Title: Thou Shalt Not!
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairings: Adult Severus SnapexLucius Malfoy, Tom Riddle/VoldemortxCassiopeia Black
Summary: Severus Snape survives the war, only to realise he has nothing0 left to live for. While musing what he might have done differently, he is interrupted by the arrival of Dumbledore who is doing some 'housekeeping'. A duel begins and in an attempt to save himself, Severus does the unthinkable and breaks one of the greatest tenets of Magic!
What has he done and where has he gone?
Notes: Post-Battle of Hogwarts fic in part. Non-Epilogue compliant. AR/AU. Evil Dumbledore.
The Past- ch 38
June 28, 1973
While having a Board of Governors meeting so late was unusual, they had chosen to postpone it a week during the last meeting so that they could avoid a July meeting.
This was expected to review Filius' first year as Headmaster as well as the Triwizard Tournament...
Walpurga called the meeting to order and board secretary Patrick Clearwater called roll. Everyone was of course present, despite many wishing that Crouch was absent..
Exams, even the non-NEWT and OWL ones, were compared to previous years under Dumbledore. It was no surprise that marks were up, especially with History of Magic, since they now had a competent professor teaching or rather two.
"So," Madam Hera Lovegood began, "Beauxbatons definitely redeemed themselves after this Tournament. Who was the next school to host?"
Aurelius was thoughtful, "It was supposed to be Durmstrang's turn this time, but their High Master is a student of History and Culture, he recommended letting Beauxbatons host instead. While Hogwarts of course would love to host, I think we should return their gesture and let them host in four years. The purpose of the Tournament is cultural exposure and fostering good relationships between our students and schools. Both schools would owe us a debt. We all know the benefits of having persons in our debt..."
There were nods all around in agreement.
Filius requested permission to speak.
Walpurga nodded in appreciation for his respect, Dumbledore had chosen to loudly interrupt rather than request permission.
Filius then began, "I have had the pleasure of getting to know High Master Tolstoy, he is a learned and amiable wizard. I agree that his recommendation and refusal to insist on hosting this past Triwizard Tournament should be rewarded. We will all be represented I am sure, with the improvement in James Potter and Sirius' marks, I expect to be recommending them as well as Narcissa to represent Hogwarts. Lady Lily and the Honorable Severus as well as Remus Lupin would surely be chosen to represent Durmstrang. With his praises for his granddaughter, she too will likely be chosen. As for Beauxbatons, I have little knowledge of their current Second Years to make a prediction."
Walpurga was smug, "Due to Regulus' marks, he will be joining Severus, Lily and Remus as a Third Year. It will greatly improve our honor to have three prospective Triwizard candidates for our family."
Alaric nodded, "I believe that Remus' adopted brother is also going to be a Third Year in September. The five must be quite close..."
Madam Hope Burbage, who also served as Chief Witch added, "My bonded Arcadius is a Prince. He too would be pleased to have his birth House represented by two candidates, even if they were Durmstrang students."
"We were pleased that our Emelia was chosen, but proud that Andromeda did us all proud by winning the Triwizard Tournament." Madam Elaine Bones offered.
Andromeda was of course her niece by bonding, since her father Cygnus was the younger brother of Madam Elaine's consort Alphard.
"It is decided then that Filius will remain Headmaster and that Durmstrang will be recommended to host." Walpurga smirked.
There was a chorus of agreement.
That business out of the way, they turned to the business of next year's Head Boy, Head Girl and prefects.
"Head Girl of course is Andromeda," Filius mused.
Walpurga smirked, "Of course,"
"Markswise, Head Boy would be Lucius." Filius continued.
It was Abraxus' turn to look smug and Aurelius was silently pleased.
"Seventh Year Slytherin boys prefect markswise should be Tiberius Pucey; however, Rodolphus was a fine prefect while Lucius was at Beauxbatons..." Filius frowned, "I am conflicted."
"I am quite sure that being selected as a candidate for the Triwizard was enough of an honor, I advise that Rodolphus remain prefect." Walpurga said magnanimously.
Given that the Lestranges had not cancelled the betrothal to Aurelius' awareness; despite personal knowledge of Bellatrix's mental illness and her present withdrawl from Hogwarts, it was a fair reward.
"With that exception and Andromeda's pro-tem prefect, the regular prefects who represented Hogwarts as prospective candidates, will be returning to their post. Letters for the remaining pro-tem prefects will be given and they will thanked for their service. They may submit them when applying for apprenticeships and jobs, they were chosen a prefects due to an extraordinary situation and comported themselves well. They were appointed for one year only due to the Triwizard Tournament. I will have their Heads of House sign them as well as myself." Filius said thoughtfully.
The Governors agreed with his idea, the protem Slytherin prefects would of course be necessary to keep on due to Andromeda and Lucius being appointed Head Girl and Head Boy respectively.
Aurelius was proud of his intended, Lucius was still Head Boy...
The Blacks could have insisted that Tiberius, Adrian Pucey's sire, would be Seventh Year boys prefect, but they chose to honour Rodolphus and insist he remain a prefect.
