Thanks to all of you who took the time to Follow/Favourite/Review my story !
AN-2021/08/17: Thanks to Miette and dstone12 for reviewing this chapter :)
The letter sat on his desk for weeks, untouched but never forgotten, words seared in his mind. Severus was at loss on how to react, and all things Goblin were happy to distract him from its contents.
It boggled his mind how at times Goblins could behave like Wizards, and then be utterly foreign. He realised quickly Goblins held most Wizards in utter contempt, considering them inferior, the same way most Wizards did Goblins.
Goblins sneered upon the Wizard's use of wand and ignorance of Khorlos, when Wizards disdained Goblins incapacity to cast spells- Severus was impatient to discover if it was really the case. Goblins made fun of puny Wizards who did not learn the Art of the Warriors when Wizards laughed at the Goblins barbarian both races highly valued Family and Blood, as well as material riches. Both reluctantly respected the capacity for bloodshed of the other, thankfully preventing any breach of the truce between the two nations since the armistice of 1789.
Severus did not see the days go by, absorbed in his study of the two goblin basics as well as exploring the Goblin World with his Master's kids – to his surprise, they were delighted to spend time with him. They remained in the city, mostly enclosed in stone walls, but many gardens were disseminated along the houses. Severus did not understand yet why he had never spotted the city while in Diagon Alley. Goblin houses were noticeably sturdier looking than Wizards, although their interiors were as finely decorated as any, if you liked weapons and drapes for decorations.
Drunek had told Severus many Goblins also appreciated paintings or calligraphy, but kept those objects in the privacy of their bedrooms, as it was deemed very intimate and revealing of a Goblin's feelings and mind.
One evening, Severus began to feel as if the theory on Words, Oaths and Bonds Wirkrund was pushing on him was making sense and completed – sometimes corrected- the wizard theory. He took his Oath book to check one point and it opened on the Prince chapter.
Only one sworn into the House of Prince can read this text and understand its contents. One with tainted intentions against the House of Prince may forever be cursed when reading this text, in the most cruel way in existence, for none should harm the House through its Oaths.
That was intriguing. But no. Decidedly, Severus turned the book pages to find the information he was looking for. At once, they riffled back to the Prince chapter. Frowning, he painstakingly turned the pages to another chapter and pressed them on the book to prevent them from turning back. He felt the pages tug under his hands until his they began to feel like they were burning.
Severus lifted his hands with a silent curse, allowing the pages to rush back to the Prince chapter.
Severus sighed. If his grandfather's letter was anything to go by, if he wanted to use his book again, he had to read it through.
The House of Prince (hereafter also referred to as the House) is ancient, recognised 380 years after the Founders. Unlike many Houses, it may swear into the House people not from its bloodline at the discretion of the Head of House (also referred to as the Head). The House of Prince also is one of the few Houses where the Head of House can swear in new members from the day of their birth.
All members of any House are protected from birth and up to their majority by their House- Muggleborns do not belong to any House, except for the few descending from Squibs. It is a passive protection which prevent any kind of magical adoption as well as the darkest use of magic on the members. The swearing is an added protection done by the Head of House of Prince, increasing the protection the House gives to its young member -it will for example limit exterior magical influence on the youth.
His Grandfather had sworn him in, he had written as much. On his birthday. But which one? His birth or when he thought Severus might be useful for a Half-Blood? Was it before Dumbledore's Oath? Did it help him resist the Oath?
However, the members have to wait for their majority to return the Oath. Returning the Oath allows the member to tap into the entire House magic. For example, if wounded deeply, one member's magic will use the House magic to help sustain the member and heal it faster.
Each House member has the choice from their majority year to swear back in or not. If they chose to bond themselves to the House of Prince, they must individually craft their Oath. The crafting of one's Oath is a tradition inherited from our goblin allies. The other Houses use traditional Oaths which never change. The Head of House of Prince will swear its members in again after they have taken their Oath. Any member can chose to change his Oath to the House, but must be sworn in again afterwards, the Head having the possibility to change the Oath the member gave before in the name of the House.
