Sometimes a Flower Blooms Twice

Chapter 7: A day to remember.

Severus wiped sweat away as he attempted to revive an injured rabbit. He was pouring his magic directly into the rabbit under the watchful eye of his grandfather. He was getting close, he could feel the life force of the rabbit dancing around his hands. "You are doing well now just wrap the spell up and tie it's life force to its body like I taught you, you have the skill to do this." Septimus encouraged, Severus appreciated the words but they were only a distraction at this point. He reached out with his magic lightly grasping the life force, as he did he pushed it toward the waiting body. The rabbit twitched before standing and running off, "Well done you make me proud boy." He said as he patted Severus on the back, the teen could not help but feel as if the older wizard was just blowing smoke up his arse.

"I don't know I almost didn't save it, I only had a few seconds left before it would have been lost." Severus responded, "I will do better next time... I'm going to go see Lily if we are done here." Septimus nodded not wanting to start another argument with the boy, he had just gotten over the last one.

"Thanks..." Severus said as he left the room. Septimus stared at the point where his grandson had been standing.

"That boy... He deserves better than the family he was given..." Septimus lamented. "I must atone for the torture he has lived through... I just don't know how."

"Truthfully there is not much we can actively do..." Godrick commented sadly, " I too have caused pain to those I love, and I'd do anything to take back past actions. Live a life with my daughter... But the only thing we can do is be there for them and do our best to help them trust us."

"As expected of a born vampire who is over a thousand years old... You are wise beyond anything a mortal could manage." Septimus praised

"I am not wise simply old... A wise man learns from his mistakes I repeat them... But enough feeling sorry for ourselves, I have a task I need your assistance with. Septimus cocked his head to the side, "I cannot tell you now, but we must make haste." Septimus nodded in response, "meet me in Diagon Ally." He said as he stepped into the shadows, as he did he found himself in said shopping district. 'The shop should be around here... Hopefully the old man is still alive.' a minute or so later Septimus appeared, "Good the shop were looking for should be around here somewhere."

"What is the shop's name?" Septimus asked with a curious look, while adjusting his robes.

Before Godrick could respond they were approached by a young man holding a quill and pad. "Lord Septimus Prince do you have any comments for the Daily Prophet, on the new heir of Slytherin and Ravenclaw? Your family is famously vassals for the Slytherin family are you not?"

Septimus looked at the man with a deep scowl and a piercing glare, "who do you think you are approaching me about such a subject without contacting me for a official..." He was cut off by Godrick placing a hand on his shoulder.

"That is enough Septimus, he only asked a question he didn't know the consequences of such a question." Godrick said in a tone that sent a wave of fear through the reporters entire being. Septimus could not help but feel a bit of fear himself, he could not imagine what the reporter was feeling. "Now boy tell me... Who do you serve?" Godrick wove a bit of magic into his words compelling the man to answer.

The man could not help but to nearly scream "The public!" Before falling to the ground a small puddle appearing under him.

Godrick cocked his head to the side in amusement, "you are telling the truth... Interesting, Septimus I'll leave this man to you. Answer his questions to your discretion, then meet me back here in an hour." He said with a wave as he walked away, Septimus simply looked at the man like he was insane.

"What just happened?" The young man asked.

"You just met a force of nature..." Septimus responded, "I'll answer some of your questions but not here let's find somewhere more discreet."

Godrick walked through the ally with hands in his pockets scowling, he hated being around humans. And it had been far too long since he fed, "I may need to find 'her...' she will never let me live it down." With a sigh he took a detour, he found the small house he was looking for. It was completely unambiguous, but he could feel the massive amount of magical power coming from the small house.

He grunted loudly before knocking on the door, a minute or so later a brown haired woman wearing simple blue robes opened the door. "Oh my if it isn't 'Lord' Godrick! I thought you found yourself a live in blood bag?" Godrick felt a rage he hadn't since finding Cassandra's corpse, "okay it was still too soon..." She said waving her hands infront of her face.

"Just shut up Carmilla... I need a number 3, I haven't fed in a long time... And I've used too much of my powers lately." Godrick said with a hint of his previous anger, Carmilla simply nodded and led Godrick inside. They passed several rooms a few with doors open, there were other vampires feeding, and a few wizards harvesting blood for experiments.

Godrick forced himself to look away, "These 'bags' come from where?"

