Summary: Severus spends a quiet day with friends—no excitement, no ploy twists.

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A Prince Rising

By Syl Francis

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Chapter Twenty-three

The afternoon of Saturday, July 3, 1976, found both Severus and Mr. Wiggenweld touring the campus of the Salem College of Potions. Severus had returned the previous day, and Mr. Wiggenweld had arrived earlier that morning by international portkey.

Severus had met his friend and mentor at the portkey landing zone and taken him immediately to guest housing. He was really glad that he'd invited Mr. Wiggenweld so early because he was able to procure one of the last available guest suites. It had a nice living area that opened out to a balcony, which overlooked the campus rolling hills and surrounding forests. Thankfully, it was a rather mundane forest, without dangerous magical beasts lying in wait for unsuspecting prey.

As they strolled across the school commons, Severus felt ridiculously excited about having an adult whom he respected and admired accompany him around the campus, an adult who listened both patiently and with real interest as he pointed out the several buildings housing his classrooms, the Dueling Practice Room, Student Union, and his dorm room.

He also talked to Mr. Wiggenweld about his current projects: his Wolf's Balm; his Potioneer's Journal, as he was calling his charmed notebook; the Mirror Image charm and other new spells he was developing. Severus mentioned—somewhat proudly—his being selected to help brew the Wolfsbane potion for the upcoming human trials.

What he didn't tell Mr. Wiggenweld, indeed what he had yet to tell anyone, was of his own ongoing study of Lycanthropy. So far, his research was still in the 'What if' stage and there was little point in discussing his ideas with anyone. Of course, he was pleased with how his research was currently progressing, and he hoped that it successfully resulted in the alternative potion he envisioned.

Damocles Belby's breakthrough Wolfsbane potion allowed for the lycanthrope to maintain his humanity while fully transformed. Severus planned to find a way to counter the effects of the full moon on the curse itself and thus prevent the Lycanthrope from transforming at all.

The Wolf's Balm had given him the idea. After all, if the topical application of the balm ameliorated the full moon's effects enough to sooth the pain of transformation, then what was to prevent him from developing a potion that put a complete end to the transformation itself? However, his research and ideas were still in their infancy, thus much too early to discuss with anyone.

Perhaps, in a few months...?

"We're to meet my friends, Eric, Jennifer, and Anne for dinner at the Hazeltine Brewery and Public House. It's a nice pub located in a magical enclave right on the harbor. It's become quite a favorite place of ours...We go there almost every weekend, depending our studies."

"I look forward to it," Mr. Wiggenweld said politely.

"I believe that Eric and Jennifer's parents are scheduled to arrive today from Texas and will be joining us as well. Anne's parents are planning to make the trip up for the July 4th celebrations and fireworks tomorrow, so we're going to be a pretty large group."

"It will be good to meet your friends and their families, Severus. I'm very happy that you've made friends here." Mr. Wiggenweld studied his young protégé fondly. "It makes me happy to see you smiling so much, young Severus. It looks good on you."

Severus looked down shyly. It always embarrassed him when Mr. Wiggenweld said something intimate to him. In the past, his mum had been the only adult that ever spoke to him so openly about such things, while the Evanses had trod carefully on the conversation minefields with him. They had meant well, at the time, but Severus figured that Mr. and Mrs. Evans hadn't wanted to take the chance of saying anything to offend him or his parents.

Now, with his family gone, the Evanses had practically adopted him into the family. Even Petunia had accepted him.

Without looking up, Severus smiled. 'This must be what having a grandfather feels like,' he thought.

"We have a busy day planned for the Fourth and the days that follow," he said instead. "We'll be taking the public Floo to Grand Central Station in New York City for the huge Bicentennial festivities there. Afterwards, we're going sightseeing Muggle-style in the Big Apple for a couple days. Midweek, Anne's parents will be returning home, but everyone else will portkey to the Mountain Castle Ranch—that's the name of White family ranch. Eric and Jennifer say that they're going to show us a 'real down-home, Texas-style barbeque'—their words, not mine."

