It is the next day, Severus stands in the doorway to the dingy sitting room, arms folded, observing Ruby's determined effort to tidy up their home in Spinner's End the Muggle way. She brushed away cobwebs in corners, arranged old books on uneven shelves, and gently wiped down the dust-laden furniture. He couldn't help but feel a faint pang of regret that she felt obliged to make this barren house even more welcoming.

"Enough," he finally said, his voice breaking the silence.

Ruby looked up from where she was reorganizing a stack of battered potion journals. "Sorry?" she asked, brushing a stray lock of red hair from her forehead.

Severus stepped forward, his features set. "Pack your things, Ruby. We're leaving this place." His gaze flicked around the cramped living room. "We will live at the Prince Ancestral Manor. We belong in the Wizarding World now, not... here."

Ruby's eyes widened. She set aside the journals, an uncertain smile tugging at her lips. "Professor, are you sure?"

"Perfectly," he replied, the corners of his mouth curving into a faint expression of resolve. "We are Snape-Princes now, and this place—" He gestured at the worn walls and threadbare rug. "—was never intended to be our permanent home."

Ruby gave a slight nod, feeling a mixture of relief and excitement. Her memories of this cramped house were overshadowed by the knowledge that it was never truly home. "I'll go upstairs and gather my things," she said, voice tinged with anticipation.

Severus inclined his head, stepping aside to let her pass. "Don't bother much with sorting. I can shrink whatever you have, and we'll be on our way."

A few minutes later, Ruby emerged from her modest bedroom, arms laden with her meager possessions: her Hogwarts trunk, the few Muggle clothes she'd owned before, and a small box of keepsakes. She laid them down at Severus's feet, and he deftly waved his wand, compressing the items into a neat, palm-sized package, which he slipped into his pocket.

Crookshanks meowed. He has been quietly watching over Ruby and Severus in his little world ever since they arrived at Spinner's End. Severus has always thought Crookshanks is a well-behaved cat since he rarely notices the feline's presence.

Ruby picks Crookshanks up and holds him close.

"Done," Severus said, then looked around at the rest of the house. "Give me a moment."

With a few flicks of his wand, Severus shrank and secured the essentials he still wanted—his books, some family heirlooms, and several rare potions he'd been experimenting with. Once finished, he pocketed those as well. The house, stripped of its little life, felt more melancholy than ever.

Severus glanced over at Ruby, who had paused in the narrow hallway. She seemed lost in thought, perhaps remembering her first days there, unsure what her life in Spinner's End would mean. He approached quietly, resting a hand on her shoulder.

"No need for second thoughts," he said, his tone gentler than usual. "We have a proper home waiting. And a future, Ruby."

She turned and offered him a small smile, placing her hand over his. "Thank you, Professor. For everything."

He looked away, trying to hide the soft flicker of warmth he felt. "No more thanks needed. Let's be on our way."

Together, they stepped out the front door. Severus locked it with a final wave of his wand and walked Ruby to a safe Apparition point just beyond the dingy street lamps.

"Ready?" he asked, offering his arm.

Ruby took it without hesitation, holding Crookshanks perched in her other arm, and in a heartbeat, the trio vanished into the evening air, leaving Spinner's End behind—empty and silent—and carrying their hopes for a new beginning at the ancestral Prince Manor.

With a sharp crack, Severus Snape and Ruby, along with Crookshanks perched in Ruby's arms, appeared on a winding path just outside the Prince Manor. The emerald lawns and gardens stretched around them, rolling softly toward a marsh in the distance. Rising at the center of this vast estate stood the Manor itself, constructed of silver-gray brick that gleamed under the Irish sun. While smaller than Hogwarts, it retained a regal air befitting an ancient noble family.

Ruby's heart fluttered excitedly as she took in the scene before her. A magical barrier shimmered around the estate—an aura of shifting light that felt ancient and protective. Severus met her gaze, and with a mutual nod, they walked forward. The barrier seemed to hum in recognition, parting gracefully to allow them passage. They felt a subtle warmth wash over them, an unspoken welcome to the new Head of the Prince's family and his chosen Heir.

Crookshanks meowed, sniffing the air with keen interest. Ruby smiled down at him, giving the half-kneazle a gentle pat. The cat's inquisitive golden eyes roved over the expansive grounds, tail swishing as though approving of his new domain.

Once through the barrier, Ruby could see the Manor's impressive façade: large windows framed by intricate stonework, a sweeping double staircase leading to grand doors, and turrets that gave the building a stately, castle-like quality. The garden at the base of the stairs flourished with vibrant flowers—some magical varieties Ruby recognized from Herbology lessons. She noted how meticulously pruned the hedges were, evidence of devoted house elves diligently tending to the property in the family's absence.

