Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all public characters, and the world of Harry Potter. There is no intention to violate copyright.

Detention & the Entity

Saturday, August 22, 1998

Three students stared at me, and it was no surprise to see them glance at the clock. Longbottom agreed to spend Saturdays with me in detention, so we could have extra time to work on his apprenticeship. The lad did well, but I could not let that go to his head. The redheaded weasel and Potter were the only ones in detention, and I found that somewhat surprising.

Weasley smirked at my near-late arrival and mentioned, "Too bad Harry, looks like we have detention after all." He glanced at Potter, and I wondered how I could do this without the bond taking offence. The redheaded git sat down, and glared at me as if I was the one at fault for his having to spend Saturday in detention. He will soon remember his place.

Potter's detention came about because of our attempting to avoid the bond limitations. Technically, it was his decision, and he suggested the idea. I had no say in the matter, and the situation terrified me. I feared the bond's reaction more than I cared to admit. Unfortunately, the link told Potter of my feelings. Would he take offence to my not trusting him? There were so many things to complicate this situation. The one thing I was sure of was a need to bow before him, and this I did. He gave me the foot signal and enquired, "Severus, what is on the agenda today?"

My brow rose at him curiously, as I contemplated how best to do this. If I approached detention, the same way I do the 'Potter Squad,' then it might work. It was worth a try. "There are a few things we need," I mentioned calmly and wrote a short list on the board. "The highest priority is the cleaning of the cauldrons and getting them ready for the coming school term. The student work stations needed new equipment, and they received repairs over the summer." I placed a parchment on my desk and motioned to it as I explained, "This is a list of items needed for each. The crates at the back of the room contain the new equipment, supplies, and ingredients. You are N.E.W.T. level students, so I expect few difficulties. However, there are a few that I use in my own potions, which you may not recognize. Those go on the desk, and I will put them away."

The painful ache urged me to stop, and I dared not push it further. My head hurt more than I cared to admit, and I sat at the desk and held it in my hands. Everyone in the room knew of the bond, but it was not something I enjoyed talking about. Potter approached, and grasped my head with his palms at my temples. The pain vanished at his touch, but he spoke to appease the bond, "I approve of the suggested list. We will start immediately." Potter spoke quietly as he stated, "Severus, the students will talk if I hold your head in class. We need to tell them something, and you know how rumors spread. Everyone will know before the sorting. What would you like to tell them?"

Potter sounded very sincere, but I answered somewhat cheekily as I stated, "I would like to tell them that we managed to cut the bond. McGonagall plans to take care of the explanations." He glanced at me curiously, as I elaborated, "She invited trusted members of the media to the opening feast, and she wants to discuss her speech with us." I glanced down at my lap, and then back at him as I admitted, "The bond may not let me give an opinion, because of the topic. Master, may I ask a favour?" Potter nodded his agreement. My voice lowered as I calmly spoke, "Could we please avoid mentioning the punishments?" The redheaded git stared at me after asking the question, so I knew he heard.

"No offence to you, Professor Snape, but you are fooling yourself," Weasley hesitantly said. Both brows slightly raised as I motioned for him to continue, "Why would you ever listen to Harry? Everyone knows you two constantly fought. Suddenly, you obey him. Professor Snape, you continue to scowl and frown at Harry. This shows that your actions are not the result of a spell. You are not under the Imperius curse. Do you get what I am saying? You do not need to tell people, because they will assume Harry punishes you."

Potter contemplated what I told him, and then listened to Weasley. Cautiously he mentioned, "Ron has a point, but I think we can do this without humiliating you, Severus. McGonagall does not have to mention that I punish you. Let the students know about the bond entity doing it." How could he possibly think that is not humiliating? My students will ridicule me.

Weasley glanced at Potter and laughed, "Harry, can you imagine how many students would tattle to you about Professor Snape?" The crass Gryffindor chuckled at his own joke and added more, "Parents would address their angered owls directly to Harry Potter, and skip the Headmistress."

