Chapter Fourteen
Cultural Exchange
While Alexandria had hoped that Mage would come around when it came to Lord Bres, she was quickly disillusioned as they got ready to check out the next day.
"I am sorry… I will take Beatrice and Rus home for you, but I have no intention of stepping inside the Baker Street house while that vile creature is there. You will have to take Quintin home yourself," Mage said firmly, and no reassurances seemed to phase him, rebutting each and every time Alexandria tried.
"Fine! I'll take him, but I really do think you're making a very big deal out of nothing, Mage," Alex told her husband with exasperation as they went through the room to make sure that nothing was left behind.
As Alexandria and Quintin took the Portkey back, they soon landed on the doorstep to find that it was a rather hot and muggy evening. Quintin paused long enough for his eyes and mind to adjust to the light before stepping inside.
"I'm home!" Quintin declared loud enough that he heard the patter of feet. His sister stomped down the stairs as quickly as she could to give her brother a hug. "I missed you too, Seren!"
"We're in the kitchen!" Jennifer called out.
Alex set down Quintin's bags and followed Quintin he went to the kitchen to get a hug from his mother as well. Quintin gazed curiously at the strange Fae sitting at the bar with a children's book in his hand, feeling a shiver down his spine. Wondering how long the sensation would last, Quintin attempted a smile.
"Bres, this is my second youngest son, Quintin," Jennifer introduced.
"That is quite obvious. He looks nearly as much like you as your youngest daughter," Bres observed.
"Quintin, this is Lunette's husband, Lord Bres, a Svartalfar… also known as a Delf. He's going to be staying with us for a while, and Lunette when she can. Right now she's in New York," Jennifer explained. "Perhaps you can help Seren and I teach Bres English now that you're home. He's just started learning our alphabet and simple words, you see… he's using magic to translate for the most part."
"Well, I will help as much as I can, but I do have to start work tomorrow," Quintin pointed out.
"Tomorrow is my first day at work as well," Bres said.
"Really? What do you do?" Quintin asked curiously.
"By trade, I am a scholar. But tomorrow I shall be a cultural assistant in training at the Wizard's Museum," Bres explained.
"So you're going to teach everyone about Delves? Too bad I have to work, then. I wouldn't mind learning about Delves too," Quintin said.
"You'll have plenty of time to learn from him right here, Quintin. It's just a part time job until it's time to head back to the school," Jennifer explained, then she turned to Alexandria. "Are you hungry? Maybe a quick cup of coffee?"
"Oh, no thanks, Mum. We just had a late breakfast and I'm going to be up late as it is, so coffee is a bad idea," Alexandria said.
"Peppermint tea?" Jennifer suggested.
"That'll work," Alexandria decided.
"Quintin, since you've just eaten, why don't you go change and unpack?"
"Alright. Do you want to come help, Seren? I might have a surprise for you in my bags," Quintin said.
"Yay! I'll help find it!" Seren said, and ran up the stairs ahead of him.
"It's not a whole lot of chocolate, is it?" Jennifer asked.
"No, Mum, just a small bag and a teddy bear that smells like chocolate," Alex said.
"That's alright then," Jennifer said, pouring her some hot water. "Would you like to try some peppermint tea, Bres? It's quite different from what you've tried before."
"Yes, thank you," Bres replied.
"So how did your plan go? Were you able to convince Mage to give Bres a chance?" Jennifer asked Alexandria.
"Well, actually, I didn't really get a chance to. The fact of the matter was that when we got there, we found out that Ludo had brought his family to the exact same hotel and booked the room we were supposed to be in," Alexandria admitted.
"Oh, no!" Jennifer said sympathetically, but then became confused. "How come I didn't read that from Quintin? He was quite upbeat and was thinking how much fun he had."
"It's complicated," Alex said dryly. "If you must know, we all ended up spending the entire weekend together." Jennifer blinked at that. "And because we were busy dealing with Bagman's family, I really didn't spend enough quiet time with Mage to get to the bottom of his aversion to Bres. Sorry, Mum."
