Shadow and Light – The 2nd year of Apprenticeship
Disclaimer:
This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers like Scholastic Books, Raincoast Books, Bloomsbury Books and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made off this and there is no copyright infringement intended. This story was written for fun and not in any way for profit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 4
Harry awoke screaming, or so he thought; but his throat was dry and only a croaking sound came out. He felt like he was choking and started gasping for air.
After he had sucked in enough air to stop the feeling of suffocating, a wave of pain went through his head and he curled up in a ball and started rocking to abate the pain.
Shivers went down his spine as he struggled to take deep breathes to calm himself. Finally, several minutes later the pain faded a bit and his breathing normalized and Harry allowed himself to relax.
Slowly he sat up and leaned against the cold dungeon wall. He tried to remember the cause of his throbbing head and his trembling and sweating body. Unconsciously his hands went up to rub his scar and came back smeared with blood.
Harry stared at his bloody hands and slowly the memory came back. A Death Eater meeting with Wormtail… that bastard… Harry clenched his fists.
At the meeting there had been no more than ten of Voldemort's followers, obviously Voldemort's inner circle. Harry couldn't recall any faces because of their hideous masks with the exception of Wormtail who he would recognize everywhere, even in his animagus form as a rat.
When Harry's mind had entered the scene, Voldemort had obviously just ended the meeting because the Death Eaters crawled before Voldemort and kissed his hem and then one by one disapperated.
Wormtail, the only Death Eater still present came up to Voldemort.
"Do you think it wise to attack so soon, my lord? I mean… I think…" Peter Pettigrew stuttered, "… shouldn't we wait a little longer? Then the ministry is still unaware of your return and that gives us time to plan properly…." Wormtail's voice faltered at the look the Dark Lord threw at him.
"You were always a coward and you still are. I have waited thirteen years. I will wait no longer. And as soon as the supposedly saviour of the Wizarding World comes to my side, people will once again live in fear and darkness. Until then I will have a little fun reminding the world of what they have missed the last decade."
Wormtail trembled with fear when Voldemort started playing with his wand, slowly spinning it around.
"You have chosen the right side as you will soon realize, but Wormtail, you must still be punished for your doubts and qualms."
Voldemort's cruel smile made Harry shiver and when Voldemort lifted his wand at Wormtail and said 'Crucio!' waves of nausea had flushed through Harry and he started vomiting.
The retching ceased moments later, along with the dry heaves. Jaded and exhausted Harry leaned back.
Disgusted he eyed the smut on his bed and lifted his wand to 'Scourgefy!' the mess but with the exception of a faint light nothing happened.
Harry stared dumbfounded at the ugly mess and his wand. He tried to calm himself and concentrated. With more force he tried again and this time the mess disappeared.
Slowly he made it to the bathroom to refresh. He laid his hands on the washbasin and took in his reflection in the mirror: his pale face, the blood and his sweaty hair.
He tried to order his thoughts to contemplate his nightmare. Actually he wasn't sure that it had even been a normal nightmare.
The short slack of his magic was a sure sign that there was more to it.
He felt sore and drained.
And Voldemort had been so real… to real considered that Harry had never seen him in person, only his face sticking out of the back of someone's head.
He desperately wished for his friends, for the first time in weeks he felt alone, utterly alone. He didn't even consider talking to Snape. Snape would probably think him weak for letting a dream take such a hold on him.
Slowly he made his way back to bed. He had no sleep to give away and Snape would skin him alive if he would fall asleep in one of his classes.
He made a note in his mind to ask Hermione to do some research about prophetical dreams and hoped the nightmare was just a one time occasion.
- - -
The next morning Harry awoke with a start. Surprised, he registered it was past the usual time Snape awoke him. And it hadn't been Snape's usual banging at the door that ended his night.
When he entered the main room he found a note along with his timetable. The note told him that Snape and Saldor had been called away by the Board of Masters and that they wouldn't be back before late at night. There were some instructions attached for a potion which he and Ferral had to research and prepare in the afternoon, along with the order to be back at the quarters not later than ten.
