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

AN. Uhh… okay I guess I probably have some explaining to do ^^() … so I haven't updated in, what, a month? He he… uhh… yeah, about that, well see I was kinda busy, well okay really busy, umm, how to best explain in ten words or less? School sucks. Enough said.

Thanks for Reviewing!:

Wink At J00: Yeah! Being weird TOTALLY rocks! Why be normal if you can be weird? I mean come on! Weird is soo much more fun! ^^ I can't believe your brother deleted everything! That's horrible. Just horrible. Anyway, I'm so glad this fic makes you giddy, cause your reviews make me giddy!!! ^^ yay! Thank you soo much for all the praise it really gets me writing ^_~ Hope you like this chap, and really hope you write more soon! (even if I won't be -_-())

Riverlady: *Nods* I sgree, Snape is very cool… especially when he evil. *evil grin* Right okay, umm… this chap had more pomfrey unrealistic stuff. I'm really sorry, but I just don't know how to do her, but I needed her, BUT I won't be needing her anymore, so she probably won't turn up to much ^^ This a chap has bigger cliffie- Hope you don't die! ^^

LegacyLady: Wow, *blushes* thank you very much for that great review. It really inspired me to write more, so thank you. I hope you like this chap ^^

Prophetess Of Hearts: Good of you to pick up on that and develop it so much! You came up with some really cool ideas! Wow! Your review really got me thinking about all this voice stuff and splintered mentalities- I've got so many good ides now!!! Thanks so much!! It should be clearer after this chap, but it shouldn't be too clear, 'cause it's really not that clear to Snape himself! ^^

Them Girl: Thank you very much! That's one thing I really value, people need to have transition periods, they can't just become a new person over night. I'm so glad you liked how I'm doing it ^^

Izean: Thanks, hope you liked this! ^^

Butterfly: Thanks *grins* and yup, I will be updating only very slowly, sorry ^^ (can't say I didn't warn you about the flash back thing ^^) Glad you liked it!

Candledot: He he, nice summary ^^ and I'm glad you like it, hope you like this ^^

Okay, the loooooooooooong wait is finally over, proceed to read!

Chapter 9: False Start

It seems he doesn't remember lunch is served at one. Should I call him to eat, I wonder? Do I have to take care of him so? I'd really rather not, he is not a child anymore… but if he were to miss his meals, Poppy would have my neck. I suppose I'll start and if he doesn't show up soon, I'll call for him. Humph, I'd of thought he'd be able to at least keep track of when meals were served. I sat at the table full of food from the house-elves and started on my soup. Contrary to popular belief, the food wasn't ever that wonderful at Hogwarts, at least not in my opinion. It was alright, of course, but nothing ever spectacular. Since my bowl disappeared with a pop, I almost didn't hear the door open to my left. Harry walked slowly to the other end of the table and sat down across from me. I kept my eyes on my sandwich while he walked, and greeted him only after he hesitantly started the soup laid out for him.

"Punctual as always, Harry." He kept his eyes on his bowl and didn't reply, continuing to slowly sip his soup. "I have spent the morning setting up my lab for an attempt at a potion which I believe will help you with the relivings."

He replied without lifting his eyes.

"Nothing can do that… nothing can stop them." His voice was so resigned it hurt. He had no hope left. None. I was overcome with a strange sense of pity for the young man across from me. It was something I hadn't felt in many long years; something, I'm sure, he wouldn't want me to feel for him. I replied with as much sarcasm as I could muster, which was quite a bit.

