hearth and home
The walk up Spinner’s End was as dreary as Severina remembered. The narrow street, lined with terraced houses that all looked alike, was shrouded in a gray mist that clung to everything. Yet, when the small, weathered house came into view, its windows glowing faintly from the inside, something in her chest loosened.
Isabelle reached the door first, her trunk clattering noisily behind her as she rapped on the chipped wood. "Maman! We’re home!" she called, her voice bright with excitement.
The door flew open, and Eileen stood there, her face lighting up in a way that made the lines of exhaustion almost disappear. "Oh, my girls," she said softly, pulling both Isabelle and Severina into a tight embrace. Her touch was warm, grounding, and Severina let herself relax for a moment, breathing in the faint scent of lavender and herbs.
"Don’t forget about me," Nikolai grumbled, dragging his own trunk up the steps.
Eileen laughed, releasing her daughters to pull Nikolai into a hug. "Of course not, my dear boy. Look at you—taller every time I see you. And those curls - someone needs a haircut!”
"Mama! Mama!" A high-pitched voice rang out as a small blur of movement darted down the hallway. Élodie skidded to a stop in front of them, her curls bouncing. "You’re back! You’re all back!" She threw her tiny arms around Severina’s legs, then Isabelle’s, before launching herself at Nikolai, who caught her with an exaggerated groan.
"We’ve missed you too, petite," Severina said, smiling as she ruffled Élodie’s curls.
Inside, the house felt smaller than Severina remembered, but it was warmer than Hogwarts—at least in spirit. The fireplace crackled softly in the corner, and the scent of something sweet baking in the kitchen filled the air. Isabelle immediately dropped her things and hurried to help Élodie with a small toy cauldron set scattered across the living room floor, while Nikolai claimed the worn armchair with a dramatic sigh of relief.
"How was the journey?" Eileen asked, smoothing her hands over her skirt as she ushered them inside. “I hope you said thank you to the Evans from me.”
"Of course, Maman," Isabelle said from across the room.
“And it was extremely tiring, thank you for asking,” Severina replied, though her tone was light. She shed her coat, hanging it carefully by the door.
Eileen smiled knowingly. "Well, you’ll have time to rest now. Dinner is nearly ready. Élodie insisted we bake something special for your return—didn’t you, mon trésor?"
"Cookies!" Élodie exclaimed, holding up a slightly misshapen one for Severina to see. "I made them myself!"
"They’re perfect," Severina said, crouching to take the treat from her sister. She nibbled at the edge and hummed in approval.
For a while, the house felt like it was brimming with life. Élodie chattered endlessly, switching excitedly between French and English, darting between her siblings to share every detail of her days at home. Isabelle slipped into the kitchen to help Eileen with dinner, their laughter occasionally drifting into the living room. Even Nikolai seemed at ease, teasing Élodie gently as he pretended to steal her toys.
It was almost enough for Severina to forget what time it was, until she glanced at the clock on the mantel. The small hand crept closer to five, and the faint knot of tension in her stomach tightened. Tobias would be home soon
The warmth of the evening began to fray at the edges as the sound of heavy boots echoed up the walkway outside. Severina stiffened, her hand tightening around the edge of the armchair. She exchanged a quick glance with Nikolai, who had been lounging comfortably but now sat straighter, his eyes fixed on the front door. Isabelle, helping Élodie arrange her toy cauldron, glanced up nervously but said nothing.
The door creaked open, and Tobias Snape stepped inside, his presence like a shadow stretching across the room. He was a tall man, his face weathered and lined, with the faint scent of alcohol clinging to his coat. He glanced at the gathered children, his expression unreadable, before shutting the door with a deliberate thud.
"Tobias," Eileen said softly, emerging from the kitchen. Her voice was calm, but Severina could hear the faint thread of tension beneath it.
Tobias grunted in response, shrugging off his coat and hanging it on the peg by the door. "You're all back, then," he muttered, his gaze sweeping over the room. It lingered on Severina for a moment, as though trying to assess her.
"We are," Eileen replied, stepping forward. "Dinner is ready. Why don’t you wash up and join us?"
Tobias nodded, though he didn’t seem to register her words. His gaze flicked once more to Severina before he turned and disappeared into the small washroom at the end of the hall. The tension in the room lingered, thick and heavy, until the sound of running water broke the silence.
Élodie, oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, tugged at Severina’s sleeve. "Sév, will you read to us tonight? Please?"
Severina smiled, the knot in her chest loosening slightly. "Of course, petite. After dinner."
The evening meal passed in a strained silence. Tobias sat at the head of the table, eating with a quiet intensity that made conversation feel impossible. Severina kept her eyes on her plate, occasionally stealing glances at Nikolai, who seemed to be doing the same. Isabelle, ever the peacemaker, tried to fill the quiet with cheerful chatter, but even she faltered under Tobias’s sharp glances.
