Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the Harry Potter-verse, even the apprenticeship thing isn't mine; I first read it in The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Jacquez. The story is really good, so I strongly suggest you go read it: http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=687280
Just in case you get any ideas, this is NOT a slash fic in anyway, nor will any slash be making a guest appearance in this fic, all relationships are purely non romantic or sexual. (Not that I hate slash, I just don't like writing it ^ ^)
A.N. Okay, this is a really really really short chapter, it's so short I'm ashamed, but it just felt like the right place to leave it, and I couldn't bring myself to trivialize what Sev says at the end (re-read it a couple of times, it has several meanings ^^) by adding more. (That's why all the ANs are at the beginning.) Think of it as a- er… transition chapter! Yeah that's it! A trasition chapter! ……… Don't worry, the next chap will be longer and will be out hopefully by Wednesday, since I start school Thursday. Once school starts though, I will be really really busy (I always am with school) so I will try my best to update frequently, but unfortunately I can almost guarantee you it will be much slower from then on, this doesn't mean I won't try though ^ ^ Any way, hope you enjoy, and I'd really appreciate any reviews *smiles* My birthday is the 26th and the best birthday gift would be a review (since I already got a Slythrin scarf)!
Okay, I feel bad even acknowledging this as a chapter, and making the AN section longer then the actual fic is just horrible, but I just have to thank you guys because your reviews are so nice!
Saddarkeyes: Your review was almost as long as this chapter! It's the longest review I've ever gotten! Thanks! I'm glad you're happy (I am too now that To Begin has been updated- that reminds me, in my review I said I liked your other fic, but I could remember the title… I still can't… it's the one by this account ^^)! Wow! I'm soooo (Os go on forever) flattered! Thank you! And yeah, it was pretty coarse… but that's why I loved it when this story came through my mind! That part was the reason I decided to start this fic ^^ Harry's secret? Soon, all in due time *evil grin* although… it's not that big a secret *shrugs* oh well. Hope you like it!
(by the way, are you related to Steven Irwin? Lol, you must be on some level, you're so enthusiastic! (it's a complement ^^))
Sherlock 2k: I'll take that as a complement? Anyway, hope this meets your expectations (though it's not really a chap, just a chapette *is disgusted with the length of chapter and the use of the word "chapette"*)
Saavik: Thanks, It was my pleasure! Unfortunately you will just have to wait and see… *grins evilly*
LegacyLady: Well I'm glad you liked it! *blushes* Really? Squirming? I'm so flattered! I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading ^^ … and reviewing
Reaper: I'm glad you loved it! My brain is also quite twisted as you can see ^^ it is certainly fun to be evil *sighs wistfully* I'm glad you though it was creative, that was one of my main priorities in his torture! Thanks! A kitten, eh? Good idea! But… we'll have to wait and see how friendly they are by Harry's birthday… I'm also hesitant because knowing me, I'd probably have the poor little thing get killed … or make Harry kill it … hmm- interesting… maybe it's safer not to have any living things in my story -_-()
Izean: Thanks! How did Hermione get in? a very good question… *smiles evilly*
JaimeyKay: Thanks! True I can write long chapters, but that doesn't mean I do *sigh* (proof is this chap). You put me on your favourites list! Wow! That's soo cool! Thanks! I agree, working on compus can be very much like drowning *is pensive* I'm glad you liked the Hermione-going-over-to-Malfoy scene ^ ^ And I hope you like the rest of my fic!
Now I won't take up anymore of your time, go read be merry!
Recap:
Severus' thoughts: …
Harry's voice in Severus' head: ~…~
Albus' voice in Severus' head: =…= (new)
Chapter 6: A Pledge Made
I didn't want to get up. I wanted to stay sitting on the cold stone floor forever. I was in a blissful stupor. All I thought about was how smooth and cold the stone walls were against my cheek. The world out side did not exist, nothing existed beyond a four-foot radius. There was only cold stone, that was all there ever was and ever will be. As such, I didn't have to face anything, not the past, present or future. I could just sit and pretend none of it had ever happened, that none of it would ever happen.
=But it will.=
No, it won't, Albus. It doesn't exist so it can't.
=But it does... Even the cold stone was once alive with heat.=
What does the past matter if the future will not change.
=The future can always change… it isn't set in stone.= I could hear the twinkle in the man's voice, and suddenly the world came crashing through my barrier.
Albus! Why did you have to leave me? How could you? Just when peace was finally restored, and I could finally live my life as I chose, you denied me my choice! You were the only one to never judged me, you were the first and last. You were all I ever had.
=I know, Severus, I know. But I had to go. It was my time...=
I miss you, Albus… I need you. Merlin, I'm so lonely without you. I have no one left now.
=Ah, but you do Severus…although, he is in need of some assistance.=
…Harry? Albus, he hates me, he's always hated me. He's just like the rest, he judged me the first time he laid eyes on me.
=Are you so sure? Who judged whom Severus? Did you not have preconceptions because of his parentage?=
…
=Give him a chance, Severus. He too believes he has no one left. Help him in his time of need, and you will gain a friend who will stick by you no matter what.=
I don't know how to help him, Albus. What he's been through… I-I don't know what to do.
=Help him deal with it. He must. If he doesn't then someday it will break him, and from that he will never recover. You must help him.=
But how? I received no response, he was gone. Damn it, Albus. Why do you always leave me? I was lonelier then than I had been in a very long time. The stone against my cheek no longer felt smooth and cold, but flat and biting. My simple world was pulled away, and I felt silly trying to hide from real life. I pulled my cold cheek away from the wall and placed my hand over it. The warmth burned at first, but then it only tingled softly, a very pleasant sensation. Slowly, I rose to my feet and left the room. I walked over to my study and picked up Harry's journal before heading to the hospital wing.
It was very early in the morning I hesitated, my hand hovering by the curtains around Harry before reminding myself that he had been healed, I wouldn't be seeing the bloody mess I had just hours ago. Pushing the curtains aside gently, I walked to his bed and sat down in the chair beside it. Not ready to start what would most definitely be one of the hardest conversations of my life, I watched him.
I wondered how I could have over looked the lines and shadows on Harry's face that spoke of a tortured life. They were so conspicuous, a physical sign he was crying for help. His skin was still too pale and almost sallow, just like the experience, he had never dealt with that. I will bring him under the sun.