บท 22: Chapter 22 - Second Year End Term
The sun was dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows across the grounds of Hogwarts as Serena and Lucius sat by the edge of the Black Lake. After a grueling week of exams, the tranquility of the lake was a welcome reprieve.
"Are you ready for the engagement party this summer?" Serena asked, her gaze settling on Lucius.
He sighed, a soft, thoughtful sound. "A bit nervous, but I'll be fine. Just another socialite party. I'm sure you've heard that I haven't accepted anything else from Sirius besides the bracelet he gave me months ago."
Serena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why yes, yes I have. And why is that?" She'd seen the dog sulk in so many of their shared classes. It was a bit annoying, really.
"He might have accepted the engagement but I'm still waiting for his apology," Lucius said. "He accused me of being something I'm not. He hasn't apologized for that."
Serena snorted, a decidedly un-ladylike sound. "Making Black apologize? That's like trying to make a Hippogriff tap dance. Good luck with that."
Lucius chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I've noticed that he's been acting rather... confused lately. Especially how I've been giving him the cold shoulder right after I accepted his courting gift."
"Confused is a good look on him," Serena muttered, smirking slightly. He looked like a dimwit. Scratch that. He is one. "It's about time he realized that he's not the center of the universe."
Lucius laughed again, his gaze drifting back to the lake. "Yes, well. Remus seemed to have told him bluntly about the necessity for an apology. Sirius has been strangely quiet since then. It's pretty funny."
"That just means they're planning something," Serena warned, her voice dropping lower. "Those guys are never quiet for long."
Lucius nodded, considering this. "I suppose we'll see what happens next."
"And you better tell me everything about that engagement party when we get back," Serena said, her tone serious. "I want to know every detail."
Lucius grinned, a devilish smile that made his icy blue eyes shine. "Of course, Serena. I wouldn't dream of leaving you in the dark."
As the setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Lucius Malfoy and Serena Snape sat by the Black Lake, their conversation echoing softly across the still waters.
"Have you made any progress with the scent manipulation Omegan magic?" Serena asked, curious.
Lucius let out a tired sigh as he made his way over to her. He took a seat next to Serena, rubbing his temples. "It's... it's harder than I expected, Serena," he admitted, his voice laced with exhaustion.
"Scent manipulation is a whole new level of magic. It's not just about controlling the scent or pheromones. It's about gaining control of the mana strings that make up scent and then infusing it with one's own magical signature."
Serena frowned, her curiosity deepening. "So, it's not just a matter of manipulating the scent itself, but also imbuing it with your own magic?"
Lucius nodded wearily. "Exactly. It's a delicate process that requires immense concentration and precision. One wrong move, and the scent can become unstable or lose its potency. And to even begin harnessing this magic, I must first gain control of the mana strings specific to scent manipulation."
Serena's eyes sparkled with fascination. "It sounds incredibly complex and challenging." The more challenging, the more powerful the results would be.
"It is," Lucius admitted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "But I'm determined to master it. I know the potential and the power it holds. It could be a formidable advantage, especially for someone like the both of us."
~~~
Serena was making her way towards the Room of Requirement for one last visit before the end of term when she remembered an important task she had been meaning to address. She needed to get Remus Lupin's home address for the summer.
As a prodigious potioneer, Serena had been secretly brewing Wolfsbane Potion for Remus. This summer, Damocles Belby, the potion's creator, would be announcing its existence to the wizarding world. Due to the complexity of the potion, and the rarity of its ingredients, the cost would be astronomical.
Remus, whose family was not well-off, would not be able to afford it. Hence, Serena had been quietly making batches of the potion for him, using ingredients that she had either collected or "borrowed" from Professor Slughorn's stores.
Mr. Belby had written to Serena that he would be crediting her as one of his assistants who helped in the creation of the Wolfsbane Potion. This announcement would undeniably highlight her talent and raise her standing as a prodigy in potions – a double-edged sword that would earn her admiration and envy alike, and possibly draw unwanted attention. But she can deal with that problem later.
She veered off her path to the Room of Requirement and instead headed towards the Gryffindor common room. She needed to find Remus before the end of term to ask for his address.
~~~
Serena stood outside the portrait of the Fat Lady, her arms folded across her chest, having asked a random Gryffindor student to fetch Remus Lupin for her. As she waited, she could hear the whispers and feel the stares. She didn't need to look up to know that curious eyes were watching her in the hallway.
"The Slytherin girl... the one who's friends with Lucius Malfoy..."
"She's the one who beat Alecto in a duel, right? Look, she's so much smaller than her."
"That's the girl that Potter always greets, isn't it? What's she doing here?"
"...best friends with Lily Evans, the muggle-born!"
Serena's lips quirked downwards in annoyance. It appeared she was more well-known among the Gryffindors than she had initially thought. Not all of it was negative, which was a surprise.
She was snapped out of her thoughts when the portrait swung open and two familiar figures stepped out. Remus, with his sandy hair and kind eyes, offered her a friendly smile. Behind him was James, his hazel eyes bright with curiosity and interest.
Serena frowned at seeing James, but she shrugged it off. She had a purpose here, and she intended to get it done as quickly as possible.
"Serena," Remus greeted, his tone warm despite the surprise in his eyes. "What brings you here?"
Serena unfolded her arms, meeting Remus's gaze steadily. "I need your home address," she said simply, deciding to be straightforward. No need for unnecessary details.
Remus blinked in surprise before his expression softened, a small smile playing on his lips. He understood her intentions. "Sure, I can give you that. But why..." He trailed off, glancing at James who was staring at Serena with interest.
