Thanks to all of you who took the time to review my story!
AN: chapter betaed by Miette, as usual :)
AN-2021/03/08; thanks to dstone12 for correcting the mistakes left by Miette and I!
Severus paced as he waited for Regulus. He was back among his friends, yet he was missing his goblin family fiercely.
He had struggled through his Taichichuan morning practice, having to adapt to different magic flows as well as the absence of Goblins practising beside him. Then he had gone to France to meet with Narcissa and Draco. Lucius' wife had welcomed him like a long lost brother, and he believed she had meant it. Severus did not know if it was her healer apprenticeship, becoming a mother or simply the years they had spent apart, but she had felt different. Settled. Assured. And even more fiercely protective of her family than ever. Severus could only approve. He had the feeling she would return him the compliment.
Of course, she was under Dhaal's spell. Dhaal had been utterly cute and charming, and had remained his smaller size during the whole visit. Lucius had told her of last evening's meeting, which had only endeared Severus' Familiar to her even more.
For his part, Dhaal reserved judgment on Severus' wizard family, although he seemed to have warmed up to Narcissa. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Thestral was completely smitten with Draco.
Draco was... Well. Severus had not been prepared for Draco. Narcissa had all but plucked her son in Severus' arms, even when he had protested he did not know how to hold a baby and was very much afraid of hurting his frail body. Yet, one smile, serious blue eyes which had looked at him curiously, one tiny hand on his face, and Severus was ready to sell his soul to ensure Draco would never be hurt. It was irrational and illogical. Lucius and Narcissa took advantage of the weakness in his guard to ask him to be Draco's Godfather. One month ago, even one day ago, he would not have trusted himself with the task. Moreover, he would have thought someone else had to be better equipped than he for such a huge responsibility. Today, holding Draco in his arms, Severus knew he would trust no one else with his Brother's son, except Drunek and Frekka.
He missed his goblin family but he was also unsettled by his last conversation with Drunek. Severus had experienced Lord Voldemort's wrongness yesterday. He had been expecting it, yet his mind struggled to grasp the sheer magnitude of what it meant, for the changes he still hoped the Lord would bring to their world; for his friends and his family; for himself. He dearly hoped Regulus was aware something was amiss with the Death Eaters. He could not bear this weight alone. His grandfather certainly was suspicious. But would it be enough to convince him to help Severus?
Severus jerked to a stop as the doorbell rang. Finally.
Severus would never have invited anyone to his home before his Apprenticeship, too ashamed of where it was located and of its dirty and old interior. Today, thanks to Tuei's care, his house felt like a real home. It remained small compared to Malfoy Manor, but it was clean, with a homey feeling and no broken furniture. The garden was well kept and in no danger of overtaking the house as it once had. Plus, Severus was Potion and Runes Master grade I and Defence against the Dark Arts and Herbology Master grade II. It brought him confidence he had not expected, especially given the reaction of the group last evening.
Regulus entered the living room behind Tuei, obviously examining the room.
"Not what you expected?" asked Severus, carefully Sensing him over and confirming his left arm was emitting a light wrongness.
Severus would not have noticed it if he had not specifically looked for it.
"I had no idea what to expect," answered Regulus.
They sat in two opposite armchairs as Tuei deposited tea and biscuits on the low table between them before disappearing.
"You must be getting sick of the words, but I'm really glad to have you back with us," said Regulus eagerly.
"It's too soon for them to be annoying," smiled Severus, "I am happy to be back too."
"I must say your achievements are impressive. I think you are the youngest to ever hold four Masteries," kept on Regulus.
"Two are not grade I," remarked Severus.
"Two are," countered Regulus.
Severus bowed slightly to concede the point.
"However, I'm surprised to not have seen any publication from you," said Regulus. "I thought I would at least hear of your end-of-Apprenticeship project..."
First publications usually centred on end-of-Apprenticeship projects and often were part of said project.
"My project is currently being tested for St Mungo's patent. The publications will follow as soon as I obtain the license for distribution, in less than a year I think," explained Severus.
"I knew it," exclaimed Regulus excitedly. "You did it. You're one of the two who created a potion to help Werewolves during the full moon."
"What makes you think I am?" asked Severus curious.
"Everybody heard of your encounter with Potter and Sirius," explained Regulus. "I know they were in Tibet with Lupin at about the same time it happened. And we learned two werewolf-oriented potions are being patented in Saint Mungo, just when you are back. The coincidences are troubling," he smirked.
"I would appreciate it if you did not share your conclusions with others for now, even if I will neither confirm nor deny your hypothesis," answered Severus, impressed by the younger man's reasoning.
He really was unlike his forsaken brother. Severus understood why he was Narcissa's favourite Black.
"You kept working for the cause even though you were cut off from us. Lord Voldemort will be pleased, I think he will ask you to support him officially."