Other than those who attended the Triwizard Tournament as prospective champion candidates or were Lucius' acquaintances, Aurelius wasn't as familiar with them.
He had secured Lucius for himself, as well as ensuring that Andromeda would have a good reputation despite her elopement and underage pregnancy. His political maneuvering had made it more difficult for Dumbledore to maintain his power. His mentor Lucius from his past life would have been pleased that he learned so well, despite his distaste for politics, Aurelius thought with a brief pang of loss.
Dumbledore was fired from his position of Headmaster, his title Chief Warlock had been given to a titled Hufflepuff witch and without those, some continental wizard whom Aurelius knew little of had been installed as Supreme Mugwump for the International Council of Wizards.
Doge was temporarily holding Dumbledore's Wizengamot vote while he was in St Mungo's Janus Thickey ward. With some rumour-mongering at Aberforth's pub, questioning Albus' mental status and Doge's choice to stand by him, while the Dumbledore spare had no political ambitions or heirs of his own, he could request a distant relative to hold the title.
Aurelius would set Alphard on it; perhaps, this distant relative might have similar leanings. Surely, their sire Percival Dumbledore had siblings and at least one married allowing for offspring.
XoooooooX
Aurelius invited Lucius to a private dinner to celebrate his appointment as Head Boy.
Lily and Severus were spending the month of July as usual with the Evans, Alaric was at Pendragon Castle with Lady Cassiopeia while Remus was at Lupus House with his adopted sire and brother Corey Martin.
Lucius was wearing elegant summer robes, over a soft grey linen suit and a green mandarin collared dress shirt.
Aurelius met him at the floo, kissing his hand before escorting him to the breakfast parlor.
They walked hand-in-hand down the corridor.
Lucius was shy and excited, they hadn't seen one another in a few days.
They were approved by Lucius' sire, Aurelius had sent a request home with Abraxus for Lucius' company tonight, as incentive for his future consort to complete his summer homework immediately.
They spent evenings together during the Triwizard following Solstice and the Yule Ball, but it going to be disheartening to no longer see one another every day.
Aurelius was determined to enjoy their time together...
XoooooooX
July 3, 1973
Alaric was surprised to be woken up a beaming Lady Cassiopeia, "What is it?"
Cassiopeia was nervous, "I don't know if you aware that female couples have issues with conception, so I did miscarry twice when I was bonded before. So, I didn't want to get your hopes up until I was certain. But I am pregnant... just over three months. I have a second appointment scheduled for tomorrow. You are welcome to attend of course..."
Alaric grinned, "That's wonderful news, we're expecting a child. Does anyone else know?"
Lady Cassiopeia shook her head, "Only myself and my healer know, I don't know if my girls suspect... they knew that we were trying. They don't really understand how I can have feelings or want to have been bonded twice. While I very much respected Gaia, my feelings for both of you are quite different. This has nothing to do with her being a witch, I grew to care more for her when we had our daughters and I mourned her passing, but it wasn't what some,"
Implying of course, soulmates or true love as some of their Hufflepuff and Gryffindor acquaintances would say.
Alaric nodded in understanding, "I don't believe in true love, but I do believe in partnership and I believe that we are building one."
Cassiopeia smiled softly at him, "I am glad we are of one mind in regard to this."
Alaric kissed her gently, "If you are willing, I would be honored to attend the appointment with you."
They stayed like that for a while, they were finally building a family together. It would of course include Lady Cassiopeia's children and grandchildren from her previous relationship. Given that her daughters were grown, Alaric would not be parenting them but he did hope for a polite relationship with them. He had always wanted a family of his own, he had been painfully jealous of his schoolmates at Hogwarts as well as those at the orphanage who had enough years with their parents to remember them.
XoooooooX
July 4, 1973
Lady Cassiopeia and Alaric flooed to St Mungo's before taking the lift to the Maternity/Paternity Ward.
Alaric was annoyed when Healer Barlow tried to dismiss him when he rose to join Lady Cassie for her appointment.
"Your child or not, Lord Peverell-Slytherin, there is no need to follow your bonded. She will be quite safe, I am sure that you can tell that by comparison, my magical strength is inferior to the both of you."
Alaric scoffed, "My wish to attend her appointment has nothing to do with a lack of trust in regard to you. You have been Lady Cassie's healer for decades and as I understand it ensured that she brought three pregnancies to term. I am here at her invitation as well as my own wish, this is my child. It's conception may have fully sealed our bonding, but our bonding was more than just arranged. It was a matter of mutual consent…"
Lady Cassie looked down her nose, "Nora, please. I really did ask him…"
"If that is what you want, Cassie… I worry for you."
Lady Cassie squeezed the healer's hand, "You are more than just my healer, you are a friend. You know that this pregnancy was very much wanted… I worried that I might be considered too old for this."
Healer Nora scoffed, "You're only fifty-eight, not terribly old by wizarding standards. It isn't as if Blacks don't have lateborn children; your sister Doria had her James at 39."
