Chapter 38: Christmas Dinner at the Gobstones Inn

Christmas was coming around the corner for the students of Hogwarts. The majority of the castle was filled with cheer at the end of term, the festive spirits in the atmosphere and for some, excitement at going home for the holidays. However, there were those in the Union, who felt their excitement being punctuated with feelings of dread and pity for Remus, whom was still no closer to recovering.

Severus also had an uncomfortable experience close to the final day of term, when Remus' parents came to visit him for the first time since the day after the attack. None of the Union had been to see him at that juncture as he was freshly feral, and the majority of the time had been taken up with his parents rushing to him in distress. Dumbledore, McGonagall and Pomfrey had also been stressing over how his condition could be exposed if they dared to take him to get some more professional help.

Severus, James and Sirius were visiting Remus when his parents arrived, accompanied by Dumbledore. Dumbledore had a friendly twinkle in his eyes at the sight of the loyal friends, but Mr Lupin had turned red at their presence.

"Why are they here? Are you trying to persecute my son? Get out!"

"No, no, Mr Lupin! It's alright! These boys know everything! They're the ones I wrote to you about. None of them wish to persecute or expose Remus!" explained Dumbledore.

"It's true, sir," said James.

"We care about Remus, werewolf or not," added Sirius.

Severus nodded silently.

"Leave them be, Lyall," said the mother soothingly.

Lyall Lupin relented and they both went to sit opposite the boys to look at their son, whom was currently snoozing, but with the occasional snarl indicating that he wasn't a normal child in a slumber.

"All my fault," murmured Lyall, as his wife stroked her child's hair softly, so as not to wake him.

But even this effort attracted the werewolf inside Remus, as he began sniffing the scent of human flesh in close contact.

"Careful, Hope," said Lyall, but his heart looked broken at the sight before him.

Severus then thought of how Remus had seemed upset when the subject of his father came up. He thought that his father disdained him for his condition because he acted more distant. Severus disagreed, and could see that his own theory was right. Lyall Lupin loved his son, but couldn't bear to look at him at times because he felt responsible for his son being bitten in the first place.

"Sir," said Severus on impulse. "You love your son, don't you?"

Lyall looked up, surprised at the audacity this strange boy had of doubting his devotion and love for his only child.

"What sort of question is that?" he snapped.

"It's a fair one, considering what Remus has told me in the past," replied Severus with backbone.

Dumbledore said nothing. He was sure that Severus had a good purpose for this confrontation.

"I love my family, more than anything in the world, most particularly, my son!" fumed Lyall.

"Then maybe you should show that to him once in a while, sir," said Severus suggestively.

"What do you mean?!"

"When Remus visited me, he was always upset about how distant you are with him. He feels that you no longer love him very much because of what he is."

"But that's ridiculous!" cried Hope.

"Preposterous!" yelled Lyall, which caused his son to stir, but the quick silence that followed made him snarl back into his sleep.

"I know from looking at you that you love Remus…but you can't bear to look at him, because you see the product of your own mistake embedded inside him, now displaying itself in front of you on the outside in his current state! But…how do you think distancing yourself in this way is going to seem to him? He's fragile, scared of life and of people finding out about his condition, and for years, you have loved him but from a distance because you're scared to face him, knowing that it was your mouth that provoked the fiend that did this to him! He thinks you hate him! If you wanna prove him wrong, and prove that you love your son, then stop hiding from your mistake, and face it head on! Face your son, cuddle him and love him!"

"That's enough, Mr Prince," said Dumbledore.

He could see that Severus, while having good intentions, was becoming vitriolic at Lyall for his cowardice.

Lyall and Hope Lupin were stunned, and before they could reply, James and Sirius decided to guide him out.

"We'll leave you to be with your son, Mr and Mrs Lupin," said James.

"Sorry to have disturbed your time with him," added Sirius.

"Have a pleasant Christmas, children," said Dumbledore cheerily.

"Thank you, sir," they all replied in unison.

What they didn't notice on their exit was that in his sleep, Remus had grown quieter…and a tear had leaked from under his closed eyelids. Dumbledore did notice and smiled. Perhaps there was hope yet for young Mr Lupin.

