Work Text:
It was the final day of 5th year, Gryffindors looked pleased as the friendship between the Severus Snape and Lily Evans seems to be over. However, nobody had thought, that something bad could occur to their house, and that it would involve the Marauders. The near-misses in Hogsmeade on Full Moon nights had called werewolf hunters and a special Auror division to the magical village, and they were quickly to discover, who the culprits had been.
A loud bang made all students and staff members looked up, who were eating their breakfast, what could this mean?
The leader of the group stepped forward, a cold smug smile on his face, as he said:
“James Fleamont Potter, Sirius Orion Black, Peter Eustace Pettigrew, you're under arrest for conspiracy with an unregistered werewolf, being unregistered animagi, and regularly attacking Hogsmeade during the Full Moon night. Take them away. Do not even try to say a single word, and don't believe for a second, that the headmaster will bail you out, he is lucky not to share the next cell besides you lot in Azkaban, yet! Remus Lupin, you're under arrest, for being a threat for Magical Britain, you've just proven, why dark creatures can't be trusted!", bellowed the Senior Auror of the group.
“My dear boys, I’m sure, that this is just a slight misunderstanding.”, began the headmaster. Unfortunately this time his typical spiel wouldn’t work.
“Albus Dumbledore you’re under arrest for hiding a dark creature at Hogwarts and allow said creature free access to the nearby village. Do you not know any shame, or even take any of your oaths and vows seriously? You disgust me! But what else can be expected from Grindelwald’s ex-lover.”, sneered the group leader viciously.
"Don't forget the anti-animagus cuffs for those hooligans, and the anti-phoenix cuffs for the old coot, Roger. Wouldn't do to make them escape justice.", reminded him his partner Gareth.
Lily couldn't believe her eyes, this had to be a bad joke. Could it be, that her former best friend had told her the truth? This had to be a nightmare!
Severus hadn't dared to look up at first, but hearing this accusations, his mood lifted a bit, his tormentors facing a trial and Azkaban, it seems that the school year will be ending on a positive note. Hiding a letter from his estranged maternal grandparents, who offered a reconciliation, should Severus be interested to hear them out. The Slytherin shrugged, why not, maybe they could at least help him to transfer to a different school, as he didn't want to return to Hogwarts ever again! Luckily, it did contain a portkey, so that he could use it from King’s Cross, although Lord Prince had offered to retrieve him personally from the Hogwarts Express, which would make the gossip mills run wild.
Regulus smiled, and exchanged a gleeful look with the other Slytherins, it seems this would allow him to back out of the Death Eaters, without losing his face. Without Sirius as heir, Regulus would be expected to marry as soon as possible and to sire a few children. He glanced at Severus, the only one, who he would ever wanted as a partner.
Unknown to his parents, he had already sought out his grandfather Arcturus Black. As head of the family, he made the final decisions, and hopefully this will ensure that his disgrace of an elder brother will be fully disowned. He’d also carried a vial with Severus’ blood, that the older Slytherin had donated him, after coming clean. Regulus knew, that he had to prove Severus, that he really loves him, and he wants him as an equal partner. Lord Black is able to check the blood of a potential spouse, before making the final decision.
Severus still pondered his options, he didn’t need to stay for the feast at the end of the day, he had sat his OWLs, and even aced his DADA-OWLs, channelling his ire about Lily’s betrayal in his casting, and received an Outstanding, and just because he was able to do it, he cast the Patronus Charm, which wasn’t a doe any longer, but a huge prowling panther. Call him dark wizard now, after he had mastered this charm successfully.
He also wasn’t keen on encountering Lily again, she had made it clear, that their friendship meant nothing to her. So, why did it still hurt so much? He didn’t want to be on either side of the war. He didn’t trust the light, and he was cautious to trust any (empty) promises of the Dark Lord. Was neutrality even an option? Hopefully a delay is possible, until he had met and talked with his estranged grandparents.
It were times like this, where he had wished with all of his soul, that his Mother had left Tobias, after the first time he had beaten them both, instead of sticking with him. Tobias had even snapped Eileen’s wand, and would have done probably the same to Severus’, hadn’t he been more cunning and had asked Ollivander for a protection spell, so that no muggle could destroy his wand. The strange glance hadn’t mattered, Severus needed his wand to survive!
His luggage was already packed and shrunk, so why should he stay even a few hours longer in this hellhole? A soft coughing made him turn around and facing his grandfather for the first time.
Politely bowing and greeting the Prince patriarch, Severus had been confused, why was his grandfather here? Did something happen? Unexpectedly Augustus embraced his grandson and calmed him down.
“Are you ready to go, Severus?”, inquired Lord Prince.
“Yes, Sir. It’s a pleasant surprise, but why did you come so early?”, asked Severus.
“One of my sources at the Ministry had me informed about the planned arrest at Hogwarts, and I didn’t want you facing any danger. Should we take the floo in the Slytherin common room to Hogsmeade or directly to Prince Hall?”, explained Augustus.
“I would appreciate it, Sir.”, answered Severus, as he led his grandfather into the Slytherin Common Room It was almost empty, except for Regulus, and a few of the junior Death Eaters.
“Excellent, my solicitor will later hand over the restraining orders at King’s cross, so that you will no longer have to worry about them any more!”, informed him his grandfather calmly.
“Does this also include Ms. Evans, grandfather?”, inquired Severus.
“Indeed, it’s for the best, as I do not think, that she’ll be good for your mental well-being, but maybe your friends can keep in touch with us, about the school and everything else.”,answered Lord Prince.
“It will be our pleasure, Lord Prince.”, agreed the Slytherin students.
The looks of surprise on their miens amused Severus, as Regulus stood up and bowed politely to Severus’ grandfather wishing them well for their travels. Both thanked him graciously before flooing directly to Prince Hall. Regulus did immediately cast the spell to erased the last usage of the floo, no need to give the biased staff a heads up.
However he chuckled deviously, as he put a letter by Lord Prince in his pocket. A letter that would ensure that Professor Slughorn will not be able to enjoy his summer holidays, but why should Regulus feel bad about it? Slughorn deserves it for neglecting his duties.
Lily Evans had looked confused around. This had to be a misunderstanding, but she couldn’t find her former best friend either, or getting the chance to talk with her head of House. Instead of finding answers, she only got silence, and it didn’t sit well with the headstrong muggleborn witch.
