Marriage is Murder

Brant listened and laughed " that's what he called me " he said now feeling more relaxed knowing he was among people like himself " it was one reason I left home as I did all those years ago" he told them both. " Guess I don't take after the Crawford side then" he said and looked back at them. " must be a bit of Donahue in me, just a tiny bit" he said and motioned with his fingers how much he thought he had. Brushing his hair from his face he sighed deeply as he took in the flowers. " places like this or a potions lab or the sound of the ocean calm me more that playing Quidditch or dueling ever did" he smelt another plant and made note of the colour of the leaves and scent it gave off , realizing he was doing it again he closed it again" sorry habit" he said

"Being observant isn't a bad habit unless it takes the place of living, Brant," Edward said. "But in answer to your earlier question, all I know about Robert's lab is what he and Michael have told me. Robert says he has a large lab and an even larger library. Michael's word for it was 'riduculous,' I believe, as in ridiculously large. Michael says that very few even get to enter the lab. Not sure why, but it seems to be off limits from most everyone most of the time. I don't get the feeling he's like that about the hospital potions lab. Nor is he that way about the small lab he has at Brian's. If I find out what the big deal is about the lab at his own home, I guess I'll let you know. But for now that's a mystery."

Angus brought a platter of swordfish out to grill on the outdoor grill over flavorful hardwoods for a deeper flavor.

"The thing is ridiculous," Angus said, overhearing.

"You've seen it?" Edward took interest.

"Oh yes. Several times when I was either with Brian or on duty at Robert's house. The lab is in the cellar, and its bigger than most people's entire houses. Brian says Robert has a very comprehensive collection of weaponry someplace but I didn't see anything. But, from the ground floor and up the next four floors is the largest library I've ever seen in my life. Certainly larger than any other potions library in existence, I'm guessing. Larger than the bookstore in Diagon Alley and larger, I think, than the library at Hogwarts. Michael seems to find a way to spend a lot of time there somehow."

"Michael is a dedicated bookworm, and his 'talents' allow him to get into anywhere he damned well pleases," Edward said.

Brant stood fixed to the spot as he listened to them both he hoped one day he could be among the honored few to see inside the lab at Roberts home. He smiled at Angus as he brought out the fish to cook. "Sounds like a library I could get lost in" he said and chuckled watching Angus place the fish on the outdoor grill. " and that will make it taste wonderful" he added, knowing the longer he stayed with Robert the more change he had to see inside the lab.

He moved and took the platter using some tongs after he oiled the fish he placed them on the Grill and looked to Angus" Now outside cooking I know something about" he said and grinned back at him.

"Good," Angus said, adding some salt and spices to the fish. He accio'd a platter of fresh vegetables, oiled them and added them to the grill. They would go well with the polenta that the women were making in the kitchen. Angus would have preferred to add a salad as well, and the women hadn't intended to. However, because he insisted, they were preparing a large bowl of marinated wild mushrooms. One of the women had made an enormous selection of fresh biscotti for dessert with fresh pears poached in red wine.

"Grandfather, what wine would you prefer with the fish?" Angus asked Edward.

"Get the good chianti," Edward said. "Swordfish is hearty enough to stand up to it. It'll be fine."

"Yes, Sir," Angus said. "We'll be ready as soon as the fish comes off the grill. Perhaps another couple of minutes." He heard the women setting the large marble dining table that was outside under the pergola. He liked eating outside at night under the stars, especially when the grapevines were starting to get green again. He knew his grandfather would add some magical white lights to the vines in the pergola ceiling, and it would be spectacular when it got dark.

Brant hummed softly as he watched and checked the fish, letting Angus season it soon he gently turned it to cook even all the way threw. He watched the woman place down the table and he smiled knowing they were eating out side that night Finding the fish was done he lifted them out and placed them on a large platter." fish is done" he said to Angus as he carried it over to the table. He placed it down in between the pasta and the space where the wine that Angus would bring.

He pulled out a chair and sat down looking up at the sky through the grape vines. " could get a good crop of grapes this year" he said looking at the vine that grew all around him.

"Indeed," Edward agreed about the grapes. He took his place at the head of the table while Angus brought out two large bottles of good chianti. The others in the compound took their places at the table and began, without ceremony, to fill their plates, family style. Angus opened the wine and poured a glass for Edward first for his approval. Edward sniffed it, swirled it in his glass and tasted it carefully. "That's very nice, Angus. Nice job. Now, get yourself some fish before its gone."

