Three days after his conversation with Griselda Marchbanks, an official-looking envelope arrived for Severus at Brew & Bloom Apothecary.
The wax seal of the Wizarding Examinations Authority was unmistakable.
Severus carefully opened the envelope and pulled out a crisp parchment letter filled with detailed information about the International Student Exchange Program.
Wizarding International Student Exchange Program
Eligibility Requirements:
Outstanding academic performance in OWL-level subjects.
Demonstrated proficiency in practical magic, especially in combat and potion-making.
Recommendations from at least three well-respected individuals in the field of magic.
The ability to adapt to different magical cultures and regulations.
Mahoutokoro (Japan) – Specializing in ritual magic, flight arts, and calligraphy-based enchantments.
Koldovstoretz (Russia) – Focused on combat magic, advanced elemental control, and hybrid transfiguration.
Castelobruxo (Brazil) – Known for magical flora, beast mastery, and natural enchantments.
Ilvermorny (United States) – Excelling in free-form spell casting, runic innovations, and alchemical experimentation.
Duration: ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ novel⁂fire.net
One academic year (6th year), with the option to return to Hogwarts for 7th year and N.E.W.T.s.
Formal application with supporting documents.
Interview with a Ministry official.
Final decision made by the host school's Headmaster/Headmistress.
Severus had long been fascinated by Japan's ritual-based magic and Russia's brutal dueling schools, but language barriers and cultural differences would be an obstacle.
Ilvermorny was the most practical choice—the curriculum was advanced, and it specialized in alchemical studies and free-form spell casting, which aligned well with Severus's goals.
Moreover, English was the native language, making adaptation far easier.
The decision was made.
Severus was going to America.
Severus needed recommendation letters from respected figures in the magical community. Fortunately, he had four names in mind.
Severus found Professor Flitwick's contact address through an academic directory and sent a formal letter of request.
Flitwick was pleased and immediately agreed to support his application. The letter highlighted Severus's talent in Charms and dueling. Flitwick added that Severus had a strong mind for tactical spell work, an excellent trait for Ilvermorny.
Severus had already written to Pomphrey about his inheritance, and she had always been fond of him.
She agreed to write about his knowledge of healing magic and potions. She emphasized that Severus was self-driven and willing to go beyond the curriculum.
Severus hesitated before sending a letter to Horace Slughorn, but he knew the man valued rising talent.
Slughorn wrote a glowing recommendation about his potion skills and research abilities. However, Slughorn made it clear he hoped Severus would return to Hogwarts for 7th year.
Severus approached Dorea directly at Brew & Bloom.
She agreed instantly, acknowledging that Severus was a rare talent in potion mastery. Her letter highlighted his ability to learn quickly, problem-solve, and work under pressure.
With four powerful recommendations, Severus was certain his application would be approved.
A week later, Severus received another letter—this time from the International Magical Education Committee.
Flitwick and Marchbanks had both personally backed his application.
The exchange program had approved him for Ilvermorny.
He was expected to arrive at Ilvermorny in early September.
The plan was in motion.
Severus would spend his sixth year in America, gaining skills outside Hogwarts' restrictive environment, and return for his final year stronger than ever.
Before leaving for Ilvermorny, Severus planned to undergo body and mind enhancement rituals to strengthen himself.
He activated Eva, his system assistant, and requested guidance.
🔹 Eva: "Host has multiple options available. Would you like to prioritize physical enhancements, magical core strengthening, or cognitive enhancements?"
🔹 Severus: "All three. I want to be in my best possible condition before I leave for Ilvermorny."
🔹 Eva: "Acknowledged. Calculating optimal sequence…"
🔹 Eva: "The following ritual order is recommended:"
Body Enhancement: A Potion-Based Ritual to enhance muscular strength, endurance, and agility.
Mind Enhancement: A Runic Ritual to increase focus, mental clarity, and memory retention.
Magical Core Expansion: A Meditative Infusion to increase spellcasting efficiency and raw magical power.
Severus's Stats Before Rituals:
Physical Strength: Below Average
Magical Core Capacity: Above Average
Cognitive Processing: High
Combat Reflexes: Moderate
Severus gathered the rare ingredients needed and set up a private space in the Room of Requirement at night.
The physical enhancement potion caused a burning sensation as his muscles adapted.
The mental enhancement runes glowed brightly, sending a cool clarity through his mind.
The core expansion process was the most intense, as he felt raw magic surging within him.
After several days of recovery, the effects became apparent.
Severus's Stats After Rituals:
Physical Strength: Above Average
Magical Core Capacity: High
Cognitive Processing: Exceptional
Combat Reflexes: Enhanced
Everything was going perfectly.
Severus had planned to keep his new identity a secret until the end of summer—until he had finished all his preparations.
But life had other plans.
That morning, he opened the Daily Prophet over breakfast and froze.
Mystery Heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Shafiq Revealed!
"For years, the prestigious Shafiq family was believed to be extinct, their noble bloodline lost to history. However, recent Ministry records confirm the emergence of an unexpected heir—none other than Hogwarts student Severus Snape, now legally recognized as Severus Shafiq.
This revelation has sent shockwaves through wizarding society, raising questions about how a presumed half-blood could claim such an esteemed title. Sources at Gringotts indicate that the Shafiq inheritance was reinstated through ancient family magic, a rare occurrence that suggests the heir was deemed worthy.
The implications of this discovery are vast—especially with rumors swirling about his involvement in the International Student Exchange Program, which will take him out of Britain for his sixth year.
One thing is clear: The wizarding world has great expectations for the new Lord Shafiq."
Severus gritted his teeth.
His carefully crafted plan had been exposed ahead of schedule.
Now, everyone would know.
He folded the newspaper with controlled fury, exhaling slowly.
This was not the end of his plan.
It was just another obstacle to overcome.
With cold determination, he prepared himself.
Because when he returned to Britain for his final year?
He would not be the same Severus they once knew.
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