Power of the Prince Lineage

SeverusxLily & Children

Rated T

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters from the franchise. That honor belongs to JK Rowling

Power of the Prince Lineage

Chapter 22: Proud Snapes

Harry sat in his bed in the Hospital Wing talking with his friends, Hermione fussing over him making sure his bandaged arm was alright for the eighth time. Draco and Ron were more interested in what happened in the graveyard in Little Hangleton and how he faced off against the Dark Lord and won. Harry smiled and told them that it wasn't just him, but the triplets as well. If it hadn't been for them, he'd surely be dead.

"I still can't believe that Roderick, Tobias, and Eileen were able to not only able to learn up to Year Six in their First Year to help you, but were also able to face off against and survive the You-Know-Who," Ron said in amazement. He looked at Hermione and said, "It puts Hermione to shame."

Hermione's face flushed in anger as she scowled at the redhead and said, "Shut it, Ronald. It doesn't change the fact that I'm still smarter than you and put all of your scores to shame."

Draco snickered at the brunette's retort before turning back to his best friend. Ruffling Harry's unruly hair he said, "At least you made it out alright, Harry. But what about your siblings? Aunt Lily told me that they had to talk with Dumbledore and a few Ministry officials for their interference in the tournament and also for learning higher level magic when they were only to learn beginner level magic as First Years."

"Yeah, they're with them now in Dumbledore's office," Harry replied.

"I don't see the problem with them learning more than their fair share of magic," Ron said crossing his arms. "Hermione is at least two years ahead of the rest of the Fourth Years and no one bats an eye at that."

Harry nodded and said, "That may be true Ron, but she also hasn't done anything that could possibly get her expelled and her wand snapped."

Hermione gave her friend a worried look and asked, "You don't think the triplets will get expelled, do you Harry?"

"I hope not, Hermione. I really hope not."

Dumbledore deliberated with the few Minisitry officials that were in his office and with Minister Fudge about what to do about the Snape triplets. It was obvious to him and to them that the three twelve year olds were pretty powerful little beings, and very smart to boot. He figured they were probably even smarter than Hermione Granger, especially if they had learnt Year One through Six and had just started on Year Seven course material. Even so, they had still violated the rules of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, even if it was to look after their brother and make sure he was safe. Some of the officials demanded the triplets be expelled and have their wands snapped. However the other officials and Fudge didn't want to take it that far, but did agree the Snape children should be punished. Finally Minster Fudge turned to Dumbledore.

"Albus, it has been decided that the children are not to be expelled. However you may punish them as you wish," Fudge said.

Nodding Dumbledore said, "Yes, I was hoping to not have to snap their wands."

Roderick, Tobias, and Eileen who had been standing anxiously during the older wizards deliberation, all let out the breaths that they had all been holding, Roderick seeming to be the one the most relieved. His studies were everything to him (besides his family) and he figured he'd just die if she was expelled from Hogwarts, even if he knew enough knowledge to just graduate already.

Dumbledore stood from his desk and walked over to the triplets, looking at them with unreadable blue eyes. After looking all three of them in the eye he asked, "Tell me, how many Hogwarts levels of magical curriculum do you three know?"

Tobias looked at his brother and sister before looking back at the Headmaster and answering, "Up to Year Six, sir."

"We had started learning Year Seven, but the Third Task of the tournament was upon us before we could learn much," Eileen explained.

Giving a contemplative hum Dumbledore said, "So upon knowing this, this means that I could have you three take your O.W.L.s and prove that you three know all of this knowledge as you say you do."

Roderick blinked a few times before saying, "What?"

Turning to one of the officials Dumbledore said, "Go and retrieve Professor Snape and bring him here, please. I need to talk with him about his children."

The official nodded left the Headmaster's office, on his mission to find the Potions Master. As he left the Headmaster's office Roderick looked at his siblings and asked, "Are we really about to take our O.W.L.s four years early? With the Fifth Years when they take theirs?"

