Finding a family
-At Gringotts, once everyone arrived-
The three boys waited patiently outside of Gringotts, looking anxious as they waited. James shuffled back and forth, fiddling with his coat buttons, while Remus stood next to him, tapping his feet softly. Sirius waited nearby, leaning against the wall. Sirius looked around, checking if Snape had arrived yet.
Snape arrived and everyone immediately stiffened, straightening themselves up a little as they saw Snape. They didn’t want to raise any suspicion, but it was hard to act casual. They all exchanged looks, wondering if the plan would work. Remus cleared his throat and stepped forward, approaching Snape as he spoke in a formal sounding tone. “Mr. Snape? We have been waiting for your arrival.”
“Yes it’s me… what’s the issue?” Snape spoke in a soft voice
Remus nodded, speaking with an extremely formal and slightly posh sounding tone. “I have been assigned to assist you today, Mr. Snape. The goblins request your presence today for an inheritance inspection. It’s simply a formality.” He waved for Snape to come along, beginning to lead him further into Gringotts, the other three boys following discreetly behind. Snape bowed his head respectfully towards every goblin he met, respecting perfectly the protocol.
Everyone stiffened more as they saw Snape’s behavior towards the goblins, exchanging confused and worried glances with one another. However, Remus seemed to stay professional, continuing to lead Snape deeper into the bank, nodding to the Goblin behind the desk to get Snape processed for his test.
As the goblin searched for any compulsion spells and/or potions, a long list appeared:
“Compelled to act rudely when in Hogwarts.
Compelled to trust his fake mother no matter what
Love potion towards Lily Evans
Compelled to not complain about pain.
Compelled to bully any Gryffindor
Compelled to remember the Marauders as the bullies.
Compelled not to ask for help.
Trust potion towards Lily Evans
Trust potion towards his fake mother
Blocks on his magic.
Compelled to not feel the soulmate bound.
Compelled to hate all Gryffindor except Lily Evans
Compelled to hate homosexuality.
Compelled to not listen to his heart
Compelled to hate his soulmate, James Potter.
Compelled to end up in Slytherin rather than Ravenclaw.
Compelled to not remember him being rude but others being rude to him.
Compelled to be rude to everyone…”
And the list went on and on.
James’ jaw dropped, Remus and Sirius going a little pale. They exchanged shocked glances with each other, utterly horrified by the amount of compulsions and spells. James looked especially disturbed by the amount of compulsions towards Lily, as well as the love potions. His face darkened at that, his fists clenching slightly. The goblin informed Snape that the ‘inheritance test’ required another step and brought him to a purge room. He returned and warned the others that Severus Snape would sleep for a while.
Everyone nodded, Sirius looking a little worried. Remus had a hard to read expression on his face, while James’ expression was dark. He looked almost angry as they waited, not knowing what reaction Snape would have to the purge. He had no clue how Snape would react once the effects of the potions and compulsions wore off, and had no idea if Snape hated him, or if the potion made him.
4 hours later, Snape woke up
James was the first to notice Snape start to move, and he immediately straightened. Everyone exchanged glances, all looking a little anxious as they waited to see the effects of the purge on the other boy. James stood and walked over first, crouching down, and resting a hand gently on Snape’s shoulder. He spoke quietly, not wanting to startle the boy. “Snape?”
“P-potter? I-I’m s-sorry… f-for e-everything…” Snape said softly.
James’ brow furrowed, his jaw dropping slightly as he heard Snape’s soft apology. No anger and no rudeness in his voice. There was only shame and sadness, which instantly got James worried.
“Hey hey, you don’t have to apologize, it’s alright, it’s okay..” He spoke softly and carefully, his voice soft and soothing as he replied. “It’s not your fault, Snape.”
“I’m sorry…” repeated Snape softly over and over again.
James frowned slightly, shaking his head gently. “Hey, hey…it is okay. It wasn’t your fault. You don’t need to apologize for anything.” He sounded so sincere in his words, hoping to soothe Snape. He was speaking softly and gently, his tone filled with sincerity.
