The Gift Power by EnchantedUnicorn

Chapter 10

Prince Manor

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

They arrived with a gate in front of them. "This amulet allows me to enter," Professor Snape said, holding up his amulet. It reminded Harry of the amulet that his professor gave him to protect him from the Dursleys.

He placed his amulet on the keyhole of the gate, and it swiftly slid open. They all hurried in, and were surprised when the scene around them suddenly changed. "Complex spells led us to a different area," Professor Snape explained.

Harry gasped disbelievingly at the lush, fertile fields around him, and a creek of clear, drinkable water flowing through the fields. Beyond the green there was more richness; hills with evergreen trees that stood out, and flowers tinting the hills with pink, red, or blue. A palatial building stood not far from where they were. It was quite a marvelous sight to see. "T-t-this is Prince Manor?!" Harry breathed shakily.

"Yes," Professor Snape confirmed.

"The fields, also?" Professor Row questioned. He was too as shocked as Harry was, never once in his life seeing anything so… harmonious and bright.

"Yes, but not the hills," Professor Snape added. He breathed in deeply, welcoming the pure, fresh air that even Hogwarts lacked.

He led his two permanent guests into his manor, expecting to surprise them once again. He did.

"Merlin, look at the stairs!" Harry gushed, his eyes wide with amazement. The staircases spiraled up, looking as

"And the rooms," Professor Row said. "This regal manor… it's only fit for royalty."

"Well, technically, "princes" are royalty," Harry joked, grinning at Professor Row. The corners of Professor Row's lips twitched.

Harry turned to Professor Snape, broadcasting the adulation he had towards him and his manor. "Sir, you come live here every year?"

"Yes, though I limit myself to only use the necessary rooms and the lab and kitchen," he admitted, not wanting to boast about his inheritance. It was rightfully Professor Row's, too.

Professor Row nodded in understanding. "Good," he said. "Or else there won't be any room for me," he drawled as an afterthought.

"Wouldn't want that to happen, would we?" Professor Snape smirked.

"Of course we would." Harry rolled his eyes sarcastically, but when both professors menacingly glowered at him, he hastily added, "Not." But Merlin, he was just kidding!

"Well, since that is settled, you both can choose your rooms. There are many to choose from," Professor Snape declared loudly. "Well, not a lot, but the rooms are really big… you two can explore the manor without damaging anything, correct?" After their nods, he said, "Very well. Just don't go into the rooms with warnings."

Before Harry could question him about his last statement, Professor Snape was gone with a swish of his robes. He shared a confused glance with Professor Row and shrugged. "See you!" he exclaimed. "Sir."

He walked away to the right, going down the hallway and stopping at the nearest door. He opened it and looked inside. Just an empty bathroom, connected to a bedroom. He peered cautiously into the next; it was just a bedroom, connected to the bathroom he had just seen. The bedroom was dazzling, with sunlight streaming in through the windows and beautiful scenery outside. The bedroom too had a closet and a small desk with a drawer. It was perfect. If he could have this one, he would. But would Professor Snape allow it?

He brushed his uncertainties aside and went to the next door. At the third one, though, he felt magic. Magic like the one he felt at the wall with the library behind it, only it was colder and darker. He shuddered. He suddenly knew that that was the warning Professor Snape was referring to: Dark magic. Despite the fact that he knew he was not supposed to go in there, he could not help but notice that a small voice inside of him was nagging him to go in. Harry nearly did so, his hand reaching out, but at the last moment drew it back and he profoundly ignored the persuading voice.

"Very good," an approving voice praised behind him. "You have passed your first test."

Harry spun around. "Professor! Test?!" he squeaked, unable to form complete sentences.

"You will certainly have tests! Though you are my Potions Apprentice, I may train you in other areas if I wish," Professor Snape said, dramatically pretending to look offended.

"Does Professor Row have these tests?" Harry asked, mildly curious.

"Professor Row?!" Professor Snape snorted dubiously. "He is not my apprentice, while you are. Furthermore, his level is about the same as mine."

"How do you know?"

Professor Snape's lips thinned. "His magic is strong, so is his will."

"Oh," Harry said.

"Have you finished looking for your bedroom?" Professor Snape inquired.

Harry nodded energetically. "Yes, sir! Would it be fine if I had that one?" He pointed to the opulent room he had longed for.

Professor Snape followed his finger to where it was pointing. "Ah, that one. Of course."

