33. Prince Manor
The next morning right after breakfast, which the Malfoy's took inside the teachers' lounge, Lucius, Narcissa and Draco left to apparate back to their home.
Minerva caught Severus on his way to his class. "Severus, Mr Potter showed up this morning and told me what happened. Why don't you take the day off? You have things to get in order regarding your grandmother. Harry is taking your classes today. I think he is already in the class room." She briefly squeezed his hand and said with a sad face, "I am very sorry!"
"Thank you Minerva! You also had become friends with her. I know you sometimes went out to dinner...," Severus said.
"Yes, and I will miss her, but it is nothing like what you have to face." Severus looked down and nodded. Then he said, "I guess I will check in with Harry for a moment and then go to the Ministry and St Mungo's."
Right before Severus made his way to the Apparation zone outside of Hogwarts Quincy showed up at his side. He sadly looked at Severus and handed him an envelope without saying a word. Quincy then bowed and disappeared again. When Severus looked at the envelope he saw that his name was written on the front in his grandmothers' neat handwriting. He walked to one of the outside benches and sat down turning the envelope over a few times before making the decision to open it. He broke the wax seal with an ornate 'P' on it and pulled out a short letter.
My dear grandson Severus,
If you are reading this I will have passed on. Please don't be sad. Rest assured that you and your lovely family have made the rest of my life the best that it has ever been. I finally felt part of something worthwhile, where I wasn't just a bystander in a life that was dominated by greed and deception. I finally felt loved and free and I owe it all to you.
Please be good to Quincy. He was my only joy for a long while and turned out to be more human than everyone else around me. Chances are he will be the one giving you this letter.
All of my affairs are in order and you will find my last will and testament in a lockbox in Gringotts. You will find the key inside the top part of the large fountain on the front lawn.
Please let me ask one last favor of you; I would love to be laid to rest underneath the large oak tree next to the rose garden.
Be safe my dear boy and take care of your precious family. Live life to the fullest.
Love forever, Grandmother
After he was done reading Severus stared for a long time at the letter without focus. The letters turned blurry and then floated together. He got startled out of his numbness when a drop fell onto the letter and the words 'rose' and 'garden' ran together. He wiped another tear away, blinked a few times and took a deep breath. He then folded the letter and put it back inside the envelope and then into the breast pocket of his cloak. He took another deep breath and finally got up from the bench and walked to the Apparation zone.
888
The funeral was a week and a half later on a Saturday in the rose garden of Prince Manor. There were only a few people attending the funeral; Minerva, Poppy, the Malfoy's - since it had been Draco and Lucius who had helped free Richelle, Harry, Neville and of course, Severus and Bobbie. Serina had been left with Ron and Hermione, who had come back from Arizona late the night before.
Millie and Winky were making sure that all the attendees were taken care of after the service. Even though Quincy was ready to help Severus told him he would rather have him at the funeral. The poor elf looked so pathetic next to Richelle's grave with his shoulders and ears hanging down and his watery eyes.
After the wake Narcissa came over to Bobbie and said, "It is such a shame. Lucius told me how you found her. She was finally healthy and able to have a life and now this..."
"Yeah...!" Bobbie said in a whisper and nodded in thought.
"By the way, I wanted to thank you for your quick thinking when the Death Eaters came to our house. This could have been us." Narcissa pointed at the grave. "We owe you our lives."
"No, you don't owe me anything. I only did what anyone would have done in the same situation," Bobbie said.
"Well, you have my gratitude all the same," Narcissa said with a polite smile putting her hand onto Bobbie's arm for emphasis. "If we can help with anything, please let us know." She nodded at Bobbie and went back to her husband.
Bobbie smiled at the sincerity Narcissa was showing. The flashback she had just gotten proved it. Maybe not all was lost for Draco's parents. She walked over to where Severus was talking with Draco and just heard Severus ask him, "How bad was the destruction to your house after Dolohov went through it?"
"It wasn't anything that a few well placed 'reparo' spells couldn't fix. It was more a mess than destruction. The house-elf had it under control," Draco said.