"All legal sources, some from goblins others from foreign ministry's. It's a shame that ours stopped the practice..." She said with faux sadness, "but so not worry they are also willing, but I'm sure even this is still dubious for you?" Godrick looked at the woman with a flash of anger, before remembering her lack of tact. "Worry not lord Slytherin you daughter will not think ill of you... You can feed on me." She said as she led him to her personal room, she sat down undoing the top part of her robes. Godrick stood indignantly in the door way, "best hurry up you don't want to make lord Prince wait too long do you and you still have to find that shop you were looking for."

"Do not read my mind Carmilla you will regret it..."

Carmilla simply forced a laugh, "oh but I didn't. You think one such as yourself would be able to enter my territory without me being informed. I have many maggots that would gladly sell me anyone's movements for a small fee."

This did not surprise Godrick, "Then you might be able to help me with both my problems. I need to find Barnaby and his shop," this made Carmilla cock her head to the side. "It's personal I'll pay extra for no questions," he said with a sigh as he sat down.

"You had me at "pay extra" we will deal with your hunger first." Carmilla had a disgusting smile on her face, it was the only time she seemed to have human emotions. When it comes to money she lives for it.

An hour later

Godrick hadn't felt this good in years, even when Cassandra was still alive he could not feed to his fill, it would have killed or turned his wife. He stood with a cocky smile on his face as he saw an exhausted looking Septimus walk into view. "Septimus, you look like hell."

"That reporter could talk a goblin out of their money I swear." He said with a sigh before noting the smile on Godrick's face, "I am assuming you found the shop you were looking for?"

"Indeed, and I have already gathered the items we will need, only one last thing I need to contact someone." Godrick said as he placed a hand to his chin.

"May I ask who?"

"A friend of Lily... Her name was Erina Dumble.. something... Damn did I really forget her name..." He growled the last few words showing his clear frustration.

"You mean Erina Dumbledore? Grand Niece of the current Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore?" Septimus was more than surprised that Godrick didn't know the Dumbledore name.

"The name is familiar... I remember a Brian Dumbledore from a few hundred years ago... To think that bafoon's family would have such a wiza..."

He was cut off by an exasperated Septimus "how do you not know who Albus Dumbledore is? He is the most well known wizard outside of the founders them selves." Septimus exclaimed.

Godrick just looked at him with a scowl, "I don't really pay attention to current events, kinda happens when you have more than a thousand years to your name..." He said while picking his ear with his pinky finger.

"Well you are in luck I happen to know the parents of this Erina Dumbledore, they are business partners. I can give them a flu call if you would like, but I'll need to know what this is all about."

"Sure... We're going to be throwing Lily and the other newcomers a welcome party tonight, so I would like you to extend an invitation to Erina and her family. I'll fetch our last guest while you do," Septimus looked at the man with a odd look. He could not understand why the vampire was being to secretive about the party, "if you reach the Rookery before I do please keep these plans a secret." With that Godrick disappeared, Septimus simply stared at the spot the ancient vampire stood.

Godrick reappeared in Rancor's office, he looked around at the tidy room. Each wall was fully covered in bookshelves, and in the middle was a ornate desk that held photos of his family including a picture of the day he asked him to be Lily's god father. He knew that he had to have set off alarms when he entered unannounced and that guards would be here at the very least. To his surprise it was not guards that entered the room but Rancor himself, "I knew it had to be you... Who else would have the gall to enter a goblins office without invitation." Rancor said with a sigh, Rancor's cordial attitude quickly changed as he summoned his sword. "I would like to know how my god daughter is?"

Godrick simply smiled before handing his old friend a card, "why don't you and your family come and find out tonight. I finished the beginning stages of her training and I want to throw Lily a welcome home party." He leaned over after handing the card over, "I got the party supplies from Barnaby so you know it will be good" he said with a chuckle.

Rancor eyed his friend, "last time we got him to throw a party neither of us remembered anything and Cassandra nearly took our heads off are you sure this is a good idea?" He said while loosening his grip on his sword.

"What? You don't trust me?" Godrick responded innocently.

"Not as far as I could throw ya, however... It does sound fun, I'm sure everything will work out. I'll ask Opaline if it conflicts with anything I'm sure she will want to see Lily and Erina again."

"Great! I'll see you later! Got party stuff to prep." With that Godrick disappeared into the shadows of the office.

"Hmm he must have recently fed, that is the only time this part of his personality comes out... Let's hope it lasts that man had been through more than enough suffering." With a snap of his fingers a young goblin appeared, "I have a family event that has come up, please inform the higher ups that I'll be taking the rest of the day off as is custom." The young goblin nodded without question before leaving the room without a word. "Now to contact Opaline, she can get word to the boys I'm sure they will want to be there."

