Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all public characters, and the world of Harry Potter. There is no intention to violate copyright.
Velarian and the Entity
Wednesday, April 14, 1999
It could have happened to anyone. How did McGonagall know about the hidden passageway? Her discovery resulted in my having to send for the Master, and I did not look forward to that conversation. Potter narrowed his brows at me, and I ran a hand through my hair to push it from my face. The youth slowly released his breath while he waited for me to say something. "Severus, why did you ask to see me?"
The situation would not bother the Master, but I suspected a different reaction from my Head of House. If not for the former, I could avoid telling the latter. The irony was not lost on me. "Prince Manor offers us more privacy. Sir, I would prefer to continue our discussion at home."
Nobody wished to give Voldemort bad news, because they seldom escaped a harsh punishment. Potter was nothing like him, and yet I felt anxious. The traitorous link would have told him, despite the firmness of my mask. The youth approached me, and lowered his voice when he asked, "Severus, are you in trouble?"
"Sir, I prefer to discuss this at Prince Manor."
"Of course," he said.
Was it possible to avoid Velarian while we discussed my situation? I did not fear the elf, but it troubled me that he knew of my transgressions. He would hear about them from Potter, and that was bad enough. The elf started to train the Master in his responsibilities, and they discussed different situations. I did not want to know what they talked about, but I preferred to keep Velarian out.
I tossed a pinch of powder at the flames and called for Potter's private suite. The youth seemed puzzled, but he stepped into the floo and vanished. I followed shortly after, and he motioned towards the office. I answered his silent question with a nod. We walked into the study, and the youth leaned against the front of his desk. "What do you wish to discuss?"
Telling him proved more difficult than expected. I glanced at the chair before his desk, and I remembered our last chat-snogging at Malfoy's party. I suspected this office would become hated territory. My gaze returned to the youth, and it lingered while I tried to find the least problematic way of informing him. I reached into my pocket, and pulled out a scroll, which I placed on the desk. "Sir, I need you to sign this."
It was humiliating, and I hoped he would not ask questions. Potter read the parchment, and signed it. The tingling intensity shocked me, and I wondered if the bond based it on my guilt. "What did you do to earn another disciplinary warning?" Why did he sound surprised? I already told him that I received several throughout my career, but Dumbledore refused to give me more than two in any given year.
The scroll kept me distracted, as I rolled it into a fine tube. Would he accept my not telling him? The youth placed a hand on my shoulder in trying to comfort me, and I knew he reacted to my anxiety. Blast, I had to tell him something. "It was a breach of conduct. Master, I would prefer leaving it between my employer and me."
The youth considered my request, and rubbed a thumb against his cheek while he continued to study me. "Why are you anxious? Do you fear a repeat of what happened the last time you received a disciplinary warning?"
The thought had crossed my mind, and I averted my gaze from the youth. "You plan to do that, do you, Master?"
The youth's fingers gently touched my chin, and he turned me to face him. "No, Severus the situation was different. You felt tired, and you treated the students horribly. You were beyond reason, and we would have fought if we discussed it. Prince Manor allowed you to sleep, because too many people interrupted you at Hogwarts. I brought you home for a well-earned punishment, and I let you rest."
His statement irritated me, and it was impossible to hold back my sneer. "Master, what happened to your promise of not interfering with my teaching?"
Potter pushed himself off the desk and paced in silence while he contemplated my question. "You desperately needed a nap, but that would have triggered the bond's punishment. I had to remove the static so you could rest. It was not interference, but you asked a good question. I made that promise when it did not matter if you stayed."
Potter rubbed the back of his neck, and I felt my irritation build. "Severus, we will fulfil the prophecy, but we can only do that while staying at Hogwarts. With my help, you will become King of the human realm."
The arrogant prat believed his own rhetoric. My cloak swished behind me, and I swooped to the other side of the office. I had no wish to stay in his presence. "Thankfully I have you to check my activities, Master." I threw my hands in the air, and I stared at him while I sneered, "How did I ever exist without your guidance? I was a bloody spy, a f***g double agent. You have no right!"
