Happy Valentines Day all. Thanks to acree.
The only change here is this chapter was posted twice. I don't know why. But I have fixed it. Sorry about that! Thanks!
***
Ch 21-Sandra
Severus, Delia, Nicola, Josh, Josie, Albert and Elle all sat in The Leaky Caldron awaiting the arrival of Sandra. A woman with black hair and black eyes walked in carrying a baby in her arms with a small girl in tow. The woman looked miserable. All of a sudden the little girl ran away from her mother screaming, "Uncle Severus! Uncle Severus!" Severus rose from his chair and picked up the little girl. The woman was expecting. She sat down in the empty chair and said, "Going on the Underground with two children is a nightmare! I'm Sandra Nikels and this little guy here is Jay. This cute little girl is Sabra. Which one of you is Delia?"
"Guilty as charged! It's nice to meet you Sandra."
"I'm not cute, " Sabra informed everyone. "Uncle Severus can I have some ice cream? Mommy said I could!"
"We shall see later." Severus replied setting the girl down. Delia noticed she had the brightest blue eyes and the same black hair as her mother and Severus.
"Sabra, be a dear and bring your mommy a drink of water."
"I'll get for you Sandra. Sabra can help me."
"Ok, I'll go with my uncle. Bye!" Severus and Sabra left to go up to the bar. Sandra turned to Delia.
"You'll have to forgive me. I'm due in two weeks and I'm ready. I'll be glad when the swollen feet go away. No matter what I do, nothing works! So introduce me around."
Delia introduced Sandra to her friends and family. Severus returned with the glass of water for his sister. She drank it and said, "I have to buy Sabra some new shoes. Her shoes are too small and I know that poor kid's feet hurt. What does everybody else have to do?"
"I have to go to Gringotts," Severus said. "I don't know about everyone else. We can just split up and meet in an hour at Florean Fortescue's Ice- cream Parlor. If Elle, Josie and Albert don't have any problem I can take Jay while you take Sabra shoe shopping."
"Oh that would be great!" Sandra said with relief handing Jay over to the care of Severus. "Here's his bag too. Everything you could possibly need is in there. He won't need feeding or changing. But he may want his binky. In that case I'll see you lot in an hour. Come along Sabra."
"Delia I need to talk to you about your project for a moment," Severus said. Delia followed Severus over to a quite corner. "I lied, we are not discussing your project. I just want to give you money for your Quidditch robe." He reached into his pocket and handed Delia a handful of Galleons. "Spend what's left on something nice for yourself." Jay was sleeping happily in Severus's arms. Severus seemed at ease with children. Delia thought this to be a good thing. Delia remembered the argument they had earlier over the Quidditch robe. Severus felt responsible since he did after all rip her robe. Delia said with that logic she should at least repair the robe she ripped and but him a new shirt. Severus told her to stop being silly. Severus allowed her to fix his robe but wouldn't hear of new shirt even if it were his favorite. He thought it was ripped for a good reason. But he wouldn't tell Delia that one. She was after all his little seductress. Delia gave Severus a quick kiss on
the cheek and left with Josh and Nicola.
***
Delia and her friends had a good time in Quality Quidditch Supplies. They spent their hour looking at all the brooms. Delia and Nicola were late getting to Florean Fortescue's Ice-cream Parlor. Delia forgot at the last minute she had to buy boots. Josh went on ahead to tell everyone that the two girls were fine. Delia didn't like the boots but as Severus put it if something is going to spill on your feet, the thicker the boot the better. Delia thought for that matter she could have ordered a pair of Ropers or Justins out of the Sheplers Catalog. Severus gave her the you-are-speaking- to-me-in-a-completely-different-language-look. Delia found the crew enjoying ice cream. Delia went over the table and set her new robe and boots down. She went in and ordered a single dip of chocolate ice cream. She came back out and sat down next to Severus. Severus was holding Sabra in his lap. She was enjoying her rainbow sherbet and admiring her new shoes. Sabra looked at Delia and smiled.
"Do you like my new shoes?"
"Yes, I do. I wonder if they come in my size."
"No, they don't. You have a big foot. These are for little feet. I'm Sabra and I'm four. Who are you and how old are you?"
"I'm Delia and I'm eighteen."
"That's old." Everyone laughed. Sabra didn't find this funny. "I'm getting another brother or I may get a sister. I have a bother and he's boring. Everyone says he's cute but I think he smells funny!"
"Now Sabra," Severus said. "Jay will grow up and be big."
