After saying quick goodbyes with Lily and her parents, Serena followed her mother, Eileen, out of platform 9 and three quarters into the bustling King's Cross Station. Eileen's grip on her hand was tight, and Serena struggled to keep pace, her luggage bouncing along beside her.
"Mum," she began, her voice barely audible above the noise of the bustling station. "Where are we going? Why are you in such a hurry?"
Eileen turned her gaze down to Serena, her eyes hard and her expression unreadable. "Quiet, Serena," she said, her voice sharp and commanding. "All will be explained in due time."
She was acting strangely, Serena had never seen her mother so... driven. So focused.
The crowded station seemed to swallow them whole as they weaved through the sea of people. Serena stole glances at her mother's face, noting the furrowed brow and the deep frown etched across her features. Something was definitely amiss, and Serena's unease only grew with each passing moment.
Finally, they reached the exit, and Eileen led Serena onto the bustling streets of London. Serena's eyes darted around, searching for any sign of familiarity. The city was alive with the hustle and bustle of daily life, but Serena couldn't shake off the questions inside her head.
The grip on her hand tightened even further, and Serena winced, her fingers beginning to tingle from the lack of circulation.
They walked for what felt like an eternity until they arrived at the entrance of a narrow alleyway. Eileen paused, her grip on Serena's hand tightening once again. She glanced around, as if ensuring they hadn't been followed, before stepping into the alley. Serena followed suit.
The alley was dimly lit, with worn-out cobblestones beneath their feet. The air was heavy with the scent of magic, and Serena's curiosity mingled with her apprehension.
As they walked deeper into the alley, the sounds of the city faded away, replaced by the distant hum of magical activity. Serena's pulse quickened, and she couldn't help but steal glances at her mother's face, searching for any sign of explanation.
Finally, they reached a shabby-looking pub, Serena's eyes widened with familiarity. The Leaky Cauldron? Why were they here?
They entered the pub and Eileen led Serena towards the entrance of Diagon Alley, ignoring everyone around them, her steps purposeful and determined. Serena's mind buzzed with anticipation, expecting to step into the familiar hustle and bustle of the wizarding shopping district. But instead of entering Diagon Alley, like she expected, Eileen pulled out her wand and took hold of Serena's hand, ensuring a tight grip. Then all of the sudden, a disorienting sensation washed over her. The world spun, her stomach churned, and Serena felt a wave of nausea rising within her.
Thankful for her healing touch, Serena instinctively reached out to heal herself. A soft, warm glow emanated from her hands as she held them against her stomach, quelling the queasiness and steadying herself. With a sigh of relief, she regained her composure.
Once the dizziness subsided, Serena looked around, taking in her surroundings. They were no longer in the familiar entrance area of Diagon Alley. Instead, they stood in an open expanse on the outskirts of civilization, surrounded by nothing but vast, green land stretching as far as the eye could see.
Eileen Snape, a sharp contrast to the wide open greenery around them, stood tall and proud, her dark eyes twinkling in a way Serena had never seen before. Serena was still reeling from the sudden apparition when Eileen's voice pulled her back to reality.
"Serena, dear, you mustn't let your status show so openly. You've done so well up until now," Eileen admonished gently, her gaze flicking to the faint glow that had enveloped Serena's hands moments ago. "You're an Omega, but remember, the world believes you a Beta. You need to keep that image intact."
YOU ARE READING
IN ANOTHER LIFE (James Potter x Severus Snape)
Fanfiction(OMEGAVERSE) Severus finds himself rising from his near deathbed into the past, as a female 10 year old version of himself in another parallel world, where secondary genders exist. (Also uploaded in Fanfiction & Ao3)