She noticed the smug mien of Regulus Black, and it caused a shiver down her back, without even being able to tell why. Did he really enjoy what had happened to the Marauders, or had he another reason to look so smug? It was infuriating, she lacked information and her former best friend had always excelled in finding them, one reason, why she had been friends with him for years!
Horace Slughorn had gulped in fear, after reading the letter, which Regulus Black delivered to him. How should he have known, that the Potions prodigy he had shunned deliberately was Lord Prince’s only grandson and heir? Realising that he’s in hot water for not taking the bullying by the Marauders seriously, the rotund Potions Master wasn’t sure how he could escape from this mess. It was quite possible, that Lord Prince would even consider a school transfer, after listening to Severus’ reports about the biased staff.
What a disaster, this could ruin their reputation and also the chance to win new wealthy benefactors for the school. He need to confer with the other staff members and finding a way to not only make amends for their lack of empathy, but to convince the stern patriarch to give them a second chance to educate his only heir.
He needs to talk with the other staff members, and then they need to find a way to orchestrate some damage control, before the Daily Prophet reports about this on their front page. That would be a true nightmare.
Regulus did already plan the next steps, he needs to see his grandfather, so that Andromeda would still be a member of the family, and fortunately, she had already given him a small vial of blood from her chosen beau. This would be most helpful to speak with his grandfather and finding a solution, that made them save their face. Sirius will be disowned, after all, he is a true disgrace to their house, but when Uncle Alphard agrees to blood-adopt Ted Tonks, and they will be taking the Black name, as well as being his new heirs, then that should help. After all, chances are good, that the new blood will activate some of their old gifts. And it would shut up his mother, as Grandfather Arcturus’ word is law!
Not wasting any time, he send a quick message to his parents, that he needs to meet with his grandfather, because of Sirius’ folly. He had no doubts, that his parents will be informed by the Aurors during the late afternoon. Another reason why he would prefer not to be home for that event. Andromeda would owe him big time for this, as she’d not only embarrassed her family with her running away and eloping with her muggleborn lover, but also not being willing to make any amends with Grandfather Arcturus.
It’s quite funny how many wixen tends to underestimate Regulus, and believe him to be weak. He wasn’t weak, but a true Black, and proud of it. Sirius may never believed it, but Regulus hadn’t forgotten, what he had done to Severus, to Regulus and to their loyal house elf Kreacher over the years. Time for Sirius to pay dearly for all of his crimes!
The journey back to King's Cross had been quite joyless for Lily this year. First she had to partake in the final prefect meeting for the school year, and also do her rounds through the train, before her duties were done. She was unable to find Severus anywhere on the train, and the comments of the Slytherins weren’t helping either!
She wasn’t able to understand, what had happened, and not being able to find her former best friend didn’t made any sense. At least her Gryffindor friends had reserved a seat for her and also buy some treats from the trolley lady to lift Lily’s dark mood. But all agree, that they haven’t seen the lonely Slytherin for days. The girls speculate, what could be the reasons for the Marauders and also the headmaster to be arrested by Aurors. Could it be a plot by the Death Eaters? Or was it really true? It was a mystery!
“Do you believe that Lupin is a werewolf? He is always so kind and helpful.”, asked Mary McDonald.
“I don’t know, he is quite sickly, but why should Professor Dumbledore endanger the whole school without any reason. It’s probably just a plot by those nasty dark wixen.”, commented Lily. She didn’t want to believe that Severus’ theory had been true, because she had started another fight with him about it. Lily never liked to be wrong or even admitting it!
“But would they really be so stupid to run around on the full moon with a werewolf, who is able to infect them, too?”, pondered Marlene McKinnon.
“No idea, I only know that those anti-werewolf laws are quite harsh. Should an unregistered werewolf be caught, who could have infected other wixen, then it’s either execution or a life sentence in Azkaban prison.”, explained Lily. “Headmaster Dumbledore could be facing serious trouble should it be true.”
Alice, who had been to the bathroom, remarked, that this could ruin many plans of the light faction. Dowager Longbottom wasn’t amused to hear about it, and it’s possible that they would start to check all detention reports, as the Marauders had often bragged, that they’re Dumbledore’s favourites and got away with practically anything.
Lily still didn’t want to believe it, but as Alice dropped the bomb, she gasped shocked, magical disownment by their families, was this even possible? Weren’t they still minors?
“But they can’t do that!”, exclaimed Lily!
“On the contrary it had been done quite often by the traditional pureblood families. As long as other spares exist, who can be better options, it will happen. Don’t forget how often Sirius Black had rebelled against his family, insulted them, and behave atrociously. The final decision lies with his grandfather, the current Lord Black. I’ve heard that he’d even run away during the last summer holidays and move in with the Potters. It’s rather worse for James’ parents, since he is their only child. However it can be, that Charlus Potter may had some children, who can become the new heirs of the family.”, explained Marlene McKinnon.
What would that mean for Sirius?”, asked Lily curiously.
“It depends, what they’ve learn during the trial, but it doesn’t look good for him. At least they’ve sat their OWLs, so they can keep the rights to wield a wand. He’ll probably will be expelled from school, and could even be a few years in Azkaban, shouldn’t they’ve agree on a deal behind closed doors.”, answered Marlene, who was interested in magical law, and looking for an Intership with one of the British Magical law firms.
“Did you see how pale Sluggy had been during the last few days. Any idea, what could have happened?”, asked Lily.
“Who knows, maybe some bad news from one of his acquaintances. You know how much he tries to please the rich and powerful wixen.”, assumed Mary.
Marlene added her two knuts, as she laughingly remarked: “Let’s hope that he didn’t ignore a brilliant student, and now learns, that this wix isn’t a nobody any longer. My mother had told me, that quite a lot of ministry workers ends up in dead-end-jobs, because they’d insulted the wrong family. Or even got blacklisted, due to family feuds. After all the Weasleys are viewed as blood-traitors, but it’s quite hushed up, as they’re one of the headmaster’s most vocal defenders.