"I'm glad to hear that," Severus said. "Maybe now that those guys are put away and Dolohov has been stripped of his magic we can all go on with our lives." He then looked at the fresh grave and said quietly, "Well, most of us anyway..."
Soon everyone had gone home and only Severus, Bobbie and the three elves were left. Since Winky was a free elf she could go where ever she wanted. Bobbie had the impression that she liked it in Prince Manor and that she liked the company of Quincy. It only took a little bit of a nudge to convince Winky to stay behind in the Manor with Quincy. It was a very large place and there was plenty to do in the house and the gardens for two house-elves, and in just two months Severus would quit teaching and work out of the much larger laboratory in Prince Manor.
Severus thought about what his grandmother had said; that she was looking forward seeing Serina run around the house. He let out a heavy sigh, after having another look at Richelle's grave. They soon Flooed back to Hogwarts with a short stop at Ron and Hermione's flat to pick up their daughter.
888
A little over a week later Bobbie's phone rang and it was a number she didn't know. She tentatively picked it up. "Bobbie? This is Kingsley. How do you do?"
"How are you? Somebody got a new phone...!" Bobbie stated.
"Yeah well, they finally wore me down around here," he said with a chuckle. "I probably don't have to tell you who was the driving force behind it...," he added.
"Nope. No surprise there..." Bobbie said with a chuckle.
"Anyway, I had asked Severus to come by and have the estate written over from his grandmother but he seems to keep stalling."
"Yes! It hit him harder than either one of us could have imagined. He still doesn't see it as his. It is almost like signing the estate over to him would make it final that Richelle is no longer around, even though he is going over there several times a week to work in the lab."
"There is still a little time but eventually they will switch the utilities off if the owner is deceased and nobody is paying for them," Kingsley cautioned.
"And here I thought I am living in the magical world and there are no utilities that have to be paid," Bobbie joked.
"Well, they are not the same as in the Muggle world around here," Kingsley joked back. "But even the Ministry of Magic has to live from something."
Bobbie chuckled and then said a little more somber, "I will talk to Severus. He has to accept his grandmothers' death eventually."
"Thank you. I will talk to you later."
When they hung up Poppy, who had been working right next to Bobbie said with a chuckle, "The Minister for Magic with a Muggle calling device... What have we come to?"
Bobbie smiled at the comment but her thoughts went right back to Severus. Poppy noticed and said, "Well, for what it is worth, I do agree with you. Severus will have to accept it eventually."
"This is almost like losing Albus for him. Albus was like a father to him and Richelle made it very easy for him to like her as his grandmother. Especially since it was such a senseless death. He thought the same thing with Albus, even though he was sick. Severus thought until the end he could save him somehow."
"Well, there are some things that can't be changed." Poppy patted her arm and then they went back to their work.
888
When Severus came back from his classes that evening Bobbie laid Serina on her blanket on the floor and took Severus's hand and said, "Come Baby, we need to talk."
He looked at her suspicious of what was coming but followed her to the sofa. When they sat down she positioned herself sideways with her one leg underneath her, so she was able to look straight at him. She still held his hand and said, "Kingsley called."
Right away he sighed and said, "He had called me too... I know what he wants."
"I think you should get it over with. It doesn't help to procrastinate. You don't have to do it alone. I will go with you to the Manor and get that key and then we go together to Gringotts," Bobbie said playing with his wedding band, turning it around and around.
Severus watched her and then asked, "You would go to Gringotts with me even though you are deathly afraid using those rail carts?"
"Well," Bobbie said with a sheepish look, "I would prefer to wait in that room again for you, but if you really want me to go, I will."
Severus took both of her hands in his and his onyx eyes searched hers while his face softened in a slight smile. He slowly shook his head and said, "You are afraid and still would do it for me? Nobody has ever done anything like that." He then let go one of her hands and stroked her hair saying, "I would never ask this of you, but I am honoured to know that you would do it."
"I love you, Severus and if you need me I will do anything."
"I don't think there will be a vault though since Preston spent most the money, so no ride in the cart."
