Thanks to everyone who took the time to review my story!
Chapter betaed by Miette :)
AN-2021/04/02: thanks to dstone12 for correcting the remaining mistakes left by Miette and I.
"Granite and limestone are more fitted for the design you have in mind Lord Caspian, however I think we should use some of the original bricks and stones as well, to ensure the link between your house and the land remains," explained Rhys to Severus.
Rhys was a Dwarf and the general foreman of the team Severus had hired to build Caspian manor. His team was composed of several other Dwarves as well as Wizards and Goblins, each with their own speciality though they seemed to be quite versatile in their skills.
Severus nodded thoughtfully.
"Would you incorporate them in the foundations or in some of the decorative motives?"
"We need some in the foundations. Even though we will add wards to your home and the surrounding grounds, your current ones are solid and it would be a shame not to build upon them," answered Rhys. "I think we can also use them for doors and windows frames."
Severus nodded.
"Very well. I trust you to do what is best."
The Dwarf snorted.
"I've no doubt you will be watching us carefully and won't hesitate to tell us when you are not pleased. You have quite the reputation Lord Caspian."
Severus raised an eyebrow at him.
"While I am proud of the Lupacem, it hardly makes me competent in building houses properly."
Rhys laughed loudly before looking straight at Severus, eyes piercing and deadly serious.
"The Lupacem is far more than a mere potion and shows a great mastery of Magic for those who know what to look for. Plus, Blake seldom has the occasion to debate over his way of using runes and wards for home, even less to have his creativity increased by said debate. He should have several propositions for you by the end of the week."
Blake was the Wizard in charge of the wards for Caspian Manor and its grounds. He had been quite annoyed when Severus had insisted he detailed how he planned to protect his home until Blake realised Severus understood his explanations and could actually offer constructive criticism and ideas.
"You might not be able to build a home right now, but you can tell whether it's done right or not, and if we respect your wishes concerning wards and protections," concluded Rhys as he held his gaze, daring Severus to contradict him.
"I admit I've learnt useful skills," allowed Severus. "Now, could we review the plans one last time?"
"Of course," answered Rhys with a satisfied grin.
The Dwarf took out a long parchment and rolled it out on the temporary table set inside the tent he was using as his headquarters. It was a detailed plan of Severus' future home. Then he took out one vibrant green stone engraved with runes too small for Severus to read. The Dwarf taped the stone, casting a silent spell in the same move. At once, a three dimensional view of Caspian manor rose from the parchment.
The first time, Severus had gaped in wonder before pestering Rhys with questions on the working of such exquisite Magic. The Dwarf had laughed and answered he only taught it to his Apprentices. Severus had been disappointed but had not pressed him, contenting himself with studying it through Sensing. It was too complex to figure out in the short time he had to observe it, especially as he had decisions to make at the same time, but anything he learnt could be useful.
Severus turned around the immaterial replica of his future home, checking Rhys had taken into account all the modifications he had asked for the last time.
Caspian Manor would not be as grand as Malfoy Manor or most of the traditional Purebloods' manors. Severus only needed sufficient space to be able to respect his Oath and house those he was responsible for if necessary. It did not mean his home would be a modern monstrosity which several Muggleborns favoured, on the model of the current muggle fashion.
Caspian Manor was going to be simple yet welcoming, distinguished without trying to impress. Its walls were going to be in limestone and granite with original bricks and stones as openings frames. Some of the original foundations would remain in key spots as anchors for the wards and to keep a continuity with the past. Severus had chosen dark blue slate for the roof, finding tiles too conspicuous.
Severus had decided to expand the ground floor to add an office with a hidden room to store Dark or malicious artefacts, a true laboratory, a room for Magic practice as well as a conservatory. The dining room would remain the same size though Severus needed to buy new furniture in the event he would entertain more than six persons. The living room was going to expand to include a true library corner—corner which might take up half the room. Lucius thought Severus should have increased even more the size of both the dining and living room to be able to hoist receptions, however Severus would rather face a Dragon. He was determined to be the Lord Caspian he wanted to be, not the one others thought he ought to be, even if he knew his brother meant well.