Potter stared at me with widened eyes. Good, I don't remember when I ever used that word, but it had the desired effect. I had more to say, and I emphasized it by poking him hard in the chest. There was a pull on my magic, and then I sensed the bitter taste of soap. My glare hardened on the audacious prat, and I pressed my lips together. He cast the same bloody spell his father used on me in school.
The youth seemed unaffected by my glare, and I realized he'd seen it nearly daily since my enslavement. Merlin, I hope it did not already lose its effectiveness. The soap fumes irritated my eyes, and caused them to water. That was my only sign of discomfort, because I would not give him the satisfaction in seeing me suffer.
The prat watched with interest, and then he said, "Severus, why do you insist on building static? I will remove the spell when you are able to speak without further offending the bond."
A loud growl was the only response I could give, and the increased tingling intensity almost felt rewarding. He folded his arms and watched me. He could stare all he wanted, because I was not going to react to this stupid, childish, punishment.
The foaming suds continued to gather, and they had nowhere to go. My choices were to choke, spit them out, or swallow them. None appealed to me, but one allowed me a chance to hide my difficulties. I turned my head from the Master, and swallowed the bitter substance. It nearly made me vomit, and it was all I could do to quell the urge.
Potter did not take his gaze from me while I struggled with his newly discovered childish punishment. The youth retrieved his wand to transform parchment into cloth, and he offered it to me. "Severus, you may use a rag to wipe away the excess from your mouth. The permission is for now, and anytime you suffer this punishment from me in the future."
Suds dribbled from the corner of my mouth, and I swiped the rag from his hand. They vanished quickly into the material when I coughed, and I hid it without drawing attention to my predicament. The youth nodded at me in approval. "This is the perfect punishment to use in public, because you hide it very well. Do you notice the rapid decrease of the tingling sensation?"
A shake of my head was the only answer I could give, because that was not something, I stopped to consider. My stomach started to protest from my earlier decision, and I already regretted my stubbornness. Why did I always act impulsive when angered? My instincts worked well when I was a spy, but they never served me in social situations. Maybe that was why few people tolerated me.
The fumes continued to irritate my eyes, and my esophagus burned with acid. My stomach cramped, and pain dominated my thoughts. The link must have told Potter, because he cancelled the spell. He placed a hand on my arm and asked, "Why did your emotions suddenly shift? Your anger rapidly changed to anxiety. Severus, tell me what happened."
A fist instinctively pressed into my gut to quell the cramping. I opened my mouth to explain my need for the loo, when I vomited without warning. Potter jumped back, but his seeker reflexes failed him. My regurgitated lunch covered his robes from the waist down, and a sense of satisfaction overcame me. At least my mouth no longer tasted of soap.
Potter placed a hand on my shoulder, and I felt the warm tingling sensation of diagnostic magic. His voice sounded concerned when he asked, "What happened, Severus? Why did it make you throw up?" The link must have informed him of my satisfaction, and he furrowed his brows at me. "Did you do that on purpose?"
"I did no such thing, Master." I answered with a firm gruffness. "However, I cannot lie about the pleasure it gives me."
The youth frowned when he noticed my grin, and he muttered a cleansing spell. "Yeah, I sensed that. Now answer my question."
Did I finally anger the mighty Harry Potter? Perhaps, this made the mouthful of soap worthwhile, and I wondered how far I could push him. The thought intrigued me, so I answered with a bored tone. "What did you think would happen, Master?"
"Severus," Potter said with a low growl.
Slytherin self-preservation screamed at me to end this, but I could not. My shoulders straightened, and I stood to my full height with my head held high in the air. It always pleased me that I was taller than him. "Master, you cannot think me gullible enough to believe our local celebrity lacks the most basic of knowledge."
The youth's fists clenched at his sides, and yet I felt no fear. I would regret it later, but I enjoyed this immensely. An unexpected knock at the door grabbed our attention, and Potter glared at me before he answered. Damn, I bet it was the meddling elf.