Severus pulled her into his arms and hugged her while breathing in the scent of her hair. They sat like this for a short while before he slowly let go of her and said, "We could go to the Manor this weekend and get the key. Maybe we can also walk through the place and see what still has to be done and maybe pick the rooms we will eventually occupy when I will start my research there after I quit teaching."
Bobbie watched him clenching his jaw after he had said that and she noticed that he didn't look too convinced about his own words. She leant her head against his shoulder and said, "I know it will be very different with your grandmother gone, but maybe in time we will be able to make the place our own. It is what she would have wanted. She wanted it to be yours and we can honour her by doing so. Besides, she is still with us in Spirit. I think I have told you that my grandfather is able to speak with people who have passed on?"
"Yes, you have mentioned that and I know what you are saying is right, but..." He didn't finish and sighed. He knew Bobbie would understand what he meant even though he didn't say it.
All of a sudden they heard a squeal and Serina, who was laying on her belly tried getting a hold of Benton's tail which had come a little too close to her. She started babbling and tried pushing herself up. Benton who had felt something wagged his tail and Serina got hit in the face with it. She started laughing and grabbed after the tail again. Benton looked at Severus and Bobbie and when they told him he was a good boy he turned around and looked at Serina who tried grabbing his ears. When Benton let out a small excited yip she again dissolved into peals of laughter which shook her whole small body.
Severus and Bobbie watched it for a while and finally went down on the floor and interacted with the two. Severus speaking in English and Bobbie in German.
After an enjoyable play session with their daughter Benton suddenly stuck his nose to Serina's behind and started sniffing and nudging. Bobbie knew right away that this meant they needed to change the nappies. Since it was late she did that first and then fed Serina and took her to her crib. Severus followed Bobbie with a potion book and said, "I think it is about time we start reading this little girl some bedtime stories."
Bobbie laughed. "Out of a potion book?"
"I doubt she will understand yet, so it will be fine for now," he said with a smile and a shrug.
"I suppose so. Especially since she is so lucky having a Daddy with such a sexy voice," she said and kissed him.
When Severus sat down next to Serina's crib and started reading, Bobbie stood leaning against the doorframe with a smile and listening to him for a while. She finally left them and called Millie to bring their dinner to their rooms since it was too late to go to the Great Hall that night.
Severus came a little while later out of the nursery and quietly closed the door. When he saw the food on the table he said with a sigh, "I had totally forgotten about dinner, with all that was going on."
"Everything will work out. Come, sit and eat."
888
It was a Friday and Serina was 3 months old now and had started to sleep almost all the way through the night. Only sometimes she made herself known by around 5 in the morning, like today. As usual, Severus went to get her and then laid her into Bobbie's arms for nursing. He watched them with a smile on his face.
After Serina was done and Bobbie had put her back into her crib Bobbie came back to bed and snuggled up to Severus while switching off the alarm clock and said, "I am wide awake. I think I will get up and start packing a few things that we are taking back to the cottage tonight."
Severus pushed up her chin so she had to look into his eyes and said with a husky voice, "Maybe not."
Seeing the desire in those black pools was all she needed to change her mind. A surge of heat ran all through her body and she scooted up a little to capture his lips with hers. A lustful groan escaped him when he felt her tracing 'her happy trail' down his stomach with her finger. He arched his back to push himself harder into her grasp when she circled him with her hand. His breath grew erratic and when she moved on him he moaned with pleasure.
He eventually had to make her stop by grabbing her hand and whispering, "No more! I want to be inside you."
He positioned her on her back and straddled her and then traced a trail of kisses and caresses with his tongue down from the lobe of her ear to her neck and then to her breasts. From there he worked his way down to her navel. He then stroked the pad of his thumb over her core and finally slipped it inside her which had her begging for more. "Oh Severus..., please. Please..., now...!" She pleaded while arching her back into him.
He smiled while making his way back up to her breasts where he softly circled her erect nipple with his tongue before going to the soft spot underneath her ear. It drove her crazy with need and she again pleaded, "Please Baby..., now...!
He finally made it to her mouth and claimed it in a passionate kiss while he positioned himself at her entrance and rubbed his hardness over her. She grabbed his buttocks to push him closer but Severus wouldn't have it just yet. He noticed her frustration and need in her moans and smiled against her lips. He eventually entered her and started with long strokes which almost made her mindless.
