THE LAST PRINCE (T; MYSTERY/ ROMANCE; SS/ HP)
Summary: see Chapter 20
Disclaimer: See Part I: Prologue
Warnings: See Part I: Prologue. Additional: No beta. All typos are my keyboard's fault.
Legend: "Dialogue/ Speech" 'Thoughts' Flashback Notes
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A/N: Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for your unwavering support. It means a lot that you are reading this and leaving feedback. Enjoy this LONG (3,400 words) 'exposition' chapter, lovely people. The Pact is finally explained in detail (as to why it may pertain specifically ONLY to Sev and Harry/Tristan). Answers to certain questions can be found at the bottom of the page if you're interested. –C.
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The Last Prince II
The Pact and a Prophecy
By: C.M. Oliver
© 2013
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CHAPTER 29: Discussions
November 2nd was conveniently a Sunday. Normally, the inhabitants of Peverell Manor would not even be awake before lunch on such a day, but this weekend saw a change in that long-standing routine, established since the time of Nile Peverell.
The current Lord of the Manor was indeed wide-awake, impeccably dressed in his uniform of royal blue satin robes. His long, auburn tresses were brushed back, but remained free otherwise. He was seated at the head of a long rectangular table made out of a glass top and polished rose marble base. His youthful face was set.
To his left, sat his advisor, the goblin called Gareth, who was reading an ancient-looking scroll at the moment. His beetle-black eyes were gliding across the parchment soundlessly, although at times, a soft grunt could be heard coming from his pursed lips.
To the High Lord's right, sat his lover, Severus Snape, Lord Prince, who that day of all days chose not to dress himself in black robes. Hogwarts' Potions Master wore a long-sleeved white button down shirt, on top of which was a double-breasted waistcoat made out of fine gray silk. His gray slim-cut trousers and black leather boots matched the outfit perfectly. His long locks were tied back at the nape, giving more prominence to his sharp, aristocratic features. He was wordlessly watching the goblin who sat across him, Occasionally, he would take a sip of his black tea and glance at his beloved who was mostly focused on his own breakfast.
To complete that early morning tableau, was a man seated next to Severus, visibly tensed, unused to such a gathering that early in the morning…
It wasn't even seven in the morning and Lucius Malfoy already found himself seated at the High Lord's Sunday breakfast table. It wasn't how he had imagined his first visit of Peverell Manor would be, but an invite was an invite, regardless if it came at an ungodly hour of five in the morning, on a weekend nonetheless. The blonde aristocrat watched his companions at the table quietly. The High Lord did not actually specify the reason for the summons, only that he was to get his noble arse to Carlisle Hill in the soonest humanly possible instance, so he was quite unsure of his role in that gathering.
The silence was eventually broken by Gareth.
"I see where the break in the Prince Family bloodline begins," he said, gesturing to the parchment in his hands. "Lord Prince's grandfather Menaleus did indeed have a twin –the child was publicly declared dead, but legally, no actions were taken to remove him from the line of succession. Should Corvus Prince be who he claims to be, then he is literally the last Prince. However, on the instance of claiming the Lordship, the current Lord Prince has a stake on it. For one, Eileen Prince's disownment was formally done after the birth of her son. Hence, her child was already a contender for Heirship even before Menaleus Prince cut her off his will –and the current Lord Prince himself was never publicly nor specifically denounced by the former Lord Prince. So technically, by right of blood, Severus Snape is the rightful Lord Prince, no question about it.
Tristan let out a heavy sigh.
"What is Corvus Prince's possible objection?"
"The mere fact that Lord Prince's last name isn't Prince. It is an age-old tradition that any heir to the Lordship shall publicly use the Ruling House' name." Gareth answered. "It is a very weak argument, one that could simply be remedied by legally changing Lord Prince's last name." Tristan nodded and glanced at Severus.
"You're changing your last name."
The man raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Tristan turned back to Gareth. "What of the Pact? It was unclear as to who the 'Last Prince' is. Is it actually pertaining to the Last Lord Prince? Or the actual last one of the bloodline to carry that name?" Gareth hesitated and shot a wary glance at Lucius Malfoy, who, until then, was only listening quietly. Lord Peverell noticed this and smirked. "Lord Malfoy will eventually have to be brought into this, Gareth. I have appointed him as custodian of Corvus Prince. He has reason to know anyway.