"It's alright, I'm sure there will be other opportunities," Jennifer said with a sigh.
"I've other concerns more important than attempting to placate an agitated Pookah," Bres said, waving it off entirely. "I spent the weekend with the Fomorians learning about my race's history in this world. They had stories of when we were allied to them, and stories of when we were a part of the Unseelie Court, many of which would explain why other races here, including humans, would hold a grudge against Delves. Especially a grudge against our warriors, who sometimes behaved little better than the demons we fought in our own world."
"It probably pales in comparison to what humans have done… to other races and each other," Alexandria said bluntly. "Humans are just as guilty of cruelty in war than anyone else, and we've stomped on other races even outside of war just to maintain that dominance. And that, Bres, is exactly why you need to be careful, especially around wizards you don't know."
"Yes, I've been warned many times, but there's no need to be concerned," he said, his gaze shifting to Jennifer's solemn face as well. "If we Delves are known for anything, it's for being quick of tongue and even faster on our feet."
"He's right, Alexandria, he'll be fine," Jennifer said with a warm smile.
Bres sensed that despite Jennifer's firm reassurance she was actually more uncertain than she seemed. Perhaps the best way to put her at ease was to simply prove it, he mused, taking a sip of the peppermint tea. His expression changed, pleasantly surprised by the flavor.
"I like this drink," he decided. "You're right, it is different from the other tea."
"Well, if there's one thing this world has in abundance, it's variety," Jennifer said with amusement.
When Ambrose Tinker Apparated to the Wizard History, Artifacts, and Treasures Museum, Bres was already sitting on the edge of the fountain with a book in his hand. Ambrose walked up with a soft smile.
"Wow, and I thought I was here early this morning," Ambrose said, as Bres stood, nodding courteously.
"Is it not allowed?" Bres asked in concern.
"It's fine, it's fine. Actually, if you had wanted to, you could have run the bell next to the door and security would have let you in. Typically that's what the cafe staff does, but I think we beat them today too," Ambrose said, unlocking the door and letting Bres in.
The museum felt different now that it was quiet and empty, with only security lights lighting up the main floor. But after taking a few steps, the lights all came to life, slowly going from dim to bright so they had a little time to get used to it.
"That's just a sign that security knows we're here," Ambrose explained as they walked to the cafe. "Overnight security is handled by one of Adam Hinge's deputies, Deputy Iggy. He's a really nice Trade Elf, but I barely ever get to see him. Most of our conversations outside of emergencies consist of saying, "have a good day" or "have a good night," because I typically only work with him during the once a month Night at the Museum event."
Ambrose unlocked and pulled up the rods on the cafe doors and pushed them open, locking them into place.
"Have a good day, Ambrose!" called out a voice, and Bres turned to see a white glow float by.
"Sleep tight, Iggy!" Ambrose replied, the glow continuing on towards the door. "There, you see? He's not big on daylight. As I understand it from Adam, he was serving a vampire before Liberation Day, and was very glad to find a night job where he got to protect something for a change… " Ambrose paused and turned a dial on a large canister. "There we go, we'll have tea in no time. Or do you prefer coffee? Hey, you really haven't said a word since we came in," Ambrose realized.
"I was uncertain when to speak, so I was simply listening. I prefer coffee, but I had a drink this morning already. Is it customary to get another drink at work as well?" Bres asked.
"I don't know about everywhere, but it's pretty common here," Ambrose said as he got under the counter for filters and a bag of coffee. "Generally, whoever is here first in the morning is the one who starts the water as a courtesy for everyone else coming in."
"I understand. Would it be alright if I take notes?" Bres inquired.
"Sure, I guess," Ambrose said. Bres immediately got out a notebook to write in. "You know… you don't have to ask me permission about every little thing while you're here. Don't feel like you have to hold back."
"Thank you, Curator Tinker."