Harry grabbed his timetable to see which lessons he had today and was surprised to find that his timetable also contained Arithmancy and Ancient Runes along with his normal subjects. Snape hadn't said anything about those two subjects, so Harry assumed that these were last minute decisions and of course there was no point in arguing.
So Harry just sighed, he recalled the load of work Hermione had to do for both lessons and he had no idea how he would manage another demanding subject let alone two of them.
Looking at his timetable of today he registered that Defence was marked with 'cancelled' and Potions had Dumbledore as a substitute. Harry grinned. Potions with Dumbledore would probably be fun.
He still remembered a lesson with Dumbledore in which the older man had let them brew a potion that made their hair shine in any colour you wished for.
With new won energy Harry made his way to the Great Hall for breakfast. With Snape and Saldor away there would be nobody to bow to today…
- - -
Harry really enjoyed the first day of school. Potions, like Harry had anticipated, were fun. This time the Headmaster dabbled with some kind of eye color potion and when Harry left the class, his eyes shone in the color of a deep glimmering red.
The two-hour spare time they had gained because DADA got cancelled Harry and Ferral spent training with the Gryffindor quidditch team.
Both boys had pondered if it was worth the risk, but they figured that if they would hurry with their work in the afternoon, they would still be able to finish all the assigned tasks. Actually they finished all their work even before dinner so Harry had the evening free to spend with his friends.
It was great to be back in the Gryffindor common room. Nothing seemed to have changed.
He spent an hour with Ron playing chess. He still lost, but not so quickly like he had before. Snape demanded of Harry concentration and to think ahead and that seemed to help him with chess, too. He didn't rush when it was his turn and he surprised Ron a few times. But still, in the end the more experienced boy won.
"Hey mate, that was actually some kind of a challenge! You should come more often to play and I would make a decent player out of you."
Harry smiled. "Well, just go and ask Snape if I could get an hour every evening to play chess with you…"
Ron's eyes widened. "No thank you, I think I would like to live with my head not ripped of my shoulders…"
Hermione, who had also enjoyed watching the game, checked her watch.
"You should go Harry, it's nearly curfew and you should be back at Snape's."
Slowly Harry left the comfortable settee. "You're right, I have to go."
Ron jumped up. "Wait we'll walk you down to the dungeons." At Hermione's disapproving look, Ron hurried to continue. "Come on, Hermione. It's still enough time to walk him down and to make if back to Gryffindor Tower in time."
Still looking doubtful Hermione sighed and nodded her consent.
The three crawled through the portrait hole and started their way down to the quarters Harry shared with Snape.
Half way down Harry stumbled a few times and started to feel dizzy. He had trouble to follow Ron's rants about the quidditch trials next week. Ron planned to apply for the keeper's position and asked Harry for advice without really waiting for an answer.
Well, Harry felt not like answering anyway. He tried to take deep breaths to be able to continue walking but it was hopeless.
Suddenly a sharp pain shot through his head and he didn't see any longer the clammy walls of Hogwarts. Instead he entered a totally different scene.
…Another Death Eater meeting:
At this time more of Voldemort's followers had found their way to their dark master.
Voldemort paced the circle. Sometimes he stopped in front of one of his Death Eaters and just stared them in the eyes, the only thing not hidden behind their masks. Harry had no idea what Voldemort was doing but it certainly felt wrong. It seemed as if Voldemort was reading their minds…
Most of them didn't react to the silent ordeal of the Dark Lord but a few looked down and one even sank to his knees.
Back in the middle Voldemort addressed his Death Eaters.
"My faithful servants, it seems that more of you have found their way back to me but not all are still true followers to our cause. It was foolish of you to coming back. You, who aren't able to look me even in the eye should know that I have no mercy for traitors."