'Not to mention several other activities unique to the American Southwest,' Severus added silently. 'There's no telling what Mr. Wiggenweld's reaction will be to some of Jennifer's ideas of fun: horseback riding, wilderness hikes, cattle roundups, and a real-life rodeo. All done Muggle-style—no magic allowed!'

The schedule of activities was enough to make Severus think twice about accepting the White family's invitation. He didn't want to scare Mr. Wiggenweld into turning around and heading back to England. After all, the Potions Master was older than Severus' mum—maybe even as old as Professor McGonagall! Remembering Mr. Wiggenweld's advice to him all those months ago when he first applied to the Summer Institute, Severus smirked to himself.

'Perhaps it's better I wait to tell him Jennifer's plans—at least, until we get him up on a horse for the first time.' He smiled at the thought of Mr. Wiggenweld in western garb and a ten-gallon hat.

"What are you thinking about, young Severus?" Mr. Wiggenweld asked, sounding suspicious. "You look like the kneazle that ate the hummingbird in the bell jar."

"The kneazle that ate the what in the where?"

"Never mind that..." Mr. Wiggenweld said dismissively. "You're planning something, young man." He studied Severus closely. The younger wizard gave him his most guileless expression, his dark eyes wide and innocent. The Potions Master snorted, shaking his head. "You're up to something...You're practically vibrating with secret knowledge, but—" He gave a mock bow. "—I shall say no more on it."

Severus smiled, but neither confirmed nor denied Mr. Wiggenweld's suspicions; instead, he showed him the potions lab that Professor Haliwinkle had set aside especially for him. As he was regaling his Potions mentor about the many long days and nights spent in the lab, Dean Haliwinkle stuck her head in the door.

"I thought I heard your voice, Mr. Snape. I see you made it safely back to the States," she said. She smiled widely when she spotted Severus' guest. "Jonathon Wiggenweld! As I live and breathe!" she exclaimed, hurriedly crossing the room to give the stoic wizard a hug. "What brings you to this side of the Atlantic?"

"You know each other?" Severus asked. The next moment, he gave himself a mental kick. Of course, they knew each other. The International Society of Potions Masters and Mistresses was a very small, elite group. He held out his hands in a stopping motion. "Never mind...dumb question."

Dean Haliwinkle gave him a look of understanding, while Mr. Wiggenweld placed his hand warmly on Severus' shoulder.

"Mr. Snape honored me with an invitation for Family Week. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the many places that he has written about in his letters." Taking her hand in his, he bowed low and gallantly kissed her hand. "Cerridwen, a pleasure to see you as always. Severus has spoken highly of both you and your staff. He is quite taken by your institute."

"I'm glad, but I assure you that it is we who are quite taken by our Mr. Snape. The Summer Institute prides itself in inviting the best and brightest potions students from around the world for study here, but I must say...Mr. Snape has far surpassed our highest expectations."

Severus blushed at the Potions Mistress' high praise. He knew from his work over the first summer term that he had impressed his instructors enough to be excused from final exams, but he hadn't expected any type of public acclaim from Dean Haliwinkle. After all, he had studied Potions under Professor Slughorn for six years, and the professor had yet to acknowledge Severus' accomplishments in class.

'And, as she said, the Summer Institute is filled with excellent Potions students.'

"Mr. Snape, you deserve all the accolades that I and the rest of your instructors can heap upon you...and much more!" Dean Haliwinkle said, interrupting his thoughts. "Jonathon, you are aware of how gifted our Mr. Snape is, are you not?"

"Indeed, I am," Mr. Wiggenweld said proudly. "As I told you, Young Severus: You have much to offer the world, and now at last, the world is beginning to sit up and take notice."

Dean Haliwinkle laughed out loud, a lovely, bubbly sound that made Severus smile. "I don't know about the world, but everyone here at the Institute and College of Potions has certainly taken notice." She grew serious. "As I said on the day you registered, Mr. Snape...I see something in you. And I promise that the world will indeed sit up and take notice of your accomplishments one day soon. Which is why your instructors and I were so glad to hear that you've accepted our invitation to stay here in Salem for the fall term. And don't worry about anything. I've taken the liberty of enrolling you already. We can discuss your schedule after the holiday."

