Potter Beach House

It had been two days since they had arrived in California and Severa was set to be at Arcane in the next 48 hours and she was panicking. She and Euphemia were going to pick up her uniform later today and her heart was already pounding.

She sat at the bar in the kitchen, not even eating her waffles when the sound of footsteps drew her out of her thought. Just as she turned around to find Remus walking in form outside, where the boys, including Fleamont, played by the pool.

He sat on the stool next to her and poured himself a glass of juice. "What's up with you?" he took a sip of his drink before he looked back at her. Severa dropped her head in her hands and let out a muffled scream.

"I have to go get my uniform today," She raised her head. "Then I have to go to Acrane and sign myself in." She raised her hands to her hair and started pulling at her hair in frustration.

Severa took a deep breath, attempting to steady her nerves as she released her grip on her hair. Remus's reassuring presence was a balm to her frayed nerves, but the weight of her impending tasks still pressed heavily upon her.

"I know you're nervous," Remus said, his voice gentle, "but you've been preparing for this moment for so long. You're more than ready, Severa."

She nodded, though the knot in her stomach refused to loosen. "I just can't shake this feeling, Lupin. What if everything I've worked for... what if it's not enough?"

Remus placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze. "You're not alone in this, Severa. Euphemia and I will be there every step of the way. And besides, if anyone can handle the challenges ahead, it's you."

As Severa mechanically chewed on her waffles, Remus's words drifted into the background, drowned out by the persistent doubts echoing in her mind. Despite his reassurances, the fear of history repeating itself gnawed at her like a relentless tide.

She couldn't shake the memories of her time at Hogwarts, the countless struggles and setbacks that had plagued her every step of the way. What if Arcane was simply another battleground where she would fight futilely against forces beyond her control? What if she was destined to repeat the same mistakes, doomed to endure the same hardships?

With a heavy sigh, Severa pushed aside her half-eaten waffles, her appetite vanishing beneath the weight of her worries. She knew she couldn't let fear dictate her actions, and couldn't allow the shadows of the past to cloud her future.

She looked back over at Remus who had stopped talking and was just looking back at her. "I'm going to go get ready for the day."She hopped off the stool and gave Remus one last nod before she made her way upstairs to her room to change.

Severa rummaged through her wardrobe, finally settling on an outfit that felt right for the occasion—comfortable yet confident, a reflection of the resolve simmering beneath her doubts.

As she changed, she couldn't help but steal a glance at her reflection in the mirror. The girl staring back at her was no stranger to adversity, no stranger to the sting of failure. But she was also resilient, determined to carve out her own path, no matter the obstacles in her way.

Severa made a final adjustment to her outfit before slipping on her shoes, grabbing her bag, and descending the stairs back into the living room. There, she found Euphemia already seated by the couch, waiting for her.

As Severa entered, Euphemia glanced up from her purse. "Are you ready?" Severa nodded, and the two of them made their way out through the front door, only to find an all-black SUV parked in the driveway. Confusion flickered across Severa's face as she wondered why there was a muggle car there.

Euphemia chuckled at Severa's expression. "Even though you're headed to a magical school, you'll still encounter muggles, so blending in is important." Severa regarded Euphemia with disbelief.

"But I can't drive!" She gestured wildly as she spoke. "Well, my dad taught me to drive stick, but that!" She pointed at the SUV. "Doesn't have a stick."

Euphemia briefly wondered how someone could manage stick but pushed the thought aside with a laugh, opening the passenger door. "That's why Frank here will be your driver."

The man in the driver seat waved at Severa before Euphemia closed the door, and the two women hopped into the back seat. Severa settled into the back seat, still a bit bewildered by the idea of being chauffeured in a muggle vehicle. As they pulled away from the curb, she cast a questioning glance at Euphemia.

"Isn't this a bit... extravagant?" Severa asked, unable to shake off her surprise.

