"If you have enough free time lately, could you do me an extra favor and go see someone for me?" Dumbledore inquired.
Severus stood up from his chair.
"If it's something boring, don't bother me. If it's interesting enough, maybe I'll take a look."
By then, Dumbledore had already pulled a letter from the stack on his desk and pushed it towards Severus.
"It's related to the Prewett Family."
Severus took the letter with a puzzled expression. He was certainly familiar with the family Dumbledore mentioned, especially after he glanced at Ghost Snape nearby.
"The family of Arthur's wife, Molly Weasley?"
"Yes," Dumbledore said softly.
"But I remember that family has no male heirs left, does it? Molly's brothers, Fabian and Gideon, were killed by Death Eaters many years ago."
"Who inherits the family now? I think I heard the Weasley children mention a great-aunt, Muriel..."
Severus muttered, his words hinting at something, as he opened the letter and read its contents.
[You must send someone to handle this! Dumbledore, both my brothers died under your command!]
[That girl's condition is getting worse. She's been holding onto a stick lately, claiming it's her parents' relic. She's going mad!]
[Although she doesn't bear the Prewett name, she's the only one I can choose to inherit this family in the future. If you still remember the contributions my two brothers made under your leadership, then send someone to see her as soon as possible!]
[—Muriel Prewett]
After reading this rudely worded, impolite letter, the confusion on Severus's face did not dissipate.
"What does this mean?"
Dumbledore frowned slightly.
"Just as you see, the Prewett Family has completely run out of male heirs. After Molly married Arthur, her sister never married and has been living alone, guarding the Prewett ancestral home."
"But she still had to find a way to continue the family line. So, a few years ago, she found a suitable candidate."
At this point, Dumbledore handed a photograph to Severus.
"Meilia Fawley. Also a child from a pure-blood family. If you remember her, you should know she entered Hogwarts two years after you, in Ravenclaw."
"She has one-quarter Prewett blood. Her paternal grandmother was a Prewett, a great-aunt to Molly and Muriel. Eight years ago, her parents were Death Eaters for a time, but later, fearing Voldemort's mercurial nature, they talked about moving away from Britain with Meilia."
"Not long after, her biological parents disappeared. Many said Voldemort killed them himself. When you want to leave, you can't exactly submit a resignation letter to Voldemort."
"After that, the girl's mind became... not quite right. She often confuses events, sometimes talks to herself, and locks herself in her house for long periods."
Hearing this, Severus basically understood.
"So, Muriel has her sights set on her, wants her to inherit the Prewett family in the future, but recently her condition has worsened?"
"It appears so," Dumbledore said with a sigh. "But the girl's condition has been examined many times by professional Healers at St. Mungo's. Almost every Healer says she suffered a severe shock, causing trauma to her memory."
"This condition is similar to the Longbottoms', but slightly better, as Meilia still retains some basic self-care abilities, and usually, she is still aware of what she is doing."
"You are highly proficient in Occlumency and Legilimency. Perhaps you could go assess her situation."
After reading the letter one more time, Severus shrugged.
"I can go take a look. But at most, it's just a look. I can't guarantee whether I'll be able to provide any help."
"For someone who does their best in everything, I don't think they need to make any guarantees, do you?"
After taking the letter and the photograph with the address written on the back, Severus left the Headmaster's office.
Ghost Snape did not follow him. Since leaving Severus's body, he had been staying at Hogwarts these past few days and later planned to return to his own ancestral home.
After putting away the letter and photo, Severus went to Hogsmeade. He familiarly found the large black dog, now completely cleared of charges and no longer subject to any wanted posters, next to a street bin.
"I said, even if you didn't want to go with Remus to take Harry to see Lyall, why do you enjoy lying around here every day when you have nothing to do?"
Severus squatted beside him and ruffled Sirius's dog head.
Severus's words clearly hit a nerve. Sirius's eyes were full of irritation.
"I actually understand what you're thinking. All the troubles are gone now, your name is cleared, Pettigrew is confirmed to be getting the Dementor's Kiss, Dumbledore himself said Voldemort will never return. Everything resolved so smoothly it's left you feeling lost, disoriented, right?"
"If you have nothing to do, you can find anyone to pass the time with! But could you please leave me alone!"
Hearing this, Sirius's gaze couldn't help but become serious.
"That probably won't be possible. Right now, there's something I need you to take me to the Sirius's ancestral home to retrieve. It's related to Voldemort."
He stopped trying to drive Severus away and instead turned to look him in the eye.
"But isn't it impossible for him to return now?"
"We still need to deal with the other things he left behind as well."
Severus stood up and brushed off his robes.
"Don't worry, Dumbledore wouldn't lie about this. He really can't come back. But just like those Death Eaters needed to be dealt with thoroughly, the things he left behind also need handling."
"What thing are you talking about? What could he have left at my house!"
"Let's go. It's not noon yet. If we get the thing from your house, we might even make it to the Grangers' for lunch."
"Rather than asking now, why don't we just go to your house first?"
Sirius ultimately rose to his feet reluctantly. He then allowed Severus to grab hold of one of his dog paws, and they Disapparated from Hogsmeade together.