The Prince family Manor was a serene place of ancient magic and grandeur, a far cry from the turmoil that Serena had recently endured. The last several days had been a whirlwind of recounting the kidnapping ordeal to the Auror's establishment, ensuring the safety of the other captives, stating their testimonies via Floo calls, and adjusting to the quiet life within the tall, stone walls of her ancestral home.
Serena's room, a spacious area with a large desk by the window overlooking the lush gardens, had become her sanctuary. She was seated there now, going through the pile of letters that had accumulated during her more pressing engagements. The presence of the persistent owl, sleek and black with intelligent eyes, was a constant reminder of the outside world's curiosity about her recent adventures.
She picked up the first letter, recognizing Lily's handwriting, and gently broke the wax with her thumb.
~~~
Dear Serena,
I hope this letter finds you well! What have you been doing? I'm dying to know, and I'm honestly a bit, well... concerned after the way things transpired at King's Cross. One moment we were all saying our goodbyes, looking forward to a summer full of plans, and the next, your mother whisked you away somewhere other than Spinner's End without a word! None of us saw it coming, and I've been really worried ever since!
My Mum had asked your mother about your well-being when she noticed you hadn't shown up at our usual spot in the park. I heard she only relayed that you are spending time with your grandparents, but nothing more. Why didn't you tell me about them before? I had to beg Mum to even ask where your current address was, and you know how I hate to nag her.
My own summer has been quite the typical domestic circus. Petunia is becoming more unbearable by the day, especially now with that new suitor of hers—Dursley. He's a bad influence on her, and I hope she doesn't accept him; he's as pleasant as a Blast-Ended Skrewt. I've been trying to keep myself occupied with some light reading and practicing a few spells, but it's not the same without our adventures or your sly comments on my attempts at potion-making.
You've been on my mind a lot, Rena. I miss our talks and your one-of-a-kind humor. I was really looking forward to this summer, to spending time together and sharing our Hogwarts tales without the prying eyes of the school corridors.
I'm genuinely baffled by your sudden disappearance and your silence. Why haven't you written yet? Did something happen? I find myself grappling with questions and no answers. I'm not just your friend, Serena; I care about you. We all do, so send us a sign that you're okay.
Please, write back soon. Visit here too, will you? Tell me about your grandparents, what kind of people they are, and what magic runs through that side of your family. I'm eager to hear all about your new surroundings. Most importantly, I need to know that you're okay.
Take care of yourself, Rena. Remember, you are not alone, no matter how distant you might feel right now. I'll be waiting for your reply with bated breath.
Missing you,
Lily
~~~
Serena's fingers lingered on the parchment, the ink from Lily's letter slightly smudged where her friend's fervent scribbling had barely dried before folding. The warm glow of the candle lit the room, casting shadows that danced across the walls of the Prince family mansion's luxurious bedroom. She could almost hear Lily's voice through the words, the concern and curiosity that were so characteristic of her. For a fleeting moment, her mind tiptoed towards the figure of her mother, who had left her in this grand but unfamiliar environment. What was she thinking? Did she feel relief, guilt, or was it indifference that had eased her steps away from Serena and back to Tobias Snape? The questions scratched at the door of Serena's thoughts, seeking entry, but she reinforced the lock, not ready to face the potential answers. The sting of abandonment still felt too fresh, too raw.
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)