When the meal was over, Tobias retreated to his chair in the corner of the living room, leaving the rest of the family to clear the table. Severina felt the air lighten slightly as soon as his focus shifted away from them.
True to her promise, she took Élodie and Isabelle upstairs, settling them on her small bed. Élodie was practically bouncing with excitement, clutching a worn copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
"Can we read the one about the three brothers?" Élodie asked, her eyes wide.
"You’ve heard it a hundred times," Isabelle teased, though she climbed onto the bed beside her little sister.
"I like that one!" Élodie pouted.
"Then that’s the one we’ll read," Severina said, settling herself against the headboard. She opened the book, her fingers brushing against the faded illustrations on the pages.
As she began to read, the familiar cadence of the story filled the room. Élodie snuggled closer to Severina, her tiny head resting against her shoulder, while Isabelle leaned on her other side, the weight of her younger sister grounding her in the moment.
By the time Severina reached the end of the tale, Élodie’s breathing had evened out, her small hands clutching the edge of Severina’s jumper. Isabelle was still awake but quiet, her eyes half-lidded as she watched Severina close the book.
"They adore you, you know," Eileen murmured from her position against the door frame. She looked healthier, her skin glowing slightly, and hair bouncier than ever.
"And I adore them," Severina replied softly, pressing a kiss to Élodie’s curls.
Isabelle’s head dipped forward as she drifted off, leaving Severina to carefully maneuver herself out from under the two sleeping girls. She tucked the blanket around them before slipping to the door of the room, the book still in her hand.
Eileen stroked a warm hand down her cheek. “I am so glad they have you. That I have you. Que ferais-je sans toi?"
Severina laughed softly. “You would do just fine. Goodnight, Maman.”
“Goodnight, my sweet girl.” Eileen said, before making her way to her shared room down the hallway.
Downstairs, the house was quieter now. Tobias was still in the living room, the faint sound of the wireless murmuring in the background. Severina found Nikolai in the kitchen, sitting at the table with a mug of tea in front of him.
"Couldn’t sleep already?" she asked, leaning against the doorway.
"Could ask you the same thing," he replied, smirking.
She rolled her eyes and crossed the room to join him, setting The Tales of Beedle the Bard on the table. "Just got Élodie and Isabelle settled. They practically fell asleep on top of me."
"Maman said Élodie’s been talking about you coming home for weeks," Nikolai said, taking a sip of tea. "She even made Maman bake biscuits yesterday, just to practice."
Severina smiled faintly, resting her chin on her hand. "She’s so little. I don’t remember Isabelle being that small."
"That’s because you were too busy keeping an eye on me," Nikolai said, his tone teasing but with a hint of something else beneath it.
Severina chuckled. "You were a nightmare. Always climbing onto things you shouldn’t, getting into fights with the neighbor’s kid…"
"Someone had to keep life interesting. Plus, he was rude to Isabelle." Nikolai quipped.
“Oh, Kolya.”
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the only sound the faint hum of the wireless in the other room. Then Nikolai’s expression sobered slightly.
"Have you been okay?" he asked, his voice quieter.
Severina blinked, startled by the question. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I barely saw you at school," he said, frowning. "You were always off somewhere, and when I did see you, you looked… tired."
She hesitated, the urge to brush him off warring with the realization that he genuinely cared. "It’s been a busy term," she said finally. "You know how it is. Fifth year, OWLs coming up…"
"That’s not all, though, is it?" Nikolai pressed, his dark eyes studying her face.
Severina sighed, running a hand through her hair. "No, it’s not. But like I said, it’s nothing you need to worry about, okay?"
Nikolai didn’t look convinced, but he nodded, letting the subject drop. "If you say so. Just… don’t let everything pile up, Severina. You’ve got people who care about you."
The sincerity in his voice made her chest ache. She reached out, ruffling his hair in an affectionate gesture. "I know, Niko. Thanks."
They sat together a while longer, the silence companionable, before Severina finally stood. "Get some sleep, little brother. Tomorrow’s another day."
"Only if you promise to do the same," he shot back, grinning.
She smiled, shaking her head as she left the kitchen. Upstairs, the house was still and quiet. But for the first time in a while, it felt manageable.
——-
Severina sat at her desk, the fire crackling in the hearth as she slowly opened the envelopes stacked before her. The day’s post had arrived not long ago, and now, with her family scattered in various corners of the house, she had a few moments to herself.
Charity’s letter arrived first, as lively as always.
Sev,
I hope you're managing to stay sane in the middle of all this holiday madness! Things are a little quieter this year, but you know me—still running things as usual, keeping everyone entertained with my endless chatter. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my mum, getting ready for the annual Burbage family holiday feast. I swear, my mum is making more food than we could possibly eat, but that’s just how she is. You'd probably be getting a plate if you were here!