Lily sat cross legged near the horses stable, meditating she was trying to contact any close by owls as training. Her father had left her to this task a few hours ago. And right now she could not help but feel he was doing it to spite her, the last week he had been avoiding her every chance he got. The only time he was near her was when she needed direct instructions, absent mindedly she grabbed the necklace that Illosi gave her. As she did she felt the angels presence, it gave her a feeling of contentment.

Unbeknownst to her Severus approached with a light scowl on his face, the facial expression left quickly when he saw Lily meditating. She had one hand on her necklace, one she said she had gotten from a small store in Diagon Ally. He didn't want to disturb her so he lay down near her and closed his eyes, he didn't know when he fell asleep but he was awoken by Lily shaking him.

"Sev wake up!" He groaned as he opened his eyes to see the red head looking down at him. "Morning sleepyhead!" She giggled as she placed a hand on his chest.

Severus blushed deeply, he did not intend to actually fall asleep. But he couldn't say he was mad about the situation, "it seems I have died and gone to heaven." He responded making Lily's heart skip a beat.

Lily couldn't help but laugh at the corny statement, "if you're fishing for a kiss I'd have to say it's working..." She said as she leaned down an pecked him on the lips. It always left him stunned when she did that, he was brought out of his daze by a low rumbling that was slowly getting louder. "What is that?"

Just as she asked the question a jingle echoed in her and Severus' minds indicating Lief was about to pop in. He fully formed as a dust cloud began to roll in from the other side of the island. "Oh great... Godrick invited a guest it seems, and a rather prickly one at that."

As if riding the wind the dust cloud sped across the island. Both Lily and Severus stood to get a better look, also seeing Narcissa and Lucius come out of the manor to see what was going on. They quickly joined Lily, Severus and Lief. "Is that what I think it is?" Narcissa asked.

"I only know of one wizard that travels in a giant cloud of dust..." Lucius began, before he could finish his sentence a line of carts and buggy's stopped in front of the group.

As it they came to a stop the dust cleared revealing an eccentric man in a gaudy suit. "Never fear! For Barnaby's party Caravan has arrived, for when Barnaby plans a party the fun never stops!" The man shouted from his position at the head of the caravan.

Both Lily and Severus fell over in an almost comical way, the man reminded them of a crazier version of Albus Dumbledore if that was even possible. With a snap the Caravan began to disassemble itself forming into several booths and attractions. Barnaby approached the group with a wide smile that kind of creeped both Narcissa and Lily out, "Now tell me where is my good friend Godrick?" Leif was about to answer when he was cut off, "Well i guess it matters not, we can begin the party without him." he said with a clap, as his clap echoed around the area several people began to pour out of the remaining Caravan carriages. There were both witches and wizards dressed as jesters and other crazy characters that Lily did not recognize, Barnaby took a step closer to Lily making her step back and grab Severus' arm. Ignoring her reaction he spoke, "You are Lily right?" She could not respond so she simply nodded, his smile somehow grew wider. "So you are the guest of honor!" he exclaimed as he snapped his fingers, Lily felt a wave of warmth wash over her, she looked down noticing her casual robes that she had been wearing were transfigured into a beautiful emerald green dress that brushed the floor and left her back open.

Lily glared at the man, "Was that really necessary..." despite her words she really liked the dress, Barnaby simply smiled and nodded chastely. He turned to the rest of the group and snapped his fingers once again, this time the rest of the group save Leif had their clothes transfigured into suitable party clothes. Severus and Lucius were both in ornate black Tux's and Narcissa was now wearing a blue dress similar to Lily's. 'Well at least I am not alone...' she thought to herself.

"It seems the mastermind behind this soiree and the last of the guests are about to arrive..." Barnaby said with a wistful smile, seconds later Godrick materialized alongside two groups of guests all dressed to the nines. On his right were Rancor and his family, on his left were Septimus and the Dumbledore's including Albus. Lily had to fight her revulsion at the sight of the Manipulative old headmaster, "Thank you all for coming to Lily's welcome home party! Let the festivities begin!!" Barnaby announced with a flourish of his hands ending with a clap that was accentuated by fireworks launching into the air.

Lily followed by Severus approached the group of Party guests only to be tackle-hugged by Erina. "Lily!" Lily barley managed to stay standing with the force of the hug.

"Whoa Erin watch yourself, you don't want to get yourselves dirty." her father lightly scolded, Erin broke the hug to turn and stick her tongue out at her father who simply smiled and walked off letting the two best friends to catch up after not seeing each other for the last month.

