Shadow & Love

29* Cokeworth

The waves splashed to the sandy beach. The mild wind drove scattered clouds across the sky sending moving shadows over the sand. The thunderstorm two days ago washed seaweed and shells ashore. Eileen made first steps on the soft underground, still supported by her mother. The cold water fascinated the bare little feet of the girl and the white clams inspired to use the subconscious summoning skills whenever Eileen was unable to reach the object of desire.

"Excellent," cheered Leonor whenever Eileen's magic worked successfully.

Severus grinned, "Flitwick would be proud to see a first year managing that with a wand and a spell."

"Unspoken magic," smiled Leonor, pride in her voice.

Marcus enjoyed the afternoon walk too. He had been whiny in the morning, still unsettled and tired of the birthday celebration the night before. The fresh air and the sunshine did good to him. He huddled against his father's chest as always, safely embraced by Severus' arms who showed him stranded items to touch and feel.

"Marcus can also relax in the sand; he'll get pampered if you carry him around all the time," said Leonor, a wide grin on her face when Eileen lifted a black mussel and pulled a disgusted face about the fishy smell.

"He won't," answered Severus and a line appeared in between his eyes. "He's just three months old and was born at least two weeks early." Severus changed into the defence mode whenever Leonor said something about him and Marcus that sounded vaguely as criticism.

"I just meant that he might enjoy touching the warm sand. And I wonder if Marcus attempts the same summoning charms as his sister. I'd like to know if you notice something," hissed Leonor back.

"No, he doesn't want to sit in the sand. He's fine with me. There's no need to use magic," snarled Severus.

Leonor just shook her head. "—as if you could stop him using magic!"

Severus looked sullen.

"Tomorrow you'll teach him how to brew potions," smirked Leonor lifting Eileen in the air. Their daughter giggled excitedly.

"Indeed, that's what I do next," said Severus curtly. "Marcus sleeps better if he can learn things with enough time."

"Come on! There's no need to argue on such a good day."

Leonor approached Severus. Eileen stretched her arms to demand Severus' attention. He had no other choice than sitting with his children down in the fine golden sand.

"Do you really think Marcus will enjoy potions?"

Severus shrugged; a muscle twitched on his temple. "It's a quiet work. Loud noise is confusing to him."

"Give it a try," smiled Leonor genuinely. "He's more uneasy than Eileen in the same age."

Eileen and Marcus played now on the colourful patchwork blanked. Leonor lay on her back, the eyes watching the seagulls circling the sky. Severus sat relaxed and with drawn in knees next to Eileen, helping her to dig holes to find more shells or rounded stones.

"I'll sort out some things in the next days. Will you manage alone, Leo?" said Severus softly into the peaceful silence.

Leonor frowned. "You are going to the ministry?"

"Not yet. I need to check my—, I should pay a visit to Spinner's End."

"What if the Aurors observe the house?"

"Not after two months and not when Potter reported that I died in front of him."

"The ministry still searches your corpse."