout and budgeting constraints. Upon inquiry, Assistant Minister Percival Weasley issued this statement; "Most of the Department Ministers will be going to Villa Hexen to attend the Grey Reception got diplomatic reasons; wizard ambassadors from several other regions around the world will be attending. As it is not an election year, the Ministry has decided to save the expense in favor of bolstering security and providing diplomat hospitality as requested by the Foreign department." For more information in what is surely the social event of the Christmas Season, see the Society Section(pg. 6).
Muttering to himself about how much he hated articles that tempted him not to read the newspaper in order, Emil reluctantly turned to the socials page. Page six listed quite a number of different upcoming social gatherings and balls related to the holidays, and included details such as was hosting, notable guests that were expected to attend, and whether or not the events were invitation only. Some families like the Villin family had several parties listed... one for every weekend, he realized, except for one:
Lady Blanche regrets to inform her regular guests that there will be no Christmas Eve party this season, due to being out of town for the Grey Reception.
So even the Villins were going to that thing, Emil mused, wondering why the event details weren't featured on the first page of the social section if it was so damned important. But when he turned the page to the back, it became more clear; they wanted to match up the details with an article on the Sports section on the right side, which featured an article about Apollo Grey's wedding.
It was easy, then, to understand how the size of the reception got out of hand. The wedding itself had only allowed family and close friends, but the reception had been open to distant acquaintances through a ticket system. Naturally, Apollo's fame attracted sports aficionados from across Europe, and with its out of country location and the Minister of Magic's attendance, it elevated the event to an international affair. Everybody who was anybody would be there, it seemed, including several people Emil was quite interested in meeting about his research. Setting the newspaper aside for the moment, Emil checked the time and finished his breakfast, setting the dishes in the sink just as there was a rap of a cane on his door.
"Come in, Lockhart," Emil called out, and Gilderoy stepped in.
"Good morning, good morning! A bit soft," Roy greeted, pulling out a folded leather case.
"I brought the editor corrections from your last chapter, and Mr. Aldus also sent a copy of Dark Wizard Quarterly since it has your latest article in it."
"I really don't why he insisted on publishing it in there. As old as it is, I am shocked it survived the terrors. How did it, exactly?" Emil wondered.
"That would be a question for Mr. Aldus, I believe. I'm sure he'd know the answer better than I, since I had nothing to do with any of it. I was quite indisposed," Roy pointed out, setting the manuscript and magazine down on the table. "I also received word from our dear Mr. Heron. He needs another day before he can leave Fishanwish, then he will be at our disposal... after the reception, of course."
"The reception in the paper? The one in Villahexen?" Emil asked curiously.
"Of course," Roy confirmed.
"How did he get invited?" Emil wondered with a frown.
"Nearly everyone who ever taught at Hogwarts got an invitation, thanks to Jennifer Craw... I got one from her as well, as a matter of fact," Roy said, slightly smug. Emil stared with him. "Anyone who is anyone will be there, but surely you're not interested in such trivial social gatherings."
"I am interested in anything that gets in the way of my research. Did we or did we not plan this expedition well in advance?" Emil snapped.
"Yes, fine! I did promise! I will send my regrets immediately," Roy offered instantly.
"Don't bother. I have a better idea," Emil said, waving it off. "I'll get myself invited as well."
"How do you intend to do that?" Roy asked.
"The same way anyone gets invited... by knowing the right people," Emil said evenly.
Emil Trench stepped off the Portkey Pad in goblin-made dress robes, glancing around the crowded entryway as he assessed his surroundings. Gold and Silver ribbons decorated the arches and twisted around fresh pine garland, appropriate for both Christmas and a wedding. Wizards and witches were in their finest dresses and robes for the occasion. Some had gathered by the counter where cloaks were being put away while others had drinks in hand as if they had already been inside the reception and had come out to find a quieter place to chat. In the distance, he could hear the chime of brass bells playing Christmas carols.
He glanced around searchingly but had to do a double-take when he finally saw Aldus step out of the crowd. Instead of the business robes he normally wore, Aldus was wearing formal Ambassador robes with a ceremonial stole that had the seal of the Elven Trade Alliance embroidered on each side. Aldus was also wearing less jewelry than normal. His rings were the same, and the two studs he wore in each ear, but he had removed all of the bracelets and necklaces he normally had on.