I know it's been hard for you lately, but remember—you can take all the time you need. Just don’t hide away too much, alright? I’ve missed seeing you.
I’m planning a little shopping trip with my mother next week to stock up on supplies for the next term. You’ll get something nice from me, I promise.
Write back if you have the time, but don’t stress about it.
Lots of love,
Charity.
Severina smiled, shaking her head at Charity’s signature cheerfulness. Even though they hadn’t been able to spend much time together recently, Charity always managed to make her feel like she wasn’t alone. She folded the letter, tucking it into the drawer beside her bed before reaching for the next one.
Aurora’s letter was more reflective, as always.
Severina,
I hope your holidays are peaceful. I’ve been taking some time to focus on my studies and self-reflection. It’s strange being away from Hogwarts, especially with the winter clouds blocking the stars. I find myself longing for the quiet of the Astronomy Tower.
I trust that you’re finding your own way to balance the demands of everything around you. Please take care of yourself during this break, as you’re always so busy. I know how much you push yourself, but remember that you deserve peace and rest too.
Looking forward to seeing you when we return to school.
Yours,
Aurora.
Severina set Aurora’s letter down gently, feeling the weight of her words. It was always comforting to hear from Aurora, though it made Severina wonder how the other girl always seemed so composed, so grounded. She tucked the letter into the drawer and pulled out the next one.
Bruce’s letter was shorter, but it still conveyed concern.
Severina,
I know we haven’t had much time to talk lately, but I just wanted to make sure you’re doing okay. If you ever want to chat, I’m here. Take care of yourself, alright?
Best,
Bruce.
Bruce’s simple words hit Severina harder than she’d expected. He hadn’t been as present as usual, and she knew it wasn’t because he didn’t care. She folded the letter slowly, feeling the weight of the quiet kindness behind it.
Lastly, Regulus’s letter arrived, more formal than the others but with an undertone of something else.
Severina,
I trust your break is going as well as can be expected. The holidays have been relatively uneventful here, but I have noticed a certain tension between myself and Sirius. It is becoming more apparent with each passing day.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t wonder about your situation as well. I do not wish to pry, but you must know that if there is anything you need—be it assistance or just someone to listen—I am available.
We should speak more when we return to school.
Sincerely,
Regulus.
Severina paused after reading Regulus’s letter, her brow furrowing. She knew what he meant—he’d hinted at Sirius’s increasing distance, but there was more beneath the surface. She felt something shift in her as she folded the letter and set it aside. She’d have to write him back.
A knock on the door startled Severina from her thoughts. She glanced up, surprised to see Lily standing in the doorway, a bright smile on her face. "Alright, you," Lily said, crossing the room and plopping herself down on the edge of the bed. "Up and out of here. I’m not letting you sit in your room all day, not after everything that’s happened."
Severina sighed dramatically, slouching in her chair. "You know I’m perfectly fine staying here, right?" she said, giving Lily a look that said she wasn't quite convinced.
Lily raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "We’re going out," she said firmly. "You need to get some fresh air, and I’m not letting you stay in this house all day. You’ve spent too much time cooped up."
Before Severina could protest further, Lily continued, “Plus, I need to hear all about your first term. How are you finding fifth year, anyway?"
Severina’s response was interrupted by Eileen, who entered the room with a warm smile. "Lily, dear, it’s good to see you. How’s your mother? How’s Petunia?"
Lily smiled but faltered for a moment, her eyes flashing with a hint of something unreadable. "Oh, you know," she said lightly. "Things are... as usual. She’s been a bit distant lately."
Eileen smiled softly, clearly picking up on the unspoken words. "I understand. Well, make yourself at home."
Severina could see the slight tension in Lily’s shoulders, but she didn’t comment. Instead, she got up and started to follow Lily out of the room. As she passed Isabelle’s room, she found her younger sister giggling happily, holding Élodie’s hand. Isabelle waved at Lily excitedly. "Lily!" she exclaimed, throwing herself into Lily’s arms.
Élodie, ever the agreeable toddler, reached out to Lily as well, clearly enamored by Severina’s best friend. The small girl loved anyone who Severina liked, and Lily had long been a constant presence in their home.
Nikolai was leaning against the wall near the living room, his eyes flicking up at them as they walked past. "Where are you two going now?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Out,” Lily said quickly, giving him a playful shove. "You coming, or are you going to sulk around here all day?"
Nikolai scoffed but smiled slightly. "I’ve got things to do," he muttered, clearly not interested in whatever Lily had planned. "But have fun. Don’t let her drag you into anything ridiculous."