"I will gladly do so, if Lord Voldemort believes it will help convince voters he's the Minister they need," answered Severus.
"Speaking of Lord Voldemort and our cause, how did you find yesterday's meeting?" asked Regulus, watching Severus intently.
This was the younger man's true reason for requesting this visit.
"We were many more than I thought we could become," answered Severus truthfully, carefully choosing his words. "Everyone seemed motivated for the coming elections and the morale was high. Lord Voldemort seems fully supported by the group."
"I agree," concurred Regulus. "No one is contesting that he will be the one to run for Ministry in May. I only… Well, it sometimes feels like there are two currents in our group."
Severus nodded, knowing he had to take some risks if he wanted to know if Regulus was the right candidate to help him.
"It is only normal for our group not to agree on everything, or on the methods to use to reach our goal," said Severus. "Recently, the group seems to have shifted strategy to be more proactive against Muggleborns and their supporters, and only the eldest members seemed to disagree with this more forceful method yesterday."
"To be more accurate, I would say all the Marked members agree with the new course of actions," corrected Regulus.
He paused briefly before adding:
"I noticed you chose to use a coin."
"I did," agreed Severus, "because my Familiar would not accept the Mark on my arm."
"Does he think it's dangerous?" asked Regulus, eyes unreadable.
"He's suspicious of anything magical which could be used to influence me," answered Severus truthfully. "Even though I told him Abraxas had examined Lucius' Mark carefully."
"But that was before the Mark changed," remarked Regulus. "Have you seen it since?"
"No," admitted Severus. "I have wondered what it looked like since I found it really beautiful before."
"Here," said Regulus, pushing his sleeve up to reveal a black monstrosity.
Severus remembered the magnificent intense looking green and silver snake Lord Voldemort had shown him before his Apprenticeship. In its place stood a black skull, a snake coming out from its mouth ready to strike. It was revolting and in utter harmony with the wrongness it emitted.
"It was changed in memory of Lord Malfoy," said Regulus, the hint of a challenge in his voice.
"I don't think my Mentor would appreciate the memorabilia," replied Severus, unable to hide his distaste for the ugly Mark.
"I agree, especially as it corrupts its bearer. But you already knew this, you felt it yesterday," said Regulus, looking at Severus squarely in the eyes.
Severus did not try to deny it. He felt relieved that at least one of his friends was aware of this, even though he doubted Regulus had guessed the source of the corruption.
"The corruption is stronger when several Marked members are together," he said quietly, keeping his eyes straight into Regulus'.
The younger man seemed to collapse in relief.
"Thanks Merlin you feel it too! I was beginning to doubt myself."
Regulus closed his eyes for an instant before looking back at Severus, hope clearly shining in his eyes.
"I think something went wrong when our Lord changed the Mark. Maybe he tried to add a protection to it after what happened to Lord Malfoy. Or… I don't know what. But I am persuaded he failed his Dark Magic sacrifice. I did not realise until I was Marked. I was away at school most of the time. And I think the Black wards protect our home from most of the corruption for now."
"How did you notice the corruption?" asked Severus, curious, knowing Regulus had yet to begin his own Apprenticeship and was only three months out of Hogwarts.
Regulus laughed humourlessly.
"It felt like Bellatrix. You know the Blacks are supposed to be the utmost Dark practitioners. We are supposed to be Masters of the Dark. We could not be farther from it. Do you know my uncle once had Bellatrix practice her Dark spells on Sirius? To help them learn how to master the Dark," said Regulus bitterly. "Neither have been sane since. None of my family seems to realise what they did."
It was like a dam had opened and Regulus was letting go years of frustration and hurt. Severus tried to remain impassive and keep his face free of condemnation.
"Sirius tried to protect me from it. He made himself a target to protect me. He asked me to come to the Potter with him. He did not understand I must save the House of Black. I must endure until I am the Head and able to pull the House back on track," ended Regulus, eyes begging Severus to understand.
Severus nodded, holding his gaze before speaking quietly.
"Will you try to take the Head title early? I understand older people dying is not uncommon these days."
Regulus shook his head in denial.
"Of course not. I could never..." he breathed deeply, regaining his calm before speaking again. "Anyway. I did not tell you my sob story for pleasure. I need you to watch. Sometimes I feel like I cannot trust my feelings."
"I will," promised Severus solemnly.
He waited in silence a few minutes but Regulus did not offer more insight on the Mark and Severus did not dare push for more only one day after coming back. Stifling a sigh, Severus moved the conversation to Regulus' future Apprenticeship. They spoke another hour before Regulus took his leave, Severus remaining deep in thoughts long after the younger man's departure.
