Weft of Power, Warp of Blood: A Tapestry of Desire

Chapter Nine
Letters and a Visit

Later that evening, two owls came to the house. Jasmine saw only one. The other owl landed on the barn window and Sirius transformed quickly to untie it, then back again into his dog form. He trotted out of the barn and up the mountain with the letter in his mouth. The owl followed him. He climbed for half an hour, stopping to sniff about occasionally, before entering an almost hidden cave in the mountainside. Mid-stride he transformed into a man once more and nodded his head in a half bow.

The creature tethered to the wall of the cave lowered one knee in a return greeting, fierce orange eyes flashing in the dying sunlight. Sirius scratched the beast’s cheeks and chin then untied him from the wall, guiding him outside. The sunset shone spectacularly on the animal’s feathers, the silver gray reflecting light beautifully. His steely eagle beak shone gold in the light. The sleek, horse-like hindquarters glowed. The silver gray dapples were brighter than the pewter in the light. Once he was outside, the hippogriff stretched his wings and ruffled his feathers. Buckbeak flicked his tail playfully at Sirius, who gave him a rubdown after tying him to a tree.

As Buckbeak rooted in the dirt for bugs with his six inch talons, Sirius sat down, still silent, to read the letter. The sun was hidden behind the trees, so Sirius flicked his long fingers along his palm and instantly held a handful of shivering flames.

Dear Sirius,
My great-granddaughter, Jasmine, has informed me that she has just adopted a dog into her household and of the extraordinary circumstances of how it came to be there. I must, therefore, thank you for rescuing two of the most precious gifts that I have.

Sirius stopped reading. Jasmine was Dumbledore’s great-granddaughter? Every lustful thought he had of her instantly vanished in embarrassment. Now that it was mentioned, he faintly remembered the girl from his days in school; she had been smart, shy and skinny with a lot of red hair. Though she had been a Gryffindor too, there hadn’t been much contact between them - she was several years younger than he. Sirius continued reading:

I would advise you to be careful in the household, however, as Severus Snape frequently visits Arielle. I’m sure he would be quite distressed, should he find out who you are.

Again, Sirius stopped reading. Why would Snape visit Arielle? He suddenly remembered the conversation earlier, during his bath. Thoughts of Jasmine had forced Snape from his mind. Why had Snape been there?

To give you some history, Jasmine and Severus were married for almost six years and still remain good friends, though they have been contentedly divorced for four years. Arielle is their daughter. Severus will always have a place in Jasmine’s household, because of that. I bid you not to try to upset it because of your past grievances.

Harry is doing well in school, I am sure you are writing to him. Something of note did happen, however. I am sure Harry has already written to you about it. Harry and the champion from Drumstrang were walking together when Bartemius Crouch appeared to them in the woods, asking for me and speaking of the past and of Voldemort being stronger. He overcame Mr. Krum, after Harry had come to fetch me, and disappeared. We have not found Crouch.

This, coupled with a few other unusual events, means that I must ask a great favor of you: to stay with Jasmine and Arielle as a dog full time, for their protection. I am concerned for them. Though Jasmine is a powerful witch, I would be more comfortable if they had another guardian. I am sure you will also be far more comfortable staying in her barn than in the cave. If you have any concerns or objections to this, please reply by return owl. I will visit Jasmine tomorrow afternoon and will see you then.

Albus Dumbledore.


Sirius turned the parchment over, found his inkwell and quill and wrote back.

Professor Dumbledore –

Harry wrote to me about Crouch. I have instructed him to stay in the Gryffindor tower after hours and work on practicing for the third task. I have also reminded him that walking alone with Viktor Krum was not smart.

Snape did show up today, looking for Arielle. I growled at him. I’m afraid we don’t get on any better when I’m a dog then when I’m not.

Sirius stopped and considered.

I will try to avoid causing him further distress.

I am honored that you trust me enough to guard your treasures and I’m glad I was there yesterday to catch Arielle. I swear that I will do everything I can to protect them. What shall we do with Buckbeak? I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. I think we have a great deal to discuss.

Sirius.

Sirius tied the letter back onto the leg of the owl, newly returned from hunting. He gave the owl instructions to take it to Professor Dumbledore, but not to interrupt dinner. When the owl had left, Sirius untied Buckbeak and they went for a quick fly over the mountain and back. Buckbeak needed the exercise and Sirius enjoyed the freedom. Too soon, they landed and Buckbeak was tied up again. Sirius headed back to the house for the night.


