Chapter 11
The Potter manor was filled with decorations, visitors, liveliness, and dancing, a band of musicians was performing in the corner playing various Christmas songs. Children were in another room playing while the adults entertain themselves with small talk and appetizers, a champagne tray floats around the guest to offer them drink. The nobles wore such extravagant clothes, each had a unique touch of their magic.
Severina felt like she was under-dress, but she shouldn’t be embarrassed about it since Lily gave it to her. She looks at her friend, wearing a gold dress, taking off her coat as an elf pops by their side at the doorway of the manor and offers to take their coats which Lily and Severina gave.
Severina didn’t really want to give out hers, she felt so bare without it.
Following the two women were the two boys who proposed they come with them to show them the way to Potter’s house, Lupin and Pettigrew both colored tuxedos.
Severina wanted to refuse, but Lily insisted that they tag along with them rather than get lost. Three against one, she did not win.
“Why don’t you girls take a look around while we look for Sirius and James.”
“While YOU look for them, I’ll be at the buffet table, see ya.” Peter bids them farewell as he dashes at his beloved food.
Lupin let out an exhalation, “Forgive his manner, I’ll see you both around later.” The werewolf bids them as well, leaving them behind.
Severina really didn’t mind that they were gone, she prefers it that way more, hopefully, she won’t get to see Black for the whole night.
Severina and Lily takes a glass from one of the floating champagnes and went to tour the house. They saw some of their classmates and had a chat with them, even some of the Slytherin students from noble pureblood houses were there, Lily steered clear away from them, but Severina decided to chat with some of them who were neutral enough to her, thus the two childhood friends ended being separated from each other.
After getting tired from all the walking and talking, Severina left the room to look for a place to rest but ended up bumping into Potter instead.
“Sorry about that,” Severina whispered in embarrassment. Potter however did not say anything as he was too stunned at what his eyes seeing.
Potter stared at her. seconds passing slowly for what felt like an eternity, Severina shifted awkwardly at the gaze.
“Quit gawking Potter, I know I must look dreadful to you.”
“Try gorgeous,” Potter said breathlessly. Severina couldn’t help but turn red at the compliment, she shouldn’t believe him really.
“I don’t mean to offend, but your looks.”
“Lily fixed my teeth and nose, my father used to punch me in the face that’s why it became deranged.”
James’s fist clenched at his side, he was trying so hard right now, not to raise her father from the grave and kill him all over again.
James lets out a breath to calm himself and smiles at her, “I’m sorry, I should be a good host and show you around, come.” Severina follows him.
It was a good opportunity, she’ll find an opening and tell him what she feels, that she can’t accept his feeling and that can’t be together.
James introduces her first to his parents and relatives, even mentioning what a genius Severina was in potions, which in turn took notice of Potter’s aunt and suggested that she would like to know more about Severina and if she would be willing to have a trial with her after her time in Hogwarts, to which of course Severina gratefully accepted.
James then took her to the hall where the diseased relative’s portraits hung, making up stories about their past, making the residents of the frames furious.
James was about to offer her a dance when someone interrupted them.
“Jamie! You said you would give a dance first.” Pouts the beautiful blonde woman who was around their age, she had a French accent to her tone that made Severina guess that she was probably from Beauxbatons
“I apologize Genevieve, but can we do that later.”
“No! you said this a half hour ago,” the girl, Genevieve pouts even more and gave Severina a side glare, so she could only see
“But…”
“It’s fine Potter, I was about to take a rest anyways before we bumped into each other.” James looks at her apologetically before letting the blonde drag him to the dance floor.
Severina watched the first half of their dance, before deflecting her gaze to somewhere else and scanning her area to find an open space, she couldn’t take any more of the bitch’s leering.
She sees a doorway to the garden and opens it slightly to exit, the snow was heavy that morning, therefore, covering most of the surroundings with a white blanket.
She grabs her wand from her hidden pocket at her dress—thank Lily for carefully picking this outfit—and cast a warming spell to herself.
Walking further into the garden and sees a pavilion with a small pond surrounding it, the water lilies were spelled to stay in bloom. She stepped inside the gazebo and takes a sit at one of the benches.
Severina stretches her feet and lets out a relief moan, she was still used to walking in heels after all. The winter wind blows around her making Severina shiver, but a soft fur was wrapped behind her she instantly lifts her head and saw Potter walking up ahead towards her, wand out, he must’ve cast the coat around me, what a show-off.
“Done already? And here I was enjoying your absence.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“Where is she? Did you leave her again Jamie? She might come looking for you again and start pouting.”
“Sound like you’re jealous.”
“I’m not.” Severina denies.
“Remus and Sirius are distracting her at the moment.” Potter kneels in front of her and held out a hand.
“May I now have a dance with you milady.?” He asked peering at her with a gentle smile
No, she wanted to say no, but it was hard to reject him like that, it was also the right opportunity to tell him, so she cautiously took his hand.
He helped her stand up. Severina placed her right hand on his shoulder and held out his other hand, while Potter placed his right hand on her waist.