novelAlta Chapter 31 - 29: Securing His Future & Living the Present
Chapter 31 - 29: Securing His Future & Living the Present
Severus sat calmly in the elegant, wood-paneled office of Headmaster Lucas Whitmore, his expression carefully neutral.
Whitmore sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, his piercing blue eyes sharp with interest. Despite his silvered hair and refined presence, there was an undeniable strength to him—a man who had seen and adapted to the world as it changed.
To his left, Amelia Harrington, the U.S. Department of Magical Education's representative, examined Severus with keen scrutiny. She was a woman in her mid-forties, with warm brown skin, sharp cheekbones, and intelligent hazel eyes that flicked between Severus and the paperwork in front of her.
She was not easily impressed. And she was the only one in the room who could approve his request. Severus did not fidget, did not betray even the smallest sign of discomfort. He had prepared for this moment. His entire future depended on it.
Whitmore leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping idly against the desk.
"You're requesting an extension of your exchange program through your seventh year." His voice was measured, but there was undeniable curiosity in his gaze. "That's uncommon, but not unheard of."
Severus inclined his head. "Correct."
Harrington raised an eyebrow. "You are aware that, historically, students from exchange programs return to their home institutions for graduation?"
"I am," Severus said smoothly. "But this is not a typical situation."
Harrington tapped her quill against the edge of her parchment.
"Then explain, Mr. Shafiq. Why should Ilvermorny make an exception for you?"
Severus met her gaze without hesitation.
"Academically, Ilvermorny had pushed him further than Hogwarts ever had. He had been forced to innovate, adapt, and expand his thinking in ways that were not encouraged back home."
"Professionally, remaining in America gave him direct access to the International Alchemical Review, American Potions Guild, and ICW re
Aurora snorted. "Give him a second."
Slowly, Severus adjusted, following Kiera's steps.
And, to his great annoyance… it wasn't entirely awful.
By the time the song ended, he was breathing slightly harder but not entirely humiliated.
Evie clapped. "Look at you, Shafiq. A proper gentleman."
Severus rolled his eyes. "This never happened."
Alessandro grinned. "Oh, it happened. And we'll never let you forget it."
Severus exhaled sharply. He really needed new friends.
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