32. Harry's eyes widened

"Well, if it is any consolation, Harry, I do not believe your parents' would want you to spend the day mourning them. They would want you to remember them, yes, but they would want you to have fun and enjoy the day too."

"You don't think people would think I didn't care or didn't feel bad about my parents if I attend the Halloween feast?"

"There will always be small-minded people, but anybody who thinks that; well, it says much more about them than it does you."

"Thanks, Dad. I guess I will attend the feast then," Harry said giving Severus a hug.

"So, how was your first Defense class with Professor Lupin?"

"It was great, Dad! He's so much better than Professor Quirrell was," Harry replied. "He taught us the Knockback Jinx today. He said even though it's a simple, basic spell; it can be really effective because the other person will probably be expecting you to use a more complex spell."

"He is right and I am glad he mentioned that fact because it could save your life someday."

"That's what he said that a simple spell like Expelliarmus could make a difference."

"But you do not want to get into the habit of using the same spell all the time either. It is best to vary them so your opponent doesn't know what to expect from you."

"That makes sense, Dad," Harry agreed. He got up. "I'd better be getting back to Ravenclaw. I promised Greg I'd help him with Transfiguration. I just really wanted to make sure you were all right."

"I am, but thank you for checking on me, Harry," Severus said with a smile.

"Okay, Dad. Have a good night and I'll see you at breakfast. We're sitting at the Gryffindor table tomorrow."

"You have a good night too, Harry," Severus replied.

When he was getting ready for bed Severus glanced at the picture of Lily on his nightstand and said, "You should be very proud of your son, Lily. I believe he shows great potential and will go far in whatever career he chooses."

On Halloween morning everyone woke to the smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, baking pumpkin pies, pumpkin bread and pumpkin cookies. The third years were looking forward to their first Hogsmeade visit and were talking about all the places they planned to visit and about having their first Butterbeers. There was a lot of excitement and talk about the feast to be held later in the afternoon.

Severus was glad his schedule was light on Thursday. Other than the first, second, and third year Slytherins and Gryffindors, he only had his NEWT class. He enjoyed those the most because the students actually wanted to be in class and he didn't have to be constantly circling the room to make sure the students weren't trying to undermine each other's potions as in his younger Gryffindor-Slytherin classes. He would be finished by the time Harry was done in his last class and they would be leaving immediately for the Godric's Hollow cemetery.

Harry was looking forward to visiting his parents' final resting spot. He had always longed to see it, but his aunt refused to take him, saying she wasn't going to waste her time visiting the graves of a couple of alcoholics who were dead due to their own carelessness and stupidity.

The weather had taken a turn for the worse. It was windy, rainy and cold. Harry dressed in a warm coat, his Ravenclaw scarf, a stocking cap and gloves. Severus had changed into Muggle clothing, wearing black jeans, a green jumper and dragon-hide boots and a knee-length black coat and black leather gloves. He wore his Slytherin scarf around his neck. They walked outside and through the gates. Severus held out his arm. "Take hold of my arm, Harry. I'm going to apparate us. It won't be pleasant, but it is the fastest way to get to Godric's Hollow."

"Okay," Harry said grabbing hold of his dad's arm.

Severus turned on his heel and suddenly Harry felt as if he was being forced through an incredibly tight tube. They landed in front of the gates of the cemetery. Harry stumbled a bit when they landed, but managed to prevent himself from falling down.

"Are you all right, Harry?" Severus asked anxiously. "If you are feeling nauseous I have brought an anti-nausea potion with me."

"I'm fine, Dad, but that was weird!"

"Yes, it is, but you get used to it after you have been doing it for as long as I have."

Since he had been to the Potter grave site many times and knew the shortest route there, it only took a few minutes before they were standing in front of their headstone.

Harry stared at the headstone. "Dad, what does that inscription mean? The Last Enemy to be Defeated is Death?"

"I think if refers to the Christian idea of the Resurrection and an Afterlife, Harry. Many people feel that since they will be resurrected and see their love ones again that defeats death. Death would only win if there were no resurrection or afterlife."

"That makes sense. Was mum religious?"

"Well, I recall she attended Church of England services as a child and for some time after she went to Hogwarts." Severus took his wand and with an elegant movement of his wrist, created a beautiful wreath of deep purple lilacs and gently maneuvered it down on the grave. "Lilacs were your mum's favorite flower."

"Yes, they were, Sev and I appreciate you coming every year, but I really appreciate you bringing Harry with you this year."

Harry's eyes widened. "Mum?"

Severus eyes were even wider than Harry's. "Lily?"