Potter received a nod in gratitude for his understanding, but I did not appreciate Weasley's humor. I already dreaded McGonagall receiving the owls, but I never considered Potter getting them. Typically, I had over a dozen in a single month. Potter's idea was easier to stomach, because a magical entity punishing me was easier on my ego. Slowly, I rose from my chair, and glanced at my apprentice. My two responsibilities conflicted, so I approached Potter and quietly asked, "Master, Longbottom, and I planned to work on a batch of potions for the infirmary. I need to help him throughout the day."

Potter shook his head and admitted, "Severus, do what you must. Let me know if the bond objects." Quietly he mentioned for my ears only, "Snape, I have yet to believe that you deserved any of the punishments I gave. Nothing about this is right. Do not let your other work fall behind." He received my nod of thanks.

Longbottom laid the equipment out before him, and the ingredients we prepped the previous day. He glanced at me and asked, "Professor Snape, are we making all ten batches? If so, I have everything we need, and it won't take long to start on them."

The lad was neat, and it impressed me with the amount of care he put into his work. Fortunately, the youth seemed much less clumsy these days, and I could only attribute that to his mind finally catching up with those gangly limbs of his. We worked closely together throughout the past month, and he proved himself capable of the tasks I asked of him. He seemed much better once he stopped dropping everything. I glanced at the ingredients, and then offered the youth a slow shake of my head. With a calm voice I mentioned, "Mr. Longbottom, your previous support was adequate. Today, I will test you. Tonight we will know if you made it into my N.E.W.T. level class." The boy's eyes widened as he stared at me, and his head slowly nodded in understanding. Silkily I mentioned, "One batch is enough for our needs."

The ache began to grow, and a glance around the room showed Weasley and Potter hard at work scrubbing cauldrons. Longbottom stated enthusiastically, "I'll put the rest of the ingredients in stasis. Will you stay in the room Professor Snape?"

"That is correct. Speak with me if needed," I calmly mentioned, and the ache grew a little stronger. Longbottom eagerly set to work on his assigned task, and I found myself a dirty cauldron. My nose wrinkled as I caught whiff of the horrendous stench, and I briefly wondered what Slughorn had his students work on. Why did he not have them clean? Rather than making many trips, I decided to grab a few and brought them to the scrubbing area.

Weasley groaned as he saw me approach with the dirty items. His eyes widened when he noticed I dipped them into the cleaning solution and reached for a pot scrubber. His shocked expression somewhat amused me. "Professor Snape, I have never seen you scrub cauldrons before," he finally gasped, as if this was the first time I ever cleaned one.

"You will find me quite capable at the task, Mr. Weasley," I stated, and then returned to the feat of attempting to hold my breath. These things were rancid! It is odd that he left so many dirty cauldrons. It took a good thirty minutes to finish the first pot, and then I started to feel the effects of all that coffee. The cauldron passed my inspection, so I dried it off and placed it in the cupboard. It was my intention to use the facilities, but the ache returned in my head. Each step closer to the door caused the pain to intensify, and I froze. What could the bond want? My mind raced as I thought of the possibilities, and the only one I could think of was too loathsome to consider. It never made me ask him before, but this is a punishment. It was too humiliating, and I would wait until lunch.

Potter seemed relaxed washing cauldrons, and he did have a good knack for scrubbing the more difficult areas. That likely had to do with his muggle upbringing. The next cauldron I picked was larger, and something I could fully focus on. The bottom needed a scraper, as it had a caked on substance. In short, the thing was utterly revolting. Half an hour later, and the blasted thing still was not completed. Weasley attempted to chatter through the task, but well-timed glares from me gave moments of silence.

