socalfunplaces Chapter 283 It really was just an ordinary day.
Chapter 283 It really was just an ordinary day.
Sunlight streamed gently into the room through the sheer curtains, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the wooden floor.
Percy and I snuggled up on the sofa in the living room and began a pleasant reading session.
Percy leaned back on the sofa, his posture upright yet relaxed, his strong features particularly captivating in the light and shadow.
Like a lazy cat, I gently rested my head on his lap, finding an incredibly comfortable position.
We each held a book, immersing ourselves in the world of words.
The book in my hand is a fantasy novel, and its strange plots and magnificent imagination make me feel as if I am in a completely new country.
Percy, on the other hand, was engrossed in a historical biography, sometimes frowning slightly as if pondering the choices of the characters in the book; at other times, a smile would appear on his lips, perhaps moved by the captivating stories.
The room was extremely quiet; the only sounds were the rustling of pages turning and the even breathing of the other people.
Occasionally, our eyes would meet unintentionally, and in that instant, without a word, a tender look conveyed all our emotions. Then, Percy would gently lower his head and place a soft kiss on my forehead, a feeling like a spring breeze, carrying a hint of sweetness and stirring my heartstrings.
Time slipped away quietly as we read and kissed, and the sunlight outside the window gradually grew warmer.
The stories in the book are like an invisible bond, tightly connecting our hearts. We seem to be two people outside this noisy world, possessing a peace and beauty that belongs only to each other.
Before I knew it, my stomach rumbled softly. I looked up at Percy, who had just put down his book and was smiling at me.
That smile was like the warm sun in winter, instantly making me feel incredibly at ease.
"Lunchtime is here," he said softly, his voice deep and pleasant.
He gently helped me up, then took my hand and stood up.
Those hands were broad and warm, holding mine tightly, and I held his hands tightly in return.
Percy and I walked together toward the kitchen, filled with anticipation for a delicious meal.
The kitchen door was gently pushed open, and bright lights instantly streamed in, illuminating this small cooking space.
However, as soon as we stepped into the kitchen, we discovered a problem.
My gaze swept around the kitchen, first landing on the brand-new, gleaming stove, which stood quietly, seemingly waiting for a lively "performance".
The cabinet next to it was neatly arranged, filled with all kinds of cooking tools, including frying pans, woks, and stew pots, big and small.
On the knife rack, sharp knives gleamed coldly, like a group of warriors waiting to go into battle; there were also various exquisite tableware, plates and bowls, which radiated a soft glow under the light.
All of this shows that this is a well-equipped and fully functional kitchen. The good news is that it has all kinds of cooking tools, as if it can turn a full Manchu Han Imperial Feast into anything as long as you have the ingredients.
But bad news followed soon after.
We opened the package and searched everywhere, expecting to find a wide variety of fresh ingredients, vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood, but it was all empty except for a bottle of soy sauce that was about to expire and half a box of shriveled eggs.
Looking into the cupboard, apart from a small bag of rice, there was almost nothing else that could be used for cooking.
The feeling of having high expectations dashed in an instant is like a balloon being suddenly popped; with a "pop," all the excitement vanishes.
Percy and I looked at each other, somewhat at a loss.
The planned sumptuous lunch became impossible due to a lack of ingredients.
But soon we smiled at each other and decided to treat this little incident as a special experience.
If there are no ingredients, then go out and buy some.
So we turned off the kitchen light, locked the door, and headed out of the house with great enthusiasm towards the nearby farmers' market.
It's midday now, and people are coming and going. A gentle breeze is blowing. We're discussing what groceries we need to buy, imagining how we'll show off our culinary skills when we get back in the kitchen.
When we returned home laden with our purchases and stepped back into the kitchen, everything was different.
The fresh vegetables exude a delicate fragrance, and the tender meats have an enticing color.
Percy and I put on aprons, turned on the stove, and a wonderful culinary journey officially began.
With the help of those complete cooking tools, delicious dishes gradually took shape.
Every delicious dish was made by Percy and me. We played around in the kitchen while making our own specialties. The kitchen was always filled with our laughter. We divided the work from the very beginning.
First, I cut the pork belly into evenly sized cubes and blanched them in hot water to remove the blood.