One may not always notice the moment they are sworn in, also most report a feeling of warmth and safety coursing through them for a brief time.
He had noticed nothing of the sort, but it could mean anything.
Crafting Oaths means the possibility of knowingly harming the House or one of its Member. However, anyone who swears with tainted intentions against the House of Prince may forever be cursed for none should harm the House through its Oaths.
Well. They really took Oaths as seriously as Goblins. They seemed determined to protect the family. He ignored the warm felling the thought gave him. He wondered what the punishment was.
The House of Prince is a long standing ally of the Goblin nation. It does not mean the alliance is written in stone, and each parties must earn their place in this partnership. Some members of the House have closer links to the Goblins than others, but let it be noted the House must come first.
When either by the House member's actions or admissions they have been shown to place another allegiance above that of the House they must be sworn out. The Head of House on behalf of the House will swear the member out based on evidence with or without the knowledge and/or consent of the member.
Oh. It was not a problem for Severus as he had not given his Oath to the House. But if his grandfather asked for it, today, he would not be able to for his allegiance would be to the Goblins first. As little as he knew them, he respected them more than his estranged family. Merlin, he respected them more than most Wizards he had met.
Admittedly, he had met far fewer Goblins than Wizards for now. He wondered if Goblins had poors and drunks among them.
Severus wondered what his emancipation meant for the House. Was he considered a grown-up and had lost the House protection since he had not returned to give his House Oath and be sworn in by his grandfather to bond him to the House?
Severus turned to the next page but the text ended there. He growled in frustration. Was that all they had to say on the House of Prince when they had forced him to read about it?
He had to admit he felt safer knowing about his House Oath, even though it made no sense. He did not want to see any member of the Prince family ever. He wondered if it was a slytherin ploy to get to him because they now thought he could be useful. How could he know if they really wanted him when they had never put him first before?
He knew he could not let the letter go unanswered. Lord Prince was Abraxas' friend. It would be rude. Moreover, Severus might need the support of his House one day. He knew Dumbledore would never had dared force him through an unbreakable Oath if he had worn the Prince name. Dumbledore… Oh yes… He would kill two birds with one stone.
Severus took three days to write the perfect letter to his grandfather. He gave it on post day and was disappointed not to receive letters in exchange.
It was hard, relying only on letters to communicate with his friends and Mentor. Severus has now been with the Goblins for two months and had only written twice. He wondered if it was enough. Would it dwindle until he did not write any more by the end of his Apprenticeship? Was it the aim of the Goblins, or just another test of apprenticeship?
The thought left him uneasy, he struggled not to let it affect his learning but his sleep was restless. Severus was thus relieved and delighted to receive several letters two weeks after. He briefly wondered at the coincidence of all of them reaching him the same week but dismissed the though, keen to enjoy their content. He quickly made his way to his favourite garden, greeting Goblins as he met them.
Once he was comfortably sprawled, he opened Evan's letter.
Hi Severus!
I hope everything is still well with your apprenticeship, I have few doubts it is very hard and you are loving it.
We met with the group last Sunday in Hogsmeade. Lord Voldemort was really disappointed not to be able to congratulate you in person before you went away for such a long time. I have a hard time realising we will not see each other for years.
Severus felt his throat tighten. Years. It did not feel possible.
Hogsmeade was a welcome relief. Tensions at school are running high like you would not believe. People are taking sides between Lord Voldemort or the Minister, and fight about it. Those who try to remain neutral are under pressure to choose a camp. Events that happen outside are impacting us more than they used to.
Was it bad to be relieved not to have to bear this? His apprenticeship was very restrictive but it protected him too. When he went back to the wizarding word, he would be so powerful even Dumbledore would be wary of messing with him.
On the bright side, your absence was the other hot topic of gossip for several weeks, especially when Slughorn announced the reason why as well as your OWLs and NEWTs results (you made the Ravens go into a studying frenzy, it was scary to see).