Just before he knew she was going over the edge he stopped which rewarded him with a soft cry of, "No, please..." She tightened her inside muscles around him and pulled him closer to her, which almost undid him. He had to swallow a few times and breathe trying to hold on a little longer, but it was no use. A few more strokes and they dissolved in a mass of quivering limbs in an unprecedented climax.
Severus turned both of them around with Bobbie being on top of him. They clung to each other breathing hard and proclaiming their undying love for each other in between panting. The long afterglow was spent with sweet kisses and caresses until Bobbie caught a glimpse of the alarm clock on the nightstand.
"Oh shit! We better hurry," she blurted out.
"Why didn't the alarm come on?" Severus asked while jumping out of bed.
"Because I switched it off thinking I would get up...," she answered and then added, "But somebody had a different idea." She smiled at Severus.
"Do you regret it?" he asked with a mischievous look on his face.
"Never!" She said and hugged and kissed him before disappearing inside the shower.
888
They made it to breakfast, albeit a little late. Nobody mentioned anything because they knew that with a small baby sometimes things didn't go the way you wanted it to, and neither Severus nor Bobbie volunteered to spill the real reason.
After a fairly eventless day they went to their rooms and packed up the few things they wanted to take with them. The dogs already knew what was going on and sat in front of the Floo waiting. These days they didn't even have to stop on the way to stock up on the groceries they would need over the weekend because Millie made sure everything was ready. Bobbie again, for the hundredth time praised the convenience of the Magical World.
Ever since Ron came over for the first time to play chess with Severus, they had set aside those Friday nights when Severus and Bobbie would be home, for another round. Severus and Ron turned out to be fairly even with their skill in the game and Bobbie joked to Hermione that you could almost see their ears smoke from the concentration.
While the guys were occupied with their game on the dining room table it gave Bobbie and Hermione a chance to sit on the sofa and catch up during a quiet conversation unless Serina was making herself known, which was the case on this Friday.
Bobbie and Hermione had played with her for a little while and sometimes when they put her feet on the floor she started bouncing around. "She has strong legs. Even before she was born she could kick pretty well," Bobbie said.
After a while they placed her on her blanked which they had brought from Hogwarts and Serina started flailing her arms at Bella who was lying in front of her. Suddenly the little girl started giggling when she caught Bella's paw and Bella pulled it out from under her hand and put it on the top. Soon Serina pulled her hand out from under Bella's paw and grabbed at it. When Bella pulled it out again and put it on top of Serina's hand she started giggling like mad again. This went on for quite a while until Serina suddenly rolled over and right in front of Benton.
"Wow, that is the first time she did that. I guess we now have to watch her," Bobbie said.
Severus and Ron had watched the thing with Bella with smiles on their faces, because they heard Serina laugh. Ron said with a chuckle, "Give her a few more weeks and she will take off."
"That's why we have dogs. They will keep her in line," Severus joked.
"Yeah, you just watch. Bill's daughter Victoire propelled herself across the floor as soon as she was able to get that one knee halfway under herself. Of course they have hardwood floors which are slippery. On your floor it is not as easy." He pointed at the carpet.
"I think we are going to stop that for tonight anyway. I think it is time for food and then bed for our little girl," Bobbie said and picked Serina up. "I'll be right back."
When Bobbie came back Severus and Ron had finished their game and sat together with Hermione. They were talking about their trip in Arizona. When Bobbie sat down Ron said, "I didn't know you also had a motorcycle there."
"Yes, I do. Not that I ever rode the thing. The way it is set up only tall people can ride it. It will be perfect for Severus. I didn't mention it because you would have to get a bunch of motorcycle gear like helmets, jackets and boots. I didn't think you wanted to have to buy all that stuff just to ride it," Bobbie said.
"I also don't have a motorcycle license," Ron said.
"You don't need one over there," Bobbie mentioned.
"Really? Interesting. I think riding a motorcycle is much harder than driving a car."