"There you are. I hardly recognized you at first," Emil admitted when he stepped over. "Does this mean I'll have to call you Ambassador all evening?"
"Considering how many ambassadors are here, you'll be hearing the title all over the room," Aldus replied. "What started as an event for extended acquaintances not invited to the wedding quickly turned into a diplomatic affair because of its scope and location."
"Yes, so I read in the newspaper, which is why I was so intrigued," Emil admitted. "While I am not the sort of person who is interested in social events, I prefer to gather as much information about my working environment as possible, including having a working knowledge of the local politics. I realized that coming to this gathering would be the best way of apprising all of the major players at once so that I may free up more of my time for my research."
"Very well, then I shall show you around. Shall I help by pointing out all of he major players, or would you prefer to be introduced?" Aldus inquired.
"I prefer to observe from a distance, unless they can help with my upcoming expedition," Emil said. "Speaking of which, Lockhart and that Professor from Fishanwish should be arriving soon."
"Ah yes, Professor Heron," Aldus acknowledged. "Perhaps we should get started in so that you can observe without those two blowhards drawing too much attention."
"I've never met a pair of more self-centered individual in my life, but they are eager to serve," Emil replied with a shrug. "Who is first?"
"Let's go see who we can pick out of the crowd," Aldus suggested, then turned towards the large open archway.
As they stepped through Emil looked around speculatively, taking in all of the well-dressed elite. A crowd had gathered around the couple who had been married that morning; the bride had changed into a festive silver dress and was chatting at an excited clip to one of the witches standing in front of her. The Christmas carols came from a bell choir dressed in black robes and white ties. One of the guests had seen fit to join them; a beautiful auburn-haired witch who he recognized from the newspaper.
"Are you already acquainted with anyone here?" Aldus asked before Emil managed to get all of the way around the room.
"Only those two idiots," Aldus said flippantly, gesturing to a corner near the fire where Roy Lockhart chatted away next to Rhett Heron, who seemed quite bored with the conversation.
"I'd hardly call Rhett an idiot. Far from it, in fact," Aldus replied. "I wouldn't underestimate him."
"I couldn't ever underestimate him as much as he overestimates himself. He is so sure of himself that he fails to see any facts I present him with concerning my research. He is so convinced that his opinions are right that he can't see past the end of his nose," Emil said critically.
"Is he of no use to you then, other than the fact that he currently holds the medallion?" Aldus inquired.
"While his knowledge of Artifacts is questionable, he is fairly competent when it comes to defensive skills, and therefore useful to me. I prefer less barbaric pursuits, after all," Emil said. "He has agreed to come on the expedition and will surely help keep me safe... to save his own skin if for no other reason."
"I understand," Aldus said, then Emil noticed someone else.
"Over there... in that group near the Minister of Magic... I recognize the man in the black and red Tibetian robes. He is Wangpo Tobden... a wizard from of the Hidden Valley of Windhorse... at least that's the English translation of the place. Its proper name is Lungta Beyul."
"Yes, I know the place, and I have met Wangpo before. He is a personal friend of our patron, in fact. And I've visited the Yeti Reserve a time or two... it's on the western edge of their jurisdiction," Aldus explained.
"Is Tobden the Ambassador of Windhorse now?" Emil asked.
"No, he is the High Speaker of the Council of Elders in the village of Shangri La... the Mayor, if you like," Aldus explained.
"He's gone far these past decades. When I met him, he was nothing but a fellow historian," Emil said. "So I suppose if he's not the Ambassador, there must be someone else around here in Tibetian dress?"
"I'm sure he'll be along," Aldus said. "Not all of the guests have arrived just yet, after all. Let's go over and pay our respects to your friend... or would you rather greet Lockhart and Heron?"
"I'll speak to them on the expedition. Tonight I'm interested in everyone else," Emil said. Aldus nodded, then led him over to where Tobden stood next to the Minister of Magic. Draco glanced up, nodding to Aldus as they approached.
