The Father's Journal

Part 26 - It is Not Offence, It Is Defense.

Serenity and Monty start to run as if their lives depend on it, while Eura dives down to tap on either Serenity or Monty. The excitement makes Serenity laugh and screams as she runs. Even Monty makes a nonstop growling sound as it runs. By the castle's door, Snape is there, smiling as he watches Serenity playing with her pets. Then he realizes that he had never let Serenity play around like any children at her age.

When Serenity is just a little girl, she will stay at home with him, learning to read, write and count. Add to that, she had her piano lesson. After that more books and studying. As she grows up, she starts to take care of some of the house chores like cooking, washing the cloth and tending to the flowers and magical plants that he brings home for his research and experiment purposes.

Snape does not remember that Serenity goes out to play with other children. To be precise, he did not let Serenity get along with other children in their neighbourhood. The muggles who live nearby already felt uneasy by his presence and avoid even passing by his house. Imagine what their children will do to Serenity after hearing stories from their parents about him. He separates Serenity from other children in the neighbourhood to protect her.

Snape himself have a fair share of being bullied by other children when he is still a child. His father's bad temper and drunk attitude make everything even worst. But his childhood is not entirely bad. Because of Lily. He had Lily during his younger days. And Serenity had Hermione. It saddens him to see the same thing that happened to him is about to happen to Serenity. Something big IS coming and the pulsing pain in his forearm confirms it.

Snape has lost his chance with Lily, but Serenity is not. He had to think of something so that Serenity will not face the same regret as he is.

"Maybe best three of five is a bad idea after all," says Serenity, laying on the snow while catching her breath after the third round, with Eura and Monty close to her.

Snape smiles and walks to Serenity.

"Serenity" call out Snape.

Slowly Serenity sits up and looks at Snape.

"Father" answered Serenity.

"It's almost lunchtime now. Come on" said Snape.

Slowly Serenity gets up and walks to Snape. Her back is completely covered by snow. Eura understands and flies away to Owlery. Monty follows close. Once they are inside the castle, Snape waves his hand, making all of the snow disappear and dry up Serenity.

"How about we take a walk at Hogsmeade to see others make last-minute shopping after lunch" suggest Snape.

"Yes, father" smiled Serenity, agreeing with the suggestion.

****************

Serenity giggles as she watches the panicking witches and wizards who are doing their last-minute Christmas shopping at Hogsmeade.

"What do you mean, 'did not arrive yet'?! I make the order a month ago!"

"Merlin's beard! Did I get everything?!"

"No! There is still one short!"

"COME ON! Keep up! The shops are about to close!"

Serenity shakes her head as she watches others in panic. There are also others like her and Snape who are only taking a stroll.

"Have you done packing gifts for your friends?" asked Snape.

"I have. To Millicent and Astoria" answer Serenity.

"How about Miss Granger?" asked Snape.

Serenity stop walking and look at Snape.

"But......."