Dumbledore received a letter from an old friend, currently in Norwich, that made him sit quietly in his chair and think of times past.

Dear Albus,
Hello, old man, got your last letter. Interesting about young Potter being put into the Tournament. Hope he has better luck than I did. I still feel the scars from that manticore. I have to tell you and I don’t know any other way but to just spit it out. I’m dying. My body is just giving out. Young Kiaya Roundtree that you sent to me is trying hard to find something to stop the inevitable – I think she’s making a tissue regenerative with pig lungs to pour down my throat right now. I don’t want to dash her down though. I know that I don’t have very long left, but she’s stubborn. That’s where you come in. I’m collecting on the favor you owe me from the bad old days. Kiaya’s ready to be released from her apprentice indenture and journeyman’s contract and get her cards – she was officially ready three years ago but I hung on, wanting to give her more than the typical dunderheads get, she’s too smart for the average run of Ministry laboratory idiots. I’ve been teaching her everything I can think of and she gobbles it right up. The girl knows almost as much as I do about Potions. I haven’t told her that she reached the typical journeyman level some three years ago (the level I’d normally kick them out at) because that blasted apprentice hat keeps her tame (and I knew that she could pour more into that silly blonde head of hers.) She’s had everything she’d need for her Master level for a long time now– except a gag - she talks too much. I know that if I give her the cards and dub her now, she won’t leave anyway, so it’s a waste of time. Instead I’ll just pour more into her head as I can and let her think she’s still a kid, which suits me just fine so I can still tell her what to do and hold her apprentice hat over her head. Of course she thinks she’s got to take care of me, silly girl, and claims she’ll be here until I either get better and can kick her out myself or until she can run off with Arabian prince and escape me and her dreary slave labor forever. I’ve enclosed my signed declarations of her release, passing and her cards. I told her that she could run my shop but she said she wants to teach – and was good at dealing with the two others you sent after her, so I’m giving her to you to train up as a teacher and send off if she wants it. I’m leaving her the shop and all of my books etc. so, should she decide to come back here, she can. Good luck with her, she’s a bit of a smartass but the best damn apprentice I’ve ever had. I think she’s well on her way to making a name for herself.
My thanks in advance for taking care of her,
Edward Basilton

He folded the letter away into his desk, along with the young witch’s cards and certificates that declared her a fully trained, completely qualified Potions Master. He vaguely remembered Kiaya as an energetic young woman who was quite clever, if only in the subjects she deemed worthwhile. Even Severus Snape had been forced to ignore the fact that the girl was a Gryffindor and pass her with high Potions marks. Dumbledore mulled over the possible positions that Kiaya might find and wrote several letters to the headmasters of several schools over the globe. A tissue regenerative potion made of pig lungs? Interesting. If his old partner, Nicolas Flamel, were still alive, he’d have been interested in that one.


Meanwhile, Jasmine had her own letter from Dumbledore.

Dear Jasmine,

I am gratified to hear that you and Arielle are safe. I owe this dog a great deal. I shall come down tomorrow for a visit, after Arielle has come home from school, to meet the dog and give Ari a gift.

Beer nuts and bobtails are blessings.

A.D.

Sirius spent the next day with Jasmine. First they escorted Arielle to school, then he lounged while she pieced together another set of dress robes. He lay quietly on the hearthrug until Berri began playing chase with Sirius’s long black tail. Looking amused, he began flopping his tail more vigorously around the cat, who leapt and pounced in chase. Jasmine looked up with a smile, watching the petite cat playing with the huge dog.

“Berri, please don’t beat up Sirius. Either you’ll put out his eye or he’ll eat you. Or both.” They ignored her.

She went back to work, breaking again only to have a light lunch. By mid-afternoon the dress was hemmed with an enchanted silver needle and a jet of steam from her wand had the wrinkles out of the silk. Worn by a dress form in the shape of Hariolatte Nott, the gown and robe looked like the night sky trapped in a goddess’s pearl necklace. It would fit perfectly, unless the lady had gained fifty pounds in two months. An owl was sent to Mrs. Nott, informing her that it was finished with a subtle reminder of the exorbitant amount due.

