Relations Close and Distant
Harry Potter, Lone Traveler, currently disguised as Garrick Septimus, Wizard and Professor, took in the sight of his mother's alternate and her family.
As he was somewhat expecting, both parents seemed somewhat pleasant, Petunia seemed discontent to be there, and Lily was fairly bubbly. Having met his mother and heard some stories none of it was a surprise.
Severus, answering Lily's original call, replied with some attempt at decorum, "Hello, Lily. How are you?"
"I'm doing well. You remember my parents and sister?" she asked.
Severus nodded and greeted each cordially. Until he got to Petunia. The mutual dislike was obvious.
Gary couldn't help himself. "Lord God save me from Teenage angst and hormones!"
Everyone turned at the unexpected comment. Lily was actually the one to ask, "What do you mean?"
"Hello. I am Garrick Septimus, I will be one of your professors this year. I came with Severus and his mother, as well as these," he pointed to the solicitor and his assistant. "I was just commenting on the extreme emotional reactions teenagers have for very little reason. Your sister and your friend dislike each other – most likely because they view each other as thieves of your time. And you tend to ignore it, concentrating on the moment. You'll all grow out of it … eventually." Gary finished with a grin.
The Evans parents and Eileen Snape were trying to withhold their amusement at Gary's accurate observation. The teenagers weren't amused.
Lily tried to ignore the man after that. "What are you doing here?"
"I have a meeting at 3:00 at Gringotts." Severus had been told why but didn't want to speak of it out in public.
"So do I!" Lily exclaimed. Severus also already knew that. "We got the message a few hours ago. Do you know what it's about?"
"I am certain it will be clear then," was all Severus would say.
Eventually, all of them made their way to Diagon and to Gringotts. Gary was, perhaps, the only one who noticed that Petunia, for all of her apparent disdain, was quite interested in the Alley.
Finally, the entire group was in the room with Ragnok overseeing the meeting. Also present was a man who was introduced as Antonius Scribnar, who was the publisher of most of the Hogwarts potion texts.
Gary took charge. "Mr. Snape. Please bring out the books that I asked you to bring."
Lily immediately recognized the books. "These are the texts we've been working on since we began Hogwarts."
Gary nodded. "Yes. According to Mr. Snape here, both of you have been, for the last several years, revising and adding to these books, correcting mistakes, as well as introducing modifications to known potions so as to improve them or make them more likely to actually achieve the recommended characteristics. Is this accurate?"
Severus and Lily looked at each other and then back. "It has been a common effort on both of our parts since Hogwarts began," Severus replied.
Gary nodded. "Mr. Scribnar. Please take a look at the modifications."
The man pulled the texts to him and started leafing through the books. He was actually astounded by exactly how many changes these two Hogwarts students had introduced to the texts.
"Now, the issue at hand is this: Both of these students could keep their advances to themselves. Life goes on. But, eventually, these advances could be lost. My purpose is to arrange for the Hogwarts texts to be updated after a licensed Potions Master reviews what has been written. The credit for the improvements shall be treated as the intellectual property of Mr. Snape and Ms. Evans. And, with a thorough update of the books used at Hogwarts, they would receive royalties."
Scribnar was curious. "What is your stake in this?"
"Me? I'm just trying to improve Hogwarts. I am now teaching there, if only for one year. Perhaps you saw the story of the Masters' Library? I assisted in creating that. I am also working on other improvements under the Headmaster's supervision."
Scribnar grunted. Not wanting to give away too much, he said, "I don't know that I could convince the author to share the proceeds. Texts are not a great moneymaker."
Gary sighed. "That's fine then. I will just have to put them into contact with Illuminated Publishing. They were quite helpful in ensuring the publication of the new Defense textbooks. They are even approved by the Examination Authority. I am certain that they would be interested in offering Mr. Snape and Ms. Evans a deal to write completely new textbooks instead of updating the old ones."
Ragnok commented, "That was my first suggestion when I was asked to arrange this meeting. Mr. Septimus thought it better to work with the original publisher if possible. I do believe the publisher of Illuminated was quite interested when he heard of this meeting – Mr. Septimus made a passing comment I believe." Ragnok glanced at Gary – it was him they were speaking of anyway, even if Gringotts was actually doing the work behind the scenes.
