Chapter 28 - Gravitational Pull

The clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversations filled the cozy interior of 'The Hopping Pot' restaurant, as the two families gathered around a polished wooden table. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the assembled company.

Fleamont Potter, a distinguished looking man with a friendly smile, began asking while cutting his vegetables on his plate, "So, what brings you two to Diagon Alley today?" 

Euphemia elaborated her husband's question as she delicately sliced into her own meal. "We were actually in Diagon Alley today to look for gifts for Lucius' and Sirius' engagement party that's taking place next month," she explained, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "But we've yet to find anything that truly stands out as a gift for the boys."

James, seizing the opportunity, turned towards Serena. "Have you already got a gift for them?" he asked before suggesting, "We should go as partners! It would be so much fun, don't you think?"

"No, I don't really think so," she promptly rejected the idea. 

"Aw, why not?!" He pouted, pushing away his broccoli's to the side.

"For your information, I wasn't invited to the party," the girl rolled her eyes, bursting the boy's bubble. "And even if I had been, I would have declined. Until recently, I wasn't a 'Prince'; I was from a regular Muggle household."

The undercurrent of her words rippled through the group, the meaning clear to all. The Malfoy and Black families' criteria for their guest list was an unspoken but well-understood statement of their values.

James's face scrunched up in visible disapproval, his earlier enthusiasm dimming. His parents exchanged a knowing glance, the silent communication speaking volumes about their awareness of the pureblood prejudices.

Wilfred's expression was studied in disciplined neutrality, merely narrowed his eyes slightly. His gaze rested on Serena, quietly gauging her mood, the air of authority around him undiminished by the casual setting.

Unwilling to let the matter rest, James pushed back against the unfairness of the situation. Recalling how Remus and Peter were in similar circumstances. 

"But Lucius and you are close friends," he argued, his voice tinged with frustration. "You should've been allowed to be invited, no matter what. And now that you're a Prince, they'd surely want you there. We could still go together if you let Lucius know about your situation now," his eyes implored her.

James, who was already seated beside the girl, leaned in closer to Serena, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered mischievously, "You know… we could always crash the party if you're still not invited." His voice was low but carried an excitement that was noticeable. "Sirius would absolutely love the idea, and I bet even Lucius would get a kick out of it."

Serena turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his with an expression that was all too familiar to those who knew Severus Snape. "And when we are caught and thrown out, or worse, banned from future events, whose idea will it be to explain to their parents why we, as their friends, ruined their engagement party rather than supporting them silently?" she retorted, her tone dry.

James, unfazed, chuckled softly. "Ah, but Serena, that's where the thrill lies! So we'd get scolded a bit! That's nothing!" He brushed it off, shrugging nonchalantly. "Imagine the stories we'd tell to our friends, the legends we'd become to them!" He was practically glowing with the thrill of rebellion.

Serena raised an eyebrow, her voice cool as she responded, "Legends of foolishness, perhaps. Besides, I am not particularly fond of becoming a cautionary tale for future generations, Potter."

At the other side of the table, Euphemia and Fleamont Potter exchanged amused glances, enjoying the scene as they listened to the banter between the two. They were familiar with their son's penchant for dramatics and Serena's sharp tongue, and the interplay between the two was both entertaining and heartwarming.

Wilfred, for his part, shook his head with a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. He continued to eat his meal quietly, allowing the youngsters their moment of playful dispute. It was clear he found some amusement in Serena's handling of James's wild suggestions—a hint of pride evident in his eyes at her quick wit.

James, however, was persistent. "We could disguise ourselves! Polyjuice Potion, Disillusionment charm, Invisibility Cloak, you name it. We have options!" he whispered loudly, leaning back with a grin that suggested he was only partly jesting.

"Ah, yes, because nothing says 'inconspicuous' like two thirteen year olds suddenly acquiring advanced magical items and substances. Not to mention, Polyjuice Potion is far beyond your current capabilities, and where, pray tell, would we acquire an Invisibility Cloak?" She asked knowing it was one of the Potters' heirlooms. It was once the bane of her existence as Severus after all. 

Fleamont let out a hearty laugh, clearly entertained by the exchange, while Euphemia covered her mouth to stifle her own. It was a rare sight to see their son so evenly matched in a battle of wits, and they couldn't help but find the situation endearing.

James leaned back in his chair, a playful spark in his eyes as he assessed Serena's rebuttals. "I'll figure it out," he said with a wink. "You'll see, Snape—er, Prince. We'll have the best adventure yet."

Serena merely shook her head, a small smile threatening to break through her composed exterior. "You are insufferable, Potter," she said, though the insult lacked any real heat.

Wilfred's smile deepened at Serena's response, a silent acknowledgment of her resilience. Their meals continued amidst light-hearted banter between the children until desserts were served. 

Delicate array of sweet treats that made the table look even more inviting, James suddenly straightened up, his fork pausing in mid-air. "Hang on," he said, his brow furrowing as he realized something. "We still haven't heard why you guys were in Diagon Alley today. Care to share?" His hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked expectantly at Serena and her grandfather.

Wilfred placed his napkin on the table and cleared his throat gently, capturing the attention of the Potters. "We had business at Gringotts," he began, his voice carrying the same commanding tone that had undoubtedly once presided over countless boardrooms and meetings. "We were there to officially register Serena as a member of the Prince family, as I mentioned earlier." He paused for a moment, his gaze shifting to Serena with a mixture of pride and affection.

