Aftermaths, Part 71

by Geri ([email protected])

Rating: Mostly PG-13, but NC-17 for overall story

Pairing: Snape/Lupin, Theodore/Blaise

Warning: AU; events that occurred at the end of Order of the Phoenix were significantly altered from the book.

Sequel to: Always, Summer Vacation, For Old Time's Sake, Three's a Crowd, Return of the Raven, Phoenix Reborn, and Phoenix Rising.

Summary: The various characters deal with the aftermath of the war, and Snape and Lupin try to build a family together with Theodore and Dylan. However, some people are unable to let go of the past...

Author's note: {} Indicates character's unspoken thoughts.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to J.K. Rowling, except Hob, who belongs to William Mayne; no money is being made off this story; consider it a little wish fulfillment on my part.
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Lukas met with the Ames family for tea one afternoon the following week, after classes were over. Gwendolyn looked delighted to see him, although her husband looked worried. "I had a very long talk with Selima Snape last weekend," Lukas said. "It seems that she is willing to support my claim to the Diggory estate--or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that she is adamant about it. She has offered to hire Morrigan De Lacy to represent me in court."

"Then it seems you have made up your mind," Robert Ames said, frowning. "You intend to challenge Amos for the title."

Lukas shook his head. "I have made up my mind not to hide my identity or deny my heritage any longer. That is not necessarily the same thing. I promised Tristan that I would discuss the matter with you and Gwendolyn first before making my decision, and I am keeping my promise."

"Then you want our permission?" Robert asked, a little belligerently.

His wife glared at him. "You know how I feel about this, Cyr--I mean, Lukas," Gwendolyn said. "You are the rightful heir; if you want our blessing, you have it."

"I have your blessing," Lukas said with a wry smile, "but not your husband's." As Gwendolyn opened her mouth to protest, he added, "I can't really blame him; he doesn't wish to see his son's inheritance taken away from him, but perhaps I can set his mind at ease about that." He told them about the compromise Morrigan had suggested, that he make Tristan his heir.

Robert sat there, eyes wide, too stunned to react, and Tristan smiled at him shyly. "That's very generous of you, Lukas," Gwendolyn said.

"No, it's not," Lukas said. "It's practical. My lycanthropy is inherited, and I have no wish to inflict my curse on a child. Since I will never have children, it therefore follows that I need an heir, and Tristan is next in line to inherit."

Robert looked less hostile, but still concerned. "But what about Amos and Helen?" he asked. "What will happen to them if you become Lord? Will you turn them out of their home?"

"Why should I care what happens to Amos?" Lukas asked bitterly.

"You may not care about him," Robert replied, "and perhaps deservedly so, since he has wronged you. But he has been good to me and Gwen and Tristan all these years. Whatever he has done, he is still family to us."

"That is true," Gwendolyn said softly. "He is still my brother, and I cannot help but love him no matter how angry I am at him. And his wife is a good person, Lukas. They were not yet married when Cynric died, and she knew nothing about how Amos had helped to fake your death. You have every right to be angry with Amos, but for Helen's sake, couldn't we work out something out?"

"Are they living in the mansion?" Lukas asked.

"No," Gwendolyn said. "Amos closed it up after Mother and Father died; he said the upkeep was too expensive. They've been living in a modest home in Ottery St. Catchpole, near the Weasleys."

"And my father's house in London?"

Gwendolyn winced. "Father tore down the house and sold the land after Cynric died. I was very upset, but he said it held too many painful memories for him. I think there's an antique shop there now."

"More likely he wanted to get rid of any evidence of my lycanthropy," Lukas said bitterly. "Such as claw marks on the walls of the room where I was confined during the full moon. They tried to erase every trace of my existence." He saw Gwendolyn's face, tearful and guilty, although she herself had done nothing wrong, and he sighed a little. "Very well," he said, his anger diffusing, "if Amos will cede me the title and the main estate, he can keep the home in Ottery St. Catchpole."

"Then you're going to do it!" Gwendolyn said, her expression brightening. "You're going to fight for the title!"

"You seem awfully happy for someone about to get caught in the middle of a family feud," Lukas said dryly. "What happened to your concern about your dear brother?"