My stomach clenched when the youth invited Velarian inside, and I offered him a nod in greeting. It was one thing to antagonize Potter while alone with the youth, but the elf's presence changed that. "Milord, would you two care for tea?" I suspected the interfering git knew of our earlier discussion.
Personally, I would prefer to rinse my mouth and remove the horrid taste. The elf waited for my response, and I glanced at the irritating youth. "Ask the Master." He turned his attention to Potter, and I took that as my opportunity to leave. I brushed past the youth, and strode towards the door connecting to my study.
Hurried steps approached from behind, and I reached for the knob. It took too long to open the door, and I heard the unmistakable 'click' of the lock. "Severus, take a seat. We have a lot to discuss."
My forehead pressed against the door's cool wood, and a soft groan escaped. I suspected their lessons would lead to this, and now I had my answer. The youth thought nothing of scolding me before Velarian, and I wondered what other things he considered.
The bond urged me to return to the chair, but I fought it. My fist gripped the doorknob, and I mentally cast 'alohomora' before entering my study. Magical strings pulled at me, but they became elastic. I managed to stretch them while I walked through my office, and they weakened the further I moved from Potter. The bond was abating!
The mild tingling sensation ebbed, and I grinned at my newfound freedom. A swift kick at the door caused it to slam, and I walked away from the Master. Potter would never again tell me what to do. Crackling energy surrounded me, and an empowered tingling sensation made itself known.
My celebration came to an abrupt halt, and I pivoted back to stare at the closed door. I'd forgotten about the entity. Now was the time to swear, but shock kept me silent. My previous victory turned to horror, and instinct caused me to stiffen. Merlin, Potter's scolding would pale in comparison to Rosmerta's if my foolishness caused me to miss tomorrow's match.
Velarian Meets the Entity
Potter entered the room, followed by Velarian. I hoped it was the youth, but I could not tell. The bond pressed me to my knees, and my gaze fell to the floor. It would not let me look into the eyes of my Master, and it felt little different from my service with Voldemort.
The youth stood before me, and Velarian approached from the side. Why did he have to stay? The room fell into silence, and nobody moved. The not knowing intimidated me more than the upcoming punishment, but the bond tightened its grip on me and I was powerless against it. "My pet, your intense resistance devastates me. What causes this? Look at me."
The rapid beating of distant drums thundered in my ears, and I realized it was my heart. Was this the end? The true Master ordered me to look at him, so I had little choice and raised my gaze to his. "Master, I-I" Merlin, he would kill me. "I retaliated against my young master."
Velarian stepped between the Entity and me, and I feared for the insane elf. I wished to warn him, but the bond forced me to hold my tongue. He glared into the red eyes and commanded, "Reveal yourself, Spirit. I, Prince Velarian of the Fae court command it."
The thunderous voice mellowed, and the true Master asked. "Pater, is that you?"
The elf mated with the first magical human, so this should not have shocked me. Velarian held his head high, and stared into the youth's crimson eyes. Master stood still while the elf studied him. Several minutes passed in silence, and Velarian stepped away. Was that a form of elven communication? He walked behind me and placed his hands on my head. "If indeed you are my son, then know that you have enslaved yours. Allow me to introduce Lord Severus."
For the first time in months, I felt real hope. Was Velarian more powerful than the true Master? "Pater, I did not know. If you have returned, then my pet-Severus is the one spoken of in prophecy." His slip pleased me, and I realized the elf held power over the Entity.
Velarian gave my head a gentle massage while he spoke with the Entity. It had a calming effect, and I suspected he used magic to help with his effort. "Answer my question." The elf spoke with confidence, and his voice sounded firm.
The entity lowered its gaze! That was the last thing I expected to see, and it thrilled me. Unfortunately, the blasted link informed him and I received a glare. That would not bode well for me. He spoke above my head, as if I was not there. "Pater, I prefer not to discuss this before the child. My true identity and other questions you may have are not suitable for him to hear."