"And," he continued, the momentum in his voice building, "I had the honor to witness Serena pass all the rigorous qualifications to become the youngest Potion Master in history."

There was a moment of stunned silence at the table. The revelation hit them like a thunderclap, a mix of awe and disbelief washing over the Potters' faces. Euphemia's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide, while Fleamont's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

They knew the reputation of the Potion Masters' tests—demanding, intricate, a challenge even for seasoned wizards.

James had the most dramatic reaction of all. His eyes widened to the size of saucers, dropped his fork, and he let out a loud whoop that drew the eyes of everyone in the restaurant. "Blimey, Serena! That's—That's incredible!" he exclaimed, standing up so abruptly his chair screeched against the floor. Patrons turned to look, whispering and craning their necks to see the source of the commotion.

Serena felt a blush creep up her neck and into her cheeks. She wanted to slide under the table to escape the stares that suddenly felt like searchlights upon her. 

"You—sit down!" She hissed, her hands shot outwards to grab the corner of his shirt, trying to pull the boy back down to his seat but with no avail. 

James seemed to be in a world of his own, grinning broadly. "The youngest Potion Master ever! I knew you were brilliant in Potions, but a Master?" he crowed, oblivious to Serena's discomfort. "We have to celebrate! This calls for the finest ice cream in all of Diagon Alley!"

Euphemia, still recovering from her astonishment, managed to compose herself. "Serena, dear, we are so proud of you," she said warmly, reaching across the table to squeeze Serena's hand. "What an extraordinary achievement."

"Is it truly so?" Fleamont asked, the disbelief still clear in his tone. His eyes were wide with fascination as he looked at the young girl seated across from him.

"Yes, Mr. Potter. It's the truth," Serena confirmed, her voice finally steady as she succeeded in making James sit back down.

"As for my recommendation letters, I received them from Mr. Belby and Professor Slughorn."

Fleamont's eyebrows shot up at that, his gaze shifting to Serena. "Belby? Damocles Belby?" he echoed, a trace of surprise in his voice. "How did you get Mr. Belby to write you one?"

"Yes, how did you get Mr. Belby's letter?" Her grandfather questioned her as well.

Serena met their gazes, her expression calm. "I've been corresponding with Mr. Belby for a while now," she began, her voice steady. "I admire his work, his research on Lycanthropy in particular."

Serena felt James snap his head and stared at her intensely at the mention of Lycanthropy.

"I wanted to help in any way I could, and Professor Slughorn was kind enough to support me in my own research."

The table fell silent as Serena recounted her story, all eyes on her. "I gathered all my findings and sent them to Mr. Belby," her eyes shining. "I didn't expect a response, but to my surprise, he did reply. We've been exchanging letters ever since."

As Serena finished her story, a quiet admiration filled the table. Wilfred watched Serena with a contented smile. His granddaughter had not only reclaimed the Prince name but had also carved out her own legacy—one of brilliance and determination. The stir James had caused was, in its own way, a fitting tribute to the magnitude of Serena's accomplishment.

~~~

Leaving The Hopping Pot, the air was filled with the scent of magical confectionaries and the murmurs of contented patrons.

Serena felt the soft rush of the afternoon breeze as they stepped into the bustling street of Diagon Alley, where witches and wizards of all ages congregated amidst the colorful storefronts.

The three adults were leading the way, following behind was Serena and James, making their way to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, a place renowned for its delightful and unusual flavors. The parlor, with its whimsical decorations and inviting aroma, was a popular spot for those seeking a sweet respite.

As they walked, James steered the topic towards something that seemed casual but held deeper significance to him and his friends. "Hey Serena, what do you think about people who turn into werewolves?" he inquired, with an innocent curiosity that masked his underlying anxiety.

Serena paused for a moment, considering her response carefully. Her past as Severus Snape had given her a unique perspective on such matters, one that was informed by years of experience and understanding.

"Lycanthropy is a terrible curse," she began, her tone even and measured. "You'd be stupid not to be scared of the creatures they become during the full moon." 

She met James' stare and held his attention. She feared the werewolf. Not Lupin. "But… It's vital to remember that the person afflicted is not to blame. They are victims of circumstances beyond their control. The human inside is innocent and deserves understanding and support, not fear and ostracism. That was the main reason I reached out to Mr. Belby." To bring out the Wolfsbane Potion to the world sooner. For her safety. 

Finished with her statement, she tore her eyes away from the boy and continued her walk onwards.

Unbeknownst to her that James paused in his steps, his hazel eyes reflecting a mixture of astonishment and fascination. Serena's words seemed to resonate with him significantly. It was another one of those moments where Serena had him captive with nothing but her words, gravitationally pulling him, and hitting him with inexplicable feelings. Feelings that made him drown in warmth, attraction, and fondness. 

Noticing that James' wasn't following, Serena looked back to see the boy dazedly staring at her.

She shook her head. 

Well, he is an idiot, it's only fair he looks like one too.

"Are you coming or not?" Raising her eyebrows in question. 

James blinked. He saw Serena's long eyelashes as they fluttered across her jade-like skin as she stared at him. She looked like a beautiful doll that tempted and attracted people, making his heart pulse like a sledgehammer. His face turned blush red at the notion. 

"I-," his voice cracked, "Ahem."

"I'm coming," he croaked.