34 Chapter 34. MacDonald Family.
Ah, Fuck!
I should stop losing myself in my training. It has been a consistent pattern since my return to Hogwarts. The average amount of sleep I managed to obtain each night was a mere four hours, at most.
Nevertheless, I must proceed with my preparations and ready myself for the forthcoming meeting with Mary's father.
Upon returning from a refreshing bath, I discovered Avery gazing intently in my direction.
What on earth was this dunderhead still doing here?
"...Stop staring at me!"
"I apologize... I was just about to leave," Avery responded, his voice tinged with a trace of fear.
"Did I not tell you to find another room? If you fail to do so, I will personally throw you from this room. By tomorrow, I do not wish to see you here any longer."
"No... No one wishes to have me in their quarters since Mulciber's expulsion! Please!" Avery pleaded, his desperation evident.
"I don't care. I want you out y tomorrow. Now, leave."
Avery nodded in acquiescence and hastily exited the room.
It is highly likely that those of pureblood lineage will offer him a place and accept him back into their fold.
Admittedly, I may have instilled a mild sense of terror within him following our confrontation regarding my involvement in Mulciber's expulsion.
Finding the room entirely devoid of anyone, I summoned my wardrobe, which I had previously concealed within my shadows.
"Considering this is going to be a potential business deal, I should present myself in a respectable manner."
Surveying the collection of garments, I made the decision to attire myself in a black suit accompanied by a matching overcoat.
It exuded an air of simplicity intertwined with dignified elegance. (Pic)
Closing my eyes momentarily, I mentally reviewed the agenda for today's meeting — a partnership.
To ensure the smooth execution of my plans, I conducted a thorough inspection of the potions hidden within my shadows, inadvertently discovering that some of them would prove fortuitous for today's proceedings.
After casting one final glance at my reflection in the mirror, I left to meet Lily and Mary at the gates,
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Mary MacDonald's life was never ordinary. She grew up in a fairytale-like existence that everyone desired. However, hidden within these tales, reality carried a dark twist.
Despite the abundance of wealth and love surrounding her, she felt isolated in the muggle world.
The whispers of disdain towards those like her echoed in her ears, labeling them as "freaks."
To avoid prying eyes, she had to live a concealed existence, constantly under surveillance.
Her parents tried to shield her from this harsh reality, but the ugliness of the world still managed to find its way to her.
Receiving the letter from Hogwarts brought her immense joy. Finally, she would be free from the watchful gazes of those lurking in the shadows.
It was at Hogwarts that she encountered a girl, a girl so bright, she illuminated her world. This girl was an enigma, bridging friendships with Slytherins while excelling academically, regardless of her background.
In her presence, Mary felt a sense of kinship and home. Finally, she could enjoy her time at Hogwarts, surrounded by true friends.
Then, the unthinkable occurred.
Yes, she was saved.
Yes, he was punished.
Yet, it didn't feel like it.
Confused and overwhelmed, she didn't know what to do or who to confide in.
The violation she experienced left every fiber of her being feeling disgusted.
Living in her own body became unbearable.
Dark thoughts consumed her.
But she recalled the advice given to her. She acted upon it.
Seeking out the same light that had brightened her life before, she turned to Lily Evans, her dearest friend.
In Lily's arms, she found solace. She allowed herself to be vulnerable, shedding tears and finding comfort in her arms. Letting her carry burdens along her.
Now, as she gazed upon Lily, dressed in green, a smile graced her face, banishing the haunting thoughts of the past.
"Come on, Lily. Let's go. Severus might be waiting for us," she said, taking Lily's hand in hers.
At the gate, they waited for Severus to arrive.
"Hello, ladies, shall we make our way to Hogsmeade?" Severus said from behind, surprising them.
Lily and she turned around to look at him. Lily started blushing, and she just stared at him with surprise.
"Hello! hello! Earth to Lily! Can you stop staring?! Do I look bad in this?! Should I change?!" said Severus, confused about why they kept staring at him.
