Chapter 4
Severus couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by his new life. As much as he was grateful to escape the abusive environment he grew up in, he couldn't shake off the feeling of homesickness and he missed Lily more than ever.
His magical grandparents has taken a shine to him. They were kind and attentive, but they were also keen on teaching him the ways of magic and the importance of pureblood traditions. Severus couldn't help but feel a little like an outsider in their world of grandeur and extravagance.
He has found solace in his books though, spending most of his time in his room reading whatever books about magic he could get his hands on. But no matter how much he distract himself, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness every time he thought about Lily. He wondered if she was doing okay, and if she was still waiting for him by their spot near the river. He was still adjusting to his new life and trying to find his place in this world of magic.
Winky gracefully led Severus to the opulent sitting room of the Prince Manor, after assisting Severus in dressing himself into a formal attire that was fitting for his esteemed status as the Prince Heir and the occasion of meeting a revered guest.
Severus felt a twinge of nervousness as he walked into the room. He tried his best to keep his composure as he was formally introduced to one Lord Peverell.
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Heir Prince.” The man extended his hand towards him with a charismatic smile.
His cheeks flushed as he accepted Lord Peverell's hand. The unexpected warmth spreading through their veins from where they touch took them both by suprise, but the man was more subtle with his reaction. The man's emerald eyes also held a certain magnetic quality that seem to draw Severus in.
Lord Peverell then gracefully released his hand and gave him a slight bow, a sign of respect that wasn't lost on Severus. He could feel the weight of his responsibility as the Heir Prince.
“Come. Why don't we have seat?” Lord Peverell gestured toward the vacant seat beside himself. Severus hesitated for a moment, and looked at his mother's direction who gave him encouraging nod, before slowly making his way to the armchair.
The negotiations went on for a while and Severus tried his best to follow the conversation.
He could understand some of it, but he was more fascinated by Lord Peverell's eloquence rather than actively listening. He felt himself getting more and more flustered as the man continued to speak. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Lord Peverell smiling at him.
“Do you understand the whole point of this Bethrothal Contract, Heir Prince?” The man inquired softly.
Severus fidgeted nervously, his eyes darting around the room. “I think so. Is it to get married...to you?”
The man smiled kindly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yes, that is one aspect of it. However, the main purpose of the Betrothal Contract is for you and me to get to know each other better before we decide whether or not we want to get married. And I want you to know that you have a choice in this matter, my Prince. You will not be forced into anything.”
“Okay, Sir,” Severus replied, blushing at the man's choice of the endearment.
The man chuckled softly, shaking his head. “No need to be so formal with me, my Prince. Please call me ‘Harry’. We are going to be spending a lot of time together. I would like for us to become friends.”
With a fluid movement, Harry retrieved a delicate velvet box from his chest pocket, and presented it to Severus. His eyes sparkled with warmth as he encouragingly smiled at the young Heir, urging him to accept the treasure held within.
“I would like to gift you a courtship ring, my Prince. It is imbued with several protective spells, ensuring your safety and well-being. Additionally, it will make you immune to any snake venom or poison. I hope it will be a valuable asset for you. I would feel honored if you choose to wear it.” Harry explained as Severus gingerly open the box.
On the inside was a mesmerizing coiled serpent ring, adorned with two sparkling emerald stones atop its head for its eyes. Severus furrowed at the gasps of astonishment that reverberated throughout the room upon catching sight of Harry's courtship offering.
“Is that– Salazar Slytherin's ring? Isn't that displayed at the Ministry, Harold?” Lady Prince asked with disbelief, her eyes wide in awe.
“Indeed it is,” Harry confirmed, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. ”I have recently acquired every artifact that was not officially donated to the Ministry by my ancestors. And now, it's yours. I will never take it back, even if you were to reject our courtship, my Prince.” Harry's voice was soft, but his words held an unwavering sense of commitment that sent shivers down Severus' spine.
After concluding their negotiations on the terms of the Bethrothal Contract, Severus and his mother excused themselves from the sitting room. Harry, once again, shook the Heir's hand, savoring the sight of a delicate flush on the boy's porcelain cheeks.
“How do you find our grandson, Harold?” inquired Lady Livia Prince, her voice laced with curiosity.
“To be completely honest, I am quite captivated by him. The moment our hands touched, I felt a surge of his magic coursing through me. I couldn't be more pleased,” Harry responded, offering a polite smile to the Lady.
“That's wonderful to hear. We're pleased as well. Severus is truly exceptional. He was exhibiting accidental magic as early as the age of 4, and his passion for potions matches that of his mother,” Livia replied, her voice brimming with pride.
“He certainly is. Septimus, Livia, would it be an imposition I were to visit frequently on weekends? Our time together was delightful. As you may already know, I have no living relatives left, and residing alone at Peverell Manor can become quite isolating, with only the house elves for company,” Harry expressed, his gaze earnest and vulnerable.
Livia's eyes softened and then she met her husband's eyes, exchanging a meaningful glance with him. "Of course, it would not be an imposition, Harold. You are always welcome here. I will personally ensure that you are granted access and keyed into our wards. Perhaps, in time, we can truly become a family,” Septimus chimed in, a sincere smile gracing his face.
“I am deeply grateful for your hospitality. I eagerly anticipate spending time with...family,” Harry expressed his heartfelt satisfaction.