Chapter 15: Chapter 14: Whispers of the Shafiq Heir
Author's Note:
Hey everyone,
Since you've been part of this journey, I'd love to hear your thoughts! What do you think needs improvement? Are there parts that felt rushed, characters that need more depth, or plot points that could be better developed? Your feedback would mean a lot and help shape the story into something even better.
Let me know your suggestions in the comments! Can't wait to hear what you think. 😊
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Albus Dumbledore's POV
Albus Dumbledore had spent decades carefully observing, guiding, and manipulating the pieces of the wizarding world like a grand chessboard.
But this, he had not anticipated.
The morning's edition of the Daily Prophet lay open on his desk, the headline practically screaming at him.
Mystery Heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Shafiq Revealed!
Severus Snape, Now Recognized as Severus Shafiq!
His usually twinkling blue eyes were sharp as ice as he read the article twice over, digesting every detail.
"The Shafiq family…"
He had known of Severus's connection to the Prince family—that had always been apparent. But the Shafiq line was a complete mystery to him.
"How did I not see this?"
Dumbledore's mind immediately went into analysis mode, dissecting every interaction he had ever had with Severus.
For years, he had considered Severus a vulnerable but highly intelligent student, one who could be shaped and guided in the fight against Voldemort.
There were too many similarities to another student Dumbledore had once known…
Tom Riddle.
Both were half-bloods, raised in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Both were brilliant beyond their peers, excelling in subjects others struggled with.
Both had an innate ambition, a deep need to prove themselves.
And now, like Riddle, Severus had found a way to rise beyond his station.
"But how did he do it without my knowledge?"
The Exchange Program was another unexpected revelation.
Dumbledore had made sure that no one at Hogwarts was even aware of such an opportunity. Yet somehow, Severus had discovered it, applied, and been accepted—all without anyone in the school knowing.
It was deeply unsettling.
He had underestimated Severus Snape.
And he would not make that mistake again.
Lucius Malfoy's POV
Lucius Malfoy had spent his entire life understanding the power of bloodlines and alliances.
And today, he had been caught off guard.
The moment he read the article, he summoned a house-elf to fetch more details.
"Severus… Shafiq?"
He had always looked down upon Severus Snape—a half-blood from a poor background, a useful acquaintance, but nothing more.
But if he was now the rightful Heir to the Shafiq family?
That changed everything.
The Shafiqs were not just any pureblood family—they were one of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses.
And they had money.
A lot of it.
Lucius leaned back in his chair, fingertips pressed together thoughtfully.
"I may have underestimated him."
This development made Severus a potential ally—or, if he played his cards wrong, a potential rival.
Lucius would have to re-evaluate his approach.
Lily Evans' POV
Lily Evans had spent the last few months convincing herself that she didn't care about Severus anymore.
But the moment she read the article, her heart stopped.
Severus Snape, Now Recognized as Severus Shafiq!
Accepted into the International Exchange Program – Studying Abroad in America!
She reread it three times, unable to process the words.
He was leaving Britain?
He was a Lord?
Lily sat down heavily, her thoughts racing.
"How did this happen? Why didn't he tell me?"
A lump formed in her throat as she remembered their last conversation, the anger, the hurtful words exchanged.
And now?
He had completely moved on.
Without her.
Mrs. Evans' POV
Mrs. Evans was shocked when she saw Severus's name in the paper.
She had always known he was special, but this?
This was something else entirely.
She turned to Lily, eyes full of curiosity.
"Lily… did you know about this?"
Lily's fingers tightened around her tea cup. "No. I had no idea."
Her mother frowned. "He's going to America? That's quite far."
Lily forced a smile, pretending it didn't matter.
"I suppose he wanted something new," she said casually.
Mrs. Evans wasn't convinced.
She knew her daughter too well.
Sirius Black's POV
Sirius had always seen Snivellus as an easy target—a pathetic, greasy Slytherin who was far beneath them.
So when James shoved the Daily Prophet in his face, he expected another stupid Ministry scandal.
Instead, his jaw dropped.
Severus Snape—Now Lord Severus Shafiq!
Sirius let out a bark of disbelieving laughter.
"Bloody hell. Who would've thought Snivellus was actually pureblooded aristocracy?"
James scowled, looking far less amused.
"It doesn't matter," James muttered. "He's still the same slimy git."
Sirius smirked. "Yeah, but a rich slimy git now."
James didn't laugh.
Something about this bothered him.
James Potter's POV
James had spent years tormenting Severus Snape.
And now, Snape—no, Shafiq—was leaving Britain to study abroad, had secured a noble title, and was rising above everything they had ever thrown at him.
For the first time in his life, James felt something he had never associated with Severus Snape before.
Unease.
Severus was supposed to be insignificant—a footnote in their story.
But now, he was becoming something bigger.
And James hated it.
Horace Slughorn's POV
Horace Slughorn was delighted.
When he saw Severus's name in the paper, he practically beamed with pride.
"Ah, I knew the boy had potential! A Lord now, is he?"
He immediately wrote a letter to Severus, extending a congratulatory note and a not-so-subtle invitation to future Slug Club events.
A rising noble potioneer?
Horace would make sure to keep him close.
Minerva McGonagall's POV
Minerva McGonagall prided herself on remaining impartial.
But as she sat at her desk, staring at the headline, she felt something she hadn't expected.
Guilt.
Severus Snape had been a brilliant student, but he had been neglected, overshadowed, and dismissed.
And now?
He had taken his own future into his hands.
Minerva folded the newspaper with a sigh.
"Perhaps we have failed him more than we realized."
The Ripples of Change
The news of Severus's rise spread faster than wildfire.
Pureblood families whispered among themselves, wondering what this meant for the power balance.
Hogwarts students buzzed with rumors about how "Snape had tricked his way into a noble house."
Dumbledore was left strategizing, realizing that Severus had grown beyond his reach.
And amidst all of it, one thing became clear.
Severus Shafiq was no longer just another Slytherin student.
He was a force to be reckoned with.
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