Chapter 12 Talk With Death, Christmas Fun and Stuff

Hydrus woke in the grey space, flat on his back and he sighed. Death in all his gloomy glory was standing over him and if he didn't know better he'd have thought the deity was agitated. The immortal got up and quirked an eyebrow at the dark cloaked man.

"So… what happened? Please, tell me that I didn't die in front of all those people," he asked, frustrated, not wanting to live with the title the Man-Who-Lived, leaving off Death's anger for the moment.

"You did, Master," the dark man said blandly as he turned and conjured chairs for them to sit in.

"Dammit," the immortal said, taking the chair on the left and running a hand down his face. He could see the headlines now. "Do you know what killed me?" he asked, hoping for once Death would tell him something. He knew Walburga didn't hit him, it was someone he hadn't seen, but he was hoping Death would tell him who.

"It was a curse from the side; the person was hidden behind of the trash bins. You were led into a trap," was the soft answer, though there seemed to be a bit of a bite behind the usually apathetic voice. "No, I will not tell you who it was. You must discover this on your own. I will not mess up the timeline more that you already have."

"You're mad at me." It wasn't a question, Arcturus had told him as much after all. He just didn't know why, well, he had a theory, but no solid proof. Now that he was here he could confirm what he'd been thinking.

"Yes, though, I do understand why you did what you did, this branch of time appears to be… uncharted," Death replied, linking his hands together in front of his face and glaring at the Master of Death.

"Uncharted. What exactly does that mean?" Hydrus asked, finally looking at the skinny man and seeing he was very angry.

"It means that you undid something that was not meant to be undone. Had you asked me before you left the last branch, I would have warned you not to save your parents," Death snapped his voice as cold as the arctic. Yeah, he was pissed.

Hydrus was correct in all his reading about time travel he knew about fixed points in time, but he would still do the same. He was just going to have to figure out how to return the balance. "Saving my parents has always been something I needed to do," he said in an equally chilly tone.

"Yes, I know, but they were a fixed point in time," Death said, confirming Hydrus's thoughts. "Their deaths were important to the future. Your parents were payment for the time of peace. By saving them, you made the prophecy null and void. When James face Tom for the forth time, then when Lily killed the Dark Lord," he gazed over his folded hands, his eyes blank, but his tone was icy.

"Yeah, but last time…" was as far as Hydrus got before that cold voice washed over him.

"Even in your last venture through time the prophecy was fulfilled, this time it was not. Prophecies are there for a reason. To undo one makes the future misaligned. Though Tom Riddle will die, it is not by your hand or young Harry Potter's and neither young Neville Longbottom. You have changed the entire course of the future, more so than that last time. The whole outlook is… swirling. We, Fate and I, simply do not how to fix what you have altered; balance is askew," the raspy voice lectured, still looking over his folded hands at the dark-haired human.

"Great," the immortal sighed. "What would it take for you guys to be okay with what I've done? I mean, I can't change the fact that I'm here, so how can I appease you?" He really didn't want Fate on his case.

"Someone will die, someone on the Light side. In addition, Walburga Black needs to be removed from the equation. Only then we will be most conciliated. She was never to have been a Dark Lady. She was to have remained in her house and died a peaceful, albeit lonely, death. Even in your last branch of time, she simply faded away. Had you and young Sirius Black not played with her, this timeline would have been more secure," Death said.

"I know all that, I mean, I'm not going to go around killing people," Hydrus said, running a hand through his hair and thinking about what these deities wanted.

"We are making you the champion of magical Britain in this branch in time," the dark man stated, ignoring the whinging man in front of him. "You will uphold prophecies made and see that they are fulfilled. Be it by your hand or that of others. If a Dark Lord or Lady rises and there is no prophecy, then it will be up to you to kill them," the neutral being was almost sneering. His usual blank face was twitching, like he was trying to hold back a smirk.

Death really hated having a Master and cursed himself for ever making the Hallows. Now, though, he could get some payback. If Hydrus was the champion of this timeline, then he couldn't do the spell and go around and mess up any more branches. He and Fate had talked about it, and both came up with this… penalty.