"No, no, call me Ambrose, and I get the feeling you're still holding back," Ambrose said bluntly.
"I do not want to seem impolite by actually taking you literally," Bres admitted.
"What?" Ambrose asked.
"I have been reading books about British society to better fit in, and one of the things that often comes up is when someone asks you to either 'make yourself comfortable' or 'don't hold back and be yourself', they do not actually mean it," Bres explained solemnly.
"Yeah okay, I see your point, but I meant it. Look… how do I put this? I know very little about your society other than what I've read in books, and you are in the exact same position, other than what you've experienced over a week and a half, correct?" Ambrose asked.
"Yes," Bres agreed.
"Part of my job here at the museum… the most important part of my job here… is to break down barriers. My job is to open the minds of people who visit so that they can see history as it is, and not by their preconceived ideas of what it is. To see all living beings no matter how big or small in a wider context than what they've seen before. This museum is here to create an environment where everyone visiting it can learn to appreciate not only wizard society, but the whole macrocosm of this world and all living things on it, even those creatures and races that have transcended from your world. It is here to educate, and ultimately provide a place where people can educate themselves," Ambrose explained.
"Yes," Bres agreed. "It is a wondrous place."
"Thank you. It took a lot of time, effort, and wizard support to get it to where it is," Ambrose acknowledged. "But since my job is to break down barriers, the barriers between us have to come down. I can't possibly understand your race as a whole or even who you are as a person if you're so afraid of breaking protocols that I can't get to know you for who you really are. It's got to go… maybe not in public, but definitely when we're alone together. I will learn more about who you are and you will be easier to train if you're not trying to be polite all of the time, so please stop it."
"I'm sorry, but are you asking me to be rude?" Bres pondered with confusion.
"I want you to be honest and tell me what you're thinking, whether you think it's rude or not. So if you have something on your mind, say it, whether you think it'll fit in or not," Ambrose said.
"Does that include asking rude questions?" Bres asked cautiously.
"Questions are the most important thing of all! It's the ultimate barrier breaker! Ask away!" Ambrose insisted.
"Even if it's something that I was told not to ask before?" Bres wondered.
"As long as it's just between us, yes." Ambrose said firmly. "What do you want to ask?"
"What are you?" Bres asked with such a perplexed expression that Ambrose laughed outright, getting himself some tea. "And why do you have two Dragonheart rings, and why are they on a different finger?"
"Those are very good questions," Ambrose replied, getting Bres a coffee as well. That's when he heard footsteps and someone panting when they stopped. "Oh, hello, Rel," he added without turning around. "Do you want tea or coffee?"
"Can't you do this in your office or something?" Aurelius asked critically, still panting.
"It's okay, I'll get this over with now," Ambrose said with a smile, putting the paper cups on the nearest table before grabbing a sugar and cream caddy. "I am mostly human, Bres, but the parts that aren't human are so strong that I have to curb my magic, which is why you won't see me using it much. And the reason that my magic is so weird is that the Gardener is my father."
"Ah! You are called Tinker because your father's disguise is running the Tinker shop," Brea said.
"That's right. And while everyone knows I am Toby's son, not everyone knows he's the Gardener so… as far as only a few know, I'm just a normal human wizard," Ambrose said.
" I understand. It is a secret due to the Gardener's reputation here," Bres said.
"Well that, and to keep people from knowing too much about my magic level. They would see it as a threat," Ambrose said.
"I see. I have heard something similar said about Anna Black," Bres replied.
"Same idea, just less generations removed and a slightly different blood makeup since she has some Fomorian lineage that I don't," Ambrose said. "As for the rings, I happen to have two Cosmic Matches: a sister and a lover, but it is also a secret, since it goes against our own cultural norms. Only a select few people can see these rings at all."
"It is alright. I am good at keeping secrets," Bres assured Ambrose.
"Good, because another leak would be disastrous," Aurelius said. "I'm heading to work. Good luck."
