California Love

Chapter 26. Home Sweet Home

Potter Manor

Severa jumped out of the car and hurried to the front door, glancing back at Frank as he retrieved her bag from the trunk. Her heart pounded with excitement. She was home for a week, and since no one knew she was coming, it was the perfect chance to surprise them.

She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before quietly turning the doorknob. The house was still, a comforting silence that she had missed. As she stepped inside, memories flooded back, each room holding a piece of her past.

Frank followed closely behind, setting her bag down gently in the hallway. Severa placed a finger to her lips, signaling for him to stay quiet. She wanted this to be perfect.

She moved through the house, each step careful and deliberate. The living room was just as she remembered, filled with familiar furniture and the scent of the ocean. She could hear faint sounds from the open back door leading out to the beach.

Quickly, she took off her shoes and made her way through the door and off the patio. She saw the boys playing in the water while Euphemia and Fleamont lay on the shore, basking in the afternoon sun.

Severa's heart swelled with joy. She tiptoed closer, trying to keep her excitement in check. The boys were laughing, splashing water at each other, completely unaware of her presence. Euphemia and Fleamont were deep in conversation, their heads turning towards the sea, missing her approach.

Finally, unable to contain herself any longer, she shouted, "Surprise!" Her voice rang out over the sound of the waves.

The boys turned first, their faces lighting up with recognition and shock. Euphemia sat up quickly, her eyes wide with disbelief, while Fleamont scrambled to his feet, a huge grin spreading across his face.

"Severa!" they all exclaimed, rushing towards her, but Sirius beat them to it. He ran forward and wrapped his arms around her before picking her up and spinning her around.

Severa laughed, holding onto him tightly. "Seems like someone missed me," she said, her voice filled with amusement.

Sirius set her down gently before getting pushed out of the way by Remus and Peter, both grinning from ear to ear.

"Out of the way, Sirius! We want a turn," Remus said, pulling Severa into a tight hug. "It's been way too long, Sev."

Peter was next, wrapping his arms around her with a cheerful laugh. "You have no idea how much we've missed you. It's been so dull without you here."

Severa hugged them both, feeling overwhelmed with joy. "I've missed you all too. It feels so good to be back."

Euphemia and Fleamont stood nearby, watching the reunion with smiles on their faces. "Why don't we all head inside? We have so much to catch up on," Euphemia suggested, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

As they made their way back into the house, the boys chattered excitedly, filling Severa in on everything she had missed. The familiar sights and sounds of the beach house surrounded her, making her feel more at ease with every step.

Once inside, they all gathered in the cozy living room. Euphemia brought out a tray of snacks and drinks, and everyone settled down comfortably. Severa found herself nestled between Sirius and Remus on the couch, with Peter and James sitting on the floor at her feet.

"So, tell us everything," Fleamont said, leaning back in his chair. "What have you been up to, Severa?"

Severa took a deep breath, a smile playing on her lips. "Well, where do I begin?" she said, launching into tales of her time at Arcane. When she was halfway through telling them about her latest project, Euphemia stood up and retrieved a photo from one of the books above the fireplace before sitting back down.