Chapter 3
Lord Septimus Prince and his esteemed account manager, are escorted with the utmost grace and decorum into one of the senior goblin's offices, befitting their high status and noble titles. Lord Prince couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension about the nature of their meeting, but nonetheless, he was thrilled at the prospect of meeting the new Lord of the Revered House of Peverell, an influential family with a vacant number of seats in the Wizengamot for the last two centuries due to the lack of representatives and members.
As they entered the office, Lord Prince was struck by the grandeur of the room and the impressive display of goblin craftsmanship. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the goblin's mastery of metalwork and their vast wealth. Nevertheless, his attention was soon drawn to the new Lord Peverell, who stood tall and regal before him. As the formal introduction goes, Septimus couldn't help but feel a growing sense of awe for the young man, who had managed to claim such illustrious titles of the Reverend Houses of Peverell, Gryffindor, and Slytherin at such a young age. Knowing all too well the struggle and political maneuvering required to maintain such a high position of power and influence in the British wizarding world. He was also acutely aware of the impact that the emergence of a new Lord Peverell would have on the social and political landscape of wizarding society.
After they exchanged greetings and pleasantries, Lord Prince couldn't help but feel nervous and uncertain about the true nature of their meeting. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure and dignity, keeping his eyes fixed on the young Lord Peverell and his legal adviser for what they are about to discuss.
The legal adviser, Mortem, did not waste any time getting straight to the point of his meeting with the young Lord Peverell. “My Lord,” He began, his voice steady and business-like, “Lord Peverell has only recently came into his majority to claim his titles, and we have uncovered a Betrothal Contract between a Peverell and a Prince dating back to 1754. As you know, the Peverells are one of the most prominent founding families of the Wizarding Britian, and they are strict in their adherence to traditions and such contracts.”
Septimus Prince listened attentively, aware that this was leading up to something important. Mortem continued, “We are aware that the Prince family currently lacks an heir to activate this contract, but it wasn't difficult for us to discover that one of your disowned family members may just hold the key to our...dilemma.”
At this point, Mortem slid a document towards Septimus, who looked between the stoic faces of the young Lord and his adviser, both anticipating his reaction. As he read through the document, his breath caught in his throat as he realized its content - this was the birth certificate of his grandchild.
Septimus took a moment to compose himself, and carefully worded his reply, “Thank you, Mortem. I appreciate your candor and the information you have shared with me.” He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at the realization that he had a grandchild, and he could only imagine the possibilities that lay ahead for his family.
“Lord Peverell, I must say that I am overwhelmed by this news. To find out that I have a grandchild, and one you are considering to make a part of such a prominent and respected family as the Peverells, is truly a blessing. I never could have anticipated such a turn of events,” Septimus replied, his voice filled with a mixture of formality and genuine emotion.
He took a moment to compose himself before continuing, “I assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that this Betrothal Contract is fulfilled and that my grandchild is brought up to honor both our family traditions and values.”
As he spoke, Septimus couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement at the thought of meeting his grandchild and becoming a part of their life. The projection of a future where his family and the Peverells were united filled him with pride and joy.
He turned to Mortem, “Please let me know what steps we need to take to ensure that everything is in order. I am at your disposal, and eager to begin this new chapter in our family's history.”
“I am grateful for your willingness to uphold our family traditions, Lord Prince. Please call me ‘Harold’. We are going to become family, after all.” Lord Peverell addressed him with a small smile gracing his lips.
At Spinner's End, Eileen Snape could hear the familiar sound of glass shattering against the wall, followed by the dull thud of her husband's body hitting the floor. She let out a heavy sigh, used to the routine of cleaning up after her alcoholic husband's outbursts. In the meantime, her husband lay snoring in front of the TV, completely oblivious to the chaos around him.
Then she heard it, a tapping sound coming from the living room window. Eileen looked up to see a bird perched outside, her father's personal owl. Her eyes widened when she saw the family guild on the wax seal of the envelope attached to the bird's leg.
‘Eileen Snape
Spinner's End,
Cokeworth, England’
With trembling hands, Eileen took the envelope from the bird and pressed it to her chest for a moment, trying to steady her breathing. It had been ten long years since she had heard anything from her family. She felt a mixture of overwhelming emotions as she tore open the envelope and read the contents.
It was an official re-instatement letter for herself to the Prince family. Tears welled up in her eyes. She continued to read, her fingers shaking as she clutched the heirship document for Severus from Gringotts. She knew she had to act fast.
Eileen quickly gathered her wand and potions books and shrunk them to fit into a small hand-carry trunk. She then proceeded to pack her son's things without even bothering to close the front door. She had to find Severus.
“Severus!” Eileen called out, spotting her son lazily lying in a grassy field beside a red-headed girl. He scrambled to his feet when he heard his mother's voice, confused as to why she was there.
“Bye, Lils. See you later. Take care on your way home,” He said to the girl before running towards his mother.
“Ma?” He asked, eying the trunk she carried.
“Hold onto me. Hold on tight,” Eileen instructed, extending her arm towards her son. “We're going home, Severus.”
Severus was taken aback by his mother's sudden change of demeanor. He had never seen her so bright and beaming. With a crack, they were gone.