The Feast
During the last week of Hogwarts Rowan is often subdued and quite lost in her own thoughts. No one seemed to really notice other than Severus, who recognized the emotion for what it was, unease. Severus's concern only augmented on the day of the Feast.
The Great Hall is decked in Slytherin colors of green and silver to celebrate their winning the house cup. A huge banner showing an emerald serpent with silver embroidery covers the wall directly behind the staff table. Overall, there is a rather joyous atmosphere as the exams are over and everyone had passed including the Marauders.
Sitting down Rowan gazes into the distance, while Severus half-listens to Terry prattle about Slytherin winning the house cup. Unable to take it anymore, Severus interrupts, "Rowan, are you alright?"
Startled out of her reverie, Rowan turned to face the worried expression of Severus. Something about those black eyes overlapped with a dream-like memory of a thin, older shallow man saying, "Save-!" She had promised to save someone, but she had never promised who. And so, she chooses Severus. She always will.
Reaching out, Rowan gently Severus' cheek with her palm. "I'll save you this time, Sev."
"What?" Severus squawked in bewilderment.
Removing her hand, Rowan pleasantly remarked, "I heard that the feast this year will have a new variety of cuisine, I am quite looking forward to it."
Severus shakes his head in puzzlement and confusion at the abrupt mood swing of his twin sister. Shaking his head in frustration and annoyance, Severus grumbles under his breath, "Girls."
"Amen to that," Terry chorused having overhead the conversation. Before Severus can speak Dumbledore arrives causing the babble to die away.
"Another year has gone!" Dumbledore cheerfully said. "And we have learned much that I'm sure shall nicely fade away before the next year starts. Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and seventy-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and six, Gryffindor, with four hundred and thirty-two; and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-one.
A storm of cheering and stamping breaks out from the Slytherin table as the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs politely clap, while most of the Gryffindors remain sullenly silent. After the cheering everyone promptly began to dig in as Dumbledore took a seat at the head table.
Even Rowan was full of cheer as she spotted exquisite sweets such as Mont Blanc. Why even Narcissa Black had a smile on her face cozying up to Head Boy Malfoy, who beamed with pride as he overlooked the table. Catching Rowan's eye, Lucius nods his head at her as Rowan as she courteously did the same.
The rest of the feast passes quickly and on the following day, their exam results are revealed. To no one's surprise, Rowan got top marks in almost every subject except potions having earned only a passing mark in Transfiguration. She may have been rather reluctant to transform a mouse into a snuffbox.
Naturally, Severus did great as well and even one-upped Rowan, since he had the highest marks in their grade for potions and ranked relatively high in Transfiguration. They are not the only ones who fared well as even the marauders also passed their exams. After all, an Acceptable is still a passing grade.
All too soon, their wardrobes are empty, their trunks are packed; notes are handed out to all students warning them not to use magic over the holidays. Naturally, Bethanie, Silvia, and Tiffany, all promise to write to Rowan over the summer. To which Rowan solemnly responded, "If I get a letter, I'll at least reply back."
On that last day with great excitement and joy, the 1st years all followed Hagrid back onto the lake. As usual, Rowan ominously muttered under her breath causing Severus to almost hex his twin in exasperation. Luckily, Lily calmed Severus down before he committed a rash act. Because knowing Rowan, she would more than happily push her twin out of the boat in retaliation.
The small fleet of boats lands on the shore as they all excitedly climb out under the warm sun. The sound of talking and laughter fills the air as they all board the Hogwarts Express. Even Rowan was manipulated into playing Exploding Snap with Severus, Lily, and Terry. Every now and they would glance up and study the green countryside and study the muggle towns passing by. All too soon, it came time to pull off their wizard robes and put on their jackets and coats as the train pulled into platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross Station.
With care, they all got off the platform as a wizened old guard by the ticket barrier allowed them to pass through in twos and threes.
Waving goodbye to Terry, Lily and Severus promised each other to write to each over the summer, before Lily ran off towards the smiling figures of her parents. Not too far in the distance stood the impeccably dressed Reginald Prince. A twinkle of warmth could be seen in his eyes as he subtly opened his arms for them to hug.
The twins happily hugged their grandfather though Severus might have let go rather quickly with a rather flushed face. Rowan did just as quickly not quite used to giving hugs to others. "I swear the two of you get bigger and bigger each time I see you," Reginald warmly commented on his grandchildren's growth.
Severus sniffed rather indignantly, "I'm not fat, just taller!"
"That's what I said," Rowan smirked causing Severus to sniff sullenly in reply.
"Come now, children," Reginald said as he retrieved their trunks.
All too quickly, the faces of Rowan and Severus dreadfully pale. Owny hoots miserably in his cage sensing the presence of the evil contraption. Alas, they really should not have eaten lunch on the Hogwarts Express, but that is a tale for another day.