Chapter 11

The morning sunlight streamed through my window, waking me. I stretched lazily, savoring the warmth, when a soft tapping sound at the window caught my attention. An owl was perched on the sill, its sleek feathers shimmering in the light.

"Leon!" I exclaimed, recognizing Severus's owl. I rushed to the window, carefully unlatched it, and let the bird in. Leon hooted softly, his golden eyes fixed on me as he held a letter in his beak.

"Let's see what Sev has to say," I murmured, taking the envelope and giving Leon a gentle pat on the head.

I tore it open, my heart fluttering as I read:

Dear Petunia,

I'm sorry it took me so long to write. We just returned from our family trip to Brazil. I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday and hope it was as wonderful as you are.

I can't wait to see you again at Hogwarts. Mother and I will be shopping for school supplies at Diagon Alley this week. Would your family like to join us? Mum has been eager to meet you ever since I told her about you.

Also, happy birthday again! I've sent you a little gift—a bracelet with a sapphire charm. The stone reminded me of your eyes.

Yours,

Severus

I smiled, my fingers grazing the delicate silver bracelet with a sapphire charm that had been tucked inside the envelope. It was beautiful, shimmering like a tiny piece of the sky, and I couldn't help but feel touched by Severus's thoughtfulness.

"Thank you, Sev," I whispered, slipping the bracelet onto my wrist.

Leon hooted again, nudging my hand. "Right, your treat." I handed him a small piece of bacon from the breakfast tray my mother had sent up earlier. As Leon ate, I sat down to write my reply:

Dear Severus,

Thank you for the beautiful bracelet—it's perfect and means so much to me. I'm sure we can meet you and your mother at Diagon Alley. Professor McGonagall will be taking us there this week, and I'll let you know the exact day.

I can't wait to see you!

Warmly,

Petunia

After sealing the letter and giving it to Leon, I went downstairs for breakfast. Dad was already at the table, dressed in his suit and reading the newspaper. Mum was bustling around the kitchen, her hair in perfect waves, as she set plates on the table.

"Good morning," I greeted, sitting down.

"Good morning, dear," Mum said with a smile. Her eyes landed on the bracelet. "That's lovely. New?"

"Yes, it's from Severus," I replied, showing her the charm. "He wants to meet us at Diagon Alley while we're shopping for supplies."

Mum raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Severus can do magic too?"

Dad looked surprised. "Severus? Isn't he the boy who lives at spinner ends?"

I nodded. "He's a wizard, like Lily and me. His mother, Eileen, is a witch."

Mum raised an eyebrow, intrigued but not entirely surprised after learning about Hogwarts. "And he wants to meet us at Diagon Alley?"

"Yes, Mum. He and his mother will be there shopping for supplies."

Mum exchanged a look with Dad, who shrugged. "It's fine with me," Dad said. "fine with me as well"

Breakfast passed quickly, though Lily was unusually quiet. She seemed lost in thought, her fork absently poking at her eggs.

After Mum and Dad left for their respective meetings, I turned to Lily.

"Lily, is something wrong?" I asked gently. "You've been so quiet."

She hesitated, biting her lip. "I think you're overthinking it. i just like to be quite …" 

I reached for her hand. "Lily, if you have a problem tell me okay?."

She smiled faintly. "okay."

The day finally arrived. When the doorbell rang, I practically sprinted to open it. Standing there was Professor McGonagall, her sharp green robes and stern expression softened by a faint smile.

"Good morning, Miss Evans," she said, looking slightly taken aback. "You look… radiant."

Blushing, I thanked her as Mum, Dad, and Lily joined us.

Professor explained how we would Apparate to the Leaky Cauldron. "It might feel a bit disorienting at first, but it's the fastest way to Diagon Alley," she said.

With a sharp crack, we appeared in a small, dimly lit pub. The sudden shift left all of us slightly dizzy, and Dad clutched his head. "That's normal," Professor reassured us with a wry smile.

She led us through the pub and into a small courtyard. Taking out her wand, she tapped a series of bricks on the wall. Slowly, the bricks rearranged themselves, forming a large archway that revealed a bustling street.

"Welcome to Diagon Alley," Professor said.

The sight took my breath away. The cobblestone streets were alive with color and sound—shop windows displayed cauldrons, brooms, and shimmering potions. Witches and wizards bustled about, their robes swishing as they carried packages or guided excited children.

At Gringotts, Dad exchanged £2,000 into 400 Galleons. The weight of the golden coins in my hand made everything feel even more real. the money i had in Gringotts is a secret to my family because how will I explained that I will just used it when i had something to buy no need to ask my parents for money. 

I told Professor that we were waiting for Severus and his mother. When she asked who they were, I explained.

"Eileen Prince?" Professor McGonagall asked, her brows lifting in recognition. "Yes, I remember her. She was an exceptional student in Potion ."

Not long after, I spotted Severus walking towards us with his mother. He looked taller and more composed, his posture confident. Eileen Snape exuded grace and intelligence, her dark eyes sharp and observant.

"Severus!" I called, running to him. Without thinking, I threw my arms around him.

He stiffened, clearly surprised, but eventually hugged me back. "I missed you," I said, pulling back to smile at him.

"I missed you too," he murmured, his cheeks tinged pink.

Eileen greeted me warmly. "Petunia you look very beautiful since the last time I meet you " she said, her tone kind. 

"It's lovely to meet you again, Mrs. Snape, and thank you for the compliment " I said sincerely.

My parents and Professor joined us, exchanging introductions. Eileen and Professor McGonagall spoke briefly, their conversation tinged with nostalgia, before the professor excused herself to assist other Muggle-born families. After knowing that we have Mrs. Snape to guide us

We said our goodbye and thank you to her before she leaves. 

As we began our shopping, I walked beside Severus, our hands brushing occasionally.

"You've changed," I said, glancing at him.

He looked at me, his cheeks reddening. "So have you. You've… gotten prettier."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Thank you, Sev."

And with that, we delved into the magical wonders of Diagon Alley, surrounded by the promise of new beginnings