How dare he? The bond held me to the floor, or I would have attacked him. "I am no child!"
The Entity ignored my outburst, but the elf's calming massage intensified. "Milord, please allow me to handle this." A feeling of helplessness overcame me, and I groaned at the implication. Velarian considered me little more than a child in need of his protection.
They stared at me and waited for my agreement. What choice did I have? "If that is what you wish."
"I do," Velarian said with a gentle voice. He lifted me to my feet, and ran his hand across the left side of my face. "Milord, you need rest." Indeed, the elf's perception never failed to astound me. He led me to my room, and helped me into bed. I hardly remembered placing my head on the pillow, and I slept soundly for several hours.
Sitting Room Chat
My ready agreement puzzled me when I awoke, because I did not recall being tired. The overwhelming tingling sensation reminded me of the earlier events, and I wondered why the bond did not kill me while I rested. Perhaps, Velarian's talk prevented it. Did they finish? I needed to know.
The sleeve of my nightshirt drew my attention. When did I change into these? Magic helped me to dress more appropriately, and I left my quarters in search of Velarian. Perhaps, I underestimated that elf. I could always call him, but I hoped to eavesdrop on their conversation. I wanted to hear the entity's explanation.
Would the True Master sense me, or was that ability limited to Potter? It was worth the risk. I removed my boots, and walked without a sound towards the study. I heard nothing through our connecting doors, so I ventured into the hall and descended the stairs. Quite voices alerted me to a conversation in the sitting room, and I edged closer so I could hear.
The youth answered my earlier question when he called, "Welcome back, sleepyhead."
The entity already left, and I had no wish to eavesdrop on whatever they discussed. I walked stiffly into the sitting room, and attempted to hide my irritation. The extreme tingling sensation forced my submission, and it dashed my earlier hopes. My knees weakened when I approached my Master, and the bond forced me to the floor. A mere bow would not do with this intensity.
Potter stared at me in shock, and he rose from the couch. "Severus, you may rise." I stood without lifting my gaze from the floor, and the youth noticed my predicament. "You may look at us, and I expect you to engage in the conversation without having to wait for permission."
Childhood malnourishment, and years of abuse caused my knees to scream in agony when I rose from the floor. Velarian became my dominant focus, and I strode towards him. "What did you do to me, and who is the Entity? I command you to tell me what he told you."
My actions shocked Potter, and I heard a low whisper when he breathed out my name. The elf seemed less concerned by my outburst, and he gazed at me in contemplation. "Milord, I will not apologize for defending your interest, nor can you issue such commands to me. However, I will answer your question. Elven parents use magic to help their young when they refuse to sleep. It will not harm you."
My glare hardened on the elf, and I folded my arms in agitation. "Velarian, are you my slave?" He offered a nod in answer. "Why then, do you refuse me? Will your disobedience displease the Queen? I seem to recall you cannot interfere, but you must obey me." My last words came out in a low growl. "Answer my question."
The youth shook his head at me, but he stayed silent. Velarian lowered his gaze, and breathed in deeply. "Milord, the Entity complicates matters. I must return to the Fae court, and discuss my situation with the Queen. I fear her wrath will prove most severe, and I will return when able."
The youth glanced between the elf and me. "It seems that trouble runs in your family. How long will your trip take? Will she let you return?"
The youth's questions intrigued me, and I looked to the elf for an answer. Velarian sobered, and glanced at the courtyard before he answered. "Indeed, Mr. Potter. It would seem Severus inherited that gene from me."
His admittance earned him a smirk, and I waited for him to continue. "My earlier interference in the Realm of Man is responsible for much of the chaos. I need the help of elven mages to assist with the Entity, or we cannot complete the tasks necessary for the prophecy."
Velarian turned his attention to me. "Milord, I will tell you that the Entity is unable to break his magical connection. The enslavement bond is a separate part of the spell, and he will no longer use it to his advantage. Mr. Potter assumes full responsibility for managing its demands."
"What does that mean?"
