Chapter 34 - Godric’s Hollow

Serena stood in her bedroom at the Prince manor, her gaze sweeping across the familiar space. It was a sanctuary of solitude, a stark contrast to the bustling energy she anticipated at the Potter residence. Her bag, charmed with an Undetectable Extension Charm, was packed neatly with her belongings, lying on her bed. She had chosen her clothes carefully, not out of vanity, but for practicality, knowing she would need to adapt to the dynamics of the Potter household.

She made her way to the dining hall, where the smell of a hearty breakfast filled the room. Wilfred sat at the head of the table, his sharp blue eyes observing Serena as she entered. They ate in comfortable silence, a mutual understanding passing between them. Her grandfather had been a pillar of strength since her abrupt return to the Prince manor, quiet as he is, she felt gratitude from his presence alone.

After breakfast, Serena went to her grandmother's room to bid her farewell. Gwendoline's eyes, once bright and spirited, now carried a weariness that concerned Serena. A gentle hug and a promise to return soon seemed to bring some comfort to the ailing matriarch. Serena whispered words of encouragement, her healing touch lingering on her grandmother's hand before she left the room.

With the time of departure upon her, Serena descended the grand staircase to the main hall where the emerald flames of the Floo network flickered in the fireplace. Wilfred Prince stood there, his posture as commanding as ever. Despite his stern exterior, there was a touch of concern in his voice as he spoke.

"Remember what you represent, Serena. You are a Prince, and with that comes responsibility," Wilfred said, his tone firm yet not unkind.

"I understand, Grandfather," Serena replied, her voice steady. "I will not forget."

Wilfred nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Upon your return, we shall begin your lessons in earnest. The duties of an heir are many, but I have no doubt you will rise to meet them."

Serena could only nod in understanding, feeling the weight of her future responsibilities pressing upon her. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the week ahead. It was not just the lessons with her grandfather that loomed in her mind, but the prospect of navigating the dynamics at the Potter residence, particularly with James and his wild unpredictable nature.

The news of Lucius, Sirius, and Evelyn's absences brought a twinge of disappointment, but also relief. Fewer variables to contend with, she mused. She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious about Fleamont's potion laboratory and the garden of ingredients.

Taking one last look at her grandfather, Serena stepped into the fireplace, her heart thudding in her chest. She threw a pinch of Floo powder into the flames and they roared to life, turning a brilliant green.

"Godric's Hollow," she announced clearly, the words cutting through the crackling of the fire.