He felt so frustrated. Here he was, having learnt as much as he could as Lord Voldemort had hoped, ready to give his best so the Lord could win the elections and put Slytherin's rules in application for all the Wizarding world, and their best hope for Minister was stupid enough to create a permanent Horcrux. Probably Horcruxes, as Severus doubted one Horcrux could unbalance one´s Khorlo to the point of such corruption as he had felt the evening before.
The previous night, Severus had wondered if the wrongness could come from something else than a Horcrux, the misuse of the Dark Arts, a ritual gone wrong... He had thought back to everything he had learnt during his Apprenticeship, his last conversation with Drunek, the clues in his friends' letters... He had used Occlumency to observe last night's meeting in his mind, to examine how the wrongness had clung to the Lord and spread in the room. Severus did not know of anything else other than Horcruxes that could explain all the symptoms.
Really, why had Lord Voldemort attempted such a dangerous practice? Was it fear of death, or had he discovered it was a way to open Khorlos? In this case, why had he not reunited his Khorlo once it was open? Had he feared losing the power and ease with magic he had gained if he reunited with his Horcrux? Or was he hoping to open more than just his main Khorlo by making several?
Severus could not even talk with the Lord and simply ask him to please reunite his Horcruxes with himself. The corruption had changed Lord Voldemort, and he certainly was not as rational as he had been. Without Lord Voldemort reigning in its most extreme members—Merlin, was he even encouraging them or did his Mark allow the likes of Mulciber to influence their comrades?—the group had changed and drifted away from its first goal. He hoped reuniting the Horcruxes with Lord Voldemort's core would be enough to reverse all effects, including its influence on the Mark. What kind of spell had the Lord added for his corruption to spread through it?
Severus sighed to himself. No matter how much he wanted to rage, no matter why the Lord had decided to create them, the Horcruxes existed and needed to be reunited with Lord Voldemort's Khorlos. The Lord was the only candidate to meet approval from the entire group and who stood a chance of winning. The past suspicion of his opponent's cheating might even work in his favour. But the Horcrux imbalance was dangerous for him as well as the marked Death Eaters, and could lead to erratic behaviour which would be fatal to the cause.
Severus needed a plan. To find the Horcruxes' locations, dismantle whatever protections Lord Voldemort had put around them—that promised to be loads of fun—and reunite the Horcruxes with their Khorlos. "Easy peas" until you consider the Lord was bound to oppose and see as betrayal any and all of the above activities until he regained his common sense.
But how was he supposed to find the Horcruxes? Using Sensing deeply on the Lord to find their trail was out of the question, Severus was certain Lord Voldemort would notice. From all he had heard and observed, the Lord was as fascinated by Magic as Severus was and had travelled after his studies to deepen his understanding of it. While he may not have the kind of knowledge Goblins did, he must have learnt and experienced something similar. The next best thing would be to use a Mark, but it meant finding a willing marked Death Eater who would not spill everything out to Lord Voldemort.
It meant Severus needed Allies. He could not succeed on his own.
His grandfather and Regulus were the most obvious possibilities. He would need to test the waters with Jonathan but Severus felt he was less enthralled than Lucius and Evan. For now, he definitely would not ask those two. It would also be interesting to observe the Mark's influence on bearers unaware of its power over them, though Severus was warning his Brother and his friend as soon as it was safe to do so, no matter how helpful it could be.
Could he ask for Drunek's help? Severus was unsure he wanted to involve any Goblin in this mess for now. He was afraid they would take the easiest path and just kill Lord Voldemort after destroying his Horcruxes. Speaking of... just how did reuniting Horcruxes with someone's core work? Did you just put the Horcruxes in front of the person and voila? Did you need to help them reunite? Did you reunite all the Horcruxes at once, or was there an order? If there was, would it be the order in which they had been created, or did they depend on the Khorlo they were linked to?
Severus wanted to groan at the thought of the research and experimentation he would need to do to properly define a plan. And how would he experiment without available Horcruxes? He was NOT creating Horcruxes for the sake of practising, be it his own or someone else's.
Severus worried he was on a tight timeline. Was the wrongness stabilized or could it increase with time? Would Lord Voldemort know when Severus came into contact with his Horcruxes?
At least, Dhaal had assured Severus that the wrongness did not cling to him as it did the others. Apparently, it glided on or slid over his Sensing Shields, unable to take hold of it. Severus wondered if his grandfather's Familiar could Sense the wrongness, if she had told his grandfather of it.
He was relieved to be interrupted for dinner by Tuei and gratefully pushed aside all thoughts of Horcruxes when Dhaal told him of his exploration of the city, laughing as his Familiar explained he had been forced to retreat from the park by an angry squirrel who thought the Thestral was after his cache of nuts.
Between catching up with his friends, doting on little Draco and working on his plan to reunite Lord Voldemort with his Horcruxes, two weeks passed quickly. It was a good thing that thanks to Mother, Severus had enough in savings to last him for a few months because he had not had the time to even think about looking for employment—which reminded him a visit to Gringotts would not be amiss and would be a nice pretext to visit his goblin family.
