"Was there a point to this journey, Hermione?" A tall, dark, and not-so-handsome man sneered down at one bushy-haired woman.
"I already explained this, Severus. Surely you're not turning senile on me so quickly now?" She lightly teased. The sneer remained as a death glare passed over his features. "I realize this is a celebration of birth, why I have yet to realize, but why did I have to accompany you?"
"First, life is a wonderful thing. Second, you were her head of house you should be there. And lastly, what better way to torture you then to sick Molly on you? Once she sees how thin you are, she'll fatten you up in no time!" Whatever his response, she didn't hear it because the front door was thrown open and they were both dragged in to the warm, busy atmosphere.
A plump woman ushered them in towards the birthday girl while chattering to both. "Hermione! Severus! So wonderful to see you both. Severus, you really need to stop avoiding us, dear. We won't hurt you." There was a snort from Severus that Molly pretended not to notice, "Come, come. Margaret is right over here."
"Margaret, happy birthday! It's so good to see you again!" Hermione embraced her as Snape passed their gift over to the table already flowing with gifts. He inclined his head towards the woman with light blonde hair.
"A Slytherin, you say?" He asked, while one eyebrow was raised. Clearly, he didn't believe this story. "Indeed. Surely you remember me, Professor. I was the only one in your class that year that could properly brew Felix Felicis?"
Severus didn't have long to think over what was said because in that moment fireworks started going off. Rebounding off the walls, while everyone ducked trying to stay clear of the flashing lights. "FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY. WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT SETTING OFF THE FIREWORKS INSIDE!"
Somehow, Molly's voice was heard over the noise, but when the fireworks were finished a message was left across the ceiling. Happy birthday, Mags. Love, Fred & George. Along with the message, were miniature creatures falling from the words. They had a silvery glimmer to them, and once they touched anything they vanished.
Practically the entire Order was here for the celebration. Margaret had made quite an impact on many lives throughout many years.
It wasn't until much later that night that it came to Severus. Properly brew felix… But that was over twenty years ago. He was not the only one up that night, recalling the past. A certain blonde haired Slytherin pulled out a box from her old school trunk. Unlatching the lid revealed a little hourglass enclosed in a few golden circles which read, "I mark the hours every one nor have I yet outrun the sun. My use and value unto you are gauged by what you have to do."
Slidding the chain around her neck, she twisted the dial on the side a few dozen times, watching the sand fall again and again in the hourglass and the scenes shift around her. She landed in a time unfamiliar to her, though not for long, embarking on yet another journey that was bestowed upon her. Hoping that Hogwarts would once again welcome her home.