And with that Voldemort lifted his wand at the Death Eater still on his knees and said "Crucio!"…
And Harry felt pain like he never had before. He tried to pull back, to leave the scene. The first real thing he felt was the blood in his mouth and finally his friends came back into focus.
"Harry! Come on wake up. Look at me!" Harry heard Hermione screaming.
When he was finally able to recognize his surroundings, he realized that he was in a room he had never seen before.
His voice sounded raspy when he was able to speak again.
"Where are we?" Harry whispered and looked at Hermione.
Hermione, looking relieved, just shrugged. "I have no idea. Well, you abruptly broke down and started shivering. You didn't react anymore. After awhile you started screaming. When that happened I wished for a room with something to lay you down and suddenly a door appeared right there in the wall. When we opened it, we entered that room with these nice settees and armchairs."
Ron agreed. "Yeah, it was strange. Like the castle had heard Hermione's wish or something like that."
Hermione nodded. "Yes exactly. Well, I believe I have read something about such a room in 'Hogwarts: A History'. I need to look it up." She started gnawing at her fingernails and looked at Harry.
"What happened Harry? I was so afraid. I wanted to get Dumbledore or Pomfrey but you kept shaking your head and whispered no."
Harry was confused. "I did?"
Ron nodded. "Yeah, you did. What was that? At first we thought it was a dream, but well you were awake and not asleep. And maybe it was a bit harsh for a nightmare, you seemed to feel real pain."
Harry started to sit up but kept his eyes down.
"Well, it probably was some kind of a dream, or better, some kind of a vision."
Hermione's eyes widened. "A vision? About what, Harry?"
Harry bit his lip. "I keep seeing Voldemort and his Death Eaters."
"You keep seeing? Do you mean that wasn't the first vision?" Hermione asked shocked, mouth and eyes wide open.
Harry just nodded. "I had one last night. I wanted to talk about it, but I forgot."
"You forgot?" Hermione was furious. "You need to talk to Snape, or Dumbledore!"
Harry stubbornly shook his head.
"No! I need to get more information about the dreams or visions or whatever."
He stared pleadingly at Hermione.
"Please, could you do some research in the library? I need to know what I am dealing with and if there is something to stop it. I can't afford to have a break down in the middle of one of Snape's training sessions or during classes. It would be so embarrassing! Please Hermione?"
Harry didn't think it wise to mention the lack of his magic after his last vision. And this one was actually worse because he had felt the Cruciatus. He was sure of it. He still could feel his shaking limbs which he knew were signs of that damn curse.
Maybe he could nick something of the potion he had helped Snape to brew last year. It was a potion that was making the person who took it immune against the Cruciatus curse. Exactly what he needed.
There was no way he would tell Snape about it, not before he was sure what it was, that happened to him.
Hermione considered him. "Well, I'll look it up. But promise me Harry, you'll tell someone if it gets worse?"
Relief was showing on Harry's face and he nodded eagerly. "I promise Hermione."
Ron checked his watch. "Do you have your cloak with you, Harry? It's past midnight and I wouldn't like to meet Filch in some of the corridors."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, it's in my bag. I'll walk you to the tower and then go back to the dungeons by myself."
"Are you crazy?" Ron stared at him amazed. "You just screamed at the top of your lungs for a good half hour and now you want to walk the corridors alone? No way, we'll bring you right to Snape's door and then Hermione and I can walk back through the dungeons. You'll get the cloak back by tomorrow."
Harry considered the idea. He knew Ron was right. Another vision like that alone in the corridors and Filch would catch him for sure. He nodded his consent.
"All right, let's go. I just hope Snape isn't back yet."
Again they made their way to the dungeons. They had to go slowly, because Harry was still weak.
When they finally arrived at Snape quarters, Harry was relieved that Snape was in fact not yet home. He bid his friends goodnight and crawled directly under the covers, too tired to take a shower or even to undress himself.
- - -
The next morning Harry awoke early but felt refreshed after a good nights sleep.
