Venice at the end of June was much hotter than Paris, yet Severus was still dressed in a neat shirt. Holding a glass of whisky, he leaned against the railing and watched the rain outside the villa.
"Tolerance is like fine rain from the heavens, nourishing the earth. It blesses those who grant it, and it blesses those who receive it." Gianluca held a glass of iced beer. "Do you mind?"
"This is your home." Severus shifted his gaze back to the sea.
"How do you usually smoke at school?" Gianluca asked.
"I don't smoke at school," Severus said with a sneer. "But I don't socialize with candy, either."
"Can I see your Patronus?" Gianluca asked.
Severus ignored him.
"You said memories could take physical form just now?" Gianluca said.
Severus flicked his wand, and a swan flew from its tip.
It charged at Gianluca like a bomber, nearly knocking him over. Then he watched it fly into the distance before turning his gaze back to Severus.
"I heard your companion say that summoning a Patronus requires a happy memory."
"Happy doesn't just mean joy. It also means happiness," Severus said calmly. "What brings you joy may not bring you happiness, and what brings you happiness may not make you feel joyful."
"What were you thinking about just now?"
"None of your business." Severus took a drag from his cigarette. "Has your curiosity been satisfied?"
"You mentioned the Battle of Trafalgar earlier. I looked it up online, and Nelson was killed by a sniper aboard a ship from France named Redoutable." Gianluca took a sip of beer. "The sailors put his body in a barrel of brandy. After they brought his body ashore, they divided up that barrel of brandy."
"What are you getting at?"
"Maybe Napoleon wasn't reincarnated. Maybe