Dumbledore chuckled and said, "Possibly Roderick, but I have to speak with your father and your Heads of Houses first. But if we're all in agreement on you three taking the O.W.L., you'll be set up to take them starting Monday with the other Fifth Years. And as you know the O.W.L.s take two weeks to complete, so be prepared should you three take them."

Roderick grinned at the prospect of taking his O.W.L. early, a rare giggle slipping through his lips. Tobias laughed at his brother's gleeful expression and Eileen smiled before her smile fell from her face. Looking up at the older wizard she asked, "Professor, if we're allowed to take our O.W.L.s and pass, will that still make us Second Years next year, or early Sixth Years, or even Seventh Years?"

Smiling warmly at her Dumbledore replied, "Just wait and see, Eileen." Looking at all three of them he said, "Now about your punishment. As I said before, you won't be expelled. But I am sentencing you to detention for the rest of this school year and all of next school year with Mr. Filch and Hagrid. Your detentions will start Monday evening promptly after dinner."

"Yes sir!" the triplets replied in unison, identical smiles on their faces.

Dumbledore couldn't help but chuckle at their happiness to have been served detention, as well as having the prospect of possibly taking their O.W.L.s next week. Deciding they had spent enough time in his office, he sent them off while he sat to wait on their father. As they left his office, he waved his wand and sent his Patronus off to summon Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick to his office seeing as Professor Snape was already on his way. Looking at Minster Fudge who was looking at him he said, "The Snape children are more interesting than we thought."

An hour later Severus was walking out of the Headmaster's office completely flabbergasted, yet a feeling of excitement bubbled in his stomach. His children, in an effort to save Harry, had excelled their knowledge and magic so much they were eligible to not only take their O.W.L.s, but be deemed Sixth, possibly Seventh Years beginning in September. Oh, Severus would have killed to have had that opportunity when he was their age. Even so, he couldn't help but feel a great deal of pride for his children. However he still needed to speak to Roderick as his Head of House about the agreement he and the Headmaster had come to.

Walking down into the Dungeons he entered into Slytherin Dungeon and saw his snakes sitting and talking quietly with each others, and many of them studying for O.W.L.s, N.E.W.T.s, and end of term examinations. Black eyes soon landed on his son and he stepped further into the Common Room, his commanding presence catching the attention of everyone and the chatter quickened to silence. Looking at the miniature version of himself he said in his deep baritone voice, "Mr. Snape, follow me to my office."

Roderick nodded and stood from his seat, following his father out of Slytherin Dungeon and to the Potions classroom. Entering inside they ventured to Severus' office and Severus closed the door behind them so as not to be disturbed. Turning to face Roderick who was giving him his undivided attention he said, "I presume you know of Dumbledore possibly allowing you and your siblings to take your O.W.L.s next week." At Roderick's nod, he continued. "I have spoken with the Headmaster in thorough, along with Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick. We have come to the conclusion that we will allow you to take the O.W.L. examination next week."

"R-Really?" Roderick stuttered, his brown eyes wider than they have ever been in his surprise, his stomach fluttering in hope that this wasn't a dream.

"Yes, really. You can take the O.W.L., Roderick."

Roderick grinned brightly, his dimples on display to be seen, before letting out a sudden shout of joy and hugging his father close. Squeezing Severus tight he exclaimed, "Thank you, thank you! Thank you, dad!"

Severus chuckled and ruffled his son's hair. He was about to speak when his office door suddenly burst open and Eileen rushed in followed by Tobias. They both had wide grins on their faces and they exclaimed, "We can take our O.W.L.s!"

The other two triplets glomped Roderick in excited hugs, pulling Severus into their little group hug. Wrapping his arms around all three of them he said, "I want you three to know that I am very much proud of you and proud to call myself your father. No matter what the results of your scores will be or whatever it is that you choose to do with your lives, I will always be proud of you and support you no matter what."

The triplets all smiled up at their father before nodding. Tobias looked into Severus' black eyes and said, "And we're proud to call ourselves your children and proud to carry your name."

Eileen nodded and put in, "We may have Prince family blood running through our veins, but we will always be Snapes and that will never change, nor would we want it to."

