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The Art Of Healing

Chapter 2: Awkwardness

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The atmosphere instantly grew thick with unspoken animosity, the jovial mood from moments ago evaporating as the two groups faced each other.

Severus, however, remained composed, his posture relaxed as he stood beside Lucius. He felt Lucius's hand gently rest on the small of his back, a subtle gesture of support. Lily, sensing the mounting tension, attempted to diffuse the situation. "Hello again, Severus," she said, her voice carrying a forced cheerfulness. "And... everyone else. What a coincidence running into you all."

Narcissa, ever the diplomat, stepped forward with a polite smile, “Indeed, quite the coincidence. I trust you're all enjoying the pleasant weather?" Her tone was cordial, but there was an underlying coolness to it.

James, unable to contain himself, scoffed. "Yeah, it was pleasant until now. The whole Death Eater gang's here.”

Severus rolled his eyes at James's comment, while Lucius's grip on his back tightened slightly. Regulus stepped forward, his voice calm but firm, "Let's not start anything here, Potter. We're all just out enjoying our day."

Sirius sneered at his brother, "Enjoying your day planning your next attack, more like."

Before Severus could stop him, Lucius stepped forward, his grey eyes flashing dangerously. "I'd watch your tongue, Black," he warned, his voice low. "You're not in school anymore, and the professors aren't here to take your side."

James, bristling at Lucius's words, moved to stand beside Sirius. "And what exactly are you going to do about it, Malfoy?" He challenged, his hand instinctively moving towards his wand.

“It's not four on one anymore. What do you think?” Lucius sneers. The tension escalated as both groups seemed ready to draw their wands at any moment.

Severus, preserving his composed disposition, responded calmly, "It appears the Golden Quartet still doesn't have two brain cells to rub together." Severus shifts his gaze from Sirius to Lucius, stating, "They are not worth the effort, Lucius."

Lucius nodded slightly, his eyes still fixed on James and Sirius. Severus looks over at two-year-old Draco, who is playing with Harry, showing him his new carp. The two toddlers seemed oblivious to the tension surrounding them, giggling as they played with the carp. Their innocent laughter provided a stark contrast to the hostility between the adults.

Severus's gaze softened slightly as he watched the children, he placed a gentle hand on Draco's shoulder. "Come, darling," He said softly, "it's time we were on our way." "Can we get ice cream?" Draco asks, looking up. Harry gives his mum big green puppy eyes, asking the same. Severus hesitated for a moment, then nodded with a small smile. "Of course, Draco. Ice cream sounds lovely."

He glanced at Lily, who was looking at Harry with a mix of exasperation and fondness "That sounds lovely. Perhaps we could all go for ice cream?" Lily’s suggestion was met with mixed reactions. James scoffed, but Lily elbowed him sharply, Sirius scowls, while Remus nodded cautiously. Peter shuffled nervously, looking unsure.

Lucius gave a slight nod, his hand still protectively on Severus's back. "Very well," Severus said, addressing the group. "Shall we?" As they began to walk towards the ice cream parlor, an uneasy truce settled over them.

As they walked towards the ice cream parlor, an awkward silence settled over them. Draco and Harry, however, chattered excitedly. The group made their way to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, the adults maintaining a tense distance from one another while the children toddle ahead, blissfully unaware of the underlying hostility. As they stepped into the shop, the air was thick with the enticing scent of freshly baked waffle cones and an array of ice cream flavors.

Severus and Lucius approached the counter first, placing orders for themselves and Draco. Narcissa selected a modest treat for herself and Ara. James and Lily trailed behind, with Harry excitedly gesturing towards the vibrant display of ice cream options. Sirius, Remus, and Peter hung back, their gazes shifting between their friends and the Slytherin group. Despite settling into their seats, the palpable tension lingered.

The children's excitement seemed to ease some of the tension as they dug into their ice cream, their faces quickly becoming smeared with chocolate and strawberry. Severus found himself smiling softly at Draco's enthusiasm, while Lucius gently wiped the boy's face with a napkin. Lily, sensing an opportunity to break the ice, turned to Severus. "So, Severus," she began hesitantly, "I hear congratulations are in order. You and Lucius... getting married?"

Severus nodded, his expression guarded but not hostile. "Yes, we are. Thank you."

James snorted into his ice cream, earning him another sharp elbow from Lily. Sirius rolled his eyes dramatically, while Remus looked thoughtful. "That's... wonderful," Remus said carefully, his tone genuine. "When's the big day?"