"Thanks, Rel," Ambrose said, then noticed Bres gazing curiously at him. "Aurelius works with law enforcement, if you didn't know. He's also the Snape family's secret keeper."
"Then he must be very busy," Bres decided. Ambrose smirked.
"That he is,"Ambrose acknowledged. "So, now that you know more about me, do you promise to tell me when you have something on your mind from now on?"
"Very well," Bres said. "Can I learn more about my responsibilities now?
"First, I want to introduce you to the regular staff. And considering the time, you won't have long to wait before someone shows up," Ambrose promised, sitting down with his cup.
Sure enough, it wasn't long before Veronica arrived along with some of her summer help.
"This is Ronnie, she manages the gift shop and the store, and these are some Hogwarts students who are here to help out for the summer. This is her youngest sister Garnet and Dawn Pyther, who both work here in the cafe, and Pete Cander who's helping in the gift shop. Everyone, this is Bres, he's going to be a cultural guide this summer."
"Are you some kind of vampire?" Pete asked with a frown. Dawn hit his arm with the back of her hand.
"It's morning, you moron!" Dawn snapped at Pete.
"That's enough, Dawn, you know better than to behave like that at work," Ambrose told her sternly.
"Are you related to Alicia?" Bres asked curiously.
"Yes, I'm her daughter, actually," Dawn replied, still glancing at Pete with annoyance. Pete, for his part, was still looking unsurely at Bres. Despite his dark presence, the Delf's subtle smile seemed warm.
"I met Alicia on Lupin Island, during the celebration of Sir Andrew's newest daughter," Bres explained.
"Oh, yeah. I had to work that weekend," Dawn replied. "But if Laura ever had a boy, I think the whole family would show up to try to figure out who the father was."
"Dawn has her mother's sense of humor," Ronnie noted. "Alright, girls! A quick cup of tea, then get the prepwork done."
"Hey, everyone!" another witch called out. Her vibrant red hair was pulled up in a ponytail. "I guess this must be the Counselor Vallid's husband, right? I read about you in the newspaper."
"That's right, Amy. Amy Willowby, this is Bres. Amy is a local archeologist and a relics excavator. She often works down in the archeology lab so that visitors can watch her clean up artifacts," Ambrose explained. "It's to show them how much work is involved."
"The best part of it is having the luxury of cleaning up artifacts in a temperature controlled room… especially after spending a week out on a site," Amy admitted. "Actually, I came in early today to help Halbert clean the Kirin cage."
"Oh, so you've been in the back already? Is TJ here?" Ambrose asked.
"Yes, she's already got her clipboard out and is doing the assessments you wanted her to do, but she didn't seem to be in the best of moods. I'm sure you know why," Amy said to Ambrose.
"Yes, I heard. I'll talk to her about it as soon as I get a chance," Ambrose assured Amy. "Right now, I need to show Bres where we're going to put up his display."
"I'll be down in a few minutes if you need help," Amy offered, pouring herself a cup.
"Thanks, Amy," Ambrose said. "Are you ready, Bres?"
"Certainly," Bres said. He followed Ambrose out of the cafe and down a set of wide double stairs.
"This first floor is called International Treasures, which features excavated pieces from wizard societies all around the world," Ambrose explained. "Our newest exhibit is that Italian Cassone that the Magistri family once owned - it's here on a loan from Jennifer Craw. There's some controversy involving how she got it, but she does have the correct paperwork," he added mischievously.
"Jennifer Craw again?" Bres asked with disbelief.
"Well, the Snape family was one of the museum's earliest donors, so they tend to contribute a lot, and it's a big family," Ambrose explained, turning down the next set of stairs. "A lot of prominent Reformist families have contributed in some way… Craws, Potters, Blacks, Weasleys, Malfoys, Dalances, and even the Balmweeds now that they're a mix of Reformists and Solidarity."
"I don't know what Reformists are. Is it a particular clan?" Bres asked.