Harry grinned, joyfulness showing on his face. Professor Snape was very kind to let him choose such a grand room. "Thank you, sir!" he exclaimed excitedly. He had his own room. His own room with a desk and a bathroom, and everything else he needed. It was the best gift ever, and he was very touched that he was allowed to live in this manor and sleep in the most sumptuous room he had ever seen before.

Professor Snape inclined his head in acknowledgement of the thanks. Harry was showing too much enthusiasm for a mere room. But, he never had his own, only his cousin's second room. Professor Snape sighed and repeatedly vowed to offer all the love and care that his apprentice had been declined in his childhood.

"Harry," Professor Snape called after breakfast.

After a few moments, the sound of footsteps were heard, and an annoyed Harry came out. "Sir?"

"Your schedule," Professor Snape smirked slyly, a parchment floating in front of him.

Harry eyes widened. Damn it, and he thought that during summer holidays he might have been able to relax, after his all schoolwork was done. But no, as an apprentice, he had extra work. He groaned. "Yes sir," he muttered sullenly, and accepted the parchment.

8:30- Breakfast

9:00- Chores

10:00- Rest

10:30- School Assignments

11:30- Lunch

12:00- Rest

12:30- Training

17:00- Reading

18:00- Dinner

19:00- Free time

21:30- On bed

22:00- Lights out

Harry looked up, shocked. He rapidly did the math in his head. "What?! That much work, sir?" he exclaimed.

"Yes, Harry, you must be prepared," Professor Snape explained gently. It was about time he told Harry about the next prophecy.

"For what?" Harry's brow furrowed.

"To defeat Lord Hojas. A second prophecy was seen, saying you and I were the only ones who could," Professor Snape said, revealing what had been kept.

A voice behind them said, "What?"

They both spun around, wands in hand. They were lowered when Professor Snape and Harry realized it was Professor Row. "How much did you hear?" Professor Snape demanded.

"All. And if you try to obliviate me…. Just don't," Professor Row warned.

"We won't," Harry said, knowing that his next statement would prevent him from doing so. "Professor Snape, we can trust Professor Row."

Professor Snape stared at Harry, suddenly remembering the first gift he received. "Very well. Peter, swear not to tell anyone this. We'd be grateful if you willingly do so." Then it hit him. The the wards of Prince Manor did not allow anyone truly dark or evil to enter, which confirmed that he was on the Light side.

"I, Peter Row, swear on my wizard's honor to not tell anyone what I have just heard," he said. Magic circled him, binding the oath, and gradually faded away.

"Now that all that is settled, shall we start on your schedule?" Professor Snape asked, fake happiness dripping off his tongue.

"Yes, sir," Harry groaned dejectedly. "Who will train me?"

"Me, and… Peter? Would you mind helping me train Harry?" Professor Snape turned to his cousin.

"No," Professor Row smirked. "We would make great partners."

Harry smiled. They were already beginning to grow into a new family.

Today's chores were really simple for Harry. And the best part was that he was that he was permitted to use magic to accomplish his tasks! Using magic was wonderful. He could do wandless magic, though when he used a wand, the result was better.

And now, he needed to pack away his clothes and belongings. Without his wand, he cried, "Accio schoolbooks!" They all came floating to him in a neat stack. Using his other hand to open the desk drawer, he dropped the books in with satisfaction. Doing the same with his clothes and trunk, he was done before long.

Professor Snape had also requested Harry to change the colors in the room as he saw fit. Harry immediately knew that that was another test. He knew that Professor Snape was testing if he would change it to green or red, if he respected other opinions or not. So, he changed the ceilings into a pale, creamy green, and his bed covers into maroon. Satisfied, he headed out.

"Done so soon?" Professor Snape, who sitting on the sofa, asked.

"Yes, sir," Harry said, beaming. Professor Snape knows that I used wish magic, yet he pretends to be surprised so he won't upset me.

Professor Snape strode to his room. "Very good," he praised approvingly. "You have passed your second test."

Harry smiled softly. "I know, sir. Thank you."

Harry knew that I was testing him? Professor Snape thought. "You knew. No wonder. I will have to find a way to catch you by surprise. And Harry," he paused to look at the blushing boy, whose head quickly snapped up, "Call me… Sev or Severus."

Harry's eyes widened. Call a professor by his first name? That was just unheard of! But at the same time, he knew that that would strengthen their bond together. "Yes, s- Sev," Harry obeyed, catching himself.

Severus gazed at the thin boy in front of him. Lily was the only person who called him Sev all the time…. His eyes indistinctly watered a bit, before he rubbed them away, pretending to be tired. "Very well. You can have a prolonged rest, since you have finished your chores early."