The following morning, Severus joined Lily and their other friends at the Entrance Hall with their trunks and Gabriel in his cage. Zeus Gardner and Hagrid were to take them to the carriages leading to Hogsmeade Station, so they could catch the train back to London.

"Looking forward to Christmas, Sev?" asked Lily.

"Yep, though I sometimes wonder…would we like to spend at least one Christmas here at Hogwarts? Just for the experience."

Severus had been more used to staying at Hogwarts for Christmas during his past life. He almost missed it.

"I dunno…maybe," replied Lily.

The rest of the Union soon joined them, although Sirius was planning to stay for Christmas. He said it was so someone could visit Remus over Christmas Day, but they all knew that it was also because he didn't want to go home to his parents at Grimmauld Place.

After parting with his friends and brother cheerfully, Sirius waved them off as they followed Gardner to the Thestral-drawn coaches.

"Can't wait to get home," said Peter. "Though I wish Remus was coming with us."

"We all do, Peter," sighed James.

"He's in good hands though," said Melody optimistically.

"And Siri's with him…he still won't tell me what's actually up with Lupin though," said Regulus with a suspicious voice.

James knew the subject was now touching rocky grounds, so he diverted it.

"What are you going to do for Christmas without Sirius then, Reg?"

"Not a lot, just have dinner with family. Might sneak out in between to visit Melody, if that's okay with you, that is."

"Of course, it is, Reggie," said Melody happily.

Regulus smiled in return.

After the Union bade an equally friendly farewell with Gardner and Hagrid, (the latter especially) they boarded the Hogwarts Express and the train moved out into the countryside.

As the miles were eaten up behind them, the Union played Exploding Snap and Wizard's Chess, and also treated themselves to sweets from the trolley. After Severus exchanged his Dumbledore card for Quincey's Ravenclaw, he saw that Malfoy and his gang were leering in on them.

"Get out of here, Malfoy!" he sneered, drawing his wand.

Malfoy opened the compartment before anybody thought to lock it.

"You don't want to disrespect us again," he warned, "Not after what happened to your poor little friend."

Peter and James rose in fury.

"Remus is bigger than you'll ever be!" snapped Peter.

"You're nothing, but scum!" raged James.

"No, Potter…it is blood traitors like you and those I considered family, who are scum! Scum who like to spend time with those who are…" He directed his glare at Lily and Melody, "…lower than scum!"

Severus and Regulus lunged at Malfoy simultaneously.

"What's this?"

The trolley lady appeared once more.

"Back off, old woman!"

"Expelliarmus!"

Once again, Malfoy was Disarmed, and Frank and Alice appeared, the latter Disarming his cohorts.

"Get out of our sight!" said Frank firmly.

"Until next term," snarled Malfoy.

He and his friends stalked away, and Frank duly apologised to the trolley lady for the disturbance, which had by now gained attention. Several heads were poking out of neighbouring compartments.

"Nothing more to be seen," called Alice, and the heads retreated, and the doors snapped shut once more.

The Union went back to their peaceful pastimes, after some severe words from Frank to Severus and Regulus. Regulus remained silent for the rest of the journey, not even looking Melody in the eye. Severus, on the other hand, kept trying to reassure Lily that she was more than Malfoy, let alone scum.

At long last, they arrived at Platform Nine and Three Quarters, and a minute later, were all reunited with their respective parents and separated until term commenced once more.

Severus and Lily found Eileen, Petunia, Rose and Trevor standing together. They all greeted them with happy expressions.

"How have you two been?" asked Rose, embracing her daughter tightly, while Severus received a kiss on the cheek from Eileen, earning a teasing smirk from Petunia.

"We've been…okay," replied Lily.

She hadn't bothered her family with recounting the attack. She agreed it would be best to inform them, if even necessary, when they were back in the same house and fully assured of hers and Severus' safety.

"You sound unsure?" said Trevor.

"Can we explain later? I wanna be happy for now," said Lily.

"Okay, but as soon as we're home, we're having a talk," said Eileen.

They all agreed and while driving home had some decent conversations about what everybody on each side got up to in the time apart. Lily and Severus spoke of the lessons they learned, and Petunia spoke of how she and her friends from school had been struggling for their forthcoming exams. Rose and Trevor spoke of their respective jobs and most benevolent bonuses offered to them for Christmas.

