It had been over two weeks since I last saw Severus. Every day, I still went to our usual meeting spot, hoping he would show up. Though he didn't, I kept myself busy. Lily and I spent most of our time in the garden, experimenting with magic. We whispered spells under our breath, trying to make our mother's flowers bloom with a flick of our fingers or to levitate small objects using only our minds. While our efforts weren't always successful, the sheer thrill of discovering magic together made it worthwhile.
During my free time, I delved into the books Severus' mother had given me. Thanks to the photographic memory gifted by the system, reading and understanding the material was effortless. Learning felt as natural as breathing, and every page brought me closer to mastering spells and concepts.
As Lily and I practiced, I couldn't help but notice that she sometimes grew quiet. I wondered if she felt overshadowed by my quick progress. I didn't want her to feel left behind, so I made sure to include her in everything I did.
One afternoon, as we sat cross-legged in the shade of the old oak tree, Lily hesitated before speaking. "Tuney, how do you always seem to know what to do?"
I paused, sensing the weight behind her words. "I've just been reading a lot," I said carefully. "And practicing when I can. But you're amazing, Lily. The way you bring the flowers to life."
Her green eyes searched mine, her doubt melting slightly under my reassurance. "Do you think... do you think we'll ever be as good as real witches? Like the ones in Severus' stories?"
"I know we will," I said firmly. "We just have to keep practicing. Besides, you have something special, Lily. It's not about who's better. We're in this together."
She smiled, her confidence returning. "Thanks, Tuney. I'm glad you're my sister."
Another two weeks passed, and still, Severus hadn't shown up. Every day, I went to our meeting spot, hoping today would be the day I'd see him again. The hill, with its solitary tree shielding me from the sun, had become both a place of hope and a quiet reminder of his absence.
As I sat there, my mind wandered to how ten years had passed since I became Petunia Evans. It felt surreal sometimes, the blending of my old memories with my new life. Lost in thought, I didn't hear the approaching footsteps until someone sat beside me.
I turned, and there he was.
"Severus!" I exclaimed, overwhelmed with joy. Without thinking, I threw my arms around him.
He stiffened at first but then relaxed, patting my back awkwardly. When I pulled away, my joy turned to a mix of relief and frustration.
"Where have you been?" I demanded, lightly scolding him. "You disappeared for a whole month! I was worried sick!"
But as I looked at him, my words faltered. Severus had changed. His once pale complexion now had a healthy glow. The crooked nose that had always made him self-conscious was perfectly straight. His hair, once greasy and unkempt, was neatly combed, and his clothes were no longer worn and threadbare. He wore a tailored jacket that looked almost regal.
Even his demeanor was different—calmer, lighter. His haunted eyes, which had always carried the weight of his father's abuse, now sparkled with a quiet joy.
"You… you look so different," I said softly, unable to hide my astonishment.
Severus smiled, a shy yet genuine expression that made him look even more handsome. "A lot has happened," he said.
"Tell me," I urged, my curiosity brimming.
He nodded and began to explain. His grandparents, who had been estranged from his mother for years, had reached out after hearing about their situation. They insisted that Severus and his mother come to live with them at their manor.
"It was… surreal," Severus admitted, his voice laced with emotion. "When we arrived, they welcomed us with open arms. My grandmother cried when she saw me. She said she was sorry she didn't intervene sooner."
He went on to describe how his grandparents had taken them to St. Mungo's, a magical hospital, to heal the injuries his father, Tobias, had inflicted on them.
"They fixed everything," he said, gesturing to his nose and his overall appearance. "Not just the physical scars but… everything. For the first time, I feel… whole."
I listened intently as he recounted the joyous reunion. His grandmother had been furious when she learned about the years of abuse Eileen and Severus had endured. His grandfather, though more reserved, promised they would never have to endure such pain again.
"What about your mother?" I asked gently.
Severus smiled. "She's happy—really happy. She missed them so much. And now, with Tobias out of the picture, she's finally free to be herself. She wants to become a potioneer again, like she always dreamed. My grandparents are supporting her completely."
"That's wonderful, Severus," I said, my voice tinged with sadness.
He hesitated, looking down at his hands. "Petunia… I came here to say goodbye."
My heart clenched. "Goodbye?"
"We're moving in with my grandparents permanently," he said. "They want us to have a fresh start. I only came back because my mother needed to sort out some things we left behind. And… I wanted to see you."
Tears stung my eyes, but I fought them back. "I… I understand," I said, forcing a smile. "You deserve this, Severus. You deserve to be happy."
"I'll write to you," he promised, his voice breaking slightly. "Every week, I'll send you letters. And we'll see each other at Hogwarts, won't we?"
I nodded, though my chest felt heavy. "Yes, we'll see each other at Hogwarts. So, I'm not really losing you, am I?"
"No," he said, his voice firm. "You're not."
I managed a genuine smile, despite the ache in my heart. "I'm so happy for you, Severus. Truly. This is what you and your mother needed—a new beginning."
He looked at me for a long moment, his dark eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Petunia. For everything. You were the one who told me to reach out to my mother. Without you… none of this would have happened."
I reached out and squeezed his hand. "That's what friends are for."
After a while, we both stood. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the hill. We walked back to where his mother was waiting, and with one last hug, Severus said goodbye.
As I watched him walk away, a bittersweet feeling settled over me. I would miss him terribly, but knowing he was finally free from the pain of his past made it all worth it.
That night, I went home and found solace in Lily's company. I told her everything, and together we dreamed about Hogwarts, where new adventures and our reunion with Severus awaited.