It was Yule again, and for once the castle's stone walls and endless corridors felt far away, replaced by the familiar hush of home. Hogwarts had emptied as students scattered back to their families, and I was no exception. The winter light filtered softly through the tall windows of the Manor, illuminating the sitting room in a golden haze that glinted against the teacups laid neatly on the table before us.
I sat between my parents, the fire crackling steadily in the grate, filling the air with the faint scent of pinewood. My mother, Eileen, looked serene, her hands folded over the gentle swell of her stomach. She was in her second trimester now, and though her features still carried their sharp elegance, there was a new softness about her, a quiet glow that had not been there before.
Father sat close beside her, one arm draped around the back of her chair, the other hand resting tenderly against her rounded belly. Alphard Black, dignified as always, seemed a man entirely transformed in these private moments his usual composure softened by joy he did not bother to conceal.
"There you are, little one," he murmured, leaning close as though confiding secrets to the unborn child. "Your big brother is here, meeting you properly for the first time." His voice was rich with affection, and his thumb traced small, absent circles across Eileen's robes.
As though in response, a faint kick pressed back against his palm. Both of them laughed quietly, Eileen's hand flying to cover his, their shared joy echoing softly through the room.
I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. The sound of their laughter, the sight of their joined hands, the warmth of the fire it filled a place inside me
"Looks like your sibling is happy," Mother said at last, her dark eyes flicking toward me with a mischievous glimmer.
On impulse, I rose from my chair and crossed to her side, lowering myself until I was level with her stomach. Carefully, almost reverently, I reached out and rested my hand against the gentle curve of her belly.
"Hello there," I said softly, feeling oddly self-conscious at first. "I'm your brother."
As if in answer, there was a sudden, firm kick against my palm. I froze, eyes widening, before a grin spread across my face.
"She answered me," I murmured, glancing up at them both.
Father chuckled, his voice warm with delight. "This one has a favorite already. The baby has been more active these past few weeks, but never quite like that."
I smirked, straightening a little. "Of course I'm her favorite."
Mother arched a brow, amused. "'Her,' is it?"
I nodded firmly, still keeping my hand against her stomach as though determined to prove it. "I think it will be a girl."
Father leaned back, studying me for a moment before giving a slow nod of agreement. "I think so too."
Mother gave us both a look, half exasperated, half fond. "And what if it's a boy?"
I glanced up at her, unbothered. "Then that's all right too. But I really think it's a girl."
Almost as if to support me, there was another sharp kick beneath my hand. I smirked. "See? She agrees with me."
Both of my parents laughed softly at that,
"All right," Mother said at last, her tone indulgent. "I concede . It seems your little sister has already chosen her champion."
"It will definitely be a girl," Father said at last, his tone firm but indulgent, as though he was making a final decree
Mother shook her head, though she was smiling. "Enough talk of predicting futures. It's time for dinner before the food grows cold." She shifted, resting her hand once more over the curve of her belly. "And after that, young man, you'll be off to bed. You've just come home, and you'll need your rest."
I agreed without protest this time, because truthfully, the weight of the day had already caught up with me. I was tired sleepy, even and the thought of a warm meal followed by my own bed was enough to quiet any argument.
As we moved into the dining room and settled around the table, Mother spoke again, her voice calm but touched with anticipation. "You'll need to wake early tomorrow, Severus. We're going to visit your grandparents. Your grandmother and grandfather have missed you dearly."
I set down my fork for a moment, looking between them. "I miss them too,"
Mother's eyes softened, her smile deepening. "They'll be glad to hear that."
"I'm sure they are, Mum," I added with a faint smirk. "You know I'm their favorite and their only grandchild. At least until I'm dethroned once you give birth."
Father laughed heartily at that, the sound filling the dining room. "I'm certain you'll always be your grandfather's favorite, Severus. No one could take that place from you not even your mother."
Mother rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her laugh. "Oh, honestly. You two are impossible."
I t grin before spearing another bite of roast. "So... are we leaving again for Yule? Visiting distant relatives I've never met before?" I asked dryly, my tone deliberately flat.
Father threw back his head and laughed at my unenthusiastic tone. "No, not this year. Your mother and I have decided we'll be hosting a Yule Ball instead."
I blinked, startled. "A ball?"
Mother nodded with an almost smug smile, reaching for her goblet . "Yes. Which means you'll need a new suit. Goodness, Severus you've only been away a few months and you've grown taller again. Nothing from the last fitting will do."
I gave a long-suffering sigh, pushing a piece of potato around my plate. "Well... I think visiting those distant relatives has suddenly become more appealing to me now."
Father chuckled into his wine, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You'll survive, Severus. Besides, a Black hosting a Yule Ball is tradition it's time you experience it properly."
Mother smiled. "And you'll look more handsome once we've had your new suit tailored. Don't think you're escaping it."
The next morning, I was woken by Blinky, the house-elf, who tugged insistently at the edge of my blanket.
"Master Severus," she piped, her voice high and urgent. "Mistress says you must wake. You are to be ready there is brunch with your grandparents today."
I groaned, still heavy with sleep, and buried my face in the pillow. But Blinky would not relent, wringing her small hands until I finally dragged myself upright. My limbs felt like lead as I dressed, yawning all the while
By the time I made my way downstairs, I found my parents waiting in the hearth room. The emerald glow of the fire lit their figures as they stood near the fireplace, already prepared.
"Good morning, Severus," Father greeted warmly, his posture straight and dignified.
I nodded, still rubbing at my eyes. "Morning," I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.
Mother gave me a knowing smile, her hand resting briefly against her belly. "You'll wake properly soon enough." With that, she reached for the pot of Floo powder on the mantel. and in a swirl of emerald flames, we Apparated straight into the hearth of Prince Manor.
The moment my boots touched the polished marble floor, a familiar figure appeared—Hokey, my grandparents' devoted house-elf. She bowed deeply, her large eyes sparkling. "Master Severus, Mistress, Master Alphard welcome, welcome! Master and Mistress are waiting in the conservatory. They have been most eager, oh yes!"
At that, my sleepiness melted into excitement. Without waiting another moment, I darted down the grand corridor, the scent of polished wood and blooming winter roses guiding me.
The conservatory doors stood wide, sunlight spilling through enchanted glass panes, casting the room in a golden glow. There, among the greenery and the sweet perfume of orchids, sat my grandparents.
"Grandmother! Grandfather!" I called, my voice bright
Both of them turned at once, their faces lighting up. I rushed forward, and they rose from their seats just in time for me to throw my arms around them. Their embrace was warm, steady, and achingly familiar.
"We've missed you, Severus," Grandfather said, his deep voice rumbling with affection as he clasped my shoulder firmly.
Grandmother cupped my cheek, her eyes soft with pride and love. "Goodness, you've grown again. Taller still! At this rate, you'll outpace your father by the time you're fifteen."
I laughed, a little breathless from their welcome, and hugged her again. "I've missed you both too."
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