[Chapter 22 - The Reunion ]

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Nothing could put a damper on the happiness that was Genevive. With a baby on the way, the witch was finally beginning to enjoy her life, being as it was on her side for once.

Her relationship with Severus took a bit of time to transition into its new role but now the couple was more solid than ever, talking out arguments instead of shouting and even moving in together. Sort of.

They shared the bedroom in Genevieve's suite (mostly because Severus preferred waking up in the light airy space) but tended to stay in their separate quarters, with a shared breakfast each morning.

This morning, however, Genevieve was up at the crack of dawn, hunched over her writing desk as she stared blankly at the parchment before her.

Every time she would go to write a word, a wave of doubt flooded her senses. So far the page only read, "Dear" Audible sighing, the witch threw down her quill in frustration. What she didn't hear was Severus waking up behind her, startling the witch as appeared beside her.

"Morning," she haphazardly greeted, eyes not moving from the letter yet to be written.

"I didn't hear you get up this morning," Severus pointed out, emerging from the kitchenette with two cups of tea, placing one down by Genevieve who graciously accepted the drink.

"Oh, sorry if I woke you, I couldn't sleep."

"Are you alright? Was the baby kicking?"

"I'm only eight weeks along Sev, the baby won't start to kick until eighteen weeks."

Out of the corner of his eye, Severus recognised the parchment," Who are you writing to?"

"My parents."

Now that explained the bluntness. Severus put his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them softly and listening as Genevieve vented.

"How am I going to tell them?"

"You could always not tell them if it worries you too much."

"Severus! There my parents. I have to tell them. Besides, you've probably told yours already."

The wizard in question remained silent, taking his hands off her shoulders and placing them in his lap. Turning her body around, Genevieve noticed the look of disdain on his face, jerking her to her core," Oh Severus, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have-"

He cut her off before she could finish," Its alright, you couldn't have known anyway. My mother died when I was in sixth year, and my father, well, he wasn't around much growing up."

Changing the subject, Severus suggested a breakfast in bed for the pair, snuggling up in warm blankets as their favourite house-elf, Beanie, brought them a full English breakfast each. What a wonderful way to start the day.

"You know," Severus began, finishing up a slice of toast with marmalade," Instead of getting yourself in a didder about your parents, why don't you take a trip to London for the day? Take your mind off things."

"Are you trying to get rid of me Mr Snape?" she teased, sipping her tea.

"Of course not Ms Blackwell, just thought it might be nice to get out of the castle for a bit."

Considering his offer, Genevieve mulled it over for a moment, "Hmm, I suppose your right. I think I've had enough testosterone to last me a lifetime."

Putting on a false look of outrage, Severus replied wittily, "Well, you weren't complaining last night."

"Maybe you're just losing your touch." she countered.

"Losing my touch! I have lost no such thing, in fact, I've excelled in that department thus far."

"Emm hmm." Genevieve hummed, unable to suppress the cheeky smile dancing across her lips.

Turning over so that his body was above her own, Severus lowered down to her ear, challenging her as he whispered: "Do you doubt me, Ms Blackwell?"

"Oh not at all, Mr Snape," Genevive answered back, fluttering her eyelashes.

"Well, maybe I ought to refresh your memory."

To anyone that dared walk past the room would have only been greeted by laughter, giggling and immense sounds of pleasure, keeping the pair busy for the rest of the morning.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Come midafternoon, Genevieve was ambling around the streets of London, gazing in awe at the shop fronts, decorated with tinsel and other Christmasy ornaments.

So far she had picked up a few small decorations for her classroom and private quarter and some newborn baby clothes too.

Now, she was enjoying a nice warm butterbeer in the leaky cauldron. That was before she was thumped in the back, spilling her drink.

"Still clumsy as ever, Vi."

"Vivianne Bletchley, long time no see, " Genevive exclaimed, leaping off her seat to hug her best friend.

Vivianne Bletchley was Genevieve Blackwell best friend throughout all of Hogwarts. From the moment the pair left the train in their first year, they were inseparable, probably being one of the main factors they were called Vi and Vi. That and their names of course.

"So, how've you been Vi? Still up to your old tricks?" Genevieve joked, ordering the pair something stronger.

"Well, you know me, doing an odd job here and there. Got a shop now in Knockturn Alley, you should drop by." Vi responded gladly taking a shot of fire whisky.

"Don't worry I will."

"So, Genevieve what are you up to? You're not still working for Ceder?"

"Oh, heavens no. I'm actually a professor at Hogwarts."

"Thank Merlin, your father was a right piece of work."

Taking a shot, Genevive retorted, " You don't have to tell me that, I lived with him."

They both burst into laughter, ignoring looks of other customers.

"Tom, two more fire whiskeys if you please, " Vivianne ordered, moving over from the bar to a booth in the corner.

"So Hogwarts, much changed?"

"Not really, though, I'm positive McGonagall still thinks it was Sirius that put her classroom on the ceiling." Genevieve giggled.

"They'd never suspect a Ravenclaw." Vi agreed.

The two ladies talked for the rest of the evening, catching up on old times, all while getting a tad tipsy.

"So, I snuck in which was easy enough, you'd think an Auror would have better security. Anyway, then I had to search through his house and by Merlin, he was a slob. "

Genevieve snickered at this, engrossed in the story.

"Three hours. It took me three hours to find that vile, little fucker had it hidden in a clock." This time it was Vivianne turn to laugh, finishing her drink and ordering two more.

"I can't believe you robbed Alastor Moody, of all people." Gen acknowledged.

"A Ravenclaw never steals, besides it was more a reclaiming job. He took one of my skulls so now we're even."

Shaking her head, Genevieve smiled, " You never cease to amaze me, Vi, "

Looking at the clock, Genevieve nearly jumped at the time, the hands displaying nearly quarter to eleven, " I'd better be off, Severus will be wondering where I am."

"Severus? As in Severus Snape. Wow, Genevive, didn't put you as the dark and mysterious type." Vivianne jested.

"Oh shove off. He's actually quite nice when you get to know him."

"I'll believe that when I see it. Anyway, don't forget to call into me next time you're in Diagon alley alright?"

"Yes Ma'am!"

And so Genevive left the leaky cauldron, turning into a barren laneway to disapparate back to Hogwarts, where Severus was indeed waiting for her, ready to turn in for the night.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Apologies for my tardiness yet again. I had completely forgotten there was an update due for today, but as the saying goes better late than never. So, what do you think of Vivianne? I love her character as she provides a contrast between the side of Genevieve. Have a lovely evening!

*The_lost_flower*