"That publisher is willing to invest quite a bit to ensure his share into the British Market is increased. Even if it took a few years to ensure that Mr. Snape and/or Ms. Evans achieved masteries first – it would give them opportunity to test the advances as well as to ensure the remaining three years are also reviewed. I believe he is also willing to pay for the research to be recouped by future profits. I was not under any secrecy agreements when these offers were made. I was asked to specifically ensure that the two were aware of all offers."
Scribnar was becoming more and more worried as the offer from the newly recognized competitor was explained roughly. Scribnar had seen the new textbooks and bought a set. Whoever Illuminated was, they did beautiful work. He would be hard pressed to match quality in a pinch. His attempt to convince the two to accept less had backfired. He did not want to see more books published by Illuminated competing against his own publishing house.
"If you will give me time to speak to the authors, I will be prepared to fund the research into improving the remaining Hogwarts' texts through NEWTs; the cost of having the improvements reviewed by the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers to be deducted from the profits. But, if I can come to an agreement with my authors, I will also ensure that the information is credited to you two against a future Potions mastery."
Gary nodded. "So, it is likely a choice of reduced profits in the long term but a much easier path to receiving a Masters Certificate against the gamble of going with a new publisher and it likely taking longer overall for possibly more money – if nothing interferes. I believe that I, Mr. Scribnar, his solicitor, and the Bank Manager will withdraw to allow your families and your solicitor here to discuss it."
Ragnok nodded. "I will send in refreshments. You have twenty minutes to freely use this room."
Those who Gary mentioned left. After 10 minutes of waiting Scribnar who was standing nearby with his solicitor came over. "Mr. Septimus is it?" Gary nodded. "Why did you suggest they work with my Publishing House if you seem so close to your own publisher?"
Gary looked at him and said, "Honestly? I believe working with the established publisher and authors will be better for them in the long run. They will spend less time working on this and have more opportunity to continue advancing the craft of Potion making, especially young Mr. Snape whom, I am reliably informed, is an absolute genius as regards the subject. If it was only about money, I would have recommended they go with Illuminated. But from a societal standpoint, you honestly are the better option. Their advances will be published more quickly. And their time will be freed up for newer and better things more quickly. You, perhaps, can get in at the outset on at least one young wizard who will likely be publishing for years and years to come. I don't know if the young witch really is interested in long term publishing, but I know that Potions is Mr. Snape's passion."
Scribnar took a long look at Gary. It was as if the idea of money being a secondary concern was alien to him.
Gary nodded and smiled. "Both come from families that are, perhaps, less well off than they could be or should be. So money might be the deciding factor for them. But we'll have to see."
Scribnar nodded and returned to his solicitor, and they began to speak in low voices.
Soon, they returned to the meeting. Dominic Stanswick took charge. "Mr. Scribnar. Both Mr. Snape and Ms. Evans are more interested in publishing more quickly and seeing their improvements put into wide circulation. They will wait for an offer for ten days. Please send word through me. If you decline or your offer is less than what is appropriate, they will contact Illuminated for a competing offer."
Scribnar had to hide his sigh of relief. He could see that this was the real deal and he really didn't want to lose this particular skirmish. "Very well. I will also be interested in speaking to them in the future about their plans for after Hogwarts. Their ideas don't have to be limited to the textbooks, after all."
At this Lily brightened, but (if you knew him) Severus looked absolutely flabbergasted. Such things did not happen so easily for him.
Soon the publisher left.
"Now, Ms. Evans," Gary said.
"Call me Lily."
"Very well. Lily. Have you ever had an inheritance test?" Gary was curious.
Lily was confused. "What's that?"
Ragnok took over and explained. Lily was very excited and begged her parents to approve. They decided the cost was worth it and approved the procedure.