Eileen was keeping silent, and very much, Severus wondered why.

It was evening by the time they all returned to Cokeworth. Lily and Severus were to tell their parents at their homes what had occurred over the term, and Rose whispered to Eileen to tell her all about 'it' tomorrow.

Severus was wondering what the 'it' was, but first as they walked into their home at Spinner's End, Severus' trunk hauled behind him, Eileen made him start with the events on Halloween. Severus recounted everything to her.

"Oh, that poor young boy," sighed Eileen. "As if he hadn't suffered enough already, but now this?"

"I know, Mum," replied Severus glumly.

"Well, let's hope he's better soon, maybe as a Christmas miracle, he'll get his mind back," concluded Eileen optimistically.

Severus nodded in hope.

"What are you hiding then, Mum?"

Eileen sank in her chair and looked to her son with a gleam in her eyes.

"It's Robin."

"What about him? Has he hurt you? Like Tobias?"

Before Severus could get carried away, Eileen cut in.

"No, no! Nothing like that…in fact, quite the opposite. He's moving in."

Severus was stunned.

"Y-you're gonna live together?"

"Yes, but I have insisted we live here," said Eileen.

"Why?"

"Because we can't have you living too far away from Lily, now, can we?"

Eileen smiled. So did Severus.

"That makes me sound like a stalker," he said.

"Not really," replied his mother. "We're just keeping you close, so that you have more interaction with her and more of a chance to win her heart. Besides, I don't think I could ever really part from this place. I still have some fond memories here. The first few years of your life, for instance."

Severus hoped her analysis was correct. Then he noticed something else.

"What's that on your hand?"

Eileen smiled nervously. He had noticed the emerald glinting on her finger.

"An engagement ring," she said bluntly.

"You're marrying Robin too?!"

"Yes. It's time to move on," she replied in a dreamy tone.

"Are you sure this is the right thing to do?"

"You mean, am I sure that he is the right person?"

Severus kept quiet.

"Yes, I'm sure, Severus. And I promise if he does anything your father would have done, I will not hesitate to send him on his way. I won't let you down again."

Severus hugged her.

"I just want you to be happy too, and I have seen Robin make you so," he admitted.

"Thank you, honey," she whispered.

Severus was having a difficult time contemplating the idea of having a new father one day; his mother indicated it could be as early as next summer. But he was happy that his mother was finally taking the big steps into moving on from Tobias. Perhaps the relationship with Robin could survive the traumas of the past after all.

Rose and Trevor were none too pleased to learn that Lily had kept such a terrible event from them for nearly two months, but as she came out of the experience relatively unharmed, they let the matter drop after a few hours.

Petunia, on the other hand, grew more and more upset.

"Why are these people so prejudiced against us and people of your magical blood status?" she sobbed, "There are more of us than there are wizards. We'd outmatch them, but the secrecy stuff should keep us in harmony, surely!"

"They don't want to be hidden, Tuney," explained Lily patiently. "They want to rule the world without feeling they have to hide with their tails between their legs. They think they're better than Muggles in every way and wish to prove it by wiping them and my kind of witch and wizard out."

"What about Severus? His dad was a regular- I mean, Muggle?"

"Yeah, Sev's a Half-Blood. They're not very respected by those who are fully magical in blood, but they're tolerated to an extent."

Petunia nodded grimly.

"Lils…promise me that you'll be safe?"

"I can't promise that, Tuney."

The two sisters were cuddling with tears in their eyes at the idea of one of them being part of an impending war-based world a moment later.

Fortunately, the days that followed were much more cheerful in the lead up to Christmas. Severus and Lily were a little saddened to learn that they wouldn't be together at Christmas this year, as the Evans family planned to visit Rose's family in London, while Severus, Eileen and the newly situated Robin were to spend Christmas at Prince Manor.

Severus was looking forward to seeing his grandparents again. Every time he met them, he came to love them more and more, despite his original attitude towards them in his past life and his current one.

On Christmas Eve morning, Severus bade Lily and her family farewell, but before they went off, Petunia pulled him aside, much to the rest of the Evans' puzzlement.