You should have seen Black´s and Potter's faces. They were spreading rumours you had washed out to a lesser school because of your lack of power. Evans tore them a new one when she heard them the first time. I must admit for someone like her, the show was spectacular.
Severus shook his head in disbelief. Gryffindors. Lily.
Anyway, you are more than ever the pride of Slytherin. Even Mulciber is saying so, and I think he will be the next king. He is really involved with our group and interested in the unity of all of us Purebloods. He is trying to find ways to convince people from other Houses that Lord Voldemort's ideas are important and the Ministry won the election illegally. I will tell you more about this project as it goes.
It is too bad Jonathan is so often taken by prefect duty, the group would benefit from his sense of communication. Mulciber also said there will be Dark Arts teaching groups during holidays for those who want them. I cannot wait.
Until later my friend, my transfiguration homework awaits me (why did you tell me to keep it for NEWTs? I am never listening to your advice concerning homework again!)
Evan
Even as he smiled at his friend's last words, Severus was troubled. The tensions were not new but their intensity as Evan described them was. Severus knew his friend well enough not to believe he was exaggerating to have stories to tell.
Quickly, he took Jonathan's letter.
Hello Severus!
I hope you are enjoying your mysterious apprenticeship but not exhausting yourself with studying too much. I am so curious to hear about what you are learning, and it will be a lot in the years we will not see each other. I am afraid we will not recognise you the next time we meet.
Severus shivered at the echo of his own fears An apprenticeship usually lasted between three and six years, meaning they would be between eighteen and twenty-one. They had last met as children, and would meet again as adults. Would they even be friends still?
The news of you passing your NEWTs as well as your marks have stunned everyone. Flitwick is still gushing over your Apprenticeship every chance he gets – did he helped you get it?- making the others green with envy – even in Gryffindor. Some Ravenclaws have even undertaken the task to figure out your eminent but mysterious Master. Slughorn is also proud as a peacock, and has given Regulus access to one of the private labs in hope of creating another genius.
The Marauders were stunned and the laughingstock of the school as they had told everyone who listened how you had been demoted to one of the lesser schools. Evans even got into a fight with Black and Potter over you. I am sure you will be surprised that Dumbledore did not say a word on your achievement.
Of course not. The old bastard.
However, McGonagall is using you as the shining example that hard-work pays. I have the feeling she is trying to take the Griffs back in hands, she is stricter than any of the other professors with the four menaces – Dumbledore is really not helping though.
Who is surprised any more? But McGonagall... Had Lupin incident been a wake up call? Was she even aware of it?
I am a bit worried. I did not realise Prefects had so much to do. Between classes and my duties, I hardly see Evan. He is spending way too much time with Mulciber's crowd. I feel they are getting more ruthless and extreme in their beliefs as time pass, on par with the Blacks. Lord Voldemort is able to reign them in but for how long?
You should know the atmosphere is really tense at school. Politics are more than ever influencing behaviours. There are more and more fighting over who between Lord Voldemort and the Minister is right. Neutral parties are mocked and pushed to take sides. I am glad you are not here anymore.
He was so relieved Jonathan did not resent him for being free from Hogwarts. He knew he was selfish.
I am stopping before getting maudlin, I wish you well until next time.
Jonathan
Severus sighed. He was happy to hear from his friends but he would have preferred hearing happier news.
Shaking his head, he reached curiously for another letter. The paper was of quality but not as ostentatious as the one used by most Purebloods.
Dear Mister Snape,
I first wish to congratulate you on passing brilliantly both your OWLs and NEWTs. I realise I may have not praised you enough for your improvement in Transfiguration when it was such a hard class for you during your beginner years. I also did not pay enough attention when you failed several practicals last year, and I am relieved you found a way to improve and pass your tests with flying colours.
I am also happy to hear you have found a respectable and highly sought out Apprenticeship. I encourage you to learn as much as you can. Always be curious and question what you are learning as you did in my class – I am missing your last essays which were examples of well-documented research as well as analysis.
