Chapter 549 - Irises (1/2)
The following morning, Georgine was glancing at her three remaining family members standing in the front hall to see her off to Hogwarts. Her great-niece, Rowan was yawning loudly causing the dark eyeshadows under her eyes to further peek out. At her side, is her great-nephew, Severus, an arrogant little brat. However, ever since his visit to that Evan's girl, the boy had been unusually quiet. Still, during dinner and this morning, the brat looked much better than before like the cheeky, bugger that he usually was.
Not showing her inner relief, Georgine turns to eye her older brother, Reginald rather carefully and to her surprise found that he looked much older than she remembered. There were new lines carved on his face that she could not clearly recall when they had first appeared. It seemed like time was finally beginning to catch up to him in his elder years.
Pursing her lips, Georgine sniffs and says, ”I won't say goodbye, I'll be seeing the two of you soon enough.” The twins both make wary expressions causing Georgine's lips to twitch in a tiny smile.
Turning to her brother, Georgine says, ”Reginald, I expect a letter each week from you. And I will be writing back, don't you think otherwise!”
”Yes, Georgine,” Reginald drily replied to pacify his younger sister.
Drawing herself to her full height, Georgine nods at her family, before facing the fireplace. Tossing floo powder into the flames, Georgine says, ”Hogsmeade.” Before stepping into the green flames and flooing away.
Yawning again, Rowan struggles to suppress her yawns. Groggily blinking, she muttered, ”What time is it? I don't think the sun is even out yet.”
”It's not,” Severus grumbled. ”Last I checked it was close to five.”
”Then why is she leaving so early?” Rowan complained. ”I thought she wasn't required to be at Hogwarts until this afternoon?”
”Georgine wants to ensure her quarters are perfect and to have a chance to lounge in her new bed to ensure that it is up to her standards,” Reginald wryly answered.
Rowan and Severus, both shared a glance that screamed, ”We got out of bed early and dressed for this!”
Turning towards his grandchildren, Reginald says, ”Since we are all up on this fine morning, let us go and visit your grandmother before the two of you depart for Hogwarts tomorrow.”
Instantly the faces of Rowan and Severus grow stiff. They had not had the courage to visit their grandmother's grave since her funeral, the year before.
”Come alone,” Reginald ordered leaving no room for any excuses.
Left with no other choice the twins shivered as they walked out onto the still dark lawns of the Manor. In the far-off distance, the sky is starting to turn light gray, but the sun is still an hour or so away before sunrise.