Allowance
Lady Black had asked him if there was a house elf in their home, obviously they have none. She said it was better then that he started cooking some lunch for the three of them.
He recognized a dismissal when he saw one. He took his leave and went upstairs so he could put on some light grey trousers and a white shirt. He was as fast as he could to go back to the kitchen. He started to make a soup; he was more confident doing it than other dishes. She was staying for lunch after all. He needed to show his skills to his mother-in-law.
He was not prepared to cater to a noble paladar, but he will make do with what he has.
He wanted to go simple but tasty, he thought to do one meal and that would be all. But his hands didn´t agree.
When he noticed, he had already started to whip some Scottish potato scones, tomato soup, marmalade glazed roasted pork and potato puree. It was easy, he loved cooking and his mother had spent long days teaching him. It calmed his nerves that haven’t gotten a rest since being chase out of the sitting room. A three-course meal then, he had to focus.
While Severus was fumbling in the kitchen, Sirius was being engaged in what would have been a utopian conversation a week ago. His mother didn´t even want to see him after he left and now, she was there, drinking tea calmly and watching him leisurely.
She gave a long sigh.
- I thought I have lost all hope with you. When you left home, I imagined how you will go around the muggle word, like a wayward child. In my worst nightmares – her eyes showed a glint of horror – you impregnated a girl during your Hogwarts years, then go out to the muggle world and do the same, sullying our Black heritage with no way to go back.
That haunted me, once – She paused to put down the cup of tea – Then, when you went through fifth year, sixth year and finally seventh year and there were no illegitimate babies at all. I grew restless not knowing what to expect.
So, I imagined something worse.
One day, I would take a look at our tapestry and there, I would have seen the name of a mudblood. In my mind, you just wanted to spite me, so you will get yourself a feisty mudblood girl to mess with me.
No traditions, no education, no politeness, and no sense of what was best for a family like ours, my worst nightmare – At this point, Sirius’s mind went straight to the image of Lily Evans. A total nightmare. It would have been war between a woman like her and his mother.
The trembling in his mother’s voice took him back to the present.
- But then the nightmare wouldn´t end, because notwithstanding the lack of our traditions you would have been married and there is no way that you would go through a divorce. You are so strongheaded sometimes – then out of nowhere she smiled, not a mad smile or a mocking one, a relieved one – But then my nightmare didn´t come true, as I know that you went through all the traditions and got yourself that husband of yours that seems to be pretty and polite, all I ever wanted for you.
- But he is a half-blood – he couldn’t help but add.
- A half-blood that is pretty and polite, he follows his family traditions too – Her smile didn´t waver.
- I don´t know if I believe that you want to accept him – he said being weary.
- Not only I want to accept him as your husband, I want to take you back, reinstate you as our heir and publicly acknowledge him as your Heir Consort. First, I need to give him, give you both an allowance, so our best bet is to go first to Gringotts and then take the necessary documents for your father to sign. – she said firmly.
- So that’s it? – Sirius was not convinced – You’re going to take me back as heir and then accept Severus as my husband – he snorted – I probably woke up too late today, I didn´t get to see the sun coming out from the west.
- So, you’ll still be on time to watch it set at the east, won´t you? – She answered calmly, looking him in the eye. Sirius squirmed a little, an itch in his gut.
- Mother, I don´t care about anything else but Severus is my husband, he should be treated with due respect. When I married him, he was so pure that I couldn´t believe it. He is a proper husband and cannot help his blood. You are right. Once I’ve married, I will never divorce – he made a stop to strengthen his gaze – and remarrying after being left a widower is also not in the table.
- Hush, child – she quieted him – I’ve got no intentions to do any of that. I approve of him, and he shall be treated with respect. Afterall he is also a Black now.
They got engaged in a battle of wills, their eyes just staring trying to convey everything in their minds.
They were disengaged only when a soft knock disrupted them.
- Husband, Ma’am, lunch is ready – Severus had already changed his clothes, but his hair remained the same.
She was led to the kitchen where there was the table. Already prepared and perfectly put. She couldn´t pinpoint a single mistake in the way he had set up the table. She sits down being helped by Sirius to move her chair. She takes the napkin and waits.
Severus sit with them and once again in an easy way summoned the dishes silently. She was impressed she got served an appetizer. Scottish potatoes scones, with butter and jam.
Sirius was confused. He didn´t know what was happening that morning. He had perfectly polite conversations with his mother and now he’s husband was once again making him happy.
- I thought the breakfast this morning was your specialty, but this looks awesome too, dear. – he said before diving in his appetizer.
As soon as the appetizers were eaten. Severus replaced them with another dish. Soon, the soup and the roasted pork were eaten.
Clean plates were the only thing left.
- Severus child, this is perfect. You surprised me, let’s talk a little in the sitting room before going out. – she smiled sweetly in his direction.
- Out? – he was confused, why were they going out?
- Oh, yes, darling, I arranged with Sirius to go to Gringotts so I can settle an allowance for you both.
Severus started nodding but then he was drowning in shame. He was red like a beetle.
- What is it, Sev? – Sirius asked worried.
- I… - he hesitated a little – I don´t have a Gringotts account – he said in a small voice.
- How is this possible?! We must get you one set up as soon as possible, it is imperative – Walburga was shaken, how was it that her son-in-law has come this far without an account.
She ushered Severus to get his cloak and get ready to leave. When he came downstairs again, he had a thin black cloak on. Walburga made him sit so she could arrange his hair. She didn´t like that much how similar his and Sirius’s hair was, she will correct that soon enough. She couldn´t get impatient.
Soon, they were all waiting in line for GoldLuster, the account manager of the Black Family. When they were conducted to his office there were only two chairs. Walburga and Severus sit down promptly.
- How may I help you today, Lady Black? – The goblin said without taking his eyes from some paperwork.
- I would like to open a new account for my son-in-law and then set an allowance – She said taking Severus’ hand in hers.
- Then I’ll need three drops of blood to link to his vault – he quickly took out a magical knife.
He opened what seemed to be some normal old-fashioned paper. He asked for Severus to extend his hand and swiftly prick him in his index finger. Three drops fall aimlessly in the paper. Soon, the paper starts glowing and words start forming. The goblin removes the paper and examines it.
- Mr. Severus Black née Rowle-Prince, right? – Severus spluttered and Sirius gasped. Lady Black took her hand to his mouth as if totally caught unaware.
- It’s née Snape, Mr. Goldluster – the goblin turns his sight to look at Severus.
- Mr. Black, as you know, magic never lies. Maybe there’s been some confusion over who your sire is? If you would like to review the information, then you should look at your family tree.
The goblin extended the paper to Severus and Sirius couldn´t help but peek over his shoulder to watch.
Mr. Severus Tobias Black née Rowle-Prince, son to Tobias Snape née Finnlay Rowle and Eileen Elizabeth Prince.