Chapter 15: In which we meet a most interesting lady
"Hello Severus." The cool cultured voice cut the air like a knife and sent a shiver trailing down Severus' back. Lady Snape was an intimidating woman at the best of times, and these were most definitely not those times. Currently she was seated regally in an antique wing backed chair that had probably seen four or five generations of Snapes in its lifetime. Her hair that had obstinately refused to age, choosing instead to stay a shimmering blue black, was swept into a severe bun which, combined with her larger than average nose gave off the impression of an irritated bird. As for her eyes they were even more piercing than Severus could remember from his childhood. She summoned him into the room with an elegant gesture. "Have a seat my boy. We have a lot to catch up upon."
Swallowing nervously the prodigal son took a seat in the chair opposite the Lady of the house. "Hello mother. You've been well I assume."
The elegant woman let out a decidedly unladylike snort. "Please son, drop the formalities. We may not have spoken in near twenty years but I am still your mother which means I know things about you. Now, who is she? I insist on knowing all the details." She raised an eyebrow. "Well? Don't sit there gaping like a trout out of water. Who is she?"
Severus took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. His mother was still exactly how he remembered her and for a moment he forgot that they hadn't seen each other (at her insistence) for nearly two decades. He had always gotten on with her well enough, though her annoying tendency to gossip and pry had always grated his nerves, perhaps this was the reason he detested Molly Weasley so much. The two women had a surprising amount in common actually. They were second cousins and had been good friends in their youth but now they wouldn't even recognize each other. Molly's Gryffindor tendency to befriend anything that was wanting a friend so long as that something was a fellow Gryffindor had made her a social outcast in the higher pureblood circle while his mother's stiff formality that seemed to be a primal instinct had made her the celebrated bell of society right up until her son decided to become a Death Eater. Shaking his head to rid himself of these musings Severus fixed his mother with an innocent gaze he hadn't attempted in years. "Who is who mother? I have no idea what you're referring to in such a cryptic manner. Its hardly polite, you know, to talk of people without even using names."
Lady Snape narrowed her eyes. "You know very well what I'm referring to."
Severus grinned inwardly there were few people he could tease, in fact he wasn't sure he had ever teased anyone but his mother, at least not without malicious intent. "Be that as it may mother, I am exhausted from the journey here. So, if you have no objections, I should like to retire for the evening. I have an engagement tomorrow that I cannot escape I am afraid so I shan't be here for luncheon or dinner."
"Breakfast is at seven. Be prompt." Lady Snape rose from her chair and smiled down at her son. "It's wonderful you're home again my son." With a slightly sad smile she turned and walked gracefully from the room.
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"Colin!" Neville smiled jovially at his longtime friend. "How are you mate? I didn't know you were in the area."
"H-hello Neville," Colin's smiled tentatively. "I just decided to pop by this afternoon. Lucky we met up now isn't it?"
"Lucky for you anyhow," Neville grinned and motioned for Colin to walk with him, "Ginny's got an enormous turkey all prepped for dinner tonight I'm sure she'd be more than happy to have you over. We haven't seen you since the wedding. Please, tell me you'll come. It'll make her day."
"Of course I'll come." Creevy squeaked.
"Good! See you around six then eh mate?"
Colin nodded, "See you then."
Neville flashed him yet another brilliant grin before disapperating with a pop.
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"Hey Gin."
"Hello love. How was shopping?" Ginny greeted her husband with a quick kiss.
"It was fine. I ran into Colin Creevy in Flourish and Blotts. I hope you don't mind that I've invited him to supper."
Ginny's back stiffened. "Oh," she forced a cheery note into her voice," that's lovely dear. Its been so long since we've seen him."
Neville grinned widely and gave Ginny another quick peck on the cheek. "Thank you love, I know it's a bit of an inconvenience adding another to the table so late, but I thought for Colin you wouldn't mind."
Ginny flashed him a smile much too bright to be genuine. "It's all right Neville. I'm delighted to have Colin over now if you don't mind I'd like to get a start on preparing the meal itself now that the guest list is settled."
" Ok, ok I get the hint. Give me a holler when you need me." He backed out of the room arms raided in surrender, a teasing grin on his face.
"Bye." Ginny shut the door firmly and muttered a few quick wards. She knew Neville was perfectly capable of taking down her wards but she wanted the added security so she wouldn't be interrupted.
She turned to the stove and muttered a few charms summoning a pot of water to be boiled and her already stuffed turkey to be baked. Once the basics had begun she walked over to the gently flickering fire in the fireplace. Grabbing the floo Jar she took a pinch and threw it into the flames. "Colin Creevy's flat." She called out, taking her place on the floor and sticking her head in the flames.
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"What do you think Tildy?"
"I think he dun grown up near perfect missus. He looks happy."
"Yes, he rather does doesn't he. I wonder who this girl he's met is. Though I'm not surprised he chose not to tell me, he always was one for deep dark secrets. Maybe she's a student." Lady Snape smiled wickedly. "We've dealt with every other scandal he felt he could throw our way I don't know why he doesn't think we can handle this."
"Beggin' your pardon missus but how do ya know he's met a lass if he hasn't told ya?"
"Ah Tildy, you've been with me a long time. Couldn't you see the glow. Haden used to get that same glow when he looked at me, at least in the early years. If these one thing Snape men know how to do well its falling hopelessly in love, well that and getting into horrible scrapes and being too proud to ask for a hand getting out of them." She smiled sadly, "I suppose I should just wait for him to come to me shouldn't I? After all Haden's father was less than thrilled to see me in the family but Haden would hear nothing of it. Did I ever tell you he almost lost his inheritance?"
"No ma'am. I ain't ever heard that story."
"Ah, well. I suppose I must tell you that particular story some time. It's a wonderful one but for tonight I'm too tired. Maybe tomorrow?" with a smile she gestured for the loyal house keeper to leave the room.
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