He was relieved that he had not had another vision during the night. After showering and dressing himself he made his way to the living quarters and was met by Snape who sat at the table in the small kitchen drinking tea and reading the Daily Prophet.
Harry bowed deep. "Good morning, my lord."
Snape looked up from his newspaper and returned the greeting with a small tilt of his head.
"May I have some tea?" Harry asked and helped himself after Snape's consent.
He sat at the small kitchen table opposite of Snape. He tried to read some of the news on the back of the Daily Prophet when he discovered a thick envelope in the middle of the table. Huge letters written directly across the envelope indicated that the letter was indeed for Harry. He recognized at once Sirius stately script.
Harry reached for the letter and was immediately stopped with a sharp rap over his knuckles by Snape's wand.
Instinctively he withdrew his hand and rubbed his hurting fingers. He risked a bewildered look at his Master.
Snape put aside the Daily prophet and reached for the envelope himself. After leaning back relaxing in the chair he addressed his apprentice.
"You realize that sending and receiving letters is a privilege I can grant or revoke?"
Harry bit his lip. He had no idea where this conversation was leading to, but he forced himself to not look down. He wasn't sure if Snape was waiting for an answer to that probably rhetorical question but he felt save with staying silent.
"Care to explain where you spent your evening? Because it was for sure not down in our quarters."
Harry paled but was sure that this question definitely demanded an answer.
"I was at the Gryffindor tower with Ron and Hermione. I think we lost track of time."
"You think?"
"No sir, we lost track of time. I am sorry."
"I am sure you are. Even if I am sure you're more sorry that you were caught than you are about being late itself."
Snape's fingers played with the envelope, Harry wanted so badly to tear open.
"If I can't trust you, I will put you on restriction whenever I have to leave. That means exactly that I will make sure that you're busy every minute of my absence. And the rest of time you would be confined to your room."
Snape paused and considered his apprentice. "You know exactly what I think about disobedience but I am more disappointed in the fact that you attempted to hide it from me. I expect you to follow my rules or bear the consequences. Trying to hide something like that from me is not so different from actually lying to me and such actions always call for more severe consequences."
Harry cast his eyes down. He didn't dare add another sorry and so he silently waited for the final verdict.
Snape put the envelope back on the table. "You may ask again for that letter when you think you have finally understood what I am saying about sincerity and being able to trust you."
Snape stood and prepared himself to leave for the great hall. "I have a 7th year potions class first. Find Professor Sprout and tell her that I need a few toadstool corals. Then come to the Great Hall for breakfast."
After Snape had left, Harry stared sadly at the envelope. Sirius didn't write often and Harry treasured his letters, knowing that every letter could be the last because Sirius was still on the flight.
A short moment Harry thought about opening the letter anyway but since he did not have a death wish, he made his way to find Professor Sprout.
- - -
Harry waited at the entrance of the great hall for Ferral to show up. He had no intention to greet the Masters alone.
Most of the students would probably still remember the greeting ritual from last year but it would be less embarrassing with a fellow apprentice at his side.
Ferral came several minutes later and both made their way to the staff table. Harry bowed deep before Snape and greeted him; Ferral did the same with his master.
Harry felt the views of the four house tables directed at him and Ferral. He ignored them, knowing their interest would soon fade.
Ferral and Harry took their seats between Ron and Hermione.
Ron studied his timetable and groaned. "Defence is first. Great. I wonder why the day has always to start with one of the worst subjects."
"Ron," Hermione scolded. "You don't even know Professor Saldor. And Defence is one of the most important lessons. Think about the return of Voldemort." She had actually whispered the last sentence and shot a knowing look to Harry.
Ron nevertheless flinched. "Would you be so kind as to NOT speak the name?"
Ferral raised his brows. "What do you think will happen if she does? That he appears right in front of you?"
Ron's face flushed. "No! Of course not, but still... it's a bad omen."
Harry toyed with his toast. His appetite had suddenly disappeared and he feared that he might throw up right there.