A glance at the clock informed me it was half past ten, and I found myself badly needing to leave. Sweat glistened on my brow, as I had no wish to ask about something so personal. This was mortifying. What teacher asks this of his student? I am a grown man for Merlin's sake. Potter glanced at me curiously, and I swallowed knowing the bond would have told him of my anxiety and humiliation. My eyes closed, as I steeled myself for the task. I approached Potter and calmly whispered my request. It was too low, and he could not hear me, so I had to repeat myself. "Master, please may I be excused for a few minutes?" Potter's eyes widened in understanding, and he promptly gave me permission. Merlin, I hated this bond!

Without hesitation, I left the room to complete a slightly more important task. It was mortifying that the bond demanded permission. The situation was too humiliating to talk about, but we would need to discuss it later. I stood mere feet from the classroom when I heard Weasley laugh, "Why didn't you tell him to hold it? You know he would have done that with us."

That boy needed a muzzle; unfortunately, Hogwarts did not allow their use. If that rat faced kid kept his mouth shut, then Dumbledore would never have known to banish them. I opted to wait outside the door for a few moments, and I heard Potter's voice, "Ron, I have no idea why he left. It would not surprise me if McGonagall needed him. If you're so curious, why don't you ask?"

Weasley snorted in disgust as he uttered, "Yeah, and wingless pigs fly. The greasy git hardly ever talks to me, but he tells you everything. I bet he knows many of Dumbledore's secrets, because they were close. Don't you ever get curious, and want to ask him about the past?"

The ache started to form again, and I realized it was time to return to the classroom. Potter responded to Weasley as I approached them. "No, Ron I would never do that. How would you like it if someone forced you to blab about your secrets?"

My bow to Potter was quick, but that was what the bond demanded. I pushed my sleeves up and returned to the filthy cauldron when I silkily stated, "Secrets, would you two be discussing me?" Weasley became the focus of my glare, as I bore into him. The youth seemed somewhat unnerved, but I refused to look away. My voice deadened, as I calmly mentioned, "Mr. Weasley, you will conduct yourself in silence. If the task proves too difficult, then I will aid with magical means. Do you understand?" The gormless git slowly nodded his head, and then pushed orange strands of hair from his face. The next ten minutes were relatively peaceful, and then Weasley started talking. With a flick of my wand, I cast 'Epoximise,' and his lips glued shut. I returned to my cauldron.

Weasley's eyes widened and he tugged hard on Potter's arm while screaming through his closed mouth. The youth smirked, but continued with his own work. Longbottom's shoulders shook with the effort to hold in his laughter, and I attempted to ignore everything else while I scrubbed the cauldron. It was half past eleven when Potter inched beside me. He quietly whispered, "Severus, do you plan to leave him like that?"

If only I could. Weasley stared at us expectantly, and it infuriated me to think of Potter ordering my removal of the charm. I hoped to convince him otherwise, so I mentioned, "Master, I intend to release him at noon." This apparently satisfied the boy, and to my relief he returned to his sink and the dirty cauldrons. If smug smirks were not beneath me, I would have one for Weasley. I cast the counter curse at twelve.

Weasley needed to find Granger, and the two youth made plans to meet in the Great Hall for lunch. The redheaded git left with Longbottom, but Potter stayed behind. He closed the door to my classroom, and then approached me. Taking out his wand, he cast 'Silencio.' This did not look good. He studied me with his gaze, and said nothing for a moment. My eyes flicked to his, and they were still emerald-green. At least that was a positive sign. Cautiously I asked, "Master?"

Potter folded his arms over his chest and mentioned accusingly, "Severus, I did not wish to question you, but was it necessary to glue Ron's lips closed?" I certainly thought so, and I told him with a firm nod. The youth inhaled deeply before he asked, "Does Hogwarts allow you to use that spell on Students?"

That depends if the student complains to their parents, and if they bother to send an owl. There are many variables, and it is difficult to answer such a question considering all the alternative outcomes. Then again, the bond sees through all that and it was urging me to answer. Calmly I spoke "I suspect, not."

Potter smirked at me and admitted, "Too bad, that was funny. He had it coming, but Severus I know you get into trouble for doing things like that. I promised not to interfere with your teaching, but the bond might react unkindly to any disciplinary action."