Severus paused at the foot of the stairs, inhaling the crisp air. Despite his typically impassive demeanor, Ruby sensed a certain solemnity as he surveyed his ancestral home for the first time in many years. He set a hand lightly on Ruby's shoulder.

"Come," he said quietly, gesturing toward the grand doors. "This is your home now, too."

Ruby's eyes shone with gratitude and excitement. She still found it hard to believe she'd gone from an unremarkable existence at Spinner's End to living on a beautiful ancestral estate in Ireland within mere weeks. She followed Severus up the steps, Crookshanks prowling around her feet.

"I wonder what the inside is like," Ruby said, a tinge of awe in her voice.

Severus glanced down at her. "You'll soon see," he replied. A gentle warmth in his tone hinted at his peaceful anticipation.

As the imposing doors eased open of their own accord—responding to the rightful Prince lineage—the new Head of the Prince family and his Heir crossed the threshold into a future waiting to be shaped by their own hands.

Severus and Ruby stepped through the expansive foyer doors, Crookshanks padding alongside them, his fluffy tail swishing over the polished marble floor. The foyer was spacious and ornate—rich burgundy tapestries hung on the walls, and a grand staircase swept upward in a graceful curve. A soft glow from a series of floating sconces lit the space, highlighting the intricate crown molding and stained-glass windows high above.

Before either Severus or Ruby could speak, there was a distinctive pop of Apparition. Two house-elves materialized at the base of the stairs—one a male with long pointed ears and a kind smile, the other a female with large curious eyes. Both wore neat pillowcase uniforms embroidered with the Prince's crest.

"Welcome!" the male elf exclaimed, bowing low. "I am Elijah, sir, the Butler of the Prince Family."

"And I am Charlotte, sir, the Maid in charge!" the female added, her voice bright, as she repeated a similar bow toward Severus and Ruby.

Elijah's eyes shone with excitement. "We have been waiting for Master Prince and his Heir for many years now, sir."

Charlotte nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! I always thought one day, the Prince Family would return. When we heard Master Severus was alive, oh, we was so happy! And now you bring Heir Miss Ruby, too!"

Despite his usual calm demeanor, Severus found himself momentarily disarmed by the house-elves' obvious delight. He inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Elijah, Charlotte," he said quietly. "We appreciate your warm welcome. This is indeed my first time stepping into the Manor as Head of the Prince family. As for Miss Ruby..." He turned slightly, a gentle hand guiding her forward. "...she will be living here under my guardianship."

Ruby smiled shyly at the enthusiastic house-elves. "It's nice to meet both of you. Everything looks so... amazing," she added, glancing around the foyer again. She bent down to pat Crookshanks, who was sniffing curiously at Elijah's feet.

Elijah beamed, his ears twitching. "We is at your service, Master Severus and Miss Ruby. Shall we escort you to your rooms, or would you like a tour of the Manor first?"

Severus exchanged a look with Ruby. He could tell she was anxious to see more of her new home—but also tired from the day's travels and revelations. "A brief tour, then we'll settle in," he decided, looking to Ruby for confirmation.

Ruby nodded, her eyes alight with interest. "I'd love a tour," she said, her voice soft but eager.

Charlotte clapped her hands in delight, turning promptly to lead the way toward an arched corridor. Elijah followed, already listing off the various wings of the Manor, from the grand dining hall to the extensive library tucked away near the back gardens.

As Severus and Ruby moved deeper into the Manor, Crookshanks trotting behind, Ruby felt a renewed surge of gratitude. The house-elfs' warm welcome and the ancient halls brought an odd sense of belonging. She caught Severus's eye, and though his expression remained composed, there was a hint of satisfaction—a quiet assurance that they had arrived exactly where they were meant to be.

Elijah and Charlotte led Severus, Ruby, and Crookshanks down a wide corridor lined with portraits of distant Prince ancestors, each watching them with a keen, almost curious gaze. The polished wooden floor creaked slightly beneath their steps as they passed several closed doors, presumably leading to a different part of the Manor.

Finally, the group reached a small branching hallway. Elijah paused and inclined his head toward Severus with a respectful smile.

"Master Severus, the Manor does indeed contain a Potions Lab. Your grandfather was, in fact, quite the Potioneer in his day, very much like yourself. He constructed a fine laboratory within the property to pursue his experiments." He explains.

Severus's usually reserved features brightened at the news. "I see," he said, a hint of curiosity lighting his dark eyes. "That is... gratifying to learn."

Standing nearby with Crookshanks now cradled in her arms, Ruby caught the subtle shift in Severus's mood. She'd grown to recognize his minor signs of excitement, and his posture relaxed just enough to show his pleasure.

