HP - Shadow Monarch!

Chapter 121 - Lightning Training.

[Chapter Size: 1800 Words.]

Third Person POV

London.

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Astraea looked at both groups seated on each side of her table, while Snape ended up sitting next to Bellatrix, with all her granddaughters watching him closely.

'It seems that they all know him well, and my grandsons also have some involvement with Snape... Regulus doesn't seem to have had any direct contact with him, but he's certainly looking at him with curiosity,' she thought.

Everything seemed quite silent, and the sound of plates and cutlery was now the only thing to be heard among them. Glances were exchanged between family members while their guest remained unfazed, focusing on his meal. Some even cast discreet looks toward Snape the whole time, but no one seemed to know how to start a conversation. Even Astraea remained silent.

With even the adults holding back, questions whirled in their minds. 'What really happened at Hogwarts? Was it Snape who tortured the students? How did he get so much money to buy a shop for 200,000 galleons? And what was that dark aura he created earlier?' There were so many questions, but no one had the courage to speak up, creating a suspenseful atmosphere.

The silence was only broken at that moment, and unexpectedly, by Bellatrix herself.

"Grandmother, Snape struck a deal with me back at Hogwarts," she began, drawing everyone's attention at the table as she continued. "He will train me once a week this year," she added, making everyone quickly look up.

"What is this? Is it true?" It was Andromeda who spoke, with an indignant tone, seated beside Narcissa.

"Once a week? But isn't the boy a student at Hogwarts?" Regulus's father, Orion, commented, surprised.

"Snape can leave the school every week," his son replied.

"Can he really do that?" Orion let slip, astonished.

"Yes... he can leave every weekend..." Paris answered his uncle.

"How did you manage that?" Orion turned to Snape.

"I negotiated a few things with the headmaster," Snape replied calmly. "It was either that or I'd leave Hogwarts, and the headmaster opted to keep me."

"I see," Orion said, trying not to intrude while glancing at Astraea. After all, it was a proposal she should decide to accept or not.

"Is this really true? You'll be training Bellatrix every week?" Astraea asked, turning to Snape, uncertain of how she felt about it.

"Yes, I made an agreement with Bellatrix, and I intend to keep it. I'll be here once a week, if it's no trouble," Snape replied, and she nodded.

"Very well. If it's all right with you and with Bellatrix, then there's no problem. If you need anything, just let me know," Astraea concluded, while her children looked at her in surprise, as if they weren't used to seeing her act that way. But they could only listen without saying anything more.

The dinner continued, and Snape continued to be discreetly stared at, but no one else said anything. He finished his meal elegantly, not because he was in front of nobles, but because he was accustomed to behaving this way, visiting people of high status in other realms that were often far superior to those present at the table. However, this was not the time to reveal such matters.

"Dinner was delicious, but it's getting late. I need to return to my home," Snape said, wiping his mouth with the napkin, indicating he was satisfied.

"I completely understand; you're free to go. Please, I'll accompany you to the exit," Astraea responded kindly. She stood up, and Snape did the same.