"A political party. It's complicated, really, but we have a sort of mixed republic here. The Wizard Council makes most of the decisions, but during elections there's a public vote that weighs heavily into big decisions like who the Minister of Magic is going to be. Our current head of the wizard government, Minister Draco Malfoy, has been in charge for a very long time. He won by consensus last time… that's when the vote of the Wizard Council is so overwhelmingly in his favor there's no mathematical way for the candidate to win, so they save the expense of the public vote until the next election," Ambrose said.
"That sounds quite complicated, as I'm sure all democracies are. Perhaps you can recommend some books on the subject?" Bres asked.
"Absolutely!" Ambrose said with a smile. "In fact, I know a few books that we use at Hogwarts that should be simple enough to understand but detailed enough that it should give you a broad understanding of it."
"We use at Hogwarts?" Bres repeated. "Are you associated with Hogwarts castle as well?"
"I'm a part-time instructor there. I teach History and Writing courses," Ambrose explained.
"I did not know that. I'm going to be there as an assistant librarian," Bres explained.
"I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other then," Ambrose acknowledged with a smile, stepping into Sublevel 2. "This is the World Culture and Magicology floor, where non-wizard races and their magic studies are featured… like Fomorians, Goblins, and so on. Trade Elves is our newest exhibit," he said, walking past it and over to a corner with tall white partitions around it. "And this space will be yours," he said, unhooking a rope so they could go in. Bres stepped in and frowned.
"It's completely bare," he said, glancing at the polished floor and freshly painted walls.
"That's right. It's yours to build whatever exhibit you think is appropriate. You'll need to propose a plan in writing and tell me how you want people to know about your culture and how you want to display it. Once it's approved, I'll help you execute it," Ambrose said. "Therefore, your first job is to go through the whole museum and get ideas for what you want your exhibit to look like and write down your ideas so we can go over them. But just because I want you to get ideas from other exhibits doesn't mean it has to be the same. It doesn't even have to match the exhibits in this room, or any other exhibit in here, either. Spending your time studying the museum is supposed to give you clues as to what we're looking for in an exhibit, not to dictate a direction. The main thing you need to consider is the physical space you have to work with and plan according to it."
"How long do I have to do this?" Bres asked.
"I don't want to put a time limit on it just yet. Let's just see what your progress is by the end of your shift. But before you get started, let me show you the break room so you can see the break schedule and know where to go, then we'll head up to my office so I can get you a clipboard and some paper for your ideas. After that, I'll let you go explore for the rest of the day. Since your shift ends at two, meet me in my office at one thirty to go over any questions or ideas you have," Ambrose said.
"Very well!" Bres said with a hint of enthusiasm, following Ambrose down another set of stairs.
The moment that Bres wandered off with his new clipboard in hand, Ambrose turned his attention back to his friend, using the museum paintings to track her down. TJ was upstairs on the children's floor, measuring one of the beaten down workstations that needed to be replaced.
"Good morning, TJ," Ambrose said as he walked up.
Good morning, Ambrose! I think this should be the next area that needs to be redone, don't you?" TJ asked, not looking up from her clipboard.
"Sure! That's the best thing about this floor, isn't it? The kids always make the decision for us on what to rotate out," Ambrose replied, then gazed at her searchingly. "I saw the paper yesterday. You okay?"
"Perfectly," TJ replied.
"Perfectly?" Ambrose repeated dubiously.
"Fine, I'll admit to being slightly irritated that my old fiancé is marrying a Villin. But I'm not angry. Rather, I'm somewhere between disappointment and disgust, really. To even think he'd settle for a Villin is abhorrent," TJ said.
"I'm going to pretend that comment is about the family being a mess rather than the fact he's marrying under his station," Ambrose decided.
"Yes, well… that too," TJ said sheepishly. "My father was more insensed than I was, of course."
"That I can believe," Ambrose said. "Still on for Wizard Bridge tonight?"
