PLS R&R!
CH.4 - Prince Manor
The next morning dawned bright and early for Harry, who had barely gotten any sleep for the umptieth night in a row. He was getting used to sleep eluding him. At this rate, he was sure he'd have permanent dark circles by the time he turned eighteen.
Having taken a quick shower, Harry returned to the boys dormitory. On his bed, he began checking his leather satchel if he hadn't forgotten anything. Pleased at himself for having mastered the Expandable Charm, he muttered under his breath the items that he found inside.
"...Map…Mirror shard…Cloak…Potions book…"
Nodding his satisfaction, Harry perched on his red-gold bed, craning his neck to have a final look at the room. It was somewhere around 7:30, but Snape had told him last night to meet him near the Entrance Hall at 9:00 to leave for the Prince Manor.
Harry contemplated going down to breakfast, but found his appetite lacking. He wasn't ecstatic about being under the same roof as Snape, let alone that that roof belonged to the man himself.
On the other hand, he toyed with the idea of inquiring Snape about his mum. He didn't care whether Snape would sneer, or yell at him, but Harry was getting that information. Snape was his last link to Lily Evans Potter.
Not knowing what else to do with the remaining time, Harry swung the satchel over his shoulder, re-checked his jeans pocket for his wand, and made his way down to the Common Room at a lazy pace. He basked in the sunlight streaming through the window as he descended the stairs, before looking around the room for the final time.
He was going to miss the comfortable couch and armchairs, the flickering flames in the grate, and the warm atmosphere of the Gryffindor dwelling.
Steeling himself, Harry stepped out from the portrait of the Fat Lady, who just groggily grumbled something incoherent at him, still half asleep. Harry shook his head. Despite the faculties' best efforts, Hogwarts' security was equivalent to that of assigning Fang to guarding the Sorcerer's Stone.
At a lazy pace, he headed down to the Entrance Hall. Once there, Harry slumped himself against the heavy oak doors and waited for Snape and McGonagall. A sly smile crossed Harry's face. I can't believe I arrived earlier than Snape. The guy has always been incredibly punctual and always on time, so to arrive earlier than Snape was something worth putting in history books! Maybe Hermione might be interested…
Five minutes till nine, the unmistakable dark cloaked figure of Severus Snape was making its way down the corridor and straight for Harry, with McGonagall beside him, his dark cloak billowing menacingly behind him. He also seemed to have a black leather back slung over his shoulder. His face was even more stoic than the gargoyle's, Harry noted.
Dang, he really does look like a bat crossed with a vampire…
"Potter," greeted Snape curtly, as he loomed over Harry, who was still sitting on the floor.
"Professor," Harry greeted back, lifting himself off the floor.
"I am no longer your professor, Mr. Potter, thus the honorific is no longer appropriate," said Snape dryly.
"Uhh… What should I call you then, sir?"
"I believe you've just answered your own question, Potter," Snape deadpanned. "Sir will do just fine, I believe."
"Sure thing, sir," conceded Harry.
"Mr. Potter," greeted McGonagall, her expression professional, yet warmth glimmering in her eyes. She gave him a thin but reassuring smile.
Minerva reached out to grasp Harry's hand, patting it. "Stay safe, you two. Merlin only knows how stubborn and trouble-seeking the both of you are!" She glared at them as though they were a couple of first years who had gotten in trouble. Snape rolled his eyes at her, but shook her hand when she extended it.
Snape gave him a sharp nod, and without a word of exchange, beckoned the boy to follow.
Before Harry knew it, he and Snape were making their way down to the front gates of Hogwarts, both remaining silent. It was a hot day in May, and Harry kept wondering to himself how Snape could tolerate such temperatures in his black suit and cloak. The man didn't give off any indication that he was hot, striding briskly in his trademark wide gait.
Once they were outside the front gate, Snape held out a familiar-looking piece of parchment with writing on it. It was an address, the same as in the old potions book. "Memorise it well, Potter, unless you want to splinch half your body while apparating."
Harry swallowed and took the parchment, repeating the address of the manor to himself several times before handing it back to Snape. Harry took Snape's warning seriously.