"Wouldn't Walburga be restoring the balance?" Hydrus asked almost desperately, trying to get out of this punishment. "I mean, isn't it trading one Dark person for another? Besides, what about all the lives I saved in the last timeline? Why didn't they upset the balance?" he pleaded, but seeing the blank look on that face he internally groaned knowing he was going to be a champion of this timeline.

"Yes and no, she is completely unhinged and what young Sirius Black did to her made her more unbalanced. Walburga Black's goal is to kill all Blacks she feels turned on her and take over the Headship and lead them victory to take over Magical Britain. If she accomplishes this, entire families will be wiped out," Death rasped, letting his hands fall and tapping the arm of the chair.

"That's not good," Hydrus stated, rubbing his head. Great another Voldemort and Grindelwald, he thought. Why can't Dark Lords just want to be Minister?

"Killing her will help, however, no, it does not restore the fact that your parents did not die with Tom Riddle's disembodiment," Death pointed out.

"What about all the Death Eaters that I have in stasis, aren't they upsetting the balance?" That had been a worry, since the beginning of this conversation.

"They are not dead," was the succinct answer.

"Can you tell me who Walburga is working with?" Hydrus asked again, even though Death had already told him that he would not. "If you do it will help a lot."

"No," came the succinct answer.

"Dammit," the immortal said under his breath. He should have known Death would not help him. Especially since he was mad at the time traveler. "Send me home, please," he asked politely, no point in making the deity madder.

Death stood and flung his arm wide, casting the immortal's soul back to his body.

Hydrus awoke apprehensively; he didn't know where he'd be, but he hoped he wasn't still in the alley or worst St. Mungo's morgue. So he was very much surprised find himself in his own bed. They must not have put up portkey wards, he thought, glad they hadn't.

Tippy was hovering to the side. "Mister Hydrus is awake. What happened to yous, Boss?" she squeaked, wringing her spindly hands. She had been so scared when her boss showed up dead.

Kreacher had been mortified, thinking that he was freed or worse he would have to work for Sirius, but Tippy tried to tell him that the boss man wouldn't be dead long. Hydrus had explained it to her when she was hired on. He said there might be times when he died and that he would come back, still seeing it was overwhelming. The old elf was in his sleeping area, trying to keep calm.

"I'm okay, Tippy. Why don't you go and draw a bath for me, please?" he asked gently, not wanting to explain how he died to the hyper house elf.

"Tippy can be doing that, Mister Hydrus. Then Tippy will be telling Kreacher yous are being okay," the excited elf said and popped away.

The immortal sat up and groaned. There was a gash on his left side, which was healing, but still sore. Tippy must have put the balm on it while he was out. He thanked Merlin he had the portkey he had invented in the last timeline. While the Black portkey took people away if they got hit with Dark curses, his also ported him home if he died, whether from curses or mundane methods. It had been so long since his last death that he almost forgot about it.

He got up, bathed, banished his bloody clothes and changed into new ones. He berated himself for toying with the woman and not just outright killing her. He should have learned his lesson when Sirius died the first timeline and after Pandora got the drop on him last time.

He really had to get more battle ready; his training wasn't going to cut it. The two fights he had been in since he came back were not enough to prepare him to be the 'champion', even if they were against Voldemort and his minions. He really wished that Death had told him who got him, but that deity was always stingy with information.

He made his way downstairs and ate the meal of roast beef and potatoes, which Tippy made. He thanked the little elf for healing his wound. His phone rang, "Hello."

"Oh Merlin, Hydrus, we were so worried. There was a report that you were dead," Lily's frantic voice came over the receiver. You could hear the desperation in her tone, like she believed he was truly dead.

"I'm fine," he assured her, "I'll be over in a few minutes. Did they catch Walburga?" he asked, hoping to get her mind off him.

"No, she portkeyed away right after you disappeared," she answered quietly; you could still hear the tears.

