The Shadow of exile

Chapitre 2: Two Years of Service

The two years of Severina Snape at Wayne Manor were a blend of calm, discovery, and a constant internal struggle. When she first crossed the threshold of that immense estate, she felt lost, like a shadow among Gotham's sparkling lights, her heart heavy with the weight of her past. Far from the conflicts she had fled, she hoped to find respite, but life in the manor was anything but simple.

At first, Severina was a stranger in a world completely foreign to her. Every room in the manor, adorned with portraits and artifacts of the Wayne family, felt like a whispering history, echoing secrets she couldn't grasp. She walked on a tightrope between admiration and fear, each creak of the floorboards amplifying her sense of unease. Alfred Pennyworth, the faithful butler, quickly became her mentor, teaching her not only the subtleties of service but also the importance of loyalty and dignity in every gesture. His warm gaze and gentle guidance provided a stability Severina hadn't known for a long time.

The first weeks were marked by distrust. Severina kept her distance, her keen eyes observing every movement around her, like a hawk poised to take flight. Damian, Bruce Wayne's son, was particularly curious about her. He would watch her intently, his piercing gaze trying to unravel the mystery surrounding her. Yet, as time passed, she began to appreciate the silent camaraderie they shared; he reminded her of her own childhood, filled with struggles and solitude.

As days turned into weeks, Severina slowly started to open up. She became embroiled in the manor's routine, helping prepare meals, tending to the vast gardens, and managing daily tasks. Her passion for cooking blossomed, transforming traditional recipes into magical dishes that delighted the Wayne family's taste buds. Alfred was always there to applaud her efforts, a glimmer of pride in his eyes, as he savored her creations with the same enthusiasm a proud father would show.

Evenings spent with the Waynes were a blend of laughter and tension. Severina listened attentively to discussions, absorbing Gotham's problems and the personal challenges each family member faced. She felt a warmth blossom in her chest, growing fond of the Waynes, realizing they were united by similar struggles. She observed the interactions between Bruce and his sons, feeling an intense desire to understand their strong bond, wishing for something similar.

Over time, the boys began to trust her. Dick, with his bright smile and protective nature, came to see her as a sister. Jason, with his rebellious spirit, bonded with her through playful teasing and friendly banter, each exchange a reminder of the camaraderie she had once lost. Tim, more reserved, found in her a silent ally, sharing moments of understanding where words were unnecessary, their quiet companionship creating a sanctuary within the chaos.

Weekends often revolved around family activities, whether it was outings to the local fair or game nights filled with friendly competition. Severina, initially shy, allowed herself to be swept away by the warm atmosphere. She even found the courage to participate in board games, her laughter echoing through the manor's walls, a melody that masked the haunting echoes of her painful past.

Yet, beneath this façade of normalcy, memories haunted her. Occasionally, she would wake up in a panic, heart racing, recalling her father's screams and the betrayal of her friends. But seeing the support and understanding in the Waynes' eyes began to kindle a fragile hope within her—that she could build a new life, far from the shadow of her past.

Over the months, the house became a sanctuary for her. Severina learned to savor moments of peace, to create memories, and to weave bonds that felt almost impossible. Alfred, Bruce, and the boys showed her a form of family she had never known. They gave her a place in their lives, even if she still felt somewhat like an intruder, as if she were a ghost trying to fit into the living world.

But she knew that peace was merely a fragile illusion. The shadows of her past, though muted, continued to follow her, the specters of Dumbledore and her father lurking at the corners of her mind. Still, she promised herself to protect this new family, to support them as they had done for her. In her heart, she knew that even if the light sometimes seemed distant, she was not alone, and that flicker of hope could ignite a new beginning.