Dhaal and he spent less time together than they ever had, but they made a point of eating dinner together everyday. The only reasons why Dhaal did not remain by his side every second was first that flow-travel allowed him to reach Severus in seconds, and second that their Bond knew no physical limit of communication.
One morning, as Severus had finished breakfast and hesitated on his next task of the day, Tuei asked to speak with him.
"Of course Tuei," answered Severus. "What can I do for you?"
"My contract ends this evening Mister Severus," answered Tuei, watching him expectantly.
"Already?!" blurted out Severus. "I had not realized I've been back for so long," he paused, thinking furiously. "Would you consider negotiating a contract with me? Your help has been invaluable and I really appreciate how you took care of the house and Dhaal."
Tuei's ears twitched.
"And of me of course," added Severus hurriedly, hoping he had not vexed her.
"Tuei does not wish to create another contract," replied Tuei to Severus' disappointment. "Being a Free Elf is tiring, though it is better than to have a bad Master. Tuei wishes to adopt Mister Severus as her Master," she stated firmly, looking him square in the eyes.
Severus' mind took a moment to process her unexpected demand.
"Is it possible?" asked Severus, thoughts churning. "I am not the head of my House, and my position regarding the House of Prince is complicated."
He still had not sworn an Oath to his grandfather. He did not think he would be able to, even with their improved relationship.
"My kind's Oaths are not always to a House. They can be to someone in particular, or to a part of the House only."
Severus did not know much about House Elves though he had already wondered what they found in their bargain to serve Wizards.
"If I agree to take you as my House Elf, what would be your commitments and what would you require from me?"
Tuei nodded approvingly.
"The binding between House Elf and Master requires an Oath from each. The Oath is personal for each binding and delimit the relationship between the two. Each of us will write down our Oath. If we agree on their content, then they can be spoken out loud, and the adoption will be done," explained Tuei.
"I thought House Elves' Oaths were all the same, especially the bit about how Masters can... unadopt House Elves?" asked Severus, unsure of the term he should use not to upset Tuei. He found the practice of breaking up House Elves' relationship to a House by giving them clothes distasteful, and to dispose of someone's life without any explanation required but a piece of fabric felt dishonourable.
Tuei watched his face thoughtfully, as if trying to read his mind before answering him.
"The Oath between one House Elf and his Master is both explicit and implicit. The explicit part is the Oath which will be spoken aloud between the House Elf and his Master. The implicit part is one common to all Oaths which can only be altered by the Elders Council through the Oath Ritual. This ritual has last been performed one century ago, because of the distasteful practice Mister Severus was evoking."
Tuei paused, gathering her thoughts and clearly deciding how much she would tell Severus. He felt privileged to be trusted with this knowledge and wondered why she was taking the risk to tell him so much when he had not made any commitment to her. Was she so certain he would accept her offer?
"The implicit part of the Oath defines three rules. One, the twisting of the Oath intent is a breaching of the Oath. Coming from the Master, it gives its freedom back to my kind. Coming from my kind, it frees the Master from his obligations. The twisting must be witnessed by the Elders Council for the breaching to be official."
The existence of a Council responsible for House Elves affairs was fascinating and confirmed to Severus what he had suspected in Kyirong. England had many prejudices against magic beings. He wondered if they had unknown treasures of knowledge like the Goblins had.
"Second, it is possible to break up the Oath without any damages if either the Master or the House Elf feel they cannot uphold their Oath anymore simply by speaking to each other. They can also break up the Oath if they feel it is not being upheld by the other. Third, the intimate knowledge revealed to the Master and the House Elf is confidential."
Severus held up a hand to interrupt Tuei.
"Just a moment Tuei. Those implicit rules are very important to define the Oath. Is every Master aware or made aware of those when they chose to accept a House Elf?" asked Severus. Those rules went against all commonly known facts he had heard about House Elves.
"They must be explained before the explicit Oath is spoken. Plus, they are detailed in the Master's Módiǎn."
"What is a Módiǎn?" asked Severus perplexed.
Tuei looked at him sadly.
"Your Módiǎn is the container of your magical knowledge and experience. From what I have seen, Goblins use stones, Wizards use books and my kind use their Wúxíng. Usually, your Módiǎn also contains some of your ancestors' private knowledge."
Severus nodded in understanding. She was speaking of his Prince book. He noted in a corner of his mind to ask her about Wúxíng later.
"I understand. From my experience, for Wizards, it is given by the Head of House," said Severus. "How do Muggleborns proceed? Do they even know it exists?"
Tuei perked up as she understood Severus already had a Módiǎn.