Lucius, surprisingly, answered. "Next winter. We're planning a solstice ceremony."

The conversation lulled again, punctuated only by the sounds of spoons scraping against bowls and the children's giggles as Draco and Harry share spoonfuls of their ice cream with each other. Narcissa has to stop Ara from head diving into the bowl of ice cream, she shakes her head at her 1-year-old, Narcissa chuckled softly as she gently pulled Ara back, wiping the baby's face with a napkin. "Eager little one, aren't you?" she cooed, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

The sight of the children's antics seemed to soften the atmosphere slightly. Lucius, ever the aristocrat, attempted to break the ice with a measured tone. "So, Potter, I hear you've joined the Auror program. How are you finding it?"

James, caught off guard by the civil question, hesitated before responding curtly, "It's challenging, but rewarding."

Sirius, unable to contain himself, muttered under his breath, "Unlike some career choices."

Narcissa, overhearing the comment, raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly are you implying, dear cousin?"

Before Sirius could retort, Remus interjected, his voice calm but firm. "Perhaps we could all agree to keep things civil, for the children's sake if nothing else?"

Regulus, sensing an opportunity to ease the tension further, turned to Remus with a polite smile. "How have you been, Lupin? I heard you've been pursuing further studies in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Remus, glad for the change in topic nods. "Yes, that's right. I've been focusing on counter-curses and protective charms. It's... fascinating work."

Severus, despite himself, found his interest piqued. "Any particular area of focus?" he asked, his tone neutral but genuinely curious. As Remus began to elaborate on his studies, the conversation gradually shifted to more neutral ground. Draco and Harry had finished their ice cream and were now engaged in an animated discussion about their favorite magical creatures.

Lily, observing the children, smiled softly. "It's amazing how easily they get along, isn't it?" she mused, addressing no one in particular. Narcissa nodded in agreement, her eyes on Ara who was now contentedly playing with a spoon The conversation continued to flow more smoothly, with occasional moments of tension interspersed with genuine exchanges.

Severus found himself engaging in a surprisingly civil discussion with Remus about recent advancements in potion-making, while Lucius and James maintained a polite, if somewhat strained, dialogue about Quidditch. Narcissa and Lily, finding common ground in motherhood, began to share stories about their children's antics. Peter, still quiet, seemed to relax slightly as the atmosphere became less hostile.

Sirius sits glaring at his brother. Regulus, noticing Sirius's glare, decided to address the elephant in the room. "Brother," he said, his voice low but firm, "perhaps we could set aside our differences for a moment. We're all here, enjoying ice cream. Can't we just... be civil?"

Sirius's scowl deepened, but something in Regulus's tone made him pause. He glanced at Harry and Draco, still happily chattering away. After a long moment, he let out a heavy sigh. "Fine," he muttered, "but don't expect me to start braiding friendship bracelets."

The comment, despite its sarcastic tone, seemed to break some of the remaining tension. Severus snorted softly, while Lucius's lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. As the afternoon wore on, the conversation began to flow more naturally. They discussed neutral topics like the latest developments in the wizarding world, and shared amusing anecdotes about their respective careers.

By the time they finished their ice cream, the atmosphere had shifted from hostile to something approaching cordial. As they prepared to leave, Draco asks as he’s getting picked up by Lucius, “Papa, can Harry come play one day?”

Lucius hesitated, his eyes darting between Draco's hopeful face and the Potters. Severus, sensing the delicate situation, stepped in smoothly. "Perhaps we could arrange something, Draco. We'll have to discuss it with Harry's parents first."

Lily, catching Severus's eye, nodded slowly. "That... might be nice," she said carefully. James looked like he was about to protest, but a quick glance from Lily silenced him.

Harry bounced excitedly. "Can I, Mum? Please?"

"We'll see, sweetheart," Lily replied, ruffling Harry's hair affectionately. As they filed out of the ice cream parlor, the group split into their respective factions, Draco waved enthusiastically at Harry, who returned the gesture with equal vigor.

Lucius, his arm around Severus's waist, murmured, "Well, that was... interesting."

Severus allowed himself a small smile. "Indeed. Who would have thought a simple outing could be so... eventful?"

As they walked away, Severus thought about their time in the ice cream parlor. He glanced at Lucius, who seemed lost in thought. "A knut for your thoughts?" Severus asked softly. 

