Chapter 212 - Invitation from the Vernianc’s (2/2)

”Good, now off you go now,” Sirsa dismissed them with a wave of her hand. ”I'm sure you're hungry and tired after your journey.”

Both Severus and Rowan nod, before leaving the parlor room. ”What prior commitment?” Severus asked out of earshot.

”None of your business,” Rowan retorted back. ”I didn't ask you for any details about your date with Lily, please extend me the same courtesy.” Two bright red splotches appear on his pale cheeks as Severus stomps off in a huff muttering about annoying older sisters.

Making her way to her grandfather's study, Rowan finds her grandfather at his desk in the middle of writing a letter. Glancing up at her, Reginald puts down the silver tipped quill and says, ”Yes, Rowan?”

”Grandfather, I've a prior engagement the day before the family gathering,” Rowan replied as she took the seat before him.

”And it is a matter of conflict of interests?” Reginald asked with a raised eyebrow.

”No, but I will be out rather late the evening prior,” Rowan replied. ”And such, accommodations have been made for me to sleep and rest until the following morning.”

”And where exactly are you going?”

”I've been invited to the Goblin Auction, grandfather.”

Reginald is silent for a long time as he studies his granddaughter before him. Detecting no signs of lies in her eyes, he says, ”May I see the invitation?”

Reaching into her pocket, Rowan pulls the invitation and hands it over. Reginald studies the Gringotts wax seal that has been broken on the envelope, before removing the invitation. Seeing the official enchanted letterhead, Reginald reads the invitation before handing it back. ”And how did you merit such an invite, Rowan?”

”Pure luck,” Rowan half-truthfully replied. Because it was a matter of luck outliving the Basilisk.

”I presume that you have already accepted and that goblins have agreed to accommodate your needs given that you are still underage,” Reginald said as he leaned back in his chair.

”Yes, grandfather,” Rowan candidly answered with the truth. For she was the guest of honor and as such the goblins were being most courteous to her given that she was going to earn them plenty of gold.

”Then, I shall not worry then as you will be in safe hands,” Reginald said. ”The goblins may be many things, but they will never allow for a guest in their care to come to harm.”

”Thank you, grandfather!” Rowan said with a pleased expression, before turning to leave.

”And Rowan, don't lie to me again,” Reginald coldly said. ”I dislike being lied too.”

”I did not lie, grandfather,” Rowan steadily gazed back. ”I merely omitted certain details, and neither can I make that promise either.”

There is a long heavy stretch of pause until Reginald closes his eyes and says, ”You are only a child, Rowan. Do not carry all these heavy burdens on your own.”

”I will try,” Rowan said, neither promising nor vowing otherwise.

The door closes behind her as Reginald is left staring at her retreating back. It was not that he did not trust her, but rather it was the dormant power that would start to awaken within her and Severus. He could feel the binds slowly begin them loosen.

And it was only their 3rd year, he greatly feared what would occur during their fifteenth year when most witches and wizards begin to come into their power with the last vestiges emerging by their 16th year. But most of all, would the darkness of the twin's forefathers win in the end? For one should never underestimate the allure of darkness. For even the purest hearts are drawn to it.