"Will he be as big as you and Daddy?" she asked.
"Maybe. I think he will." Severus answered.
"I still think he smells."
Delia a small smile came across Delia's face. Delia then realized her mom and Elle weren't there. "Hey, where are my mom and Elle?"
"Oh, they went to Madam Malkins Robes For All Occasions," said Severus. "Elle was dying to go in. I'm scared to see what she comes out with. Did you know she is a Divination expert?"
"Yep, I knew. I knew she was into incense and tarot cards. I thought it was weird, but it all makes since now. I think she'd be better then Madame Trelawney at least she wouldn't predict my demise." Everyone laughed. Albert seemed pleased with himself. He was being quiet. Josh was too busy girl watching to care. Nicola wasn't even here she had to make a run to Flourish and Blotts for something. Delia finished her ice cream cone and said something about having to go the Apothecary. Severus said he would go along with her. He didn't know what she needed. Delia left her new Quidditch Robe and boots with Sandra.
"What do you need?" Severus asked. "I bet you I have it in my stores back at Hogwarts."
"Nothing. I just wanted away. I've been besieged with my family dropping by and Nicola thinking I'm going to get abducted. I was thinking about buying a new robe. I'm in the mood or maybe not. I get so sick of my school ones." Delia walked into Madam Malkins and looked at the first rack. She pulled out elegant crushed velvet in the same color as her blue gray eyes. Delia looked at the price tag and though eek. The cost of the robe was ten galleons, six sickles and nine knuts. Severus saw that Delia had put the robe back quickly. He had a glance. Delia was now looking at a royal blue robe. It wasn't as pretty. Severus went over to the blue gray robe and pulled it off the rack. Delia turned around to see Severus holding it up.
"I think you would look good in this Delia."
"Oh, it's nice. But where would I wear it?" she asked trying to prove that the robe was useless to her.
"I can think of a few places," he said with a smile.
"Very funny, but I can't-"
"Good morning my dear us there anything I can help you with? My name is Moshe. I'm filling in for Madam."
"Yes, Moshe," Severus said. "I think Delia here will take this robe."
"Good choice! Now let's just have you hop up here and I'll take your measurements." Delia stepped up on the stool and Moshe was measured with her wand. "I can see you have slender arms, goes nicely with your petite hands. Yes, this robe will have to be shortened in the sleeves and in the length." All of a sudden the purple robe Delia had been wearing came flying off and the blue gray velvet was put on instantly. It was then shortened to the appropriate lengths. "With a few tucks here and tucks there, you my dear are ready to go. That will be ten galleons, six sickles and nine knuts. Empty out your pockets and I can fold your old robe up if you like or you can put it back on and I can fold this one up."
"I th-think I'll wear this one, " Delia stammered out. She took her purple robe out of mid air and put her wand in the new pocket. She was fishing around for her coin purse to pay for the robe. She looked up as Severus paid Moshe. Moshe with a flick of her wand had Delia's old robe in a wrapped up package. Delia got down off the stool and looked in the mirror. She did look good. But she kept thinking Severus didn't have to buy it for her. She did after all have money herself!
Once outside the shop Severus cupped Delia's face in his hands and whispered, "My little fiancé you look striking." He then kissed her sweetly on her lips. Delia sighed and decided it wasn't worth disagreeing over. He was someday going to be her husband and according to her mother good husbands should at least be able to go shopping with their wives.
***
It was late in the evening. Delia was sitting in Severus's Chambers talking to Sandra. Delia had said good-bye to her parents at The Leaky Cauldron. She walked with them out on to the Muggle Street and they all parted ways. Elle and Josie went right, where as Albert went left. Somehow, the symbolic meaning meant things weren't going to be the same between all four of them. Delia's life had changed in a matter of days. A month ago she was expecting to return to Kansas at the end of the term and then college. Now she was engaged. Delia went back into the Wizard World. She closed her eyes and tried to remember they way things were back in July. Everything seemed so normal. Everything had changed at an alarming rate. Whoever said being eighteen was going to be easy?
Sabra had brought her dolls and had scattered everything all over Severus's bed. Sabra was explaining all of the dolls names to her Uncle Severus. Jay had fallen asleep after his bottle.
"Delia will you walk with me for a minute? I need to get up." Sandra said raising herself up from the couch. "Severus can watch these two."
"Sure, I'll tag."
"Bye mommy!" Sabra said not even looking up from changing a doll dress.