Finally did the train reached King’s Cross and the girls gathered their luggage and clothes, before leaving the compartment. Most of them were looking forward to see their families again. Lily was torn, how should she be able to endure the summer holidays, after cutting her ties to Snape. Petunia would probably treated her shabbily and calling her names, while her parents hopefully be not asking for any details. But then she did remember, that her parents had their own Daily Prophet subscription, and could demand answers.
Lily was halfway over the platform, as she got stopped by an elegant wix, not noticing how the crowd suddenly went silent, and her family got closer, too. She didn’t know this wizard, but she didn’t want to make a scene either.
“Lily Evans?”, asked the elegant wizard.
“Yes, and who are you, Sir?”
“It doesn’t really matter, I’m here on behalf of the Prince family. My client – Lord Augustus Prince – had insisted on a permanent magical restraining order. You have to stay away from his grandson – Severus Prince – or you’ll be facing legal troubles, Ms. Evans. Do not even try to contact young Master Severus, or we’ll be seeing you in court! Good Day!”, sneered the stranger.
Lily gasped, this had to be an error, she didn’t know any Severus Prince. And why should she had to follow any demands by a rude wizard?
“Excuse me, Sir. Why did you accost my daughter?”, interrupted Henry Evans warily.
“I’m just doing my job. Maybe you should ensure that she’ll be understanding that repercussions could be dire, should Ms. Evans consider to break this restraining order. My clients do not want her to have any contact with young Master Severus any longer. Lord Prince wants his grandson being able to focus on his studies and his future, without any dead weight to pull him down.”, smirked the stranger coldly.
This caused laughter among the audience, while Lily was blushing furiously. Grandson – he couldn’t mean Severus Snape, could he?
“Ah, I’ve almost forgot. Here’s a cheque for 5.000 Galleons, as a little thank you by young Master Severus. He won’t be coming back to Cokeworth! Good day!”, concluded the stranger before leaving the platform.
Regulus had gleefully watched it from afar, before using the floo to take him to his grandfather’s home. Kreacher would take care of his luggage, and Regulus would ensure that his dream will come true. Feeling once more for the vials in his pockets, being spelled unbreakable, he was still not taking any chances. Everything was alright, and the young Black smiled for a short moment.
He did kindly greet the house elves, that served his grandfather, who bowed happily. He had always been one of their favourites, and Regulus enjoys spending some of his holidays at his grandfather’s home. The Majordomo elf brought him to his grandfather’s study, announcing Regulus, and then popping away to do his regular duties.
“Come in, Regulus. I’m surprised, but happy to see you.”, greeted him his grandfather warmly.
“Hello, Grandfather. I’m happy to see you, too. A lot has happened. Sirius had been arrested, that’s why we need to plan our next steps wisely. But it doesn’t look good for him. It seems that his luck had finally run out, grandfather.”, informed Regulus him calmly.
“What had the foolish boy done now!”, growled Lord Black annoyed.
“You would need to ask the DMLE for more information, but according to the Aurors, conspiracy with an unregistered werewolf, and also being an unregistered animagus, but probably some other crimes, as well.”, replied Regulus as he shrugged his shoulders.
“Oh, Merlin. Fine, I’ll be sending my solicitor to question Sirius under Veritaserum, as Head of the Family it’s my right, and should it be confirmed, then Sirius will no longer be under the family protection. Depending on the answers, a full magical disownment can be necessary, too. What a mess!”, hissed his grandfather furiously.
“Grandfather, I have 2 pleas, and you’re the only one to can help me. You know, that I’m in love with Severus, since I’ve first set my eyes on him. His maternal family had acknowledged him as heir Prince and Lord Prince had personally retrieved him from Hogwarts. Please can you check his blood, and then tell me, if we’re able to have a future. I do not want to get my hopes up too early, and Sirius had enjoyed to torment him for years.”, began Regulus.
“Alright, I’ll make the test with his blood – is it freely given?”, demanded Arcturus.
“Indeed, but Severus didn’t want to know, why I needed a vial with his blood. He only demands that it got destroyed afterwards, as it’s his right. I also have a vial with the blood of Andromeda’s muggleborn lover. She believes that their union could be blessed with powerful magical children, but without your blessing a marriage would be doomed, since Andromeda had rejected the hand of Rodolphus Lestrange. Uncle Cygnus was furious and wanted to disown his own flesh and blood, due to the disgrace. Bellatrix should now marry Rodolphus and Narcissa had to marry Lucius, as soon as she graduated from Hogwarts. I do not want to see my cousins unhappy, and mother didn’t take it well either. She was so close from burning her from the family tapestry.”, explained Regulus.
“I see, yes, it’s a good idea to check his blood, after all, he could have unknown magical roots, and we shouldn’t write them off too quickly. But even then he had to take our family name and be adopted by another Black, just to save our faces.”, decided Lord Black.
“Why not inform Uncle Alphard, that he had to do it, after all, should Sirius be guilty, then he wouldn’t have any other heirs, and he had a wild youth, where he spent many years in the muggle world, grandfather.”, suggested Regulus.
“Good idea, Regulus. Yes, that’s a sound plan, and should allow us to get a better control over the white sheep among our family. Even then Andromeda and Alphard would be put on probation and had to show that they’re worthy to stay under the family protection. Should a powerful magical child be born, then I’ll be the magical guardian, until they’re proven that they’re not longer a risk for our family!”, smirked Lord Black.
Since the majordomo elf had already brought the necessary parchments, grandfather and grandson looked forward what the blood could tell them. Arcturus used Ted Tonks’ blood first, and a smile was visible on his face, before nodding approvingly. Regulus’ eyes twinkled, as it confirmed his assumption, that Andromeda and Ted would have powerful magical offspring. Even better, his mother was a squib from an Irish pureblood family, but according to the test, the sire was unknown. The child got adopted via the muggle family law by her English husband.
“That looks good for us, don’t you agree, grandfather?”, asked Regulus.
“Indeed, unknown father, and it explains why she moved to Britain, too.”, agreed Lord Black.
Next he did open the vial with Severus’ blood and soaked a new parchment with it. Surprised did he read it again, before hugging his baffled grandson. Yes, he will do his utmost, that Regulus’ dream can come true. After all, they need to come to an agreement with Lord Prince, before a third party will learn Severus’ secret.