Percy, meanwhile, was preparing the pizza dough. He kneaded the dough with great focus, pressing and stretching it with both hands as if it were a work of art in his hands.
Seeing his serious expression, I couldn't resist gently dabbing his face with my flour-covered hands. Instantly, his face looked like a little kitten, and we both burst into laughter.
While I was stir-frying the braised pork, the oil in the pan was sizzling. I was carefully turning the pieces of meat when Percy suddenly jumped up from behind and startled me. In my panic, I almost dropped the spatula.
He laughed so hard he couldn't stand up straight when he saw my disheveled appearance.
However, I didn't let him off the hook. When he wasn't looking, I sprinkled a pinch of salt on his hair. When he touched his head, he found his hands covered in salt. He was both annoyed and amused, and chased me around the kitchen.
After much effort, my braised pork finally turned a beautiful reddish-brown color and was incredibly fragrant, while Percy's pizza was baked to a golden brown and crispy perfection, topped with a variety of delicious ingredients.
We brought the prepared dishes to the table, and looking at the table full of delicious food, we felt a great sense of accomplishment.
We sat at the table, enjoying the fruits of our labor while reminiscing about our time at Hogwarts.
Those joyful moments we shared flashed before our eyes like beautiful scenes.
After we finished eating, we chatted while washing the dishes.
After tidying up the kitchen, Percy and I decided to sit in the small yard behind the house and get some fresh air.
The afternoon sun peeked through the sparse clouds, gently bathing the earth in a warm, golden veil.
We strolled slowly toward the courtyard, the stone path beneath our feet smooth and warm from the passage of time.
The green plants on both sides swayed gently in the breeze, making a rustling sound, as if whispering about the tranquility and beauty of life.
As soon as you step into the courtyard, a faint fragrance of flowers wafts over you.
The few blooming rose bushes in the corner resembled a group of shy maidens, blushing and smiling gently on the branches.
A few glistening water droplets still clung to the petals, shimmering like dazzling pearls in the sunlight.
Percy and I found a stone bench, leaned back comfortably, closed our eyes, and fully enjoyed the moment of tranquility.
The melodious songs of birds could be heard from time to time. They hopped and frolicked on the branches, as if playing a beautiful melody for this lovely afternoon.
"The air here is so fresh," Percy said slowly, taking a deep breath, a satisfied smile on his face.
I slightly opened my eyes, looked at the beautiful scenery before me, nodded, and said, "It's alright."
Actually, I used to live here, but I've never been to this little courtyard. I used to wander around with Sirius, and I've never brought him to this place.
We sat there quietly, neither of us speaking, simply focusing on feeling everything around us.
Time seemed to stand still at that moment, and all worries and fatigue were thrown to the winds.
Suddenly, a butterfly gently landed at my feet.
Its colorful wings shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight, a beauty that was breathtaking.
I cautiously reached out my hand, wanting to touch it, but it seemed to sense my intention and flew away lightly, disappearing into the flower bushes.
“It’s really clever,” Percy said with a smile.
I watched the butterfly fly away and said with some regret, "Yes, but it doesn't matter. It belongs to nature."
Before we knew it, the sun was gradually setting in the west, and the sky was tinged with a magnificent sunset.
The colors were fiery red and rosy pink, breathtakingly beautiful.
"Time flies, it's time to go back again." I stood up, stretched, and said with a touch of reluctance.
Percy stood up, patted me on the shoulder, and said, "It's okay, we can come back again. The beautiful scenery here will always be waiting for us."
After Percy and I finished dinner that evening, we walked together down the street, preparing to escort him step by step back to the Black family home.
The streets at night were quiet and somewhat mysterious, with the streetlights casting long, yellow shadows.
Percy would chat with me every now and then, sharing some interesting stories from the Ministry of Magic.
His voice was deep and gentle, like a soothing melody in the quiet night.
We passed by a flower shop on the street. The roses in the shop looked beautiful and vibrant under the lights, and their fragrance drifted gently out on the breeze.
Percy stopped and turned to look at me, a hint of a smile in his eyes: "You really like flowers, don't you?"
I nodded slightly, and before I could speak, he had already gone into the shop. A moment later, he came out holding a bouquet of blue roses and handed it to me: "This is for you."
