Rewrite: Kind but Scary

Chapter 5: Shadows on the Field

Chapter 5: Shadows on the Field

Jasmine sat curled up on the plush living room couch, completely absorbed in her book. Today was a rare, designated day of rest for the entire household. The endless chores of settling into their massive new estate were finally finished, schoolwork was caught up, and everyone was free to spend the afternoon exactly as they pleased.

Outside, the soft grey afternoon was filled with life. Through the tall glass windows, Jasmine could see Hermione and Ron laughing and stealing quiet, affectionate kisses under the overhang of the porch. Further out, Neville and Luna were happily tending to the enchanted soil of the newly established greenhouse, while the distant, muffled sounds of minor explosions from the shed indicated Fred and George were already hard at work brewing new prank materials. Even Lucius and Narcissa had slipped away, taking advantage of the quiet day to go on a romantic, long-overdue date.

"Has anyone seen Uncle Sev? I can't seem to find him anywhere," Draco asked, his voice echoing down the grand staircase as he leaned over the banister.

Jasmine looked up from her page, offering a warm smile. "He should be down in his basement potions lab, Draco. I believe he is brewing a fresh batch of specialized healing salves and nutrient potions for the werewolf pack over in La Push."

"Right, got it. Thanks, Jas," Draco said, his footsteps fading down the hallway as he headed toward the cellar stairs to assist his godfather.

Just as Jasmine was about to lose herself in her book again, the landline phone on the wall began to ring. She set her bookmark in place, stood up, and glided over to answer it.

"Potter residence, how may I help you?" she asked warmly.

"Hi, Jasmine! It's Alice," the bright, musical voice of the pixie-like vampire chirped through the receiver.

"Oh, hi, Alice! What can I do for you?" Jasmine asked, leaning against the kitchen counter.

"I asked Carlisle if we could invite you and your entire family to join us for a baseball game today," Alice explained excitedly.

"Oh? Is this a game in a public park, or is it a private match for us?" Jasmine asked. "One where we can actually use our abilities without worrying about muggle eyes?"

"Just us," Alice assured her. "It's a family tradition when the weather is right. We love to do it just to let loose and be ourselves. Would you all like to join?"

"Well, I'll have to double-check with the others, but it sounds like brilliant fun," Jasmine replied. "Lucius and Narcissa are out on a date at the moment. Do you want me to summon them, or is it alright if it's just the rest of us?"

"Oh, let them enjoy their date! Just leave them a note letting them know where you are," Alice said. "But yes, everyone else is absolutely welcome to play."

"Alright, I'll let you know what the final consensus is, though I'm fairly certain everyone will jump at the chance. I'll see you shortly!" Jasmine said.

After hanging up, Jasmine quickly rounded up the household. The twins, Ron, Neville, Hermione, Luna, and Draco eagerly agreed, rushing upstairs to change into comfortable athletic wear. Severus, emerging from his lab with rolled-up sleeves, insisted on coming along to keep an eye on them. However, he spent a good five minutes loudly fussing over Jasmine's choice of attire, grumbling that her athletic skirt was far too short. With an amused roll of her eyes, Jasmine flicked her fingers, seamlessly transfiguring the hemline into a stylish, ankle-length athletic skirt. Severus sniffed, thoroughly satisfied, and let the matter drop.

A short while later, the magical family materialized at the edge of a vast, misty clearing deep within the Olympic forest, where the Cullens were already warming up.