Harry inwardly cheered. An hour of free time! "Sir, may I explore the grounds?"

Severus considered for a moment, before replying, "You may. Here is a watch, be back in your room at 10:30 sharp. Be careful. Never take of the watch from now on. It has enchantments to protect it on it." Severus handed Harry a shiny copper watch, one of the Prince family heirlooms. He had one himself, and he could always reveal a hidden clock by turning the tiny knob a few times. It would show a picture of where the owner of the other watch was, which in this case was Harry, and it warns him automatically if Harry is in danger. Similar to the amulet Harry still had around his neck, only it could not transport him anywhere.

Harry examined the watch closely, before delicately slipping it around his bony wrists. He felt magic pulsating from it, but ignored it. Probably just the enchantments Severus was talking about "Thank you so much, P- Severus."

He headed outside, breathing into the fresh air, and headed towards the creek. He peered inside- there was nothing, apart from a rocks. The water looked so clean… he could even drink it.

"Harry," something above him called in a strain voice.

Harry's peered up through his glasses. The voice sounded so familiar. Suddenly, he spotted it. A gleam of gold in the air, reflecting the sunlight shining upon it. "Aureus!" he roared joyfully.

The dragon slowly landed, and Harry noted that it had increased ten folds. "What are you doing here, Aureus?" Harry could not keep the happiness out of his voice.

"I was looking for you, Harry. But please help. I was resting in a cave when these winged, black animals started tearing apart my wings," Aureus whispered, turning around, and revealing a wing with many scratches and marks. Harry knew what made those marks. They were called golters and they had the sharpest teeth in Britain, strong enough to damage the toughest golden dragon's hide.

"I'm sorry Aureus. I'll heal you," Harry said, his heart clenching as he looked at his friend's wing.

He gently ran his hands over Aureus's wing, sending glows surrounding the scars. He wished himself to float up in the air for a while, and when he did, he covered the rest of the wing. "Better now?" he asked quietly as he landed on the grass.

"Yes, thank you, Harry," Aureus said, her head slowly inching towards Harry's.

Harry stroked the smooth skin and asked, "How was your new home?"

"It was nice, but I missed you, Harry. There were many other dragons…." Aureus went one, listing off the events that happened to her. "And finally my training was over, and I was released and I could roam freely."

"That's wonderful, Aureus," Harry grinned, petting Aureus again. "Would you like to stay here? I mean, as long as you don't eat anything Sev tells you not to."

"If that is okay with you," Aureus said, her eyes sparkling hopefully.

Professor Row walked out of the house while calling, "Harry! Severus has asked me to-" He halted abruptly as he noticed the creature who was threateningly spitting out jets of fire.

Calm down, Aureus, Harry thought to his friend. Aureus started resisting the urge to slay the newcomer. It was just a dragon protective instinct.

"Professor Row," Harry greeted politely.

Professor Row had an impassive look, but his eyes were glinting with faint fear. "What in Merlin's name is that?" he exclaimed.

"A dragon, sir," Harry informed him promptly, as if it was the most obvious thing.

"I know that," he growled. "Where did you find it?"

"She found me. She came to me," Harry explained. "Aureus is my friend." As if to add to that statement, he stroked Aureus again.

Professor Row stared at Harry and the dragon disbelievingly, before quickly cast an Amplifying Charm. "Severus! I need you out. Now," he shouted, and with the charm it boomed and echoed sharply into the manor.

After a few moments, a furious Severus came out, looking like a hound waiting to tear his prey apart. "Merlin, Peter, can't you just follow the simplest-" His eyes suddenly widened with realization at the scene in front of him. "Is… that… a dragon?!" he finally hissed.

"Yes, sir," Harry replied quietly. "The one… Hagrid had." Suddenly, this did not seem like a very amusing situation to him anymore.

"How did she get here?" Severus asked. Prince Manor was in a very isolated area, it was unknown to most.

"I believe we may have formed a bond during our time together," Harry admitted. He looked at Severus with pleading eyes. "Can we please keep Aureus?"

"I suppose we could…." Severus said.

"B-B-But it's illegal to own dragons in Britain!" Professor Row spluttered.

"Prince Manor is not exactly part of Britain, it's almost like a whole different universe. Time runs slower, only inhabitants of Prince Manor and some owls can find it, you can't locate it on a map. After we passed the gate we were led to a whole different area," Severus explained slowly.