When he had consulted Tuei to know what she wished for, the House Elf had only asked for a bigger kitchen and bigger rooms of her own which Severus was only too happy to provide. In the continuity of the kitchen, Severus had added a true greenhouse which would open on the current potion ingredients garden. Said garden size was going to double as it already was quite cramped with his grandmother's latest gifts, and Severus wanted to create another one for Tuei to cultivate what she wished. The grounds around the conservatory were to be grasslands and flowers—his grandmother had offered to give him exotic species he knew Tuei would love—with one area arranged for Taichichuan practice and another for Defence practice. The rest of the grounds were going to be woods at Dhaal's request.
The entire first floor layout was going to be rearranged and organised to hold a bigger and more modern bathroom as well as a smaller one, one office and three bedrooms large enough for a two persons bed—Severus had grown too much for his current schoolboy bed. The basement and the attic would be extended too though Severus was unsure of their use except for storage and secret meetings. Still, he had put up one bathroom in each in case he needed the space as living floors later.
The building team work would not stop here as they would also use stones of the same kinds Severus had used for his blazon to decorate the walls as well as paved paths on the outside grounds.
"You haven't yet positioned the blazons and special stones," said Severus, looking at Rhys askance.
"Indeed," confirmed the Dwarf. "It will be our last task before setting up the definite wards and we surely will require your assistance. You see, we think your home was built on an area almost void of Magic currents. The currents coursing through it today feel recent and more importantly, they seem to be growing."
"How do you know these currents are recent?" asked Severus, curious.
The Dwarf smiled.
"Trade secret. Several of us are able to and we all agree. Fascinating really, happens less than you'd thought. But it means we must be careful where we put the stones related to your House as well as your blazon. We must find the place where they will be the most effective and strengthen the wards without disrupting the currents."
"I see. You're right, I must be present for this phase," agreed Severus.
"Good. Now, if you don't have any more modification to add, we can really begin to work."
Severus made a last review of the plans before nodding.
"I have nothing more to add. As we agreed, I will have Gringotts transfer the first third of your payment to your account, Master Rhys."
"Perfect. It's a pleasure to work for you, Lord Caspian."
Severus watched as the Dwarf went to his team, hollering to gather them around him. He was impatient for his new home to be ready. According to Rhys, it would take them two months to implement all the changes Severus had asked. He would be staying at Malfoy Manor for the duration of the work, his entire possessions being stocked at his grandfather's where they had set up their temporary search-for-Horcruxes headquarters.
Severus hoped that his home being away from well-known magical areas would spare him newspaper articles on Caspian manor's rebirth and speculation on his interior decorations. The newspapers' reactions to his becoming Lord Caspian had been quite enough even though they had been surprising in their variety.
The Daily Prophet had written two articles on Severus with greatly different tones. One had been in the news sheets, where the author had given a brief biography and list of Severus' achievements then worked on implying Severus was too good to be true when you knew he had had troubles with Magic uses before leaving Hogwarts. He had spent a whole paragraph on the Caspian's motto and blazon, speculating on what it meant and generally predicting he would be the next Dark Lord. The journalist had been clever, wording his sentences carefully and Severus knew he would not be able to sue him for slander.
The second Daily Prophet article, to Severus' mortification, had been in the Gossip sheet. The journalist, Rita Skeeter, had a lyrical quill and had spent the entire article wondering if Severus' next step to integrate into upper society would be a wedding, and if he would try to marry into Noble Houses to gain status and riches. She had concluded with a line on his motto, stating it was the reflection of an adventurer's heart who would make any prospective conjoint live a dream. Dhaal laughed a lot while Severus had the urge to go and strangle the woman.
The tone was completely different in the Wizard Times, the main newspaper supporting Lord Voldemort. The author, Marius Bloomberg, had listed all of Severus achievements in detail, from his OWLs and NEWTs to his Mastery and the Lupacem with his emancipation in between. He had taken the opportunity to laud the Mentorship and remind readers of Abraxas' great devotion and sacrifice. Bloomberg apparently loved Severus' motto and blazon because they were signs of renewal, renewal which showed in Severus' support of Lord Voldemort.
It was impressive how using mostly the same facts as the Daily Prophet first article, Bloomberg had managed to make Severus appear like the next Merlin.