“Well done, Regulus. I will support your plans in regard to young Heir Prince. I will summon your parents within the next 48 hours, after we learn about the charges in regards to your rebellious brother. However, I’m proud to have at least one worthy heir at my side, Regulus.”, decided Lord Black.
Regulus bowed deeply, before throwing the 2 vials into the fire. Nothing remained behind, as the parchment will be locked into Lord Black’s safe and after the negotiations are over, they will also be destroyed fully. He left the study with a spring in his step, soon Sirius will no longer be a member of their family, and should Regulus gets his wish ending his days as a nobody in the gutter, at least a teenager can still dream, right?
As the Evans returned to their home, Lily still clutched the magical restraining order in disbelief. How could this happen to her? Just a few days ago, she was the center of attention at Hogwarts, and had Severus cut out of her life. And now this had to happen. He wasn’t a nobody any longer, instead he seems to be a rich heir, and she should have the right to call dibs on him. But someone had dared to stop her, before she can benefits from it. Hadn’t he asked for her forgiveness, which she denied, but that had been before the Marauders got arrested.
At least she hadn’t accepted Potter’s offer of being his girlfriend, or she would be shunned even more. But this needs to be removed quickly. Severus would be her only choice of having a life in luxury, as Potter isn’t worth to waste her time anymore.
Petunia had learned about it, and naturally found it funny, that she was cut off from the riff-raff. Why should she care that Snape got taken in by his magical relatives. He was just another freak, but that Lily got served a magical restraining order, that was pure gold, and Petunia will ensure that she can’t forget it either.
She’d also read the Daily Prophet, where the arrest of the Marauders and the headmaster was the main focus, while reminding everyone that Lily was in the same house. And weren’t this the same guys, who constantly harassed Snape, why didn’t anyone stop them?
It was a bad day for the Potters, Blacks, Lupins and Pettigrews, as the Aurors appeared on their doorstep to inform them about the arrest of their offspring. They wouldn’t even be allowed to meet with their sons without an Auror, as they’ve classified as high flight risk, due to being unregistered animagi. Lyall Lupin did immediately declare, that he washed his hands off his son, and that the headmaster had been his new guardian for years. Being asked, why he didn’t register his son as a werewolf, the wizard gasped, before replying annoyed, that the headmaster had assured him, everything would be alright, as he’d kept a tight leash on the young werewolf.
Walburga couldn’t believe her ears, not only got the rebellious brat arrested, but conspiring with a werewolf, no, he was no longer a son of her. She would be asking her father-in-law to remove Sirius from the family. As she wasn’t able to do it. Luckily, Regulus was a good son, and wouldn’t follow in Sirius’ footsteps.
The Pettigrews were shocked, that their son was so stupid to get caught. And immediately take the necessary steps to disown Peter. Luckily, they had 2 younger children, who were able to take over the family farm, as well as carrying on the family legacy. Peter was best left forgotten. As a final act of mercy did they place a small amount of galleons and also his confiscated wand into Peter’s trust vault. But they did demand that he had to left the country, after his prison sentence had been served and never to contact any of them any longer. Needless to say, Peter grudgingly signed the contract. Due to his parents placing his wand in his vault, it couldn’t get snapped, and he’ll be able to start over far away from Britain. Nothing held him there any longer. He’d also be allowed to still use magic afterwards and his OWLs still count, so that he’ll be able to get a job abroad.
The Potters were shocked to learn, that their son had been arrested and that the Aurors had even arrested the headmaster, too. Of course, Fleamont would speak with his son, but the family charta will not allow them to keep James as heir any longer. It seems that either a distant relative would inherit their estate, or they would have to ask the Wizengamot for leniency, so that James could marry and sire a child, less their family will die out. It could cost them some favour, but it needs to be done!
Lily’s bad day wasn’t over, yet, as she received a letter from James, that demanded her to keep her part of the deal, or he would ruin her future. She had wanted to get rid of the slimy snake and even shared those spells with the Marauders. Therefore she had to sign the contract, and also submit to any conditions, or she’ll be cast out of the magical world forever. He may no longer be able to become an Auror, but he’s still a pureblood!
The audacity of Potter shocked Lily, but at the same time she was caught between a rock and a hard place. One word from him, and she’ll be ruined, as he’d pointed it out, she’s just a muggleborn witch. What should she do?
Lily Evans agreed to owe James Potter a boon, should he successfully end her friendship with Severus Snape. Should she try to wiggle out, then she’ll be facing the wrath of Lady Magic and be facing legal consequences, too.
Her parents had not be pleased to hear about the magical restraining order, and even take their sweet time to study the accompanying information. Afterwards they’ve grounded Lily and even confiscated her magical supplies for the whole month. She wouldn’t be getting her wand back, until it was time to buy her supplies in late August. And she got told, that should she only try to secretly visit Diagon Alley, then she’ll be immediately removed from Hogwarts and be send to a strict non-magical boarding school in West Sussex.
Petunia did enjoy it immensely. Finally some comeuppance for her spoiled freakish sister. She’d felt for the small vial of truth serum, that had gotten sent to her by an anonymous benefactor with a short notice: “This should allow you to get the necessary answers and cause more trouble for your sister. Use it well!”
Petunia did offer to make dinner, since it’s the start of the summer holidays, which found her parent’s approval. Not only was she a much better cook than Lily, this would also allow her to mix the truth serum into Lily’s beverage, and then it was time to utterly ruin Lily’s life.
For Dumbledore’s political enemies these last few days seems to be a perfect dream, and it gets even better, as he’d lost his phoenix, due to a decision by the full Wizengamot, as he shouldn’t be able to use his phoenix to escape justice.
Fawkes had disappeared, but imagine the surprise of Severus’ maternal family, as the phoenix appeared in front of their home and immediately bond with Severus. It seems that Dumbledore had forcefully bond the phoenix to him, so that nobody would view him as a dark lord. But now the phoenix had been freed and was able to bond to his true chosen master.
Lady Hogwarts did also project herself into the garden of Prince Hall to announce, that she had chosen Severus and his future spouse as the next headmasters of Hogwarts. She would give them 10 years to focus on their education, while an interim headmaster would take over. There was no pressure for Severus or his future spouse to rush their education, but she was certain, that with them at the helm, Hogwarts would soon be back among the top magical schools around the globe.