"Of course," TJ said. "And lunch if you like."
"I have a trainee. Dinner before cards?" Ambrose suggested.
"Yes, alright," TJ agreed.
"I'd better go get some work done. Hey, never forget you're exceptional, okay? You deserve better, " Ambrose reminded her.
"Thank you, Ambrose," TJ smiled, watching as he walked off and went upstairs. "If he only knew," TJ said to herself, shaking her head with a smile.
When Seren and Jennifer got home from their tea with Minerva, Bres and Quintin were both at the dining room table. Quintin was going through a watch repair manual and talking to Bres, who was busy going through several pages of ideas.
"I see you both made it home alright! How did your first day go, Bres?" Jennifer asked, peeking over his shoulder curiously to see what the papers were all about.
"I spent the day wandering the museum to get ideas for my exhibit," Bres explained. "I have a list of things to write out that Ambrose wants me to include, and some details that I need to add and choose myself. But I do know two things I want to include for certain; a model of Isuldan and Svartheim, and a Recorder."
"A recorder?" Quintin asked
"An enchanted musical instrument, it is a type of wooden flute," Bres explained.
"Oh yes, we have recorders here too, actually, going back to the middle ages, at least," Jennifer said.
"Ambrose told me as much, but it seems they're not enchanted in the way I want to use it. He is going to get one from a shop in Hogsmeade and bring it to work tomorrow. Hopefully, it has a good enough tone that I can set it up properly," Bres said.
"If he's getting it from Hogsmeade, he's getting it from Mohannan Music. I doubt you'll have any problems with tone," Jennifer said. "Are you thinking of setting it up to play several songs from your culture that'll play when people interact with the exhibit?" she asked.
"More than that, I am hoping to conjure images as well. It is rather like that box in the front room, where the sound invokes pictures," Bres tried to explain.
"You mean the tellie? I don't think that's how that works," Quintin said.
"Are you certain? You told me that the radio was sound over waves in the air, and that television was radio with moving pictures, did you not?" Bres told Quintin.
"Oh, you're right, I did say that… then again, now that I think about it… I'm not really sure how it works," Quintin said sheepishly.
"Well, you can explore that if you take Items again this year, I suppose. As for Bres, I do have some idea what he was talking about," Jennifer said. "My dear friend Whimsy, who runs a travelling troupe, used a spell in his play that allowed us to visualize the backstory even though they had no background sets; it was part of the narration. Am I right in thinking this is similar?"
"Yes, it is, only it will be tied to the music directly so that no performer needs to be there to make the visions appear," Bres replied, and Jennifer smiled and nodded in understanding. "The other thing I really want to make is a miniature of my home… both the castle and the city beneath it."
"Like the ones on the children's floor?" Quintin asked.
"Yes, but on a much smaller scale, and not from wood; we only have one tree; one so deeply planted in the city that its roots do not freeze no matter how cold the winter. And since the land has been ravaged and other trees are far, it's a precious commodity that we don't use frivolously in any respect," Bres explained. "The most ideal solution would be a Crystal Hollow Stone… actually, Ambrose had a different word for it."
"A geode perhaps?" Jennifer suggested.
"That was the word," Bres agreed. "I can harvest the crystals and use them for the castle, and use the interior to turn into a miniature city."
"That sounds like it's going to be lovely. I can't wait to see it," Jennifer said sincerely, then glanced at Quintin. "And how was your first day back at the watch shop?"
"It went really well. Gribitz gave me this book and he's planning to teach me some simple repairs and cleaning techniques beyond what he showed me last year," Quintin said. "Actually, I wanted him to teach me more about how the location watches work, but he only teaches that to the apprentices who are planning on becoming watchmakers themselves. He was pretty disappointed when I told him that I'm going to be a Symbologist. In fact, he disapproved almost as much as Father does."
"Why is that?" Bres asked curiously.