Turning to the female house-elf, Charlotte, Severus nodded. "Charlotte, please continue showing Miss Ruby and Crookshanks the rest of the Manor. I'd like to see the Potion Lab with Elijah."

Ruby glanced at Severus, understanding his eagerness to explore. "I'll be fine," she assured him softly. "Crookshanks, and I will catch up with you later."

Crookshanks meowed in agreement, flicking his tail as though to say, Hurry back.

Charlotte bowed, her large eyes bright. "Yes, Master Prince, as you wish. Miss Ruby, if you follow me, I'll show you the library next—you might like it there."

Ruby watched Severus walk away with Elijah, her heart warming at the small moment of excitement she'd seen in him. Turning to Charlotte, she offered a friendly grin. "Lead the way."

Severus, meanwhile, followed Elijah down a narrow flight of steps hidden behind a thick wooden door. The air grew cooler as they descended, carrying a faint, earthy smell. At the bottom, another corridor opened into a spacious laboratory. Shelves lined the walls, filled with neatly labeled vials of ingredients, dried herbs, and various potion equipment. Large worktables stood in the center, scattered with old notes and half-finished recipes, clearly left by Severus's grandfather.

Elijah motioned around the room proudly. "Your grandfather spent many hours here, Master Severus. I've done my best to keep it clean and well-stocked, hoping someday another of the Prince family would return."

Severus scanned the space, taking in the detailed design and the lingering presence of familial legacy. He rested his hand on a battered old cauldron by one of the tables, feeling a sense of kinship with the man he'd never truly known yet shared so much with. A small, rare smile ghosted across his lips.

"Thank you, Elijah," he said softly. "This is... perfect."

As he carefully unrolled a long-forgotten scroll of potion notes, Severus couldn't help but think about how much his life had changed. The future stretched out before him, more hopeful than ever, and for the first time, he felt a sense of quiet contentment at returning to his ancestral home—and a lab well-suited to his craft.

Ruby stepped into the Prince Family Library, her deep blue eyes immediately drawn to the high, vaulted ceiling lined with rows of shelves upon shelves of books. A faint, comforting aroma of parchment and ink enveloped her, mingling with a subtle whiff of something sweet—likely from the centuries of magical books stored here. Crookshanks hopped down from her arms, padding curiously toward a stack of antique volumes on a low table.

Charlotte guided her toward a cozy nook near the towering windows. "Miss Ruby," she began with a gentle smile, "this library holds not just magical books but also Muggle works collected by the Prince family over many generations. They believed in broadening their knowledge beyond our world."

Ruby nodded, admiring the thoughtfulness of the Prince family. She let her gaze roam over the ornate shelves, each meticulously organized by subject. Then, a lingering question surfaced in her mind, one she couldn't ignore. Turning to Charlotte, she asked softly, "What were Severus' grandparents like? I mean... the former Head Prince Family?"

Charlotte's eyes lit with fond remembrance. "Ah, Master Leopold and Mistress Margaret. They were good people. Master Leopold was an extraordinarily talented Wizard and Potioneer, much like Master Severus. He spent much time in his private lab, perfecting potions that healed wounds, saved lives, and simplified everyday tasks. On the other hand, Mistress Margaret was born with a gift for Legilimency. She could read minds if she chose, but she was respectful—she believed such an ability should never be abused."

Ruby's thoughts drifted momentarily to Severus, recalling the penetrating way his dark eyes sometimes seemed to see right through a person. Perhaps, she mused, that's where he gets it from. But she kept her speculations private, merely nodding for Charlotte to continue.

"Master Leopold and Mistress Margaret loved their only daughter, Eileen," Charlotte went on, her expression turning somber. "But Eileen chose to live in the Muggle world after Hogwarts and never looked back. It broke their hearts. Mistress Margaret passed away first, her heart so heavy from Eileen's departure. Master Leopold waited, hoping Eileen would return—perhaps with a grandchild in tow. He set aside wealth and protections for them, determined to ensure their futures would be secure, even if he never met them."

Ruby's heart tightened at the bittersweet story. A swirl of emotions bubbled up: sadness for Leopold and Margaret's lonely vigil and quiet anger at the lost opportunities that might have spared Severus so much hardship. If Professor Snape had known them earlier... She sighed, her gaze drifting over the spines of the ancient books. Crookshanks meowed, rubbing against her leg as though sensing her melancholy.

For a moment, the weight of generational regrets and missed connections pressed upon Ruby's chest. She reached down to give Crookshanks an affectionate pat, then looked up at Charlotte with a small, determined smile. "Thank you for telling me, Charlotte. I... I wish Professor Snape could've known them."