"Bye sweetie!" Sandra shouted at her daughter
Delia and Sandra walked up the stairs to the main floor. Delia didn't know where they were going. Sandra looked as if she did need the stretch. They reached the portrait of Helga Hufflepuff. Sandra gazed up at the portrait and said, "Severus gave you the necklace, didn't he?" Delia nodded, she didn't quite know what to think about Sandra. "I can see why he likes you. Maybe you'll do some good for him. I just want to ask you how much has Severus told you about the past?"
"He's told me he was Death Eater and some about your parents. Why? Is there more I should know?" Delia asked curiously.
"I think I'll leave it for Severus to tell you. But I will say this to you he did think very highly of Mum. He didn't think highly of Dad. To be honest he hated our father. Mum just didn't have it in her to stand up to Dad and that's what ended her up in Azkabahn. She was a bit too placid. Mum and Dad met when they were attending Hogwarts. Mum was a Huff like you and I. Dad was a Slytherin. I presume you know the story behind the necklace?"
"Yes, I don't know if I should tell you this or if Severus should, but we are engaged. Does it sound silly?"
"Not at all! I did hear what happened with you and Voldemort. I must say you have sheer gall! I couldn't have done what you did. Sev does love you. I can tell. I am his twin sister!" She laughed, "But for some reason if he you get mad at him my house is always open to you."
"Thanks. So how long are you staying?"
"Just tonight. Can you believe the baby's room isn't finished? I haired an idiot three months ago! So my friends and I are finishing it up tomorrow. I just had to come meet you."
`It doesn't bug you that I'm only eighteen?"
"Funny you should ask. I married my husband when I was twenty, he was thirty-five. Why should your age bother me? We just didn't expect to have young children fourteen years later! We have an older son. He's fourteen. He isn't a wizard though. Nigel is currently attending Eton."
"That is cool."
"I just think Sabra is a little curious about this new baby. I don't know if it's going to be a girl or boy. If it's a girl we'll call her Jillian. If it's a boy we will call him Brandon."
"That's neat."
"Have you and Severus set a wedding date?"
"No, not yet. But I'll tell you this much we will be getting married next summer. I don't have time with this being my final year."
"Understandable. Just let me know when."
"No prob as long as you send me a birth announcement!"
"It's a deal!"
The only change here is this chapter was posted twice. I don't know why. But I have fixed it. Sorry about that! Thanks!
***
Ch 21-Sandra
Severus, Delia, Nicola, Josh, Josie, Albert and Elle all sat in The Leaky Caldron awaiting the arrival of Sandra. A woman with black hair and black eyes walked in carrying a baby in her arms with a small girl in tow. The woman looked miserable. All of a sudden the little girl ran away from her mother screaming, "Uncle Severus! Uncle Severus!" Severus rose from his chair and picked up the little girl. The woman was expecting. She sat down in the empty chair and said, "Going on the Underground with two children is a nightmare! I'm Sandra Nikels and this little guy here is Jay. This cute little girl is Sabra. Which one of you is Delia?"
"Guilty as charged! It's nice to meet you Sandra."
"I'm not cute, " Sabra informed everyone. "Uncle Severus can I have some ice cream? Mommy said I could!"
"We shall see later." Severus replied setting the girl down. Delia noticed she had the brightest blue eyes and the same black hair as her mother and Severus.
"Sabra, be a dear and bring your mommy a drink of water."
"I'll get for you Sandra. Sabra can help me."
"Ok, I'll go with my uncle. Bye!" Severus and Sabra left to go up to the bar. Sandra turned to Delia.
"You'll have to forgive me. I'm due in two weeks and I'm ready. I'll be glad when the swollen feet go away. No matter what I do, nothing works! So introduce me around."
Delia introduced Sandra to her friends and family. Severus returned with the glass of water for his sister. She drank it and said, "I have to buy Sabra some new shoes. Her shoes are too small and I know that poor kid's feet hurt. What does everybody else have to do?"
"I have to go to Gringotts," Severus said. "I don't know about everyone else. We can just split up and meet in an hour at Florean Fortescue's Ice- cream Parlor. If Elle, Josie and Albert don't have any problem I can take Jay while you take Sabra shoe shopping."
"Oh that would be great!" Sandra said with relief handing Jay over to the care of Severus. "Here's his bag too. Everything you could possibly need is in there. He won't need feeding or changing. But he may want his binky. In that case I'll see you lot in an hour. Come along Sabra."