"Severus…I know how much you care for Lily and know that I will be first in line to kick your arse should you ever hurt her…but bearing in mind how much you care, I want you to promise me something."

Severus blushed and after a moment replied, "Ok?"

"I want you to protect Lily at all costs from those blood racists she's told me about. If war does come in the Wizarding World, please promise me you will look after my little sister no matter what."

Severus was both astonished and delighted at Petunia's concern for her sister and her trust in him to look after her where she could not.

"You have my word, Petunia," he said in earnest. "I will not let any harm come to Lily."

Petunia smiled.

"Good. Thank you, Severus, and Merry Christmas."

Petunia silently retreated to the car and without explaining herself to her family, sat beside her sister. Severus waved cheerily to them all as they drove off to London, then made his way back to Spinner's End to join his mother and Robin on their trip to Prince Manor.

"You okay, honey?" asked Eileen, noticing Severus' blushed face.

"Yeah, Mum, all's good," replied her son.

Severus was very happy. In spite of all the hardships ahead, Petunia's trust in him had made his Christmas already.

Robin patted his shoulder.

"Go grab your stuff, Severus. We're ready to go."

Severus did so, learning to respect Robin and any orders he was given. He felt that Robin was being a little presumptuous in his authority over him but did not object. A firm, but fair and loving father figure was one of the things he had always wanted, and he now had it through Robin.

Soon enough, they were all ready, and one by one stepped into the Floo to go to the manor.

Severus emerged last and was promptly greeted with a loving embrace from Desdemona.

"How are you, Severus, dear?" she asked instantly. "Eileen told us about your misadventure on Halloween."

"My grandson, you must always inform us of such assaults! I could have had Malfoy and his comrades up in court," said Septimus fiercely.

"There's no evidence on them, Grandad," replied Severus meekly.

"We would produce some, Severus!"

"I promise to inform you thusly in future, Grandad," promised Severus.

"Very well, then. I wish your friend, Master Lupin, a speedy recovery."

"Thank you, Grandad."

Severus soon set up in his bedroom and the family, including Robin, settled down to a pleasant dinner provided by the Prince house elves, consisting of gammon and beef.

"By the way, dear…" addressed Septimus to Eileen, "…I thought that for Christmas dinner tomorrow, we would pay another visit to your old favourite, the Gobstones Inn."

"B-but won't the Inn be closed for Christmas, Father?" asked Eileen puzzledly, pausing from placing a bit of sweet potato into her mouth.

"Not tomorrow, dear, no," replied Septimus simply.

"Well, thank you, Daddy," said his daughter with a smile.

Severus was also keen to return to the Gobstones Inn, as he did enjoy his first visit there. The place was very compact and welcoming to all people, despite their blood groups. He also loved the food and the friendly staff.

"Then it's settled!" exclaimed Septimus. "The Gobstones Inn tomorrow at 2pm sharp for Christmas dinner!"

And so it was fully arranged, though Robin, Septimus and Desdemona were all sharing knowing smiles with one another, whilst Severus and Eileen indulged themselves with some Yorkshire puddings.

It was Christmas morning.

Severus had a huge pile of presents under Septimus and Desdemona's exquisitely decorated tree, all from his family and his friends in the Union.

He had never felt more loved, not that presents were the definition of love and friendship, of course.

After opening all of his new Defence and Potions books, his new notebook from Lily to draft his own theorems and ideas and many a sweet or snack box, Severus joined his family for breakfast. Septimus and Desdemona spoke merrily, and Eileen and Robin held hands under the table. Severus smiled at the sight of these contented people so dear to him.

Once they were full, Severus worked off his food by going for a flight on a broom with Robin. Eileen watched the two men in her life, her fiancé and her son bonding, and smiled with a tear gleaming in her eye.

"They got on quite well, dear," said Desdemona.

"Yes, Mother, they do. And I love them so much."

The mother and daughter hugged happily, and Septimus smiled at the doorway as he observed.

After their fun in the snow and in the air, the Prince family dressed formally and suavely for their Christmas dinner at the Gobstones Inn.

