Unlikely Affection

Ministry Frivolity

Summer had been lonely without Severus, we had kept in touch by owl but it was far from the same as being able to see him on a daily basis, tonight was no different. As I sat at my vanity tying my hair back in a black ribbon preparing myself for our annual Ministry of Magic Summer Soiree a large brown owl landed on my window seal, delivering a letter from who I could only guess was Severus. I walked over to my window and took the letter from the owl, patting him on the head before he flew off.

Smiling, I unfolded the parchment and began to read:

My Sweet Little Star, 

I wanted to inform you that I received the invitation to the Ministry Soiree from Iferous. I can only assume that you know I declined his invitation as I am not an over eager participant in ministry frivolity.

I hope you understand.

I do miss you terribly and I long for the start of term so I may kiss your lips again.

Have a lovely evening my darling.

Sir

I would be lying if I said that I wasn't a little disappointed Severus wasn't coming to the gala. I did have the fleeting thought that since we were in a relationship of sorts, he would possibly want to have an opportunity this summer to see me, but of course it would be a little odd if he showed up to one of these evenings for the first time now after he had declined the invitations for so long now.

I slipped on my evening dress before sitting down at my vanity with a piece of parchment and a quill to pen a letter to Severus:

Dearest Sir,

I understand completely, if I was not forced to attend these events I would be curled up reading a good book at the moment. I will be sure to let you in on all of the interesting ministry gossip once term resumes.

I know you are stressed beyond words with the events of the previous school year, but please try and enjoy your summer away from the “dunderheaded imbeciles.”

I miss you also and I can't wait to see you in a few weeks.

Your Little Star

After delivering my letter to my Noctus, it was time to put on a smiling face and join the large number of Ministry officials and employees that were invading the halls of Rosbell Manor. Luckily for me, I found Edwin rather quickly and stuck to him until I was called away to the kitchens to make sure the house elves were going to have dinner served on time.

Just as I was telling the lead kitchen elf, Blinky, that the Minister for Magic would need an extra portion of potatoes near him on the table. Edwin comes sprinting into the kitchens, a cheshire cat grin plastered on his face.

“What are you doing you lunatic?” I shrieked when he grabbed my shoulders, heaving as he tried to catch his breath.

“Iferous…Needs…You…To…Show…A Guest…Around.” He panted and I rolled my eyes. Knowing my grandfather refused to be pulled away from the sea of drunken friends to show anyone new around the house, so it always fell to me. 

“What exactly is stopping my Grandfather from showing one of his friends around?” I said plainly, annoyed that I would now have to join the party instead of hiding in the kitchens with my house elf friends.

After a few seconds Edwin caught his breath, “Just go, I will handle the kitchen stuff.” I huffed at his demand but complied, apologizing to Blinky for leaving in such a rush and turning to head back upstairs.

When I arrived beside my grandfather, shock was an understatement. Standing proudly beside Professor McGonagall was my handsome Dungeon Bat. I tried my best to hide the shock on my face when I greeted the small group.