"Delia I need to talk to you about your project for a moment," Severus said. Delia followed Severus over to a quite corner. "I lied, we are not discussing your project. I just want to give you money for your Quidditch robe." He reached into his pocket and handed Delia a handful of Galleons. "Spend what's left on something nice for yourself." Jay was sleeping happily in Severus's arms. Severus seemed at ease with children. Delia thought this to be a good thing. Delia remembered the argument they had earlier over the Quidditch robe. Severus felt responsible since he did after all rip her robe. Delia said with that logic she should at least repair the robe she ripped and but him a new shirt. Severus told her to stop being silly. Severus allowed her to fix his robe but wouldn't hear of new shirt even if it were his favorite. He thought it was ripped for a good reason. But he wouldn't tell Delia that one. She was after all his little seductress. Delia gave Severus a quick kiss on
the cheek and left with Josh and Nicola.
***
Delia and her friends had a good time in Quality Quidditch Supplies. They spent their hour looking at all the brooms. Delia and Nicola were late getting to Florean Fortescue's Ice-cream Parlor. Delia forgot at the last minute she had to buy boots. Josh went on ahead to tell everyone that the two girls were fine. Delia didn't like the boots but as Severus put it if something is going to spill on your feet, the thicker the boot the better. Delia thought for that matter she could have ordered a pair of Ropers or Justins out of the Sheplers Catalog. Severus gave her the you-are-speaking- to-me-in-a-completely-different-language-look. Delia found the crew enjoying ice cream. Delia went over the table and set her new robe and boots down. She went in and ordered a single dip of chocolate ice cream. She came back out and sat down next to Severus. Severus was holding Sabra in his lap. She was enjoying her rainbow sherbet and admiring her new shoes. Sabra looked at Delia and smiled.
"Do you like my new shoes?"
"Yes, I do. I wonder if they come in my size."
"No, they don't. You have a big foot. These are for little feet. I'm Sabra and I'm four. Who are you and how old are you?"
"I'm Delia and I'm eighteen."
"That's old." Everyone laughed. Sabra didn't find this funny. "I'm getting another brother or I may get a sister. I have a bother and he's boring. Everyone says he's cute but I think he smells funny!"
"Now Sabra," Severus said. "Jay will grow up and be big."
"Will he be as big as you and Daddy?" she asked.
"Maybe. I think he will." Severus answered.
"I still think he smells."
Delia a small smile came across Delia's face. Delia then realized her mom and Elle weren't there. "Hey, where are my mom and Elle?"
"Oh, they went to Madam Malkins Robes For All Occasions," said Severus. "Elle was dying to go in. I'm scared to see what she comes out with. Did you know she is a Divination expert?"
"Yep, I knew. I knew she was into incense and tarot cards. I thought it was weird, but it all makes since now. I think she'd be better then Madame Trelawney at least she wouldn't predict my demise." Everyone laughed. Albert seemed pleased with himself. He was being quiet. Josh was too busy girl watching to care. Nicola wasn't even here she had to make a run to Flourish and Blotts for something. Delia finished her ice cream cone and said something about having to go the Apothecary. Severus said he would go along with her. He didn't know what she needed. Delia left her new Quidditch Robe and boots with Sandra.
"What do you need?" Severus asked. "I bet you I have it in my stores back at Hogwarts."
"Nothing. I just wanted away. I've been besieged with my family dropping by and Nicola thinking I'm going to get abducted. I was thinking about buying a new robe. I'm in the mood or maybe not. I get so sick of my school ones." Delia walked into Madam Malkins and looked at the first rack. She pulled out elegant crushed velvet in the same color as her blue gray eyes. Delia looked at the price tag and though eek. The cost of the robe was ten galleons, six sickles and nine knuts. Severus saw that Delia had put the robe back quickly. He had a glance. Delia was now looking at a royal blue robe. It wasn't as pretty. Severus went over to the blue gray robe and pulled it off the rack. Delia turned around to see Severus holding it up.
"I think you would look good in this Delia."
"Oh, it's nice. But where would I wear it?" she asked trying to prove that the robe was useless to her.
"I can think of a few places," he said with a smile.
"Very funny, but I can't-"
"Good morning my dear us there anything I can help you with? My name is Moshe. I'm filling in for Madam."
"Yes, Moshe," Severus said. "I think Delia here will take this robe."