“Really ?” Whispered Snape hopefully.
James gave a soft sigh at Snape’s voice, it sounded so insecure and timid, nothing like the cold and snarky kid they went to school with. James nodded quickly, still keeping his voice gentle and soothing. “Yes, really. I promise. There’s nothing you should be sorry for….”
“But I have been so mean to everyone…”Snape said and James noticed that his usual voice was very soft and delicate. His heart immediately melted at the soft tone, his expression immediately growing sympathetic and caring. He shook his head softly, his voice remaining firm and sincere.
“Don’t worry about that, it wasn’t…it wasn’t your fault, Snape. You weren’t yourself.”
“B-but… I-i h-hated y-you… I had been rejecting you as my soulmate… it must have been very painful…”
James winced heavily, closing his eyes for a moment. He bit his lip, opening his eyes after a moment and nodding softly. “It was…very painful…” James admitted honestly, his voice a little sad.
However, he immediately raised his head to look Snape in the eyes again, his tone firm even as he kept his voice soft. “But it’s not your fault. You were being forced to feel that. You didn’t choose to do that…so you dont need to apologize for it, Snape.”
“A-are y-you s-sure?”
James nodded quickly, his tone still soothing and genuine. “Yes, I’m completely sure. You were being brainwashed by the potions, Snape. It’s really not your fault. I promise you…I don’t want you blaming yourself for any of that. It’s not your fault at all…”
“C-Could y-you a-all c-call me S-Severus?…”
James gently nodded his head in agreement, a gentle smile on his face. “If that’s what you want, Severus…I’d love to call you that.”
James looked over towards the other Marauders, raising his head up subtly as he gestured for them to come over.
“Yeah, Sn- Severus. We don’t blame you. We don’t hate you for any of that, you were being forced.” Said Sirius.
James stood up, moving over next to Sirius. He offered Severus a gentle smile, before speaking again.
“You’ve been through a lot, especially with all the potions being forced on you…I assume you’ve probably got a bunch of pain from your muscles and bones being stretched out and changing constantly…”
“It’s fine… I’ve had worst…” Said Severus
James’ expression immediately darkened at that remark, his brow furrowing. “What do you mean?” He questioned, his brow furrowing as the others immediately gave looks of concern. Severus stayed silent. James seemed a little concerned at the other boy’s vague response, his expression becoming stern as he knelt down beside Severus.
“Hey, tell me. How much worse could it have been?” He questioned, his tone firm as he tried to get an honest response from him.
Severus didn’t want to talk so he just showed them his back and stomach which were covered in bruises and scars. One on his back spelled Freak. James stared at Severus’ back, his mouth immediately gaping open as he caught sight of the bruises, scars, and the cursed word spelled on his back. His expression darkened a little, while Sirius looked absolutely feral at the sight. His fists were clenched, as was his jaw, and his expression had darkened into a look of burning fury.
Sirius and James exchanged looks, both of them looking absolutely furious at what Severus had endured. James’ expression showed concern and sadness, whereas Sirius’ just showed pure rage. They both looked ready to kill whoever had done this to Severus.
Severus was worried as he waited for their reaction. Even more James’ reaction as James was his soulmate, and Severus thought that James wouldn’t want such a pathetic soulmate as himself.
James caught sight of Severus’ expression, catching onto his fear and nervousness immediately. He seemed to look saddened at that, his expression shifting slightly as he quickly moved and brought Severus into a tight hug.
“This isn’t okay, Severus. What you’ve endured isn’t acceptable. Who did this to you?” He asked, his tone filled with worry and care as he tightened his arms around his soulmate.
Severus wanted to answer his soulmate but couldn’t find the courage to tell him, so he buried his head in James’ shoulder and breathed out: “My father”
As he said that, James immediately tightened his grip slightly, while Sirius’ expression darkened to a dangerous level as he clenched his fists tighter, taking deep breaths to try and calm down.