The elf offered a slight nod before he continued. "Indeed, Milord that is a good question. The Entity swore his obedience to me, and he will no longer punish you. Mr. Potter must assume full responsibility."
Potter's face turned white, and he sucked air through clenched teeth. "Velarian, I am failing at that task. Severus refuses to listen. He has two disciplinary warnings from school, and I don't know if I need to break my promise about interfering with his teaching. We must stay at Hogwarts, but McGonagall will fire him if he receives another."
My gaze hardened on the tattling youth, but I could no longer sense any changes in the tingling severity. It already went beyond that point, and I hoped it was no worse than the last time. Velarian placed his hand on my chest and held me back from the youth. "I assume you wish for me to confirm our earlier discussion with Lord Severus."
Potter lowered his gaze to the floor, and offered a nod. "Indeed," said the elf. "Milord, you know I instruct the youth in his future role. He must work on your weaknesses, so you can focus on the given tasks. The most obvious shortcoming is your impulsivity during emotional situations, and Mr. Potter will help you through this by setting rules. He must work on your outbursts, and punish your transgressions."
My arms folded across my chest, and I snorted at the elf. "The arrogance in that statement far surpasses any other I have heard. You actually believe that, do you? How is it possible for a child to help me become a King? How will I rule the realm of humans while I must submit to him?"
The youth seemed ready for my outburst, and he spoke with confidence. "Velarian is helping me to understand my role as your guide. Severus, you have a remarkable intellect, but your emotions dominate it."
I rolled my eyes at him, and forcibly exhaled. "Indeed, Master, people knew me for my overflowing emotions. I suppose, my life was incomplete without you. I was unable to manage my own affairs, and your wisdom was badly needed." Sarcasm likely offended the bond, but I did not care.
Velarian stepped in when he noticed my temper flare out of control. "You have the gifts and abilities to lead the human race into a better existence. However, you react to situations with impulsive anger, and then your guilt overcomes you. That is how Voldemort and Dumbledore enslaved you. It's your biggest downfall, and this will cause catastrophe when you become the King."
The youth started to pace while he continued where Velarian left off. "I am now the only Master you will ever have. It is my responsibility to help you succeed, and to see that you are never again manipulated by others. Severus, you are too vital to our future, and it is my duty to protect you. I have no interests other than seeing you meet whatever goals you set."
My lips curled into a snarl, and I sneered, "Of course, Master, what would I ever do without you?"
Potter tried to ignore my outburst, but Velarian's hand firmly gripped my shoulder. "Severus, you will eventually seek Mr. Potter's advice, as your moral compass. You will never ask him how to brew a potion, but you will want to know his thoughts on making it. He is responsible for guiding you, and eventually you will earn fewer punishments by seeking his advice beforehand."
Did Velarian believe me incapable of keeping myself out of trouble? What other nonsense did he tell the youth, and why was Potter so gullible? My hand swept the hair from my face, and I attempted to sound bored when I asked, "Master, is this your justification for breaking a promise?"
Potter stopped pacing, and I noticed the serious expression on his face. He believed what he said, and that alone was frightening. "Severus, The first disciplinary warning proves that McGonagall will not tolerate your behaviour to her students, and I agree. You are a better instructor than that. Your abuse of the students is a reaction, and I must help you overcome it. If I fail at my task, then you cannot do yours. Future occurrences will earn you corporal punishment. I do not need an official notice from McGonagall, because I will listen to the students when they complain."
That was all I needed to make teaching even more heinous. Would I ever sit in comfort? "Students tell lies, Master. Have you considered that?"
The youth offered a nod in answer. "Severus, you will confess when you have acted wrong. I will not take their word over yours, because I have no reason to doubt you." He gauged my reaction, but I could not speak while I gritted my teeth. The link told him of my outrage, and his next question did not surprise me. "Severus, how would I react if you told me the reason for your disciplinary warning?"
My left palm rubbed against my lower right arm while I raised my gaze to his. "How can I know that, Master?" Potter narrowed his eyes at me, and I knew then that I already pushed him to the limit. These stupid parchments from McGonagall made me feel like a badly behaved schoolboy. "Master, I cannot say with any certainty, but I suspect my Head of House will have a negative reaction."