"Minister Malfoy, Ambassadors, good evening," Aldus greeted as he stepped up.
"Ambassador Aldus," Draco acknowledged.
"May I present one of Wizardday's newest authors-"
"Emit Trench?" Tobden interrupted out of sheer surprise.
"Indeed," Emit replied.
"Why, I thought you had passed on to your next life! After we lost contact, I had assumed the worst! I am ashamed at myself for not confirming it," Tobden said apologetically, clasping his hand.
"Hardly your fault. My memory had been erased," Emit explained evenly. "In many ways, I did pass on to a new life, one where karma didn't favor me. However, I have been slowly been taking my life back, as I'm sure Ambassador Aldus can attest to."
"Mr. Trench is writing a series of articles in Wizard Weekly about the effects of ancient trade routes on how magic was developed as well as magical artifacts," Aldus offered.
"Ah yes! That was always your passion!" Tobden acknowledged. "Minister Malfoy, have you any interest in world history, Artifacts, and such things?"
"My wife is interested in ancient history in both Britain and India, and my father had a collection of Artifacts that took a long time to dispose of," Draco replied evenly. "My personal interest in Artifacts is how to regulate them and making sure that nothing dangerous gets brought into my country. You're not planning to bring that box to Britain if you find it, are you, Mr. Trench?"
"I assure you that I fully intended to abide by all of your country's regulations, Minister Malfoy," Emil replied.
"Good," Draco said, then glanced at Tobden. "I am hosting drinks in a private room for the ambassadors tonight, if you and your ambassador would like to join us in an hour. It'll be a quieter affair somewhere more comfortable for the elite since there will be less interruptions by commoners," he explained. Emit furrowed his brows.
"We would be honored, Minister Malfoy," Tobden said with a cordial bow.
"Then I'm going to go spend some time with the family, since it's Christmas, after all. See you in an hour, Deacon," Draco added almost as an afterthought.
"Of course," Aldus replied. Draco slipped away to find his wife and her sister in the crowd.
"That comment sounded like it was aimed at me," Emil grunted in annoyance.
"It was aimed at practically everyone," Aldus informed him. "Believe it or not, his bluntness is one of the reasons he is such a popular Minister of Magic. He doesn't waste his energy on pretending to be anyone but himself, and he doesn't put on airs no matter who he's speaking to."
"I've heard that said about the Minister of Law Enforcement often enough. I didn't know the Minister Malfoy was the same," Emil replied.
"Minister Craw is far more blunt," Aldus admitted. "But they are also very honest when giving their opinions."
"They are not only true speakers, but they are true to themselves, and that is quite admirable," Tobden agreed. "Of course, that also means they wouldn't make the best diplomats. Perhaps it is a good thing they are leaders instead of ambassadors," he suggested with a hint of amusement.
"Is that an admission that diplomats lie?" Emil inquired.
"Only to preserve world peace," Tobden explained. Aldus laughed heartily, nodding in agreement.
Jennifer thanked the choir heartily, then glanced around to find her husband. As it happened. Severus had been enjoying his wife's burst of enthusiasm and was standing nearby with a glass of punch he had procured for her.
"Are you sure the punch is safe?" she teased flirtatiously when he held it out.
"I do learn from my mistakes, you know," Severus replied.
"We both do, or we wouldn't still be here," Jennifer replied with amusement, taking the offered drink.
"True enough," Severus replied. "I've been invited to attend Draco's private party for the ambassadors in an hour."
"Oh, that's fine. I have work to do, after all. I'm willing to bet that the person I'm supposed to keep an eye on won't be invited," Jennifer said in a lower tone.
"Unlikely at best," Severus agreed. "Perhaps we should make our way over to Viorica and Apollo while we're still together."
"And while they're still here as well, considering they seem quite anxious to leave," Jennifer noted with amusement.
"You can hardly blame them," Severus replied. "They should at least stay long enough to open the gifts and thank their guests, since most of them weren't able to attend the wedding."
"Yes, that's fair," Jennifer agreed. They made their way over to where the couple were standing with Harvey Oxford and several of their former schoolmates.
