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The Revelation in the Magic Tea

"You must be Elaine!" A large woman wearing the most shocking aqua hued pointed hat on her red hair burst into the lobby of the Auror's office in the bowels of the Ministry of Magic. She had Elaine wrapped up in a hug before she could answer. "You look just as sweet as you could be. I'm Molly Weasley."

Elaine extracted herself and smiled at the exuberant woman. "Pleased to meet you."

There was a pause as they stared at each other. One looking for the first time at a witch and the other fascinated that a Muggle had captured a Wizard's devotion.

"I'm to take you out and show you the Wizards London," Molly continued talking, linking their arms and tugging her towards the exit.

Elaine spared one glance over her shoulder to where Severus stood motionless in the shadow of the hall. He raised his hand in farewell, a strangely wistful expression on his face.

Molly was chattering, "I'm on strict orders not to let Remus near you—and to only show you the best face of the wizarding world." She laughed leading the way to the great fireplaces.

They went to a place called Diagon Alley, a hub of day-to-day commerce.

The street was crowded with people of all snaps and sizes, including those that Elaine was certain we're not strictly human. The whole alley had the old world feeling of Victorian England and was sweetly nostalgic.

"Everything you could need—broomsticks, robes, books, wands, cauldrons, and food," Molly enthused.

Elaine was overwhelmed with the colors and press of magic that tickled her senses and flirted with the edge of her vision. She hurried close to Molly's brisk figure. The glass-fronted stores were stuffed with brightly colored objects and gilt signs. She watched witches and wizards using their wands casually, with an open mouth.

"Tea?" The matron offered after they had traversed both sides of the alley.

"Please," Elaine managed.

They passed under the elegant teashop sign into the bustling interior.

"So tell me how things are going with our Potion's Master," Molly leaned forward over the table conspiratorially when they had settled.

Elaine blinked over the gold edge of the teacup. "Excuse me?"

"Severus—we all thought he was dead you know?"

Elaine stared. "I didn't realize you were aware of my partner," she attempted to sound diplomatic.

"Harry let it slip," Molly winked. "He is so happy that he found him—after loosing Albus, losing Severus was a blow."

Elaine just nodded uncertainly. She had no idea who these people were or how they were connected to Severus—honestly she wasn't even certain she even wanted to know before Severus told her himself.

"I—I am very happy with Severus," she finely said, staring into the depths of her amber tea.

Molly beamed, "I am glad. Harry was worried about you at first."

"At first?" Elaine snorted, unable to contain herself.

"Well, he still is—slightly. Severus was always very devoted to his mum."

"What?"

Aqua, #39