"NO!!"
"NO!!"
"Ok then. I take that my clothes are suitable for the occasion. Who are we waiting for then? Let's move."
"No. Dad said he would send someone to pick us up. The place we are meeting is not in Hogsmeade," she informed them.
"Honestly Sev, you look dashing in this suit. The color black suits you," Lily whispered to Severus. She was having a hard time not staring at him.
"This green dress makes you look more stunning than you already are. It matches your emerald green eyes, just as beautiful as the day I met you," Severus whispered back.
Lily blushed heavily and turned around to hide her red cheeks from Severus.
'Smooth, Sev, Smooth. Now, I know why Narcissa loves your change,' Lily whispered, audible only to her.
Severus looked at Lily and then turned towards her, who was giving him odd looks.
"What?" Severus asked, annoyed.
"Nothing," she shook her head but couldn't help but think with a bit of envy, 'How can a person miss the obvious flags he is getting from a girl? Maybe he is just dense. I don't think it was him who asked Narcissa out; instead, it was her.'
(A/n: this is not him being dense or anything, it is primarily from Mary's perceptive.)
"Good morning, young miss. I am here to receive you and your guests. Your parents are waiting for you and the guests nearby," Sebastian, her trusted butler, informed her.
"Fine then, take us there," she said.
"Please follow me."
The three of them followed the man.
After a while, they crossed the Hogsmeade village.
Just out of the Hogsmeade village, Sebastian extended his hand. "Please hold my hand. We are going to apparate to a discreet location from where we will travel by car."
The three of them nodded, holding onto his hand. And in the next moment, they found themselves in a cabin.
Getting out of the cabin, they saw a limousine waiting for them.
Sebastian, who had come along with them, opened the door for them.
"Isn't this excessive?" Lily silently whispered to her. Lily knew that she was rich, but she had no idea just how much.
She just laughed it off. "No, it isn't. Dad came with less security this time." dragging Lily inside, "Come on in. I told Dad and Mom all about you. My mom loves you, Lily. She has wanted to meet you for a long time."
Severus just walked inside behind them, silent.
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[Severus's POV]
It seemed that the limo was being followed by two other cars filled with guards.
Upon entering the car, I found a man and a woman sitting inside.
The man was about 6 feet tall, with a muscular build, blonde hair, and appeared to be in his early 40s.
The woman was pleasing to the eyes, looking a lot younger than her age.
It seemed Mary took after her mother.
"Come here, my little princess! Mama missed you!" Mrs. MacDonald said, bringing Mary into a hug.
"Mom! I am not 5 years old anymore. Stop calling me that!" Mary grumbled, feeling embarrassed to be treated like a child in front of us.
"For me, you will always be my little princess." Mrs. MacDonald teased, looking at Lily. "Is this the best friend you were talking about? The one who rocked you to sleep, held you when you cried."
"Mom!"
"What? You wrote so much about her. How she helped you, and that she is your best friend. I am thankful that you have someone like her. Lily Evans, isn't it? Can I call you Lily? You don't mind, do you?"
"No, I don't mind Mrs. MacDonald, please call me Lily."
Lily smiled at Mary's mom's behavior, as it reminded her of her own mother.
"Then you should call me Sasha. Mrs. MacDonald makes me feel old. Tell me, do I look like a mother to a 16-year-old child?"
Smiling at Mrs. MacDonald's cheerful behavior, Lily said, "No, Mrs. MacDonald—I mean Sasha. When I entered the car, I thought you were Mary's sister." with a wink.
"Aww! Come here, you look so cute!" Mrs. MacDonald pulled Lily into a hug.
After breaking away from the hug, Mrs. MacDonald turned serious.
"I am thankful for what you did for Mary. I asked her to come with us to our home, but she said she wanted to stay. She wrote about how much you supported her."
"You don't need to thank me, Sasha. Mary is my friend. I would do it a hundred times if I had to."
Sasha smiled at Lily, and she dragged both Lily and Mary to sit with her.