"I love Amos," Gwendolyn said quietly, "but I loved you and Cynric and Anya as well. You have no idea how overjoyed, how grateful I am to know that you are still alive, when I had thought you were dead for over twenty years. Amos will be upset, yes, but he is in the wrong, and he knows it. I think secretly he is ashamed, or he wouldn't have hid the truth from me all these years. Cynric was the eldest son and heir, and the title rightfully belongs to you. I will support your claim, no matter how angry Amos gets."

"Even if it goes to court?" Lukas asked.

"Even so," Gwendolyn said. "But hopefully it won't come to that. I'll talk to Amos, try to reason with him. It's a fair and generous offer you've made, to name Tristan your heir and cede him the house."

"I doubt Amos will see it that way," Robert muttered under his breath, and Lukas knew he was probably right.

"Are the two of you all right with this?" Lukas asked Robert and Tristan.

Robert shrugged. "Well, Gwen is determined to support you no matter what I think," he said in a resigned tone, sounding an awful lot like Snape when Lupin was badgering him into doing something he didn't want to do, and Lukas had to repress a smile. "And I suppose she's right. I'm no lawyer, but it seems to me that the title should legally be yours."

"I guess I'm okay with it," Tristan said. "Though I don't like to see you and Uncle Amos fighting with each other."

Lukas heaved a sigh. He hated his uncle, and still wasn't completely convinced that Amos was innocent of involvement in Cynric's death. But Gwendolyn and Tristan cared for Amos, and Lukas didn't want to cause them any more pain than he already had. He wrestled with his anger and guilt, then finally made a very difficult decision: to leave the past in the past, and not to probe further into his father's death. "I will call a truce with Amos, if he will call a truce with me."

Gwendolyn's grateful smile, and the tears shining in her eyes, made that decision a little less painful. "Thank you, Cyril," she whispered, reaching out to lay her hand against his cheek.

She had slipped and used his real name, but this once, Lukas found that he didn't mind. He laid his hand over hers for a moment, then said, "Don't thank me yet. Amos hasn't agreed to the truce."

Gwendolyn laughed and wiped the tears from her eyes. "He will. I'll force him to, somehow."

"Then I'll speak to Ms. De Lacy, and have her draw up the legal documents."

Gwendolyn nodded. "Fine, but let me talk to Amos first. He'll take it better coming from me than from your lawyer."

"All right," Lukas said. "Amos probably won't believe me, but I don't really care about the title or the money. I just want..." He hesitated, searching for the right words. "I want my father's name back. I want the inheritance he fought for, not so much because I want it for myself, but because he wanted it for me."

"I understand," Gwendolyn said quietly, reaching out to clasp his hand. "I understand, Cyril, even if Amos doesn't. I'm sorry, I mean, Lukas."

"It's all right, Gwen." Lukas hesitated again; hadn't he said that he was going to stop denying his name and heritage? "You can call me 'Cyril' if you wish."

"Really?" she asked, her face lighting up.

"Really," Lukas said, then suddenly laughed. "Why not? Lady Selima refuses to call me anything else!" Gwendolyn jumped up and flung her arms around him, and still laughing, he protested, "Gwennie!" His inner wolf growled contentedly; it had decided that she was pack. Lukas the man was having a little more trouble coming to terms with it, but he followed the wolf's instincts, and very gingerly returned the embrace.
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The Career Fair was a big success. Classes were canceled for the day of the fair, which delighted the students, and prospective employers gathered in the Great Hall to hand out brochures and talk to interested students. The Gringotts representatives, Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour, garnered a large and--not surprisingly--mostly male audience who hung on Fleur's every word. The boys also enjoyed hearing about Bill's adventures as a curse-breaker in Egypt, though, and a few girls eyed Bill appreciatively, much to Fleur's displeasure. Her expression softened slightly when she looked at Gabrielle, who was delighted to see her again. Gabby spent most of the day sitting with Fleur and gazing at her older sister adoringly.

Sirius showed up on behalf of the Ministry, although not a great many students seemed interested in joining the Werewolf Support Services department. Much to his surprise, his three most enthusiastic potential recruits were all Slytherins: Crabbe, Goyle, and Brad Doherty. Sirius had known Crabbe and Goyle senior in school, and remembered them as being stupid and obnoxious, but their sons clearly idolized Lupin, as did the Doherty boy. Sirius couldn't help but smile in amusement at the irony of it all. Moony certainly had a way of charming Slytherins--not just Snape, but his students as well! A couple of Gryffindors, Dennis Creevey and Martin Parry, also expressed interest in working for Werewolf Support when they graduated.