Snape extended his hand to Harry. "Take my hand, Potter," he ordered bluntly. Harry obliged and felt the familiar feeling of apparition.
Within seconds, Harry and Snape found themselves standing on a cobbled road and were pleased by the splendid countryside scenery around them: rolling hills with patches of oak trees and cottages scattered unevenly throughout. The road they were standing on, Harry guessed, potentially led to a town that was visible in the distance.
"Wow," Harry breathed in amazement. He looked over at Snape, who was also taking in the beautiful scenery.
Snape looked unfazed by the scenery, and turned sharply to the large, black iron double gate just behind them, brandishing his ebony wand from his wrist holster. "Potter," he beckoned Harry to follow him. He then pointed his wand at the gate and started chanting in some unknown language with his eyes closed. Harry, afraid of distracting his ex-professor, remained quiet.
A minute or two later the double gates swung open, revealing a cobblestone road leading to a wide, graceful two-story, beige and grey manor. It was surrounded by vast lawns of well-kept grass.
"Wand out, Potter," muttered Snape, walking beside Harry towards the manor.
"Why?" asked Harry, confused.
Snape let out an exasperated sigh." Constant vigilance, remember?"
They stopped at the double front doors, and Snape gave Harry a cautionary look before unlocking the doors with a complex wand movement. Snape cautiously entered the building, and Harry followed behind. The place was well-lit, thanks to the tall windows. They were standing in a large entrance hall, with corridors leading off to the left and right. In front of them was a grand, large staircase.
Snape cast a Homenum Revelio spell, and narrowed his eyes in confusion when the wand indicated that they weren't alone. "We have company," Snape muttered in a low voice, which sent shivers down Harry's spine.
"Is it possible that the spell is wrong?" Harry asked, hoping he sounded braver than he felt.
"Unlikely" said Snape shortly, looking around.
As if on cue, a loud CRACK came from the left, startling them both. Snape's reaction was immediate and he sent a stunning spell at the source of the sound, only missing it by a hair. Harry was also about to cast a spell, when he heard a terrified squeak, and thought it sounded vaguely familiar.
"Master Prince, Please! It is just Nibby!"
Snape halted at the last moment, a curse on the tip of his tongue, and stared at the house elf cowering before them. She had large brown eyes with long lashes and a neat tea cosy wrapped around her slim body. She seemed to be a bit taller than most house elves.
"Are you the Prince house elf?" inquired Snape, lowering his wand a little. Harry was surprised when he noticed that Snape's free hand was held in front of him, almost in a shielding manner. Snape realised this and quickly withdrew his hand.
Nibby the house elf bowed. "Yes, it is I, Nibby. I is the house elf of the noble manor of Prince, ready to serve master Prince."
"I am Severus Snape, and this-" he gestured at Harry "-is an impertinent brat, Harry Potter."
Harry took offence and shoved Snape in the ribcage with his elbow. Snape smirked but ignored him.
"Hello, Master Severus! Master Harry!" she smiled warmly at them. "Nibby is very excited to finally meet her master and his son!"
Harry almost choked and Snape made a strange sound in his throat that sounded like something between a cough and a laugh. "Mr. Potter is not my son, Nibby. He is…" Snape looked at Harry briefly, "a guest here at Prince Manor. He was once a student of mine."
Nibby blinked. "Master Severus is a teacher?"
"Was. I used to teach Potions at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry," answered Snape bluntly. "Nibby, please give us a tour of the manor."
Harry did a double take at this. "Wait— You mean, you've never been here!?"
Snape sighed. "Not particularly, No. I was simply aware of the Prince inheritance shortly after the demise of Fiona Prince, my great-great grandmother. For reasons that are of no concern of yours," he glared at Harry, "I wished to have nothing to do with it, unless necessary."
Not sure how to respond to that, Harry nodded. Everything about the ex-Death Eater was an enigma, even with the knowledge Harry already had about him from those memories.
The house elf sprung to her feet, her eyes popping with excitement. "It would be Nibby's honour, Master Severus and Harry!"
