Chapter 838 - Godparent Ceremony Ⅲ (1/2)
After some time, Rowan interrupts James' pensive silence. ”You are looking much better, James,” she loudly said with a flicker of lingering concern in the depths of her eyes.
James opens his eyes to reveal a thin tired smile. ”I suppose, I have just been tired as of late because of our O.W.L.'s. That and well I found myself missing home, I've been rather homesick,” he honestly replied. For it was indeed the truth, he still desperately missed his wife and son. But they were forever lost to him.
Rowan gives an ȧssessing look, before slowly nodding her head. ”It has been a rather trying year for everyone this year especially studying for our O.W.L.'s.”
James nods his head appreciated the sentiments behind the statement even if they were white lies. ”Yes, well, I suppose I should congratulate you,” he murmured with faint warmth.
”Mm,” Rowan murmured in reply.
James's lips twitch for a bit with mirth before he sheepishly blinks. ”Er, I forgot to tell you this last time we spoke, and I don't know if your grandfather has already informed you, but I am to be your primary escort for the presentation ball tomorrow night.”
Rowan actually blinks in surprise and stares at James blankly for a moment, before frowning. ”Did your father force you, James?” She genuinely asked rather concerned.
James rapidly shakes his head and hastily replies, ”No, I volunteered.”
”You volunteered,” Rowan slowly said with clear disbelief in her voice. She paused, before carefully eyeing James. ”Is this because Lily is Severus's primary escort?”
”No,” James truthfully committing the detail about the deal with her aunt, Professor Prince. ”It was my own choice, Rowan, and that is all that you need to know.”
Rowan arches her brow at James but does not speak. If James had made such a decision, well, it wasn't her place to further pry. Besides she should be grateful that she would be attending her presentation ball with a friend and not a stranger. And she was, but still, she did worry about James especially after everything that had transpired during the year.
Feeling relieved that Rowan wasn't pressing him for further answers James curiously turns his gaze towards the crowd and finds his gaze drawn to Severus and a thin, pale middle-aged witch with sharp features that resembled the Prince family members. ”Hey, Rowan, who is that Severus is speaking to? She seems familiar, but I can't quite place her.” He nudged his head in the direction that he was looking at.
Rowan pulls herself from her thoughts and glances up in the direction James is indicating at. For a moment, her face goes rigid before becoming blank. James notices and stares at Rowan with curiosity. ”It's Eileen,” she said and added after a pause, ”our mother.”
”Your mother?” James blinked in surprise, before whirling to stare at the witch. ”But I thought Eileen Prince was dead?”
”She is,” Rowan flatly answered.
Seeing that Rowan didn't want to speak further on the complicated subject, James slowly pulls back, but not before asking one last question. ”Are you alright, Rowan?” His eyes flickered with concern over Rowan, whose face is now pointedly blank.
I will be,” Rowan quietly replied, before excusing herself and making her way towards Severus.
James watches Rowan go, before turning away and making his own way to his father. Rowan had respected his own wishes and he would do the same for her. Still, he was curious by nature even now, so maybe, he'd ask his dad more on the subject. He'd surely know more about the subject.
With a blank poker face, Rowan approached the figures of Eileen and Severus. Roderic Filch, Eileen's husband stood some distance away giving his wife and her firstborn son room to speak. He carefully holds his son, Rodney, who sleepily snuggles into his neck and dozes off. It was already an impressive achievement that the little boy had managed to stay awake during the entirety of the ceremony.