The house-elf nodded gently, her large eyes reflecting sympathy. "I think he will find solace here, Miss Ruby. In time, the Manor's walls will share their stories with you both."

Ruby inhaled, feeling both the ghost of sadness and a flicker of hope. "I'm sure we'll do our best to honor them," she said softly, her voice resolute. And with that, she turned her attention back to the shelves, ready to glean what knowledge the Prince family had left for them to discover.

Inside the dimly lit Potions Lab, Severus paused, his wand raised slightly at the sudden voice echoing through the room. Elijah, by his side, smiled at the familiar voice. The echoing demand, with its deep tone, came from a large, ornately framed portrait hanging on the stone wall.

"Who dares enter my lab?" the older masculine voice boomed again. Severus approached the portrait with measured caution, and the flickering lamplight revealed the painted figure of a dignified wizard. Dark hair streaked with grey framed a stern face; a hooked nose and piercing eyes dominated his features—subtly similar to Severus's features.

Elijah, sensing the tension, stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Master Leopold, sir, this is Severus Tobias Snape-Prince, the new Head of the Prince family—your grandson."

A stunned silence fell between Severus and the portrait. The wizard in the frame—Leopold Prince—studied Severus with guarded intensity. Slowly, his stern expression softened into one of disbelief and cautious hope.

"My grandson..." Leopold repeated softly, leaning forward in his portrait seat. "Eileen's child." His eyes narrowed a fraction, and Severus could almost feel the weight of centuries of Prince heritage bearing down on him.

Severus cleared his throat, keeping his usual composure despite his heart pounding. "Yes," he said quietly, "I'm Eileen's son. My name is Severus." He cast a fleeting glance at Elijah for reassurance and then continued, "I did my Inheritance test yesterday. My mother... spoke little of her background during my youth."

Leopold's gaze flickered over Severus, taking in the faint resemblances. "Your hair, the line of your jaw... and yet you carry the look of a Muggle as well," he observed, though not unkindly. "What of Eileen? Why did she not return?"

A flicker of sadness crossed Severus's usually stoic face. He exhaled slowly. "She—my mother—died years ago, when I was very young before I began Hogwarts." He paused, forcing down the twinge of old grief. "Mother occasionally mentioned her ancestry when I was young. But, I had no idea about you or this Manor until yesterday."

Leopold's shoulders sagged in the portrait, and he ran a painted hand through his hair as if the weight of that news physically affected him. "Eileen is... gone?" he whispered, his voice trembling with deep regret. Margaret... she passed, never knowing what became of our daughter." The portrait wizard's sternness melted into noticeable sorrow.

Severus swallowed the lump in his throat. He hadn't expected to feel any connection to a man he'd never met, yet he shared a sense of loss here. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I... only learned of this heritage yesterday." He reminded. "It was too late to ask Mother for details by that time."

Leopold closed his eyes in his painted realm, collecting himself. When he looked at Severus again, there was a fierce determination beneath the grief. "Then you must carry on our family's name and legacy, Severus. It belongs to you now—and, if my senses are correct, you have an Heir with you? A Great-Grandchild?"

Severus gave a single nod. "I do. Her name is Ruby Rose...Potter. She's not biologically mine. But...she is important to me. I've declared her my Heir to ensure the Prince line doesn't die with me." He explained.

A subtle smile ghosted across Leopold's painted features. "I see. Then, I am content that the future of our line is secured." He paused, searching Severus's face. "Come closer, let me see you properly, Grandson."

Stepping forward, Severus felt the unusual mix of awe and uncertainty. Even though the man before him was only an image, he could sense the pride and relief stemming from Leopold's gaze.

After a moment, Leopold spoke in a softer tone. "You are welcome here, Severus... and Ruby as well. This is your home now. You have my blessing to do with this lab—and the rest of the Manor—as you see fit." His voice caught slightly. "Eileen... Eileen would be pleased you've returned. Maybe if I had given her a better childhood, she would have returned sooner..."

At that, Severus inclined his head in silent acknowledgment, unable to fully voice the turmoil in his heart. Elijah hovered nearby, his large eyes shimmering with emotion. The brief silence that followed seemed to honor the memory of Eileen—an acknowledgment of all that had been lost and all that now stood to be rebuilt.

With a quiet resolve settling over him, Severus finally spoke, "Thank you, Grandfather." The title felt foreign on his tongue, but somehow, it was right.

Leopold gave a firm nod, regaining some of his former composure. "I await your visits, Severus. I would also like to meet Ruby. Not only that, you and I have much to discuss, and you have much to learn of your Prince heritage."

"Yes," Severus murmured, stepping back. "We do."

With that, the Potions Master found himself one step closer to the family—and the past—he never knew but was now ready to embrace.