Some of the less popular newspapers had written articles about him too. The one he had read with real interest was from the Quibbler, the only newspaper Severus already read by choice instead of necessity to follow the current politics. It was owned by Xenophilius Lovegood who wrote the majority of the articles. While many respectable Wizards dismissed Lovegood's crazy theories, as he often spoke of unknown creatures only he seemed to know of like Crumple-Horned Snorkacks or Wrackspurt, Severus often recognised a similarity between Lovegood's vision of Magic and his when reading between the lines.
It helped that Lovegood's wife Pandora was a famous spell researcher who had invented a charm to combine the memories of different persons from the same event into one memory and then allow the exploration of this new memory using a pensieve. Severus would love to explore one of those memories as it had to be a particular sensation to experience the point of view and feelings from each participant.
Lovegood had not disappointed Severus though he had been surprised by the angle of his article. Lovegood had focused mostly on Dhaal, providing an interview from Hagrid who testified of Severus' gentleness with creatures—it made Severus wince thinking back of his attack on Fang in third year—and then expressed his appreciation and knowledge of Thestrals as well as his desire to meet Severus' Familiar. Severus had felt guilty for not writing more to the Giant, though Hagrid had not written much either.
Newspapers were not the only ones to react to the new Caspian House. The Wizarding Wireless Network had aired a two hour long debate on why so few new Houses were created nowadays, on what it meant that someone raised in the Muggle world before Hogwarts had managed to become a Head of House—which of course had led to a heated discussion over the merit of the Mentorship.
Severus shook his head to himself. None of the newspapers had even broached the subject of what it meant in terms of Magic and responsibilities for Severus to create a new House and take on the mantle of Head of House. The radio debate had offered more information on the legal obligations of Heads of House, but Severus was certain Muggleborns listening had not grasped the shear responsibilities he had accepted.
In terms of magical abilities, Severus had not had any sudden revelation on Magic inner workings nor had he manifested super powers. He had been pleasantly surprised not to feel different when his grandfather had unsworn him a month ago, and it had not had any impact on his duel against Beltram. Today, he did not feel different either but had noticed subtle changes in his use of Magic. His Sensing was more acute than before, for example allowing him to filter the taint of the group and distinguish the most tainted members instead of Sensing one huge miasma. When he practised Taichichuan, Severus felt more connected to Magic, as if he could Sense its flows further than before and gain a better knowledge of the presences he detected through his Sense.
Letting the workers get to their job, Severus went back inside to the bare living room. Tuei was coming with him to Lucius' home until her rooms were inhabitable but he wanted to make sure she required nothing from him before they left for his brother's home.
The House Elf was currently making the tour of the house, muttering to herself. Severus could Sense she was doing something with the wards but nothing more definite.
"Master Severus. You have two letters," said Tuei, handing him his mail while she remained focused on her task.
"Thank you Tuei."
Severus went back outside not to disturb her, put his back against the wall facing Rhys' team, and opened the letters.
Dear Severus,
Congratulations on creating your own House! From Lily's reaction, I understand it is an impressive feat. I am a bit jealous, I would love to be as independent as you are. I hope I will be once I am a doctor.
I love what I am learning but sometimes it is hard to face human misery so closely. To learn everyday nothing is black and white and how much our choices carry responsibilities.
He agreed wholeheartedly. Choices and responsibilities were heavy.
Mother and Father are very supportive and it helps. Lily's husband helps too though I don't believe it is intentional. I heard he had quite the disappointment when he partook in a search of your home for Dark Artefacts and whatnot. You should have heard him rant.
Severus snorted. How he wished he had witnessed the scene.
He really needs to grow up. It might come sooner than he thinks, with his job and Harry. I really was laughing inside when he complained they had not found anything. Lily was really angry at him for believing the worst of you. I think they were missing the point.
I believe you possess Artefacts which qualify as Dark according to your Ministry and that you are too clever for them to find any of them. I also believe that no matter what they say, your darkest magic would never hurt innocents.
It was the nicest compliment she could have given him.
James and Sirius do not agree but I think they are jealous of your talents. That potion of yours really is Magic. I had not seen Remus since the wedding and I almost did not recognise him when I had lunch with Lily and her Marauders yesterday. He looked more self-assured and in far better health.