With a nod at Potter I admitted, "It is disconcerting. I imagine the bond views it as my making you look poorly." The youth gave a nod of agreement, and then he ended the silent spell. We parted ways with the proper formalities. Instead of eating at my desk, I opted to visit the Great Hall.

The Entity

Minerva was anxiously awaiting me, and when I sat down, she immediately cast 'Silencio.' Today I chose a small bowl of soup, and a sandwich. Minerva glanced at me while I dipped the bread, and asked, "How did it go? Severus, did the bond complain?"

The question took a few moments to answer, as I had to swallow my bite of soggy sandwich. With a glance at Minerva I admitted, "The bond did not complain. I treated it like we do with the construction tasks." With a grimace I admitted, "It is understandable why students dislike my detentions."

McGonagall chuckled at my comment, and studied my hands. She smirked at me and lightly teased, "Why Professor Snape, it seems that you have dishpan hands." Curiously, I glanced at them, and I realized the woman made an accurate observation. She smiled at me and asked, "Do you have many cauldrons left?"

With a shake of my head I admitted, "Thank Merlin, no. We will set up the classroom this afternoon."

McGonagall smirked at my reaction and explained, "Pansy and Draco arrived half an hour ago. I wanted to send them to speak with you. Would you prefer immediately after lunch, or closer to two?"

She knew I could not answer that question, so why did she ask? The lack of sleep made the day even more dreadful, and I reached for another cup of coffee. With a glance at McGonagall I explained, "Minerva, Potter must give me permission. Otherwise, I am fine with it." Her words suddenly sunk in, and I glanced at the Slytherin table. There sat my two newest team members. Malfoy came to an understanding with Potter, but Pansy hated anything Gryffindor or muggle. She despised the Master. Perhaps Minerva wished to test me as head of Slytherin, as I could see no other reason to subject me to the torment.

Potter and his friends arrived in the Great Hall, and I hurried to finish my meal. McGonagall glanced at him, and I rose from my chair. "Minerva, I will ask Potter and let you know. It would surprise me if he denied permission," I said to her before walking away. I approached the Slytherin table, and greeted the new arrivals, "Mr. Malfoy, Miss Parkinson, how charitable of you to offer help." Draco gave me a wide smile, but my warning glare promptly reminded him to mask it. Lucius would have beaten him for his flagrant public display. Pansy's slight nod of the head was a more appropriate greeting. I had no time to lollygag, as McGonagall awaited my answer. I signaled my departure with my customary nod, and made my way to the Gryffindor table.

Potter received a formal bow, and not a typically hurried one. Fear of the bond entity gave me the strength I needed to suffer the humiliation. It was no easier to accept. Pansy's gasp met my ears, but I heard nothing from Draco. Potter motioned for me to rise, and he turned curiously to me. In a calm voice I asked, "Master, may I have a few minutes of your time?"

The youth rose from his chair, and motioned for me to follow. We left the Great Hall, and stepped into an alcove where he cast 'Silencio.' Potter turned his emerald eyes to me and asked, "Severus is there a problem?"

He tends to have a good mind, but it is difficult to notice. Why does he ask the most inane questions? My being a bonded slave is a huge problem, and I know he has not forgotten that. The entity would not think fondly of my retort, so I mentioned, "Master, Headmistress McGonagall wishes me to speak with the new team members this afternoon."

Potter glanced curiously at me, as if not understanding why I needed to speak in private. Suddenly he mentioned, "Severus, I release you from the punishment." We both waited to see if a tingling sensation would occur, but nothing happened. Potter then mentioned, "I suspected a full day of detention was a little harsh, considering that you did rescue us. However, I need to try something." He closed his eyes as if attempting to mediate, and then he shook his head. "It is fine; the entity has no issue with it."

I stared at Potter curiously, as I attempted to form the words. Finally, I bluntly asked, "What, in Merlin's name, was that?"