"You're right, I'm just a fool of a potion's master. No better at potions then you or Lu-…him." I was very curious to see how Harry would react to a mention of the bastard who tortured him horrendously. I scrutinized him from across the table but the only change I could see was his knuckles whitening and the spoon he was holding looking suspiciously like it was bending. Excellent, more hatred then fear. Next time I will use the bastard's name. "besides, I never said anything about stopping them." That will only be done when who ever casting the spell is killed… who ever they are. "I plan to use an isolating agent so that magic won't effect you, you will not be able to perform magic either, but I think it is a sacrifice you will be willing to make?" I didn't wait for an answer before explaining to him my thesis and experiment. During my explanation he stayed quite passive, and I wouldn't have thought he was listening had I not seen a slight twitch when I mentioned the relivings or a wince at my few scathing remarks. On a whole he seemed to accept the idea, or at least he did not reject it.

"Since I am not your personal potion maker, nor do you seem to be as completely inept at potions as you were during your years in my class, I expect you to assist me." I left a long gap of silence in which he could refuse or ask questions, but since none came I waved away my dishes and told him to join me in lab four when he was done.

Quiet, resigned, defeated, and … angry? An unusual combination. I suppose it has been awhile since he has had the freedom to feel anything but happiness, he must still be re-learning how to handle his emotions. Hopefully he will be more proficient in learning that then he was in learning potions. I sighed as I coxed the fire under an old cauldron on the foremost bench of an even older lab to become just a little hotter. Considering the skills he left Hogwarts with, it is a mystery as to how he managed to invent a new potion. I wonder where he could have learnt it, or more specifically, from who.

"Cut that yew root into 3cm cubes, and do try to concentrate. The last thing a potion needs is inaccuracy." I ordered smoothly, not turning around but pointing to my right, as I heard the door creak open at the other end of the room. I heard some shuffling and then some slow chopping sounds. Almost… yes, the perfect temperature.

"Are you done with those yet?" I snapped at Harry, straitening up and turning to him.

"Almost." He mumbled.

"Potions is all about timing. Now hurry up."

"Yes, sir."

#You're not doing very well are you?#

Not another one.

#You're lucky I'm 'ere!#

You're right, I should be eternally grateful for you disturbing me. Oh how would I have been able to survive without yet another voice in my head?

#Oh yeah, jus' keep that up Snape- sarcasm, that'll really gain you 'arry's trust#

And who, exactly, are you to tell me how to gain his trust?

#You'd bloody well like to know, wouldn't you?#

Since you are in my head, it would be rather agreeable.

#And what if I was to tell you I was…Voldemort!#

What?!

#Mwahahah!!! That's right Sunshine I'm back! And you'll become my nancy-boy slave once again!#

Arr…Shut up.

#Tha's no way to talk to the Dark Lord!#

Sod. Off.

#Touchy, touchy! Jus' wish I could 'ave been 'dere to see you're face when I told ya I was Voldemort- I really 'ad you going!#

He must have been right, when I looked over at Harry, his face proved it. He was staring at me quite confused and more then a bit scared. I sneered at him instead of explaining and held out my hand for the tray of yew root. He looked away and handed it to me. I examined the pieces briefly and decided with a slight nod that they were satisfactory.

"You will prepare the rest of the ingredients on this list, in order, and bring them over to me as soon as you finish." I handed him the list and walked back over to the cauldron on added the yew root carefully.

#Aww… you fellas are so sweet together!#

Who's sarcastic now? And didn't I tell you to leave?

#Tsk, tsk, you under the impression that you can control me? What a shame.#

It's worked with everyone else. Now go.

#Ahh they 'er just being nice, Sunshine. Too bad I'm not so nice…#

Arg- At least tell me who you are.

"Gify skin, now." I took the skin from Harry and continued with the potion.

#D'you really want to know? I mean really, really want to know?#

Would I have asked you if I didn't?

#Hmm, 'll that's too bad Sunshine, 'cause I don' think I'll tell ya just now. There are more 'portant things to do after all.#

Like what exactly?

"Teregonyr."

#'Arry.#

Harry?

#Yup.#

I sighed, not noticing Harry's questioning eyes on me while he brought the rock powder over. When isn't it about him?

#Maybe someday it won't be, but for now, you 'ave to 'elp 'im.#

I know, but he's so-

#screwed-up?#

Humph…yes.