Jasmine opened a large wardrobe on one wall. Inside were several other formal outfits. A complimentary set for Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy, high collared and made of blackest silk velvet, lined with ivory peau de soie and embellished with high-grade diamonds on the collars. The formalwear had cost the Malfoys the equivalent of two years Hogwarts tuition. The price had been inflated simply because Jasmine disliked both Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, and Jasmine rather enjoyed paying Arielle’s school fees with Death Eater money. A surprise for Professor McGonagall was also in the cabinet, a hand dyed burnout silk velvet over robe and darkest green peau dress. Jasmine had done some exquisite embroidery on both robes in sycee silver. Dumbledore had requested the outfit for her in lieu of his yearly dress robe. After one hundred and fifty years, he had quite a few things he could choose from in his own closet and Professor McGonagall’s birthday was approaching.

Sirius grumbled and growled, startling Jasmine. With a gasp, she looked at him. Hackles raised and teeth bared, he stared into the hallway. A moment later, Sirius charged into the front room and skidding into the door, barking madly. Jasmine chased after, demanding that he quiet. A gentle rap on the front door sent Sirius into a frenzy.

“Sirius! Sirius! Stop! It’s safe! Sirius, stop it!” Jasmine reached the door where the dog quieted but was vibrating with tension, growling deeply.

The door cracked open, Sirius readied himself to attack. Jasmine cried, “No!” and flung her arms around his neck, trying to tug him away. He would not be moved.

The door swung open quickly, revealing a tall man in rich burgundy robes. He looked to the pair on the floor and said firmly, “That is quite enough!” He radiated power; Albus Dumbledore rarely needed to raise his voice.

At seeing the old man, Sirius immediately sat, causing Jasmine to stumble, rolling onto the floor. Still holding Sirius, she looked up at the man and smiled weakly.

“Hi.” She blew a strand of hair from her eyes. Sirius sat civilly.

“Hello, Jasmine. This, I take it, is your hero?”

“Yes,” she stood, thumping Sirius’s ribs in an affectionate pat. “Professor Grandpa, this is Sirius. Sirus, this is Professor Albus Dumbledore, my great-grandfather – behave yourself, we like him!” Jasmine grinned as she made the introduction.

“Good afternoon, Sirius, welcome to the Dumbledore’s Garden – so named for the flowers that were raised in this house,” Dumbledore said as he nodded politely, speaking to the dog as if he were human and understood completely.

Sirius wuffled.

The thumping pats changed to a brisk rub. “I’m sorry about the – er - welcome. He doesn’t understand the Hawthorn yet, though I’m not really sure how I would go about telling him about training the plant to only let certain people in.”

“I think he’s done an admirable job of warning and protecting you. I shall figure out a way to inform him of the protections on the house,” said Dumbledore calmly, with a twinkle in his eyes. Sirius bent his front legs slightly, in what looked like a bow, lowering his head, seeming to acknowledge the praise.

Jasmine blinked then laughed, “He’s a very strange dog, Professor Grandpa. Sometimes I think he actually understands me.”

“Jasmine, he just might understand you. You wear your heart and thoughts on your sleeve for all to see. I’m sure he understands the emotions you convey.” Dumbledore smiled gently. Jasmine left Sirius to hug her great-grandfather tightly, holding on for several moments.

“I love you, Professor Grandpa.” Still hugging him, she looked up and smiled. He was much taller than she, so she had to crane her neck considerably. He held her like porcelain.

“I love you too, little Jasmine flower.”

The silver water clock chimed its alarm. Jasmine slipped out of the embrace, announcing that she needed to run down and pick up Arielle and would return in a moment.

“In that time, I shall endeavor to explain to Sirius about the Hawthorns, then we shall go for a walk to get Arielle’s gift. We shall see you later.”

Jasmine wanted to question him about the gift, but the clock chimed again. She nodded and left after pressing a kiss to Dumbledore’s cheek and scratching Sirius’s ears. They could hear the soft tap of her heels as she walked beyond the gate.

Dumbledore looked again at Sirius and inquired, “Shall we walk? I could use a stretch of my legs while we fetch Buckbeak from the cave.” The dog wagged his tail and led the way out of the house, stopping to look at the Hecate’s Hawthorn lining the street.

