Chapter 460 - Reprimand (1/2)
The entire trip back from the train station to Prince manor was filled with a heavy silence, which neither Rowan nor Severus dared to break. The instant they arrived at Prince Manor Rowan was firmly taken away by Aunt Georgine, while their grandfather, Reginald merely stared at Severus and gestured to him to follow Reginald back to the study. Rowan and Severus could only share a glance at each other as Rowan mouthed, ”Good luck,” before being dragged around the corner by Aunt Georgine.
Taking a deep breath, Severus tried not to wilt as he followed the tall, thin, but stern form of their grandfather. It could only be one thing; it was the inevitable punishment finally at hand. And there was no turning away this time.
Once inside Reginald Prince's study Severus quietly sits in a chair and studies his hands as he warily waits for his grandfather to speak. However, Reginald Prince does not speak a single word as he merely stares at his grandson for an exceptionally long time. The silence is so uncomfortable that Severus fights off the urge to squirm in his seat as he is unsure of what to do or say.
Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Severus glances up and stiffly says, ”Just go ahead, grandfather. I will take any kind of beating that you wish to dole out. I know that I more an amply deserve a beating and more for putting Rowan in such danger.”
Tucking his head in, Severus waits for the beating to begin. Yet nothing happens, confused and more than a little wary, he peeks up at his grandfather, who is merely staring at. Truly bewildered by his grandfather's stare, Severus warily says, ”Aren't you going to hit me, grandfather?”
”No,” Reginald serenely replied as he leaned back into his seat. ”It would serve no purpose, and the Prince's do not beat each other with their fists.” Which was completely true, but that did not mean abuse did not occur. There were spells that could create the same effect, and not a leave a single trace behind of such a violent act.
”However, that being said, Severus, you will be punished,” Reginald calmly explained. ”You will be assigned to aid Tadbey in the gardens for the rest of the summer, and various other tasks that will be assigned for the entire duration of the summer holidays.”
”Alright,” Severus muumuued in understanding, but subconsciously his body relaxed at the announcement that he would not be beaten or starved. The memory of going hungry at times in their childhood were not happy ones nor that of punishing fists. It was something far too deeply ingrained inside of him that would never truly go away even with the passage of time.
After another stretch of silence, Reginald calmly, but harshly asks, ”Severus, did it ever occur to you that your sister could very well die as a direct consequence of your actions? And do not play word games with me, Severus. You are incredibly intelligent and are no fool. You should have been more than amply aware of just how dangerous the Triwizard Tournament could be!”
”I know,” Severus sighed in old embarrassment, ”but I thought, I knew better.”
”We the Prince's tend to be a prideful lot,” Reginald matter-of-factly stated. ”And at times it is even a weakness, but Severus that cannot be used as an excuse. You were lucky this time, child, but you will quickly learn that there is a consequence to every single action that we take. And though we cannot see the ripples and effect of our actions, I can promise you this much that there is always consequence in the end, whether unseen or seen. Always.”
”I know,” Severus bitterly replied as his eyes sincerely met with that of his grandfather.
Reginald slowly nods his head and says, ”Then do not make the same mistake again. You will not be so fortunate next time, Severus.”