Finding Severus (A Severus Snape Story)

Chapter 6

  The rest of the week was filled with food, exercise and Neder giving tuition on all things 'Prince' starting at the very beginning. The first recorded sprout on the Family Tree was Gabin lePrince. Born c1436 of Castillon in the Gascony province of France. As a lad of 16 he proved a fierce fighter in the Battle of Castillon in 1453, the battle that marked the end of the Hundred Years War with England. He so distinguished himself that he was awarded a masonry apprenticeship to the Court of Charles VII of France. Possessing a keen mind, Gabin LePrince became not only a skilled mason but quickly rose to supervising constructions. He was later awarded an apprenticeship with the Court's Master Architect.

 The Family tree went on in much the same manner, detailing the accomplishments and deeds of its members. There were more architects, academics, physicians, aristocrats and even a few war heroes. The family migration to England, in the 18th century, was apparently brought about by accusations of witchcraft. Some religious zealots of the time got it into their heads that one Claude Sévère LePrince, a physician, was a little too good at producing healing elixirs. With the prospect of being burned at the stake, he escaped France with his family to England, eventually settling in Wales. Claude adopted the Anglo spelling of his surname, Prince. After achieving success as a physician there, Claude built 'Prince Hall', now the 'Great Lodge'. For his accomplishments in his medical practice, philanthropy and his vast 4000 acre estate Claude was granted peerage as Lord Claude Prince, 1st Baron Prince of Coed y Brenin.

Severus realized there was no mention of the magical world in any of the tomes except the accusations against Claude LePrince. 

"Neder, why are there no mentions of magic in these writings?" asked Severus. 

"Sir has noticed," Neder acknowledged, then explained, "Magic was hidden, as it is now. Muggles still hold onto their archaic superstitions and fears, even today. Sir's ancestors lived in both worlds, Muggle and Magical. Sir's private library will reveal the magical side of the family Prince."

Having absorbed the history of the Prince family it was time for more practical matters. Severus and Neder turned their attention to property and finance, and the magical and muggle laws that govern them. The properties included the modest family estate 'Prince Manor' in Hampshire, the largest property in acreage the 'Great Lodge' in Wales, a vineyard, complete with working winery, near Bordeaux France 'Chateau lePrince' and 'Prince House' in London. There was the wine production and investments in tea plantations in China as well as investments in milling and manufacturing. And there were, of course, the vaults at Gringotts. Severus began to find this all very taxing. It was difficult being rich. Closing a heavy financial ledger he said, 

"Neder, it's time for Severus Sn-...No, Severus Prince to resurface. 

I have a lot of work to do and I can't do it hiding here." Neder agreed.

  It was the middle of October. He had spent nearly three months convalescing. Good food and exercise walking the expansive grounds of the 'Great Lodge' had put some weight and muscle onto Severus. No longer the gaunt, pale figure with jagged harsh features. His long lean body was strong and fit. His high cheekbones and aquiline nose were well supported now with muscle and grounded by his still-present beard. There was a healthy color to his cheeks. His black eyes shown clear and bright. With his long hair tied back, and the gray at his temples, one might even call him "dashing". Dressed in a dark gray frock coat, white shirt, light gray silk cravat and satin waistcoat paired with gray striped trousers and black boots he cut a rather regal figure. Severus was physically and mentally prepared for whatever the future held, good or bad.