He wondered if Lupin would give him an accurate account of all the changes he had felt since beginning the Lupacem treatment if Severus asked nicely.
Speaking of those four, I think they are plotting something with their beloved Headmaster. Lily does not seem to completely agree with them, so I think it is about you. Something about countering Lord Voldemort but I could not find out more.
He did not need Dumbledore's melding now.
Do not hesitate to write to me more on what is happening to you, I would love to hear more about your new House. James was complaining about your blazon being bad luck but I cannot believe it is anything other than majestic and dangerous.
He did not know why he was pleased with her words.
Please be careful,
I wish you all the best,
Petunia.
A smile on his lips, Severus carefully tucked the letter into his inside pocket before opening the second letter.
Dear Severus,
Congratulations for creating your own House—this is so you, I don't even know why I was surprised, and I really like your motto though I wonder about your blazon but if the rumours are true... I cannot wait to meet your Familiar!—for creating the Lupacem—this is amazing, it is like you freed Remus from prison! And the wand! You must tell me about all this!—congratulations for being you!
He felt warm reading those words. It reminded him of the faith Lily used to have in him. Their friendship might really survive after all.
As you must imagine—or not because I do not think you ever stopped to ponder about children—I am exhausted.
He had not told her he was Draco's Godfather. They were not there yet.
Harry is the love of my life but he is a handful as well and sometimes I wish he was quieter, like Neville is —the two of them being born the same day is a blessing, Alice and I are supporting each other through motherhood, I do not know how I would manage without her.
Severus snorted. Lily and Potter were the boy's parents, what had she expected?
She had joined a photograph of her son with her letter. Severus was struck with the colour of his eyes which were the same deep green as Lily's. He wondered if he would keep them or if they would change to the brown of his father during the next months. He hoped for the kid's sake that they remained green.
I try to spend one hour a day studying but sometimes, I do not even manage to open my books. Pearl, the Potter House Elf in charge of taking care of the family's babies for the past fifty years, assured me it would get better.
But enough about me, did you find your special other? Any girl in your heart? You deserve to find someone who makes you happy.
Severus blinked. It was... nice of her to worry. It was a friend's thing to do, though Evan and Jonathan were more on the teasing side on this subject.
What is your next step on the professional front? Are you going to be an independent researcher or do you wish to work for someone? I hope you do not focus on potions only, I know you can do so much in so many different fields.
Severus smiled. She had always believed in his genius. Which reminded him he needed to really look into the healing book she had gifted him a few years ago. He had only read through it quickly, not having the time for more during his Apprenticeship, but he thought it was for the best. He wanted to try learning healing using Sensing and what he knew about Khorlos. To do so, he would need to observe healers and their patients but he did not know if he should go to Saint Mungo or to a smaller structure. He needed to ask Narcissa what she would recommend. He would certainly need some basics in healing if he hoped to succeed in reuniting Lord Voldemort with his Horcruxes.
Write soon, I know meeting together is not ideal until the elections are finally over but I want to know about your life.
Love,
Lily
PS: I agreed to pass on a message to you from Headmaster Dumbledore. He is really impressed and interested by the Lupacem and would like to meet with you—I think he wishes to make you an offer but I have no idea what it is, though I believe you should at least hear him out, it will not cost you anything. You can write directly to him if you wish to answer him.
Severus frowned to himself. What was Dumbledore playing at? What was he hoping for? Did he see an opportunity to question Severus on Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters?
Severus shook his head to himself. He needed to take his time before answering—he would be polite to the man—and now was not the time. Lucius was hoping to use Severus living at Malfoy manor to convince Narcissa to go out just the two of them, leaving Draco with Severus. He was glad Tuei would be there too, as well as Minky, Draco's House Elf caretaker.
Severus did play babysitter to Draco the next day. He prudently let Minky and Tuei deal with dinner, bath time and all other unpleasantness but took great joy in introducing Draco to the wonder of Magic.
His Godson was very curious and intrigued by every little spell. Luminous butterflies, coloured light-ball… All charms fascinated him. Severus was impressed to notice Draco reaching for the butterflies through Sensing. It was far less refined than Severus' own Sense but the instinct was here. Severus determined there and then that he would teach the boy about Khorlos and Sensing. The only question was how: through games, experiments, lectures... Severus added to his to-do list the creation of a cursus for Draco and groaned internally. He hoped he would have the patience.
