Snape's Daughter (Book Three)

Chapter Three : The Regeneration of his Love

"So how is everything?" Slughorn asked the trio as Minerva led them towards her new office.

"It's been okay, nothing more than expected," George sighed as Minerva opened the door to her office, the fresh air from the open window hitting the group. As Ellia stepped inside the office, she noticed how not much had changed, except the new portrait that hung from the nail on the wall next to Dumbledore. He was asleep, of course, positioned back in a cosy armchair with a Daily Prophet on his lap. Nothing new. It was just how Ellia preferred to remember her father. Although, just the thought of him reduced her to tears, and now she was faced with both his, and Dumbledore's, living portraits. Unlike her father, Dumbledore was wide awake as if he was awaiting the groups arrival the whole time.

"Minerva, I see you've brought guests," Dumbledore said, his painted head turning in the direction of Ellia, George and Draco.

"I found them in the castle Albus, thought we might as well share a cup of tea before they return to Hogsmede," Minerva answered Dumbledore, pulling out four chairs for Slughorn, Ellia, Draco and George. As they each took their places in the chairs, Ellia's eyes stayed glued to her fathers portrait.

"I'm afraid he isn't awake Ellia, although both of us were wondering when you would return to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, watching the girls eyes study the portrait.

"It's okay. It would only make things worse," Ellia said, snapping her head away from the portrait and towards Minerva, "You've done a great job with the school."

"Thank you, but I must insist there is not much difference between this Hogwarts and the old Hogwarts," Minerva said, as she snug deep into her chair behind her desk.

"As they say, old is gold," Ellia chuckled, resting back into the chair and making herself comfortable. Slughorn brought them each a mug of piping hot tea, and as they each sipped on the sweet tea, they couldn't help but wish they still went to Hogwarts. Even George, who left at the height of his education due to Umbridge. Nobody could blame him though.

"So how's Marley doing? I hear she's staying with you and your family?" Minerva asked George, placing down her mug of tea on top of a saucer.

"She's doing great, she doesn't quite understand yet where mummy and daddy are but she'll learn eventually," George explained to Minerva, as the rest sat and listened.

"How big is she now? She must be nearly two years?" Minerva asked the trio, as Ellia nodded in agreement.

"She's two in about six months, she's growing so fast. Although I think her ginger hairs growing quicker," They all chuckled in unison, typical Weasley.

"And little Teddy? Is he alright?" Slughorn asked them, as they all shrugged their shoulders.

"I haven't actually seen Teddy since his parents funeral, he was with Andromeda. She's very nice, bless her, I just haven't had the energy to go up and see them. Coming to Hogsmede was a surprise for me," Ellia told Slughorn, being sighing.

"I'm sure you will see them soon," Minerva assured her, taking another sip from her tea. Ellia kept feeling the urge to look up to the portrait, and when she did Dumbledore caught her eye, giving her a small smile.

"Don't threat to try and wake him up Ellia, he sleeps more than myself," Dumbledore chuckled at the girl.

"I'm suppose it's all you can do when you a dead hanging portrait," Draco said, speaking for the first time since they'd arrived in the office.

"Yeah nice one Draco," Ellia chuckled, nudging her boyfriend, "True though."

"It's nice to see you have some sort of light in your world still," Dumbledore said, pointing down at Draco and George.