Chapter 2. Girls Trip
Thought this song matched this chapter well.
____________________________________________________________
22 years later...
Hogwarts, Severa's office
"Cissa really, I can't just leave in the middle of the school year to go on some girls' trip."
Severa was annoyed with this situation, She was enjoying a nice glass of wine after a long day of teaching when Narcissa Malfoy burst through her office door followed by Theodosia Zabini and Edith Parkinson, yapping about some 'girls trip'.
"But you must come, Severa!" Narcissa was not one to beg, so this was quite the show. "this will be my first trip without Lucius in years, and I want it to be a girl's trip!"
Severa sighed, setting down her glass of wine and looking at Narcissa with a mixture of exasperation and amusement. "Cissa, you know I adore you, but you also know I can't just drop everything and jet off on a whim. I have responsibilities here at Hogwarts. The students rely on me, especially in the middle of the term."
Narcissa pouted, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping against her chin in thought. "But Severa, think of it as a well-deserved break. You work tirelessly, always putting everyone else's needs before your own. This trip would be a chance for you to unwind, to have some fun for once."
Severa couldn't deny that the idea of a vacation sounded tempting, especially with the way Narcissa painted it. She glanced at Theodosia and Edith, who were nodding eagerly in agreement with Narcissa.
"It's not that simple, Cissa," Severa began, feeling torn. "I have lesson plans to finalize, exams to grade, not to mention my duties as Head of Slytherin House."
Narcissa leaned forward, her eyes pleading. "Severa, please. We've planned this for months, and it just won't be the same without you. You're like the glue that holds our group together."
Severa felt a pang of guilt. She did value her friendships with Narcissa, Theodosia, and Edith, and she couldn't deny that a getaway sounded appealing. But duty tugged at her heartstrings.
"Where even is this 'Girls Trip' happening?" Severa asked as she glanced at Edith who was messing with stuff on her shelves.
"Rio de Janeiro" Narcissa's eyes gleamed in excitement as she spoke. "I heard the food there is amazing, so we must go!" She reached across the desk and clasped her hands around Severas with begging eyes.
Severa couldn't help but chuckle at Narcissa's enthusiasm. Rio de Janeiro did sound enticing, with its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. She could already imagine herself sipping caipirinhas on the beach, soaking in the sun's warmth.
"Rio de Janeiro, huh?" Severa mused, a smirk playing on her lips. "Sounds like quite the adventure."
Narcissa nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable. "It will be, Severa. And with you there, it'll be even better. We'll make memories to last a lifetime."
Severa glanced at Theodosia and Edith, who both nodded in agreement. Despite her reservations, Severa couldn't deny the allure of the trip. It had been far too long since she allowed herself to indulge in something purely for her own enjoyment.
"Alright," Severa said finally, giving in to the infectious enthusiasm of her friends. "Count me in. Let's make this girls' trip one for the books."
Narcissa let out a delighted squeal, pulling Severa into a tight hug. "Oh, Severa, you won't regret it! This is going to be amazing!"
Severa couldn't suppress her own grin as she returned Narcissa's embrace. Maybe, just maybe, stepping away from her responsibilities for a short while wouldn't be such a bad thing after all.
"I'll owl you everything you need to know" Theodosia spoke with matching excitement as the others. "we leave in a week and we'll be gone for 5 weeks."
Severa's eyebrows shot up at the mention of a five-week trip. "Five weeks? That's quite the vacation."
Narcissa nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, well, we figured we deserved an extended break. And there's so much to see and do in Rio! We want to make the most of it."
Severa's mind raced as she considered the implications of being away from Hogwarts for such a length of time. Five weeks was a significant chunk of the school term, and she couldn't help but worry about her students and responsibilities. No matter how she acted, she did care for the little runts.
"But what about my duties here?" Severa asked, her concern creeping into her voice. "Five weeks is a long time to be away from Hogwarts, especially as a teacher and Head of House."
Edith squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Severa. We already talked to Dumbledore. He's arranging for someone to cover your classes and handle the day-to-day affairs while you're gone. You deserve this break, and we won't let anything stand in the way of our girls' trip."
Severa hesitated, still feeling a twinge of guilt at the thought of leaving her responsibilities behind. But as she looked into Narcissa's earnest gaze, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.
"Alright," Severa said finally, determination settling in her voice. "Let's make this the trip of a lifetime."
Narcissa grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's the spirit, Severa! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"We're traveling by floo?" Severa's voice carried more curiosity than surprise. For some reason, she had assumed they would opt for a Muggle plane.
Edith glanced up from her suitcase, a sheepish expression on her face. "Sev, you know I get flight sick, so this is the only other way."
Severa nodded understandingly. "Right, forgot. Floo it is, then."
Narcissa chuckled, her excitement was infectious. "Well, then it's settled. We'll have a blast traveling by floo together."
Severa nodded, a smirk playing on her lips. "I know how convenient it is, Cissy. I've done this before, you know."
Narcissa laughed, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Oh, don't worry, Severa. I've flooed plenty of times before, and I've never lost anyone yet."
Severa couldn't help but roll her eyes at Narcissa's reassurance. "Somehow, that's not as comforting as you think it is."
As they finished their preparations and gathered their belongings, Severa's excitement grew. The idea of a getaway with her closest friends was thrilling, and the prospect of exploring Rio de Janeiro added an extra layer of anticipation.
Severa stood with Narcissa, Theodosia, and Edith in front of the fireplace. With a nod, they stepped into the emerald flames, house elves tugging their luggage along with them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
As Severa landed on the other side and dusted off the soot, she took a moment to glance around the place. It was a summer home Lucius had purchased just for this trip, and Merlin, this place was a beauty.
The summer home nestled amidst lush greenery, with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. The sound of waves crashing against the shore could be heard in the distance, and the scent of saltwater lingered in the air. The house itself was a stunning blend of traditional Brazilian architecture and modern luxury, with vibrant colors adorning its exterior.
"Damn," Severa breathed, taking in the picturesque surroundings. "This place is incredible."Narcissa beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I'm glad you like it, Severa. Lucius spared no expense in finding the perfect getaway for us."
Theodosia and Edith nodded in agreement, their faces mirroring Severa's awe. It was clear that their excitement matched hers, and Severa felt a surge of gratitude for being able to share this experience with her friends.
"Let's not waste any time," Severa declared, her excitement evident in her voice. "I think it's time to start exploring."
Theodosia spoke up, a playful lilt in her voice. "Room picking time?"
Severa glanced at the other girls, catching their eager expressions. Without a moment's hesitation, they all exchanged knowing looks and then burst into a sprint, laughter trailing behind them as they raced through the house.
The corridors echoed with the sounds of grown women giggling like mischievous schoolgirls as they searched for the perfect room, each one eager to claim their own slice of paradise for the duration of their stay.
It was a moment of pure joy, a brief escape from the responsibilities and worries of adulthood as they indulged in the simple pleasure of reliving a cherished childhood tradition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Severa Snape - Rachel Weisz