"And whatever animosity comes from hearing the name, we will always be proud of who we are and to call ourselves the children of the greatest and youngest Potions Master, Severus Tobias Snape," Roderick said with a smile.

Severus stared down at his children as his eyes began to mist over and a ball of emotion lodged in his throat. It felt almost surreal to hear this being said to him. Growing up his mother had taught him to be proud of being not only a Prince, but a Snape as well, even though he resented being the son of drunkard Tobias Snape. He always believed he had nothing to be proud of carrying that cursed name. Even when Lily became his wife and proudly took on the name Snape, he still couldn't bring himself to be proud to have that name. But standing before him were three of his four children stating proudly that they were Snapes and proud to be one, something he had never been able to do. But now, now for the first time in his life, did he feel proud to have the name Snape, and all because of the three beings standing in front of him. He couldn't be a prouder father even if he tried.

Eileen frowned a bit at seeing how silent her father was, though she could tell his mind was probably thinking so many things at the moment. She did however notice him swallow several times and his eyes looked glassy, as if he was about to cry. In a soft voice she said, "Daddy, don't cry."

The tears Severus had been trying to keep at bay spilled out of his eyes and onto his cheeks anyway, though a smile graced his lips. Wiping his tears he said, "I'm just happy, that's all. Don't worry, little bird."

Tobias smiled before touching Roderick and Eileen's shoulders, nodding his head towards the door. They nodded in silent agreement to leave their father alone for the time being, knowing he needed time to process his emotions and get himself together again. They quietly left his office, but not before looking back in and saying, "We love you, dad."

Studying for O.W.L.s, and on such short notice had put a bit of strain on the triplets, but they took it day by day and competed them for the next two weeks. When word had gotten out that three First Years were taking the O.W.L.s, there had been a bit of an uproar that students who were only really beginning to understand and use magic were being allowed to take a test administered by the Wizarding Examinations Authority. Of course, no one knew who the three were until the Snape triplets entered the Great Hall and sat down at their assigned desks in line with the Fifth Years of their House. When the first exam (which had been Charms) was over and the students left the Great Hall, it was quickly known to everyone that it was the Snape triplets. Hermione had been surprised and a bit miffed that they were allowed to take it, knowing she was eligible to take it as well. Harry had been surprised at hearing that his younger siblings were taking a standardized test already when he wouldn't be able to take it until the following year, but at the same time he was happy for them and knew that they deserved it. Draco too had been surprised and had promised the triplets that should they pass, he'd have Lucius arrange for them to go on a special trip anywhere they wanted to go. It would be for both the Snape and Malfoy families. He then had looked at Hermione and said with a slight blush that she was welcome too, causing the brunette to blush as well. That had all occurred the previous week. It was the second week of O.W.L.s and it was Thursday, the last day of examinations and the triplets had just finished taking their last exam, History of Magic.

Walking out of the Great Hall Roderick rolled his head on his shoulders to get the kinks out of his neck and was intent on heading down to the Slytherin Common Room when a familiar voice called his name.

"Roderick!" the voice of Julia Bingle called out.

Turning Roderick saw the Second Year Hufflepuff hurrying to him, her strawberry blonde hair flying behind her. Stopping in front of him she pushed her hair behind her ear and asked, "How was your O.W.L.?"

Roderick shrugged and said, "It was alright, I suppose. It went by quicker than I thought it would; the written part, I mean. But I'm glad it's over, though I did enjoy it."

"And now all you have to do is wait for your scores." Julia smiled sweetly up at the First Year and said, "I'm sure you'll pass swimmingly."

"Th-Thank you, Julia," Roderick replied with a blush appearing on his face. He rubbed his cheek a bit over his blush and looked off to the side for a moment before looking back at the girl in front of him. "Hey listen, I was wondering…um…"

Julia looked at him and said in interest, "Yes?"

Roderick didn't understand why he was so nervous talking to Julia. The last few times he spoke he had been flustered and had actually stuttered and stumbled over his words. It was ridiculous! But after speaking with Harry about it, he came to realize it was because he had developed a crush on the girl and that he liked her. And now here he was failing miserably at trying to ask if she would visit him over the summer or him her. It was…incredibly sad.