"Okay, I'll be there in a few," Hydrus said to the distraught woman. "Lily, I'm fine really. Think about it for a minute and you'll understand why." He had to wonder why she was so upset when she knew he couldn't be killed.

"You had better be here in five minutes," she snapped and then abruptly hung up.

"I wonder what's got her upset," he said as he held the phone in front of his face, and then shrugged it off and put the phone away.

He got his coat and Disapparated to the front garden of the Potters. He went into the house and saw a lot of long faces, some of which brightened when he came in, others frowned. He looked for Harry and saw he wasn't there, for which he was glad, it might get loud. He walked to the living room and gave everyone a questioning look.

"Why all the long faces?"

"Hydrus, I'm so glad you're okay," Lily said, getting up and hugging him. "They said you were dead, hit from the side and then you just disappeared. We were so worried. We thought you might have been captured when you disappeared." She tightened her arms around him, causing him to wince a bit, when she rubbed against the gash. She loosened her hold and looked at him; he smiled and waved it away.

He patted her on the back and lied, "I was just knocked out and my portkey took me home. Tippy patched me right up. I'm fine." He didn't want Remus to know he was that type of immortal.

"How did you let my mum get the drop on you?" Sirius asked, tilting his head to the side.

"I was hit from someone hidden. That and I was playing with her," Hydrus answered sheepishly, making Lily hit him on the chest.

"You arsehole, why would you do that?! Why didn't you just take her down and be done with it?!" she yelled as she started hitting him about the head. Her shouts made little Harry, who had been asleep, start crying. James got up to tend to him.

"I was trying to find out who she was working with," Hydrus defended himself, rubbing his chest. She hit him pretty hard. "Did anyone see him?" he asked, trying to fend off the blows coming from the redhead.

"You don't mess around with crazy people. You don't know how they will react," she bit out as she backed away breathing quickly with fear and anger. She was so angry at him for playing when he should have been taking the woman down and so scared that he was hurt beyond help.

"I am sorry, and you're right," he tried to console, "I only wanted to get her mad enough to get her to blurt out who's working with her. I did try and change her, but she's very agile for her age." He guided the hyperventilating woman to the sofa, gave her a calming draught and took his chair.

James came down the stairs and sat next to her, rubbing her back in an attempt to calm her more.

"Mum never stopped sparring, paranoid bitch that she is. She always had mock fights with Dad, until he died, then with Kreacher. It's one of the reasons he's so barmy. House elves aren't meant to fight, it's against their nature, but orders are orders. I've told you time and again not to underestimate her," Sirius added with a frustrated shake of his head.

"I'll be more careful, I promise," Hydrus said. He knew he reacted foolishly, for all of his ninety plus years, sometimes he just didn't think. He was still a headstrong Gryffindor at heart.

"Fine, but don't you ever do that again," Lily huffed and folded her arms across her chest and flopped back on the sofa.

"I won't. Next time I'll take her down as quickly as I can," the oldest Black promised, crossing his heart and giving her a grin, making her glare back.

Remus had been quiet this whole time; he was sure that the time traveler had died. The reports said it was a deadly curse that hit him. There was no cure, so Hydrus must be lying. He was contemplating asking, but looked around the room and decided it was tense enough.

"Putting aside the excitement in the end, how did everyone's day go?" Hydrus asked, anxious to change the subject.

Lily huffed again and then sighed. "It was busy. The sale wiped out my inventory. I'm going to need to spend tomorrow restocking." She let the disagreement fade as the potion worked, not wanting to argue with the man she was starting to view as a son, but she was going to talk to him about it after the holidays.

Remus nodded and said, "I'll be doing that as well." He would let go of the immortality thing for now, but he was going to look into it. He knew his friends knew and was a bit upset that they didn't trust him. Only James noticed his sulking friend.

Sirius bounced in his chair and exclaimed, "Me and James had a great time. We must have bought out the whole toy section at Hamleys." He was damn proud of himself. He knew the kids at the orphanage would get a great Christmas, and he wasn't spending his money to do it. If the Death Eaters were dead they'd be rolling in their graves.