Gary was the most interested. One thing he had noticed was the in many worlds, Lily Evans' ancestry was the most variable thing in the different dimensions. Sometimes she was adopted, sometimes she was related to Slytherin, sometimes she was related to Ravenclaw, sometimes she was related to nobody of note. It was the most exasperating thing that Gary often ran into. It often accounted for the eventual differences between Harry and his other dimensional counterparts.
Everyone watched curiously as Ragnok took her blood and performed the needed ritual. The results were a bit of a surprise.
After receiving permission, after Lily and her parents saw the results, Gary took a long look – and promptly started laughing uproariously. Petunia, who hadn't seen the results yet, sneered, "What's so funny?"
He handed the results over and allowed her to see. Her eyes widened after a long moment. She turned to Severus. "We're cousins?"
Severus and Eileen were wide-eyed at that. Petunia handed it over. Eileen was the first to comment even if they were reading it simultaneously. "This says that your father and I are second cousins – my father had an uncle who was a squib and that was your great-grandfather," she said to Lily.
Everyone saw that this was correct – Lily and Severus were third cousins.
Gary commented, "I was actually more amused by who your mother is related to. Look back four generations."
Everyone did so. Lily went wide-eyed. "Dumbledore?"
Gary chuckled. "Your mother is the Headmaster's 1st cousin twice removed. I want to be there when you call him Cousin Albus, or maybe Uncle Albus would be funnier."
Finally Severus got the parchment and looked at it curiously. "What is this? Why is Petunia's name that color?"
Ragnok looked at it and replied, "Because unlike Ms. Evans' parents who are squibs, Ms. Petunia Evans, although not powerful enough to qualify for Hogwarts, is a witch."
Petunia almost snatched the parchment and took a long look. "What does that mean?"
Ragnok shrugged. "If you choose to ignore this, it will lie dormant and you would be classed as a squib. Many of those whose magic takes longer to appear end up going this route. However, if you were to receive some tuition, you may – may but not guaranteed – eventually achieve the level of what the Ministry classes as Ordinary Wizarding Levels. You will never achieve the higher level of NEWT qualification. It is truly your choice."
After a long moment Petunia asked (free of the snide attitude that had been present the entire time), "But who could teach me?"
Gary smirked. "Well, perhaps you can ask your Cousin Albus for a reusable portkey so that you could go to Hogwarts every Sunday and your sister could tutor you – it would probably be a good review for her OWLs anyway. You then would return to your regular school every Monday morning."
Petunia looked over to the sister that she had rowed with for several years. Instead of the disdain she half-expected due to her continuing attitude, Lily looked truly excited about the idea of teaching her sister to wield magic.
The two girls fell into each others arms.
Severus, who was witnessing this whole thing, added, "I suppose I can assist her with some Potions tutoring as well since she, too, is apparently my cousin." Gary could tell this was almost painful for Severus to admit.
Severus and Gary had spoken at Spinners End and, alone of almost everyone in that dimension, he had explained who he was and who he was born as and who his parents were. Severus had not been happy. But then Gary explained exactly what he planned to do to assist Severus because he felt some residual guilt as to how his father had treated his alternate. Severus had promised to keep it to himself.
After some consideration, Severus realized he was getting more out of this than anyone: His Muggle father run off, his name being published, early recognition toward his Mastery, his mother gainfully employed, his own poverty greatly abated, and a way to ensure that he would not lose Lily's friendship. All this for letting go the dream of marrying her eventually.
He had decided to accept it but this revelation that they were actually related had set it in stone: He would be a brother-figure instead of a possible paramour. He found he quite liked the idea. Even if it also meant accepting Petunia, whom Gary explained he would also try to save from a future of misery and pain.
At this statement, Petunia did something she would never have done prior to this: She gave Severus a small, tentative embrace, quickly over. Severus was then glomped by Lily. He decided that it was worth it.
Then Petunia had a sudden thought. "What about money? This will cost some money!" She knew her family already had issues with one witch.
Gary interrupted. "Well, if you are willing to come with Severus and Lily to Hogwarts for a week, I have a job that I plan on paying students to do. We're refurbishing a classroom. Severus hasn't been told but he will be the foreman, with some NEWT students as well as a couple of others. He will make 60 Galleons as the boss – and be penalized if it gets messed up, and the other students will make 45 Galleons each. That's 225 pounds. More than enough for a wand, books, a robe or two, and whatever else you might need. You only need your parents permission." He turned toward the Evans parents. "So can your daughters work for a week at Hogwarts for some extra money?"
