Chapter 831 - Verninac Chateau (1/2)
It was mid-morning and the sky is stark and gray. Heavy dark clouds hung on the horizon suggesting a fierce winter storm that would arrive late that afternoon. Rowan and Severus were washed, dressed, and packed as they patiently waited in the front room watching Dawn rushing about to ensure that everything was ready and packed to be ready to be sent over via portkey. Despite Severus noticing the new pair of spectacles of his twin sister, he did not ask further on the subject nor did Reginald. If Rowan wore them then she must need them and the less said on the matter the better.
Their grandfather, Reginald checks the time on his pocket watch, before putting it away. ”It is time, Dawn,” he firmly instructed, before grabbing his valise in hand. His valise was made from dragon leather and was enchanted to hold entire compartments of trunks in a very simple-looking style of a travel bag.
Dawn lets out a whimper and tugs on her cute apron with worry. ”Master will be fine without Dawn? Dawn is worried that Verninac house elves will not properly serve the master and young master and mistress. What will Master do without hubby or Dawn?”
”The Verninac house elves will not dare to do so,” Reginald matter-of-factly replied appeasing some of Dawn's apprehension..
Dawn looks quite miserable as she replies, ”Very well, Master. Dawn will eagerly await the master's return with hubby and baby.”
”I am certain that the Prince manor will be taken care of protected in your care, Dawn,” Reginald quietly murmured causing Dawn to perk up with pride.
”Yes, Dawn is a proper house elf! Dawn will protect Prince Manor!” Dawn eagerly squeaked brightening up for a moment.
Rowan and Severus followed their grandfather carrying their own similarly enchanted valise's. Frankly, Rowan didn't know why they had to pack so much when they weren't going to be in France for even a week, but rather only days. Still, her valise had been stuffed to the brim by Dawn having been instructed by Dorea Potter and Aunt Georgine to do so.
They emerge out of the entrance of Prince Manor and make their way out onto the snow-covered grounds. Tadbey had been gracious enough to clear a pathway through the snow for them. The three of them came to a halt as Reginald retrieved an elegant-looking box from his pocket.
Rowan and Severus stare curiously at the box as Reginald calmly instructs his grandchildren one last time. ”Remember to firmly hold on as this is an international portkey. And as for the Verninac's,” he delicately paused, ”do not give them any leeway. They may be your grandmother's family, but they are a proud family in their manner. It is best to maintain a safe distance lest they otherwise.”
Rowan nods her head in understanding as Severus frowns at his grandfather. Perhaps, because Severus had met their third and fourth cousins, he was not untrusting of them. Not that Rowan had not met them, but it was only a brief encounter during their grandmother's funeral. Neither they nor Rowan had been in the mood for more pleasant societies.
Still, the Verninac's were a pureblood family with their own right especially so in their homeland. It was best to treat them as cautious allies at best. And from what Rowan understood from unspoken words is that grandfather did not like the Verninac patriarch and vice-a-versa. That most certainly did not bode well for Rowan or Severus considering that they were Prince's and grandfather's grandchildren.