Edward thought the fish was good. In fact, the entire meal was lovely. He liked being home again. The compound was designed to be completely removed from the evils of dark things like werewolves and vampires and other monsterous evils. Here, his great grandchildren ran free, without a care in the world, simply being little ones. And that pleased him.

His thoughts were briefly interrupted by his seer's skills being triggered. He had a brief glimpse into Brian's mind, into his view of Khaat in her evening gown, and into Brian's deep love for her. Edward knew what that sort of love had felt like. It hadn't been even a year ago that he had lost his own wife, and there wasn't a day that passed that he didn't miss her. It was nice to see that level of love still possible in such a dark world. It made him smile slightly.

"I'm glad Robert decided to send all of us off for a week," Edward said. "I think we all needed time to ourselves again. Angus, exactly how many safehouses does Robert have, anyway?"

"I have no idea," Angus said. "He had several a year or so ago when Grindlewald drove us out of England. And I know he's been heavily investing in more--and I think its several more. Why do you ask?"

"He seems to have a knack for picking odd locations, that's all."

"He certainly does," Angus laughed, remembering the tree house in Brazil.

Brant enjoyed the fish as he ate he noted the children playing around them as the adults ate and talked of the day. Brant just sat watching Edward noting the look on his face and he smiled. Sitting back he sipped the wine slowly noting how relaxed he had become. Doesn't he have a few in Japan?" he asked I heard his name mentioned a few times while I was out there" he said and took a sip of his wine while he glanced back up to see a shooting star.

He gave a sigh and looked at Angus " I'll be glad to get back to work though, all work and no play , you know what I mean" he said softly finishing his wine and placing the glass on the table in front of him.

"He has places all over the world," Angus said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's added something in Japan. But if he has, then that's a more recent addition. One of the first safehouses he had was in Paris. But he seems that he's planned very well for his family."

"Did you expect less from him?" Edward leaned back in his chair, sipping on his wine. "Lupins are very family loyal. Its that Gryffindor thing they have. The truth is that if he had to choose between the ministry and his family, he'd leave England with his family first. The ministry doesn't mean that much to him. He'd like to see things go well, but the people he loves mean more. Thats where he differs from Remus. Remus and Tonks were willling to sacrifice family for the greater good. Robert wants the greater good and is willing to fight for it, but not at the expense of his family. Nothing means more than that to him. So, yes, a man like Robert would have a safehouse everywhere he could afford to put one. And if this rebellion thing gets more difficult, Robert will become more interested in making sure he has a network of safehouses and that they are completely stocked with every single need he can think of."

Brant sat and listened more hearing all about Robert being family orientated. "isn't that a good thing?" he said looking around him as he sat a ball rolled to his feet and he picked it up he rolled it back to two boys playing not far from them. " its how I would be" he said with out thinking about what he had said and smiled as the boys went back to their game. Sitting back he pored a second glass and sipped it. " he sounds an interesting man to work for" he said noting how Angus and Brain both wore the same medallion around their necks as he had seen the others wear as well.

"So whats the plan for tomorrow?" he asked still sipping the wine."Can't keep fishing" he looked at them both as he drank. He caught the scent of jasmine in the air and smiled he liked the scent. Now he had the feeling he was home to stay, this was where he needed to be.

"Well," Angus said, "That seems to be part of the problem. Robert has lived through his share of war and death and heartbreak, and he's learned to only surround himself with those he trusts. Sometimes that does mean hiring in family, and not everyone believes in nepotism. Personally, I haven't seen it to be much of a problem for the Lupins. But others don't feel that way. They've accused Robert, from time to time, of being corrupt. Ludicrous, but there it is."

"And that's part of why I like him," Edward said. "Not afraid to stand for what he believes in, even if the whole rest of the world believes he's wrong." When Brant asked what was on the schedule for tomorrow, they laughed. "You've forgotten where you are," Edward said. "This is Italy. No one in Tuscany plans in advance. They live each day for itself. The only ones who plan much in advance are generally tourists. Why don't you take the day and go into Rome or something and go find yourself a girl?"

"He wouldn't know what to do with one," Angus laughed.

"I dont' exactly see a ring on your finger either," Edward teased.