Smiling widely once again, she said, "Now, I must take my leave of you two gentlemen. I promised my husband that I'd be home at a reasonable hour today—no brewing or inventing new potions!" She gave Mr. Wiggenweld a peck on the cheek in farewell and waved goodbye to Severus. "I shall see you in a week's time, Mr. Snape. Jonathon...a pleasure as always."

"The pleasure is mine, Cerridwen. Good day." Both men straightened up and bowed formally in farewell. With a final smile, Dean Haliwinkle walked out the room.

"Funny...I didn't know she was married," Severus said, and then shook his head, his face suddenly warm. "Did I say that aloud?" Mr. Wiggenweld laughed, a booming joyous sound.

"Cerridwen Haliwinkle is indeed a beautiful woman, young Severus. And just between you and me, I believe that is the reason she has been on the cover of Potions Quarterly at least four times in the past five years." At Severus' look of protest, Mr. Wiggenweld hurriedly said, "Oh, don't get me wrong. Cerridwen is one of the best Potions Mistresses in the world, and she is highly regarded as well. But let's be honest...If you were the editor of a journal as stodgy as PQ, and you had the choice of placing either Cerridwen's likeness or mine on the cover, which would you choose?"

At Severus' expression, a cross between embarrassment and teenage hormones, Mr. Wiggenweld laughed out loud again. He slapped Severus on the back and said in merriment, "Come, my young scholar. Let us continue on our tour. I believe the next point of interest was the library...?"

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Severus was glad to put aside worries of the upcoming war at least temporarily. For the next week, he was going to be just a sixteen-year-old wizard and have fun with his friends and family. And yes, Severus admitted to himself, Mr. Wiggenweld was definitely part of his extended family now. Perhaps he had always been, but Severus hadn't known it. While Mr. and Mrs. Evans were his honorary parents, Mr. Wiggenweld, who was old enough to be his mother's father, was more of an honorary grandfather.

Of course, Severus wouldn't dare say such things out loud, afraid that he'd insult the man who had done so much for him already. But still, it was nice to feel it in his heart. Perhaps, one day...?

"Young Severus, I cannot begin to tell you how honored I am that you invited me to share in Family Week with you. As you know I have no family of my own." Mr. Wiggenweld sighed sadly. "The only witch confunded enough to put up with me—the only one whom I could ever love—died in childbirth, along with our unborn son." He paused, lost in memories long past. At last, he blinked and came back to the present. "I wish to speak to you of something now, while we are here alone. Come."

The older wizard led the younger to a comfortable bench snuggled in the shade of an enormous maple tree.

"As I said, I have no family of my own left, and while I am still in excellent health, I feel that because of the dire situation back home in England, it would be foolish of me not to put all of my affairs in order. I went to Nagrock—that goblin is a treasure, is he not? And, I made out my Will, naming you my sole heir."

"What? But, sir...you don't have to do that!" Severus protested.

"I know I don't, Young Severus, but I wish to." As Wiggenweld's wizened gaze fell on the younger man, his expression softened. "You are exactly the kind of young man that I wish my own son would have grown up to be. When I see you, I see the son I never held and the grandsons I never had a chance to spoil." Smiling he placed his arm around Severus' shoulders and held him affectionately. "Let me spoil you, Young Severus. Let an old man in his dotage enjoy at least the fantasy of having a grandson to indulge."

Severus grinned back at Mr. Wiggenweld in fond amusement, amazed that the very wish he had just been thinking of was also what his friend and mentor wanted.

"First off, you are far from your dotage, Old Man. And secondly...nothing would make me prouder than to have the privilege of calling you Grandfather..."

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The next few days passed in a whirlwind of activities. Severus was caught up in the excitement of re-discovery of pleasures almost long forgotten: the laughter of shared jokes and the warmth of the company of good friends and acquaintances. It had been a long time since he had felt so free and relaxed.