Severus couldn’t believe his ears – she’d had chosen him as future headmaster of Hogwarts. How was this even possible? But the presence of his maternal family did ground him, as well as their looks of approval. Therefore he did thank her politely, but asked, if it was possible, that he could first work as a tenured professor, before taking over as headmaster. He didn’t want to be seen as an imposter, but someone who had earned his position. Naturally, this did find Lady Hogwarts’ approval. She gave him her blessing and a soft kiss on his cheeks, before disappearing again.
Next did she appear to Regulus and his grandfather to inform him about the designated future headmaster, before disappearing again. Regulus was happy, that Lady Hogwarts deemed Severus the best choice as headmaster for Hogwarts, but he’d also agree that it would be better to slowly learn the ropes, too.
Lily enjoyed her iced tea and the lasagna with the green mixed salad, that Petunia had served them. She greedily gulped two glasses, before the truth serum affected her. Just like Petunia had planned it. Petunia smirked, it was time to get some answers.
It was a different truth serum, that made the victim answer truthfully, but without realising what’s going on, or even being able to fight against it. Severus had created it, after doing some research on the original Veritaserum. It would be among the three potions he’ll be submitting for his Potions Mastery, and only a small circle of insiders had known about it. Lord Prince had been extremely proud on his grandson and on the sly send a potion to Petunia, so that Lily’s lies will come to light!
Lily told everything with some light prompting. That she had been in the cahoots with the Marauders and even made a deal with Potter to get rid of Severus. After all, he was only an obstacle for her plans to secure a rich dumb pureblood husband. She’d even known that Sirius Black would lure Severus into a deadly trap on a full moon night, but Potter intervened and the headmaster did confirm a life debt. She’d enjoyed to hold it over Severus’ head, as he wasn’t able to tell the truth, without facing expulsion, while James strutted all over the school as a hero.
No, she hadn’t known that Lupin was a werewolf, but Snape had almost outlived his usefulness and would probably just become another Death Eater, so it was not a great loss. It had infuriated her, that Severus kept secrets from her. Had she known, that he got reinstated by his rich family, then she would have tried to get into his pants. No, she wouldn’t marry him, but she wouldn’t have any problem to tell lies to the Marauders, so that either James or Sirius would try to kill him. It’s for the Greater Good.
How dare Severus to be such a freak! He’d destroyed everything, and now she was indebted to James Potter, who’ll be probably facing years in prison. It wasn’t fair!
Lily’s father couldn’t believe it, he slapped her twice, before dragging the protesting teenager to her bedroom and locked her in. She would stay there for the rest of the night, or be facing serious trouble. Her mother began to cry, while Petunia comforted her.
“What should we do, Henry?”, asked Mrs. Evans tearfully.
“We can’t allow her to go back to Hogwarts. I do not know, when she’d turn into a bad egg, but we have been much too generous with her, Rose. There is still the debt, that she owed to this arrogant Potter boy. We will insist, that she’d honour her part of the bargain. He’ll probably wants a child or two from her, considering how old his own parents already are. But she shouldn’t be rewarded for her atrocious behaviour.”, replied Mr. Evans.
“Maybe you should write to the Ministry of Magic, Father. They can bound her magic, and also remove her memories about it afterwards. I would suggest to bring her to one of those Irish homes for unwed mothers, they will not treat her nicely, but it wouldn’t bring more shame upon our family.”, suggested Petunia.
She’d learned about those Magdalene homes from an Irish classmate, who got adopted by a British family as a toddler. She’d shared with Petunia, that nobody wants to end up in one of those homes, as the Nuns were merciless, and not even believe in giving any drugs for labouring mothers, but made them work up any penny of the delivery, no matter how long it takes. You would not even learn what happens to your children, and most of them prefer to leave Ireland, as they’ve do not see a future for them in Ireland any longer.
It seems to be a suitable punishment for her spoiled sister. Petunia had no shred of remorse for her actions, Lily did deserve it! She also believe, that there was no chance that those arrogant Potters would even allow any contact between their families. Probably telling the offspring, that they were the children of an unknown pureblood heiress, who died in childbirth. It wouldn’t be the first time, that this option would be used.
“Maybe that would be for the best. I had such high hopes for Lily. But she had changed for the worse.”, remarked Mr. Evans morosely.
“Do we not have another option? She is still our daughter, Henry!”, asked Rose Evans sadly.
“I do not see any chance. You have heard how much she gloated about her assistance to those bullies. Do not forget that without that boy, Lily wouldn’t have any idea, that she was magical or even how to behave at school. She went too far, and that shouldn’t be rewarded. But maybe we can show some mercy, depending what sort of boon this arrogant boy demands from her. She can stay with us, until she’s 18 years old, but then, either she does enlist into the British army, or she will be training as a nurse. But she will not longer be living with any of us, Rose.”, decided Henry Evans calmly.
Rose did agree with her husband’s judgement, no matter how much it did hurt her. Lily had always been her favourite, but this was inexcusable, and they need to do some damage control. The neighbours can’t learn about it, or she will become a pariah in Cokeworth. But she would leave it to her husband to inform Lily about his decision. He is the man in the house, and Lily wouldn’t dare to backtalk to her father, at least Rose did hope, this still to be true.
“Lily come to my study, after you have packed away your luggage.”, told her father coldly.
Lily obeyed, she did still believe, that she could sway her parents, but her hopes would soon evaporate.
“You dare to shame our family with your shameless behaviour? We’ve raised you better. How could you be so ungrateful?”, began Henry Evans.
Lily starred baffled at her father.
“You will not return to Hogwarts ever again. You’re not worthy of such a privilege. And I will ensure that you keep your part of the deal with this rotten spoiled brat. No matter, what it takes. You can also forget to go to Diagon Alley, as soon as your results are here, we’ll be sending a letter to the staff, that you will be not returning for the sixth year either.”
“What, but Papa”, tried Lily to interrupt, which was a mistake.
“Silence. Let’s hope that the boy’s parents will have some influence on him, so that you will be keeping your part of the deal within a few months. I’ve already found a new school for you. One more word, and I’ll be getting in touch with the Ministry of Magic to put some cuffs on you, so that you’ll be unable to use any magic, until you’re 18 years old!”, growled Henry Evans.