As usual, Viorica was doing all of the talking. Apollo put in a word every now and then, typically at her prompting. As the two professors came forward, there was an exchange of holiday greetings between everyone standing there before making way for Jennifer and Severus.
"Can we go?" Apollo asked immediately, his eyes intense despite his stoic expression. Jennifer had to fight to keep a straight face.
"Why are you asking us?" Severus inquired.
"Because Mum told us that you paid for the venue, and Dad said it isn't wise to leave this sort of thing without asking Grandmother first," Viorica explained.
"Fair enough. And your parents, Apollo?" Severus asked.
"They're too busy fighting to ask," Apollo said flatly.
"All the same, Apollo, you really shouldn't offend them," Jennifer intervened. "I know how uncomfortable it is for you to have the Greys and Barristers in the same room, but I've never heard you say anything unfavorable about either parent when you stayed with them individually."
"By themselves, they're okay," Apollo replied reluctantly. "And when they're not at a public event."
"In public, they can be insufferable," Viorica said in a low voice.
"Even so, I know that you care about them and their feelings, and really, it's just for another hour or so," Jennifer said.
"I suggest that you get started on the gifts," Severus added. "If I know the Barristers, they'll lose interest in the two of you once they've had a chance to show off their wealth. They'll be more interested in politics."
"Can we go once the gifts are done?" Viorica asked brightly. "It'll probably take an hour."
"There's a lot of them," Apollo complained.
"Then we'd best get at it," Viorica insisted, pulling his arm slightly.
"If we don't get to chat again, have a good honeymoon! You'll soon be on your way," Jennifer said encouragingly.
"Take care," Severus said simply.
They watched as Apollo and Viorica made their way over to Ginger, who was already organizing the gifts for them.
"I suppose I really ought to find Harry," Jennifer said after watching them a moment. Severus glanced around.
"So it begins, it would seem," Severus mused. Jennifer leaned into him lovingly. "You have many ways to contact me."
"Yes, I certainly do," Jennifer confirmed before slipping away.
Blair watched curiously from the champagne table, stepping out slightly to confirm that Jennifer was leaving the room. She wandered over to where Hope was standing.
"Is your grandmother actually leaving before gifts have been opened?" Blair asked.
"She has to work tonight," Hope said unconcernedly, then noticed Blair's baffled expression. "She's helping the Auror Department with security since many of us asked off for the reception. Grandmother and Harry go way back."
"Oh, I see," Blair replied thoughtfully.
"Besides, Grandmother attended the wedding, and that matters more to her," Hope explained.
"Yes, I understand," Blair said with a warm smile, despite having her doubts.
Sentimental fools, Worley thought from where he stood across the room.
He was speaking to Cadman Barrister as they waited for Draco's private reception. The Traditionalists were already beginning to gather, with a few lingering near Hephaestus Grey and some of the other members of Solidarity that often sided with more conservative views. For his part, Heph was trying to maintain a healthy distance away from Aggie Barrister. She sniffed critically at the champagne glasses and reluctantly picked one up before joining Stella Hauk. Stella was less interested in talking about politics and more interested in getting Aggie caught up with all the gossip she had missed over the last year.
Noticing that Blair seemed quite disinterested in watching the gift openings, Gilderoy Lockhart came over to greet her.
"Good evening, Lady Blair, Happy Christmas. What a dazzling dress," Roy complemented warmly.
"Charming as always, Gilderoy, thank you! How are you this evening?" Blair asked with smile.
"Impressed by the attendance... everyone who is anyone is here," Roy replied.
"Including some famous authors," Blair agreed. "Will you be publishing another book soon?"
"Patience, dear lady, I still have more research to conduct, and another expedition to embark upon! But I promise that I will have an update on my next book in a month or two."
"I insist on getting an advanced copy," Blair suggested.
"I will make certain of it," Roy said with a cordial bow.
"So when are you leaving on your next expedition?" Blair inquired.
"Hang on, old man!" Charles Willowby said, coming up from behind and putting an arm around him. Unlike the rest of the guests,he was dressed in heavy wool robes, gloves, and a cloak as if he had been spending time outside. "We don't need to be spreading that information around."
"Would you kindly not call me that around others?" Roy snapped at him.
"Are you friends, dear Charles?" Blair asked curiously.