“I really want to kill your father. You didn’t deserve any of this, Severus. Not a single moment of it…” James mumbled softly, leaning his head gently against the other boy.
Remus then remembered something “A member of your family was searching for you, that’s how we noticed the spells and potions. She said that your parents were fake parents as you had been kidnapped…”
Severus stiffened at that, his eyes widening slightly. He looked a mixture of stunned but also hopeful at that.
“W-who? Who was asking for me? Do you know?” He questioned worriedly, looking up eagerly at Remus.
“Apparently her name was Melania Slytherin she is a cousin from your family. She said your real name was Prince and that your fathers were looking for you all those years” said James
Severus’ jaw immediately dropped when he heard her name “Prince…that’s my real last name? She’s my cousin? My parents are looking for me? Is that all real?” He asked immediately, his voice filled with hope and desperation.
“Yes, I reached out for them. Although they said that Melania Slytherin has been dead for a long time, she was the daughter of Salazar Slytherin from the story she told… She watches over her brother’s family apparently” said Remus
Suddenly, the doors were quietly opened by two men
“Where is he…” Asked one the man with a soft voice.
James spun around, his arm instinctively wrapping around Severus protectively as he immediately tensed in fear. However, when the man spoke, his expression relaxed slightly, his brow furrowing a little in confusion.
“You…You’re looking for him? Who are you?” He questioned a little cautiously, while Severus hid behind him slightly.
The same man said “ Hello. My name is Sebastian Prince, consort to lord Prince, bearer of Severus”
James stiffened at the mention of the names for a moment, and then he carefully moved to the side with a deep breath. His eyes widened as he stared, watching Severus nervously as he caught sight of the men. Severus was staring wide-eyed, his mouth wide open as he stared at the two men. He looked almost completely stunned and speechless at the two men standing before them. The two men stepped into the room, Sebastian’s gaze falling on Severus before widening in shock and disbelief. He stared at the young boy in front of him, and immediately, tears filled his eyes.
“Oh Salazar Slytherin…is that really you…” Sebastian spoke quietly, looking completely overwhelmed. He took a few steps closer, his eyes never leaving Severus as he approached the boy. The other man stopped him, this one resembled Severus older, with fancy clothes and without greasy hair. “Sebastian, dear, he doesn’t know us… he might be uncomfortable with physical contact for now…”
Sebastian quickly nodded, taking a step back without complaint.
“You’re right…but…it really is him, isn’t it?” Sebastian confirmed to his lover quietly, his tone filled with hopeful excitement as he glanced back at Severus.
“Yes, I can feel his magic…” said the other man as if in awe.
Sebastian looked overjoyed at that, taking a deep breath and seeming overwhelmed with happiness as tears continued to prick at his eyes. He let out a strangled breath, his voice choked up and filled with love.
“By Salazar…you’re really alive…I can’t believe we finally found you…” He mumbled, taking another step forward. He was clearly itching to hug him right then and there, but he controlled his instincts and stopped himself from approaching.
The other man stepped up and bowed to be at the same level as Severus “Hello, my name is Nicholas Prince, Lord to the Prince family and your father…”
As the other man stepped up, James immediately tensed again as Sirius immediately stepped up beside him to help if things went wrong. However, Severus just looked stunned at their presence. He stared wide-eyed between the two of them, looking absolutely speechless as he stared at them.
“Y-you’re really…my parents?” He questioned quietly, his disbelief still evident in his voice as he studied their appearances.
“Yes. We understand if you don’t trust us for now…”
Severus frowned a little at that, shaking his head a little as he spoke up immediately.
“N-no! It’s not that! It’s just…I just can’t believe it…” He mumbled quietly, his voice sounding stunned and bewildered. He took a deep breath, taking a couple steps closer to the two men.
“How did you find me…?”
“We had been searching for you since you disappeared… when you had the purge, the block on your magic disappeared and we followed your magic His fake mother, Eileen, blocked his magic so we couldn’t find him. Is it true? He could still do magic flawlessly with only a part of his magic?”