Lily nodded, not daring to make her fate worse, before running crying to her bedroom. This had to be a nightmare. She did cry herself to sleep, and as she had woken up, none of her magical supplies was still there, not even her wand. Petunia gleefully told her, that father had it locked up, and only he knew where the things had gone. She was also grounded, and wasn’t allowed to leave their home, without either Petunia or her mother accompanying her.
Only a small supply of parchment and a quill had been left on her desk, reminding her to write a reply to James Potter. She didn’t want to do it, but he couldn’t make her life any worse, right?
Petunia had also not bother to tell her sister, that she had bought a tawny owl for her own contacts with the magical world. Even when she want to rub it in, that could wait, after all Lily will not longer be able to lord her freakish power around the house any longer.
Peter had been the first of the Marauders to be interrogated, and agreed to a deal with the DLME – he’ll be deported to the US and worked on a magical farm for minor offenders, as well as having to register his animagus form with Macusa. He wouldn’t be allowed to come back to the UK within the next decade, or he’ll be spending the rest of his sentence in Azkaban. As it was usual, Peter would be getting a new name, to allow him a fresh start, after his prison sentence is over. The red cuff, that would prevent him from transforming was vexing, but anything is better than spending just a few days in Azkaban. The holding cells were already quite horrible for the expelled Gryffindor.
Remus, was the next who got interrogated, his fate didn’t look so good, after all, not only being an unregistered dark creature, but someone who endanger himself and others, due to forbidden moonlight romps during the full moon. Timidly did he ask, what his fate would be, and the interrogator told him, that he’ll be placed into a werewolf facility, that got run by the British Ministry of Magic, where they’ll be working on a cure for lycanthropy. He and the other juvenile unregistered werewolves that got caught will be confined to the facility for at least 12 years. Should they survive they’re be exiled from Britain for life, but should they be daring to escape, then any wixen can kill them without having to fear repercussions.
Remus gulped, but the interrogator told him, he got quite lucky, due to being a minor, as some of the Wizengamot would have demanded the arrested werewolf to be neutered. However, this got avoided, so he should be thanking his lucky stars and be used to the silver collar, that will be locked around his neck, before he got transported via portkey to the werewolf facility. He had also forfeit the right to have a wand, and it will be snapped later.
This did hurt Remus more than anything else, his wand had been his only source of comfort, and now he wasn’t allowed to have a wand any longer. Before he could break down, informed him Yaxley, that he had also to drink a potion, and he wouldn’t be allowed to leave any drop in the vial. Lupin didn’t dare to object, not even as he had spotted the Dark Mark on his arm.
It hurt so much, and suddenly Remus transformed into his wolf, before Yaxley locked the silver collar around his neck, that caused a huge brand scar. Without magic he can’t hide it, and it would practically scream werewolf to any insider. Yaxley stunned the wolf, before activating the portkey. The boy got still lucky, Macnair had wanted to execute him, but got denied due to Lupin’s age. He also got no access to the werewolf facility, but got told, he can go and hunt some Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest, there were rumours about an illegal colony, and he can use everything at his disposal to teach them a lesson.
Next was Sirius Black and James Potter, due to their status as heirs of an ancient and noble house, they will be facing a trial in front of the Wizengamot. There would be no deal for them, and the anti-animagus-collars around their necks itched and also cut off their magic. It was infuriating for the duo.
Imagine their fury, as they’ve learned that Remus and Peter had accepted a deal and wouldn’t be sharing a trial with them in front of the full Wizengamot. Those disloyal scum will be paying for that. However it should come even worse, as Lord Black appeared at the holding cell and coldly inform Sirius, that he would enact the full disownment ritual for Sirius, as he wasn’t worthy to be a Black any longer. He can rejoice not longer having any ties with them after the trial is over.
James’ uncle also visited them, berating James for his folly, before telling him, that only thanks to his parents, he can hope of some leniency by the Wizengamot – even if he would have still spend some years in Azkaban, it wouldn’t be on the lowest level, where the majority of the Dementors got free access to the halls. But neither he, nor Sirius would be walking away with a lighter prison sentence, at least 5-10 years are possible.
This did silence the duo. He then told them, that it had been decided, that both will be allowed one sexual intercourse, before being transported to Azkaban, so that they got the chance of siring a magical child. The unlucky surrogate will be have to take a strong fertility potion and be kept on a smaller estate, until the child(ren) will be born. Should they behave well, then maybe they’re allowed to have once a year sex, until a child is conceived.
Both will also be blacklisted from working at the Ministry or be a proxy at the Wizengamot. After Charlus Potter was gone both teenager did talk with each other.
“Do you think, Evans is the surrogate? She did still owe you a boon, James?”, asked Sirius.
“Could be, but do you even want kids, Siri?”, murmured James.
“Dunno, I wouldn’t be against having a child related to you, James. But that sucks. Disowned, who could have convinced the old man to do it?”, muttered Sirius.
“Do you think, that Regulus is behind this?”, pondered James.
“Oh, please. Reggie, doesn’t have the guts to go against me. But this I swear, as soon as we’re free of Azkaban, we’ll be getting our revenge. What do you say, Prongs? We have nothing to lose!”, growled Sirius, the Black madness shining through his eyes.
“Why not, but maybe we should lay low, so that they’ll not be longer on their guard. I would say, we first deal with the disloyal Marauders, and then we’ll be hunting down Snivellus!”, grinned James darkly.
“That’s the plan, Prongs”, chuckled Sirius, as both soon fell in a deep sleep.
They didn’t know that Arcturus had cast an eavesdrop spell on their cell, and wasn’t willing to endanger his future grandson-in-law. Should they really be so stupid and try it, then their lives are forfeit.
Dumbledore also had quite a bad time in prison, not only didn’t Fawkes reacting on his calls any longer – the anti-phoenix cuffs shouldn’t affect their forced bond so strongly – but, he missed his daily dose of lemon drops. Being told, that he had to be facing a trial, just like James Potter and Sirius Black did sour his mood even more. All his hard work going up in smoke, just because the Marauders couldn’t stay away from Hogsmeade during their forbidden full moon romps.
It was infuriating, that everything seems to go downhill, but without getting access to some of his sycophants his hands are literally tied. Who had dared to go against him? Could it be a plot from Tom and his followers? Or was it a third party?