Harry and Professor Row gaped at him. "That's just… so abstruse!" Harry blurted, and Professor Snape nodded in understanding.

"How did the dragon find Harry then?" Professor Row inquired silkily.

"That… I do not know. Possibly there bond was so strong that he was able to weave pass the wards and spells of the gate and enter this area," Severus shrugged uncertainly.

"Oh. Well, I can keep Aureus, correct?" Harry asked hopefully, hugging his dragon's snout.

"Yes," Severus said. "There are places where she can hunt around here." He pointed to a patch of green around the far hills.

"But please try to tell her to not eat any owls," Professor Row added.

Harry's thoughts drifted to his snowy owl. He had been declining her attention the whole school year, he noticed grimly. "I will," he vowed, and proceeded to do so.

Aureus, you see that forest over there?

Yes, Harry, what about it?

You can hunt there. Just don't eat any owls, they might be messenger owls.

I think I can manage that.

Thanks, Aureus!

Harry turned back to his two professors. "Done. Thank you so much for letting me keep Aureus!"

They both acknowledged the thanks with a nod. "Aureus, huh? Who came up with that name?" Professor Row questioned.

"Oh… err… I did," Harry confessed, blushing. "I thought it would fit her."

Professor Row nodded. "It does, alright. I'd be surprised, though, if it were Hagrid who came up with that name."

Severus smiled thinly. "True," he acquiesced. "Tell her to go hunt. You need to start on your school assignments. By the way, you will go by that schedule for a whole year, since time runs slower here."

Harry groaned. A whole year?! That was too much! "What will I do when I finished all my school assignments?" Please, rest or free time.

"You will complete the assignments we give you," Professor Row and Severus chorused simultaneously.

"Fine," Harry spat dejectedly. "Aureus, go hunt now." He waved at the golden dragon.

Aureus seemed to get the idea and took off, disappearing into a small speck in the sky.

The three wizards headed back into the manor, Severus into his lab, Harry and Professor Row into their rooms.

Harry growled at his History of Magic book and the parchment with questions he had given them. Why in Merlin's name did they have summer assignments? Suddenly, Harry had an idea. I wish that all the answers will appear on this parchment.

Nothing happened. "Damn it. Anti-cheating spells," Harry swore. He unwillingly set to work, gradually putting his mind into the events of the Goblin War.

Finally, he heard a voice call, "Harry! Come out and show me what you have done!"

Harry prayed that his work was satisfactory. He checked his watch: five minutes till lunch. He sighed in relief and grabbed his work, heading out.

Severus was sitting on the sofa as usual, holding his hand out expectantly. Harry passed the parchment to him.

Severus briefly scanned the parchment, noting how accurate each answer was. "Did you find this interesting?" he asked curiously. As a child, he hated learning about goblin wars; he would understand if Harry did too.

"Listening to Professor Binns lecture is boring, but reading the actual text is alright," Harry admitted as he snapped his fingers, the parchment floating back to his desk.

"Smart," Severus said. That was exactly what he did as a student of the boring ghost. "Would you mind calling Peter for lunch?"

Harry smiled slyly, gears already turning in his head. "Of course not, Sev," he said. He quickly sharpened his hearing, listening to any sounds of Professor Row, before walking away.

Severus frowned. That smile looked awfully suspicious…. He waved it off. Slytherin Harry might be, and he would like to see what was going to happen. And wait… how did Harry know where Professor Row's room was? That damn boy was too intelligent for his own good.

Harry walked down the hallway and up the stairs. When he was sure he was out of sight, he shifted into Severus wearing a pink pair of pajamas. After he arrived at Professor Row's room, he knocked vigorously at the door and waited.

An irritated Professor Row appeared at the door, but his expression instantly changed into a surprised one when he saw Severus, which he did not know was Harry. "Merlin, Severus!" He could not contain his laughter and smiles.

Harry cleared his throat. "I would like you down for lunch right now." He tossed his hair back over his shoulders. It was not greasy at all.

"F-Fine," Professor Row stuttered in between fits of laughter. It was very amusing to him to see his cousin in such fashion.

Harry hastily walked away and transformed back into Harry, then ran towards his room with lightning speed. He ensured he had privacy, before bursting into muffled laughter. Severus with pink pajamas?! That was just unheard of! He wondered what Professor Row was thinking right then.

After a few moments, he heard footsteps going down the stairs. He bolted up, prepared to hear any conversation going to take place.