- - -
They made their way to Defence Against the Dark Arts and Harry took a place next to Ferral. The door opened with a bang and Harry felt himself reminded of Snape and his way to enter his potions classes.
Saldor made his way to the middle of the teachers' platform and ordered them all to stand behind their chairs.
Harry felt the nervousness creep up on him but fought the feeling down when he saw that Ferral seemed to be calm.
Ruler in hand, Saldor scrutinized the class with a dark unwavering gaze. Several students started to fidget nervously behind their chairs.
Finally Saldor addressed them. "I have checked the curriculum from last year and I assume that you all have mastered the material. There will be no fooling around in my classroom. You will always come prepared for this class or, and you can take my word for this, you will regret it.
"At the beginning of each class I will quiz you about your assigned readings. If you fail to answer you will remain standing through the rest of class.
"Considering that this is the first class after summer, I will review the last four years. You are expected to know the material."
Several students paled and Harry feared that Neville might collapse. Only Hermione looked actually a bit delighted.
Saldor fired the questions at the students. Harry saw relief in the faces of those who gave a correct answer and were allowed to sit down.
"Mr. Potter, name one possibility to fight off Inferi." Actually Harry was a bit surprised that Saldor choose to call him Mr. Potter instead of Aeternus. It seemed that the Master had chosen to treat Harry like a student in regular classes, not like an apprentice.
"Fire, Sir."
"Correct. You may sit down."
After ten minutes into the class seven students were still standing, three of them had still to get their question.
"Mr. Weasley. What effect has the 'Transmogrifian Torture' on the victim?"
"Ahem…" Ron stuttered. "The effect of the 'Transmogrifian Torture' is…"
Harry saw immediately that Ron had no idea. He ducked behind Seamus and whispered to Ron. "The victim bleeds to death."
One second later he wished he hadn't. Saldor appeared right in front of him and brought the ruler down on Harry's desk.
Harry hadn't even had time to withdraw his hand. Luckily the ruler didn't meet his hand but came down directly beside his right one.
When he looked up he met the steel grey eyes of a furious Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.
"Up, Mister Potter."
Harry hesitantly stood but his eyes were fixed at the table. He felt his skin crawl in apprehension when memories of last years DADA teacher surfaced.
"Do you remember the school regulations, Mister Potter? I think they deal clearly with the misdemeanour of cheating."
Ron sucked in a breath and Hermione already opened her mouth to defend him. But obviously Ferral had also realized her intention because he frantically shook his head to prevent her to get involved.
Harry was grateful for his interference. He didn't want to get his friends in trouble; it was enough that he was probably dead as soon as Snape learned of this.
Saldor never waited for an answer. He turned and stalked back to the front where he once again addressed the entire class.
"I see that some of you actual came to this class prepared. For all the others, consider the quizzing of today a warning."
His gaze swept over the entire room, pausing only at the students who were still standing.
"Mr. Potter, remain standing. The rest of you may sit down."
His gaze fixed on Harry.
"I will not tolerate cheating in my class." Saldor crossed his arms.
"Mr. Potter," Harry slowly raised his eyes. "I wonder what Professor Snape will have to say about your behaviour? I don't think he ever tolerated cheating in one of his classes."
Harry paled and griped the back of his chair. He couldn't stand the pointing glare anymore and again lowered his eyes.
Saldor said nothing more, instead began the actual lesson.
Harry found it humiliating to have to stand when the rest of the class was allowed to sit.
Trying to keep his dignity he refused to look over to Malfoy who he knew must feel like Christmas had come early.
He actually ordered himself to follow the lesson and not to let his thoughts drift off to the dreadful meeting with his Master.
Snape hadn't liked last years DADA teacher and any incidents in DADA class hadn't caused any major penalties by Snape but Saldor was a completely different case.
His Master respected him deeply and because of that Snape would probably consider today's event as a personal offence.
Time seemed to creep slowly. Harry stood still and tried very hard not to bring any attention to himself. But luckily Saldor ignored him for the rest of his teaching.