The friends were approached by Rancor, Opaline and two male Goblins. Without a word lily hugged both Rancor and Opaline, "Its good to see you too Lily" Rancor said with a smile as he hugged his Goddaughter back. As they broke the embrace Rancor cleared his throat, "Lily I would like you to meet, Grindaxe and Sharpsword your god brother's."

Neither Goblin could introduce themselves before Lily had pulled them both into a hug, "Nice to meet both of you, thank you for taking time to join me for this party."

Grindaxe stepped out of the hug with a slight scowl, "Nice to meet you Lily. Father and mother have told us alot about you... now if you would excuse me I must find... the bathroom... yeah that..."

Sharpsword and Rancor both laughed at the awkward Goblin, "Dont mind him he doesnt do well around new people, I'm Sharpsword Blacksmith apprentice." he said with a bow taking Lily's hand into his and kissing the top of it. "Now i must make sure my elder brother doesnst hide the whole party you kids have fun." Sharpsword said as he walked off to find Grindaxe.

Albus was the last to approach, "My, my Lily this is a turn of events is it not?" he said with mirth, by this point Godrick had joined them. "To think there was a founders decedent who had lived in Hogwarts for four years without my Knowledge."

Lily did her best to not show her true emotions, she even put up her Occlumency barrier. "Indeed it is Professor, and im sure you would have known if I myself had known, I just discovered my heritage this summer, I'm still getting used to it."

Dumbledore looked at the girl with a odd look as he probed her mental barrier only to find it strong and immovable. This shocked the elder wizard, no student of Lily's age should have any Occlumency defences let alone one this strong. Before he could think further he felt a strong grip on his arm nearly crushing the bone and definitely bruising the skin, he grunted and looked to the culprit. He saw Godrick looking at him ready to kill.

Lily had felt the mental probe and had chosen to ignore it but somehow her father had also sensed that Albus had tried to read her mind. "You dare come to our home and attempt to read its Lady's mind!" he yelled as he increased his grip sending the elder wizard to his knees. "I should kill you where you kneel!" he growled a dark aura of magical energy began to swirl around him.

Lily decided to end this before her father really did kill the headmaster, she stepped forward grabbing his free hand. "Dad... Ignore him, lets enjoy the party... I don't want to let an old coot ruin this great 'surprise."

This seemed to calm the ancient vampire, letting go of the old wizards arm. "Try it again and you will have a fate worse than death." he said as he looked to Barnaby who was Glaring daggers at Dumbledore.

"I apologize I have no excuse... allow me to make it up to you in some way." Dumbledore said with a sombre smile. He heard a snap and suddenly he was sitting on a wobbly platform above some unknown green goo, and next to him was a small target. He recognized this game as a muggle carnival game called the dunk tank, this made him smile lightly.

"At a Barnaby run Party those who ruin the fun get a fun punishment, and today's funishment is the world renowned Skunk Tank!" Barnaby said as he appeared in front of the headmaster, another snap had a basket of balls appearing in front of Lily, Severus, Lucius, Erin and Narcissa. "Before we begin I will explain the rules, First and only rule is no magic." he said with a laugh, "just aim and have fun!" with that he disappeared.

Lucius is the first to bend down and pick up a ball with his non dominant hand, his other was still healing. "ill go first if your okay with that Lily?" Lily simply smiled and nodded, Lucius took aim and threw missing the target entirely making the whole group including Godrick and Rancor laugh. Lucius blushed lightly while turning around in a huff, "I would have hit it if i could throw with my right hand..." Narcissa who was still chuckling lightly placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Lily was the next to throw her ball nearly hitting the target making Dumbledore who could smell the liquid below him began to sweat nervously. Without thinking he spoke, "Close but no cigar!" he said with a laugh, it seemed like the Skunk Tank compelled the one sitting on it to heckle the players. Lily looked at the man with a half smile half glare.

Next up was Severus kneeling down he picked up a ball, he sighed before throwing the ball. It came up short by a foot or two making Severus blush lightly, Dumbledore wiped away sweat. Turning he saw Lily smiling wide at him bringing a smile to his face. Erin was next her throw was closer than Severus' but not as close as Lily's, "You throw like a girl" Dumbledore said with a smile. Erin growled and went to grab another to be stopped by Barnaby who gave her a look saying wait your turn.