"Most Heads of House possess their own way of creating a Módiǎn for their members. Mister Severus must understand that Módiǎn can be different depending on the member they are intended for. Of course, a Módiǎn can only be read by its owner. It is old and powerful Magic," stated Tuei with conviction. "All Wizards can go to Gringotts to create their own Módiǎn. It means they will not have the knowledge of their ancestors, only the knowledge they put into it. But they will be able to pass it on to their heirs."
Severus nodded. He felt like he was back in his Apprenticeship. Only he had an important decision to make at the end of Tuei's explanation. He gestured for her to continue.
"Last implicit rule. It is the responsibility of the Master to procure clothes for his House Elf as the symbol of the adoption of the House Elf into his family. In exchange, the House Elf puts an àmoi on their Master, a mark visible to all House Elves to claim their Master."
Severus was more and more awed by his ignorance on the matter. He nodded slowly, engraving the knowledge in his mind, knowing it would require closer analysis later.
"Now, my kinds' explicit Oaths are unique. They are renewed when the situation of one of the parties evolves, for example when the Head of House changes, when the designated Master gets married or when we choose a mate. Its role is to define the role of the House Elf as well as his Master's obligations."
Tuei looked away, taking a deep breath before looking Severus in the eyes, a hint of vulnerability in her otherwise assured composure.
"Mister Severus must understand that we House Elves like to take care of others. This is how we flourish. It means we need to live with other species to avoid conflicts between us as no one wants to be the one taken care of. It does not mean we do not have Lines and families, and the Oath must allow us to spend time with them. When one of my kind chooses a mate, they must choose which Master they will serve to be able to live together as we usually live with our Master."
Severus had never thought about the complicated logistics House Elves faced. He had not even realized they had families, which was stupid in hindsight.
"Caring comes under different forms. Most are known for the care of Houses and infants, but some have been bodyguards or teachers."
Tuei looked at him sternly.
"My kind is powerful but not aggressive as we possess a high degree of empathy. Empathy is the key to our magic abilities and the reason we have not enslaved the world."
Tuei's words chilled Severus as they had the ring of truth.
"It is also our greatest weakness," stated Tuei. "For example, this clothes business," she said with disdain. "To procure clothes for my kind is the Master's responsibility when they are linked. In reverse, the dismissal of a House Elf means taking the clothes from him as he is no longer part of the family. Traditionally, Masters gave dismissed House Elves new clothes so their search for a new family may begin under lucky auspices," explained Tuei. "As centuries passed, European Wizards twisted the tradition to show their contempt and disappointment for dismissed House Elves. They began giving us ugly and shredded clothes when they banned us from their family. It brought great shame to us," said Tuei sadly. "The final straw was when some Wizards began giving humiliating clothes to their linked House Elves to show the world how inferior we were. To show they thought us inferior to them. Several of my kind died because of this shameful twisting of their Oath. Others descended into madness."
Severus felt bile rise in his throat. What had prevented them from going to the Council?
"You understand how unprepared your Muggleborns are. How ignorant they are without anyone to guide them. Some of my kind are the same, because they have lived among Wizards for so long without other contact than the other House Elves of the family, that they do not remember what their rights are. They forget the implicit rules," said Tuei, having guessed Severus' thoughts. "Some of us have for our sole task to find those who have forgotten and give them back the rules. We are not always enough. Some remained linked when they could leave. Others could not bear to be free. The Council finally ruled that any clothes given with an intent contrary to the Oath as understood by the House Elf was a breach of said Oath and allowed the House Elf to claim back his freedom."
Tuei felt silent, watching Severus intently.
He got up, pacing to put his thoughts into order. Severus needed a House Elf to be able to focus on important matters like Horcruxes. He liked Tuei. She liked him. She liked Dhaal. She did not mind living in the muggle world. He had the feeling a rejection would hurt her deeply.
Turning to her, Severus smiled gently.
"Tuei, I would be honoured to have you in my family."
Tuei let out a loud breath of relief then nodded her head vigorously.
"Then we shall write the Oaths now."
Severus took great care in crafting his own, glad for his Prince book and his Apprenticeship. Then they reviewed their respective Oath together, mutually suggesting a few changes before they were satisfied.
Tuei was the first one to speak her Oath.
"I, Tuei from Line Zawia, adopt Severus Tobias Snape as my Master. I will take care of his home, his Familiar and himself as well as I am able. If the need arises, I will act as his representative before the Elder Council."
"I, Severus Tobias Snape, welcome Tuei from Line Zawia as my House Elf. I will cater for her needs to the best of my abilities and knowledge. Her time is hers to manage as she sees fit as long as she meets my household's needs."
As Severus' last word died, he felt the Oath settle between Tuei and him. It was nothing like the forced silent Oath Dumbledore had made him swear. This time, he felt warmth envelop him before settling comfortably in a corner of his mind.