The flames engulfed her, and with a swirl of emerald and a rush of heat, Serena was whisked away, leaving the Prince manor behind. 

~~~

The swirling green flames of the Floo network subsided as Serena stepped into the Potter's living room, her senses immediately assaulted by the stark contrast from the quiet austerity of Prince Manor. The first thing she noticed was not the cozy decor or the warmth of the hearth, but Petunia Evans, who stood awkwardly to one side, her face etched with boredom and a hint of uncertainty.

Before Serena could address this unexpected addition to their group, James Potter's voice boomed through the room with a familiarity that bordered on intrusive.

"Serena! You're here! Welcome to Godric's Hollow!" James exclaimed, his hazel eyes alight with excitement as he appeared right in front of her.

Serena instinctively recoiled, rolling her eyes at his overbearing presence. "Hello, Potter," she said dryly, trying to sidestep him to see Lily and confirm Petunia's presence. But James, as usual, seemed oblivious and softly smiled at her. "I missed you, you know?"

Behind him, Remus and Peter glanced at each other. 

"We've lost him, haven't we?" Peter whispered.

"Sirius is going to have a field day," Remus said, shaking his head in hilarity of the situation.

"Yes, yes, you've repeated it in your letters, Potter," pushing past him with a firm hand on his shoulder, Serena finally faced Lily, who looked amused and apologetic.

"I see you brought company," Serena said, raising an eyebrow at Petunia.

Lily gave a small shrug. "Our parents are away on their anniversary trip, and Petunia's sleepover plans fell through. I couldn't leave her alone, so she's here with us. I hope that's alright."

Serena glanced at Petunia, who looked decidedly out of place but was trying to maintain a semblance of composure. She nodded slightly, acknowledging the situation. "Of course, it's alright. Family is family, after all."

James chimed in, the enthusiasm undimmed by the situation. "Absolutely! The more the merrier," he said cheerfully, clapping his hands together. "My parents are thrilled to have you all."

Looking past James, Serena caught sight of Remus and Peter, who had been somewhat overshadowed by James's larger-than-life personality. She nodded at them in greeting, receiving a warm smile from Remus and an eager wave from Peter.

At that moment, Euphemia and Fleamont Potter entered the room, their welcoming smiles offering a comforting warmth.

Euphemia approached first, her demeanor exuding a maternal charm that immediately put Serena at ease.

"Serena, dear, it's so lovely to see you again. Ladies, how nice to meet you," Euphemia said, her voice infused with genuine kindness. "Please, make yourself at home."

Fleamont followed, his presence commanding yet kind. "Welcome to our home, young ladies. We hope you find your stay enjoyable and enlightening," he said with a smile.

Despite her reservations, Serena felt a surprising sense of welcome washing over her, the genuine warmth of the Potters diffusing some of the anxiety she had harbored about the visit. She allowed a small, polite smile to grace her lips as she replied, "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Potter. I am sure the week will be most... interesting."

"Yes, thank you for inviting us!" Lily beamed.

Petunia nodded in agreement, "Thank you."

"It's our pleasure," Fleamont chuckled at their polite response.

Euphemia, with the grace of a practiced hostess, suggested that it was time to settle everyone into their rooms. "James, darling, would you be so kind as to show our guests to their quarters?" she said, her voice warm but with an underlying note of authority that indicated the suggestion was more of a polite order.

"Yeah, of course, Mum," James answered, a tinge of disappointment in his voice as he added, "Shame Lucius and Sirius couldn't make it."

Lily, who had been observing a family portrait with interest, turned at his words. "Why couldn't they come?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Remus explained, "Their families have them tied up with engagement party preparations. Plus, Sirius managed to get himself grounded after a row with his parents right at the start of summer."

Peter, small and unassuming, piped up with a sympathetic frown. "I feel bad for him, being stuck at home all summer."

With the conversation turning towards the absent friends, the group began to follow James. The Potter home was a myriad of magical wonders, and James was a lively and enthusiastic guide. He pointed out various magical artifacts and family heirlooms with a sense of pride, promising a more thorough tour for the girls the following day.

As they ascended the staircase, James, perhaps caught up in the excitement of playing host, blurted out, "Wait till I tell you about Serena and me getting kidnapped! It was quite the adventure."

Lily's head whipped around, her green eyes wide with shock and concern. "What?!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the stairwell.

Petunia, who had been silently trailing behind, now stared at Serena, her expression one of bewilderment and, perhaps, a flicker of alarm.

Serena, for her part, felt a surge of irritation. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, gathering her composure before fixing James with a glare that could have curdled milk. "Potter," she hissed, her voice low and dangerous, "you have the subtlety of a Bludger. Some things warrant a proper conversation and are not to be blurted out for dramatic effect."

James, realizing his blunder, had the grace to look abashed. "Sorry, I thought—" he began, but Serena cut him off.

"You thought wrong," she said sharply. "Lily, Petunia, it's not as dramatic as James makes it sound. I'll tell you about it later, okay?" 

Lily nodded, her expression still one of concern, but she accepted Serena's words for the moment. Petunia remained silent, but her eyes lingered on Serena with a newfound curiosity.

She turned to Lily with a softness in her eyes that was reserved for her friend alone. "Lily, I didn't want to worry you with a letter. It's true, we were in a bit of a situation, but we managed to get ourselves out of it. I wanted to tell you in person, where I could explain everything properly."

Lily, her initial shock subsiding into a mix of relief and lingering concern, nodded slowly. "I'm glad you're both alright." She then cast a slightly reproachful glance at James, who had the decency to look somewhat sheepish.

James' mood, however, was irrepressible. With a bounce back in his step, he clapped his hands together. "Well, you've got to admit, Serena was brilliant," he said, his pride in her evident despite the glare she shot him. "But I'll leave the detail-sharing to her," he added with a wink to Lily and Petunia.

Next, he ushered the group towards one of the guest rooms. As he swung open the door, the girls were greeted by a spacious and inviting room. The walls were painted a warm beige with a red carpeted floor, the color of comfort and tranquility. Two double beds with plush bedding promised a restful night's sleep, and the bookshelves that lined one wall hinted at the intellectual pursuits of the Potter family. A set of drawers provided ample space for belongings, and paintings of majestic griffins added a touch of Hogwarts to the space.

"This will be your room for the week," James announced, gesturing grandly. "Hope you guys like it."

Lily and Petunia stepped into the room, their eyes exploring every nook and cranny. Lily seemed pleased, her gaze lingering on the bookshelves, while Petunia's expression softened slightly, a testament to the room's welcoming atmosphere.

James then turned to the boys. "As for us, we'll be bunking in my room. It's plenty big for all of us," he said with a grin.

The group dispersed to settle in, with James leading the boys to his room and the girls arranging their belongings in the guest room.