Before he could speak again his siblings walked up on either side of him and Tobias asked, "What's going on?"

Eileen looked at Julia and held out her hand saying, "Hi, I don't think we've officially met. I'm Rod's sister, Eileen. And this is our brother Toby."

"Hello," Tobias greeted with a smile.

Julia smiled at them as she shook their hands replying, "It's nice to meet you. Roderick speaks fondly of you both. He says you two are his best friends and that he wouldn't want any others."

"Aw, Rod!" Eileen cried, hugging her oldest triplet.

Roderick blushed further before clearing his throat and looking at Julia. In a steady voice he asked, "Julia, would you like to visit me over the summer, and I visit you sometime?"

There was a moment of silence before the strawberry blonde grinned and nodded happily saying, "Yes, I would love that."

"Julia, come on!" a friend of Julia's called from near the staircase.

Julia turned to them and held up a finger before turning back to the triplets, though he attention was solely on the Slytherin First Year. Smiling sweetly she said with a blush on her face, "I will definitely write over the summer to you, Roderick." She leant forward and placed a kiss on his cheek before saying, "See you later, Dimples."

As the Hufflepuff walked away Tobias playfully poked Roderick's shoulder and chanted softly, "Rod's got a girlfriend, Rod's got a girlfriend."

"Shut up, Toby," Roderick retorted with a scowl, though the flush on his face wasn't fading anytime soon.

Eileen rolled her eyes and said, "Come on, let's go see dad. He told me mum would be with him today and that we should go see them as soon as we were done."

The three of them headed down to the Dungeons and soon went to the portrait of the sphinx to enter their father's private quarters. Upon entering they saw their parents talking quietly while sipping cups of hot tea. Harry was there as well, though he was lying on the floor reading over some notes to study for his own exams, his last two he would be taking the following day. Lily looked up and smiled at her children saying, "Hello, you three. How did your final test go?"

Tobias hurried to hug his mother and snuggle up close to her before answering, "It wasn't too bad, just a bit tiring. But I'm so glad it's over. I don't think my brain could handle any more studying right now."

Lily giggled and kissed the little redhead's forehead before looking at her daughter. Smiling she asked, "Anything new, Eileen?"

"Oh yeah. Roderick invited his girlfriend to visit him over the summer," Eileen said, her black eyes glinting as smirked at her brother.

"Girlfriend?" Lily asked in surprise. "What girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend!" Roderick shouted, tired of his siblings teasing him about Julia. "She's just my friend!"

"So you say," Tobias said teasingly.

Severus raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who is this girl, Rod?"

Harry looked up from studying and answered for Roderick, "She's a Hufflepuff Second Year named Julia."

Severus thought for a moment before nodding saying, "Miss Bingle. She's a rather bright student and would make an excellent Potions Mistress if it wasn't obvious her talents lie elsewhere." He looked at Roderick and said, "Good choice, son."

Roderick huffed and sat down next to Harry on the floor, a disgruntled expression on his face as the rest of his family laughed at his discomfort. Harry chuckled and ruffled the dark haired boy's hair before saying, "It's alright, Rod. If you still need to talk to someone about your denial, talk to Draco. He's held onto his for years about his romantic feelings for Hermione."

"Not helping, Harry," Roderick replied.

A chuckle was heard through the room and they all turned to the portrait of Roderick looking at them with an amused expression. His brown eyes shined as he said, "I see young Roderick is already choosing to court his future wife."

Groaning Roderick said, "Not you too, daideo."

"I'm sorry, I had to," his great-grandfather said with a chuckle. Looking at Harry he said, "Harry, I heard that you completed the Tri-Wizard Tournament; congratulations."

Harry smiled and replied, "Thank you, but I was disqualified because Rod, Toby, and Eileen helped me."

"And what does that matter? I'm sure those other three needed just as much help and are lucky to be alive and not have come out of the tournament dead like you very well could have been. But you persevered even without the knowledge of your siblings helping you and faced off against that wretched Lord Voldemort bravely when he tried to finish what he started with you thirteen years ago. You stood up to him and protected your siblings, just as they have protected you. You have done your family, Potter and Prince alike, very proud."