James nodded immediately, immediately speaking firmly and with conviction. “Yes! He was the most talented wizard in our year. His spells and potions were better than everyone else’s. They were absolutely flawless. Not a single person could touch his level of magic…” He confirmed, pride showing in his tone as he spoke about his soul mate and how talented he was.
Severus blushed and Sebastian continued, addressing Severus this time, speaking in awe “wow… you must posses an incredible amount of power if with only a tiny part of your magic you could do so much…!”
Severus’ mouth dropped open at that, seeming bewildered by the comment. He had never really thought about his power before, as all he had really known was abuse.
“You…you think I’m powerful?” He questioned quietly, his eyes widening, while James nodded firmly in agreement with Sebastian’s comment.
“Yes,so powerful… not that it matters, we would love you either way.” Said Nicholas
Severus’ expression softened a little at that, and slowly, a small and shy smile formed on his face. He ducked his head, hiding behind his hair shyly without even realizing it.
“Thank you…” He mumbled shyly, his voice a gentle whisper as he looked back up at the two men. Sebastian and Nicholas seemed happy to see Severus smile. James’ expression softened as Severus smiled, happy to see a small and shy smile on his soul mate’s face.
“W-Would you like to move in with us, Severus?”Asked Sebastian gently.
Severus’ expression immediately brightened, although his excitement was mixed with a little hesitance. However, the sheer eagerness in his eyes and his expression showed that he wanted it, badly. He immediately nodded.
“I’d…I’d love to…” He mumbled shyly, unable to hide the excitement in his tone and expression as he spoke.
As Sebastian took Severus hand, Severus brightened
“J-James… do you think you could visit me?”
James’ expression brightened instantly at the mention of his name, he looked absolutely thrilled that Severus wanted him to visit.
“Of course…I’d be happy to.” He said immediately, his tone filled with warmth and happiness. Sirius and Remus shared a look, both of them smiling slightly at how excited and happy James was. Sebastian and Nicholas immediately understood that they were soulmates and agreed to James visits, knowing that keeping soulmates separated could hurt them. James’ expression brightened even more at that, looking absolutely ecstatic as he heard the news that he could visit. He held back a squeal of excitement, his cheeks flushing slightly but his expression glowing with joy as he grinned excitedly. The Marauders smiled as they saw his reaction, all of them immediately bursting into teasing grins as they looked at him.
Sebastian turned to look at Severus who was still holding his hand “Do you have some things that you want to bring with you?”
Severus nodded, his expression brightening again as he looked up at Sebastian. His expression softened slightly when he looked at him, looking happy.
“Yes…yes I have my things…” He mumbled, pointing over to the small bag in the corner of the dorm. It was small, the bag looking like it could only fit a couple changes of clothes and personal items.
Nicholas and Sebastian looked at the bag in sadness “That’s great Severus, and I’m sure I still have some of my clothes from when I was your age, if you need it before we go to buy you some clothes and presents. After all, your birthday is in two weeks you are all invited boys” said Sebastian.
Severus’ eyes widened when he heard that, looking stunned and completely speechless.
“Y-you’ll give me presents….?” He mumbled, his tone filled with disbelief and surprise. He sounded completely stunned, as if he couldn’t believe the two men were willing to give him gifts.
“Of course. That’s what we do for the ones we love, we prove it to them, through affection first of course.”
Severus’ eyes widened, his eyes immediately widening at the words. He seemed stunned by how loved he was being shown. He had been treated badly for most of his life, and to suddenly have parents caring for him in such a way…It was overwhelming to him.
“….I…” He mumbled, his voice breaking as he looked down a little.
James and the Marauders were stunned, looking shocked to see this soft side of Severus.
“I… T-Thank you…”Severus said as a few tears rolled down his face.
James’ expression immediately softened at the sound, stepping up beside him and gently pulling him into a comforting hug, holding him close.
The Marauders shared a look again, their expressions brightening more and their hearts melting at the sweet scene.