“Ah yes, the hawthorn. These plants are enchanted to grow instantly, preventing strangers from entering Jasmine’s home. If you look closely, they have rather vicious thorns. Each thorn has a poison, which is injected into the body upon impalement, causing temporary paralysis. The hedgerow also has the capability of grabbing an intruder. No sane person would try to get past them and should they try, would be instantly paralyzed. Both Severus Snape and I would be alerted. The plants at the gate have been trained to accept certain people, but most would find the thorns rather unwelcoming.”

The dog grumbled at Snape’s name and Dumbledore looked down at him as they continued their walk to the mountain. “Severus is welcome in this home, Sirius, you must not interfere with that or make him suspect that you are not the simple dog you appear to be. I need you here too much.” Sirius looked at the old man with a combination of respect and irritation. He would adhere to Dumbledore’s request and grumbled his acknowledgement.

They climbed the mountain, while Dumbledore updated Sirius on Harry’s progress at school. Sirius slowed to accommodate the stride of an old man, but Dumbledore moved as agilely as a young man did in his prime. Soon they reached the rockslide and stopped, looking around. The old wizard frowned gravely.

“Sirius, I owe you a great debt for saving Jasmine and Arielle. Thank you. Please name what I can do for you in return.”

As soon as Dumbledore turned to look at him, Sirius turned into a man, wearing a shabby black robe. Dumbledore smiled slightly and nodded, saying with a half chuckle, “I am still surprised you gentlemen managed to figure that out without me knowing.”

Sirius blushed and croaked out a few incoherent words, “I… well… Remus… and James... we had to…er… illegal…didn’t… caught… Remus alone…would have told you, but…no…I…”

It was a full chuckle now, “Sirius, it’s all right. I’m glad that nothing went wrong. You and James Potter were a pair of the cleverest students Hogwarts has ever seen. I am not at all surprised that you tried to find a way to be with Remus Lupin once you discovered his secret.”

“Thank you, Sir,” said Sirius hoarsely.

“About that debt…”

“Just take care of Harry, Sir, while he’s at school. I can’t be there to protect him.” His voice, though croaky from disuse, was deep and intense.

“That has never been in question, Sirius. I will always do my best to keep Harry safe and teach him everything he needs to know. Together, we will watch over him,” vowed the wizard. “He does certainly get himself into scrapes quite a bit, doesn’t he? Not at all unlike his father and godfather, hmm?” said Dumbledore slyly.

“Er… yes, well, that’s why I know just how important it is for Harry to stay settled,” he paused, thinking. “That is, stay on school grounds,” he paused again, “to stay in school and not wander about,” he paused once more. “For Harry to stay in the Gryffindor Tower and only leave to go to classes! He won’t get hurt that way!” It was a satisfied pronouncement.

“Sirius, with James Potter for a father, Sirius Black for a godfather and Remus Lupin as a friend, do you really think that Harry Potter will sit quietly and study?” Dumbledore chuckled, though it faded quickly. “No, we’ve got to get him through the third task and find out who put his name in the Goblet of Fire. That will increase his safety.” Sirius silently nodded and they climbed on, finally reaching the cave where Buckbeak lay, sleeping.

He awoke as soon as they entered the cave and stood. Sirius nodded deeply and after the hippogriff had returned the courtesy with a stately nod of his own, Sirius stepped close to scratch Beaky’s cheek. Professor Dumbledore swept into a low, courtly bow, his arm out and his robes brushing the dirt floor. Buckbeak regally bent his scaly front legs down into his own bow. His feathered chest pressed to the ground and his head bowed so that the steely beak kissed the dirt before he stood again. Dumbledore approached to stroke the back of Beaky’s neck, sliding his hand down to his furred back. The older man untied the hippogriff as the younger picked up a small tattered rucksack. He stuffed into it an ancient sweater, an old Muggle baseball style cap, penknife, toothbrush, roll of parchment, inkwell and a battered quill.

As the unusual group left the cave, the young man asked the older, “Professor, this may be a silly question, but what will Jasmine say when you come back with Buckbeak as a gift?”

“Jasmine will wonder why she suddenly has a new hippogriff. She will probably even realize that this is the same hippogriff that escaped from Hogwarts before his execution; she isn’t stupid. Jasmine will not, however, question why I have brought Buckbeak, nor will she discuss his providence. She knows that I frequently ask her to do things that she does not understand, though does them anyway to humor me. Age has its privileges, you see.” Dumbledore smiled.

