Finding Severus (A Severus Snape Story)

Chapter 20

Daphne opened the door to her father's Primrose Estate in London. She smiled and invited Severus in, "Father and Mother are waiting for you in the lounge. You look fab, darling." She kissed his cheek. 

Severus was nervous. He wanted to impress Daphne's parents. He wanted them to see 'Lord Severus Prince' and not one-time Death-Eater Severus Snape. Neder had agonized most of the day over his suit. Finally laying out a charcoal gray pinstripe frock coat, waistcoat and trousers, a pale gray brushed satin shirt and paisley patterned cravat and handkerchief. Severus' hair was tied back with a simple leather band. Before entering the room, Severus brushed the toe of his black boots against the backs of his calves just to make sure they shined. He drew in a deep breath.

Daphne introduced her parents, "Lord Severus Prince, may I introduce my Father, Sir Aurelius Amadeus Primrose and my Mother, Dame Brigitte Bergerac Primrose." 

Severus shook Aurelius' hand and nodded respectfully. He then took Dame Brigitte's hand bowing his head reverently, "It is an honour to meet you both." 

Aurelius spoke, "Severus, we know your story and what you have done for the Wizarding world. We are grateful for your service and are honoured to have you in our home." 

Brigitte offered, "Let us sit, please. Tea is ready." 

The lady seemed slightly star-struck, "Severus, Daphne told us of her enchanting weekend in France and your romantic proposal." 

Daphne sputtered, "Getting right to it, I see." 

Severus smiled, "Well, I had intended to ask you both first but with the night and your lovely daughter, I got carried away."

Aurelius waved his hand through the air, "And right you were, my boy. Seize the moment, I say." They all relaxed.

Severus reached into his pocket pulling out a little black box. Getting down on one knee in front of Daphne he said, "Daphne, I need to do this properly." 

Opening the box he continued, "Daphne, will you have me as your husband?" 

Daphne smiled, "Oh, Severus, this ring. This is the ring I admired so in the vaults at Gringotts. Was I that obvious?" 

She quickly added lovingly, "And my answer is the same, Severus, Yes!" 

He removed the blue diamond ring from its box and slid it onto her finger. Dame Brigitte inhaled, "blue diamonds, how beautiful. I have never seen one before." 

Inspecting Daphne's newly adorned hand, Severus declared, "Now, that looks right."

At the front door Severus kissed Daphne, "Your parents are delightful." Then he added, "Will I see you tomorrow evening for dinner at Prince House?" 

Daphne smiled, "Of course I'll be there." 

As the door closed Severus let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Thinking all went well, he walked around to the side of Primrose Estate to disapparate. He suddenly had a very uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. A feeling he hadn't had for many months now. It was  Dark Magic. He tossed up some protective wards around the Primrose home and vanished.

Returning to Prince House he found Neder in an anxious state, "Sir, some bad men came to the door while Sir was with Miss Primrose. They were not the British government this time. These were very bad men, Sir." 

Severus frowned, "Were they Death-Eaters, Neder? Could you detect Dark Magic?" 

Neder wrung his hands, "Yes, Sir, Dark Magic. Neder placed elf magic around the house. One of them tried to use wizard magic to get in. Elf magic is strong." 

Severus worried, "Neder, I had a bad feeling when I walked outside Daphne's family home. I need to get her a message. I put wards up so they will need the password, 'Freedom Trail', to get through. They must be on their guard until I figure out what is going on. Don't mention 'Death-Eaters' though. I don't want to frighten them." 

Severus finished the note handing it to Neder, "They know of my past. Just tell them it is a precaution. They will understand."

Severus knew it would be useless to try to sleep with such an unease churning inside him. He decided to keep vigil, out of sight, back at the Primrose estate for the rest of the night. 

All was quiet.