It was quite amusing to see from the side.
Taking a seat in front of Mr. MacDonald, I extended my hand, introducing myself.
"Hello, Mr. MacDonald. I am Severus Prince."
"Hello, Mr. Prince. I have heard quite a lot of things from Mary about you," said Mr. MacDonald, shaking my hand.
"I hope it wasn't all bad."
"No, rather I have heard a lot of good things about you. I am thankful that you helped my daughter that night."
"There is nothing to be thankful for. I did what anyone would have done if they were there that night."
I read Mr. MacDonald's mind. The man's full name is Robert MacDonald, a First-generation billionaire.
He had raised his father's bankrupt million-dollar company to a multi-billion-dollar empire, solely owned by him.
He seemed to hold a lot of information about the Wizarding world and its ways.
He was quite smart and well-versed in topics related to the art of mind magic. While he didn't have the ability like wizards, his mental fortitude was better than some wizards.
"It would be optimistic to think that everyone is brave enough to go against a pure-blooded family that holds significant power in their judicial system, don't you think?" Robert said.
Relaxed, I replied, "You seem well-versed in how the wizarding world works. Then you should also know that I hold power in that same judicial system as well, Mr. MacDonald. And yes, it would be optimistic to think that everyone has good intentions."
"Ah, finally someone with common sense. Not everyone has what it takes to do what's right. Call me Robert, Mr. MacDonald is too formal."
Robert smiled, but I knew that I was being assessed by Robert.
"Then please call me Severus."
The car stopped in front of a hotel in a Muggle town near Hogwarts.
All of us sat down at a fine table reserved for us.
"Sorry, I didn't introduce myself to you back in the car. You seemed to be having a fun conversation with my husband. I hope he didn't bore you with his talk; he can be a bit boring sometimes. I am Sasha MacDonald."
"No, Miss MacDonald, Robert was pleasant to talk with. I am Severus Prince."
"You call my husband by his name, yet you call me formally. I am hurt." Sasha made a mock hurt expression.
"Sorry, Sasha," I said with a slight smile.
"Tell us something about yourself, Severus. Mary wrote a lot about Lily, but she only mentioned that you are Lily's best friend. What do you like? What do you want to be? Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Mom! You shouldn't be asking him that." Mary tapped her mom lightly.
"What? I thought you might have been crushing on him after he rescued you. Just like in the stories, a prince saves a princess from a villain. I mean his name has a prince in it, doesn't it?" Sasha teased her daughter.
Robert smiled at his wife's teasing.
From what I saw, he wasn't an overly controlling father. He knew that girls at this age develop crushes and fall in love, etc.
But he surely was overprotective, though.
Mary grumbled and pouted at her mother's questions, "Oh god! Mom, you are embarrassing me. No offense, Severus, but you are not my type. I always wanted a strong and silent brother like you. So, I never thought of you that way, and you already have enough on your plate to deal with."
Lily laughed, seeing Mary behave like an embarrassed child.
Sasha and Mary's banter reminded me of Lily and her mother, Mrs. Evans, who used to tease her a lot.
"None was taken, Mary. I don't mind it," I said with a light smile.
After they finished lunch, Sasha decided to take Lily and Mary shopping.
"Darling, I am taking Lily and Mary to get them some clothes."
"Sasha, I am thankful for the lunch, but I can't let you buy me clothes," Lily said politely, but Sasha pulled Lily off the sofa.
"Nonsense! Can't I gift my daughter's best friend something? You are coming with me, and that's final!"
"But-"
"No buts or won'ts, you are coming, and that's final!"
Lily gave in, seeing Sasha was not going to take no for an answer.
Sasha kissed Robert on the cheek and dragged her daughter and Lily along with her.
After they were gone, I quickly cast a Muffliato around us before Robert could notice a thing. I said, "You should drop your plan of killing Mulciber. It won't end well right now."
Well, it would have been a bad idea to voice a man's thoughts to him, especially when it involves... if only I were me and Robert wasn't Robert.
