He Must

*Aequus Rus, August 1978*

“So, Severus, have you done any plans for the future?“

The 18-year-old man turto lto look at the old man who had just entered the room, followed by an equally old woman.

“Why, of course grandfather. I’m going to study potions as I decided when I was five.“ the young man answered chuckling lightly.
The old man laughed and the woman smiled.

“Yes, you have certainly had your carrier planned in time, my dear“, the woman said, “but what else have you planned? With whom are you going to study? Are you going to study something else, too? What are you going to do when you are a Master?“

“I am going to apprentice to the Potions Master at Madrid Magical University, grandmother. He sent his approval last week.“ Severus shone with pride and excitement. “I will be able to take some Defence courses on the side. I thought about taking Arithmancy, but it would require too much time, and in Defence I will get some exercise at the same time.“

“And considering the current… political… climate here in Britain, it will definitely be good for you to get away.“ interrupted the old man surly. “I don’t know what those idiots think…“

“Well, yes, that’s also a valid point, but after I’ve reached the mastery… I don’t really know. I’d love to be an independent Master, experimenting and doing some challenging orders, but you need to be well known and appreciated to be able to do that. Most likely I’ll be brewing potions for apothecaries or hospitals, but there is always the free time for the fun, I suppose.“

“It’s good to hear you don’t have your head in the clouds my child, but then again, you have never been a dreamer. With that attitude you can get far. Claudius and Sibylla would be proud of you.“

“You are right Damien, our Severus is something to be proud about – no, Severus, don’t feel awkward – it’s such a shame they died in that ridiculous attack; what did Voldemort wish to gain attacking Diagon Alley?“

“Fear, grandmother. Now most people are afraid to say his name. Every attack is made to look bigger than it is. People are terrified, and that’s what he wants. They don’t have the guts to stand against him. He is winning at the moment…“ Severus sighed, looking in the empty air all enthusiasm gone.

The three were quiet for a while, but then the lady shook herself and ordered a house elf to bring them tea.

“That’s quite enough of the gloomy atmosphere, gentlemen. Let’s talk about something else. Likur lur love life, Severus“

Severus groaned and buried his face in his hands. Damien chortled.

“That was quite an opening Elfrida; I think Severus has lost his sleep for sure now.“

“No kidding, grandfather, no kidding.“ moaned Severus.

“Oh, for Merlin’s sake, no need to be such a prude! I just wanted to know if I had any hope of getting great-grandchildren any time soon!“ she said mischievously.

“I’m afraid the answer is ‘no’, grandmother. You know my preferences.“ Severus sighed.

“That choice is not open to you, Severus. You have to carry the family name on.“ Damien said sharply.

“I thought we already had this conversation two years ago, grandfather. It isn’t my choice, it’s what I am…“

“It doesn’t matter weather it’s your choice or not, you have to produce an heir. And I’d really like that great-grandchild.“ Elfrida told him pouring the tea that just arrived.

“A boy child. But there are spells to ensure that, if you can’t stand the idea of having more than one child.“ Damien added.

“Listen, it is not the child I don’t want, it’s the woman! I’m as gay as they come. Mere thought of touching a naked woman makes me queasy, I’d never be able to do the deed.“ Severus exclaimed.

“As long as there is no alternative for women, I’m afraid you’ll have to. But you have no objection for babies, you said?“ Elfrida continued to pressure him.

“No, I suppose I wouldn’t object to having a child some day, but definitely not any time soon. I’ve heard children require a lot of time. I want to dedicate my time to my potions now that I have the chance.“ Severus rubbed his face warily.

Elfrida opened her mouth, but Damien beat her to it.

“I think this is quite enough for today. Severus is young, there is no need to hurry. He can concentrate on his studies now and leave the family for later.“ He looked pointedly at his wife.

Elfrida looked a bit put out but didn’t continue.

“So, when are you going to start, Severus?“


*Aequus Rus, Christmas 1981*

“It’s so wonderful to have you home again, Severus! It’s been over three years since you left for Madrid.“

“Yes grandmother, but I have only one more year left until I can be pronounced a Master, and then I can stay home. My studies have gone well and my skills have improved quicker than I or my Master thought.“

“You’ll reach mastery in four years? That’s quite an achievement, my boy!“

“Thank you grandfather, but I’ve still so much to learn… And I don’t know what I will be doing when I have finished my studies. I may not have much choice as most apothecaries worked for Voldemort and I don’t have any true interest towards medical potions brewing. Did Headmaster Dumbledore tell you that hferefered me the place of Potions Master at Hogwarts when Professor Kopper retires after next year?“

“Yes, he owled us about it, but he wasn’t very specific about why he wanted you for the job. You have never expressed any desire to teach, have you?“ Damien asked.