Lucius straightened up in his seat.
"I am honored to receive such a noble task from the High Lord. Rest assured that whatever is discussed in my presence will remain in confidence unless otherwise –"
"Of course, Lucius," Tristan winked at the man. "My beau*, Lord Prince, has full trust in your abilities. And honestly, I find no reason not to take his word for it."
"B –beau?" Lucius stuttered, giving his friend an awed glance. "Severus?" Severus frowned at Tristan before glaring at Lucius.
"Apparently, yes. Although I would have appreciated to have been forewarned before an announcement had been made." Tristan grinned at them.
"There now, Sev. You know how I love to catch you off-guard. And Lucius has to know if he will be working with us, isn't that right?"
"Of course, Lord Peverell," the blonde recovered himself quickly. "My House will gladly be of service to the House of Peverell and the House of Prince."
Gareth watched the exchange with a bemused expression. He personally thought that Lord Peverell's decision to include Lucius Malfoy in the fold was a cunning move, but the beneficial result of it remains to be seen. He eventually cleared his throat and continued.
"Well, to answer Lord Peverell's question, I have unearthed the original Pact, signed between Nile Ignatius Peverell and Euphrates Tiberius Prince –Lord Peverell and Lord –apparent Prince respectively. The date is December 10, 1810. Here is the exact wording:
That which has come to pass, that the line of Nile Ignatius Peverell, Head of the Houses of Peverell and Gryffindor, Ruling High Lord of The Wizengamot, is to claim the Last Heirless Prince to ascend into power, as payment for the life-debt garnered for saving the life of Euphrates Tiberius Prince, Lord-apparent, Heir to the Seat of Lord Morpheus Prince, of the Houses of Prince and Ravenclaw. Fulfillment should be made before either concerned party be deemed unavailable due to circumstances, specifically, although not limited to: marriage of freewill or unforced bonding (magical, sexual or otherwise) to another, begetting an illegitimate heir, ascension to other titles in direct opposition to those mentioned and the like. Upon recognition of this pact, shall no other be entered into by either House that may infringe any provision mentioned hitherto. Any deviance from this agreement shall cost the life and magic of both parties. So mote it be.
Tristan sighed.
"It still does not make sense. Both Severus and Corvus are heirless, I give you that. But which of them IS the Last Prince?"
Severus frowned thoughtfully.
"It was indeed not specified. But since it was a pact entered into by two nobles, it could only pertain to the Last Lord Prince, could it not? Why would a noble line lay claim to a bastard line?"
"Bastard?" Tristan clarified. Gareth smiled as he supplied the explanation.
"A bastard line is a crude term for a non-inheriting line, my Lord." Tristan looked at Severus for a moment before chuckling. The Potions Master blushed uncharacteristically.
"What?"
"Oh, it's just rare that anything you say could be described as 'crude'." The young Lord admitted. Severus ignored him and asked Gareth. "This was not elaborated during my training. I think it would benefit us if you dissect the finer points of the agreement." A nod from Tristan ushered in Gareth's words.
"You are correct in your assumption. The Pact does pertain conditionally to a noble line. Only in the absence of a claimant shall it shift to a non-inheriting line." The goblin scratched his chin thoughtfully while he skimmed the rest of the page. "So far, there are no violations committed against the conditions stipulated in the pact. Both Lord Peverell and Prince are heirless, unmarried, unbound –"
"What about the Dark Mark?" Severus inquired. "I no longer sport it, but it was a form of a magical bond. Will that affect my end of the bargain?"
"Well, seeing as you are still with magic, and breathing –" Gareth smirked. "It appears not."
"And it certainly qualifies as a forced bond, if I'm not mistaken?" Tristan asked. Severus exchanged looks with Lucius before sighing. "You don't understand, Tristan. Bearing that mark –it has to be willingly accepted or it will kill you –"
"But –"
"At one point I had willingly bonded myself to the Dark Lord," Severus said grimly. "I may have defected from his service like many others, and had renounced his dogmas, but at one point, I had submitted myself to his rule of my own free will."
"That does not make sense," Tristan shook his head dejectedly. "Does this mean Corvus takes the role in the Pact?"