"I've joined Roy on several of his past expeditions," Charles explained. "We've rescued three different wizards together and helped them get their memories restored."
"I'm surprised you're mentioned in any of his recent books, then, dear Charles," Blair said.
"I am, I'm the one he calls 'his Auror companion'," Charles explained, using air quotes. "I asked him to keep my name hidden, and the story is more exciting when he gets credit for the action sequences anyway. But shouldn't we change the subject? It's not safe for you to be talking about an expedition before you've actually gone on it, especially in a crowded room where anyone can hear about it."
"I completely understand. One must be careful about these things," Blair replied in a reassuring tone.
"We're leaving tomorrow, actually," Rhett explained from where he stood on the other side of the room. His date had joined him, a tall blonde whose bare arms were muscular despite her slender frame.
"Not too early tomorrow, I trust," his date replied flirtatiously.
"Mr. Heron, what are you doing?" Aldus scolded Rhett as he and Emit approached.
"No need to worry. This is Nova Kelly, a Canadian Flyer," Rhett introduced. "I met her during the Flyer's training camp. This is the first time we've had an evening off at the same time."
"Fortunately, things always slow down in the winter," explained Nova. "Unfortunately for me, this big lug is leaving tomorrow."
"Can we bring her along, Trench? She'd be very handy to have around, being a Canadian Flyer. She's wicked with a wand and on a broom," Rhett suggested.
"I have no intention of changing any expedition plans at the eleventh hour. No additions," Emil said firmly.
"I thought as much. After all, it's not good to change these things last minute, Nova. It can cause a breach in one's defenses," Rhett explained to Nova.
"I totally get it. Security first is my motto," Nova declared.
"You say that everything is your motto," Rhett pointed out, then glanced back at Emil. "What time should we meet tomorrow?"
"The usual time and the usual place," Emil said flatly.
"Very well! See you then! Come, Nova, I did promise you a real drink," Rhett said.
"Nice meeting you, Mr. Trench," Nova said, taking Rhett's arm before they wandered off.
"I can't believe he brought a date," Emil muttered. "A Flyer, at that."
"What's one more in this crowd? Have you noticed how many guests have something to do with law enforcement in some way?" Aldus pointed out. "Not that it really matters, considering their hands are tied if anyone did show up."
"Oh?" Emil asked curiously.
"Let's just say the local economy depends on all of their guests to have a very relaxing holiday, regardless of their criminal status in other countries. By the time anyone successfully files any sort of extradition paperwork and get it through the local court system, the person they were filing paperwork for has finished their holiday and is out of reach. Think of Villahexen as a sort of sanctuary suspended on a blanket of red tape... provided you don't commit any crimes in the village, no one cares what you do outside of it."
"I had no intention of committing any crimes either way," Emil said flatly. "My smuggling days ended the day my memories were restored."
"Are there no other crimes?" Aldus teased lightly, then noticed Tobden gesturing. "I must go join the others invited to have drinks in the next room. However, I'm certain you won't be alone for long."
"I wasn't concerned. Now that I have a better understanding of the politics in this room, I prefer my own company," Emil said.
"Very well. I shall see you later on," Aldus replied, joining the rest of the diplomats exiting into another room.
Several members of the Snape family also followed behind, including Headmaster Snape, Minister Craw, and Minister Alexandria Wild. Worley Maxen appeared to invite himself by following Hephaestus Grey and Horus Crumb inside. Those who were staying didn't seem in the least bit troubled by so many leaving the reception; rather, they were relieved that the conversations moved away from politics and allowed them to get caught up with friends and family.
"I know that look," came a voice from behind him.
Emil turned around to see a muscular man wearing Tibetian Wizard robes. He seemed both solemn and calm, jovial and yet reserved at the same time. He was charismatic and yet unapproachable; as relaxed as a sleeping viper, and just as deadly if someone decided to disturb him.
"That is the look of someone who sees people as nothing more than chess pieces, and is in the midst of getting to know the game despite the fact that he has no clear opponent," the Wizard observed.
"As far as I am concerned, everyone is my opponent," Emil replied evenly.