The youth smirked at me and asked, "Severus, I need you to keep a secret." Right, as if I could ever not do what he asked. I opted to humor him with a nod of my head. Does he honestly believe I have a choice in the matter? Even he is not that thick. Potter glanced over his shoulder. He turned to me and mentioned with a slightly deeper than normal voice, "Severus. You completed your task adequately, and I can release you from the punishment." That was Potter, but it sounded like he was channeling the Entity.

The silence spell prevented anyone from hearing our conversation, but I noticed Parkinson and Malfoy staring at us from the alcove's entrance. My knees weakened at hearing the deeper and darker voice. Desperately I attempted to fight the urge, but my traitorous legs lowered me into a kneeling position. Thankfully, I could not hear them. I noticed a small crowd gathering. Tears pricked at my eyes, as the humiliation tore at my very being. Terror chilled me, because I recalled the last time I was in this position. At least then, I was alone. Fortunately, I shed no tears.

Potter placed a hand on my bent head, as I gazed at his feet. With an ethereal voice he mentioned, "Severus, why do you fight me?" A pit formed in my stomach, and I felt his hands move to my chin. He lifted my face to gaze into his dark scarlet eyes. I felt him in my mind, and shivered as he viewed long forgotten memories. His voice rumbled softly as he stated, "The Master never summoned me. How is that possible?" Potter went limp, but he floated in the air and did not collapse. After a few minutes, the Entity returned and mentioned, "I now understand. Millions summoned me in hopes of attaining my power, but I have accepted fewer than the number of fingers on a human hand."

My eyes widened at the news, and I abruptly glanced at the entrance to see a large crowd staring at us. I suspected they were curious about Potter's previously limp body floating in the air. The entity started to speak, "Severus, you seek information. Since the Master did not petition me, I will tell you. My kind once granted our powers to mortals, and watched as they fought one another. Others sought to end the fighting. They killed our pets, and their Masters. We allowed this. Then they destroyed knowledge of us. My kind transcended to another existence, but I stayed. One of my bonded pairings survived. You may know them as Merlin, and his apprentice."

Merlin bonded with this entity. History books never mentioned his having a slave. However, I did want to know what it had to say, so I continued to listen. "My pet, you have an inner strength, a strong will, a powerful magical force and a capable mind. These make you an ideal vessel, because the Master must channel my powers through you. He has a caring heart, a strong sense of morality, a good mind, and powerful magical abilities. I seek these qualities. Disobedience causes your magic to conflict with the Master's, and static forms on the channel. You refer to this as a tingling sensation. The Master must punish to lessen the wilfulness, and magical interference. The static causes me pain, and I grow angered when he fails to obey my rules. Give your master my message."

I should have asked him if Merlin was still alive. Emerald-green eyes looked down at me, and I knew the entity had left. Potter stared above my head and curiously enquired, "Was that wall always there?" He then motioned for me to stand, and I wasted no time in doing so. I dreaded having to face the crowd of people, but when I turned, there was nothing but a stone wall. Potter smirked at me and suggested, "If that was McGonagall, I hope she adds a door."

"That would prove ideal." I glanced at the youth who looked to me questioningly, and then I told him everything I remembered about the Entity. I was unable to resist placing my finger under his chin, and assist him with the closing of his mouth. Curiously, I enquired, "Master, did you contact the Entity deliberately?"

Potter shook his head as he admitted, "No, not really, I don't think so. I was thinking about the bond, and the tingling sensation to figure out if you would get into trouble. What do you make of it?"

I ran a hand through my hair, and wrinkled my nose at how disgusting it felt. With a glance at Potter, I could see his was in little better condition. Ugh, this is yet another reason to hate cleaning cauldrons! Calmly I explained, "Master, the tingling sensation is my magical energy creating static on our bond. This happens, because I struggle against you." It was tempting to avoid mentioning the punishments, but I suspected the Entity would not approve. I glanced at him uneasily and admitted, "The punishments lessen my wilfulness and removes the magical interference. I suppose, they keep me in line." Slyly I admitted, "My static seems to come from deliberate acts, because my less than obedient thoughts do not trigger it."