Tuei's stance changed in front of him. She had been assured before. Now she was proud. Her presence felt even more tangible.
"Thank you Master Severus," said Tuei with a huge smile, bowing to him slightly.
"Thank you Tuei," replied Severus gently, bowing to her as well. "Do you really need to call me Master?" he asked curiously.
Tuei nodded vigorously.
"You are my Master, and it is important everybody knows it."
"I understand."
Severus knew some of the Muggleborns—among those who knew House Elves existed—felt House Elves were little more than slaves for Wizards. He knew some had tried to have the Ministry free all House Elves but for once, the Ministry had refused to consider a muggleborn proposal. Severus now understood why. Master coming from the House Elves was alike to Master coming from Apprentices.
"We will need to go to Gringotts soon, so we may set up a fund you can use for the House, and another you can use for you."
Tuei's eyes widened in shock.
"Is Master Severus giving Tuei the right to use his money?"
"A part of it," agreed Severus. "How will you be able to order what you need otherwise?"
"Don't you wish to approve my expenses to make sure I am not bankrupting you?"
Severus looked at her incredulously.
"This is why you will not have access to everything. But you will tell me if it's not sufficient."
Tuei nodded slowly.
"And you are giving me money for myself?"
"You have needs too," answered Severus perplexed.
Tuei nodded once more.
"Thank you Master Severus."
Severus had the eerie feeling he had missed something in their exchange but shrugged to himself as Tuei left for the kitchen, humming lightly. Curious, he fetched his Prince book.
As Tuei had told him it would, the book now held a chapter on House Elves. Skimming through it, Severus realised all Tuei's explanations were in it with a few more details. To his surprise, he also found a chapter on Thestrals, which included the Horde's knowledge Dhaal had passed on to Severus. Severus perused the book intrigued, and saw another chapter on Goblins had been added. The chapter was on Clan Röykkiö and contained information Severus knew but some he did not as well. He guessed it was linked to his blood Bond with Kiveä. Magic really was amazing.
One week later, Severus went to Dryhtenhold for Draco's Naming ceremony, Dhaal perched on his shoulder as usual. His Familiar was taking the ceremony very seriously. The Thestral considered Draco his to protect and was delighted to be given such an important role in his life. As Severus' Familiar, he would be included in the Godfather's oath.
Contrary to what most had predicted, Lucius and Narcissa had chosen to have an intimate ceremony with only the Godparents present. He wondered who the Godmother was. He hoped they would get along.
Severus had turned to his grandfather for advice on what would be expected of him during the ceremony. The old man had looked sad as he realised Severus had not had Godparents but had then spent the next half of the day telling Severus of everything he thought he needed to know. He had revealed the Prince tradition was to speak the Godparents' vows in Gobbledegook and helped Severus craft them for the ceremony. That day, Severus had agreed to come to the Prince manor for lunch sometime before the next month. He felt both excited and anxious at the thought but pushed it aside, focusing on the coming ceremony.
Minky welcomed them in the Vestibule and informed him he was expected in the summer garden. The day was sunny if a bit chilly, but the Manor enchantments would adjust the temperature so Draco did not get sick. The Malfoy ancestors had been clever to only put the enchantments into the buildings. The summer garden, being almost enclosed in them, was thus also covered by the enchantment. It put less strain on the wards and required less Magic to sustain. Severus marvelled as he Sensed the Magic flows running through the property, giving and taking from Dryhtenhold.
Narcissa spotted him first and looked suitably impressed and pleased at his Bǎo-style clothes. She was holding Draco in her arms and presenting him to a kid who could not be older than eight. Lucius was speaking with the kid's parents. As he approached them, Severus was struck by the woman's uncanny resemblance to Bellatrix. It seemed Narcissa's stay in France had had other purposes than only getting her strength back.
"Right on time as usual Brother," welcomed Lucius as he hugged him. "Please, let me introduce you to Narcissa's sister, Andromeda Tonks née Black, and her husband Ted Tonks."
Severus examined them critically. No tensions were apparent between the couple. She did not have the cautious look of Mother. Could they be the exception to the rule that Muggle-Witch marriages were doomed to end in tears and blood? He would give them the benefit of the doubt for now, but he would keep an eye on them. Draco would not have a beaten subdued Godmother. He needed to question their kid to be certain.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Tonks," said Severus.
"There is no need to be so formal," answered Mrs Tonks. "We're going to godparent little Draco together. Please, call me Andromeda."
"Yes, please call me Ted, I always look for my father when I hear Mr. Tonks," added Mr Tonks—Ted.
"Only if you will call me Severus," answered Severus politely.
"We are really pleased to meet you Severus," said Andromeda. "We heard a lot about you."
"Mostly unbelievable things according to my wife," added Ted with a smile.