I wish you well for the future and I hope to meet you when you gain your Masteries – never limit yourself to others expectation Mister Snape, all of your Professors are waiting to hear about your great achievements.
Regards
Professor Minerva McGonagall
He was stunned. And angry. What he would have given to hear those words when he was struggling with his wand… They all offered praises now he had managed on his own.
Severus breathed deeply, occluding instinctively. At least, she was admitting she should have done more. She was offering encouragements. He could not resent her for this. From Jonathan's letter, she was trying against Dumbledore. He would thank her for the letter. It would not do to alienate a potential powerful ally.
The next letter could only be from a Pureblood. Opening it, Severus smiled.
Dear Severus,
I am sad not to be able to congratulate you in person, but delighted that you achieved what you set out to. Your apprenticeship is an example for all of us and the way to follow for some of our youngest and less school-inclined members. I do hope you will share with our group the treasures of learning you will have amassed.
I strongly advise you make the most of your Apprenticeship and forced separation from us to become as powerful and strong as you are able to. I will need you when we take the Ministry.
We are lobbying to have Minister Birkins quit and new elections organised by showing the world how Muggleborns are treated in their family through the Defenders. We are also creating relationships with other magical races clans and gathering support from those the Ministry do not deign consider. Even if Minister Birkins goes to the end of his mandate, in five years, I hope to win the elections thank to our hard work. I know you will be instrumental to implement the changes our society need.
I wish you the best during this discovery period and I am looking forward to seeing you again.
Lord Voldemort.
Severus felt his cheeks heat. Such praises from the Lord. Such expectations. Such confidence in his abilities.
Thinking about Jonathan's words, he wondered if he needed to be strong enough to not only stand against the Ministry, but their extremist allies as well. He shuddered at the idea of taking on Bellatrix. Word was she was as crazy as beautiful.
Pensive, Severus opened the last letter. He had kept the best for last.
Dear Severus,
I hope you are enjoying yourself as much as you hoped, and not missing us as much as we miss you. It is hard to imagine we will not see each other for at least three years.
Severus felt a pang of homesickness for Lucius and Abraxas. He missed them so much it hurt to breathe. He had not seen them that often since he became Abraxas' mentoree, but he had known he could have if he needed them. It made all the difference.
Things are changing. The Defenders' actions are slowly making people think. Regular people are beginning to take sides between the Ministry and us. Further proof we are gaining ground is that more Aurors are dedicated to catching us in action. We have avoided another capture for now but I do not know how long it will last.
Times are changing Severus and Narcissa is worried. She wants to marry soon and I must admit I cannot wait for you to finish your apprenticeship to make her my wife.
What? But...
You are still my best man. No other can held that position. This is why I found a compromise with the help of Father. I will marry Narcissa with Father as my witness in front of the Ministry. When you are back, we will bind Narcissa to the Malfoy house with you as the watchman. I know it is not ideal but it is the best I came up with to please the two people closest to my heart.
He could breath again. Lucius was not rejecting him after only weeks of absence. It was silly to believe he would be erased so easily in his friend's heart but...
On another matter, Father is furious but will not tell me why. He is spending much time plotting with Uncle Augustus and cursing Dumbledore's name. I think it is about one of the mentorees. I do not think I have ever seen Father this incensed. Sometimes I forget he is more than Father, and the powerful Lord of the Malfoy House.
Severus knew what Lucius meant. Abraxas was so gentle and yet there could be steel in his eyes. He wondered if his grandfather had told his Mentor about Severus' letter. He could not help but feel dread as well as hope. The old man may be trying. He should not care.
I wish you well, do not forget to write from time to time – Father worries even if he will not say it. I will try not to talk too much about wedding preparations in my next letter – I fear I will have to hide from Narcissa at times, she seems really keen to control every aspects until all is perfect.
Severus snorted. Lucius liked taking care of himself, but he supposed it would be too much even for him.
All my love,
Lucius.