A dreamy-eyed girl in a Ravenclaw uniform came up to the table and said, sounding disappointed, "Oh, so you're not Stubby Boardman, after all."

"Huh?" a puzzled Sirius said.

"Oh, it's just one of Loony Lovegood's crazy ideas," Crabbe said, but in a friendly manner. "When you were a fugitive, her dad's paper said that Sirius Black was really the lead singer of the Hobgoblins in disguise."

"It was a valid theory," Luna said gravely.

"Er...never heard of the Hobgoblins," Sirius said, still puzzled. "Then again, it was hard to keep up with popular music in Azkaban. Would you like a brochure, Miss Lovegood?"

"Certainly," she said with a smile, accepting the proffered brochure. "I haven't decided on a career choice yet, but working with werewolves sounds like fun. Then again, I might go to work with my dad on the Quibbler, or I would like to work with Thestrals. They're not used widely outside of Hogwarts, but I think they make an excellent form of transportation. Maybe I could start my own Thestral carriage service."

"Um...right," Sirius said. The girl didn't seem to be altogether there; her eyes had a very dreamy and faraway look, as if she was looking at something that no one else could see. Sirius suddenly noticed that her eyes were an odd silvery-grade shade not unlike Math's and Dylan's, and he wondered if there might be some Donner blood in her family tree. A touch of the Sight might explain her oddness, and that air of looking into another world.

"What a great idea!" Crabbe said to Luna. "But where would we get the Thestrals from?"

"'We'?" Goyle asked.

"We could tame some wild ones," Luna said earnestly, ignoring Goyle, "or perhaps Hogwarts would sell us some, since the herd is continuing to breed and grow larger."

"What about Werewolf Support?" Goyle asked.

"Oh yeah," Crabbe said, looking torn.

Sirius chuckled. "There are many ways people can contribute to Werewolf Support, both directly and indirectly. Your hypothetical Thestral carriage business could become a sponsor of the Wolfsbane Potion Distribution Program, for example, or you might consider hiring werewolves if your business grows large enough to need additional employees." Goyle, Crabbe, and Luna beamed at each other.

"Well, I want to work in the Werewolf Support office," Brad declared firmly. "What qualifications do I need?"

"Mostly an abundance of patience," Sirius sighed, "to keep from hexing the bigots you'll run into, not to mention the werewolves themselves, who are mostly stubborn and proud, and don't like accepting what they see as charity. And there's a lot of red tape and paperwork involved."

Brad grinned. "Living in Slytherin House all these years has taught me a lot about patience. When you're not one of the cream of the pureblood elite, you have to learn how not to offend those who are, like the Malfoys. And my dad's an accountant, so paperwork's not a big deal to me."

"I'd like to hire an assistant or two," Sirius said, "but the job won't pay much."

"We don't care!" the students chorused, and Sirius smiled. He expected such things from the Gryffindors, but it was unheard of for a Slytherin to want a job that had low pay and little status. He could certainly use a secretary to help him deal with all the paperwork, not to mention someone to help him balance his budget and submit all the receipts that those nitpicking idiots at the Ministry required; it was a pity that Doherty was only a sixth-year.

"Perhaps you might consider applying for a part-time summer job," Sirius suggested, "even though you can't work for me full-time until you graduate."

"What about us?" Dennis asked eagerly, and Martin, Crabbe, and Goyle echoed him.

"Well, I'm not sure how many assistants I can afford to hire," Sirius said. "I'll have to talk it over with Arthur."

"The pay's not important, sir," Dennis assured him. "And it would be good work experience."

"It will look good on our resumes," Brad said, with Slytherin practicality, "to be able to say that we worked at the Ministry, even if it's only as a volunteer or an intern."

"Well then, I'm sure I could pay at least a token salary," Sirius said, "and perhaps arrange some sort of work-study program with the Headmaster, so that at least you'll get extra credit for your work. I'll send some applications to your Heads of House."

Meanwhile, also representing the Ministry were Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt, on behalf of the Aurors. They attracted a larger crowd than Sirius, but many of the students were dismayed when they learned about the stringent requirements of the job.

"A minimum of five N.E.W.T.s!" groaned Kevin Whitby, the Hufflepuff Chaser.

"And you have to take Potions through seventh year!" Kenneth Sloper said in horror.