Anger flared in him, but surprisingly, he calmed himself before uttering a word, his mental shield growing stronger.
Considering this wasn't the first time he had his mind read, he was used to it, especially in his line of business.
Despite his outward pleasant nature, his mind betrayed his true nature. He didn't get where he is by being honest.
Both he and his wife have stepped over a lot of corpses to get where they are, to maintain what they've built.
Once he calmed himself, an aura around him changed. It was as if someone else was in Robert's place.
Impressive, very impressive.
"I didn't know sixth-year students were taught mind-reading," Robert said calmly. Despite knowing that I was still reading his mind, he remained relaxed.
"No, they are not. But I am not your average sixth-year student, Robert."
"Not an average teenager, are you? You spent your whole life until last month in Spinner Street. Then suddenly the whole family disappears right before Christmas. You took up the heirship of the Prince's family right after their disappearance. One might guess that something must have happened for this sudden change," said Robert, taking a sip of tea and looking at me. "It might be due to a very life-altering event when one does such things. From what I know, your mother is on a world tour, but there is no indication of her whereabouts. It is unknown what mode of transport she is using. And your father, he is apparently missing throughout all of this."
Good, so you can play the game as well.
"Your information is pretty accurate, Robert," I said, not providing him with any more details.
Denying such evidence would be foolish and only strengthen his suspicions.
Robert understood. But now he had his own leverage, or so he believed.
An excellent move, Robert.
However, it can work against me for a while, but not for long.
"Now tell me, what do you want?" Robert said, leaning in. "I would have sent you away with some gifts after thanking you for saving my daughter, but you seem more interesting the more I talk to you."
He was genuine in the last part, though. He, who had taken his father's company to new heights, admired those who possessed similar determination.
Despite what he had just revealed, it seemed he wasn't worried that I might do something to harm him. He was certain that if I even attempted to harm him or left without satisfying his questions, the shooters he had positioned nearby would put holes in my brain before I could even blink.
One wrong answer and I would find a hole in my body.
However, I knew I was safe at this moment. For I had already piqued Robert's interest.
Even if he wanted to harm me, he won't be able to.
Remaining calm, I replied, "I don't need anything from you for saving your daughter, Robert. Someone as informed as you must know that I am quite wealthy now."
"Then what is it that you need, and why did you tell me not to kill that piece of shit for trying to molest my daughter?" Robert shouted.
"Do you know the situation of the Wizarding World right now?"
Robert raised an eyebrow, looking annoyed. He said, "Is it about the war?"
"Yes, it is. Yet, you don't seem troubled by the fact that Voldemort might initiate a full-scale war with the Muggle world."
"The outcome of the war is obvious, isn't it?"
"Oh, and who do you think will be the victors?" I asked.
"Us, the Muggles. Many forces protect our side from the shadows, and you must have heard about superhero teams like the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, haven't you?"
"Tell me, what do you think will happen once muggles win?"
"They will-"
I chuckled at his response, unable to contain myself. Robert's expression suddenly changed as he realized the implications if the Muggles were to win the war.
"Yes, Witch trials would start again. Wizards and witches will be openly hunted. Even those who didn't take part in the war will be blamed, and those who were born to non-magical parents will not be spared," I explained calmly.
The color drained from Robert's face. He knew the answer deep down, but his heart had tried to deny the harsh reality.
"You think the government would allow witch hunts and mistreatment of these wizards and witches? We have progressed beyond the Middle Ages. People have changed, they would accept the wizarding world," Robert argued.
"They didn't care when it came to mutants. Why do you think they would care about us? If one side wins, maniacs would kill muggle-born wizards and witches. If the muggles' side wins, the hatred toward the magical community would only grow," I responded coldly. "So, how will you keep your daughter safe, Robert?"
"What does that have to do with my desire to kill that son of a bitch?" Robert shouted in anger.
Well, despite his impressive skills, he was a father first.
