Chapter 20: Chapter 19: A Victory in Court and A Farewell to Britain
It was a humiliating loss for the Daily Prophet.
After weeks of legal battles, the Wizengamot ruled in favor of Lord Severus Shafiq, forcing the newspaper to issue a full public apology.
The following morning, a bold headline graced the front page of the Prophet:
Official Retraction & Apology to Lord Severus Shafiq
By Barnabas Cuffe, Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Prophet
The Daily Prophet wishes to issue a formal apology to Lord Severus Shafiq for the previous article published regarding his inheritance and noble status.
We acknowledge that the article in question contained false information, misleading speculation, and improper use of a Sacred 28 House's name without consent.
Furthermore, to highlight the achievements of Lord Shafiq, we would like to bring to public attention that he has broken long-standing academic records in the Wizarding Examinations Authority, achieving the highest recorded scores in Potions, Charms, Ancient Runes, and Dueling—surpassing Albus Dumbledore himself.
His full O.W.L. results are listed below:
The O.W.L. Scores of Lord Severus Shafiq—The Youngest Genius in Britain?
Potions – Outstanding (New Record: Highest Score in Britain)
Charms – Outstanding (New Record: Highest Score in Britain)
Ancient Runes – Outstanding (New Record: Highest Score in Britain)
Defense Against the Dark Arts – Outstanding
Astronomy – Outstanding
Herbology – Outstanding
Arithmancy – Outstanding
Transfiguration – Exceeds Expectations
History of Magic – Exceeds Expectations
Additional O.W.L.s Taken at the Ministry:
Dueling – Outstanding (New Record: Highest Score in Britain)
Muggle Studies – Outstanding (Highest Recorded Score)
Care of Magical Creatures – Outstanding
Healing Magic (Basic Medical Wizardry) – Outstanding
Languages (Latin, French, and Irish Proficiency) – Outstanding
This stunning academic performance, coupled with his recent inheritance and acceptance into the International Student Exchange Program, has made Lord Shafiq a rising figure in British wizarding society.
The Daily Prophet sincerely apologizes for any harm or inconvenience caused.
Albus Dumbledore's POV
Albus Dumbledore sat in his Headmaster's office, fingers tapping the wooden surface of his desk as he read the Daily Prophet's apology and O.W.L. report.
The headlines had already spread like wildfire.
Severus had not only proven himself beyond expectation, but he had now become a figure of public admiration.
Dumbledore's brows furrowed.
"This changes everything."
He had assumed Severus would always be a student overshadowed by his circumstances—brilliant but stuck in the shadows.
He had believed that Severus's low status would keep him dependent, needing Hogwarts and needing Dumbledore's guidance.
Now, that assumption had been shattered.
Dumbledore had seen only two students in Hogwarts history break such records—himself and Tom Riddle.
Severus was neither under his influence nor under his watchful eye.
And now, the boy was leaving for Ilvermorny.
Dumbledore sighed, staring into the distance.
"I have underestimated you, Severus Shafiq."
Lily Evans' POV
Lily stared at the front page of the newspaper, her hands trembling slightly.
Her eyes kept returning to his name.
"Highest recorded scores in four subjects."
"Surpassing Dumbledore himself."
"Accepted into the International Exchange Program."
The Severus Snape she had known had always been brilliant but overlooked.
The Severus in this article was someone entirely different.
Someone who had grown without her.
Her mother had asked about Severus the other day, but Lily had avoided the conversation.
Because now, as she read these headlines, something ugly twisted inside her.
"How did he do all of this… without me?"
And worse…
"Why didn't he tell me?"
Lucius Malfoy's POV
Lucius Malfoy sat in Malfoy Manor, staring at the newspaper.
His grip tightened slightly as he read the O.W.L. scores and the public apology.
"A new power is rising."
Severus Snape had always been a half-blood beneath his notice.
But Severus Shafiq?
A record-breaking genius.
A noble heir.
A potential rival.
Lucius set the newspaper down, adjusting his platinum cufflinks thoughtfully.
"It seems I underestimated him."
Severus was no longer someone to look down upon.
Now, he was someone to watch.
James Potter's POV
James Potter threw the Daily Prophet onto his desk, scowling.
"Bloody hell, he's getting way too much attention."
Sirius snatched the paper up, whistling. "Damn, mate. Snivellus is actually smart. Who knew?"
James hated the way people were talking about Severus now.
For years, Snape had been just some greasy Slytherin—easy to mock, easy to dismiss.
Now?
Now people were comparing him to Dumbledore.
James clenched his fists.
Severus wasn't supposed to be important.
And yet, now he was.
And James despised it.
As Severus finished packing his belongings, he set aside a neatly wrapped package and a sealed letter.
He handed them to Trix, his personal elf.
"Deliver this to Mrs. Evans," Severus instructed. "Ensure that only she receives it. No one else."
The elf nodded sharply and disappeared with a pop.
Severus took a deep breath, staring at the now-empty desk in his chambers.
This was it.
His final goodbye.
Letter to Rose Evans
Dear Mrs. Evans,
I write this letter knowing that by the time you receive it, I will be on my way to America.
I wanted to thank you—one last time.
For your kindness when I had nothing.
For your warmth when my home was cold.
For treating me like family, when I was not your own.
I cannot change the past, nor can I undo the choices that led me here. But I can move forward, knowing that not all of my memories of Britain are bitter.
You once told me that I was always welcome in your home.
That is not something I can accept.
Not because I don't wish to, but because the path I walk now is one I must take alone.
But I will remember you, Mrs. Evans.
And though I do not ask for it, I hope you will remember me as well.
Enclosed with this letter is something that belonged to my mother's family. A Prince heirloom. It is said to bring clarity to those who seek the truth.
It is not a gift to Lily. It is for you.
For the kindness you have always given me.
Take care,
Severus
Inside the small package lay a delicate silver pendant, encrusted with a small, clear gemstone that shimmered faintly with enchanted magic.
It was an heirloom of the Prince family, a charm meant to bring clarity to one's thoughts and emotions.
It had been buried among forgotten treasures, yet Severus had recognized its worth.
He did not expect Mrs. Evans to ever fully understand his choices, nor did he expect her to forgive the past.
But if nothing else, he hoped that she would remember him—not as the boy Lily had abandoned, but as the man he had chosen to become.
On Lord Prince's suggestion, Severus agreed to host a small farewell gathering at Prince Manor before leaving for the U.S.
The guest list was exclusive, limited only to trusted figures. Arcturus had arranged an elegant but private event, ensuring no press intrusion. Julius Prince, Severus's young cousin, was overjoyed, clinging to his older cousin throughout the night.
Severus looked around at the small but meaningful gathering.
Arcturus Prince nodded at him in approval, his sharp eyes filled with pride. Dorea Langston, his potions mentor, raised a glass to him, smirking. "Go show those Ilvermorny students what real potion-making looks like." Madam Pomfrey squeezed his shoulder, whispering, "I expect you to return even stronger, Severus."
For the first time in his two lives, Severus felt acknowledged.
As Severus stepped onto the balcony of Prince Manor, looking at the expansive British landscape, he smirked.
He had won his legal battle. He had gained recognition for his genius. And he was leaving Britain on his own terms.
The wizarding world had once overlooked Severus Snape.
But they would never ignore Lord Severus Shafiq.
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