"Yeah, the kids will have a good Christmas," James agreed, echoing Sirius's thoughts. "We also got clothes, winter wear and shoes. There'll be enough for any child that comes in the near future. From what you told us, they are never too full, but we got enough for twenty children age four to eighteen." He too was proud of their gifts. It had taken him an hour to get Sirius out of the toy section, but he was happy that at least one of his friends was having fun. He'd have to sit Remus down and talk this whole thing about Hydrus out.

"That's great," Hydrus said, beaming at the two younger men. "Now they won't look like paupers when they go to school." It was something that many orphans had to deal with, though in the last timeline there were many donations and gifts to the children they were usually small. So, they were still teased when they went to school. Kids were so mean.

"Yeah, your money was well spent," Sirius grinned. Lily cut them the look again, but they ignored her.

They talked of business and politics until everyone was calmer, then the three men that didn't live there went home. Lily and James retired for the evening, and just flopped onto the bed, too tired to try and make a little girl.

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When Hydrus appeared in Diagon Alley the next day, gasps of surprise were heard and everyone started whispering. He went to The Times and told his story; that he was fighting a crazy woman, Walburga Black, and was taken from the side with a non-lethal curse that rendered him unconscious. Then he was ported home, by a Black family portkey, and was healed by his house elf. He told them about the balm and that he would give the formula to the hospital.

Hydrus offered a reward for anyone who knew who hit him with the sneak attack, calling that person a coward. He went to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and gave the same statement, though this time he took Mr. Fritz, not wanting to give them the chance to pin anything on him.

The Times reported his story and when the people read it, they calmed down and stopped calling him immortal, or worse a necromancer.

The Daily Prophet tried to make him out to be some sort of vigilante and that he was a danger to the public. They ran another article that stated Mrs. Black was the new Dark Lady and that it was she that was holding the Heads of Houses captive to make her new army. Most people laughed at that, thinking crazy old lady Black could barely hold a thought, let alone an army.

Hydrus shrugged it all off and went about his business. Soon enough, the gossip died as everyone bought his story. He still had to figure out what to do with Rita. Dumbledore kept trying to corner him, but so far he had evaded the man.

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Weeks went by and Christmas Eve came. It was a nightmare for the mall. Last minute shoppers came out in droves. The place was packed. Lily was glad she had help now. Two young women, Colette and Vicky, were now learning to run the floor. One was a vampire, who could work the days indoors. The sunlight spell on the windows didn't affect her at all. The other was the Flamels' daughter. They were both happy to be doing something with their lives. Immortality was boring.

Both women had been around for over three hundred years. They were both beautiful ladies, one a willowy black-haired beauty, the other an athletic blonde. They agreed to work at Lily's Book Corner to see if they would be attracted to the immortal. The problem was they only knew that he frequented the café, but not who he was. Lily couldn't tell them, so they would have to watch and see who their boss knew. It was a bit of excitement they had not had in their lives in a long, long while.

The two women got on like a house on fire; they even shared a living space. It was one of the renovated flats in Knockturn Alley. Now that more families were living there, it wasn't quite as Dark, though still on the shady side.

It was around one in the afternoon, when Sirius and James came into the café and sat at one of the tables. Lily came up to them and kissed James on the cheek.

"What brings you guys here?" she asked, pulling a chair from the next table, joining them and sighing when she got off her tired feet.

"The Ministry is boring, there's nothing to do," Sirius whinged. He and James had tried to do some politicking, but there was no one around. They went home and played some video games, but that got boring too, since James always beat him. Harry was in the daycare; Remus was working at his bookshop and Hydrus was busy with all his businesses.

"We're doing some last minute shopping," James added, picking up her hand. He was happy that she was happy, this café/bookstore was Merlin sent. Now that the Dork Lord was almost gone, she was doing something productive. She was also helping Hydrus with his inventions on her days off.

"Right, who are you shopping for?" Lily asked, giving her husband a wink.