#Poor kid.#

He doesn't need your pity. He needs your help.

"Unicorn hair."

#Wrong-o Sunshine, I can't help him, that's where you come in.#

And how do you suggest I help him?

"Hurry up with the Unicorn hair."

# You really want to help him don't you?#

I…of course I do.

#Why?#

"Unicorn hair, Harry!"

That really is none of your concern is it?

#It is if you want my 'elp.#

…because… he needs it.

#'S more then that. You and I both know it is.#

It's not.

#Tell me.#

I. Did.

#Tell. Me. Now.#

Listen closely- Because. He. Needs. It.

#Damn it, Snape! It's more then just because he needs it! There were always plenty of people in need, you never 'elped them! You would never 'elp someone just for the sake of it- least of all Harry! What about Remus? He could use your help! Why aren't you 'elping 'im? Why didn't you 'elp Minerva, Hermione, Ron, Alb-#

BECAUSE HE'S HARRY! …Because he's…

I looked at the boy in question, and I gasped. Shit. He was slumped over on the floor, a pile of robes. I froze momentarily, frantic thoughts flying through my head, he wasn't ready! He was too weak, I shouldn't have made him help, what do I know of the voices in my head? Why did I think they knew anything? He did look so tired, and they're just disembodied voices! Harry probably just needed rest and was too polite to refuse me! Shit, what have I done? On the last I rushed over to Harry and knelt beside him.

"Harry? Harry, wake up." I turned over his limp body and tapped his unconscious face. Slowly I could see his eyelids start to lift.

"I was tired…" He whispered and I nodded.

"Sleep." He didn't need convincing and his eyelids fell right back down. I sighed as I picked him up, he was still too light, and brought him back to his room.

"Remember, dinner is at seven." I closed the door behind me and hurried back to the lab. The potion was, of course, ruined so I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up and putting away ingredients.

He is late… again. I sat at the laden table tapping my fork against it, the low fire cast long shadows in the dark dungeon. It was already ten minutes past seven and the food was getting cold. Lunch is one thing but dinner is another, one does not start dinner unless everyone eating the meal is at the table… So now what?

#Now this may sound crazy, Sunshine, but you could always knock on 'is door.#

He is not a child who needs to be called to dinner. And for future reference your input, however idiotic, is never welcome. Good bye.

#Ouch- really Sunshine, you should work on yur' people skills a lil'.#

I do not need nor care for your advice, thank you.

#Humph, s'no wonder 'Arry's not too keen about 'ye.#

Good bye.

#Look 'ere Sunshine, I don' know if you've quite caught on yet, but the way it works you can't tell me what'ta do.#

You really won't be leaving soon, will you.

#Bang on, Sunshine!#

Lovely.

#It'n'it 'dough?#

Indeed. And when will you be leaving?

#T'all depends#

And what, exactly, does it depend on?

#Well in the short term, make 'im eat.#

Ehem. "'im"?

#'arry o' course, or 'ave ya forgotten 'bout 'im already?#

If only.

#Now thas' not very nice!#

I hope you know I'd love nothing more than to hear you die a slow and very agonizing death, but since that is quite impossible at the moment I will settle for not hearing you at all.

I got up quickly from the table and strode over to Harry's door.

"Harry?" I called as I knocked. "You are late for supper." There was no reply. "Harry?" I tried again a bit louder but there was still no reply. "If you do not respond I am going to enter your room." There was again no response so I entered the darkened room slowly.

Even though my eyes were quite adept at adjusting to darkness it was still hard to see anything in the dank room. Once I stepped into the room, it was as if the fire I had been feeling towards that nitwit of a voice had been smothered causing my mood to become soft and subdued, though I did not consciously will it so. Lighting a few candles I could see Harry still lying on the bed as I had left him. Quietly I walked over to him and touched his shoulder.