Lily grinned, and they both headed out the door, Severina feeling a rare sense of warmth fill her chest as she followed. The day would be what she made of it, but for once, she didn’t feel so alone in it.
——-
Lily had dragged her to the village, chattering the whole way about how they needed fresh air and a bit of fun. They’d walked through the snow-dusted streets, Lily practically bouncing with energy as they browsed the small shops and caught up on everything they hadn’t had time to talk about at school. It had been... pleasant, Severina supposed, though she was reluctant to admit it out loud.
Lily, as always, had a way of making her feel lighter, even when she didn’t want to. They’d laughed over the poorly enchanted decorations in the shop windows, some of which sparkled and twirled while others fizzled out entirely. She had insisted they stop at the bakery, where they’d shared a warm, flaky pastry while standing in the cold, their breath fogging in the icy air.
“You’re too much of a hermit, Sev,” Lily had teased, nudging her as they walked back toward Spinner’s End. “You need days like this, you know. It’s good for you.”
Severina had rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth had twitched upward despite herself. Lily had a point—she often did. As much as Severina preferred the quiet of her room and the solitude of her books, there was something comforting about spending time with her oldest friend, who had never quite let her retreat too far into herself.
By the time they’d returned home, Isabelle and Élodie had descended on Lily like a pair of overexcited puppies, clamoring for her attention and drawing her into their world of games and questions. Severina had retreated upstairs shortly after, content to let Lily hold court with her siblings while she took a moment to herself.
Now, as she sat by the window and watched the rain begin to fall again, she felt a small, lingering warmth from the day’s events. She wasn’t about to admit it to Lily, of course, but maybe—just maybe—her friend had been right. Getting out of the house had been good for her.
——-
The morning dawned cold and crisp, frost glittering on the windows like a delicate lacework. Severina was the first to rise, as usual, slipping quietly out of bed to check on the small collection of gifts they’d managed to gather for both Christmas and Élodie’s birthday. Most were practical—scarves, socks, and mittens knitted by Eileen or Severina herself—but there were a few small treasures: a worn but well-loved children’s book for Élodie, a tin of sweets shared between Isabelle and Nikolai, and even a single shimmering bauble for the tree, saved for and selected by Severina.
By the time the rest of the house stirred, the small sitting room was filled with the warm, golden scent of porridge bubbling on the stove and the flickering glow of the tree’s enchanted candles.
Élodie’s delighted squeals echoed through the room as she tore into her gifts, her small hands cradling the book Severina had found. “Read it to me later, Sév!” she exclaimed, clutching it tightly to her chest.
“Of course,” Severina replied, smoothing a hand over her sister’s dark curls, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Even Nikolai, who often wore his irritation as armor, was softer today, teasing Élodie gently as she eagerly tried to unwrap a stubbornly tied parcel. Isabelle sat cross-legged on the floor beside him, laughing at his commentary and adding her own jokes to the mix.
Tobias appeared around mid-morning, his steps heavy and his face lined with weariness. He greeted them all with a stiff nod, his eyes lingering briefly on Severina before turning away. Nikolai’s mood darkened instantly, his gaze sharpening as he watched their father settle into a chair by the fireplace.
The tension simmered throughout breakfast, breaking only when Tobias grumbled about Nikolai’s lack of respect.
“If you were worth respecting, maybe I’d bother,” Nikolai shot back, his voice low but seething.
“Nikolai,” Severina warned, but Tobias was already rising from his chair, his face flushed.
“Watch your mouth, boy,” Tobias snapped, his voice a growl that carried the weight of too many similar moments from their past.
“I don’t have to,” Nikolai retorted, standing his ground. “You don’t even want to be here. So don’t be.”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over them like a heavy fog.
Tobias stared at his son for a long moment before scoffing and grabbing his coat. “Fine,” he muttered, slamming the door behind him as he left.
The quiet that followed was thick and uncomfortable until Élodie’s small voice broke it.
“Il est parti pour longtemps?” she asked, looking up at Severina with wide, curious eyes.
“Yes, sweetheart,” Severina said gently, crouching down beside her. “He’ll be gone for a while. Now, what do you say we finish decorating your cake?”
That seemed to brighten the mood, and soon the kitchen was filled with the sweet smell of chocolate and laughter as they worked together to frost the small, lopsided cake Eileen had managed to bake.
By the time the candles were lit and Élodie was blowing them out with her sweet wish, “Je souhaite que tout le monde soit content!”, the earlier tension had all but melted away. They gathered close, sharing stories and memories, and for a few hours, it felt as though the rest of the world didn’t exist.
As Severina sat beside the fire later that evening, Élodie fast asleep in her lap, she felt a rare and fleeting sense of peace. No matter what lay ahead, she would hold onto moments like this—warmth and love glowing against the backdrop of a cold, uncertain world.