Chapter 473 - Naming Ceremony Ⅲ (2/2)
The Avery couple elegantly lead the way to the dining hall, while Evan Avery carefully hands his son to an older female house elf with a pug like nose, short bat-like ears, and almond like honey colored-eyes, Solia. Solia carefully accepts the infant, before apparating away with her precious cargo.
Rowan and Severus study Evan Avery in open astonishment at his gentle care of his son, and especially at his surprisingly kind treatment of his house elf. Appearances truly are deceiving at times. And despite haven been an arrogant brat, he was not completely rotten to the core. It was a bit startling realization to learn that Evan Avery had grown up and was possibly a decent wizard in the making.
Allowing the a.d.u.l.ts to pass him by, Evan Avery drops back to speak to the Prince twins, while Reginald ensures that he places himself next to his younger sister, Georgine. Evan Avery is silent for a moment, before saying, ”I do not recall ever apologizing for calling your muggleborn friend, Lily, a Mudblood and other such crude names in our first year. That was extremely unkind of me, and rude. And though rather late, I would still like to express my sincerest apologizes for my actions that day. I was an arrogant child that should have thought before he spoke and acted.”
Severus blinks at the grand gesture as such an act from a pureblood like Evan Avery was considered no light matter and frankly a rather unbelievable act to witness. Severus almost automatically replied with a churlish retort, but Evan Avery was truly trying to amend his previous actions. And if Severus were being honest with himself, it would be extremely hypocritical of him to dare to believe that he had never made such a terrible mistake in life. If his actions of last year were to anything to be judged by, they would have deemed him a far guiltier candidate.
After a tense moment, Severus tilts his head in open acknowledgement of the apology and murmurs, ”We were only first years then, and we have grown since then.”
Relief flashes through Evan Avery's eyes as he had done his best and had not dared to hope that Severus Prince would accept his apology. Thankfully, that was indeed the case. And now, he would not have to worry about the family of his son's Godmother being against his son.
Before Evan can make any more conversation, they had arrived in the dining room. Instead of the usual long dining table, a large circular one had been placed in the middle of the grand dining hall in order to better accommodate the guests. Quickly everyone takes a seat with the youths being seated together, while the a.d.u.l.ts on either side.
Rowan was stuck between Evan Avery and Severus, while their grandfather sat on Severus's side, and Mrs. Avery sat next to her son. The dining hall is full of chatter and a variety of topic's as dinner is served. Rowan brighten up just a tad bit at seeing the pot roast, and other delicious looking platters being brought forth by the house elves and served.
Soon the clinking of silverware can be heard as Reginald begins to converse quietly with Shafiq. They barely touch the topic of shipping shares as such delicate business would not be conversed at a dining table, but in private. Rather they chatter about Kain Shafiq's deceased father, whom had been good friends with Reginald. The two men chortle on about memories regarding the deceased wizard, while Georgine barely refrains from rolling her eyes.
After dinner, Georgine ensures that Rowan follows her and Mrs. Avery to the parlor room, while the men retire to the cigar room. After only a few minutes in the cigar room, Reginald and Shafiq excuse themselves, before retiring to a private room.