Tonks grinned and winked at him. "Oh, Professor Snape's not so bad," she said cheerfully. "You might say that his bark is worse than his bite." The students did not look convinced, and she added, "I was his student several years ago, and I managed to survive! Well, with a few scars..."

"Tonks!" Kingsley said. "We're supposed to be recruiting candidates, not driving them away!"

Tonks laughed. "Just kidding!"

"I will become an Auror," Stewart Ackerley said determinedly, "no matter how hard it is. Even if it means seven years of Potions class."

"Ah, Stewart," Kingsley said, a little awkwardly. "Planning to carry on in your father's footsteps? I'm sure he'd be very proud of you."

"Thank you, sir," Stewart said, a little stiffly.

"What about you, Harry?" Tonks asked. "Still thinking of joining our ranks? We'd certainly love to have you. And you too, Ron."

Harry smiled at her. "I'm still thinking it over. I'm not really sure what I want to do when I graduate, and besides, I'll have to see if I can pass those N.E.W.T.s first."

"I'm sure you'll do fine, Harry," Kingsley said in a hearty voice. "You're a real natural at Defense magic, and it would be a shame to waste your talent."

"But no one could blame Harry if he'd had his fill of combat," a gentle voice said, and the crowd turned to see Lupin approaching. Lupin smiled and laid a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Although I'm sure you'll do fine on your N.E.W.T.s."

"Well, keep us in mind, Harry," Kingsley said.

Stewart frowned, looking a little resentful, though no one seemed to notice but Lupin. "So you want to be an Auror?" Lupin said with a friendly smile. "No wonder you work so hard during my class." It was true; although the Ravenclaw boy was a bit standoffish, and one of the few students who didn't seem to like Lupin, he did work very hard at his assignments. "It's a bit early to worry about your N.E.W.T.s, but you have your O.W.L.s coming up next year. I'll be happy to help you prepare for them when the time comes. I have some sample test sheets you can look at if you're interested."

"Thank you, Professor," Stewart said coolly, "but I think I can manage on my own."

Some of the other students frowned, but Lupin just said cheerily, in the same tone that always drove Snape up the wall, "It's nice to see a student who's so confident of his abilities!" He patted Stewart on the shoulder, then walked away, leaving the boy staring after him suspiciously, not sure whether Lupin was making fun of him or not.

Lupin joined Takeshi at the St. Mungo's table, where the young mediwizard was talking to Aric, who scowled at the werewolf. "You told him I wanted to become a mediwizard, didn't you?" he asked Takeshi accusingly.

"I didn't know it was a secret," Takeshi said mildly. "If you had asked me to keep it confidential, I would of course have respected your wishes." He pushed his gold wire-rimmed glasses, which were perpetually sliding down his nose, back up. "Although it's certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Quite the contrary, in fact."

Lupin grinned. "The Slytherins like to maintain their cynical reputation, and the Healing profession is a little too altruistic for their taste. Severus was mortified when the Daily Prophet made him out to be a hero after the war!"

"It's just kind of personal, that's all," Aric said grumpily.

"I'm sorry, Aric," Takeshi said in a more serious voice. "I didn't realize that you hadn't told Remus and Lukas about your plans, otherwise I never would have mentioned it to them."

"It's not your fault," Aric said, looking a little guilty. "Like you said, I never told you it was a secret. I guess it's not a big deal; I'm going to graduate soon, and then everyone will know what my plans are, anyway. It's just...I kind of wanted to think things through and decide if that's really what I want to do before I talked about it with anyone else."

Takeshi smiled. "Well, if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them now--or later in private, if you wish." Before Aric could reply, they were joined by a number of other students, including Lavender, Neville, Serafina, Blaise, and Theodore. Lupin introduced his students to Takeshi, although he recognized most of them already, since Takeshi used to be a student at Hogwarts himself.

"It's a little strange being back at Hogwarts," Takeshi confessed. "I half expect Professor Snape to give me detention!"

The students laughed. "I don't remember you ever getting detention," Theodore said.

"No, I was a typical Ravenclaw, quiet and studious," Takeshi agreed. "And much too scared of Professor Snape to risk crossing him!" The students laughed again.

"No, I'm afraid that usually the Gryffindors are the only ones that brave and foolish," Lupin said with a rueful smile.