~~~

The room was filled with the soft rustling of fabric and the gentle thud of luggage as Serena, Lily, and Petunia each found a spot for their things. The air was thick with the scent of fresh linens and the subtle undercurrent of the magic that seemed to permeate every corner of the Potter household.

Serena glanced around the quaint room, noting the comforting glow of the afternoon sun as it streamed through the window, and turned to the sisters. "Did you have to wait long when you arrived?" she inquired, smoothing the front of her robes.

Lily, who was carefully placing her clothes into an empty drawer, looked up and replied, "Oh, not at all. We've only been here about ten minutes before you've arrived. It was our first time using the Floo network and it was surprisingly swift."

Serena nodded, then moved to sit on the edge of one of the beds, her posture relaxed yet somehow still regal. Lily, ever curious, couldn't help but ask the question that had been on her mind since they entered the house. "When did you and James get so close? I mean, to the point where you're invited over and meeting his parents?"

There was a slight pause as Serena's gaze drifted to the window, a contemplative look crossing her features. With a deep breath, she began recounting the tale of her and James' unexpected adventure in Diagon Alley, the kidnapping, and their subsequent escape. Her voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of emotion that betrayed the gravity of the experience.

Lily listened intently, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and concern. "Merlin's beard," she exclaimed once Serena had finished. "I never knew the wizarding world could be so dangerous, but that's just... it's crazy, it's what it is."

Petunia, who had been quiet until then, chimed in with a touch of annoyance lacing her voice. "I didn't even plan on coming here," she said, folding her arms. "But Lily insisted, and now hearing about kidnappings and all... urgh."

Serena remembered how Lily had confided in her about the strained relationship with her sister. She could see the faint lines of resentment etched into Petunia's features, a mirror of the bitterness that had once consumed Severus. But there was also a hint of something else, perhaps a veiled concern for Lily's safety that Petunia was too stubborn to openly acknowledge. Serena knew there was more to Petunia than met the eye, just as there was more to herself than the cold exterior she often presented.

"It's not always like this," Serena said, her voice gentle but firm. "The wizarding world has its dangers, but it also has its wonders. And we always find a way to come out on top, especially when we stick together."

Lily nodded in agreement, a determined glint in her eyes.

Petunia's voice carried a bitter edge as she continued her backhanded compliments. "Oh, certainly, the wizarding world is full of 'wonders'," she said with a heavy dose of sarcasm, "magic that can turn your teacup into a turtle, or—what's next? Brooms that can talk?"

As she spoke, her words laced with thinly veiled disdain, a small movement near Serena's hair caught everyone's attention.

Bowe, the little Bowtruckle that had become Serena's companion, poked his head out, his bright eyes fixated on Petunia. The room fell silent, the tension momentarily forgotten as Lily and Petunia stared at the creature with astonishment.

Lily's face lit up with delight. "Oh, he's adorable! What is he?" she cooed, reaching out tentatively in an attempt to stroke Bowe. 

But the Bowtruckle deftly avoided Lily's touch, much to her surprise, and instead continued to gaze intently at Petunia, extending a twig-like finger in a waving gesture.

Serena's attention was split between answering Lily and observing Bowe's unusual behavior.

"Bowe is a Bowtruckle, a creature that commonly lives in trees that are wand-worthy," Serena explained, her eyes never leaving the little creature. "They're generally shy, avoiding muggles and wizards alike, but…. Bowe here seems to have taken an interest in Petunia..."

Serena wasn't daft. On the contrary, she is attuned to the subtleties of magical creatures, especially those she bonded with, sensing Bowe's keen interest. It was not typical for Bowtruckles to show interest in humans. He usually stayed hidden in her hair even with her grandparents. Apart from Potter who met Bowe, which was necessary, and Adalina who was another Omega—no one else had seen Bowe. Yet Bowe's current behavior suggested he sensed something unique about Petunia. 

Serena's knowledge of Severus Snape's past and the complexities of the wizarding world, combined with her current intuition, led her to a quick realization.

But that doesn't make sense… Petunia is a muggle. 

Serena silently glanced back and forth between Lily and Petunia.  

No… Serena shook her head and brushed her assumptions away. She doesn't have any evidence to confirm her suspicions right now. Bowe was probably just curious about Petunia since she's the first muggle he encountered.

*TAP TAP* *CLICK CLICK*

Serena's thoughts halted abruptly and three pairs of eyes were drawn to the rhythmic tapping at the window. Petunia, ever the skeptic, frowned at the disturbance, while Lily's eyes widened with delight. As Serena's gaze shifted, her thoughts on Petunia and the Bowtruckle were momentarily forgotten.