He was exhausted but happy when Narcissa and Lucius came home, both looking far less tired than the evening before and even more radiant.
The next day, he escaped to Gringotts to meet with Hoardrock then went to Uusi to visit his goblin family. They practised Taichichuan together then played all the variations of tag the kids could think of, Dhaal shamelessly cheating using his invisibility to spring on them without notice. The day ended in the blink of an eye without Severus having much time to speak with Frekka and Drunek, but he promised to come back soon.
He spent the next day relaxing at Malfoy Manor until his coin went off.
Three hours later, Severus was speaking quietly with Jonathan and Evan as they waited for the meeting to officially begin. Lucius and Severus' grandfather were speaking with Lady Greengrass, one of the few female Heads of House who had a seat on the Wizengamot. She did not bear Lord Voldemort's Mark, did not seem as blood hungry as Mulciber and his clique, but like Augustus, her voice held sway among the Death Eaters, though she was always careful on how she voiced her opinions. It gave Severus hope the group was not lost but merely wandering on a side path.
Conversations stopped suddenly as Lord Voldemort made his entrance, accompanied by an unknown Wizard. Werewolf, supplied Severus' Sense.
Meeting after meeting, he was getting used to the wrongness, getting better at protecting himself from the corruption while still managing to use Sensing. While he had learnt to observe clues and body languages to anticipate attacks, Sensing was really the most effective when those were magical.
"Good evening everyone," welcomed Lord Voldemort. "Please sit down, tonight is full of promises and surprises."
Severus felt dread settle in his guts. He really disliked surprises.
"To begin with, let me introduce you to Fenrir Greyback, Head Pack of the Greyback Pack."
Severus frowned to himself. A Pack named after its leader. How odd. And... Greyback did not look like a Full Werewolf.
"Good evening gents."
The Werewolf's tone was unsettling, with an almost animal quality to it that Severus had seldom heard despite his stay in Kyirong. Greyback held himself proudly with the hint of a snarl, as if he would issue a challenge for domination anytime.
Severus saw some of the other Death Eaters bristle at the implicit lack of respect while others seemed uneasy, almost scared. Unsurprisingly, Bellatrix looked angry at the sight of a new potential favourite.
"Head Pack Greyback has offered us his support as our cause is just and respectful of Werewolves. He agreed to be our emissary to other Packs in exchange for us supplying his entire Pack with Severus' potion," explained Lord Voldemort.
Severus kept his face impassive but inside, he wondered if the Lord realised what he had promised. The Lupacem was licensed by Saint Mungo, but it did not mean anybody could brew it. For now, as it was Severus' first patent as well as very complex, license to brew was delivered to potion Master grade I only, on the condition they proved they could brew it correctly. As a consequence, the potion's price was quite high. To provide it freely to Greyback's Pack meant Severus would be the one to brew the potions and he could only do so much.
"Severus," continued Lord Voldemort, smiling at him, "I know you will provide the Pack with potions of the best quality."
"Of course my Lord," answered Severus. "How many members will require it?" he asked, ignoring Greyback's superior air.
"The whole Pack," answered the Werewolf, daring Severus to object. "Meaning around fifteen members for now."
"For now?" echoed Severus.
"I expect my Pack to gain new members in the next months."
"Because you will offer them access to the Potion?" asked Severus nonplussed.
From his understanding, the Head of the Pack was the Werewolf whose authority was uncontested over the whole Pack and considered the best to provide for their needs and safety. Werewolves seldom changed Pack once they had made their choice, except if they were cast out or mated with a member of another Pack. Severus doubted offering the Lupacem could be enough to attract more than lone wolves.
"Among other things," grinned Greyback showing his teeth in a definite wolfish move.
Severus had the feeling he was not the kind to worry about consent when he made new Werewolves. How he was currently a Head Pack was an enigma. Unless there was no one else to fill this spot because his pack members were outcasts or had never met other Packs. Severus felt in his bones that Greyback was not the asset they needed to win electors. He would bet he would have the opposite effect.