"Ah, ah, ah, not telling you," the messy-haired man teased, tapping her on the nose, making her wrinkle it and try to bite his finger. Sirius chuckled at their antics.

Colette came up to the table with a huge smile and not a fang in sight. She asked politely, "What can I get you gentlemen today?" She looked between the two men, noting who Lily was holding hands with.

"Well, hello, gorgeous," Sirius said with a sloppy smile, his eyes roving the willowy brunette. She was a looker.

"Hmmm," she hummed, sparing him a glance and then looking away. "So, tea? Biscuits? We have a nice chocolate cake," the dark-haired woman said, ignoring the flirtatious man, though she did wonder if he was the immortal she was here to meet. If so, well, he wasn't bad on the eyes.

"I'd like some of that chocolate cake and some Earl Grey," James said, thumping his friend on the head.

"Ow, James, what the he… heck," Sirius squawked, rubbing the sore spot. He noted Lily's pointed glare and grinned at the waitress. "Right, sorry, I can't help myself in the presence of such beauty. I'll have the same thing James is." He gave her his best smile.

"I will be right back," Colette said and sashayed across the room to fill their order.

"When did you hire her?" Sirius asked, drooling over the nice hips as they swayed in his line of vision.

"Sirius Orion Black, you leave my help alone," Lily barked, hitting him on the head, making him turn his attention away for the enjoyable scene. Inside she was mortified, hoping the vampire didn't think Sirius was the one.

"What? I'm just looking," he whinged, rubbing his head again, "and quit hitting my head."

"I didn't hire those girls for you to lust over," she snarled, shifting her eyes from side to side.

James understood the implication and perked up and paid attention to the two new females. He spotted the athletic blonde as she was going into the back room. He had to agree with Sirius; they were lookers.

Colette came with their order, placed it on the table, turned to Lily and said, "Mrs. Potter, Vicky needs you in the office, something about running out of pumpkin pastries." She gave Sirius a wink and went back to work.

"Tis the season, fa la la," Lily quipped with a sigh and got up from the table. She gave James a kiss on the cheek and excused herself.

James and Sirius finished their tea and cake and went to Fun For All Pranks. They were going to see if they could get Moony in a better mood. The werewolf had been sulking ever since Hydrus had his little spat.

The rest of the day was spent running businesses or shopping. The family was worn out by the time they went to the Potters for dinner, which again was takeout, this time Chinese. They talked of mundane things and soon enough everyone went home and retired. They all planned on meeting the next day to celebrate Christmas together.

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The next morning there was a bit of a disagreement between Lily, Tippy and Kreacher. The house elves wanted to make Christmas dinner, and let Lily stay with her family. Lily never liked using house elves, even if one was being paid, but when Tippy said it was a present for Mister Hydrus, she conceded.

The family spent the day in joyful harmony, exchanging present, singing silly Christmas carols and just having a good time. They let the worries of Walburga fall away for the day, though it did remind Hydrus of Christmas passed when he had to worry about another Dark Lady.

Harry was ecstatic over his new toys, clothes and non-tearable cloth books, which had moving pictures. He cooed and ahhed over everything, clapping his hands at bright lights and giggling over the story books. He also had a wonderful time playing with the wrapping paper and boxes.

Lily was just as happy with the jewelry and clothes she received. She got some shield gloves and a charmed ruby necklace. The dress James got her was a flowing green gown that she was to wear at the Ministry ball tomorrow. The necklace matched well. Hydrus and the other Marauders gave her some trick puzzles and gadgets, knowing she liked to use her intelligence to solve things. Remus also gave her the new magical mystery novel.

James got the same gloves and a manly bracelet that was charmed. The male adults gave him some prank gadgets and a book on household charms, from Hydrus, who smirked and said, "You need to learn them. You never know, you might take down a Dork Lord."

Gag gifts for the other men were in abundance; there were ties with silly pictures, T-shirt with lewd saying, and gadgets that didn't really do anything but make inane noises. They were content with these, as long as they spent Christmas with the Potters.