Herms, the regal long-eared owl with his bronze-golden plumage, was a striking creature. His presence alone commanded attention, but it was the deliberate tapping of his beak against the glass that announced his arrival. Eagerly, Lily rose from where she sat and crossed the room to unlatch the window.

With the barrier removed, Herms swooped in with the elegance of a seasoned owl aristocrat, bypassing Lily and Petunia to deliver his charge directly to Serena. The letter, sealed with the Malfoy crest, landed softly upon her lap, a silent testament to the importance of its contents. Herms, having completed his task, perched himself behind Serena, an observer awaiting the unfolding of events.

Serena's fingers grazed the emerald envelope, the cool wax seal embossed with the intricate emblem of the Malfoys. She recognized the significance of the color, the weight of the parchment, the formality of it all. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized this was no ordinary correspondence.

Lily leaned in, her voice hushed with intrigue. "What is it, Serena? It's from Lucius, isn't it?"

Petunia, who had been standing at a distance, now took a cautious step closer, her eyes betraying a flicker of interest despite her earlier dismissiveness.

Serena finally broke the seal, unfolding the heavy paper to confirm her suspicions.

There, in elegant script, was the invitation to Lucius Malfoy and Sirius Black's engagement party. Behind the official invitation—was a note from Lucius himself.

The room was silent save for the rustle of the parchment as Serena scanned the invitation. Lily's eyes were wide with excitement, while Petunia's expression remained inscrutable. 

Serena looked up from the invitation to meet the gaze of the two Evans sisters. "It seems I have an engagement party to attend," she said, her voice steady despite the swirl of emotions this invitation brought. "To our current famous Hogwarts pair."

Lily's response was almost immediate and eagerness. "Oh my gosh! How lucky! You get to attend and see it all happen in person! Oh—I'm so jealous! I wanted to see what it'll be like–both are from Noble houses and all!"

Petunia, however, held back, her thoughts unreadable. Serena could sense the layers of complexity in Petunia's reaction, a mix of envy and fascination with a world that she could never fully be a part of.

The invitation, now lying open in Serena's lap, was a reminder of the intricate web of relationships and power plays at the heart of their society—a web that now, it seemed, they were all entangled in, one way or another.

—————

Dear Miss Prince,

It is with great pleasure and honor that we, the Malfoy family, extend to you and your esteemed grandparents, Lord Wilfred Prince and Madam Gwendoline Prince, an invitation to join us in celebrating a momentous occasion. 

On the evening of the tenth of August, at the stroke of seven in the evening, within the historic and enchanting walls of The Midnight Grand Hall, we will be holding an engagement party to honor the union of our beloved son, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, a prime Omega of our lineage, with Sirius Black, the first Alpha in the Black family in over a century, and Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black.

This event promises to be an evening of elegance and joy, where the timeless traditions of our families will be acknowledged and the future celebrated. The Midnight Grand Hall, known for its grandiose beauty and magical ambience, will serve as the perfect backdrop for the festivities that await.

Your presence would greatly delight us, as it would not only symbolize the unity of our families but also stand as a testament to the enduring bonds of pureblood heritage and the promising future that it holds.

Kindly inform us of your acceptance by the third of August so that we may make the necessary arrangements to ensure your utmost comfort.

We eagerly await your reply and hope to share this enchanting evening with you.

Yours sincerely,

Abraxas Malfoy

Georgina Malfoy (nèe Lowe)

P.S. Please find enclosed a map of the Manor grounds and a Portkey invitation, should you choose to use it for your convenience. The Portkey will be activated on the day of the event at six o'clock in the evening.

—————

Serena,

I hope this note finds you well.

I wanted you to know that it was at my behest that an invitation to the engagement party was extended to you and your grandparents. I informed my parents of your esteemed lineage within the Prince family, and expressed my desire for your presence at the event, knowing you to be a friend and peer from Slytherin.

Mother was quite taken with the idea and penned the invitation without hesitation. Father, on the other hand, was concerned about the possible reactions of the Blacks to the addition of a guest not previously listed, but I managed to persuade him to my point of view. After all, it's not every day that one has the chance to reintroduce a long-lost Prince into society.

I must apologize for the rather short notice, as I'm aware that two weeks scarcely seems enough time to prepare for such an occasion. However, I am confident in your ability to rise to the event with your usual grace and poise. And, quite selfishly, I find myself looking forward to the prospect of your company amidst the celebrations.

So, I implore you—please write back posthaste to confirm your attendance. Consider this a friendly warning that I shall be exceedingly disappointed should you fail to grace us with your presence. After all, what is a party without a touch of Prince charm?

Lucius Malfoy