Euphemia smiled reassuringly. "Consider it a perk of attending a prestigious magical institution. fleamont and I want you to arrive in style, regardless of whether they're familiar with the means of transportation."

Severa's gaze drifted out of the window as the landscape passed by in a blur.

"Are you nervous?" Euphemia's voice broke the silence, drawing Severa's attention away from the scenery.

Severa hesitated before replying, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "A little, I guess. I mean, I'm excited too, but... I don't really know what to expect."

Euphemia placed a comforting hand on Severa's shoulder. "It's natural to feel that way. The Arcane Atelier can be overwhelming at first, but you'll find your place there. And remember, Fleamont and I are here to support you every step of the way." Euphemia rolled down the window. "And you have a whole day until you have to go, we're just going to get your uniform."

They pulled up to a high-end store with mannequins in the window dressed in school uniforms, the jackets adorned with intricate embroidery and shimmering with magical charm. Severa's eyes widened with awe as she stepped out of the SUV, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering in her stomach.

As they entered the store, a bell chimed softly overhead, announcing their arrival. The air was filled with the scent of new fabric and enchanted textiles. A saleswoman approached them with a warm smile, ready to assist. "Hello! Welcome to Arcane Apparel!." The woman held out her hand and shook Euphemia's hand. "How can I help you today?"

Euphemia took a step forward. "We're here to get her uniform." At the mention of herself, severa gave the saleslady a nod. The woman returned the nod before speaking. "What course are you taking?" Severa looked at the woman in confusion, What does she mean by 'course'?

The woman, sensing her confusion, pointed to the uniforms hung on the wall, all the same style just different colors. "The color of one's uniform depends on what course they're in." The lady pointed at the dark red uniform. "Red is for Students in the art course." She then pointed at the dark blue one. "Blue is for students in photography."

She turned back to Severa with a warm smile. "What are you going to Acrane to study?" Severa adjusted her bag on her arm before speaking. "Fashion."

The woman clapped her hands with an even bigger smile before running to the back of the store. Just as the woman disappeared behind a curtain the bell at the door rang and Severa turned to see a girl around her age walk in looking down and the magazine in her hands while she called out. "Mom! I'm back!"

Severa observed the girl with mild curiosity as she yelled throughout the store, noting the worn edges of the magazine she held tightly. The girl's attire hinted at a muggle casual, a stark contrast to the magical uniforms on display.

The saleswoman reappeared from behind the curtain, carrying a bundle of uniforms in the shade of black. "Here we are, dear! These are the uniforms for students in the fashion course." She laid them out on a nearby table, the rich hues catching the light with a subtle shimmer.

Severa's eyes sparkled with excitement as she examined the array of uniforms, running her fingers over the smooth textures. "They're beautiful," she breathed, a smirk spreading across her face.

Euphemia nodded in agreement. "Indeed they are. Now, let's find the perfect fit for you."

As Severa began trying on the different pieces, the other girl approached the display, her gaze flickering with interest. "Wow, those are stunning," she remarked, her voice tinged with admiration.

Severa glanced up, offering a friendly tone. "Thanks. Are you shopping for your uniform too?"

The girl shook her head, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "No, I'm not magical like you. Just here to pick up some supplies for my art class."

Severa's curiosity was piqued. "Art class?" she inquired, noticing the dark red uniform peeking out of the girl's bag, similar to the ones on display. "Are you going to Arcane?"

The girl nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I'm Emma Gray." She extended her hand, and Severa shook it, offering a small smile. "Severa Snape," she introduced herself.

Emma's eyes brightened. "Nice to meet you, Severa. I see you're also going to Arcane?" Severa nodded just as Euphemia and the saleswoman walked back over. The Saleswoman grabbed Emma's shoulder and gave her a once-over before sending her to the back.

That's when it hit Severa, Emma's mum was the saleswoman. It made sense when she really looked at the two, they looked so much alike. She was pulled out of her thoughts by Euphemia leading her back to the car, new uniform in hand.

Time For A New Chapter In Her Story...