Severus watched the young woman weave Merlin level magic as if it were child’s play. When she began speaking in a language neither he nor Lucius had heard before, he knew without a doubt she was more powerful than any witch or wizard ever seen. The air around her shimmered with magic he’d never seen before today. Then with a great rush, it was gone. Severus watched Vi smile dangerously before her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed. He managed to catch her, being stood close to her from earlier, but her stillness was rather worrisome.

“What in Merlin’s name just happened?” Lucius asked.

Severus turned to his friend slightly.

“I believe she just repaired your wards,” he answered slowly.

Lucius started at his statement.

“I find that hard to believe,” Lucius sighed.

Severus watched him reach out to the wards with his magic. Silence reigned for a long moment. While Lucius was probing the wards, Severus set Vi on the chaise to recover. Strangely, the door to the study was still locked with her magic.

“Sweet Circe!” Lucius exclaimed.

Severus turned to him.

“She reworked all the wards around not just the manor but the entire property!” He raved.

“Did I not say she was powerful?” Severus deadpanned.

“You don’t understand, Severus, she reworked the wards with ancient magic. Far more ancient magic than I’ve ever seen.”

Behind him, Vi groaned.

“That’s because it’s Druidic magic,” she rasped. “Druids’ magic was far more powerful than early wizards. It’s why they intermarried with the Druids in the first place.”

Before Severus could answer, the wards flared to life again. He stood but before he could move, the door flew open and there in the doorway was the young prince.

“Thana!” He exclaimed rushing to her side.

“I’m ok little brother,” she coughed as she pushed herself into a sitting position. “How did you know where I was though?”

“Who could have known?” He countered.

“Iv,” she smiled.

“Did you really think I’d let you go after what that bastard said?” Another voice demanded.

“Mr. Oda, how did you get through the wards?” Severus asked.

“I know my sister’s work,” he shrugged. “Though I’m not as well versed as she is, I am still able to circumvent the wards she puts up.”

“Quite the nuisance if you ask me,” Vi grumbled.

Severus was the only one who heard her grumbled statement. A knock drew his attention away from the siblings and to the door of the study.

“Regulus?” He gasped.

“Come now Severus, no need to act so surprised,” the man teased.