He enjoyed meeting Eric and Jennifer's parents, James and Katherine White, at dinner that first night. They were openly friendly and welcoming, thrilled that their children's friends would be joining them in Texas later in the week.

"We Texas Wizards take great pride in our home state, almost as much as our Muggle neighbors do," Mr. White proclaimed, his voice resounding inside the busy wizarding pub. "Why, our magical enclaves in Dallas and Houston are two of largest in the whole US of A!"

"Oh, Merlin, here we go," Mrs. White muttered, rolling her eyes. "Why don't you speak up, Jim? I don't believe they quite heard you in El Paso." She gave the others an apologetic, if somewhat wry look. "I've put up with his boasting for going on 25 years. You would think that Merlin himself had created Texas!"

"Kate, my love, I admit that Merlin was a bit short-sighted in that he didn't actually have a hand in creating our great state!"

"Oh, brother!" Mrs. White murmured, with a shake of her head.

"But if he were alive today," Mr. White continued, unperturbed, "why, he'd be in as much of a rush to get there as everyone else!"

"Oh, honestly!" Mrs. White huffed, slapping him in annoyance on his arm. Jennifer and Eric grinned and shook their heads at their parents' running argument.

Severus smiled, reminded somewhat of Mr. and Mrs. Evans' friendly banter. Admittedly, Mr. Evans wasn't quite as gregarious as Mr. White—no one could possibly be—but he was just as kind and openhearted in his own way.

"Mrs. White, Eric tells me that you are actually in charge of the day-to-day operations of the ranch," Anne said. "What's it like?"

"Oh, it's definitely hard work running an operation that large. Each day brings about new challenges. But I have excellent men and women working for me. Jim takes care of the business end—that is the long term planning and financing." She leaned in close and mock-whispered, "Don't tell him I said so, but he's a veritable wiz with money." The others chuckled at her weak joke, and she grinned.

"Now, now! No need to tell lies, my darling Kate!" Mr. White protested. "The truth is, I married her for her money!"

Mrs. White slapped him good-naturedly on the arm again, an action that Severus began to speculate occurred several times a day.

"Oh, don't listen to him. Before Jim came along, the ranch was in big financial trouble, just barely making ends meet. But that's a story for another day." She smiled fondly at her husband who to everyone's delighted amusement had the grace to blush. "Running the ranch is hard work, as I said, but it is definitely a labor of love."

"What Mom hasn't told you yet is the ranch has been in her family for several generations," Eric continued. "The original Spanish land grant was awarded to Mom's great-great-great grandfather when Texas was still an unsettled wilderness, belonging to the Spanish crown."

Jennifer took up the story. "He was a Muggle from Castille, a cousin of the king. When he arrived in the New World in what is now Monterrey, Mexico, he met and fell in love with the daughter of a local landowner."

Smiling brightly Mrs. White added, "And, as luck would have it, she just happened to be a witch. At any rate, Don Ignacio Castillo married Senorita Consuelo Montero, and by combining their family names, Castillo and Montero, they settled in what is now the Mountain Castle Ranch."

"Oh, that's so romantic!" exclaimed Anne. Eric snorted at her exaggerated romanticism.

"Yeah, except there isn't a mountain within 200 miles of the ranch," Eric pointed out. "Just a lot of scrub brush, rattlesnakes, and mesquite trees."

"Oh, quiet you," Anne replied. The two glared at each other. Severus and Jennifer exchanged knowing looks and shook their heads. Hopefully one day soon, the two antagonists would eventually discover how they actually felt for each other.

Tentatively, Severus asked, "Did Don Castillo have any problems when he found out his bride was a witch?"

"Well, as a matter of fact, Consuelo kept a journal of their life in the wilderness—a lot of back breaking work...dangerous, too. It still is in many ways even today." She sighed. "To make a long story short...no, she didn't tell him before they were married, but once their first born started exhibiting accidental magic...well." She shrugged. "The kneazle was out of the bag. Needless to say, they had a few loud arguments, and he slept in the barn for several nights. Eventually, they got their respective heads out of their—" She cleared her throat, embarrassed. "They eventually forgave each other, and had several more children—all magical. Since then, every generation of Montero-Castillo has produced magical children."