The Gryffindor Fourth Year stared at the man in the portrait before grinning and thanking the man before looking at his mother who was giving him a proud smile. Roderick smiled at the boy before looking at the triplets. Beckoning them forward he said, "Roderick, Tobias, Eileen, step forward please."

The triplets stood up and walked over to their great-grandfather's portrait, waiting for him to speak. He said nothing at first as he stared at them, but when he finally spoke he said, "Show me your right wrists."

Roderick, Tobias, and Eileen all rolled up their sleeves and extended their wrists, showing the shamrock that was engraved in their skin that they had received at the end of the Third Task. Looking up at their daideo they saw Roderick smile proudly before he took rolled up his sleeve and showed them his own shamrock marking on his right wrist. Smiling he asked, "Do you know what this means, children?"

Eileen bit her lip before answering, "It means that it is a symbol of the family lineage we come from and is a symbol of our magical prowess."

"Yes, it does. Many Princes and those of our bloodline don't retrieve their marking at such a young age. The marking only appears when a Prince has overcome a test of true magical strength and they are able to feel the power of their magic running through them. And you three have overcome a great feat for being able to do all that you have done this school year. You have done the Prince family proud. You three are true Princes."

"Maybe, but we're also proud Snapes and we always will be," Tobias said.

Roderick's brown eyes widened as he stared down at his great-grandchildren before nodding with a smile saying, "Indeed you are."

Severus walked over to the triplets and said, "You didn't tell me you got your Prince marking."

Eileen shrugged and said, "We haven't really had a chance to tell you about them."

Tobias nodded before asking, "Do you have one, dad?"

"Yes, I find myself wondering this too, considering I've never seen it," Lily said as she and Harry walked over to join the rest of their family.

Severus raised his eyebrow before pulling his right sleeve up a bit to reveal the same shamrock engraving on his inner wrist. As his family gazed at it he said, "I received mine after the Dark Lord was defeated the first time around in order to save you all."

Lily looked up at him with sad expression and said softly, "You almost died at the time, Sev."

"I know, but it was thanks to Harry that I survived."

Harry looked bewildered and asked, "Me? What did I do?"

Severus chuckled and said, "Ask your mother, because even with her telling me, she was the only one that witnessed what you did to save my life."

Lily smiled and told her eldest son, "I'll tell you later."

Roderick smiled before turning the conversation to visiting Aunt Petunia, Uncle Sirius, and cousins Dudley and Kurt. The Snape family sat and spoke happily with one another, a sense of peace finally settling over and within them after the stressful year that they had. A House Elf soon appeared bearing plates of food for them to eat as dinnertime had rolled around, and the six of them sat and ate together, all of them enjoying each other's company. Yes, it was great to sit together like this again.

During dessert Lily perked up and said, "Oh, I almost forgot. Everyone, I have wonderful news."

Five pairs of eyes turned to the red haired witch, giving her their attention as Eileen asked, "What is it, mum?"

With a bright smile Lily placed her hands on her midsection and announced, "We will be welcoming another child into the family soon."

Black eyes widened as Severus asked, "We're having another baby?"

"Yes, in January. I'm two months along already; I confirmed with Madame Pompfrey."

Harry, Roderick, Eileen, and Tobias all congratulated their mother and hugged her, excited that there would be a new addition to the family. Eileen and Harry were hoping for girl, Eileen wanting there to be another girl in the family while Roderick and Tobias were positive it would be a boy. Severus didn't care either way. His family was growing and he couldn't be happier to become a father a third time over. Sure, it would be twice for birth children, but Harry had been his first child when he took him on as his ward when Lily and he began to live with him and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Smiling at his wife Severus whispered, "I love you, Lily-flower."

Lily smiled lovingly and kissed her husband as she said, "And I love you too, Sev."

