Chapter 63 - A Lazy Winter Day (2/2)

Glancing up, Rowan blinks and eyes the wizarding board. ”That you're losing the match, Sir Knight Prince.”

”No, I'm not!” Sir Knight Prince protested.

”If you say so,” Rowan said with a shrug, before getting up out of her seat. ”I'm going run down to get a mug of hot cocoa and some more popcorn. Do you want anything, Sev?

”A mug of hot cocoa would be nice,” Severus replied as he gleefully took one of Sir Knight Prince's pieces.

”See you in a bit then,” Rowan called out and did not gain a response back. Trudging downstairs to the warm kitchen filled with wonderful smells, Rowan stuck her head inside and said, ”Dawn, could I get two cups of hot cocoa and a refill of the caramel popcorn.”

Dawn twirls around with a ladle in hand and says, ”Certainly, Dawn will personally take a tray up in just a jiff.”

”Thanks,” Rowan said, before heading back upstairs. However, before she can, Rowan spots Aunt Georgine sitting in the hallway puffing on a cigar. ”I thought grandmother hated you smoking in the hallway,” Rowan commented as she approached her.

Georgine raises her eyebrow at Rowan and says, ”What Sirsa doesn't know can't hurt her.”

”She has a nose, doesn't she?” Rowan sarcastically countered.

”Well, aren't you a spark fire?” Georgine snorted as she reluctantly put out her cigarette in the enchanted ashtray.

Rowan hides her grin as she spots the amethyst pendant hanging around Georgine's neck. Georgine must have noticed Rowan's gaze, because she said, ”It's a lucky charm, of course, I'm going to wear it.”

”Mm, I didn't say anything,” Rowan innocently said.

”Tch,” Georgine huffed as she rose to her feet. ”I best be returning to the parlor.” Turning away, Georgine marched away leaving Rowan ruefully shaking her head and heading back upstairs. It was a constant source of wonder to Rowan that the Prince family members still all got along.

With that thought in mind, Rowan arrived to see Severus jump up in glee as he checkmated, Sir Knight Prince. ”I told you so, Sir Knight Prince,” Rowan smirked from the doorway.

”Another match!” Sir Knight protested.

”No way!” Severus snapped back. ”I'm done for today! Play with Rowan instead!”

Rowan grins evilly in reply as Sir Knight Prince tactfully says, ”You're right a break would be nice.” However, Rowan didn't accept his reply and purposefully sat across him. And before he knew it, Sir Knight Prince was playing a cold, merciless match against Rowan. But alas, what is a poor ghost to do?