"Hey!" Lavender protested indignantly.

"Although I was slightly less scared of the Professor than most of my classmates," Takeshi continued, "since I saw him at my parents' restaurant frequently, and they seemed to think very highly of him. And he was, well...not nice, exactly, but polite to me there, when we weren't in public. I didn't know it then, of course, but Professor Snape was using the Portkey at the Sakura to travel to Japan to work with Professor Kamiyama on the Wolfsbane Potion."

"For Professor Lupin's sake," Lavender sighed. "That's so romantic!"

"Don't let the Professor hear you say that," Theodore said dryly, but fortunately for Lavender, Snape was across the room talking to Mr. Jigger.

"So are you interested in a medical career, Theodore?" Takeshi asked pleasantly.

"Uh, no, not really," Theodore replied, then motioned to Blaise. "But my friend is."

"Well, actually my mother is the one who's really interested," Blaise said with a little sigh. "She's been wanting me to become a mediwizard ever since Professor Chizuru told her that I had a Healing Gift--a very minor one, mind you."

Takeshi smiled at him sympathetically. "Ah yes, parental expectations. I think my father was a little disappointed that I didn't want to take over the restaurant, although he supported my decision to become a mediwizard. I enjoy cooking for myself and my friends, but I wouldn't care to do it for a living." Lupin leaned over and whispered something into his ear. "Remus says you're more the scholarly type; there are related fields of work you could go into that don't involve actual Healing. You might, for example, brew and develop medicinal potions, or do research on medical spells."

"M-maybe I could do something like that," Neville stammered. "I'm not much good with people, but I'm good with plants. I kind of want to be an Herbologist, and I could specialize in medicinal herbs. And brew healing potions--if I can get through Snape's class and pass my Potions N.E.W.T."

"We always need a good supply of healing herbs and potions at St. Mungo's," Takeshi said. "And what about you, Serafina? Do you wish to become a Healer? I wouldn't want to pressure you, of course, but to have such a full and strong Healing Gift is very rare; it would be a shame to waste it..."

Serafina looked startled. "How did you know about that?"

"Professor Chizuru is a friend of my parents," Takeshi replied. "She visited the Sakura often while she was here, and she mentioned a very talented and promising young student she had."

Serafina smiled shyly at him--a very rare sight for the normally emotionless Slytherin girl. "I enjoyed Professor Chizuru's classes very much, and yes, I would like to become a Healer."

Takeshi handed her a brochure. "Well then, you'll need to take N.E.W.T.s in Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts." He gave her a conspiratorial grin. "I'm sure all the departments at St. Mungo's will be competing to recruit you, but I hope you'll give mine special consideration--I work in Creature-Induced Injuries, in the 'Dangerous' Dai Lleywellyn Ward. We specialize in Serious Bites."

"Takeshi is one of the few Healers and mediwizards who isn't afraid to work with werewolves," Lupin said. "He also volunteers at the clinic in Diagon Alley."

"Then I think I would like to work in that department," Serafina said solemnly.

"Then I think I can guarantee you a job," Takeshi said with a grin, "so long as you do well on your N.E.W.T.s."

"It won't be a problem," Lupin said firmly. "Serafina is one of my brightest students."

Takeshi turned to Lavender. "And I remember seeing you and your friend at St. Mungo's this summer. You were working as volunteers?"

"Yes, sir," she said firmly. "I want to become a mediwizard."

"Oh, please don't call me 'sir'!" Takeshi laughed. "It makes me feel old!"

Lavender giggled, and Lupin slapped him on the arm good-naturedly. "Hey, you don't get to say you're old until you have some gray in your hair, like me!"

"Excuse me, sir...um, I mean, Takeshi," Neville said hesitantly. "What's the difference between a Healer and a mediwizard?"

"Well, a Healer usually handles the more serious illnesses and injuries that require the kind of spells that only someone with a full Healing Gift can cast. A mediwizard like me assists the Healers, handles less serious cases, and travels outside of the hospital to deal with emergencies. Usually we stabilize the patient, and if necessary, transport them to St. Mungo's for further healing."

"Like a paramedic in the Muggle world?" Emma Creevey asked.

"Yes, that's a very good analogy," Takeshi said. "Also, most mediwizards--again, like me--have a minor Healing Gift, but not a full one."

"Does that mean I can't become a mediwizard if I don't have a Healing Gift?" Aric asked, looking worried.