As I said, quite overprotective.
"Calm down, Robert. Let me explain," I said, trying to defuse his anger.
Robert took a deep breath and composed himself.
"Get me a drink," Robert ordered his guards, but none of them responded.
Confused, he looked around. "GET ME A DAMN DRINK!" he shouted again, but still no response.
"Lower your volume, Robert. No one can hear us right now. I cast a spell around us that cancels any sound we make," I revealed.
"But you don't have-" Robert began to say, surprised by the revelation.
"A wand. I don't need a wand to perform magic, Robert. I'm sure you're familiar with wandless magic," I interrupted.
Robert seemed shocked but impressed.
He leaned back in his seat and said, "You are full of surprises, Severus. First, legilimency, now wandless magic. You're displaying skills that I've only heard highly experienced wizards and witches possess."
It was intentional.
To ensure my plan goes accordingly, I had to flaunt my abilities and generate interest in Robert about me and my talents.
"I might be. What I'm saying is, if you get Mulciber killed right now, Voldemort will use it as muggles attacking purebloods to further his ranks. Moreover, you will be the prime suspect due to the incident that happened a few days ago," I explained.
Robert sighed and nodded in understanding. "Okay, I will think about how I can get my revenge against him later. But there is something you need, isn't there?"
I smiled, knowing that my plan had worked. "What I need is your influence and your companies, which are spread across Europe. I am starting an organization to help young wizards and witches escape from abusive households. I would like your assistance in the muggle world to tie up any loose ends once I have taken them."
When I delved into Mary's mind, I knew that Robert would be immensely helpful in this operation of mine.
The purpose of today's agenda was to gauge Robert's nature and present him with some deals.
"So, you want to start a wizarding orphanage and you want my help to make it appear normal and avoid any investigation after the children are taken," Robert remarked, jokingly adding, "Consider me in."
But he was already considering ways to legally establish this operation and help the children in a safe manner, avoiding any potential challenges.
He had his reasons for wanting to help.
Reasons stemming from his experiences and witnessing a world that repulsed him, a world he wanted to protect his daughter from.
He understood that this world was not kind to those who were different.
So, he had no problem with offering his assistance. However, he still didn't grasp the connection to the ongoing war. "How does this relate to the war that is happening right now?"
"To win a war, you need soldiers, Robert. If I can acquire these potential soldiers before they even become aware of the war-" I began to explain.
Robert's eyes widened in realization. "...You mean you will use these—"
"No," I responded.
"Then?"
"What I mean is, I will also take in those from wizarding families. This will disrupt the supply for the war," I explained.
"Impressive. Honestly, I don't want children to experience war. It's a good thing you're doing, Severus," Robert's tone turned serious. He continued, "But I have a hard time believing you. You don't seem like someone who is simply doing good for the sake of it. You seem more like my kind of person. I won't ask for your reasons why you are doing this, but I want to be allowed to ensure that the children's physical and mental health is checked every week. I don't want to be part of a child soldier program."
As expected, Robert was a good man drifting through shades of grey with a sense of integrity.
"You can trust me. It will be a joint operation between us. I have no issue with your involvement," I assured him. "Now that you have returned what you owed me, are you willing to hear about a business deal?"
"Business?" Robert's interest piqued as he shifted back to his business-minded tone. "I'm listening."
"You have always been interested in potions and their benefits, haven't you?" I asked.
"Yes, but it's known that many potions consumed by wizards have adverse side effects on us, non-magical people. It's uncertain which potions work and which don't. Some are effective, while others are not," Robert replied.
Leaning in, I said, "What if I told you that I can create potions that won't have any adverse effects on muggles?"
"How?" Robert asked, his eyes waiting for a convincing reason to consider the deal.
"I want to establish a research facility and cosmetic company. Not all potions work on muggles, but some can be modified to be safe for them, such as cosmetic potions and energy potions. I am confident that they would be highly successful in the muggle world," I explained, leaning back in a relaxed manner. "I can alter their formulas to ensure they won't have any negative effects or cause any problems."