My eyes flicked to Velarian, and heat rushed through my cheeks. The elf noticed my discomfort, and offered Potter a supportive clasp on the shoulder. He politely inclined his head to me, and left the room.
Potter slumped, and looked years older than he was. He walked towards the fireplace, and stood before the winged back chair. He motioned to it with one hand, while he rubbed his eyes with the other. "Take a seat, Severus."
That was worse than I expected. The corners of my mouth turned down into a grimace, and I forced myself to walk the required distance. The youth learned my interrogation tactics very well; too bad, he did not do the same with potions. I swept by him, and seated myself without another word.
Potter watched me, and he seemed amused when I sat. "You scooted past me, and you pivoted your body to keep your backside away." The youth's eyes stared into mine while he continued, "That is not a good a sign. What did you do?"
"I did no such thing, Master. This is a cramped area, and I had to move like that." How dare he think me afraid of something so trivial? That was merely coincidental.
Potter visibly stiffened, and shook his head at me. "Severus, you attempt to keep your backside from me when you expect punishment. This is not the first time. Answer my question."
My cheeks felt hot, and I knew my mask failed. It was of little use against him, and I should have realized the link's information would help him notice my subtle actions. Such things were useless against the bond. "Master, do you recall Velarian mentioning Merwyn the Malicious, and his shortcut?"
The youth nodded his head at me, and motioned for me to continue. My stomach churned, and I crossed one leg over the other. "Rosmerta came to visit me at noon, and I wanted to show her the passageway. It intrigued her, and we assumed few knew the secret." My cheeks flared with warmth while I considered my next words. "Master, we thought ourselves alone, and we acted indiscreetly."
The youth's mouth hung open. I could not continue my story, and I averted my gaze. Potter's hand gently touched my chin, and he guided me to look at him when he asked, "That explains why you didn't wish to tell me. What were you doing, and who walked in on you?" He was so innocent; I had to bite back my immediate response. If he had to ask...
Potter held me in his gaze, and his hand prevented my turning away. "We had enough warning to right our clothing with magic, and I shielded Rosmerta from prying eyes. Headmistress McGonagall followed Malfoy and Zabini through the shortcut. She meant to scold them, and then she noticed me. She deducted points from them, and expressed her wish to speak with me."
The youth straightened himself from leaning against the mantle, and scratched the back of his head. "The Headmistress and two Slytherin purebloods caught you snogging in the halls of Hogwarts." My silent nod answered him. "You indicated earlier that the Head of House would take offence. That would make me a hypocrite, because Ginny and I do the same thing. How should I react?"
Sweat coated my palms, and I rubbed them against my trousers before I returned my attention to him. "Master, it was a little more than snogging." Potter stared at me in horror. "No, Merlin. What goes through your mind? We still had our clothing on-mostly."
He offered me a nod, and motioned for me to continue. "Society expects the young to make mistakes, and we often turn a blind eye to their actions. I am a professor, and I take responsibility for teaching their children. They hold me to higher standards, and I shamed our family. Society expects my head of house to deal with me."
Potter blanched at my words, and I watched with fascination while his skin paled. "Does it have to include the public?"
"Thankfully, it will not leave Hogwarts, Master." My head lowered while I contemplated that possibility, and I realized the situation could have been much worse. It was not fair, because secret passages should stay that way. This was not my fault. "Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Zabini will expect something, but I do not think they will ever enquire about it."
Potter walked towards the couch and took a seat. My eyes widened, and I hoped he would not do it here. What if someone fire called? They would see everything! He pushed at his glasses, and I dreaded his summoning me. "Severus, you expect the slipper, but I cannot give you a real punishment when I feel like a hypocrite. Besides, it is something I prefer to use for the worst offences, or when your actions justify it."
