I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter 10
Longbottom estates
The Next day
To say seeing the large black owl, that has an almost intimidating air about it heading towards them, had indeed put them all on guard. Sirius and Remus ready to shoot it out of the air alongside James, Lily manages to stop them in the nick of time.
"Archimedes?"
"Lily flower?"
"I think, that's Severus's owl." The red headed woman said with wonder as she repeated the name. A hooting in response to her theory, in the affirmative, the black owl circled around and let go if it's cargo. Now smiling warmly as she catches the letter, the larger bird lands on a tree branch to relax. Its old age catching up to him as evidenced by now intermingling among the shiny feathers, were slightly dull ones.
"It is you." Lily said softly. "It is all right everyone we can trust this one. This is Severus's owl."
"So he didn't believe us did he?" Remus stated quietly and with regret. He and the other Marauders looked at one another guiltily as they recall the pain they had caused the man in their youth.
Turning towards them and seeing the downtrodden faces, she normally would let them think that to teach the three of them a lesson. But right now...
"No he does." She replied quietly. Augusta approaching now looks at the letter and smiles as she pats Lily's arm.
"I shall tell Nippy to expect company this weekend."
"Thank you."
Reading the letter aloud, as Augusta sits beside Remus, to take on a game of chess. Everyone listens as Lily begins to read aloud.
Lily,
I guess I never expected to hear from you nevertheless Potter, Black or Lupin willingly in this lifetime... Not after what I did.
Alex, Harry, and Neville came to see me this evening and told me everything. Normally I would say no if anyone else asked me Lily. If it was just your husband, Black, or Lupin I know I would have.
But it was you and you know I would believe your words. And after what the boys told me... I will do it and help in all that I can for you. I will need to see everything that you guys have or done first hand. Please allow me to come and look this coming weekend.
Severus
"Even though I am still ticked that he loves you Lily Flower as much as I do." James stated with a quiet tone of voice. "I can understand where he comes from."
Hearing his words, Lily can't help but smile as her hand reaches up to caress his cheek. "I chose you in the end James don't forget that. After all, you didn't let me for how many years?" She teased softly.
The Potter male turning a rapid shade of pink at her words, as his two friends who had been listening started teasing. Even Augusta whom had heard of the stories could not help but smile at the laughter passing between them at the expense of their companion. Even now playful hexes are now being shot at one another back and forth between the three in a mock kind of vengeance.
As they played, Lily turned to Nippy whom had appeared at Augusta's command. The kind woman already telling the elf of the visitor, even more was given as thoughtfully the little being had disappeared for a moment.
Only to return with parchment and quill, for which the red head smiled gratefully. Sitting down, Lily set to penning down a response to the letter which was sent. To let a dear old friend know to be ready when Nippy came to fetch him...
-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-
Severus sat waiting for a reply, he had written so many versions of what he wanted, that his floor was literally littered with the rejections. But yet, now as Archimedes returns during dinner, he can't help but look at his dear friend with gratefulness.
Bits of steak and other meats being placed on a saucer, the owl croons with pure delight at what his master leaves him. Ignorant of all else, the owl does not notice or care how his owner rips into the sealed parchment.
Severus,
Thank you. James and the others would thank you as well. But right now they are in the middle of hexing each other in play. Sometimes I swear that husband of mine will never grow up. But then I remember the fact that he has grown, for he does honestly regret what he and the others had done to you.
Augusta and I will send Nippy, to come and fetch you this weekend for lunch and perhaps dinner. I will see you then my dear friend.
Lily
PS. If Sirius still pranks you, prank him back... James just told me to add that, and that he will happily help you do so.
A chuckle erupting from his lips, Severus simply puts the letter away. Knowing full well that Albus will ask for reasons why he leaves. The Professor prepares to plot a plausible excuse. For although he does care for the man who means well, he will not risk the old fool making another mistake and costing Lily and her children their lives.
He did that himself once, and has regretted it since, despite all three surviving. His mind turning now to the one whom needed his help, Severus moves to his own library he has within his rooms.
Many of the books on potions and their properties over time, he looks for ideas and history on how to kill the soul.
Without harming the host...