"How did you manage with the car and what was it like for you guys driving on the wrong side of the road?" Bobbie asked with a wink.
"It wasn't that bad," Hermione said. "There's hardly anybody on the road over there and we could practice before getting into more populated areas."
"What about magic?" Severus wanted to know.
"No problem. I looked into it and it seems the Americans don't care about it as long as you don't do it in front of Muggles," Hermione said. "We really had a lot of fun and we loved seeing all those interesting places. Ever since you gave me that Native American jacket I have been interested in their history."
"And your house is really wicked. We loved the swimming pool and the way the porch faces the desert. Very peaceful sitting out there at night." Ron said and then added with a laugh, "Professor Sinistra would have a field day there. The view of the sky on top of the Astronomy tower is nothing compared to the desert."
"We are very grateful that we had the chance to be there for our honeymoon. It definitely beat the trip to London that we had planned. Thank you again," Hermione said and Ron nodded.
Then Hermione checked her watch and said, "Well, we should probably go. I know you want to go to Prince Manor in the morning." She looked at Severus and said, "Good luck with everything."
Severus nodded and said, "Thanks! I will manage. As Kingsley and also my wife pointed out, I have let it slide long enough."
"Just let me know if I can help with anything," Hermione said and then got up and everybody followed her lead.
They said their goodbye's and then Severus and Bobbie were alone again with Severus standing there with a short shake of his head and a smile on his face. When Bobbie asked him what he was thinking. He said, "Who would have known that I would be friends with a Weasley. Arthur's brood, and especially Ron used to irk me to no end." Then he looked into her eyes and asked, "What changed?"
"Everything and everyone, but most of all you. Your new outlook on life. Your life is your own now without being trapped between two masters," she answered. "You always had it in you, Baby. You were just not permitted to let it out." She traced his jaw line with her finger and then pulled his head down and kissed him gently.
888
Severus and his small family, including the dogs, Flooed to Prince Manor at around 9 o'clock Saturday morning. The dogs had largely overcome their fear of the Floo, but had fallen into the habit of stepping in place a few times before diving in after Bobbie.
Severus and Bobbie only had a cup of coffee before leaving, but Winky and Quincy had gone all out to have a grand breakfast ready for them. Winky, who had become attached to Serina, hopped a few times with excitement when she saw that they had brought her and said to Bobbie, "I's will take care of little Miss while you's eat."
"Well, thank you Winky. That is very thoughtful. I brought her blanket so you can put her on the floor so she can play with her toys," Bobbie said and they got Serina comfortable.
Before they ate breakfast Severus let the dogs out into the gardens to run and play. While doing so he walked up to the grand fountain with his hands in his pocket and looked at it. When he looked up to the top tier his heart constricted for a moment, thinking about his grandmother. The next thing he knew was Quincy showing up right beside him with a pop and said, "I's put it up there. I's will get it."
Severus didn't have to ask what the elf was talking about and nodded grateful.
The elf snapped his fingers and in the next second the water had stopped running and Quincy stood on the rim of the top part of the fountain. He reached inside and came up with a small box. Another snap with his fingers and he was back on the ground beside Severus and the fountain was running again. Quincy then handed the box to Severus.
"Thank you Quincy. I appreciate it!" Severus said.
Quincy bowed deeply and then disappeared with a crack. Severus looked at the small box and sighed. He finally slowly opened the lid and inside was the key for the lockbox at Gringotts. He looked at it in thought and then snapped the lid closed and put the box with the key inside his pocket. Then he made his way back to the dining room where Bobbie was with Winky on the floor cheering at Serina who had rolled over on her back and a little later back to her stomach. Severus watched the scene with a smile on his face. Then he held his hand out to help Bobbie up and they went to the table to eat their breakfast while Winky was watching Serina.
Shortly into their meal Severus said, "This was a most enjoyable breakfast Winky. You and Quincy have done an admirable job. Thank you very much." The little elf bowed and was clearly happy with the praise she had gotten.
After breakfast Severus and Bobbie walked out to the gardens and enjoyed the unusually mild weather. They walked through some of the paths and the dogs followed them. They ended up at a small parlor overgrown with Jasmine. The scent of the blooms was almost overwhelming. They sat down in two of the lounge chairs that stood next to each other and the dogs plopped down next to them.
