This is my original situation containing old characters I do not own in a world I can only admire and ideas tat are inspired by the overwhelmingly remarkable J.K. Rowling. Give credit to her for the inspiration and please don't sue me.

This story is dedicated to blackmoonsilver who reviewed my other story (Freedom: A Debt Repaid) so enthusiastically I just had to post this. Thank you.

"Potter, you have no idea what you ask me." Severus said harshly, "A traditional apprenticeship is nothing like what you believe it to be! You will have no more rights than a slave and whoever accepts your offer can kill you if they desire! It is not something to take lightly!"

"I am as good as dead without it, Professor. Who else do I go to? The headmaster will only hold me back because he cares too much. Sir, I have thought this through and my offer remains." Harry said," I cannot simply sit with the title Magus bestowed upon me by the Founders themselves and allow the Hogwarts curriculum to limit me as you and I both know it would do!"

Severus sighed, "Do you understand the power I would hold over you, boy? Not only that, but the bond requires complete trust. A wizard's oath to continue until you succeed or I choose to kill you. You ask for your life to be put in the hands of a Death Eater."

"Death Eater? Forgive me, sir, but I doubt Voldemort counts you amoung his followers any longer." Harry allowed the slightest smirk to grace his features.

Severus had, indeed, been discovered a spy and tortured for his betrayal a month before. He subconciously touched his ribs, which were still bruised from that night.

"You enter into this without knowing anything but the surface details!" Severus said.

"I have read Merlin's Apprentice and The History of Traditional Apprenticeships as well as a few essays on the matter." Harry replied.

"Turning into Miss Granger, Mr. Potter?" Severus smirked slightly then his face became serious once more," The only problem I have, Mr. Potter, is that you will be unable to reach your true potential as the Magus without a Guide. The apprenticeship will be in vain without one."

"Well, sir, that was another thing I wanted to ask you about." Harry said, wondering just how much the man before him would be willing to help.

"Potter, first you ask me to take you as my apprentice then you ask for me as your Guide?" Severus sighed, "Why not Dumbledore?"

"He is blinded by his heart." Harry replied simply.

Severus smirked, "Is that an implication I don't have one?"

"No, sir. I merely meant you are very capable of controlling your emotions." Harry said.

The elder wizard allowed an aggravated sort of growl escape his lips, "Very well then. If you are sure this is what you want. Be warned, I will push you far past your breaking point."

"That is the exact reason I asked you, sir." Harry smiled outright, "As I said, Hogwart's curriculum is not sufficient anymore. If you approve, Professor, I would like to perform the bonding ritual as soon as possible. I am staying at Potter manor and have everything ready for the ritual."

"I must admit myself impressed, Mr. Potter. You are not nearly as much of a brat now as in class." Severus said, "We shall see how long you can maintain your respect once we have begun your training."

Harry bowed deeply and said, "I have always respected you, sir."

Severus snorted in an amused manner.

A/N: Hey everyone, so this is my newly written old idea of a Snape-Harry apprenticeship. Please review, it's great to hear feedback as long as it's constructive. This first chapter is all you'll get if no one reviews... blackmail works in my experience. But really, please review! I'm open to ideas/plot suggestions, so let me have 'em.