A week later as everyone had packed their belongings to head down to Hogsmeade to board the Hogwarts Express to go home for the summer, the Snape triplets were called to the Headmaster's office by Professor Dumbledore. Reaching the gargoyle that hid the entrance to the office, they were met by Professor McGonagall who had been waiting on them. Smiling she greeted them before giving the password to the gargoyle, giving them all entrance. The four of them entered and the triplets stopped in front of Dumbledore's desk. Standing on one side of the desk were the head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority and Professors Flitwick and Snape on the other side. McGonagall moved to stand next to them and they all waited for the Headmaster to speak.

Dumbledore smiled at them and said, "Welcome Roderick, Tobias, Eileen. I don't wish to keep you long, but I thought you might want to receive the scores of your O.W.L.s in person rather than wait for them by mail."

The head of the W.E.A. nodded and held up three pieces of parchment, reading off of the first one first. Clearing his throat he said, "Roderick Severus Snape, your O.W.L. scores are as follows:

Charms: Outstanding

Transfiguration: Outstanding

Herbology: Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding

Ancient Runes: Outstanding

Potions: Outstanding

Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding

Astronomy: Outstanding

Divination: Exceeding Expectations

Arithmancy: Outstanding

History of Magic: Outstanding

Roderick couldn't believe it. He had scored ten Os and one E on his O.W.L.s. He had passed! He looked at his father and Head of House who nodded at him with a proud smile on his face.

The man that was reading the scores went to the next piece of parchment and read, "Tobias Rupert Snape, your O.W.L. scores are as follows:

Charms: Outstanding

Transfiguration: Outstanding

Herbology: Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding

Ancient Runes: Exceeding Expectations

Potions: Outstanding

Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding

Astronomy: Outstanding

Divination: Exceeding Expectations

Arithmancy: Outstanding

History of Magic: Outstanding

Tobias grinned brightly at his father and Professor McGonagall, his Head of House regarding him with a proud smile at his achievement.

Eileen smiled, happy for her brothers, before turning to face the man reading their O.W.L. scores. It was time to hear hers, and she hoped she had done well. The man took the third and last piece of parchment and said, "And finally, Eileen Muirrean Snape, your O.W.L. scores are as follows:

Charms: Outstanding

Transfiguration: Outstanding

Herbology: Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding

Ancient Runes: Outstanding

Potions: Outstanding

Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding

Astronomy: Outstanding

Divination: Outstanding

Arithmancy: Outstanding

History of Magic: Outstanding

Eileen's mouth dropped open at hearing her scores. She had gotten all Os! She covered her mouth in shock as her black eyes turned to look at everyone in the room widely. Professor Flitwick was clapping his hands happily with a smile on his face, McGonagall with grinning at her, her brothers were grinning proudly at her, as well as her father. The man that had read their scores smiled down at her and said, "It is very rare to have someone score all Outstandings on their O.W.L.s, and even rarer on their N.E.W.T.s, so you have my congratulations, Miss Snape."

"Thank you, sir," Eileen replied in awe.

Dumbledore stood from his desk and walked over to stand in front of the triplets. Looking down at them with a warm smile on his face he said, "You three have passed your O.W.L.s; you should be very proud of yourselves. And after careful deliberation with not only the W.E.A., but as well as your Head of Houses and Department of Magical Education, it has been decided that instead of Second Years, you three will return as Sixth Years, the youngest Sixth Years in Hogwarts history."

There was a moment of silence as Roderick, Tobias, and Eileen all stared at their Headmaster in shock before Roderick said, "Shut up. You aren't having one on us, are you?"

"I promise you Roderick, I am not having one on you. Congratulations, you and your siblings will return to Hogwarts as Sixth Years and take Sixth Year level classes. And though you may already know the material, there is nothing wrong with learning it all again."

The triplets grinned up at Dumbledore and thanked him before moving to thank Professors Flitwick and McGongall. When it came time to thank their father, they all rushed to hug him tightly, catching Severus off guard a bit and causing him to fall back onto his backside. Chuckling Severus said softly, "I'm so proud of you three."

Author's Note: It's almost over, you guys! The only thing left is the epilogue and this wonderful sequel to CBtY will be finished. I hope you all have enjoyed it and will tune in for the final part of this story. Thanks so much! XOXO, SehunsBae37.