"It is beautiful out here," Bobbie said and stretched her hand over to Severus who took it.
"Yes...," He said with a sigh. "In the short time I knew my grandmother it was clear that these Gardens were her pride and joy. She could walk through those paths all day, smell the flowers and take care of the plants. You saw the herb garden she tended to. Quincy has taken over now and the greenhouses are full with exotics. I have started using the largest of them to grow fresh ingredients and I also have started a small patch of Garden for the same purpose."
"Good! At least you don't have to trudge through the Forbidden Forest in the middle of the night anymore."
"I would gladly do it, if it would bring her back," Severus whispered.
"I know you would," Bobbie said and squeezed his hand.
"She also had fun helping me grow ingredients. She was very good at it."
"I am glad you could spend some quality time with her. That is why I stayed home or at Hogwarts most of the times when you came here. I felt that you needed the time to get to know each other."
Severus pulled the box with the key out of his pocket and glanced inside and said, "Next comes the part that I am dreading most..."
"You already got it?"
"Quincy got it for me when I let the dogs out. He was the one who hid it there for Grandmother. The box has some charm on it so Preston couldn't call the key to him with an Accio, no matter how much he tried." He sighed and snapped the box close again and said, "I wish she would just have given it to him. Her reluctance to hand the key over was the reason he killed her."
"You can't know that, Severus. He was a malicious person and he just would have done it to eliminate her as a witness," Bobbie said.
Again Severus sighed, "I guess we will never know. What is done, is done...!"
He then got up and said, "Let's do a walk through in the house. It will take us all day."
888
They finished with the 4-story Manor at around 10 in the evening, with two short breaks for lunch and dinner. For parts of it they took Serina with them so they wouldn't be away from her so long. Severus sorted through some things and vanished items which had to do with the Dark Arts.
When they were inside the large library Severus scanned along the books on one side of it while Bobbie, carrying Serina walked along the other. Suddenly Severus heard Bobbie say, "Wow, this book has fur and it is purring...?" Bobbie had pulled a book off the shelf and was holding it with awe on her face while Serina was patting at it while letting out an excited squeal.
"Don't touch that!" Severus came running over with fear in his voice.
He grabbed at the book and it snarled at him and bit at him. When he jerked back the book started purring again, like it was delighted to be touched by Bobbie and especially Serina.
"Merlin! I don't believe it," Severus said in surprise.
"What is it?" Bobbie asked. "Why did it want to bite you?"
"It is the Monster Book of Monsters. Half the school got bitten when it became one of the text books. Poppy had her work cut out when Hagrid decided to use it as the text book in Care of Magical Creatures. They did away with it after only one year because it was too dangerous." He shook his head and said, "I can't believe I am seeing this. It seems to like you and especially Serina."
Bobbie, who was still holding it and Serina still patting at it said with a chuckle, "As long as it doesn't like us for breakfast...!"
Severus still looked at the unbelievable sight and said while stroking over Serina's hair, "I think we can say without a shadow of a doubt that our little girl here has inherited her mother's Nevari powers."
When Bobbie put the book back Serina was still trying to reach for it and her delighted squeals turned into sounds of protest.
"Sorry kiddo, we have to leave it here. Benton and Bella wouldn't appreciate it," Severus said stroking his daughters little cheek and then taking her from Bobbie to give her a break from carrying her. He swung Serina around a few times which right away improved her mood and then he said to Bobbie, "I think I need to sort through all of these books and lock some of them up like it is done in the restricted section in the Hogwarts library. Obviously you two won't have a problem but I don't want any visitors to be in danger."
When they were done with their walk-through they decided that they would use the south wing on the fourth floor for their quarters when they would stay at the Manor. It included the access to the top of the tower and would be a nice place to sit and relax while having a perfect 360 degree view over the grounds. Severus who was still a little under the weather about his grandmother wasn't up for staying overnight this time, so they used the Floo back to the cottage Saturday evening and came back Sunday morning to do some more work.