At last he ended the lesson with assigning a huge amount of homework. He dismissed the class and ordered Harry to stay behind.
Harry took his time packing his belongings and waited till all his classmates had left. Hermione and Ron shot him a worried glance but he winked them off and slowly approached the teachers' desk.
Saldor arranged some papers before he finally leaned back and acknowledged Harry.
"Well, Mr. Potter, do you have anything to say?"
Harry bit his lip. "No sir, nothing. I didn't think… I am sorry." Harry looked up. "It won't happen again."
"No, it won't. Be sure of that Mr. Potter. It seems that Master Shadowman forgot to teach you some principles about honour and honesty. Perhaps I should talk to him about how to best rectify that."
The color of Harrys face drained off, but he said nothing, feeling defeated under Saldor's estimating look. Finally the DADA teacher grabbed his papers and stood.
"Well Mr. Potter, you may go. Consider yourself lucky because I'm letting you off easy this time. If something like that ever happens again, I will not hesitate to drag you immediately to your Master. Or perhaps I will not wait what punishment your Master might dole out and discipline you myself. And believe me, you will like that even less!"
Harry couldn't believe it, but he had to be sure. "You will not tell my Master about this, sir?"
"For this time, I consider your debts paid. You may leave Mr. Potter."
Harry wasn't completely satisfied with the answer but didn't think it wise to ask for more. He was relievedthat one of the worst DADA classes was finally over.
He bowed politely to Master Saldor and made his way to the door.
"Mr. Potter," Harrystopped dead in his tracks. Well, obviously it was still not over.
"You may need that." He handed Harry a slip of paper, which told the teacher of Harry's next class that he had been kept after DADA. "You will not want to get into more trouble because of getting late to your next lesson."
Harry nodded his thanks, left the room and quickly closed the door, not willing to take any more chances that Saldor might call after him again.
Outside he found Ferral waiting, leaning nonchalant against a wall. He gave Harry an encouraging smile and both made their way to the next class.
Harry took a look at his watch. "You shouldn't have waited. We'll never make it to Charms in time and you have no excuse for being late. And I am not sure if I would want to provoke Saldor if he were my master."
Ferral just smiled. "Don't worry. I'll deal with him or better he'll deal with me. I am quite sure he knew that I waited outside." He looked at Harry. "What did he say? Any detentions, punishments?"
Harry shook his head. "No, actually he let me off with a warning. I don't think he'll tell Snape."
Surprised Ferral lifted his head and considered Harry. "Why do you think that?"
"Well, he said he would let me off easy and that he considered my debts paid."
"Nonetheless I would take any bet that he'll tell Snape anyway."
Puzzled Harry starred at Ferral. "How do you know that? I mean, he said I was lucky because he wouldn't discipline me this time. After all, it was his first class and he didn't punish anybody else further for not knowing the material, didn't he? What reason should he have to tell him?"
"Well here's your reason. They are not just colleagues, they respect each other and share a deep friendship that is a result of their Apprentice/Master relationship."
Harry stopped walking and stared at the other apprentice open mouthed. "What do you mean? Snapes Master was someone called Master Hun-Ra at least that's what he told me."
"Obviously he didn't tell you the full story." Ferral answered somewhat sarcastic. "He told you about Hun-Ra trying to steal his magical abilities?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, he told me also about how abusive his former Master was and that he beat Snape into St.Mungos. And that Hun-Ra was thrown into Azkaban for trying to transfer Snape's power to himself."
"Yeah, that's true. But all that happened already at the end of Snape's second year of his apprenticeship. But you should have recognized by now, it takes three years to become a Master of lower grade."
Harry was stunned, but still eager to hear the rest. "So what happened then?"
"The Board assigned him a new Master and because Snape's obvious interest in Potions and the Dark Arts they choose Saldor."
"What has Saldor to do with Potions?" Harry asked confused.