"Good choice! Now let's just have you hop up here and I'll take your measurements." Delia stepped up on the stool and Moshe was measured with her wand. "I can see you have slender arms, goes nicely with your petite hands. Yes, this robe will have to be shortened in the sleeves and in the length." All of a sudden the purple robe Delia had been wearing came flying off and the blue gray velvet was put on instantly. It was then shortened to the appropriate lengths. "With a few tucks here and tucks there, you my dear are ready to go. That will be ten galleons, six sickles and nine knuts. Empty out your pockets and I can fold your old robe up if you like or you can put it back on and I can fold this one up."
"I th-think I'll wear this one, " Delia stammered out. She took her purple robe out of mid air and put her wand in the new pocket. She was fishing around for her coin purse to pay for the robe. She looked up as Severus paid Moshe. Moshe with a flick of her wand had Delia's old robe in a wrapped up package. Delia got down off the stool and looked in the mirror. She did look good. But she kept thinking Severus didn't have to buy it for her. She did after all have money herself!
Once outside the shop Severus cupped Delia's face in his hands and whispered, "My little fiancé you look striking." He then kissed her sweetly on her lips. Delia sighed and decided it wasn't worth disagreeing over. He was someday going to be her husband and according to her mother good husbands should at least be able to go shopping with their wives.
***
It was late in the evening. Delia was sitting in Severus's Chambers talking to Sandra. Delia had said good-bye to her parents at The Leaky Cauldron. She walked with them out on to the Muggle Street and they all parted ways. Elle and Josie went right, where as Albert went left. Somehow, the symbolic meaning meant things weren't going to be the same between all four of them. Delia's life had changed in a matter of days. A month ago she was expecting to return to Kansas at the end of the term and then college. Now she was engaged. Delia went back into the Wizard World. She closed her eyes and tried to remember they way things were back in July. Everything seemed so normal. Everything had changed at an alarming rate. Whoever said being eighteen was going to be easy?
Sabra had brought her dolls and had scattered everything all over Severus's bed. Sabra was explaining all of the dolls names to her Uncle Severus. Jay had fallen asleep after his bottle.
"Delia will you walk with me for a minute? I need to get up." Sandra said raising herself up from the couch. "Severus can watch these two."
"Sure, I'll tag."
"Bye mommy!" Sabra said not even looking up from changing a doll dress.
"Bye sweetie!" Sandra shouted at her daughter
Delia and Sandra walked up the stairs to the main floor. Delia didn't know where they were going. Sandra looked as if she did need the stretch. They reached the portrait of Helga Hufflepuff. Sandra gazed up at the portrait and said, "Severus gave you the necklace, didn't he?" Delia nodded, she didn't quite know what to think about Sandra. "I can see why he likes you. Maybe you'll do some good for him. I just want to ask you how much has Severus told you about the past?"
"He's told me he was Death Eater and some about your parents. Why? Is there more I should know?" Delia asked curiously.
"I think I'll leave it for Severus to tell you. But I will say this to you he did think very highly of Mum. He didn't think highly of Dad. To be honest he hated our father. Mum just didn't have it in her to stand up to Dad and that's what ended her up in Azkabahn. She was a bit too placid. Mum and Dad met when they were attending Hogwarts. Mum was a Huff like you and I. Dad was a Slytherin. I presume you know the story behind the necklace?"
"Yes, I don't know if I should tell you this or if Severus should, but we are engaged. Does it sound silly?"
"Not at all! I did hear what happened with you and Voldemort. I must say you have sheer gall! I couldn't have done what you did. Sev does love you. I can tell. I am his twin sister!" She laughed, "But for some reason if he you get mad at him my house is always open to you."
"Thanks. So how long are you staying?"
"Just tonight. Can you believe the baby's room isn't finished? I haired an idiot three months ago! So my friends and I are finishing it up tomorrow. I just had to come meet you."
`It doesn't bug you that I'm only eighteen?"
"Funny you should ask. I married my husband when I was twenty, he was thirty-five. Why should your age bother me? We just didn't expect to have young children fourteen years later! We have an older son. He's fourteen. He isn't a wizard though. Nigel is currently attending Eton."
"That is cool."
"I just think Sabra is a little curious about this new baby. I don't know if it's going to be a girl or boy. If it's a girl we'll call her Jillian. If it's a boy we will call him Brandon."
"That's neat."
"Have you and Severus set a wedding date?"
"No, not yet. But I'll tell you this much we will be getting married next summer. I don't have time with this being my final year."
"Understandable. Just let me know when."
"No prob as long as you send me a birth announcement!"
"It's a deal!"