They all sat, midday, for the meal of roasted goose, stewed cranberries, sweet potatoes, spotted dick and other delightful dishes. They ate the feast with a lot of chatter and comradeship. After they were done, Hydrus put a bouncing Harry to bed. It took an hour, but he finally got the little guy to sleep. He went downstairs and joined the family.

"I have one more present to give to James, though I think all of you will like it as well," Lily announced in a sly voice.

That had them sitting up and turning their attention to the glowing redhead. "What?" they all chorused and then looked at each other and chuckled.

"I'm pregnant," she said with a huge smile.

"Woohoo!" James yelled, jumping out of his seat, grabbing his wife and twirling her around.

"That's great," Hydrus beamed, getting up a joining the hug, patting James on the back.

"Really great," Sirius agreed, joining the group.

"Yes, that is wonderful news," Remus said, a bit quieter than the rest, though he did hug Lily and shake James' hand.

Harry woke and started crying at all the noise. Hydrus went to tend to him, leaving the happy couple to celebrate. He was overjoyed that there would be a new Potter. He got Harry calmed and tucked in with his bunny and went to join the festivities.

Lily broke out the non-alcoholic sparkling cider, Hydrus threw up a Muffliato and they toasted the news. The party went on until the wee hours of the morning. Hydrus, Sirius and Remus went home and Lily and James celebrated some more behind closed doors.

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The next day a weary group once more convened at the Potters, leaving their workers to tend the shops. The hired help received double pay, of course, which made them content on working on Boxing Day.

That morning after a breakfast of cheesy eggs and ham, the family all sat and watched Harry play with his new toys. Hydrus and Lily joined the tot on the floor and tried to teach him his numbers. The giggling bunny was held firm in Harry's little hand, causing James to grit his teeth whenever it tittered.

They spent the day playing, reading and generally just having fun. Then it was time for the ball, Remus stayed to watch Harry, since he wasn't invited. Lily got dressed in her gown and necklace, with her hair pulled up to show off the matching earrings, which were last years present. James and the two Blacks wore black dress robes and matching tuxedos.

The party drove in Hydrus's car to the area where the ball was being held, which was at a hotel in non-magical London that had Muggle repelling wards erected. They got to the building and pulled up where the red carpet was laid out. Hydrus handed the keys to the valet and they walked down the carpet.

Cameras went off and they stood for the photos, many reporters trying to ask Lily questions, to which she replied that 'now was not the time' and she would be 'more than happy to give interviews after the holidays', the bright smile never leaving her face. The reporters then turned their attention to Hydrus and asked about his last fight with Mrs. Black, hoping for a scoop, but he just smiled and said 'no comment'.

They made their way to the entrance hall, divested their cloaks and ventured to the dining room. The ballroom was a thing of beauty, with its crystal chandeliers and mirrored walls. The white marble floor practically glowed with the reflected candlelight. There were tables set with white tablecloths and silver dinner utensils and gold plates. The whole room sparkled like something out of a fairytale.

The Potters and the Blacks went to their assigned table and took their seats. The dinner tonight was lamb chops, rice and steamed vegetables and cost twenty galleons a plate. This was the Ministry. They ate and talked with their table mates about the current political climate and who was running for the Minister position. When dinner was done, Minister Bagnold gave a speech on how well everything was running; however, she was stepping down. She introduced Crouch and Smeller. They each gave short speeches and soon the dance floor was open. The band was a good one and a waltz started.

Lily and James danced. "Have I told you tonight, how happy I am? Or how beautiful you are?" James asked as he twirled her around the dance floor. "You just seem to glow," he added as he dipped her.

"No, I don't think you have expounded on my beauty in a long while," she said teasingly with a twinkle in her eyes, when he pulled her back up. She couldn't be cheerier than she was right this minute. She had a wonderful husband, a healthy son, perhaps a new daughter, good friends and a well-run business. Then there was the fact that she and James were alive, can't forget that. There wasn't much more she could ask for.

"You, my dear lady, are the most gorgeous woman in this room and I couldn't be more contented," he said as he pulled her close and kissed her nose.

