Chapter 1
Theodore Nott stepped lightly up to the stone gargoyle that hid the entrance to the Headmaster's office and quietly said "Bernie Botts Beans." The gargoyle leapt aside allowing him to ascend the stairs. He knocked on the door at the top of the stairs and waited for Headmaster Dumbledore to call out for him to enter.
Theodore looked around the circular office and noticed all the different gadgets that the Headmaster kept there. On the walls were portraits of past Headmasters and Headmistresses. He saw the Headmaster sitting behind his claw-footed desk in the back of the room with Fawkes perch behind him. Fawkes sang softly as Theodore walked up to the desk.
"Have a seat Mr. Nott. What can I do for you this evening?" The Headmaster asked with a small twinkle in his eyes.
"My father is pushing me to join the Death Easters as soon as I graduate next month, Headmaster."
Headmaster Dumbledore looked over the young man in front of him. "I was under the impression that you believed the same as your father and were just waiting until your graduation to take the Dark Mark."
Theodore cleared his throat and looked down at his left forearm. "My father has taught me for years all about the Dark Lord and his followers. He has tried to beat those beliefs into me. His sending me to Hogwarts is what has been his downfall. I have watched and listened to what has gone on around me. 'The Brightest Witch of Our Generation' is a muggleborn. She is also very powerful from what I have seen. She is a year younger then me she has been said to be able to do things the first time that it takes those of us that are raised in this world multiple times to learn to do. If what my father had taught me were true then this would be impossible for her to do. I have grown to respect her for being able to do the things that she does even though she has not grown up in a magical home." Theodore finished his statement and looked at the twinkling eyed Headmaster.
The Headmaster then looked towards the door. "Severus, you can join us now."
Theodore jumped up, spun around looking at the door then scrambled backwards towards the Headmasters desk. "Sir, you can't trust him, he's a death eater. I've seen him at my house I've heard the things they talk about. He'll tell my father, he'll tell the Dark Lord." Theodore ranted panicked.
"Mr. Nott, I know what and who Professor Snape is. He is not just a Death Eater he is also my spy inside the Death Eaters. What you have heard about him and what you have heard him say have been in order for him to gather information for me."
"He is the one that told me you were keen on becoming a death eater when you graduated next month."
"Severus, what do you think we should do with this new information?" The headmaster asked as he looked over at Professor Snape who had closed the door and joined the Headmaster and Theodore taking a seat beside Theodore in front of the Headmaster's desk. Professor Snape thought for a few moments as if he was trying to decide the best way that they could keep Theodore safe from the Death Eaters and make sure that he did not receive the Dark Mark that he so desperately didn't want.
"Headmaster, I believe that we need to find a way to keep Mr. Nott here at Hogwarts."
"You know that I can't take him on as my apprentice. I have that spot saved for the person that you plan on foisting onto me next year."
The Headmaster opened his mouth to reply but Professor Snape cut him off. "Yes I fully understand why we need to train her but that now leads to the question of what we do with Mr. Nott."
Theodore was trying to figure out what the Professors were talking about. Why would the Headmaster force Professor Snape to take on an apprentice if he didn't want that person?
Theodore's thoughts were cut short when the Headmaster asked him "Mr. Nott what are your best classes?"
"I supposed after potions it would be transfiguration then charms." Theodore answered after thinking for a moment.
"I know that Minerva was talking about training a new apprentice. I am sure that she would be more then willing to take Mr. Nott on as an apprentice as soon as he graduates." "Severus, would you please inform Minerva that I need to see her immediately."
"Yes Headmaster." Professor Snape said as he walked to the floo to call for Professor McGonagall. "Minerva the Headmaster would like to see you as soon as possible."
Theodore heard her respond. "I'm on my way." The connection was severed and the professor sat back down by Theodore. 'I'm not sure I should believe that Professor Snape is truly working for Dumbledore. There is too great a risk that he could tell my father and then I will end up dead.' Theodore thought as they waited for Professor McGonagall to arrive.
Professor McGonagall arrived and listened while the Headmaster told her what had transpired. She agreed immediately to the plan that had been formed. It was agreed that Theodore would become her apprentice as soon as the school year ended as to avoid him having to leave Hogwarts and be branded with the Dark Mark.
"Theodore, I need you to come and see me in my office tomorrow after your last class. I will have some papers for you to sign to make you my official protégé. We will then discuss what your duties will be and what you will need to get between now and the end of the year. Most of these items can be ordered by owl."
"I will see you tomorrow after classes, Professor." Theodore stated. "Thank you all for helping me. If there is anything that I can do to help you please ask."
The Headmaster looked over the rims of his half-moon glasses at Theodore for a moment. "We will let you know what type of help you will be able to assist us with. Mr. Nott, I would like to thank you for bringing this to my attention." "Now I suggest that you head back to your common room. It is close to curfew and we don't want anyone to suspect that you are up to something now do we?"
"That would be wise good night Professors."