“Don’t worry, Dumbledore, you will be soon facing the Wizengamot, and nothing can save you.”, taunted him John Dawlish. “Lord Prince was very keen on seeing you facing harsh consequences for your crimes against his heir. Be glad, that you will probably not be executed, due to his heir now being in his custody, but who knows, what will come out during your trial, old coot!”
Dumbledore looked up, which heir, there couldn’t be any legal heir for the Prince lordship. After all, hadn’t Eileen Prince be disowned, after the stupid cow eloped with a muggle, after some encouragement by himself. No, he couldn’t mean Severus Snape, that had to be a nightmare!
A dark look settled on his mien, that makes it only more important to escape this predicament and to get the young Slytherin into his clutches. After all, Lord Prince wouldn’t want to risk his heir and would therefore be willingly do anything to get the brat back. He knew, that he should have personally checked, if Severus Snape hadn’t any rare inheritance, but he had neglected it, and it seems to bite him in his behind.
On Lily’s letter did she receive a short reply from the Potter solicitor. It told her, that she had to be present at James’ trial, as she would learn afterwards how to fulfil her part of the bargain. It galls the young witch, that she wouldn’t learn beforehand, what she had to do to get rid of the vexing favour, but she was already in enough trouble with her family. And without any access to her wand or her potions, she wasn’t able to change their minds.
A few days later got the trio informed, when their trial would be taking place. Due to their ages, James would come first, then Sirius and Dumbledore’s trial would be the last one. Veritaserum and truth spells would be used, as well as runic cuffs offered by the Goblins to prevent any attempts at manipulating the outcome of their trials.
It had been decided to hold the trials in the second week of August 1976, so that they could also inform the Wizengamot about the achieved OWLs for the young miscreants. Lily Evans would have been among the witnesses, as well as certain other staff members.
One of the female Aurors had appeared at their doorstep to accompany Lily to the trials, and to her dismay did her father hand over Lily’s wand to the Auror, who put it in a special wand holster. It had been quite useful to prevent suspects from trying to flee with their wands, before reaching one of the Ministry’s holding cells.
Regulus would be watching the trial with his father and grandfather, hoping that Sirius would once more do something stupid, so that he will be able to deal with him once and for all. Arcturus and Orion had agreed to watch the trial, since they could only enact the full disownment ritual, after Sirius had been sentenced to Azkaban.
Minerva and the other senior staff members had been summoned as witnesses, although they had also warned the Gryffindor head of house, that she should be grateful not to be sharing their fate. As their head of house, she had to keep a closer eye on her young students, therefore she had to pay a hefty fine and will be excluded from her becoming headmistress of Hogwarts. On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, she will have to undergo a full purge at Gringotts, just in case that anyone may have tempered with her mind and her personality.
Poppy Pomfrey had been the first witness, who had to endure the cross-examination by both sides. Needless to say, nobody was impressed with her passivity. Even as she did justified pointed out the magical copies that got send to the heads of houses and to the headmaster. Being asked, why she didn’t try to contact the families or even someone from the DLME or from St. Mungo’s only caused her to stay silent.
She did admit, that she was responsible to accompany the young werewolf student to his hide-out, that got provided by the Headmaster. No, why should she bother with any additional safety measures, the students had known, that they weren’t allowed out of bounds after curfew, and the Whomping Willow did an excellent job to thwart third parties from entering the secret passage into the Shrieking Shack.
Lord Prince stood up, he had decided to be present and to ask a few of his own questions, while Severus would be safe at their ancestral family estate. The Mediwitch shivered, as soon as she recognised the Prince patriarch. He sneered at her before asking his question:
“Why did you allow Albus Dumbledore to threaten a minor with expulsion, instead of protecting him and treat him for shock?”
Poppy refused to answer, shaking in her boots, but she didn’t want to say anything. She was already in too much trouble. Lord Prince scoffed, before asking, why she didn’t even monitored Lupin’s letters and his guests during his numerous stays in the infirmary. Once more did Poppy stay silent, while the Minister asked baffled, why this should be so important for Lord Prince to learn about it.
Lord Prince turned around and faced the other wixen on the Wizengamot. He did calmly explain, that not only had the Marauders learned very early about the unlucky boy’s condition, but studied on their own how to became unregistered animagi. Later did they regularly plot with Lupin how to free him from the Shrieking Shack and go on their full moon romps. Would the Medi-witch had taken her duties seriously, then this plotting would have been stopped immediately. However she ignored it, and not even decided to do anything, after a near-death-experience for another student. A crime that got covered up by Albus Dumbledore, who had no shame and even dared to threaten the victim with expulsion should he not accept a fake life debt and not inform any third parties about the truth. While the Marauders didn’t get any conditions and used this to make the victim’s life a living hell.
To the dismay from the accused did Lord Prince procure the message, that had sent Severus Snape into grave danger, while Lily Evans experienced another shock. Not only had she not believed Severus, but knowing that he had been willing to face a turned werewolf, just to bring her back safely to school, well, it just shows who had been a true loyal friend.
“My grandson is still not speaking about it, even as the nefarious oath and the fake life debt didn’t exist anymore. Lady Magic had blessed my family and I will not ignore her orders, since I’m no dunderhead. My grandson is safe on our ancestral estate and will not returning to a school that openly plays favourites and prefer to cover up crimes, due to the house and the blood-status of a possible victim!”, declared Lord Prince.
Dumbledore couldn’t keep his mouth shut any longer. Jumping up, as the chains dragged him back, he acted like a rabid dog, as he mouthed off: “Oh, please, why should the brat be so special? Is there something that you won’t want to tell us, Lord Prince? He was always a trouble maker, claiming that his muggle sire would abuse him, as if - some tough love never hurts!”
“Says the wizard who lost his phoenix!”, exclaimed Lord Black furiously. “You have always been a disgrace, and just because you may have been able to pull the wool over the eyes of most of the Wizengamot, doesn’t mean you will be escaping this time. It would have been your duty to inform us, should any of our heirs stray from Lady Magic’s rules. Instead you did encourage them for years to become more and more vicious. No more! I do disown Sirius Orion Black, from this day on, he is no longer a member of my family – not in blood, magic or name! Happy now, boy – you’ve got your wish! May magic be merciful, for I am not. And I warn you, should you only dare to approach any of us, then your life is forfeit! This I vow!”