"Andromeda is having trouble believing your many achievements at only twenty," explained Lucius, proud as his peacocks.
"Lucius, you have to admit owning two grade I masteries and two minor others is unheard of at such a young age," protested Andromeda.
"Is it?" asked Severus, looking at his brother for confirmation.
He knew more than two masteries was not common, but he had not thought it was unique.
"Few can claim more than two masteries, and only Merlin can boast to have accomplished such a feat before twenty," confirmed Lucius gleeful.
Despite his training, Severus felt himself blush.
"Stop bothering my son's Godfather," interrupted Narcissa. "It's almost time for the ceremony. But first, Severus, I do not think you've been introduced to my niece Nymphadora."
"It's not Nymphadora Auntie Cissa," scowled the kid. A girl, though her hair was short and she wore pants instead of the expected dress.
Severus empathised with her, the Blacks really gave the ugliest names to their kids.
"I will not call you Tonks," replied Narcissa firmly. "It's not a proper little girl's name."
The girl crossed her arms in protest, but her attention was quickly caught by Severus.
"Are you the Genius?" she asked curiously.
"Well, … I am Severus," he answered, unsure how to answer.
"Yes he is," whispered her father, "but don't tell him, he doesn't know it yet."
She nodded gravely, reminding Severus of Soraa.
"What should I call you Miss?" asked Severus, trying to think of a nickname which could be acceptable for her parents and her.
"Tonks," replied the girl immediately.
"No Nymphadora," intervened her mother. "I already told you this is not an acceptable nickname for a young girl."
Said girl scowled, her hair taking a red shade and a definitely prickly cut.
"What about Nymphéa?" proposed Severus. "It means water-lily in French."
The girl looked at him thoughtfully, whispering the word to herself several times.
She smiled suddenly, her hair colour changing to pale rose.
"I like it," she stated with a huge smile, jumping a few times to emphasize her point.
"I like it too," assured her father with a smile, gently ruffling her hair.
"So do I," added her mother softly. "It suits you honey."
"She's a metamorphmagus," whispered Lucius to Severus.
"I noticed," whispered back Severus.
It must be fascinating and confusing. How could you know yourself when you had the possibility to change your appearance whenever and however you wished to?
"It's mostly rigged by her feelings for now," added Lucius.
"Same as accidental Magic?" asked Severus.
"Exactly," agreed Lucius.
"Thank you, Severus, for resolving this tricky matter for us," said Narcissa, looking at Lucius and he pointedly. "Now, if you would all please come with me. It is time."
"Just one more thing Narcissa," said Severus, turning to the Tonks family. "Please meet my Familiar, Dhaal."
The Thestral appeared on cue, perched on Severus' shoulder.
"Can I pet him?" asked Nymphéa excitedly, her hair taking on a bright neon yellow colour.
"After the ceremony," promised Severus. "I just wanted to warn you so Dhaal would not scare you during the ceremony," he explained, meeting Andromeda´s gaze.
"Ceremony that will not happen if you do not come right now! Severus, you know the time has to be right!" said Narcissa with exasperation.
"I'm sorry," answered Severus sheepishly.
She shook her head at him then took his arm in hers to ensure he would follow. She led them to a small enclave in the stone walls of the manor which created a shelter just big enough for all of them. An altar stood in the middle on which Narcissa delicately put Draco, arranging his covers so he would be comfortable and warm even on the cold stone. Severus' godson was remarkably cooperative, watching with big serious blue eyes and cooing at his Mother from time to time. They formed a circle around the altar, Severus and Lucius on the opposite of Narcissa and Andromeda.
Narcissa put one hand on her son's torso, followed suit by Andromeda.
"Do you, Andromeda Eleonora Tonks née Black, accept to become my son Draco Abraxas Malfoy's Godmother, and thus to act as his caregiver if I shall be dead or unable to take care of him?"
Severus Sensed Magic's sudden anticipation, the manor wards vibrating with excitation, magic flows circling around Draco.
"I, Andromeda Eleonora Tonks née Black, accept to become Draco Abraxas Malfoy's Godmother, to protect him, cherish him and, in the event of your death or incapacity to take care of him, to be his caregiver."
As Andromeda spoke the last word, Magic coalesced to link Draco and her together, vibrant and strong. However, it did not settle down, waiting for the next vow.
Lucius and Severus put their hand on Draco's torso, repeating the previous process. Dhaal hopped up from Severus' shoulder to the altar and put his forehead against Draco's.
"Do you, Severus Tobias Snape, accept to become my son Draco Abraxas Malfoy's Godfather, and thus to love and protect him, and act as a family to him if I shall be dead or unable to take care of him?"
Severus focused on the intent of his words, the Gobbledegook falling easily from his lips even as he held the words' meaning in his mind.