“No, I haven’t. The idea of teaching ignorant kids something they don’t want to learn is definitely not appealing. But it may turn out to be my only choice.“ Severus told frowning.

“How did Dumbledore know to contact you in the first place, Severus? Wouldn’t it be more natural for him to contact an apprentice here in Britain? Or even a young master for that matter?“ Elfrida asked confused.

“Professor Dumbledore is a friend of my Master. He was a contact point in Spain during the war. I actually helped them sometimes – gathered information and such about those who sympathized with Voldemort. I guess the Headmaster wants to somehow thank me for my efforts. My participation became a well known fact in Voldemort’s ranks thus blocking most of my paths.“

Damien whistled.

“You have been busy, then. It is good to hear the reputation of the family doesn’t fully lay on your aunt Alexandra and her son. I can’t understand where we went wrong with that girl.“

“Don’t beat yourself too badly about that, Damien. She was always a little unstable and definitely had a mean streak. But there is nothing we can do about that now.“ Elfrida sighed.

“May I ask what did they do? I have heard very little actual facts about what happened here.“

“They were Voldemort’s strongest supporters. If Voldemort had actually marked the women he had in his service, Alexandra would be rotting in Azkaban right now. As it is, only her son Lucius is there. He did try to deny his part but then he was interrogated under Veritaserum. I don’t know why he wasn’t given the Dementor’s Kiss. I don’t know about his wife Narcissa. I got the picture that she was not included in any way – had no interest in politics. They have a 1,5-year-old son, can’t remember his name, but I seriously hope Narcissa is strong enough to stand against Alexandra so he won’t be wasted, too.“

“Narcissa Black? Well, she definitely didn’t have any interest in anything but herself at school. She must have married Malfoy right after graduation if they have a 1,5-year-old child, she was a year younger than me. And I’m afraid the boy is a lost cause no matter what: he’ll be either a thoroughly spoiled brat or a twisted barbarian. Neither of those women is meant to raise children.“

“Poor kid. But there is nothing we can do. We cut all connections when Alexandra married Archibald Malfoy. It’s probably time to tell you the whole story behind that, you are old enough.

“The man was 63 and she was 17, just graduated. Two of his daughters from his second marriage were two and four years older than her, but they were friends enough to take her to meet their father. That’s how they met. He had no children from his first marriage. The woman died in an… accident after 12 years of marriage. The circumstances were questionable, nothing could be proven true. The second marriage lasted 25 years and produced eight girls but no boys, and so that wife died in complications after giving birth to the 8th daughter. Conveniently a year before Alexandra graduated and had already visited the manor a few times. I’m sure she died in complications, but I’m also sure the complications weren’t of natural origin. Lucius was born seven years later, and he was her only child. This time it was Archibald Malfoy’s turn ie iie in questionable circumstances. He was no longer needed and Alexandra raised her son herself. She had always been fascinated with the idea of purebloods being better than others, so it shouldn’t be such a surprise that she favoured Voldemort’s ideas and raised her son accordingly. She was Voldemort’s mistress, actually. If what I heard from Dumbledore is true they were year mates and friends at Hogwarts…“

“The doctors have said that she won’t live long. Got some… diseases… from Voldemort. Or Archibald.“ Elfrida added quietly.

“Well, that explains why you don’t want to talk about her. I hope I have managed to keep the name ‘Snape’ clean, though.“ Severus mused.

“Yes, I think you have. Now the only thing that remains to do is to bring it forth.“ Elfrida noted.

Severus groaned. This subject was getting really troublesome…


*Aequus Rus, August 1990*

“Severus dear, you are 30 years old. You have to start looking for suitable brides, or you’ll never get it done! I understand that you are gay, but not marrying is not an option for you. You are the last Snape. It is your duty to reproduce!“

“Grandmother… we have been this over so many times. I just can’t. And what kind of woman would agree to be just a broodmare and then be set aside?“ Severus massaged his temples.

“As you said yourself, son, we have been this over many times before. And we have not changed our minds. You have to have a son. We’ll give you an other ten years to look for a wife on your own, but then we will give you an ultimatum: you’ll marry the woman we choose or you’ll loose all this to the state.“ Damien motioned around him with his hands, indicating the house and the lands around it. “End of discussion.“

Severus remained quiet.