The Evans looked at each other and to their daughters who were giving them longing looks and finally acquiesced. "Fine. I believe we can allow that."
Gary said, "Good. I'm going to see if your whole family can go to Hogwarts for the evening. Since you are squibs and not Muggles, it will most likely be alright."
They all were interested in that.
He turned to Ragnok. "Can I send a Patronus from here? I'd like to message the Headmaster and ask for a portkey for two witches and their squib parents as well as Severus and Eileen to come to Hogwarts this afternoon after we buy Petunia her wand at least."
Ragnok gave permission. Gary cast the Patronus and gave it the bare-bones message and sent it off.
Very soon, Fawkes arrived with a rope and a note from the Headmaster. He expected their arrival at 5:30. That gave sufficient time for Petunia to get a wand and a set of basic Hogwarts robes.
Ragnok farewelled the group and the group was treated to the sight of Lily Evans enthusiastically dragging her sister to Ollivanders to get her wand.
It took quite a while but Petunia finally received a birch wand, 12 inches, with a Dragon heartstring from a Welch Green as a core. To help stabilize the connection, Ollivander blood-bound the wand; Petunia's circumstance of being just powerful enough for a wand was one which allowed him to take this additional step. As she had just turned seventeen, she did not have a trace put on her wand, thus allowing her to practice at home in addition to receiving tutoring. Ollivander sent a message to the Ministry to alert them that an of-age witch was now living at the Evans home, thus negating any monitoring equipment. Petunia was bought a set of Hogwarts robes.
At 5:30, in an out of the way area of the Alley, the entire group grabbed the portkey. Gary gave some instruction on how not to fall down at the end (which no one had taught him originally). The group did fairly well.
As they came to front doors of Hogwarts, they were met by the Headmaster, who was a bit surprised at his guests. A smirking Gary made the introductions. "Hello, Headmaster Dumbledore. I would like to re-introduce you to Eileen Snape. She will be your Special Project manager. You know her son, Severus, who will be my foreman on the Classroom upgrade. I would also like to introduce you to Robert Evans, whom we have just found happens to be Eileen's second cousin – their grandfathers were brothers. His wife, Rose Evans. You know Lily, and this is Petunia, whom we found today is a late-developing witch. We need to talk about her tutoring. Oh, and before I forget, we also found that Rose here had a great-grandfather who happened to be Safford Dumbledore – Percival Dumbledore's brother who happened to be a squib."
Rose, who found the whole thing amusing, said, "Hello, Cousin Albus."
At that moment, Albus Dumbledore had eyes which looked like dinner plates.
(A/N: There will be more written about the visit but I am leaving this next part in that I wrote a week ago to show other things coming)
Toward the end of the Potions Classroom upgrade:
Gary stood with the Headmaster as the Ancient Runes Professor and the Arithmancy Professor looked over the ward stone and the notes from Gringotts.
Professor Septima Vector was one of the younger professors at this point in time. While not quite a contemporary of Professor McGonagall, it was obvious that she tried to emulate the older witch in how she dealt with people.
Gary was amused by it actually. Septima was far less strict than she appeared to be, but being young she was concerned with holding the students' and her colleagues' respect. She really did know her subject though.
Finally, after their inspection, they returned to the Headmaster. Professor Charlus Chattering took charge.
"Well, I would have to agree with the report." He led the old wizard forward and proceeded to detail what changes he proposed to make.
Finally Albus asked, "And how long will this take?"
"With Professors Vector and Septimus assisting, I believe we can do it in two to three days, if Garrick is as proficient as he claims."
Albus smiled as he glanced at the younger man. "From all indications, he is."
"Then I believe we will be ready to charge the changed wards by 28 August. We will begin work on Monday, 25 August. Garrick said he will be available by then."
"Very well. Please inform me of any needed supplies – I have a fund available for such things now. I believe this is a valid expense."