Severus Snape's Sister

XVIII. Happy Christmas

Natasha Prince

Natasha sat with Scorpius and Albus in their compartment on the way back to King's Cross. This proved to be useful when Dan Paul came up to their compartment but slunk off as soon as he set eyes on the waving Natasha.

Albus got hyped off sweets quickly. Natasha told him no more or else Ginny'd kill them both. Albus was quiet for a few minutes before saying, "Are you afraid of my mum?"

"Slightly, but that's beside the point. I don't want her upset with me. I left with no explanation for 23 years and didn't plan on coming back. It wasn't a nice thing to do," she reminded them, as they'd already talked about this.

"Sensible," Scorpius said. "How well did you know my dad? Since you're muggleborn and the way he was..."

"We were friends, I guess. He's a bit difficult to understand. I called him stupid or something the first time we talked. He might've called me a not very nice name when he thought I was out of earshot. I called back 'thank you'. He threatened me in a hallway 'cause I knew a bit about him and his Death Eater habits. I might've sassed him again. Nice memories."

They sat staring at her. "I'd never have thought you'd sass my dad. I thought he'd kill you for that back then."

"Ah, no," she said with a smile and shake of the head.

They went to the Potters' together. Natasha could drive a muggle car, of course. She loaded them up in an impala she had rented. They arrived at the Potter's house. Albus and Scorpius were roaring with laughter as they ran up to it. Natasha followed. Ginny hugged her son and welcomed Scorpius before they could retreat into Albus's room. "It's been a long time, Natasha."

"I know. I apologize. After the war, I was just so lost and didn't know where to turn. I left to Ilvermorny then went to another place before going to my own home. I'm not proud of it, but I think I really did need it. At least at first. I just never wanted to leave; never wanted to change."

"You could've turned to us."

"I couldn't. No one understood what Severus meant to me. Everyone else just saw his bitterness."

"I would've tried."

"I appreciate it, Ginny. Really though, I think what I did wasn't too bad."

"Are you happy now?"

"I'm content. Happiness, well, that's a bit more difficult to achieve and I don't think you could or even should help."

"Just tell me what it is."

"I'm nearly 40 and haven't been in a serious relationship in over 20 years."

"Oh." She seemed to go the math. "Oh! Do you mean..."

"What's the point? I'm content. I don't want to mess that up."

Her face fell. "But... but you could be happy."

"I'm okay. Now please, can we go inside? It's chilly."

"Sorry." She led Natasha in.

"Beautiful home," she said as she gazed around.