"Not all mediwizards actually have the Gift," Takeshi assured him, "although it's certainly helpful if you do."

"Since when do you want to become a mediwizard?" Theodore asked.

"None of your business!" Aric snapped, but subsided when Takeshi gave him a disapproving frown.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you did turn out to have the Gift," Takeshi said pleasantly, "since your uncle also had one." Both boys turned a little pale and looked uncomfortable. Takeshi pretended not to notice, and told Aric, "You could ask Madam Pomfrey to test you for it, or I could have one of the Healers at St. Mungo's do it, if you prefer. I'm afraid that my own Gift isn't strong enough to allow me test you myself."

"You knew my uncle?" Theodore asked.

"No, but many of my coworkers at St. Mungo's did. He was very well-liked and respected. He used to work for my supervisor, Hippocrates Smethwyck, who was training him to be a full Healer."

Theodore blinked back tears, and abruptly rose to his feet. "Come on, Blaise. Didn't you want to talk to those people from the Museum of Wizarding History? Fath--I mean, the Professor said he'd recommend you for a position there if you wanted."

He and Blaise hurried off, and Aric stood as well. "I wanted to go talk to the Quidditch recruiters. But I'll come see you later, Takeshi."

"Oh dear," Takeshi said, looking distressed. "I didn't mean to upset them."

"It's a sensitive topic with them," Lupin said gently, "but it's not your fault. Why don't you continue talking with the others, and I'll check up on them."

Theodore had calmed down, and he and Blaise were talking to a curator from the museum when both Lupin and Snape joined them. "So you might consider applying to work as a docent at the museum this summer," the curator was saying, handing Blaise a brochure. "Ah, hello, Professor Snape. Didn't you say that your son had an interest in Ancient Runes?" When Snape nodded, the curator added, "You might also consider applying for a job with us, then, young Mr. Snape. We can always use someone to translate old texts and runic carvings, but you'll need more advanced training for that. An apprenticeship with a Master of Rune Lore, perhaps..."

Lupin relaxed, and they chatted with curator for awhile, then Snape led them away, saying, "I want the two of you to talk to a colleague of mine from the Laboratory for Spell Research. Professor Blackmore's parents used to work there."

"Er...and weren't they killed there? Didn't the laboratory explode?" Theodore asked nervously.

"Yes, but that was the Dark Lord's doing, and had nothing to do with the research they were conducting," Snape said briskly. "The laboratory was rebuilt years ago. Don't worry; it's perfectly safe."

"Yes, sir," Theodore said obediently, if a bit dubiously.

"I think you'd do well at research, Mr. Zabini," Snape continued. "You're patient and methodical, and have an analytic mind. Of course, those qualities would also serve you well at the museum, if that's what you prefer..."

"I do like history," Blaise said. "At least, I enjoy reading about it. But Professor Binns is...well...er..."

"Boring," Theodore said bluntly. "It's all I can do to stay awake in that class."

"No disrespect intended," Blaise added hastily, but Lupin chuckled and Snape smiled sardonically.

"I remember pinching myself to stay awake in that class," Lupin said nostalgically. "I think Sirius actually fell asleep once, and started snoring loud enough for even Binns to notice."

"Yes, the Headmaster planned to replace him when he died," Snape said, "but unfortunately, he kept showing up for class even after he was dead, and the old man was too softhearted to fire him. I suppose it's difficult to fire a ghost, anyway."

"Intending no slight towards Professor Binns," Lupin said, "but it seems to me that the students might learn more if they had a teacher who made the subject seem a bit more interesting."

Snape shrugged. "You'll have to take it up with the Headmaster." Then he grinned--his most evil Potions Master grin. "Besides, learning isn't always meant to be a pleasant experience, Lupin."

Lupin laughed. "It isn't always necessary to terrorize your students in order to be an effective teacher, Severus."

"Why change a method that works so well, Lupin?" Snape retorted, and Lupin laughed again, slipping an arm around him. "Damn it, Lupin! How many times do I have to tell you not to maul me in public?!"

Meanwhile, Dylan and Hermione were talking with Mr. Jigger, who was trying to convince them to take over his Apothecary shop when he retired. "It would be nice to bring in some new blood," he said coaxingly. "It would bring some life to the place, to have a young couple running it, instead of a dried-up old stick like me!" Dylan grinned at Hermione, who smiled back at him, blushing. They simultaneously reached out to clasp each other's hands.