"There may be an explanation," Lucius piped up suddenly. Everyone looked at him expectantly. The blonde basked at the undivided attention given him. Tristan frowned. "Explain." Lucius glanced at Severus before continuing.
"A magical rebirth."
"A what –"
"Lord Malfoy may be on to something here," said Gareth with a thoughtful nod. "A magical rebirth cleanses the slate of any magical binding done in the past. However, it is dangerous and is never done unless in the direst of circumstances."
"How exactly is it done?" Tristan asked. It was Severus who answered him this time, a look of realization dawning on his pale face.
"The subject is brought to the brink of death –before being revived by a sacrifice of magic. Some say… some say that the subject undergoes and out-of-body experience, a legitimate feeling of death –floating in the abyss. One is then brought back to 'life' by a magical boost. It is said that when one 'dies' their magic is absorbed by the void, and only when it is replenished sufficiently does that person managed to come back to life. It is dangerous both to the subject and the sacrifice –"
"Wait, does that mean – in the Shack –" Tristan gasped loudly, before breaking out into a relieved smile. Jumping out of his seat, he hurriedly enveloped a shocked Lord Prince in a tight hug.
"Thank Merlin, Sev… Thank Merlin…"
"I should be the one thank you, brat," Severus whispered back, ignoring the curious looks of both Gareth and Lucius. "You saved my life and my magic."
Tristan pulled back with a huge grin. "I did not know that," he pointed out. "I just wanted you alive. I did not know… but thank Merlin I did it. It was worth it… all of it." Severus returned the smile.
"It seems that your inordinate amount of good luck has started to rub off on me." The onyx-eyed man then turned to Gareth. "I underwent a magical rebirth. Does that negate the Dark Lord's hold on my magic?" Gareth gave Severus a calculating look before smiling.
"Yes, it does."
"Well, that settles that part of the Pact then," an evidently relieved Tristan returned to his seat. I just have a question regarding the 'claiming'. Is there any other allusion other than what we originally decided?"
It was Lucius to answer this time, clearly wanting to be even more useful.
"Among the nobility, 'claiming' is widely construed as a sexual act." He reddened slightly, realizing who he was possibly talking about. "That Nile Peverell's line shall lay claim to the Last Prince means that any one of the succeeding Lord Peverells after Nile's death would have to take the Last Lord Prince as a spouse and… well, consummate the relationship. Apparently, since after Nile Peverell's demise, Lord Tristan Peverell here was the first and only to take the title officially, it fell unto him to execute his House' part of the Pact."
Gareth nodded. "I am in agreement with Lord Malfoy. Any of the successors of Nile Peverell could have claimed their end of the bargain, but as no one took the title, the Pact remained dormant until a claimant had emerged." Tristan looked at Severus with a teasing grin.
"Aren't you glad my father did not claim the Peverell title?" Severus paled further as realization hit him.
"No –Good Morgana, no… I'd rather die!"
Lucius looked even more confused at the exchange. Severus knew and hated Tristan's father, it seemed. His slate-gray eyes then moved to study the High Lord. That fond embrace a while ago was unexpected, but appeared sincere. It was very uncharacteristic, Lucius believed, for a such a powerful nobleman to be reduced to childish antics… what was going on? The High Lord seemed to be now enjoying the Potions Master's apparent discomfort. Lord Malfoy sighed. It was a perplexing puzzle indeed, but from the little that he gathered, Tristan Peverell had saved his friend's life, and was now to marry Severus Snape (most possibly, soon-to-be Severus Prince). It made him smile inwardly, despite himself. Things could only get more interesting from that point on. He nodded and continued Gareth's line of discussion.
"And as each and every Lord Prince before Severus Snape assumed the title already with an heir, as was customary, it fell unto him and him alone, to fulfill his House's end of the Pact." Tristan's smile widened. Lucius noticed this. It seemed that the High Lord was genuinely pleased to be marrying his friend.
"So, if that is the case, what is our next step?" The High Lord asked all three with him. "I know Corvus Prince will not go down without a fight."
"Cover all avenues. Lord Prince must immediately change his last name. An announcement of his formal Lordship Rites to be held on Winter Break would not be amiss as well," replied Gareth.
"I am thinking of getting the magical world rid of Corvus Prince," offered Lucius. When he was met by questioning stares all around, "All legal, of course," he amended. Severus sighed.