A thoughtful Severus smiled his thanks at her explanation. He had long come to terms with his own father's rage at his mother's failure to reveal her true nature before their marriage. In truth, Severus would never understand why his father didn't just divorce her and walk away from them, but there was no point in continuing to dwell on the past. Mrs. White's story was in fact as romantic as Anne had described it, and it seemed to have had a happy ending.

'I guess Tolstoy was right when he said, "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way".'

Severus would just have to accept that his father and mother were unique in their mutual unhappiness, and no amount of analysis would ever help him fully understand them. All he could do was accept that they were human and had made serious mistakes. The hard part would be to forgive them; although, perhaps he was closer to it than he had been in a long time...

oOo

The group spent the next day in New York City, meeting Anne's parents, Colin and Bridget Murphy, near the public Floo in the hidden, magical section of Grand Central Station. After the Murphy family's happy reunion and greetings all around, they took a taxi to their hotel located in mid-Manhattan and settled in. While they could have chosen to stay in a hotel that catered to magical visitors, they had all agreed to explore the city the Muggle way.

The hotel concierge immediately showed them several brochures, which offered different options. Since they were only going to be in the city until Wednesday, he recommended that they visit a few of the most popular sites each day. The adults and teens divided up the brochures and eventually they voted on the sites they each wanted to visit.

In the end, they agreed that they had to have a good view of the fireworks that night, and the only way to do so was to cheat by using magical means. They would do all other activities as Muggles.

They spent the first day taking in the sites that were either within walking distance or a short taxi ride of the hotel. Thus, the youngsters climbed the stairs to the top of the Empire State Building, while the adults took the express elevator. Mrs. White and Mrs. Murphy each had magical cameras and insisted on group pictures. Mrs. White caught one of Severus and Mr. Wiggenweld in an unguarded moment, promising herself that she would send them each a copy as soon as she had it developed.

The view from the top was as awe-inspiring to the magical folk as it was to the Muggle tourists. The city's magnificent skyline stretched out as far as the eye could see, one amazing spire after another reaching up to the sky above. In the distance, New York Harbor glimmered in the bright sunlight. Today it was filled with tall-mast ships from around the world, paying tribute to the nation's 200th birthday. From his vantage point, Severus could just make out the ships' white sails unfurled in the brisk wind and the trailing white wakes that crisscrossed the harbor.

"The wakes look like aircraft contrails," observed Jennifer, smiling as she pointed. Severus, who had just been thinking the same thing, smiled in turn. Neither noticed that Mrs. White managed to catch the moment on film.

The day continued in this relaxed manner, and before they knew it, Mr. Murphy was urging them to the magical lookout point near Battery Park to get a good location for the Muggle fireworks. The Statue of Liberty stood proudly in the distance, lit up in patriotic red, white, and blue spotlights—a true beacon to freedom. Severus' American companions knew the words to all of the patriotic songs, and sang along with their Muggle counterparts.

Because Severus had been raised in both the Muggle and wizarding world, he knew all of the British national songs; however, he doubted that any of his classmates who had been raised solely in the wizarding enclaves knew them as well. It was a small thing, but again, it showed the huge difference between the wizarding worlds of Great Britain and the United States.

Whereas the British wizarding population was largely insular and separated from their Muggle neighbors, in most cases unable to even dress properly in the Muggle world, the Americans seemed to take everything for granted, moving seamlessly between both worlds...

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Author's Note: I'm sorry that it's taking so long to post in between chapters, but a teacher's job is never done. I need to concentrate on my students' papers, rather than on my own. Thanks to everyone who has kept reading and sending me comments; I really do appreciate them.

Acknowledgements: I am currently reading "Darkness Visible" by plutoplex. Try it—it's fantastic!

Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter and the characters inhabiting it belong to J.K. Rowling. This story does not intend any copyright infringement.

Copyright: 2015-2016