"In that case, it is important to know who the grandmasters are," the Wizard advised. "Do you know them?"
"Some of them are obvious, since they're in a strong political position at the moment," Emil said with a shrug. "Ministers Malfoy, Craw, and Wilder surely know how to play a good game, although I've always believed that the most powerful players are the ones that are less obvious. The ones that play in the shadows, such as Professor Snape and yourself, Mr. Bagman."
"If you think either of us are playing from the shadows, you still have a lot to learn about the politics here, Mr. Trench," Ludo replied.
"Considering that I have only been studying the local political dynamic for my own preservation, I believe I deserve a bit of leeway," Emil said flatly. "Aren't you afraid that someone here will recognize you?"
"They probably will recognize me if I move from this corner; the disinterest spell doesn't work well when one is expected to attend," Ludo agreed.
"Are you expected to attend?" Emil inquired.
"Oh, most certainly. They may not necessarily expect me in these particular robes, but I can't help but notice the lack of children at this event; even the older students have been diverted to the other ski lodge, escorted by Mr. Wilder. They may not have known for certain if I would come or not, but they knew it was a possibility, especially with my son Peter and my friend Deacon also attending. Therefore we are on borrowed time, but I want a quick chat with you about that research of yours," Ludo said. "I'm not entirely convinced that the item in question is what you believe it is, but I am intrigued about that medallion and it where it might lead you to. Should you find what you're looking for, I am willing to make you a generous offer for what you uncover, including the box itself."
"How do you put a price on a priceless artifact?" Emil inquired.
"But how do you keep it?" Ludo pointed out. "I have read every paper you have written on the subject, Mr. Trench, whether it was before your were cursed or after your recovery, and you have made it perfectly clear time and again that your pursuit isn't about the money. This is about the desire to complete your work and to prove that your theories are correct; you wish to uncover the mystery of Pandora's box so that you can receive the accolades you deserve after all of your years of research. After all, what use is that box to you once you've found it? Did you really plan to keep it? I highly doubt it, considering what it would take to secure it from anyone attempting to steal it. I would gladly take it off your hands as well as anything else you might find... to keep those items from becoming museum displays, if for no other reason."
"But what is a fair price? There is more to this than you know about... something I've not told anyone that might affect how you might appraise... the situation," Emil murmured cautiously.
"As long as you're willing to negotiate, I'm willing to listen. Enjoy the evening as you will, but accompany Aldus when you leave, then we can have a quiet chat, just the two of us," Ludo said. "Until then, I have other matters to attend to."
"Very well," Emil agreed.
"Why don't you go ahead and make yourself own elsewhere in the room so that you're nowhere near me the first time anyone else notices me," Ludo suggested. Emil nodded at that and glanced around. Grimacing with distaste, Emil decided to wander over to join Gilderoy, knowing that he'd make enough of a fuss that no one would miss the exchange.
Once Emil and Roy had gotten their drinks and had wandered closer to the gifts table, Ludo got up and managed to slip into the next room, but now he wanted to be seen.
"Happy Christmas! Lovely evening," Ludo announced as he stepped inside. He wasn't surprised when he got a wide range of reactions throughout the room, from shock to eye squints, wand checks to a spilled drink. Alexandria merely sighed, while Worley stared at him in confusion. Cadman Barrister whispered in his ear and he frowned.
"Ah! There you are. This is our Ambassador, Ambassador Bagman," Tobden introduced.
"So kind of you, Tobden..."
"Ambassador?" Draco repeated with open disbelief and disgust. "Do you realize just how high on our wanted list this wizard is?"
"Number one last I checked. Am I still number one, Minister Wilder? It does change sometimes," he confided in Tobden, then glanced at Alex who merely nodded grimly. "I'm also on the 'Permission to Kill on Sight' list in the British Isles," he added for good measure.
"And yet you are here," Worley said, still attempting to size him up. Why was that wizard's thoughts so strange?
"You're not going to start anything in Villahexen, are you?" asked the wizard standing next to Draco.
"Now, Kurt, you know me better than that. I always behave myself while I'm in your village, and I am on official business, being an ambassador and all. And since that is the case, perhaps a drink?" Ludo suggested.