The magic hit Sirius, who got flung back into the chains, that secured him to the prisoner chair. Everyone was shocked to see the results. His hair and eyes turned into a murky brown, and the young wixen began to howl like a rabid dog, madness visible in his eyes. Even then did he try to stand up and to lunge on his former family, as the smug grin on Regulus’ face infuriates him even more.
But the magical chains kept him tied to the chair, no matter how he ranted and tried to free himself, and suddenly the whole audience looked up, as a majestic phoenix appeared out of the blue. Could this be Fawkes? The missing phoenix of the headmaster? What was he doing here? The phoenix screeched and phoenix fire engulfed the unlucky Black heir, as it was over, only a small pile of ashes remain and once more did you hear the triumphant cry of a phoenix, before it landed on Regulus’ arm and started to preen him.
“Impossible!”, screamed Dumbledore, not wanting to believe his own eyes.
“On the contrary, the phoenix had forged a familiar bond with my betrothed and also seems to be fed up with your lies and favouritism, old coot!”, sneered Regulus, as he petted the phoenix.
James Potter had watched in horror, what had happened to his best friend and brother in all but blood. Not even he dared to go against a phoenix, but an idea came to his mind – yes, the boon.
“Stop, I still have a boon, that Evans owned me. From this day on she should until her death be the surrogate for any male Azkaban inmate, who hadn’t an heir, yet. Spells will be put on her to keep her safe from harm, but she will not be able to escape her duties, nor should she be able to harm any of the children or take her own life!”, exclaimed the disgraced Potter.
Lily gasped shocked, how dare James to do this to her! It would have been bad enough to have sex with him and to conceive a child, but now she should allow herself to be touched by other Azkaban inmates. The audacity knows no bonds!
“So mote it be”, declared the new Chief warlock, he nodded to one of the guards, who stunned the girl and dragged her away. After she had been examined by one of the Ministry’s Medi-witches she will be forced to keep her part of the bargain.
James Potter got sentenced to 10 years in Azkaban on the medium floor, as a small concession to admitting his guilt. He was blacklisted from ever working for the Ministry, no matter which job, and would never become Lord Potter! Should he behave well, then no further conditions will be added to his sentence, and of course, the anti-animagus collar will be worn until the time is over!
He will be spending at least 2-3 days in the Ministry holding cell, before being allowed to have his fun with the muggleborn witch. Should she not get pregnant immediately, then another appointment will be happen in one of the visiting cells at Azkaban 3 months later.
James wisely didn’t reject his sentence, he had been grateful, that it wouldn’t be worse.
Now it was time to deal with the old coot. Needless to say, Dumbledore wasn’t really trying to make it easy, but he was unable to fight off the various truth spells and potions, that they forced him to drink. It shouldn’t surprise anyone, how badly the Wizengamot reacted to his answers.
Therefore the sentence was merciless. He would be spending his sentence in the lowest bowls of Azkaban for the next 40-50 years, his name be eradicated from all chronicles, tomes, toys etc. and should he still be alive, then he’ll be executed via the Veil of Death.
“May Lady Magic have mercy with your soul, Dumbledore!”, concluded the new chief warlock the trial, as 2 neutral guards dragged him away to the portkey area, ignoring his threats of retribution.
Regulus did ask his grandfather, if he can accompany Lord Prince to his home. He wanted to inform Severus personally about the outcome of the trial and to give him back his phoenix familiar. Lord Black allowed it, as he was glad to have such a dutiful heiresses
Epilogue:
Quite a lot had changed within the last 15 years, Severus and Regulus did bond after Severus had gotten his triple mastery (Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts & Spellcrafting). Regulus did like his father focused on a career as curse breaker and become quite successful.
None of the three surviving Marauders had tried to stir up any further trouble for the young couple. They just keep their heads low and since Remus & Peter had been exiled to Australia, James Potter followed swiftly. Lily Evans had given him fraternal twins – Harry James & Rose Lillian Potter. They had been raised by their godparents Frank and Alice Longbottom, after the death of the elderly Potters, due to a virulent strain of Dragon Pox.
Dumbledore died within 10 years, as the Dementors got bloated due to the high account of happy memories at the suffering of Dumbledore’s numerous victims. His corpse got thrown into the Veil of Death, and within 2 generations, nobody remember the grandfatherly wizard any longer. After his death wrote Rita Skeeter a bestseller about Dumbledore’s youth and his collaboration with Gellert Grindelwald. She’d questioned everything, especially the duel, that nobody else had witnesses, and the discovered blood pact between the two wixen.
Severus become together with Regulus two of the youngest professors at Hogwarts and shared the head of house duties for Slytherin. Without Dumbledore the rivalry between the four houses got decreased more and more, and as it was time for Severus to succeed Professor Flitwick as new headmaster, inter-house friendships were quite common.
One of his first actions as new headmaster had been to create an Anti-Howler ward, as howlers had never been useful to make any student changed their behaviour.
Lily had died in childbirth as she gave birth to her 40th child! Luckily, the child survived and got raised by his paternal family. The Evans family, except Petunia, had cut all ties with the magical world. Petunia opened a foster home for squib children, that within a few years added more houses all over the UK. She had married a fellow squib, and after learning that their oldest son had inherit their latent magic abilities, they’ve contacted Severus an Regulus to become his godparents.
James would often lament with Peter and Remus about their bad turn of luck, although the trio admits, that at least they were still alive, and in Australia, they’ve got treated like any other wixen. Imagine their surprise as to Remus’ 30th birthday a small package appeared delivered by phoenix, which moves Remus to tears. It contains the cure for lycanthropy, something that Remus never believes to be possible.
Now and then did James received a letter from his two children, but mostly neither Harry nor Rose bother to write to their sire. They were much too busy with school, friends and life in general.
Severus had already given birth to 6 children, so that the family succession will be secured, and after Minerva resigned from her positions, did he hire a young Gryffindor to replace her.
Lord Marvolo Slytherin had absorbed all of his horcruxes and with the help of the Goblins made amends to Myrtle’s ghost, so that she would be able to reach the afterlife. The war that Dumbledore wanted to happen did never occur, instead did Magical Britain thrives and the statute of secrecy got strengthened even more.
All was well!