"You look pretty dapper yourself," she said, pulling back and looking him up and down. The two chuckled and completed their dance and joined Sirius and Hydrus at the table. "Why aren't you two dancing with all the pretty ladies?" Lily asked as she let James hold out her chair.

"I, for one, don't feel the need to dance," Hydrus said with a small smirk, which made Lily frown a bit, thinking maybe it was too soon for romance for him. She might have to tell the girls to go easy on the poor man. "I don't know why this old dog isn't though." He nudged the younger Black with a cocky grin.

"Oi, I'll have you know, I was just keeping you company," Sirius said, affronted. "Besides, you're older than me, you old codger," he added with a grin and a nudge.

"Go, dance, drink and make merry. I'll be fine and I promise if any of the young ladies ask me, I'll dance," Hydrus said, clapping the younger man on the back.

"Right," Sirius said, getting up and heading to where the single women were congregating. The Potters and Hydrus watched as Sirius flirted and got to dance with a cute redhead, who Hydrus recognized as the girl he married last time, Laura. He wondered if history was going to repeat itself. They had made a good couple and had wonderful children. He'd have to watch and see.

Lily and James, now rested, got up and danced again, leaving Hydrus at the table. He was content to sit and admire the dancers. His mussing was interrupted when a twinkly eyed old man joined him.

"Ah, Hydrus, my boy, I heard you had a bit of a scuffle. How are you doing?" Albus asked as he took Sirius's chair.

"I'm fine," the immortal answered.

"That does my heart good to hear, my boy. And how are you enjoying this fine shindig?" the old man asked, getting a glass of wine from a passing waiter and taking a sip.

"I'm having fun, Albus. How about yourself?" Hydrus answered politely, nodding his head to the waiter and also taking one of the flutes.

"It has been a most enjoyable evening, though I did have to talk business with a few aristocrats. These old bones are much too tired to dance with the lovely young women," the Headmaster said in good cheer. "However, a young man such as yourself should be twirling one of the ladies around. Why, pray tell, are you sitting alone?" he asked joyfully as he stroked his beard with his free hand. He took a sip of wine and put the flute on the table.

"I prefer to sit, I'm not much of a dancer," he lied, Grace had taught him to dance.

"Alas, not all of us can be. Now, there is one question I would like to ask you, whatever happened to young Ms. Skeeter?" Dumbledore ventured as he looked over his glasses with concern in his blue eyes. He wanted to make sure the young lady was not injured or dead.

That made Hydrus pause; he didn't know that Albus knew who the bug was. "I let her go, she wasn't doing anything wrong," he fibbed with a straight face. Damn, now, I'm going to have to release her, but I'm going to blackmail the hell out of that woman before I let her go. I'll do it tonight. Plans started forming in his head at that thought.

"Hmmm, I've tried to reach the young lady, but all my post return unopened. Do you, by any chance, know where she is?" the Headmaster asked, not the least bit convinced, but he did not want to out and out accuse the young man of anything.

"She said something about taking a vacation. I'm sure she's just too far away for owls to reach her," Hydrus said, once more fabricating a lie. He nonchalantly took a sip of wine.

"You may be correct. I will endeavor to try again next week," there was a cynical tone to the old man's voice, making Hydrus more determined to let the bitch free. He really didn't need Dumbledore doubting him.

"Like I said, I let her go. I don't know where she is," the immortal deadpanned, putting his glass on the table. "Are you accusing me of something?"

"No, no, I simply wondered what became of her," Dumbledore said, though there was no twinkle in his eyes.

"Right, so who are you supporting for Minister?" Hydrus asked, changing the subject.

The twinkle came back to those old blue eyes and the two spent an hour talking of the Ministry. James and Lily joined them a few times, but spent most of the night on the dance floor. Sirius never came back to the table and it looked like he was having a good time with Laura.

The night came to a close and Hydrus drove Sirius home, then the Potters and then Remus. The ride with Remus was most uncomfortable.