He wished Lord Voldemort had consulted him beforehand. Severus was persuaded he could have used his contacts in Kyirong to get in touch with the English Packs. Even better, they could have reached out to Professor McGonagall and offered to provide potion for all the Werewolves in Hogwarts care. Yes, he would propose it later. For now, he would try to prevent Greyback from becoming an official Death Eater and make the Werewolf appear even less respectable than he no doubt was.
Other Death Eaters were questioning Greyback, mostly asking why he was the Werewolf they should ally with. Most of his answers could be summarised by "because your leader said so", but others were openings Severus could use. Indeed, his comrades looked like they wanted an excuse to reject this deal. They might convince Lord Voldemort together.
"Look," growled Greyback at Lord Selwyn. "I intend to do exactly the same as you. I will take over all the English Packs and unite all Werewolves under myself."
"You expect to challenge and win against all the Packs' leaders then. Are you even a Full Werewolf?" asked Severus.
"I am certainly not," snarled Greyback. "Full Werewolves are so afraid to hurt someone they do not transform and become crazy because they repress the wolf. Full Werewolves don't understand the wolf is our gift."
He truly was unhinged if he thought he could challenge a Full Werewolf and win his Pack from him. Severus knew Sthir would eat Greyback in one bit, and he only was the second of the Pack.
"How do you expect to win your challenges against Full Werewolves?" said Severus, letting his incredulity show through his voice.
Around him, most of the group clearly did not know what he was talking about, but they felt ready to follow his lead. Lord Voldemort was looking at him with a calculating expression, but no disapproval showed on his face.
"You are the one who invented the Lupacem. I am certain you can create another to give me an edge, little Wizard," drawled Greyback.
"We did not discuss this Greyback," interrupted Lord Voldemort in a cold voice.
"You said we would help each other reach our goal my Lord," shot back the Werewolf.
"Even if I created something to help you," intervened Severus, "it would be useless to remain the Head Pack. You have to prove you're able to protect the Pack or the other Wolves will dispose of you."
"Are you implying I'm weak, little Wizard?" growled Greyback, looking at Severus as if he wanted to tear him apart.
"I have met Full Werewolves and they felt far more impressive and powerful than you do," answered Severus unimpressed. No Werewolf would ever scare him again, he had seen to that.
"The traditional Packs are bunches of clowns too afraid of their wolves to understand we are the superior beings here," snarled Greyback.
Severus felt a plan form in his head. Clearly, Greyback was unstable, dangerous and a menace for the success of the group. Severus needed to show the group he could be ruthless despite not bearing the Mark and not partaking in Muggle torture. If done well, he could take down Greyback and prove his worth to the group.
"Werewolves are superior beings," repeated Severus slowly. "Does it mean once you have united all the Werewolves under yourself, you will enslave Wizards? Or will you turn us all into Werewolves?"
"There is no need, little Wizard," answered Greyback with a ferocious smile. "As I told you. I am a superior being. I am more Magic than you ever will be. Potions and spells do not affect me as they do you."
His wolf presence was showing, meaning that while he would not resist spells as well as in wolf form, it would indeed affect him less than mere Wizards. He was no Full Werewolf but he had somehow learnt a kind of control over his Svādhiṣṭhāna.
Severus thought back to his first day in Kyirong. Greyback was less impressive than his friends had been, but certainly crazier. The Werewolf did not know Severus had created a specific spell to take down Werewolves.
"Maybe not," agreed Severus.
The Werewolf smirked proudly.
"But it's a moot point," he continued, imperturbable. "You will never win against Full Werewolves. In fact, I give you less than a year to live if you try to execute your plan."
"You dare doubt my word and strength, Wizard? When I am Lord Voldemort's ally?"
He was careful to let his Sense open, ready for a spell from Bellatrix or another. But they were all waiting to see how it would play out.
He did not let his relief show as Lord Voldemort spoke.
"I am currently reconsidering our agreement, seeing your behaviour tonight."
Greyback turned to the Lord, visibly trying to reign in his temper.
"My Lord. You would renounce our agreement because of this... weakling?!"
