elders part four
(The room is dimly lit, shadows long, and the air thick with the subtle scent of potions. The circle is drawn with precision — no flourishes. The ground beneath them feels solid, unforgiving.)
Snape stands at the edge of the circle, his black cloak trailing like smoke. His eyes, cold and calculating, watch every movement, every breath.
There is no warmth in his gaze — only the expectation of discipline. He is a witness, not a celebrant, and his presence carries the weight of unquestioned authority.
⚡ Snape’s Words:
“You seek to bind yourselves to a path of magic, one that will test you more than any classroom ever could.”
“The path you choose is not for the weak. It is not for those who crave adulation or glory. It is for those who understand that true magic is forged in silence, sacrifice, and purpose.”
He steps forward, looking each of them in the eye.
“You vow to stand by each other, not for comfort, but because you know the weight of what is at stake.”
“You vow to learn all magic — light and dark — but you will never use it to corrupt the soul or violate the will of another.”
“You vow to help those in need, even when it costs you something — perhaps everything.”
“You vow to celebrate magical holidays, not for joy, but to remind yourselves of the balance in this world.”
“And you vow to never stop questioning. Never stop learning. But also… never forget the dangers of what you learn.”
He turns his gaze towards them, sharper now.
“Do you speak this oath freely and with understanding?”
(They answer: “We do.”)
“Then let it be marked. Not with flare, but with truth.”
🔥 Snape’s Blessing:
Without ceremony, Snape raises his wand. The circle’s glow intensifies — sharp, white light flares up, searing for a moment before settling into a steady flame.
“I, Severus Snape, stand witness to this oath. And I will not be fooled by words alone.”
“Prove this bond. Live it. Or it will break under its own weight.”
His eyes flicker toward the sapling or magical object in the center of the circle. It is not a gift — it is a test.
“This is your test: Will you protect what you’ve sworn, and defend it when no one else will? Will you bear the burden of your magic with the discipline and resolve it demands?”
The flame flickers, and with a snap of his fingers, a shadowy sigil appears above the coven, etched in faintly glowing black ink. It is a symbol of both protection and caution — a reminder of what power can destroy.
💀 Snape’s Gift (and Warning):
A small vial of enchanted ink that will never fade or smudge, meant to record their true thoughts, feelings, and learnings. The vial will only open when each member is ready to face themselves.
“This is your final test: You must write in this vial — and only the truth will be written. Magic cannot lie, and this ink will not lie either.”
🔒 Closing Line:
“I, Severus Snape, do not bind you with ceremony, nor with kindness. I bind you with truth.”
“The truth of what you are. And the truth of what you will become.”
The flames dim, the sigil vanishes, and the air returns to its cold, quiet weight.