22: Clandestine Arrangements

                                    

                                          
Severus
Brighton Manor, Malfoy Summer Residence, the night before Halloween...
The lights were on in the manor, but such a warm sight did not comfort the double agent turned werewolf. No, if anything, a big part of Severus Snape's mind was framed to apparate back to Hogsmeade and have Hermione take the floo network to Spinners End instead. 
His mother cleared her throat by his side, bringing him to the present, "I'm pleased that we are sitting here waiting for the grass to grow underfoot here."
"You didn't have to come."
His mother smirked. "Oh, hush. I think Brighton is a far more comfortable place to reside whilst you handle this sordid business with Albus Dumbledore and pretending to be honored that you will succeed as Headmaster of Hogwarts upon his demise. Come, son, let us go mingle with the magical peerage I used to belong to."
He had no choice but to go along with this plan. Kaelin then spoke up in his head, ("What a lovely manor here. It looks remarkably similar to your ancestral seat.")
("Need I remind you that I dislike your casual perusal of my memories?") Severus scowled as he walked at his usual brisk pace. Fortunately, his mother, though shorter than him, walked in the same way. ("I would also request that you not reveal yourself to my cousin and his wife.")
Kaelin laughed. ("I would only do that if I were of a mind to have a tumble with Lucius's enchanting wife.")
"Do shut up," Severus grumbled aloud.
They reached the door, and his mother patted his cheek. "Tell your wolf I said hello."
"Sure. Encourage the resurrected Alpha King, mum. I'm certain that won't in any way stroke his cathedral sized ego."
"Mmhm, you're still young enough for me to place a silencing charm on that smart mouth of yours. Now, do lead the way."
"Fine." He pressed the button for the door chime and waited for a good ten minutes before the door opened just enough for the house elf butler to poke his head through. 
"Ah. Young Master Severus and Mistress Eileen. Do be welcome. Master Lucius is expecting you both. May Bevins take your coats?"
Severus did not care for his mother's lapse of outward stoicism. Not one bit. She grinned. "Indeed, you may Bevins. Is Blinken still around?"
The grim faced house elf looked up at Eileen Snape, intrigued now. "No, Madam. Blinken was Bevin's father. Bevins knows he served your true house, but thank you for asking after him. He was most elderly and died five years ago now."
Eileen nodded. "I am sorry to hear of it. He was one of the Prince's best house elves. It is a pity the Malfoy family has insisted upon the tea cozy tradition. But no matter, do see us in with all due haste."
The house elf took their coats and escorted them inside. "You need not remind me that by all rights, we should have been living as purebloods the entire time."
A look of regret washed over her face. "Yes. And you deserved those protections, Severus. Fortunately, your children won't suffer as you did."
"You're implying there will be repeated lapses of control on my part."
To his surprise, his mother laughed. "Oh, hush Severus. Even now, you are in denial that you love your wife very dearly."
Severus scowled. "While that is true, I am not comfortable sharing that aspect of my life with my own mother."
She patted his cheek as if he were a small boy again and tousled his hair. "Relax, son, I am only jesting with you. I was merely pointing out that there was never any concern on my part that I would have a grandchild or a few underfoot in due course."