Chapter 877 - Return to Prince Manor Ⅱ (1/2)
The grounds are covered in thick snow from the fierce winter storm that had arrived not long after their departure. Rowan's teeth instantly begin to clatter from the frosty cold since she is only wearing a ballgown. Without any hesitation, James instantly removes his outer robes and covers Rowan. With a grateful expression, she thankfully accepts the warm outer robes from James.
Reginald frowns at the boy's actions, while Georgine gives James Potter a nod of approval. The boy came from a pureblood family and Fleamont Potter was no slouch either. Should their two houses be tied in such a manner, she would not protest. Though Georgine knew very well that her brother, Reginald and Fleamont would undoubtedly oppose such a union between the two families.
Indeed, Fleamont much like Reginald Prince frowned at his son's actions. He had no wish for his son to be tied to Reginald Prince's granddaughter! He shuddered at the mere thought of being in-laws!
Striding firmly forward, Reginald waves his wand casting the Hot Air Charm. Blasts of hot air emerge come from his wand causing a fog to sprout around them as he instantly melts a path for them to traverse across the ground. They all hurry forward across the vast snow-covered grounds towards the large castle-like manor that loomed in the nearby distance.
James nearly stumbles in shock at seeing the looming castle-like edifice. ”Is that-,” he sputtered in disbelief, ”-Prince Manor?”
”Mm,” Severus sniffed rather loudly with a hint of smugness. ”No need to be so shocked, James, I know that the Potter home is not that small either according to Sirius.”
James loudly chokes at Severus's response. ”Yes, but our home is more a farm-style cottage. This is practically a castle!” It really was.
”Of course,” Severus proudly answered with a knowing smirk causing Rowan to roll her eyes. It was as if one day all of this would be Severus's…...well, technically it would be.
”Such modesty, Severus,” Rowan drily interjected causing Severus to glower at his twin sister for taking the wind out of his sails.
”What? I am simply stating a fact!” Severus huffed causing Rowan to eye her brother as though he was an idiot.
Still even Rowan couldn't deny the fact that Prince Manor is simply enchanting. Even from the distance, Prince Manor appears to be breathtaking as always. The front door of the manor is covered in mistletoe and holly wreaths enchanted to form wondrous shapes every couple of minutes.
The doors swing open to reveal the entire small house elf family. Dawn wears her holiday livery with mistletoe decorations in her air. At her side, is little Laldey in a crisp white buŧŧon shirt and adorable holiday overalls with the Prince crest embroidered on them. On the other hand, Tadbey refuses to participate in such human festivities. He wears his usual crisp blue overalls, a perfectly ironed crisp white shirt, and spectacles that hang on his long nose.
”Welcome home, Master!” Dawn happily squeaked as the mistletoe decorations in her hair shake from excitement. Laldey quickly chimes after his mother to copy her, ”Welcome home, master's!” While Tadbey only grunts in reply at their return.
”Thank you, Dawn,” Rowan and Severus said in greeting before a faint smile crosses both of their faces. ”And to you as well, Laldey,”
Laldey beams with pride as Dawn says, ”Dawn will take the young master and mistresses' things to the bedrooms, and shortly return with refreshments.” Dawn easily levitates the luggage with Laldey cheerfully toddling after his mother eager to help.
Reginald's lips curls at the very thought of having to present Prince Manor to Fleamont Potter and his son. Thankfully, Georgine smoothly steps in and formally says, ”Welcome to Prince Manor. The Prince family is honored to host the Potter's within these halls.”
Fleamont stiffly nods and murmurs, ”The Potters are honored-.” Reginald snorts causing Fleamont to narrow his eyes, ”-to be invited to Prince Manor.”
James dumbly nods his head in agreement as he studies the festive halls of Prince Manor. The elegant, lavish halls are decorated with fresh pine trees decorated with tasteful Christmas decorations. The air is filled with the scent of spices and various scents of holiday incense. Even the portraits are up for the holidays as one of the portraits that hung in the hall changes with the seasons. It is that of a cottage that at present is warm and glowing with light amid a fierce snowstorm that roars outside of the cozy cottage.