Finding Severus (A Severus Snape Story)

Chapter 7

 Severus apparated to Prince House, Knightsbridge, London. A grand 4 story limestone townhouse in the most affluent neighborhood near Buckingham Palace. It wasn't magically hidden like 12 Grimauld Place. The interiors were light and airy with lots of white trim mouldings and tall glass windows. The home had an elegance Severus had never experienced. 'Why in the world did my mother run away from all of this,' he thought, bewildered. 

At that moment a soft 'pop' announced Neder's arrival, "Sir likes Prince House?" 

Severus felt like his head was on a swivel trying to take it all in, "Yes, very sophisticated." 

Neder smiled, "Sir's wardrobes have been filled with robes as well as muggle suits and sundries. The kitchens are, once again, well-stocked." Severus nodded then asked, "Who is the Minister of Magic now? Whatever the consequences, I need to arrange a meeting as soon as possible." 

Neder replied, "Kingsley Shacklebolt, Sir. Does Sir wish to send an owl to the Minister?" 

Severus wrinkled his nose, "I've never had an owl." 

"No matter, Sir, Neder will get a message to Minister Shacklebolt," offered the elf.

  Within the hour Kingsley Shacklebolt, Harry Potter, Arthur Weasley and Babajide Akingbade apparated into Prince House. Neder lead them into the conservatory and served afternoon tea. When an impressive looking Severus Lord Prince walked in their jaws dropped. 

"Good Afternoon, Gentlemen," Severus greeted them with a wry smile, "Would you prefer brandy?" 

Severus knew from the expressions on the men's faces that they were in collective shock. Neder held up a silver tray with four glasses of the finest elf brandy. Kingsley, Arthur and Babajide took the drinks and downed them immediately. 

Harry just stood there, mouth agape, eventually sputtering, "But you were dead. I saw you die." 

Severus cocked an eyebrow, "Indeed. I believe you left without checking for a pulse. No matter, you had no cause to try to aid me, Potter. I was just that greasy git monster Death-Eater Severus Snape whom everyone assumed murdered Albus Dumbledore in cold blood. Not worth saving. A traitor. Let him die and good riddance." 

Harry stammered, "Yeah - uhm, No - I mean," he tossed back that brandy, "Things are different now. Your memories, Dumbledore's portrait confirmed everything. Kingsley,  Arthur and I all testified to the Wizengamot that you were a spy for the Order doing Dumbledore's bidding to fight Voldemort." 

Kingsley injected calmly, "Severus, you are a hero."

Minister Shacklebolt pulled a black velveteen box from his deep purple robes. Opening the box he said, "Severus Snape, uh, Lord Prince, as Minister of Magic I am hereby authorized to present you with the Order of Merlin, First Class, for your courage in the fight against You-kno, uh, Voldemort." 

He removed the medal from the box and placed it around Severus' neck then shook Severus' hand. Arthur chimed up, "Here, here," and grabbed Severus' hand shaking it vigorously. 

Raising an eyebrow at Harry, Severus put out his hand, "Well done, Potter...and Thank you."

 Harry shook the hand of the man he had found a new respect for, "You too, Sir." 

Kingsley spoke again, "Lord Prince, may I present Babajide Akingbade, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards." Severus nodded. 

Akingbade stepped forward and squared his shoulders, "Your Lordship, Baron Prince, I am honoured to present to you the Confederation's highest accolade, the Shield of Odin, for exceptional valor under the extreme circumstances of war. Your bravery, and loyalty, in the face of the enemy, while enduring great physical suffering for several years, was nothing short of extraordinary, Sir." 

The Supreme Mugwump extended a large solid gold disc he had been holding.  The award was approximately eighteen inches in diameter. At its center breathed an intricately hammered dragon while an engraved inscription circled around its perimeter. Severus accepted the Shield as the Mugwump opened a box and displayed a smaller version of the disc. The medal dangled from a gold and black ribbon and pin. 

"It is truly an honour," Akingbade put out his hand. Severus shook the man's hand dutifully. 

After tea the men left, wonder still in their eyes. "The looks on their faces, Neder, priceless," Severus smirked, plopping into a green leather chair in the sitting room, "Ab.so.lute.ly priceless." 

Shaking his head at what had just transpired, "At any rate, I'm glad that is over and done."

 Evening approaching, Severus poured himself a Firewhiskey, "Any more business, Neder?" 

The elf produced a stack of papers. 

"Yes, Sir. Word has traveled fast. The afternoon edition of the Daily Prophet has a headline, 'Snape Rises From The Dead'," Neder read it with disdain then continued, 

"The London Times has a front page article, 'Prince Heir Emerges'. 

There is an invitation to Buckingham Palace for Tea 'in honour of the 5th Baron Prince of Coed y Brenin'. 

There is also a letter from the Muggle Prime Minister inviting Sir to dinner at number 10 Downing Street." 

Severus' brow rose high, "The Palace? Seriously? The Muggle Prime Minister? Hmm, posh." 

Neder continued, "There is a request from Muggle MI-6 asking for Sir's counsel on some delicate matters of State." 

Severus' brow furrowed, "Uugh, I am no longer engaged in the Spy business." 

Neder resumed, "There are more letters and invitations from various Muggle dignitaries." 

Neder paused before holding up a parchment, "And this one is from Headmistress McGonagall. Headmistress wishes to call on Sir at Sir's earliest convenience." 

Severus thought back to Minerva's last word to him, 'Coward', "Invite the Headmistress for tea tomorrow. It might be interesting." Neder acknowledged with a single nod.

That evening, soaking in a sandalwood scented bath, Severus considered, "Neder, you are doing a stellar job at managing the estates, and the house elves...and me. But I think we need a solicitor to handle legal and financial business. It's all a bit much and, frankly, gives me a headache. Has there been a preferred legal consultant retained by the family?" 

Neder answered, "The venerable firm of Primrose & Paine has always taken care of Prince family legal matters in the past, Sir. They are expert in Magical and Muggle business law. Like Sir's family, they are wizard-kind working in both worlds. Would Sir like to retain their services once again?" 

Severus responded, "Yes, splendid. Arrange a meeting."

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Author's note:  While the Supreme Mugwump is canon,  I adapted the "Shield of Odin" from  Norse mythology. And it is just a general fan consensus that Severus received the Order of Merlin.