"We only need your alliance if we wish to lose," said Severus, taking the risk to answer instead of Lord Voldemort. He glanced at him briefly. The Lord was impassive but his eyes showed only keen interest in the scene in front of him.
"Have you ever faced a true Werewolf, Wizard?" growled Greyback, spitting the last word like an insult. "You only know Full Werewolves. They are civilized," he snarled, almost foaming at the mouth and looking less sane every minute.
"You could never take me down on your own. Even five of you would be hard pressed to win against me."
"This is enough," suddenly said Bellatrix. "Caspian is right. We have no need to debase ourselves by allying with this... degenerate," she added with disdain, showing clearly she thought she was the superior being.
It was as if she had broken a dam, all the others suddenly agreeing and demanding the departure of Greyback.
Severus watched the Werewolf intently, hoping his gamble would pay off. Hoping the Werewolf was sufficiently enraged to make a mistake. He saw the exact moment Greyback understood he needed drastic actions or a miracle to save his deal.
The Werewolf howled suddenly as he threw himself at Severus who did not hesitate. He reacted as he had trained himself to.
"Sectumsempra."
Greyback crumbled in mid-jump, howling in pain and bleeding from many deep gashes.
All was silent, the other Death Eaters frozen either in horror or in the process of casting spells.
A clapping sound brought their attention to Lord Voldemort.
"Well done Severus," said the Lord, getting up to examine Greyback. "Impressive spell. And so Dark," he smiled with satisfaction. "You must teach it to the group."
Severus nodded wordlessly.
"Now, I think he has learnt his lesson. You can reverse the spell."
"There is no counter-spell my Lord," answered Severus impassively.
"Why not?" asked Lord Voldemort conversationally.
The whole group was tensed with anticipation, fully aware Severus would either confirm his rank of favourite or go down in disgrace.
"I created Sectumsempra after a close encounter with a Werewolf on a full moon. A counter did not seem necessary at the time," lied Severus, using his best goblin face to show danger and coldness.
Lord Voldemort nodded thoughtfully.
"Do work on a counter before teaching it to the group, will you? Some of them can be clumsy."
"Yes, my Lord."
Severus could Sense the Lord examining his spell with his own Sense. He was on another level of expertise than Beltram.
Lord Voldemort remained silent for a full minute, until Greyback's last harsh panting faded.
"Well, he was at least useful for your spell demonstration," said Lord Voldemort evenly. "I brought him tonight to test him but I had not realised he would fail so spectacularly."
He sighed.
"I saw poetry in the similarity of our purposes. Of course, he had not presented his project in quite the same words as with you Severus. Thank you."
Severus bowed lightly. He saw Bellatrix bristle in the corner of his eyes.
"I will need to find another Pack Leader to support us," said Lord thoughtfully.
"If I may my Lord."
Lord Voldemort nodded for Severus to continue.
"I think it might be more efficient and more in the spirit of Slytherin to provide the potion for all Werewolves attending Hogwarts."
To Severus' relief, Lord Nott immediately endorsed his proposal, even suggesting to go further.
"This is an amazing idea my Lord, though I would not restrict ourselves to Hogwarts. Many of our supporters went to the minor schools. I believe we should provide the Lupacem to all minor Werewolves attending school."
"Some may not be attending school as all schools did not follow in Hogwarts' step to open their doors to Werewolves," remarked Lord Rowles.
"True," agreed Lord Nott. "So we should take it a step further. Provide the potion for all minor Werewolves."
"I agree but I think we'll need to begin small," cautioned Lucius. "Hogwarts would be the perfect first step. If Dumbledore accepts, we gain support for our benevolent offer and help to both protect werewolves and non-werewolves students. If he does not, we can imply he is too blinded by his thirst for power and manipulation to accept help for the children in his care."
They spent the next thirty minutes detailing the offer Lord Voldemort would make before finally agreeing on a two steps process. First, the Lord would offer to provide the potion for all school-registered Werewolf children in Britain. Second, he would promise that if he was elected Minister, the Ministry would freely provide the potion to all werewolf children living in Britain.
"Now," said Lord Voldemort, once the subject was closed. "I told you today would be full of surprises. I have great news for you, who believe in Magic and Slytherin. We are on the right path. I have the proof," he said with fire in his voice.
"A prophecy has been made."