"I would want to know who is behind him. He may be a blood relative and a Prince by right, but I don't think he's in this alone. He's too self-assured, too confident, too bold to have come up with this idea on his own."
"In short, who would benefit from discrediting Lord Prince and the Wizengamot?" Tristan mused loudly. His three companions exchanged knowing looks.
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By lunchtime, plans were laid out.
Gareth had fire-called Gringotts and immediately secured documents switching Severus' last name from Snape to Prince. Since the change was made in front of the High Lord himself, no less, and another Lord of the Court of Wizengamot, no hearing was needed. After a short episode with a blood quill, it was a done deal. A copy of the document was filed back at the bank; another was sent to the Ministry Records Office.
Lucius Malfoy sent a few owls to a few people inquiring about their knowledge of Corvus Prince, or as he was known in the muggle world, Corvus Port (Lucius sneered at the name). He then flooed home to check on his unwanted guest, who Tristan would later know was kept under lock and key. (Apparently gate-crashing to a nobleman's party was punishable by detention in the said nobleman's dungeons for a duration ranging from a few hours to two weeks. A vindictive Lucius happily informed the High Lord that he was going to maximize the fortnight that he was to be Corvus' Prince's custodian to find out more about the man).
Post-lunch found Severus in the Peverell manor's main library (it had a total of seven others), studying a large purple leather-bound book on his lap. His head was bent over the pages, a few strands of his ebony locks escaped the leather tie on his nape and framed his pale face.
"Is it a bad time for me to interrupt?" A cheerful voice broke his concentration. Severus looked up from his seat and saw his lover by the doorway.
"No, an interruption would be most appreciated at this moment." He closed the book as Harry approached him, smiling. The young man had already discarded both his glamour and his Peverell robes, and was now wearing a bright green shirt and a pair of rather tight-fitting acid washed jeans. Severus cocked an eyebrow. "I shudder to think how you got into those skin-tight torture trousers without causing serious harm to your family jewels."
Harry laughed and sat on the older man's lap.
"Family jewels… where do you learn how to speak like that?" He wrapped his arms around the smirking Potions Master.
"Why, Lord Peverell, I was born this way."
Harry smirked right back. "I can imagine your four year-old self referring to candies as saccharine, instead of sweet."
"I never enjoyed sweets in my childhood, aside from the occasional chocolate frog and Albus' blasted lemon drops."
"I wonder what he would say if he could see us now?" Harry asked.
"I bet half my potions inventions that he's currently sucking on an afterlife version of his favorite muggle sweet, dancing tap. As for what he would say, I believe the first words that would spew forth his mouth would be: 'I told you so.'" Severus said.
"I told you so?" Harry clarified. Severus shrugged. "Since your fifth year –he kept on telling me that you have developed rather familiar feelings for my being –and that it would one day lead to romance. I told him to mind his own barmy business."
Harry chuckled. "But you did not tell him otherwise?" Severus gave him an appraising look. "Are you kidding me? Even the dead would notice your change of attitude towards me."
"Well, I'm not the King of Subtlety. That's more up your alley." Harry admitted. "You knew –I had a crush on you?"
"You are right. That, and the Headmaster was a meddlesome old coot with the so-called muggle sixth sense. I think he knew how I felt for before I could even acknowledge that I no longer abhor your presence," said Severus. "He knew me too well."
"He was like a father to you, wasn't he? Despite all the things he made you do –he made you go through…"
The onyx-eyed man considered his lover's question briefly before answering. "He was the only father I knew. My own was busy hating me –In a way, that made me blind to the Headmaster's not-so subtle nudges at manipulation, but I never regretted anything. I knew he loved me in his own barmy way, as much as his mantra of Greater Good allowed." Severus sighed thoughtfully. "And I, him. He wasn't perfect, neither was I, but he was the closest to what I thought a father would be. He guided me through my difficult and painful path but he let me make my own mistakes." His eyes met Harry's with a half-smile. "Did you know that once, he told me you were like a son to him? I could not help the jealousy that crept up my chest when he did then."
"That would make us brothers," Harry quipped. "No offense, love, but eew… I'd never go around snogging my brother. That would be like kissing Ron." Severus chuckled lightly for a moment, before a more serious expression took over his face.