"No fair stealing my future assistant, Mr. Jigger!" Morrigan De Lacy protested, but with a smile.

"But look at what a beautiful couple they make!" Jigger argued, motioning to the pair, who were still holding hands. "It would be a shame to split them up!"

"They can be a couple, but still hold different jobs," Morrigan pointed out. "Mr. Rosier could easily run the shop alone."

"But the shop should be a family-run business," Jigger said, winking at Hermione and Dylan. "Run together by husband and wife, and perhaps passed down to their children..." Hermione's blush grew even deeper.

"Putting the cart a little ahead of the horse, aren't you?" Morrigan asked, looking amused.

"Oh, not by much, I think," Jigger said, winking at the young couple again. "They'll have to finish school first, of course. I was thinking Miss Granger could apprentice with me for a year while Mr. Rosier completes his studies at Hogwarts and passes his Potions N.E.W.T., then I could step down and they could run the shop together."

"What about your plans to help the house-elves?" Morrigan asked Hermione.

"But it would be so much fun to run the shop together," Dylan protested. "With two of us there, we could take on more work, and sell actual potions in addition to ingredients, maybe even charms and counter-curses. And...I really do want to work with you."

Hermione looked torn. "I really love Potions, and I want to work with Dylan, but I also want to fight for house-elf rights!" Then she said hopefully, "But the house-elves can't afford to pay a lawyer, so I'd still need to support myself. Maybe I could do both?"

"Wouldn't it be easier to just take on additional cases at the law firm?" Morrigan asked.

Hermione frowned thoughtfully. "But I don't want to take on just any type of case. I mean, I couldn't take on a case that I felt morally opposed to. And, well, not to be cynical, but those are the types of cases that pay the most, aren't they?"

"I doubt that anyone will ever get rich defending house-elves," Morrigan agreed. "But trying to hold down two jobs at once will not be easy."

"I can do it," Hermione said in a determined voice.

"If anyone can, Hermione can," Dylan said confidently.

"The world's first Potions Mistress-slash-lawyer?" Morrigan asked, raising her eyebrows. Then she smiled. "Well, perhaps you can do it, after all. The young woman who fought Death Eaters and tamed giants should be able to handle just about anything!"

Hermione, whose coloring had just returned to normal, turned red again. "Oh, I'm not a Potions Mistress yet!" she said. "I haven't even passed my N.E.W.T.!"

"Aw, come on, Hermione," Dylan said, "you know you'll ace it."

"But I want to get my Master-class qualification, and I know you do, too, which means further study after graduation for both of us."

"Professor Snape will be able to assist both of you with your studies, I'm sure," Jigger assured her. "And I'll do my best to help you as well, although his skills far exceed mine, I'm sorry to say. I have my Master qualification, but young Severus is a true genius at Potions, a Master even among Masters."

"That is true," Morrigan agreed. "I suppose Severus will be upset if I take such a promising young student out of the Potions field entirely. Shall we agree to split Miss Granger's apprenticeship, then?"

"You drive a hard bargain, Morrigan," Jigger said, but he held out his hand and she shook it.

"I'll work you hard, Miss Granger," Morrigan warned. "And I suspect Mr. Jigger will, too. You'll be pulling long shifts, and sometimes working six, even seven days a week, especially when a case is ready to go to trial."

"I understand, Ms. De Lacy," Hermione said, her eyes shining. "Don't worry, I won't let either of you down!"

"Hermione thrives on stress," Dylan said, laughing.

"We may have to get you a time-turner," Morrigan said.

"Never again," Hermione muttered, shaking her head vigorously.

"I was joking, Miss Granger," Morrigan said, giving her a puzzled look.

"And what do you mean 'again'?" Dylan asked.

Hermione laughed nervously. "Oh, nothing. I just said I'd never use a time-turner; they're way too dangerous, and besides, where would I get one?" The other three gave her suspicious looks, and then they simultaneously glanced over to where Dumbledore was chatting with Bill at the Gringotts table.

"Well, never mind," Morrigan said with a smile, and dropped the subject. "I doubt that I would be able to get authorization to use a time-turner, so you'll just have to work hard in real time, Miss Granger."

"Yes, ma'am," Hermione said, breathing a sigh of relief.

 

Part 72