Serena stood in her bedroom at the Prince manor, her gaze sweeping across the familiar space. It was a sanctuary of solitude, a stark contrast to the bustling energy she anticipated at the Potter residence. Her bag, charmed with an Undetectable Extension Charm, was packed neatly with her belongings, lying on her bed. She had chosen her clothes carefully, not out of vanity, but for practicality, knowing she would need to adapt to the dynamics of the Potter household.
She made her way to the dining hall, where the smell of a hearty breakfast filled the room. Wilfred sat at the head of the table, his sharp blue eyes observing Serena as she entered. They ate in comfortable silence, a mutual understanding passing between them. Her grandfather had been a pillar of strength since her abrupt return to the Prince manor, quiet as he is, she felt gratitude from his presence alone.
After breakfast, Serena went to her grandmother's room to bid her farewell. Gwendoline's eyes, once bright and spirited, now carried a weariness that concerned Serena. A gentle hug and a promise to return soon seemed to bring some comfort to the ailing matriarch. Serena whispered words of encouragement, her healing touch lingering on her grandmother's hand before she left the room.
With the time of departure upon her, Serena descended the grand staircase to the main hall where the emerald flames of the Floo network flickered in the fireplace. Wilfred Prince stood there, his posture as commanding as ever. Despite his stern exterior, there was a touch of concern in his voice as he spoke.
"Remember what you represent, Serena. You are a Prince, and with that comes responsibility," Wilfred said, his tone firm yet not unkind.
"I understand, Grandfather," Serena replied, her voice steady. "I will not forget."
Wilfred nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Upon your return, we shall begin your lessons in earnest. The duties of an heir are many, but I have no doubt you will rise to meet them."
Serena could only nod in understanding, feeling the weight of her future responsibilities pressing upon her. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the week ahead. It was not just the lessons with her grandfather that loomed in her mind, but the prospect of navigating the dynamics at the Potter residence, particularly with James and his wild unpredictable nature.
The news of Lucius, Sirius, and Evelyn's absences brought a twinge of disappointment, but also relief. Fewer variables to contend with, she mused. She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious about Fleamont's potion laboratory and the garden of ingredients.
Taking one last look at her grandfather, Serena stepped into the fireplace, her heart thudding in her chest. She threw a pinch of Floo powder into the flames and they roared to life, turning a brilliant green.
"Godric's Hollow," she announced clearly, the words cutting through the crackling of the fire.
The flames engulfed her, and with a swirl of emerald and a rush of heat, Serena was whisked away, leaving the Prince manor behind.
~~~
The swirling green flames of the Floo network subsided as Serena stepped into the Potter's living room, her senses immediately assaulted by the stark contrast from the quiet austerity of Prince Manor. The first thing she noticed was not the cozy decor or the warmth of the hearth, but Petunia Evans, who stood awkwardly to one side, her face etched with boredom and a hint of uncertainty.
Before Serena could address this unexpected addition to their group, James Potter's voice boomed through the room with a familiarity that bordered on intrusive.
"Serena! You're here! Welcome to Godric's Hollow!" James exclaimed, his hazel eyes alight with excitement as he appeared right in front of her.
Serena instinctively recoiled, rolling her eyes at his overbearing presence. "Hello, Potter," she said dryly, trying to sidestep him to see Lily and confirm Petunia's presence. But James, as usual, seemed oblivious and softly smiled at her. "I missed you, you know?"
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)