"Well, according to Gribitz, there's no money in it. And according to Father, Symbology isn't a relevant subject anymore," Quintin said. Bres frowned in confusion.
"How could it possibly not be relevant anymore? It seems to me that symbols in magic are just as important here as they are in my world," Bres replied. "It is the foundation of magic based on intellectual thought."
"I've always thought so too," Quintin said. "I have a book on it with some hidden hints as to how it can be used in a more practical way, but a lot of the study has been lost, you see. Do you suppose you could teach me? Mum, can he teach me?"
"I don't mind if Bres doesn't, Quintin, as long as all of your responsibilities are seen to first, and I do mean all of your responsibilities," Jennifer said.
"He would need to be quite responsible to learn such magic," Bres agreed with a nod.
"Maybe it'll help convince Dad that Symbology isn't a dead subject after all," Quintin said.
"Your father doesn't have the ability to read minds like I do. I don't think he understands that it is its own form of magic just yet. He sees it only as the study of patterns in numbers and life and its repetitions, and he values it for giving us clues to lost ancient history. And he appreciates it for being the foundation for Divination, Astrology, and Arithmantics."
"All human magic starts with Symbology, Mum, not just those," Quintin insisted.
"Wait… does it?" Bres said, and there was a flicker in his eyes. "That explains everything! Having to repeat words and wand movements and book after book of complicated spells… I understand now! How fascinating!"
"I think so too! But my father doesn't," Quintin said with a sigh.
"I will just let the two of you sort that out. That way, I can keep being a neutral party," Jennifer decided. "But Bres, even if it sounds as if you're going to be looking into the connections between Symbology and modern magic, please don't be tempted to try human magic just yet, even if you do have a wand now. I'd rather it be in a controlled environment in case your magic backfires, and only trained professionals are allowed to teach magic, anyway."
"Thank you, Jennifer. But since it's so complicated and I need to learn your language anyway, perhaps I could at least memorize spells from the first book in preparation?" Bres suggested.
"You can, although a great many of those aren't in English, but a mix of Latin and several other languages," Jennifer said.
"In other words, magic has its own symbolic language," Quintin said.
"Please take your work to the library, I do have to start thinking about dinner, you know," Jennifer added with exasperation, and they gathered up their books with an apology and got out of her way.
The rest of the week seemed to fly by as the two of them went off to work and Jennifer began turning her attention to preparing for the new school year, from popping off to Whitebridge for a day as well as writing a proposal for books and pamphlet changes she wanted to make to her Hogwarts agenda that year.
She heard a swift knock and Darcy opened the door, letting in Lunette, who strode in to see Jennifer working at the kitchen bar. Radiance, who was making a play at supervising from her stand, made a warbling greeting and got a head scratch for her efforts.
"Welcome back, Lunette! Did I forget to give you a regular house key?" Jennifer said.
"It's fine, it's fine. I just felt awkward coming in without knocking," Lunette confessed.
"Now, don't be silly. You and Bres have a room here, you can come and go as you please," Jennifer insisted.
"Thanks, Jennifer," Lunette said sincerely. "Where's Bres?"
"Still at work, he works until two," Jennifer explained, and Lunette checked her watch. "They've been busy all week working on his exhibit, but he thinks it's going to take another full week before it's finished. I've seen the plans, though, it looks quite fascinating!"
"I'm sure it's better than being there. In person, the castle is cold and the land is barren," Lunette assured her. "And the Delven people's strict decorum made me appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of a grand jury indictment," she added dryly. Jennifer chuckled.
"Bres had told me that his relatives considered him quite the jester," Jennifer said.
"His intellectual wit and natural comedic timing stands out tremendously among his own people, he is so much more lively that it was obvious why his father chose to send him when he saw how rowdy my grandfather and his men were," Lunette said with a thin smile. "And I must admit, I enjoyed watching him let out zingers while his father and brother were attempting to make a good impression on the diplomatic envoy. If I hadn't already fallen for him, I probably would have during that trip."