What did he mean? I did not deserve any of them. The bond demanded it, and that was all. My lips curled into a snarl and I sneered, "I have yet to earn any of my punishments, Master." Without warning, my knees became weak, and I fell to the floor. My head ached badly, and I felt nauseous to my stomach. This was new. What did the bond want from me?
Potter rose from the couch and ran to my side. He placed his palms on my head, and everything returned to normal. The youth kneeled before me, and I met his gaze. "Severus, I have never seen this reaction before. Was this the first time?" The link told him of my anxiety, but I gave him a nod in answer. "The bond did not stop you from lying to me. It punished you immediately, but it allowed you to finish your statement. Did the bond weaken?"
"That was not-" I paused, and decided against continuing my argument. Had I lied to him? He could not seriously believe that I deserved any of my earlier punishments. Could I lie to him? It was something to consider testing in the future.
The youth waited for me to continue, but it was safer for me to end the unwanted conversation. Potter seemed to understand, and he started another. "Rosmerta asked me not to ground you, because you two had plans for tomorrow and Saturday. Instead, I will restrict you from brewing experimental potions for the next two weeks."
My mouth opened, and I nearly argued with him before I opted to close it. The gladiatorial match was not important to me, but I suspected Rosmerta would let him have it if he prevented our going. "Master, that is too long. I need to brew for my job." The whine in my voice took us both by surprise, and I felt heat in my cheeks.
Potter offered me a firm nod. "Indeed, but those potions are not included in your punishment."
"No, just the enjoyable brews."
Potter smirked at my response, and he rose from the couch. "Severus, I do not believe you deserve punishment for what happened at Hogwarts, and I hope this works around that issue. Rosmerta defends your interests, and she makes sure that I know your schedule. There is no time for you to brew anything in the next two weeks." He paused for a moment before he asked, "Is there a different punishment you would prefer?"
A goofy smile appeared when I thought of her, and then I masked it. Rosmerta would do anything for me, and I suspected the youth knew it. "It irritates me that I am forbidden from brewing. Although, you are correct in assuming that I will not have the time. Sir, why don't you ground me from things like quidditch, or flying?"
The youth shook his head in amusement, and after a moment, he finally answered. "You hate doing those things. We can sometimes fool the bond, but it knows that is not punishment." I huffed at him in agitation, and Potter merely smirked at my reaction. "Next time, do not get caught."
"Indeed." Imagine, a Gryffindor giving me that advice.
The intensity lowered again, when he announced, "You will complete the next chapter of the textbook." That would not please Rosmerta, because I promised to stay with her for the weekend. How would I squeeze in time for that? The bond demanded more, and I dreaded having to sit on the hard benches to watch that stupid match.
Potter thought on my punishment, and I did nothing to offer suggestions. This turned into a horrible day, and I wanted it to end. "Severus, we will return to Hogwarts and eat supper in the Great Hall. Do you have any job related obligations tonight?" Blimey, why was it Pucey's day to patrol? My head shook, and I regretted having taken on an assistant.
The youth offered me a look of sympathy. "You will return to your quarters immediately after dinner, and go to bed at nine. Turn out the lights. Tell Rosmerta of the punishment if she visits, because you cannot use her as an excuse. The bond will let me know if you disobey. She may stay with you, but you will not converse or fool around after turning out the lights."
She would have words with him. Perhaps, I could get her to share the memory with me. The tingling sensation vanished, and I dreaded having to tell Rosmerta. She would scold me for my foolishness. "Sir, I prefer corporal punishment."
The youth stared at me while I silently pleaded. He seemed confused when he said, "Rosmerta showed me your schedule, and I believe you intended to spend the evening grading assignments. Why would you wish to make that more difficult? Do you have other plans?"
How could I tell Potter? Denying it would cause more trouble, so I shrugged my shoulders in response. Severus Snape does not beg, but he left me little choice. Rosmerta read an article about a potion that heightens the senses, and I brewed it for her earlier. We intended to see if it was worth the hype. "Sir, please reconsider the bedtime."
"Your punishment stands."
I dreaded telling Rosmerta.