Professor Row trudged down the stairs, fighting to keep the smile of his face. Was that really Severus he saw? It couldn't have been anyone else, there were no poltergeist in Prince Manor as far as he knew. And Harry couldn't possibly have done it, there was no way he could have imitated Severus so accurately.

He entered the living room and saw Severus there, reading a Potions book. "Severus!" he called.

"You're down. Where is Harry?" Severus remarked.

"How am I supposed to know?" Professor Row exclaimed indignantly.

Severus's brow furrowed. "I told him to call you down," he said.

Professor Row stared at his cousin, wondering if this were some type of joke or so. "What do you mean? You were the one who called me down!"

"No, I was here the whole time!"

"You were wearing pink pajamas and you told me to come down!" Professor Row argued.

Severus frowned thoughtfully. He had instructed Harry to call Professor Row down, Harry had a sly look on his face, and then Peter claimed that it was him wearing pink pajamas who called him. The pieces all fit together. "I believe we may have been subjected to a school boy prank," Severus growled. "Harry."

"How?" Professor Row asked disbelievingly.

"Later," Severus said. "But for now, let's go get him."

Harry heard the words, "But for now, let's go get him," and felt the sensation that someone was looking for him, before immediately springing into action. But he needed time… yet he promised Severus he would not freeze time for mischief.

Harry did not know what was up with him today, but he seemed pretty fond of pranks. Wasting no time, he created a fake clone of himself, sleeping on the bed. It was physical, it moved slightly, but it had no feelings or reactions. Perfect, Harry thought, and turned himself invisible and incorporeal, before backing off into a corner.

When the door swung open, Harry walked through the wall and to dining room, turning visible as he sat on a chair, while Severus and Professor Row were staring at the sleeping Harry.

Professor Row firmly prodded Harry's stomach with his finger. "Definitely fake," he commented.

"Yes," Severus agreed.

They both headed back out and were shocked to see Harry happily sitting on a chair, relaxed.

"Y-You… you… you…" they both stammered.

Professor Row came back to his senses and smirked evilly, vowing revenge. "I will show you what happens to naughty boys who play pranks on us two," he growled. Seeing that Harry sitting on a chair too close for him to react, and his wand was in his holster, Professor Row took the advantage and cried, "Titillando!"

Harry raised an eyebrow as the hex shot towards him. He slashed his hand and countered, "Protego." The hex absorbed harmlessly in the shield.

Professor Row was left speechless. A wandless shield?! he thought.

"Shall we eat now?" Harry asked. "We are already behind schedule."

"Right… err… Lea!" Severus called.

A house elf wearing a piece of cloth with the Prince seal appeared. "Yes, Master, what may Lea do for Master?"

"Would you please get us each a bowl of salad and a sandwich?" Severus requested.

"Yes, Master, is there anything else you need?" Lea squeaked.

"Please, a glass of pumpkin juice for Harry and a cuppa for Peter and me. I would prefer it black with milk, and Peter…." Severus looked at Peter expectantly.

"I would like the same, thank you," he hastened to say.

"Yes, Master Peter, Master Harry, and Master Severus, it shall be here in a minute!" Lea popped away.

After everyone had washed their hands and seated themselves, the food appeared. Harry ate it slowly, savoring the unique taste of the salad and sandwich. "Mmm…. How did Lea make these?" Harry asked with his mouth full.

"Don't talk with your mouth full. As for that, you have to ask her," Severus said.

After ten minutes, Harry stared at his half-eaten salad and sandwich longingly. "I'm sorry, sir, I can't eat any more," he said to no one in particular

Professor Row turned to Harry. "Eat three more bites of your sandwich and salad, and finish drinking your pumpkin juice." At Harry's hesitation, he added, "Or else Severus will make you drink Nutrient Potions every day."

Harry obeyed without reluctance. After eating, Harry brought his dishes to the sink, and out of boredom, cleaned them by hand. Then, he went outside and climbed swiftly up a tree, enjoying the feeling of height and the cool breeze blowing down on his face. He gazed over the hills thoughtfully, wondering how his friends were doing and how long was this summer going to be. The word 'long' hit him, and he glanced at his watch. Two minutes till training starts! He scampered down the tree and ran into the house effortlessly, waiting for Severus or Professor Row to come out.

When the second hand on his watch struck twelve, both professors came out. "Glad to see you are on time. We will both be training you DADA for this whole session," Severus announced.

Harry groaned. He sensed it was going to be a long and tiring afternoon.

A/N: More than 4000+ words! A treat for you!

Knock-knock. Trick-or-treat! My favorite type of treats are reviews! *hint*