Narcissa hesitantly grabbed a ball she had never done anything like this before, she stared at the orb in her hands for a few moments before getting into a awkward stance to throw the ball. She took her time aiming for the small target to the right of Dumbledore, she loosed the ball with all the power she could muster not wanting to fall short. The ball soared true for a short while before curving to the left and hitting Dumbledore square in the forehead. It bounced off with a small tap like noise, Narcissa looked on horrified for a moment before everyone including Dumbledore began to laugh. She looked around at everyone before beginning to laugh herself.

It took several moments for the group to regain composure, but when they did Lily was the next to pick up a ball. She aimed and threw true hitting the target dunking Dumbledore into the foul smelling liquid. She could hear her friends cheer as Dumbledore got out of the tank. He cleaned himself off with his wand and made his way over to the group. Severus grasped her hand lightly and whispered a soft congratulations into her ear. She turned to him kissing him in the cheek, leaving a bit of lipstick in her wake "thanks Sev." She leaned in further to whisper in his ear, "by the way you look really good in that tux." She added a small purr to her voice unintentionally making her blush almost as red as he was.

"Th.. thanks" he stammered, using the distraction of the grey bearded headmaster arriving to turn away from his girlfriend before she could fluster him further.

Albus approached with a light smile on his face, "I must apologize once more young lady Slytherin, I do not know what came over me." He said with a deep bow "but I must retire I only wished to come check in on you with all that is going on make sure you were not being manipulated in anyway, but it is clear you are in capable hand and I must return to the castle."

Before the old wizard could leave he was stopped by Godrick, "Hold it professor you may have faced Barnaby's punishment but you still broke the pact you made when you came here therefore you have lost right to step foot on any Slytherin or Ravenclaw land." Dumbledore looked at the vampire with a confused look, this is when Godrick continues "you cannot return to the school it is half hers after all." He said as he pointed to Lily who was looking on in a sort of horrified surprise.

Dumbledore could feel the magic that bound him to Hogwarts as it's headmaster fade, he gave a deep sigh before turning on his heel aparating to his family house.

Lily joined by Severus and Erina rushed over to the elder vampire. "What was that all about dad?" Lily asked as she approached.

"He made a magical vow when he agreed to come here and when he attempted to read you mind the wards that connects all properties owned by the Slytherin and Ravenclaw families decided that it was a act of violence towards the head of the house. Now if he were to set foot on your land the wards would attack him unless he was actively invited." Godrick explained.

Erin was the first to speak up, "is that why you asked if we meant any harm to Lily when you invited us?"

"Yes very astute Erina" the girl scowled at the vampire at the use of her full name. "But this is meant to be a day of celebration this can be discussed further later you kids should go have fun.

Before Lily could argue she was pulled off by Erin to the first booth that caught her eye. Severus staying behind had Godrick looking at the boy with a look of expectation. "I don't do well in crowds." Severus responded to the unanswered question.

"I know the feeling but you will regret it if you don't join her trust me..." Godrick said while looking at the young wizard with a smirk.

The party went on for several more hours with Lily, Erin and Severus playing several carnaval games. As the party began to die down Barnaby made his way to the stage where the band was playing as he did he spoke into the microphone. "Thank you for enjoying this beautiful party of mine in the honour of Lady Lily Slytherin! As for our final attraction please make your way to the dance floor, what better way to end a party but with a dance!" He exclaimed as he flourished his arms sparks of multicolored fire dancing off his fingers.

Before Severus could tell Lily he didn't dance she was already pulling him to the dance floor. They were joined by Rancor, Opaline, Mr and Mrs Dumbledore while Sharpsword asked Erina to dance. Severus was pulled in close by Lily as the music began to play he blushed lightly as he looked into her eyes.

Lily almost felt like she needed to cry as she looked into Severus' eyes. In an attempt to stop her emotions from flowing over into tears she buried her face into her boyfriend's chest. The music barely reached either teens ears as they swayed back and forth to the beat just enjoying eachothers company. A few songs passed as the dancefloor cleared to only have Lily and Severus remaining. As the final song came to and end Lily looked up and kissed Severus deeply. Severus wasn't even stunned by the action, he was getting more comfortable with intimate touch at least with Lily. He leaned into the kiss as the music came to a stop, breaking apart after a moment to hear Erin hooting in the background.

"You go Sev knock her off her feet! Woo hoo!" She yelled while waving a fist in the air.

A/N:

Thank you for reading, sorry for the late chapter this one was hard to write for me. I wrote myself into a corner with the carnaval I had no idea what to do with most of it. But I wanted something fun and memorable for Lily and Severus before things start going to hell relatively soon.

If you have any questions or suggestions please leave a review they help allow with motivation.

Til next time.