"What about the city itself? Bres says it's even larger than the one that Myrkinbrek is in. What was that like?" Jennifer asked eagerly.
"Actually, we didn't go down in the city proper, just the castle, so I can't help you there," Lunette admitted. "Does Bres talk about it a lot? It's not like you to be interested in anything underground."
"Oh, it's because he's working on a model as part of his display, so he often brings home drawings and things," Jennifer said. "He has been showing me, because he knows I've been to Fellbrek, the ruins under Glastonbury Tor. To be fair, Lunette, I have gotten much better about being underground since I've gotten my Animagus form. Even on the rare occasions I do feel a bit claustrophobic, I just turn into a Niffler and it all goes away."
"That's good to hear. And that form really suits you, sticky fingers and all," Lunette teased.
"That'll do, thank you! I've never taken anything that wasn't supposed to be in my hands in the first place," Jennifer said. Lunette opened her mouth and closed it.
"You know what? I think I'm staying away from that conversation just in case you need a lawyer again," Lunette decided with amusement. "Is everything set up for Coven Night?"
"Oh, yes! While I was having tea with Minerva the other day, we discussed who should go, because Anna and Sirius decided to take Samantha to the States to visit her grandmother for a week, so she's not available. Then Beth came in looking for a dress for Eric Dalance's garden party, and I asked her if she was interested, but she said she'd only go if TJ Selwyn could come as well, since TJ hasn't ever been invited to a Coven Night. Is that alright?"
"Well, I know who the Selwyns are, but I don't know who TJ is. Can we be candid around her?" Lunette said.
"Oh, yes! Quite candid! She works at the museum as their art and artifacts specialist and is very close to Ambrose, Beth, and Maurice. She knows all of the secrets already," Jennifer said.
"I guess it's alright. I'll have to trust your judgement on this one. But considering the last time you brought people to one of my Coven Nights, I met Kay Sinclair, it might turn out fine," Lunette decided with amusement.
"That was a fun night, only she's Kay Eldridge now," Jennifer informed her.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I guess Gretchen and Frank are probably married by now too," Lunette mused. Jennifer nodded with a smile. "What about Asher? Still playing the field?"
"He is dating a nurse from the nearby hospital," Jennifer said, quite excited. "They've been dating for almost a year! I haven't met her yet, but Frank has, and he says she's extremely comely but quite the drill sergeant at the hospital. She always puts him in his place."
"That definitely sounds like his type," Lunette agreed.
"I can't wait to get a look at her so I can see what she's thinking. I have a feeling we'd probably get along well, but he won't bring her to the school. He says he doesn't want to share her," Jennifer pouted.
"Probably because he's seen how you operate when you get nosy," Lunette said knowingly. "I'm going to go unpack. Now that I know how things are going with the law practice, I think I want to stick around for a bit, and maybe call in some old favors to help me look for my father."
"Of course! You're more than welcome! But don't feel you have to knock, come and go as you like. I never meant to impose, Lunette," Jennifer assured her solemnly. "As for Viviane… I really can't control what she does, but I've been on her bad side often enough that I wanted to avoid it if I could." Lunette glanced down at her ring, which was a contented blue.
"It's just a ring," Lunette said at last. "It's okay, Jennifer, I'll get used to it. As long as everyone gives me some space, I'll be fine." Jennifer smiled in understanding, knowing that during her time away, Lunette had regained her sense of control again, putting her back on better footing.
"I'm going upstairs," Lunette said.
"If you need anything and don't feel like eating with us, feel free to ask Darcy or the rest of the staff! They love having guests," Jennifer said.
"Okay, but don't be surprised if I eat out a lot, since that's what I'm used to," Lunette replied.
"Just know you're always welcome to join us whenever you like," Jennifer replied.
"Thanks," Lunette said, heading back upstairs, feeling as if they had come to a genuine understanding. Jennifer pondered that for a moment, then reminded herself what she was working on and focused on her proposal again.