He has drained number seventeen, Spinner's End of his belongings, killed the magical plants in his garden, and locked the front door. The eerie and oppressive air of the house leaves him once he is outside, and he feels lighter.
Before he gives the keys to the Muggle estate agent, he wanders towards the willow by the canal where he used to sit with Lily.
As he approaches, he can hear laughter. A football rolls near him, and he boots it back.
"Hi!" a boy waves frantically. It's the child who lives opposite.
"Hello," Severus calls.
He continues walking down the path.
"That's the man who saved Rosie!" a second boy says, when he is not quite out of earshot.
"Wow!" gasps a girl.
To complete the circuit, he goes to the park. The swings are long gone, replaced by a seesaw, and some youths gossip whilst resting their backs against it.
Nothing about this place belongs to Lily.
The world has moved on. And so will he.
****
Severus arrives at Harry's house and the door opens to his touch. He takes out his numerous minuscule trunks and Banishes them upstairs.
Harry's not in, but there's a handsome eagle owl glaring at him through the kitchen window.
Letting the owl in, he hoots indignantly.
"Hello, Digby," he says. "I'm not supposed to give you any treats, you'll get fat."
Orange eyes stare balefully at him, and he sticks his leg out.
The scroll reads:
13th August 2001
Dearest Severus,
I'm writing to discuss hosting a ball in honour of you and your intended in our home on the 1st of September.
If the gossip is to be believed, you will be wed in a matter of weeks. Many, many congratulations from our household.
It is a most opportune match for you. I am so glad that the Prince family still has soulmate magic within its bloodline.
A celebration of the engagement of Mr Potter and his soulmate is just the sort of news to bolster everyone's spirits. There have been seldom joyous occasions of late. I'm certain the entirety of society will want to join my family in commemorating this event by raising a glass to you and Mr Potter.
We must meet very soon to review the arrangements for the ballroom. I have taken the liberty of booking the folk band the Wild Kings—they had a cancellation.
The Mmes Weasleys (French & English) will be joining me this Saturday to deliberate the finer details. Draco, too, is keen to get involved. You know he is very fond of Harry. Naturally you both should accompany us if at all possible. The timeframe is very tight. Alternatively, I am sure between us we can put on a party to suit both of your tastes.
The entire manor has been through an extensive period of renovation and you will find it quite changed. I hope it is to yours and Mr Potter's liking.
Yours, in anticipation,
Narcissa
Enclosed is an invitation written in elegant script. When Severus makes to open it, the shimmering silver parchment takes off like a bird, flies in a loop, and returns to flutter in front of his face.
YOU ARE READING
The Space Between Failing and Falling • Snarry •
FanfictionA very long time ago, Severus resigned himself to the reality that he doesn't have a soulmate after all. He's finally a real Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and his life is perfectly tolerable, thank you very much. However, at the age of thirt...