Lucius sighed, adjusting his hold on a sleepy Draco. "I'm just wondering if this... civility... can last. It's one thing to be polite over ice cream, but inviting the Potter boy to our home?"

Narcissa, overhearing, chimed in. "It might be good for Draco to have more magical children his age to play with. And Harry seems like a sweet boy."

Severus considered the matter carefully. "You're right. We don't need to be friends with the Potters, just maintain a polite relationship for the sake of Harry and Draco."

As they continued walking, Severus noticed Draco had fallen asleep on Lucius's shoulder. He reached out to brush a strand of hair from the boy's face. "He seems to have enjoyed himself today," Severus said softly. 

Lucius nodded, a tender expression crossing his face as he looked at his sleeping son. "He did. It's amazing seeing him so happy." He paused, then added with a hint of amusement, "Though I'm not sure I'm prepared for the energy of two young boys running around the Manor."

Severus chuckled softly. "We'll manage. We always do." He glanced at Narcissa, who was gently rocking a drowsy Ara. "Perhaps we could arrange a playdate at the park first. Neutral ground, so to speak."

Narcissa nodded approvingly. "That's a wise suggestion, Severus."

As they approached the apparition point, Lucius sighed. "I suppose we'll have to discuss this with the Potters. Merlin help us all."

Severus squeezed Lucius's arm reassuringly. "One step at a time, love. Today was... not a complete disaster. We'll take it from there." They shared a meaningful look before preparing to apparate home. Severus and Lucius bid farewell to Regulus and Narcissa before they disappeared with a soft pop to Malfoy Manor.

~••~••~••~••~

"Lily, you can't be serious," James commented, watching Lily write a letter.

"Who is the toddler again? And yes, I am." Lily answers, not looking up from her writing.

Lily and James have been disagreeing for two days about her contacting Severus and Lucius to set up a playdate. Harry has been talking non-stop about Draco since meeting him three weeks ago, expressing how much he can't wait to see him again. Upon reflection, Lily didn't think it was such a bad idea. The two toddlers got along really well, and she believes it would be good for Harry to have someone else to play with besides Neville Longbottom.

"Lily pad, do you really want our son to hang around Death Eaters?" James remarks, putting an arm around his wife's shoulder.

"Don't cute-name me, James Potter," she glares at him. "You shouldn't make baseless accusations like that. You don't know." Lily shoos James away, and like a child, he pouts as he moves to the kitchen chair.

James scoffed, ‘Yeah, right,’ he thought.

"I didn't see the Dark Mark on any of them," Remus says, looking at James.

"You couldn't see Lucius's arm," James mumbles, scooting down in his chair. Remus shakes his head, a tired sigh escaping his mouth.

"I'm sending this letter, and if Severus and Lucius accept, Harry will have a new playmate." Lily says, giving the letter to their owl and sending it out the window. The owl soared out of sight, and Lily turned to face her husband and friend with a determined expression. James opened his mouth to protest further, but Remus shot him a warning glance, silently urging him to let it go.

"Look," Lily said, her tone softening, "I know you have your reservations, but this could be good for Harry. And who knows? Maybe it'll be good for all of us."

James ran a hand through his messy hair, a habit he'd never outgrown. "I just worry, Lils. What if-"

"What if we're wrong about them?" Remus starts, leaning against the kitchen counter, "They didn't give us any reason to think otherwise.”

James runs a hand through his messy hair, frustration evident on his face. "But Remus, this is Snivellus and Malfoy we're talking about. How can you be so calm about this?"

“You're not innocent yourself James.” Remus comments.

James winces at Remus's words. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "I know, I know. It's just... old habits die hard, I guess."

Lily walks over to James, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Maybe it's time we put old school rivalries behind us, for Harry's sake."

Remus nods in agreement. "Plus, think about it this way - if we extend an olive branch, we might be surprised by what we discover. People can change, James."

James looks between his wife and friend, feeling his resolve weaken. "Fine," he sighs, "but I'm keeping my wand close, just in case."

Lily rolls her eyes but smiles. "Fair enough. Now, let's think about what we'll do if they accept. We should probably childproof the house a bit more."

As they begin discussing potential playdates and safety measures, a small voice pipes up from the doorway. "Daddy, when can I see Draco?" Harry asks, his green eyes wide with excitement. James looks at his son, then back at Lily and Remus. "Soon, buddy," he says, ruffling Harry's hair. "We're working on it."