The youth glanced at me, and chuckled softly as he asked, "Do you still curse me out, yell at me, call me stupid, or generally insult me?"

My lips curled upwards as I cheekily asked, "Did you expect anything less?"

Potter smirked at me and admitted, "No, it is still kind of shocking not to hear you saying those things." My eyes flicked off to the side, and then I heard him ask, "Severus, are we in trouble? Do you think the Entity is evil, or composed of Dark magic?"

If we based it off my opinion, then the degree of evil would correlate with the tingling sensation's intensity. Calmly I explained, "It seemed very dark when it punished me with the electric lash. Actions mean more than words, so I suggest caution. Master, I do not think we should channel his powers."

The youth sat on a stone bench and contemplated the information. He glanced at me and asked, "Severus, do you think I am in danger? Will it take over me, or turn me into a dark wizard?"

My arms folded over my chest as I admitted, "Technically, we are all dark wizards to some degree." Potter's brows rose at my comment, and then I asked, "Have you ever cast a dark spell, or brewed a questionable potion?" His hesitant nod answered my question. Then I casually mentioned, "The ministry of magic lists me as a dark wizard. I suppose, the Dark Mark had something to do with that."

Potter smirked at my confession and playfully threatened, "Don't you dare turn evil on me. Severus, you are in trouble enough as it is. Besides, I would never allow you to become an evil wizard." My arms folded across my chest challengingly, as I silently dared him. Potter came through admirably by saying, "Severus, I revoke permission for you to use magic."

My loud gasp caused him to laugh, and then Potter permitted me to use magic. After swallowing down the bitter bile, I forced myself to admit, "Master, you made a valid point." With a coy grin I mentioned, "It would seem we are late for detention. Would you like me to ask Zincky to make you something for lunch?" With my wand held firmly, I aimed it at the wall and cast a little transfiguration magic. Now we had a door.

Someone opened it, and McGonagall stepped through. We could see others behind her, but she firmly closed it. Now I suspected an even later arrival. She stared at us and then enquired, "Students burst into the Great Hall screaming about Mr. Potter floating in the air, and Professor Snape groveling to something unseen. They thought you pleaded with Harry, until they saw him float. Severus, I wish this wall protected your privacy, but many students saw the events before I arrived."

A slow nod was my response to her apology as I stated, "Minerva, I appreciate the wall. Do you know how Draco and Pansy took it? They were the first to arrive." She frowned at the question and implied it would test my mettle. I had little doubt. Potter received my attention as I enquired, "Master, do I have your permission to pass on the message?" Minerva appeared startled by my question, and then she attempted to mask it. Potter gave his approval, and I told her everything.

By the end of my tale, the Headmistress sat on the stone bench and stared at us with a mystified expression. Cautiously she enquired, "Do you believe what the Entity told you?"

Potter admitted, "It makes sense, but we are not sure if we can trust it. Severus recognizes the Entity when it possesses me. Madame Pomfrey claims we are both at a hundred percent health, despite earlier afflictions, which have no explanation for their disappearance. My scar is a symbol, so that remained."

McGonagall hesitated at hearing our information. Cautiously she turned to Potter and mentioned, "The possession concerns me. We do not know what the Entity is, or if we can trust it. Mr. Potter, is it safe for the other students if you stay in the Gryffindor tower?" We both answered with a nod. She did not seem fully satisfied, but then she relented. "We will need to keep an eye on this." She glanced at me and asked, "Professor Snape, when can I send down Mr. Malfoy and Miss Parkinson?"

"Two would work nicely," I admitted. With a glance at McGonagall I mentioned, "Headmistress, my tardiness worsens." She smiled at me, and then we hurriedly returned to detention. Fortunately, I no longer had to serve it.