Robert remained skeptical, even after my demonstration.
Fine, I will provide him with the reason that will make him beg me to consider the offer.
Leaning in, I asked, "Let me ask you, do you invest in success? I'm sure you've heard about the Half-Blood Prince from your sources in the Wizarding World."
Summoning the potions I had, I allowed Robert to examine them, filling the room with their enticing scent.
Robert's eyes widened at the mention of the Half-Blood Prince, and upon inspecting one of the potions in his hand, he connected the dots between my heirship and the rise of the talented potion master.
Considering the information he had about my academic achievements, he knew there was potential for profit.
Seeing an opportunity, Robert confidently said, "I will invest, but I require 40% equity in the company."
Robert believed he held the upper hand due to my young age.
In a cold tone, I replied, "Do not mistake me for a fool, Robert. I could simply Imperio you to agree with whatever I say. I am not asking for your money. I only seek your investment in the company for the weight your name carries. That is all. I need your reputation."
"I will require 10% equity in the company. I will personally endorse the products and even source individuals to work on the potions without revealing anything to the muggle world," Robert proposed.
"3% is final. You need not find anyone; I will recruit the necessary personnel myself. Your responsibility will be to provide suitable facilities for them to work in, and I will compensate you for those facilities," I countered.
"Deal," Robert smiled as he shook my hand.
He understood the immense potential of the cosmetic and energy drinks industries, particularly the effectiveness of cosmetic potions.
In this deal, he stood to profit without losing any money.
"But what about the war?" Robert inquired, concerned about the impact of ongoing conflict on the success of the company.
"I will take care of it; rest assured, it won't reach the muggle world."
"How can you be so certain that you can end this war?"
I simply smiled and replied, "Trust me, Robert. Haven't I shown you enough to prove that I am not your average teenager? I even revealed my other identity, which no one knows."
Robert pondered for a moment and then smiled, "This time, I will go with my gut feeling."
"What will you name the company and the organization?"
"I haven't given it much thought. We can discuss it next time we meet."
"How should I contact you?" Robert inquired.
"When I am at Hogwarts, you can reach me through owls. When I am outside, you can contact me using this number and email," I said, handing him a card engraved with the relevant contact details.
"Now that we've completed the deal, I have a favor to ask," I said.
"Hmm?"
"There's an individual named Zebb Wells who lives near the Royal Academy of Arts in Central London. I want you to gather every piece of information you can about this person."
"Why?" Robert questioned.
"You will understand once you learn more about him. In return, I will ensure that Mulciber suffers greatly and lives in a worse state than death."
Robert hesitated for a moment, but then composed himself and replied, "What about the consequences of the war? You and Dumbledore mentioned they would be far worse."
"Yes, if you were the one taking action, but not me. And they won't even know who did it. I won't be killing him, so tell me, will you do this for me?"
After contemplating for a while, Robert agreed, "Very well. I will carry out this favor, and you must fulfill your end of the deal. Now, shall we celebrate our newfound partnership?"
His words brought a smile to my face.
Finally, the second goal has taken its first step.
As soon as I canceled the spell that had surrounded us, Robert instructed his guard to bring champagne.
The guard poured champagne into two glasses, and Robert raised his glass, saying, "To success."
*Clink* *Clink*
"To success."
----
After a while, Sasha returned with Lily and Mary. The guards behind them were carrying numerous bags.
"Someone seems to be in a good mood," Sasha teased Robert.
After spending some more time together, Robert dropped the three of us back at Hogwarts.
Robert promised to send the information about the factory by the end of next week through Owl.
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A/N:- This was a long chapter to write. I know the chapters are long and slow paced but I need some part of the story to establish the groundwork for future ventures. They can't just come out of nowhere nor can they instantly be up and running. Establishing a company takes a lot of work and needs support in the long run. And for one like Severus's, it requires a strong backer.
And I left a hint about a mutant in this chapter.
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