Chapter 13: Chapter 12: A Legacy Reclaimed
The Ministry of Magic's Examination Hall was nothing like the Hogwarts classrooms.
It was a vast, sterile space, enchanted to block distractions, eliminate cheating, and ensure absolute neutrality in grading. Severus sat at his designated desk, feeling the eyes of the examiners—senior officials from the Wizarding Examinations Authority—watching his every move.
Griselda Marchbanks, the elderly but sharp-eyed governor of the Examinations Authority, gave him a curt nod before signaling for the exam to begin.
The first test was Muggle Studies—a simple exam that Severus breezed through with ease.
Then came Care of Magical Creatures, which required detailed identification of magical beasts, their habitats, and the potion ingredients they could provide.
By the time he reached Dueling, Severus knew he was in his true element.
Unlike Hogwarts, where students often sparred with inexperienced peers, the Ministry provided professional duelists to test applicants.
His opponent was a tall, broad-shouldered wizard with a calculating gaze.
The moment the duel began, Severus fell into a fluid, controlled rhythm, dodging curses and countering with sharp, precise movements. His spells were fast, efficient, and unpredictable—a mix of traditional and self-modified techniques, many of which he had refined through Flitwick's training.
When the duel ended with Severus standing victorious, he caught a flicker of approval in Griselda Marchbanks' expression.
That alone made the grueling day worth it.
The final part of the exams was Basic Healing and Languages, both of which he performed exceptionally in.
By the time he left the ministry building, he was exhausted but confident.
Now, all he had to do was wait for the results.
After completing the exams, Severus made his way to the Department of Magical Records to finalize his emancipation.
The process required a formal application, signed by his mother, his former guardian. Since Eileen had already signed the documents, it was a matter of submitting them to the Ministry for official approval.
The clerk, a middle-aged witch with thick glasses, barely looked up as she took the documents.
"Processing will take about a week. Once it's finalized, all guardianship ties will be legally severed," she droned.
"Good," Severus replied, his tone clipped.
He then handed her another set of forms.
"I'd also like to officially change my surname to reflect my rightful house. My name should be recorded as Severus Shafiq in all legal documents, including my exam results."
The witch blinked at him. "You're claiming a Most Ancient and Most Noble House?"
Severus met her gaze without hesitation. "I already have."
She gave him a curious look before scribbling something on the parchment. "Very well. Your records will be updated accordingly. Is there anything else?"
"That will be all," Severus said, turning on his heel and walking out.
It was done.
Severus Snape was no more.
Now, he was Severus Shafiq.
As he left the Ministry building, Severus unexpectedly crossed paths with Griselda Marchbanks near the entrance hall.
"Ah, young Snape—Shafiq now, is it?" she said, raising an eyebrow.
Severus inclined his head slightly. "Governor Marchbanks."
She looked him up and down. "You performed well today. Not that I expected otherwise—your duel was particularly impressive. Most Hogwarts students rely too much on raw power and not enough on technique. You, on the other hand, think before you strike."
Severus allowed himself a small smirk. "Dueling is as much about strategy as it is about magic."
Griselda chuckled. "Flitwick has trained you well."
Severus hesitated for a moment before an idea struck him.
"Governor, I was wondering—" He chose his words carefully. "Is there any possibility of changing schools after OWLs? Would any institution accept a transfer student at this stage?"
Griselda gave him a sharp look, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Why do you ask? Hogwarts is one of the finest institutions in the world, despite its... quirks."
Severus exhaled slowly. "Let's just say I am exploring alternatives that might be more suited to my goals."
Griselda hummed thoughtfully. "As per the standard rules, most schools don't accept transfers after OWLs—but there are exceptions."
She adjusted her robes before continuing.
"There is a chance of transferring through international exchange programs, specifically designed for fostering cooperation between magical communities. Some countries, like Japan, India, and the United States, offer one-year student exchange programs."
Severus's interest sharpened. "What are the requirements?"
"The requirements are strict," Griselda warned. "The exchange program is not for ordinary students. It's for those who have exceptional potential, unique skills, or who can contribute something valuable to the host institution. You would have to provide proof of your abilities, academic excellence, and recommendation from influential figures."
Severus's mind worked quickly.
He had top marks, a prestigious bloodline, and the favor of Flitwick, Pomfrey, and even Ragnok at Gringotts.
If anyone could qualify, it was him.
Griselda studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. "I will send you a detailed letter with information about these programs in the next couple of days. But remember, these are competitive placements. You'll have to prove that you're worthy of them."
Severus smirked. "I have no doubts about that, Governor."
Griselda chuckled. "I imagine you don't."
With that, she strode away, leaving Severus standing at the Ministry entrance, his mind racing with new possibilities.
Severus walked through the busy streets of Diagon Alley, thoughts swirling in his mind.
He had officially changed his name.
His emancipation was being processed.
He had performed excellently in his exams.
And now, he had a chance—a real chance—to leave Hogwarts behind and study elsewhere.
Perhaps Japan, where magic was deeply rooted in rituals and ancient enchantments.
Or India, where potion-making was intertwined with alchemy and elemental magic.
Or even America, with its progressive, unorthodox approach to magic.
The idea was tempting, more than tempting.
Severus had always felt that Hogwarts had never been the right place for him.
If there was another path—one that took him far away from Dumbledore's manipulations, the Marauders' torment, and the ghosts of his past— then he would take it.
With a determined smirk, he turned towards his future.
And this time, he would write his own story.
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