Eileen was the keenest to go. She had never gone to the Gobstones Inn for Christmas, despite it being her favourite place to eat out. She also used to be part of the Gobstones Club there after graduating Hogwarts, until she ran off with Tobias.

It was always a pleasure to go back there for her.

Soon, the family Flooed in and they found that the entire Inn was empty. Not even the landlord was there behind the bar. But the fires were lit, and the lamps were too.

"Where is everybody, Dad?" asked Eileen.

"I made it, so we'd be the only ones to dine here, love," explained her father, with an innocent expression.

Eileen smiled in a puzzled sort of way and joined her family as they sat at the best table, close to the same fireplace they had just come out of.

"What would you like to eat then, everyone?" asked Septimus.

"I'll have the traditional turkey, I think," said Robin.

Everybody else said the same, though Severus asked for the addition of some pigs in blankets to go with his turkey.

"Capital choice, m'lad!" said Septimus approvingly.

Then he said something quite unexpected.

"Plop!"

A house elf appeared out of thin air and bowed respectfully. Severus and Eileen, however, recognised him as one of the Prince Manor elves.

"You have your choices, Master?"

"Indeed so, Plop! We'll all have the turkey and some pigs in blankets for young Severus, please."

"Yes, of course, sir!" squeaked Plop, and he vanished once more.

"Father, what is Plop doing here? Why is he working in the Gobstones Inn kitchen?"

Eileen was very confused, and then she noticed that her mother and fiancé had knowing grins on their faces.

"Plop and a dozen more elves are here and in the kitchen, Eileen…because I have recently bought the Gobstones Inn," said Septimus with a smile.

"B-but, Father, why on earth did you…? You can't run a-!"

"I know I cannot run this fine establishment, Eileen," interrupted her father, "but that's not why I have bought the place. I bought it because the Gobstones Inn is a Christmas present for you."

Eileen was certain that she had misheard. She said nothing, so her father continued.

"I have made the deal with the landlord, Mr Eccles. His wife passed recently, so he had decided to retire. Upon hearing this, and hearing in a conversation from your newly beloved here, that you had always fantasised about owning this place, I made the necessary arrangements and deals with Eccles, and I have signed over the Inn to your name. Eileen Prince, you are now the proud owner of the Gobstones Inn!"

Eileen didn't know what to say. She hazily looked at Robin, whom was grinning from ear to ear.

"You knew?" she whispered.

"Thought it'd be a lovely Christmas surprise," he confirmed.

If Robin could ever have fully earned Severus' respect and stamp of approval, it was now. He was so happy for his mother; she had achieved her childhood dream of owning her favourite restaurant.

Eileen was all of a flutter. She could hardly believe what had happened.

"B-but I don't know the Inn's recipes and-"

"Eccles sold me those too, sweetheart!" cut in Septimus. "The house elves are using them now to make the turkey dinners just right! Don't you worry about a thing, love! It's all taken care of, and everything will remain as it is, only with you in charge!"

"You have your own business now, Eileen," smiled Robin, "and on top of that, I can help you with shifts, so you can take time off to work on your potions! We can quit our jobs at Aberforth's and move on to here. It'll be lovely!"

Eileen cried tears of joy at the prospects ahead of her. She owned the Gobstones Inn, and she was getting married, and her parents gave her a new lease of life, along with helping her bring salvation to her son, away from his biological father.

She sprung from her seat and hugged her father tight.

"Thank you so, so much, Daddy!" she squeaked as her tears flowed.

Septimus smiled quietly as he hugged his daughter.

"Now, now, dinner will be here soon!"

After a hug and a kiss on the cheek from her mother, Eileen sat back down and cuddled Robin.

Severus smiled at them. They were so happy, and Eileen smiled back at her son.

After dinner, Septimus raised his glass of sherry.

"A toast to Eileen Prince, soon to be Eileen Kennedy! And to the family Prince for this joyous occasion!"

"Hear, hear!"

"Merry Christmas, everybody!" declared Septimus.

"Merry Christmas!" chanted the family.

And there's Chapter 38, as a Boxing Day update! Sorry I didn't update yesterday! I hope you all enjoy it! Chapter 39 will be up soon in 2019! Thank you for reading! Please review!