"I'm glad to be finally rid of my father's name. I never thought about it before, but when I look back, that name brought nothing but heartache to me and my mother. Her own family disowned her. I was shunned for my less than perfect heritage."
"Well, that's already part of the past," said Harry, tightening his arms around the older man in show of support and understanding. "You're now where you are meant to be. I bet you Mum and the Headmaster are quite proud of you right now."
"All thanks to you," Severus smiled, reaching up to place a chaste kiss on the lips of the young man perched on his lap. "I do hope that you no longer doubt what I feel for you."
Harry accepted and returned the soft kiss. "I'm sorry I acted rashly last night. I had thought your lack of protest meant that you had wanted out of our arrangement." Severus smirked. "And what, give up my chance to be forever tied to an insecure, brash and narcissistic tyrant?" Harry swatted him playfully.
'Hey, where did that 'narcissistic' bit come from?"
"Oh, so you weren't admiring the reflection of your tight arse on that glass display cabinet on the way before entering here?" The emerald-eyed man blushed.
"I used to dress in clothes ten times bigger than me, Sev! Give me a break, will you? I've just discovered the joys of ogling my own arse."
Severus chuckled.
"Oh, it is such a joy indeed," he teased before pulling his lover closer for another searing kiss."
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*Beau – (Belle, for female) in the nobility, this pertains to a casual 'boyfriend' or a 'favored other' and is the case before a public announcement of courtship is made. The next step would be a 'Steady' or a 'significant other' –which is the case once exclusivity is established via a public announcement of intent –C.
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End A/N: There you go, the PACT is finally explained. Up Next: Chapter 30: A Breach in Security –where the Prophecy this time, takes center stage. Malfoy Manor should learn a thing or two about wards from goblins. Lord Peverell goes shopping – incognito, and Severus receives a note from a long-forgotten foe- Don't miss it! By the way, you can also check me and my stuff out at:
FACEBOOK: C.M. Oliver is Eastwoodgirl
FFNet: C.M. Oliver is Eastwoodgirl
Twitter: C.M. Oliver (a.t.) heyitschesca (#cmoliverfanfiction)
Tumblr: klaineloveandsnarrydreams (#cmoliverfanfiction)
Until next time! Love, C.
P.S. Regarding Harry/ Tristan's personality – as the story progresses, the line between the two will become noticeably blurred. It is deliberate. I envisioned, when I had began writing this story sometime June last year, that the more people know of Tristan's true identity, the less he needed to hide behind his made-up persona when dealing with them. They are one and the same person anyway, and Harry is by no means a consummate actor like Severus. Will Harry's identity be discovered? It is something that you need to wait and watch out for.
Regarding the Lords and Ladies of Wizengamot – they play a significant minor role. Originally, I gave them names and identities only in order to give a convincing background to our story. The plot will primarily revolve around Severus and Harry and the Pact –plus the Fiama Prophecy. Subsequently, the Fiama will also be a small footnote. It was mainly a plot device. However, once we get to the third part of this Trilogy (The Last Prince III: The Final Act), the focus will shift back to the Wizengamot as a whole and how they deal with the oncoming threat of evil under the High Lord's direction and leadership.
Concerns about Severus and Harry's relationship – I'm still debating whether or not to raise the rating to M, or even post an NC-17 version of this elsewhere. So far, if you haven't been reading my previous author's notes, the two have not yet had penetrative sex –this will be tackled on by Chapter 44 if I'm not mistaken when (SPOILERT!) the Pact is fulfilled. Now by whom, (will it be Severus and Harry or Corvus and Harry?) I will leave that out for you to guess. If I do decide to include graphic sex, it will be posted on my Tumblr: klaineloveandsnarrydreams.
Concerns regarding chapter length – this story is pre-written and still being rewritten as I go along. It has a total of 70 chapters, not including prologue and epilogue (which I refuse to write until the day I will post it) and is averaging 2000 – 3000 words per chapter. After Chapter 31 though, there will be an increase of a few hundred words per chapter. I will also begin to post FUN FACTS (time lines, family trees, noble customs and traditions, footnotes, deleted scenes –and the like) about the TLP World that I've created –sort of a refresher for my long-time readers and something to look forward to for the new ones. I encourage you to send in questions –if there is anything you would like to know about the story that goes beyond the plot –I will answer them.