"I, Severus Tobias Snape, accept to become Draco Abraxas Malfoy's Godfather, and thus to love him, protect him, and teach him, and in the event you were unable to take care of him, to act as his family."
As Severus pronounced the last words of his vow, Dhaal Screamed. His Scream was unlike those he had used to defend Severus and attack offenders. It was soft, like a melodic hum. Severus felt Magic coalesce, reaching to Draco and Severus as well as Dhaal. Sudden warmth enveloped Severus. He felt the link take place in his mind, distinct from his Familiar Bond but connected to it.
At Lucius' signal, Narcissa and Andromeda moved to put their hand on Draco again, the five of them joined through the baby.
"Thank you Andromeda and Severus for taking on the responsibilities of Godparents to our son Draco. We, Narcissa Iris Malfoy and Lucius Amadeus Malfoy, welcome you into our family."
Magic pulsed around them before settling down gently. The link's presence dimmed, remaining only on the edge of Severus' awareness. He poked it lightly, receiving a feeling of warm-protected-contentment in return.
"Can I pet him now?"
Nymphéa´s impatient inquiry brought Severus back to his surroundings. Draco was in Andromeda´s arms, Narcissa talking quietly with her sister. Lucius and Ted were watching Nymphéa with indulgent smiles as she tried to reach Dhaal. The altar was too high for her and Dhaal was happy to tease her by bending to look at her then rearing back when her hand came close to him.
Severus rolled his eyes at his Familiar's antics. Dhaal Sensed back a huff but got down, increasing his size to match the girl's.
"You're like me!" exclaimed Nymphéa, clapping her hands in wonder. "Mum, Dad! He can change too!"
"We see darling," answered Ted with a smile as he observed Dhaal more closely.
Severus was thoughtful. His Familiar's abilities looked similar to those of a metamorphmagus but was it the same process? Could Nymphéa learn from Dhaal how to control her changes of appearance? She would need to be able to Sense what Dhaal was doing. At such a young age, would she be able to without the aid of Taichichuan?
Lucius cleared his throat, breaking Severus from his thoughts.
"They went back to the manor for lunch. Narcissa will not be pleased if the soufflé falls down because we're late."
"You are truly whipped," said Severus unimpressed.
"Have you seen my wife?" replied Lucius.
"Yes, but even your letters were full of sugary devotion to her eyes and hair and everything Narcissa!"
"Sugary devotion?" repeated Lucius, looking at Severus with a raised eyebrow.
"I had to read those!" answered Severus defensively.
They looked at each other before bursting out laughing.
"I am so glad you're here," said Lucius, putting his arm around Severus' shoulder. " I—"
Minky suddenly popped in.
"Mistress says Master is sleeping on the couch tonight if he does not stop playing around."
"Please tell my lovely wife my Brother and I are coming," answered Lucius.
"Only to save you from the couch," said Severus seriously as the House-Elf disappeared.
"You are a true Brother."
The soufflé was beautifully rounded and delicious. Conversation was light and animated, the adults watching with indulgence as Nymphéa gave Dhaal her greens and thought she had her parents fooled.
To Severus' relief and amazement, the Tonks seemed to be a truly happy family despite Ted's lack of powers. He looked enchanted with his girl's capacities and completely in love with Andromeda. They might be the exception to the rule.
Looking up from where he was enjoying a petting session by an enthusiastic Nymphéa, Dhaal Sensed to Severus he would check on the family from time to time. The Thestral was still wary of the wizarding world and its members. Severus suspected Slytherin's rules were the only reason Dhaal had not yet kidnapped Severus back to the Goblins and spilled everything to Drunek to let clan Röykkiö deal with the Horcruxes and the Death Eaters' Mark. His Familiar supported the Defenders' initial purpose and grudgingly accepted involving Goblins might not be the best for the children who needed protection. Plus, Dhaal had genuinely warmed up to Narcissa and Draco. Severus crossed his fingers about Lucius soon making it into the short list. His brother was spoiling Dhaal with sweets and new exotic food delicacies, and Severus had recently noticed his Familiar letting his guard down in Lucius' presence.
They left Dryhtenhold late in the night, having waited for Nymphéa to finally fall asleep so she would not protest Dhaal's departure by screaming her lungs out.
The next days, Severus fell into a routine. Taichichuan practice, research on how to create a kind of Horcrux compass, meals with either his brother's family—sometimes including Andromeda's family—or his friends. Then more research on Horcruxes and how to reunite them. Severus made good use of the Room of Crossings and flow-travel to visit more libraries and bookshops than he ever had, his masteries opening the most prestigious to him. It was slow going as Horcruxes and Khorlos were not common subjects and Severus could hardly openly inquire about it. He often got sidetracked when discovering interesting books which distracted him from his stalling search. It became increasingly obvious he needed to study a Mark to make progresses. So Severus plotted how to recruit allies without being double-crossed.