"Saldor has one or two potion degrees, too. I am not sure. Potions was never his main interest, but because the Dark Arts soon got considered…well dark, he thought it might be wise to have some other branch to teach."
"So Snape actually was Saldor's apprentice?"
"That is exactly what I am trying to tell you. Saldor was his Master in his final year. Of what I know, it was some kind of a rough year because Snape challenged Saldor's authority time and time again. For obvious reasons he had trouble to trust another Master after his first one tried to rob his powers."
Ferral smirked. "You should have lived at the Master's headquarters because there are some really good stories about your Master and mine. It was obviously a long way to go to the friendship they now share."
"I had no idea." Harry answered still a bit dumbfounded.
"Well, I think that Snape doesn't want you to know, because concerning my Master, he wasn't exactly the model apprentice."
Now it was Harry's turn to smirk. "I am not exactly sure, if I can imagine that."
"Well, you better not tell him that you know. I am not sure if he appreciates me telling you about that. And I would like it better not to be at the receiving end of his anger."
Harry grinned. "Don't worry, I'll save that knowledge for a better time."
Ferral looked at his watch. "Well we are really late now. We should hurry."
- - -
After dinner in the great hall Harry made his way to the green house. His Master had ordered him to check on a few plants that he had planted for using in potions. Some he had to cut and a few needed re-potting. But Harry couldn't really concentrate because all the time his mind drifted to what Ferral had told him.
He wasn't sure if all that was a good thing. Till now he had just assumed Snape respected Saldor but if everything that happened with Ferral's Master made his way to Snape, it was going to be a hard year.
Sighing Harry checked his watch, it was already dark outside and he needed to hurry if he wanted to make it back before curfew.
When Harry got back to their quarters, Snape was already sitting in one of the armchairs by the fire and busy with reading one of his weighty tomes.
Snape raised an eyebrow but said nothing when Harry settled himself at the coffee table to finish some of his homework. Normally Harry studied in his room but he wanted to see if Snape would say something about the incident in DADA earlier today. Not that Snape wouldn't be able find him in his room but he wanted to give Snape an opportunity when he actually was prepared to face his wrath.
But nothing happened.
Finally after something about an hour Harry decided that Snape either didn't know or that he didn't want to confront him. So he closed his books and gathered his material. It was then that he noticed the thick envelope on the edge of the table.
Sirius letter! How could he forget about that!
Harry glanced first at the letter and then at Snape not sure what to do.
Snape for certain had seen his glance but didn't indicate in any way that he would allow Harry to take the letter.
Harry considered for a moment to ask but dismissed the idea immediately.
If Snape thought the punishment were over he would say so for sure.
The way Snape had answered his look was more the kind to dare Harry to ask and Harry was in no mood for another talk about privileges and the possibility of revoking them.
So inwardly sighing he bid Snape a good night and made his way to his room.
As he opened the door a thought struck him. Snape wasn't that cruel. He knew exactly how important Sirius was for Harry and even if it had seemed to be a fit punishment in the morning, Harry was quite sure that Snape had meant to give him the letter in the evening.
To deprive Harry from the letter for a few hours was something Harry probably wouldn't like but wouldn't really hurt him and so it was exactly the right thing to teach him a lesson.
But if Snape had wanted to punish him, to really punish him for getting back to the quarters two hours after his curfew, it would have been definitely more painful.
So what was it that the older man wanted from him? Harry tried to remember the lecture from the morning.
What had Snape said? Right, ... to hope that he wouldn't get caught would just make things worse and always award a harder punishment; Snape wanted him to obey and to follow the rules.
If he made a mistake, Snape awaited honesty and sincerity. He had made it clear it was of great importance that he could trust his apprentice.
Harry bit his lip; he was now sure that Snape knew about the disastrous Defence lesson in the morning.
Could it mean that his Master wanted him to confess even if Saldor had assured him there wouldn't be any further punishment? Telling Snape, definitely meant further punishment... Snape wouldn't just let it go.