I was pleasantly surprised. I took the flowers, and their delicate fragrance lingered in my nose, softening my heart.
Continuing on, we came to a small square where a group of children were chasing and playing, their laughter clear and melodious.
Percy looked at the children with envy on his face: "I used to play like this all the time when I was a kid."
I imagine that Percy must have been a lively and adorable child when he was young.
Before we knew it, we were getting closer and closer to Blake's old house.
The old house looked particularly eerie in the night, its tall structure seemingly hiding countless secrets.
Percy looked at the old house, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes.
As we reached the entrance of the old house, Percy turned around, looked at me, and said gently, "Ayers, I've arrived."
I smiled and said, "Percy, there's no need to look so reluctant to part. We'll see each other again in the future, won't we?"
I gently raised my hand and smoothed the hair behind his ear, my movements so gentle as if I were afraid of hurting him.
I stood at the door and watched him walk into the old house.
The door closed slowly. I held the bouquet of roses, smiled at a spot on the second floor, then turned and Apparated away.
When I arrived home with a bouquet of blue roses, Severus, who was sitting in the living room drinking tea and reading, only glanced up at me before looking down at his book again.
Severus said calmly, "Looks like you had a lot of fun today."
I replied with a smile, "Yes, today is truly a pleasant day."
"Whatever makes you happy." Severus admitted that he was a little unhappy, but he understood that Ayers did not belong to any one person alone.
He can only take it in stride; what's the point of brooding over it?
“Severus, these flowers were a gift from someone else, so I can’t give them to you, but I do have something for you.” It would be unfair to both of them to give the bouquet that Percy gave to Severus.
I put the bouquet of flowers Percy gave me directly into my portable backpack and kept it forever. Then I took out a bunch of dark green roses from my portable backpack.
You read that right, it's dark green roses—a gift of love from our generous benefactor.
[Jin: Ding—Send a bouquet of flowers to Severus Snape, the target of your pursuit.]
[Rewards: 40 Bond Points, 100 Experience Points, 100 Galleons]
(Hey sponsor, I feel like the tasks you're posting these days are all too casual. Now you're even providing items to complete tasks.)
[Jin: Host, son, is it possible that I gave you this task simply because I couldn't stand the incomplete bond value?]
Very well, I was speechless and could only smile as I stuffed the dark green rose into Severus's arms.
[Jin: Ding—Send a bouquet of flowers to Severus Snape, your target for romance. Completed]
[Rewards: 40 Bond Points, 100 Experience Points, 100 Galleons]
I walked up to him and handed him the dark green rose. "Severus, this is for you."
His movements froze instantly, his fingers tightening slightly as he gripped the book. He stared blankly at me and the flowers in his hand. His eyes widened slightly, filled with disbelief, as if he had seen something incredible.
He slowly put down the book in his hand, his gaze shifting from my face to the bunch of dark green roses. His slender fingers unconsciously reached out, but stopped before touching the petals, as if he dared not touch this sudden beauty.
After a while, he finally came to his senses, raised his hand and gently adjusted his hood, trying to hide his slightly flustered expression.
"Why...why are you sending me flowers?" His voice was unusually stammering.
I smiled and moved closer to him, taking his arm. "Because I want to make you happy, and dark green roses are special, just like you."
His Adam's apple bobbed, he took a deep breath, and then slowly accepted the bouquet of flowers.
He held the flowers in his hands, looking down at them closely. The candlelight illuminated his profile, revealing the tenderness in his eyes.
I know that this is the first time he has ever received flowers from someone.
In his long and lonely life, he probably never imagined that such a heartwarming scene would happen.
He held the flowers carefully, as if they were the most precious treasures in the world.
"Thank you..." he said softly, his voice so low it was almost drowned out by the sound of the wind outside the window.
I leaned on his shoulder. "Don't be so polite with me, Severus. I'll send you flowers often from now on, so you can feel my love every day."
He didn't say anything, he just hugged me tighter.
He placed the flowers on the table beside him, but his gaze kept drifting towards them.
In the years that followed, when he read, he would occasionally look up at the bouquet of flowers, and the corners of his mouth would unconsciously turn up in a smile.
I've tampered with this bunch of dark green roses, making them never wither, and Severus treasures them with great care.