"Allow me," Deacon quickly offered, going to the bar to pour him a drink himself.
"Alex, do your job," Draco told her evenly.
"I'm going, I'm going," Alexandria murmured.
But before she could get any closer, Ludo had walked closer to the bar to join Aldus. It also put him close to Worley, who didn't seem too impressed. Worley stepped over to pick up one of the prepared drinks as an excuse to get a better look at him.
"Problem, Mr. Maxen?" Ludo inquired without looking away from Aldus, who made him a fresh drink.
"What is that dribble inside your head?" Worley asked bluntly.
"It's the Quidditch statistics of every professional Quidditch player in our league in the last twenty years, along with a few play-by-plays of all of the recent World Cups. Do you like Quidditch, Mr. Maxen?" Ludo asked casually.
"Apparently not as much as you," Worley replied curtly, but Ludo still refused to look in his direction.
"Thank you, Deacon," Ludo said, taking the glass from Aldus.
"It would appear that the current Minister of Mysteries is standing behind you, sir," Aldus ventured.
"Of course she is. Somebody has to keep an eye on me, after all," Ludo explained with a shrug before finally turning around. "Good evening, Minister! Care for a game of chess?"
"Apparently you started playing without me," Alexandria pointed out.
"It's only fair that I make the first move considering that you were the one who set up this game. Shall we?" Ludo suggested, then became aware of his son walking over.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" Peter asked flatly.
"Isn't that obvious? I have come as a diplomat, and I plan to engage in diplomacy," Ludo informed him.
"As long as that doesn't involve any explosives," Peter snapped.
"Of course not, son, don't be ridiculous. There is a time for war and a time for peace, surely you can tell the difference between them. Anyway, I don't mean to be rude, we did spend the morning together, and now I have a job to do," Ludo informed him. "Shall we, Minister Wilder?"
"It's alright, Peter," Alexandria reassured him, pulling out a chess set from her cloak and setting it up in the back corner. "Don't worry, Ludo, I didn't poison the pieces or anything."
"Now who would do something like that?" Ludo asked innocently, taking a seat. Thomas Craw decided to take a seat at the table across from them. He set his wand on the table without a word and sat with a newspaper in front of him as if completely disinterested their conversation. "I see that my escort has an escort. I'm surprised your father isn't over here as well," Ludo chuckled, helping her set up the game.
"He probably came to the conclusion that this has nothing to do with him," Alexandria said unconcernedly.
"Perhaps," Ludo said noncommittally, moving a knight.
Neither of them spoke for a long time. Instead, they became absorbed in their moves, taking very long pauses in between each one. It was so long, in fact, that most of the guests who had been watching them very carefully had lost interest except for a nervous glance now and again. In truth, that was what the two of them had been waiting for; the game itself seemed to blend into the background as other discussions evolved. Even Worley Maxen, who had been attempting to work out why everyone was being so cordial to the most wanted criminal in the country, finally lost interest when someone brought up an upcoming proposal Ministry both the Traditionalists and Solidarity were interested in getting passed.
Once Worley's conversation had deepened to the point that they were no longe important to him, Ludo finally looked up from the table.
"Tell me, Alexandria," Ludo began, moving a bishop. "How well do you know your Shakespeare?"
"Thanks to you, better than I ever planned to," Alexandria said dryly.
"Thank you," Ludo replied unconcernedly, relaxing when he saw she had no plans to counter his move right away. "I would like your opinion on Macbeth, and how the story might change if certain elements of the story itself were different."
"Alright. I'm listening," Alexandria replied, moving a pawn.
"Let us first assume that the three witches are not instruments of Fate, but are instead a representation of Macbeth's own desires and ambitions," Ludo began. "Their warnings are not meant for Macbeth, but for everyone who might be affected if Macbeth and Lady Macbeth attempt to take matters in their own hands in an attempt to write their own Fate. Also the new version of these two characters aren't damned by guilt or remorse; they do not have this flaw."
"Then what flaws do they have?" Alexandria asked casually, watching as he moved the bishop back again.
"That depends on which act of the play you're speaking of. Right now, we're only in the first act, and they are still looking for opportunities to depose the king," Ludo replied.