If something similar had happened in Potions class Snape would have skinned him alive...
All right, Harry took a deep breath and turned back to the room, only to find Snape already watching him.
"Anything amiss, apprentice?" If Harry hadn't been so nervous he would have realized the bemused tone.
Obviously the Master knew exactly the inner battle his apprentice fought.
Nevertheless Snape's dark eyes never left Harry. And Harry met his eyes; but only to cast them back to the floor after just a few seconds.
"I am... I mean there was some kind of an incident in today's Defence class." Harry trailed off... He wasn't exactly sure what Snape wanted to hear.
To cheat wasn't really that bad, wasn't it? It happened all the time.
But Saldor had been clear about the way he taught his subject. The oral examination at the beginning of every lesson was his way to make sure the students actually learned the stuff.
And today had been about to get to know what stuff they already had touched and what not.
Saldor knew exactly that Harry was ahead of his lessons and he had asked him something that nobody besides Ferral was required to know.
And he had questioned Ron about something he should know. To get the answer from Harry didn't teach Ron a thing...
It also dawned Harry that Saldor's harsh reaction had also been a warning for the rest of the class. Nobody would be daft enough to actually try to cheat in DADA after today's display.
A movement brought Harry from his thoughts; he registered that his Master had laid his book aside and now stood up.
He faced his apprentice but still didn't say a word.
Harry took another deep breath and finally met the eyes of his Master.
"I made a mistake in DADA today. There was a quizzing at the beginning of class and I told Ron the right answer to a question he didn't know. I didn't consider it cheating then but I do now."
"I assume Master Saldor helped your consideration a great deal." Harry didn't miss the sarcasm in Snape's voice but decided to ignore it to not make things worse.
"I am sorry. I have learned my lesson and I will not repeat that mistake."
Finally, he had said it. All he had to do now was to await the verdict.
But Snape said nothing. He only looked his apprentice over and then turned around to walk back to the table.
He grabbed the letter from Sirius and returned to where his apprentice still waited.
"It seems you have learned another lesson as well." He offered the letter to Harry, and still confused, Harry took it.
"Good night, Aeternus." Snape returned to his seat and without another glance at Harry resumed his reading.
Amazed by this turn of events, Harry bowed deep. "Good night, my lord... and thank you."
Harry finally opened the door to his room and closed it softly behind him. He couldn't suppress a grin. Even after one year as Snape's apprentice the man still surprised him.
Carefully he placed the envelope on his night table and made his way to the bathroom.
After changing into his pyjamas Harry finally made himself comfortable on the bed and started to read the letter...
- - -
And again, thanks to Mistress of Eternal Night, my Beta-Reader!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AN: Hippity, DebsTheSnapeFan, Lynx LW, Cassa-Andra, illusionaric, Dreamer-3041, Superego, Copper, Si-FiAdict246,00, MutsumiOtohime11:
Thank you all for your kind reviews. I really hope you'll like the way I am doing this story. Sorry for not updating sooner, but you'll all know real life is busy. But don't worry, I already started the next chapter, so hopefully you won't have to wait that long for the next one. But please don't forget, englisch is not my first language so writing takes a little longer.
Marie, Godfric Potter - Of course your right Harry's name is Aeternus. I changed that in my offline version maybe I'll change it on ff, too, but I am not sure about losing the reviews when I swap the chapters. And your right it's the three broomsticks, not the two… but I don't think that's really important for the story itself.
lily grace anderson – Thanks for your review. Sorry for the grammar mistakes and for the advice to add a bit more description. Well, I don't know if will get better because englisch is not my first language. For the grammar mistakes I have a beta and maybe she didn't catch them all. And for the description part, well that's not easy because that is exactly the point I have trouble with. I know the writing style is kept simple but I really can't help that. I have some trouble to fill the spaces between the important parts because the words don't come that easy in englisch. I hate it when an author rushes from one big thing to the next but it's more complicated than I thought.