Chapter 831 - Verninac Chateau (2/2)
Reginald extends the box to them as Rowan and Severus carefully grip it. The three of them wait for the portkey to activate until Severus says, ”So, will Lily be traveling the same way?”
Reginald's lips turn into a thin line, before answering, ”The daughters of the Evans family will reside with the Abbott family and will arrive the evening prior to the Presentation Ball. The Abbott family will arrive early to Verninac Chateau with the Evan daughters to ensure that Miss Lily Evans is present in a timely fashion.”
Severus looked rather pale as did Rowan as she breathed deeply through her nose. She had thought that a regular portkey was bad, but an international portkey was so much worse. Thankfully, they had gained stomachs of steel via a rather unorthodox method because otherwise, they would be spewing the tea and brunch, they had earlier that morning.
”Chin up,” Reginald briskly said as Severus and Rowan automatically obeyed their grandfather's words. With their backs straight and heads held high, they followed their grandfather across the grounds of the beautiful, charming chateau with lavish enchanted gardens.
The temperature was much warmer than back home roughly around 10 to 14 Celsius, (50 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit). It was rather nice weather; they must be somewhere in the south of France. They normally would have removed their thick fur cloaks but had to wait until they were inside. But by the time they arrive at the front door of the Chateau, Rowan, and Severus had already removed their cloaks and were carrying them as it was far too warm with their fur cloaks on to be comfortable.
The grand front doors swing open to reveal the entire Verninac family that awaited to greet them. Most of the Verninac's were dark-haired with pale complexions, but a few had light-colored hair among them. However, unlike their grandmother, most of them had brightly colored eyes and were very fair and charming much like the Parisians are. The women were charming and the men very debonair.
At the head of the gathered Verninac family members is Philippe Verninac, the present head of the Verninac family. He is a handsome man with slightly tousled curly hair that is silver streaked, noble features matched with brightly colored eyes, and fair skin. He bows his head slightly and politely in a cool voice in French says, ”Welcome Prince and heirs, we welcome you to Verninac Chateau.” Those behind them bow and curtsy at his words.
Reginald bows as do Rowan and Severus, before straightening up. ”The Prince household thanks the Verninac household for the magnanimity.” The two wizards gaze coldly at each other that a thick block of ice seems to form between the two men.
A beautiful French witch with sun-streaked silver hair and a firm gaze quickly steps forward. Louise Verninac, the wife of Philippe, hastily says, ”It will be my pŀėȧsurė to present the family.” She turns to her children and points to handsome grown men.
”My eldest is Gaspard and my youngest is Gabriel,” Louise replied pointing to her sons, who were close in age to Eileen, Rowan and Severus's mother. ”Gaspard has twin daughters as well, Daphne and Stella, who are in their 6th year this year-.”
The two girls were very lovely causing Rowan to suspiciously stare at Severus. Severus flushes slightly and glances away from his twin sister's probing gaze. Rowan face goes blank at having suspicions confirmed that these were the two girls, who had teased Severus when they were younger and planted a kiss on his check that year. Well, they were third cousins, so technically, they could get married. And well, first cousins could still marry in the wizarding world, Sirius's own parents were first cousins…. Either way, Lily best be careful because she might just get a run for her money.