"Oh come now, that is extremely unlikely, isn't it?" Alexandria protested dubiously.
"Alexandria, you of all people know that unlikely isn't the same as impossible, and in our business, even 'impossible' must be viewed with skepticism," he warned.
"Yes, and you of all people should know that sometimes things are exactly as they appear and not to let you ego lead you down an impossible path," Alexandria snapped, moving her own knight out.
"Touche," Ludo acknowledged, backing up a step. "We have both made mistakes in the past by letting our egos get away from us. It's a wonder that either of us are still alive at this point."
"I won't disagree," Alexandria replied begrudgingly, taking a more cautious position. "But I still do not believe what you are proposing is likely."
"But is it not worth considering taking some precautions?" Ludo inquired. "It is your job, after all..."
"I know what my job is, thank you. I certainly don't need you to remind me," Alexandria said curtly.
"Then let us continue analyzing this play," Ludo suggested, moving his knight once more. "Let us say that Lady Macbeth or Macbeth succeeds in deposing the king. Since their motivation for doing so would be to gain control over society, their first priority would be seizing control as quickly as possible. Anyone capable of challenging their control in any waywould be seen as a threat and will either be detained or forced to switch sides. Anyone who chooses to join will more than likely face a series of loyalty tests that would keep increasing in intensity until those subjected to them would be forced to do things that they never would have done under normal circumstances." Ludo didn't miss the fact that Thomas has shifted in his seat.
"It may make for a dull play, but I think the best solution is simply to not let them take control in the first place," Alexandria said, moving her rook up to defend.
"Of course that is the best solution. That is why I ended up getting mixed up in politics again, despite the personal risk. But that solution cannot be guaranteed, and I suggest that you make contingency plans in case the third act turns into a bloody war. One doesn't want to be forced into a new role in this tragic play," Ludo advised.
"And what about you?" Alexandria challenged him. "We both know that the only side you're on is your own side, and you don't put yourself in the spotlight unless there's no other option. Besides, you're already playing your worst role."
"In your opinion," Ludo immediately buffed, barely acknowledging the move. "I have looked over several possible conclusions to act three, but each one involves making an alliance to bring about a satisfying ending. To be blunt, there may come a point, dear Minister, when you will feel that you have no other choice but to make a temporary pact with the devil... namely, me. Should that moment come, I assure you that I will be have an open ear and plenty of suggestions on how we can come to an arrangement. I'm certain you aware of several ways to get in touch with me should that need arise," Ludo said, moving his other bishop. "On a completely different subject, I have one other thing to bring up," he continued, apparently not expecting an answer for his last point. "One of my daughters will be ready for first grade next year. I intend to enroll her at Hogsmeade. I trust there will be no complications."
"It is well known by everyone in the LE department that you go out of your way to keep your family out of your business," Alexandria assured him.
"Good! That's settled then," Ludo decided, tipping over his king and standing up. "Happy Christmas, Ministers! I must go join Tobden and give him my dutiful support of our fair valley, and then I'll depart to allow you to enjoy your holiday."
"Your family is welcome there, but if you step foot in Hogsmeade -"
"Yes, Thomas I know. Let me spare you the threat. Don't forget we share grandchildren," Ludo interrupted, wagging a finger at him.
"I won't if you won't," Thomas snapped, eyeing Ludo even after he joined Tobden.
Several of the Ambassadors from other wizard communities across Europe came over to speak with them, but it didn't come close to the number of people from the Ministry who walked the other way, refusing to come closer. Only Peter and Aldus stayed to chat, and neither of them were either surprised or concerned by their open display of condemnation.
Severus neither attempted to approach Ludo or avoid him. Rather, he simply got his drink and made his way over to where Thomas sat, still gazing fixedly at Ludo just in case he tried something.
"Where's Jen-girl?" Thomas asked without looking around.
"She is working," Severus explained, sitting down next to him. "I will have to do without her for a while."
"Does he have something to do with all of that?" Thomas asked. Severus glanced at Thomas questioningly, then followed his gaze over to Ludo.
"Possibly, I don't know," Severus admitted.
"Hm," Thomas said, but didn't say another word until Ludo had left for the night.