Nibby first led Harry and Snape into a large, cosy sitting room with a lot of comfy looking couches and armchairs, a few cupboards and bookshelves lining the walls. On the other side of the room were large windows and a glass entrance to a porch overlooking the vast grounds at the back of the manor. The sitting room was done in earthy tones, and also featured a large fireplace.
The next room Nibby led them to was a handsome study, which was done in similar earthy tones, but was slightly smaller than the sitting room. It had a large mahogany desk, a few arm chairs, and tall bookshelves. Severus found himself tracing a finger along the spines of a few books in interest, reading their titles. He was pleased to find a good selection of rare spellbooks.
The dining hall was also on the first floor, which was an elongated room in beige and brown. A long wooden dining table stood in the middle of the room, elegant chairs lining its sides. Harry couldn't believe they were going to be eating here.
Nibby continued to show them a few other rooms such as the kitchens, bathrooms, and even the basement, which Severus immediately claimed for his potion brewing. Now, they made their way up to the second story of the manor, and found themselves in a huge library, which could've easily rivalled the one at Hogwarts. Harry imagined the look on Hermione's face if she saw it.
Finally, they arrived at a huge bedroom that could have easily fitted three of Dudley's bedrooms in it. It had a huge four-poster bed, writing desk, wide wardrobe and other furniture. The room also had a huge window area, overlooking the grounds of the manor and a small sitting area. A door to the left led off to a private bathroom.
"This is one of the master bedrooms," informed Nibby. "There is a slightly bigger one down the hall."
"This can be your room then, Potter," Snape told Harry, who had a look of disbelief on his face.
Harry nodded, trying to hide his wonderment.. Never in his life had he ever had this sort of luxury. It had always been either the cupboard under the stairs, or Dudley's second bedroom, which was in a desperate need of renovation. Harry stepped further into the room, examining it.
"I will leave you to unpack, then."
Harry mutely nodded at Snape, only allowing himself a grin when he and Nibby left. As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry ran across the room and flopped onto the large bed, enjoying the feeling of the silk sheets beneath him. He lay there for a couple of minutes, before getting up and peering into the wardrobe.
The wardrobe had many shelves and a tall mirror attached on the inside. It was then that Harry looked at his reflection for the first time in…how long has it been, four, five days? He almost didn't recognize himself, because the seventeen year old boy staring back at him was very skinny and had dark circles under his eyes. His hair was as messy as ever, and his skin had an almost unhealthy tint to it.
Harry shrugged.
He unpacked his clothes from his rucksack, which consisted of only a couple of Dudley's old shirts, trousers and socks, folding them neatly and barely filling a shelf with them. He then took out his photo Album, which he put on his bedside table. Harry decided to keep his Gringotts key, DA coin, mirror shard, map, and Invisibility Cloak in his rucksack, which he stashed under his bed.
When he was finished unpacking, Harry peered through the windows at the grounds of the manor. The grass was swaying hypnotizingly in the soft, summer breeze, and a few willow trees were scattered here and there. A large, circular stone wall encompassed the grounds and the manor.
Harry sat down on the window seat, pressing the side of his face against the cool glass, and stared out at the grounds below. If he didn't know any better, he would have guessed he was on the fourth floor, rather than the second, because both stories had such tall ceilings. Harry found the manor overall very welcoming and cosy. Thanks to his so-called relatives, Harry had never liked small rooms or confined spaces, so he was relieved that the manor had such spacious rooms.
Harry had not even realised that he'd dozed off, until he was woken up by a knock on his door. He glanced out the window and was surprised to see a beautiful sunset. Was he really asleep for so long? Wincing slightly from stiffness, Harry got up and sleepily called, "Come in!" at the door.
Snape appeared in the doorway, looking a little uncertain. "I trust that you've already unpacked?"
"Yes, sir."
"I see. Well then, dinner is in ten minutes. I would like you to join me in the dining hall. We have much to go over."
"Okay."
Snape mutely nodded and left the room, closing the door soundlessly behind him.