"She had a bad heart, she was counselled not to have children after a minor attack that caused her to miscarry. Her conception of James was unexpected and despite Charlus' worry, she managed to carry to term but not without worry and demanding vows." Healer Nora shook her head.
Lady Cassie gasped, "Tell me that Doria did not demand you swear to put James' life first…"
Healer Nora looked away, "You know I can't answer that question…"
Alaric gestured for Lady Cassie to let it go and she did.
Healer Nora was grateful for the change of subject and returned to the exam. "I see two heartbeats. Would you like to know the genders?"
Lady Cassie glanced at Alaric, "Do you?"
"I would agree if that was your wish." Alaric said genuinely.
Lady Cassie blushed, "If they are willing, I would like to know."
"You do have Black blood, there is a chance of a metamorphmagus." Healer Nora warned.
Lady Cassie scoffed, "It's a once a generation gift; we have Phin, Alphard, Cissa and Seph already. I very much doubt that we would have a second child that was a Meta."
"A gender determination spell then," Healer Nora mused.
Lady Cassie and Alaric held hands and waited with bated breath.
"Two heartbeats, which we already knew. Congratulations, they both appear to be male. An heir for both the Slytherin and Peverell titles, sons so early in your Bonding, what a blessing." Healer Nora exclaimed.
Despite neither being one for explicit expression of affection, Alaric kissed Lady Cassie in his excitement.
They thanked the healer and Alaric made sure to schedule her next appointment around his political duties. He planned to be involved in this pregnancy and to be a good father, this was a second chance and he wasn't going to squander it.
XoooooooX
Alaric was pleased to find his friends and close confidants Aurelius, Oran, Renard, Abraxus and Apollus at The Spiney Serpent.
He gestured for them to join him at his reserved table, before ordering a round of drinks to celebrate.
Aurelius lifted his glass of scotch thoughtfully, "What is the occasion?"
"Lady Cassie informed me yesterday that we were expecting."
There was a chorus of congratulations to Alaric's bemusement.
But it was Oran who spoke next, "That's not all you have to tell us, is it?"
Alaric smirked, "Hardly, we're expecting twin heirs."
Congratulations were loudly exclaimed once more with Oran loudly announcing that everyone present could have one drink on the House to celebrate their newest member's blessing by Mother Magic and Sister Fate.
"Of course, I intend to ask Oran as my oldest friend as well as Aurelius who was instrumental in ensuring that I could take my proper place among our peers."
Both wizards were surprised and speechless at first.
With Aurelius recovering first and demurely protesting.
Alaric's eyes narrowed, "Are you defying your king, Lord Prince?"
Aurelius stiffened, "Of course not, I was just expecting others to be considered before myself. You have been close to Renard Lestrange far longer after all…"
Alaric shrugged, "If Mother Magic and Sister Fate chose, there will be other children who will need godparents. I do not know whom Lady Cassie will chose, but I felt it only fair that given our partnership that she be given the right to chose two persons of her acquintance to serve as your fellow godparents."
Oran nodded, "I understand. Adelia," he said with a slight wince, "she wanted her friend Walpurga to be godmother to our firstborn. I had already decided it would be you, Alaric as you know."
The two friends had been close since they were schoolboys, but Alaric had only since having his Imperious broken, truly appreciated Oran and Renard.
The circle of gentlemen continued to visit with each other, with Alaric receiving good-natured teasing about being 'old' and being an expected father.
Alaric suspected that their children as well as his friend would look after and guide his own were anything to happen to him or Lady Cassie. He also accepted their advice, after all most of them had children who were in Hogwarts. The only exceptions were Aurelius and Oran, but the reasons they didn't have children of their own were distinctly different.
Alaric hoped to raise respectful and hard-working members of the Wizarding World who would continue his and Aurelius' work to better their world.
XoooooooX
Aurelius was pleased that Alaric's efforts to ensure heirs to his numerous titles and lines had proved fruitful. Twins… that was quite a blessing.
It seemed that Mother Magic and Sister Fate had sought to make up in some small way for the indignities that he had suffered because of Dumbledore.
Aurelius hoped that he too was this blessed…
He hoped to have a long relationship with many healthy children with Lucius. He intended to ensure that Draco was a less spoilt version but just as academically gifted.
He was certain that with Lily in his life, that Harry would have better study habits as well as marks. Lily was already viaing with Remus and Severus for top of their year at Durmstrang. He was proud that the three of them had assisted Corey and Regulus with their studies so that they could join them as Third Years this September. Things were turning out according to plan, Lucius was Head Boy and one of the former Hogwarts Champion Candidates. All that was needed was to ensure that Narcissa brought Draco to term; so that he and Lucius could be married. At least it gave Lucius some freedom to explore their relationship as well as focus on his studies before they were parents.
While Aurelius didn't want to lose memories, the time couldn't pass quickly enough.
What do you think? Outstanding? Exceeds Expectations? Acceptable? Poor? Dreadful? Troll?