“And if someone else recognizes Buckbeak as being the one that was supposed to be executed?” The question worried Sirius, he didn’t want Jasmine to be in any kind of trouble with the Ministry of Magic. His presence in her home was bad enough.

“No one will think twice of Jasmine having a hippogriff, as it is widely known that she and Arielle collect creatures. Should someone suspect and question her, she has only to say that the hippogriff was a gift.” He smiled. “No one would dare question a gift from me; I am Albus Dumbledore.” There was no arrogance in the statement, simply knowledge of his own power and reputation. There was also a trace of amusement in his dancing eyes.

They walked in silence, each in his thoughts, leading Buckbeak down the mountain until they reached the rockslide. Again, they stood to survey the site. Buckbeak nuzzled into the ground, searching for bugs.

“The rock did not fall, you say, but shattered?” asked Dumbledore, musing over the events.

“Yes, Sir,” was the quiet reply. Sirius looked as though he was contemplating possibilities as well, then came to a decision. “Just before it happened, I had been wandering around up above, just there,” he pointed to a clump of scraggily trees about fifty feet higher up. He continued, “I smelled something odd.”

Dumbledore looked at him, waiting.

Sirius continued, “I thought I picked up Peter’s scent.”

Dumbledore looked startled. “Pettigrew?”

“Yes. As soon as I picked it up, I heard the girl scream and ran.” The older wizard nodded silently, waiting for more.

“After the rock split, I went down with Jasmine, but I came back yesterday morning to follow the scent more,” said Sirius. “It traveled from there,” Sirius traced a trail down to a nearby tree, “to there, but disappeared.” Sirius looked puzzled and angry. “I haven’t picked up the scent anywhere else, before or since,” he finished.

“I see. In that case, I think your staying here with the girls is even more important than I thought it was,” Dumbledore said slowly.

“I will do everything I can to protect them, Sir,” Sirius’s quiet voice was deep and strong, though still croaky.

“I know you will, Sirius. Now, I think it is time to proceed. I assure you that I will look into Peter Pettigrew’s whereabouts.” Sirius nodded and immediately standing next to Dumbledore was the large black dog. The odd group walked down the grade and crossed the fence. Dumbledore was one of the few people allowed through the invisible warding wall around the property.

Dumbledore looked down at Sirius while they walked through the paddock, “You know, Jasmine is, essentially an innocent, unmarried woman, and you will have no chaperone.” The words were mild but Sirius stopped in his tracks. Dumbledore looked squarely at him and added, “Her protector is a dog and only a dog. There should be no reason for Jasmine to ever know that you are not exactly as you seem.”

Sirius bowed his assent and they continued to the house.

Dumbledore was correct about Jasmine’s reaction to Arielle’s “gift.” She said nothing, only raised a single eyebrow at him while Arielle danced in joy and thanks. She clearly recognized the hippogriff since Hagrid had invited Arielle to come see the herd last year and had, in fact, provided Hagrid with several old wizard law books that were stored in the house, to use in Buckbeak’s defense. The hippogriff was accused of mauling one of the students, Draco Malfoy, who had taunted it. Coincidentally, Flowering Jasmine Designs was too busy to make Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy’s dress robes last year.

Dumbledore showed Arielle the proper way to approach and greet the hippogriff, then the five of them, with Buckbeak and Sirius being silent, had a conversation on what to call the newest addition to the household. Professor Grandpa mentioned that he had known a nice hippogriff named Buckbeak – Jasmine rolled her eyes – but Arielle decided that it was a good name.

“I wonder if I should try to dye him black,” Jasmine mused.

“Not at all, Jasmine. Buckbeak will only pick out the black feathers and rub off his own fur if you were to do that. They are prideful creatures, you know that.” Jasmine glared and Dumbledore chuckled. “Why would anyone question a gift from me?” He said it in subtle acknowledgment of her thoughts.

Professor Grandpa then raised his hand, signaling the end of the conversation before walking to the blissful Arielle and Buckbeak. The hippogriff lounged on the ground, all four legs folded underneath him and eyes half closed while Arielle sang softly and petted him with tiny hands. Sirius stood with Jasmine and nuzzled under her hand for a scratch.

“Oh, come on, it’s time to make dinner,” Jasmine announced and she and Sirius walked into the house.