Before Serena could respond, James stepped forward. "Hey, if you're handing out addresses, I'm at Godric's Hollow over the summer! Feel free to send an owl my way!"
Serena ignored James and turned her attention back to Remus. "I have to deliver something to you. It's related to the agreement we had a few months ago."
Remus seemed to understand then, and he nodded. "Alright, I'll give you my address."
James couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment as Serena and Remus exchanged addresses, leaving him out of their mysterious arrangement. He watched with a pout on his face as they finalized their conversation.
"Hey, Serena," James piped up, his tone hopeful. "Since we're giving out addresses, how about you give me yours? I could send you letters over the summer, you know. And maybe you could come over to Godric's Hollow sometime and hang out with us."
Serena raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, Potter, how could I resist such a glorious offer?" She replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "As much as I'd love to spend my summer with you, I'm afraid I already have plans. Busy schedule, you know. Plus I didn't give Remus my address, nor do I plan on giving it to you."
James feigned a hurt expression, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. "Oh, you wound me, Serena. How can anyone resist the charm of James Potter?" He chuckled, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Serena couldn't help but snort at his theatrics. "Believe me, Potter, it's a struggle," she teased. "But alas, I'm afraid our paths will have to cross another time."
One can hope it'd be towards the opposite ends of the world.
James grinned, his disappointment fading as he accepted her playful rejection. "Alright, then. Another time it is. But don't forget, my offer stands. You're welcome to join us whenever you're free."
"I'll keep that in mind, Potter. Who knows, maybe I'll take you up on that offer someday." She smiled at her own joke.
With an exchange of farewells, Serena turned to leave, leaving James and Remus behind.
~~~
The Hogwarts Express chugged along steadily, the rhythmic thrum of the wheels on the tracks a comforting melody as it carried the students back towards King's Cross Station. Inside one of the cozy compartments, three girls were huddled together, their conversation a soft murmur that floated above the clatter of the moving train.
Serena sat in the corner of the compartment, her red lips pursed as she listened to her friends. Next to her, Lily was animatedly discussing her summer plans. Across from them sat Evelyn, her light brown hair a wavy halo around her freckled face as she listened with interest.
"... and then we'll be going to the beach for a week," Lily was saying, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "What about you, Evelyn?"
Evelyn smiled, her brown eyes lighting up. "Mum and Dad have planned a trip to France. They want to expose me to some international magical communities. That and we were invited to Lucius' engagement party! I'll tell you guys all about it when we return. It's going to be a great learning experience."
Then both girls turned their attention to Serena. She had remained silent for most of the conversation, her eyes slightly unfocused as she stared out of the window at the passing scenery. She seemed to be lost in thought, her black eyes distant, as if she was seeing something far beyond the lush green fields and the clear blue sky.
Evelyn tilted her head, curiosity written all over her face. "What about you, Serena? Any exciting plans for the summer?"
Serena's gaze shifted, her eyes, now re-focused, met Evelyn's. A moment of silence hung in the air before Lily jumped in, her eyes darting to Serena before meeting Evelyn's. "It's a bit complicated."
Evelyn looked slightly taken aback, she didn't push and she nodded in understanding. "Oh, I see. Well, you're always welcome to join me and my family if you want, Serena."
Serena offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Evelyn, that's very kind of you. But I think I'll just be staying home. I plan on practicing my wandless magic over the summer."
Lily sent Serena a supportive smile, squeezing her hand. Serena returned the gesture with a small nod, appreciating her friend's tacit understanding and support.
~~~
As the Hogwarts Express came to a steady halt at King's Station, a wave of excitement and anticipation washed over the students. The trio of girls gathered their belongings, their laughter mingling with the chorus of farewells and laughter that filled the air.
Evelyn hugged Serena tightly, her voice filled with warmth. "Have a great summer, Serena. Don't forget to owl me!"
Serena returned the embrace, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Of course, Evelyn. Take care, and I'll see you soon."
With one last wave, Evelyn disappeared into the crowd, leaving Serena and Lily standing together on the bustling platform. The two friends locked eyes, their bond unspoken but understood. They had shared so much during the school year, and Serena was grateful for Lily's unwavering support.
"Now, let's find my parents," Lily said, her voice filled with excitement. "And then we can head to Cokesworth together."
Serena nodded, her attention scanning the crowd for the familiar faces of Lily's parents. But as they moved through the throng, Serena's steps faltered, and her eyes widened in surprise. Standing alone, just a few paces away, was her mother, Eileen.
Never in her past life as Severus Snape had Eileen come to pick her up at the station. It was a stark contrast to the neglect Serena had experienced before. Mixed emotions swirled within her—shock, and wariness.
Lily followed Serena's gaze, her brows furrowing with concern. "Serena, is something wrong?"
Serena blinked, tearing her gaze away from her mother. She forced a smile, though her voice wavered slightly. "No, it's nothing. Let's go, Lily."
They made their way towards Lily's parents and Eileen, who watched them approach with a mixture of apprehension and longing.
As they reached her, Serena's heart pounded in her chest, unsure of what to expect.
"Lily, dear," Lily's mother said, her warm smile shining with affection. "It's wonderful to see you both. And Serena, your mother insisted on coming to pick you up herself."
Eileen stepped forward, reaching her hand out towards her daughter, her eyes softening as they met Serena's. "Serena. Come, we have somewhere to go before we go home."
Serena's throat tightened, her past memories as Severus Snape and her current emotions intertwining. She could feel the weight of her mother's words, the complexity of their relationship, and the suddenness of her actions. Something was wrong here.
"Yes, Mother," Serena managed, taking her hand.
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