"Harry." I whispered calmly, "it is time for supper. You must come eat something." Just like before his eyelids lifted slowly and remained half shut as he gazed up at me.

"Still tired." He muttered before letting his eyes close again.

"Eat something, then you may sleep." No response. "Harry, I do not have all evening, dinner is getting cold."

"I'm not hungry… just tired" He mumbled, not opening his eyes.

"You must eat something Harry… Harry?" It was no use, he was out cold. "If you will not eat, I will have to summon Poppy and ask her to take you back." That got a response, as I thought it would. His eyes opened relatively faster this time. He propped himself up slowly on his elbow and looked up at me. His eyes were wide, but glazed, as if he was still asleep.

"Please don't." He whispered.

"Come eat." He closed his eyes and nodded. "Dinner is waiting." With that I turned to leave. I could hear the bed slowly creaking, Harry must have been getting up. I smiled at both having a conversation, albeit a little one-sided, with Harry in which no one was hurt, emotionally or physically, and the fact that the idiot voice would be gone now, at least for a while. Behind me I heard a shuffle and then felt something that felt suspiciously like a twenty-something year old latching onto my shoulder. As I felt the hand begin to slip I instinctively wrapped my arm around him, holding most of his weight up.

"Harry?"

"Sorry… too tired." Shit. His knees went completely as I struggled to get a better hold of him, now supporting all his weight. I managed to get one arm under his shoulders and even one under his thighs, he is definitely too light. I set him back down on his bed and left quickly for the fire. Throwing some powder in, I called for Poppy.

"Poppy, I was prepared for your usual amount of incompetence, but this surpasses even you!"

"And just what do you mean by that?" She demanded shrilly.

"You told me Potter would suffer 'sporadic weakness' but I think you might have underestimated just a tad."

"For heavens sake, Severus, would you tell me what this is about!"

"Potter collapsed around two today so I brought him back to his room. I wasn't overly worried because you had mentioned it would be a side effect. However I've just now gone to fetch him for supper and not only was he still asleep but he was completely exhausted! He could barely move one pace before collapsing!"

"I see… Severus, I had better take him back into care, the weakness I was talking about should have been remedied by ten minutes rest, but five hours…"

In all honesty, Harry scared me just now, he was so weak I was afraid he'd die, he really should go back to her… but I can't just ignore his wishes can I? He was horrified at the prospect of going back to the hospital wing, I could see it in his eyes, but he does need professional care, I could see that in his eyes as well…

"Poppy, isn't there something he or I can do from here?"

"What! Are you still on about him missing working time? I don't believe it! You must realize he will be of no help to you in this state!"

"Of course I do!"

"Then why-" I looked sharply at her in a way that very much expressed it would be in her best interests not to finish that question. "I… I don't know, it could be he's taking too much Sopori Juice. Hmm… yes, tell Harry to take three quarters of what he's been taking up till now. But if he doesn't improve you must contact me! You have remembered to activate the potions, haven't you Severus? … Severus? Argg!" I turned away from the fire and left before she finished. She disappeared with a huff.

I was hoping I would for get, I don not want to do this… but I suppose I must. He probably should still eat something as well. As I walked back to Harry's room I grabbed a roll and bowl of soup off the table and set them down on Harry's bedside.

"Harry." I nudged his shoulder, "Harry, this is important, please wake up." He did as I asked, albeit agonizingly slowly. "I'm sure you have realized that I haven't cast the spell to activate some of your potions yet today. I'm also sure you realize the necessity of this spell." He looked away from me, but I could still recognize his nod. "Would you like me to cast it before or after you eat?"

"Before." He murmured.

"Alright." I took out my wand and pointed it at Harry who flinched upon seeing it and curled up away from me. "I'm sorry…" I whispered, then took a deep breath, "Activo Potio!" A thin greenish smoke left my wand point and wrapped around Harry. Immediately as the smoke touched his body, a pain filled shriek was torn from his throat. His body twitched and convulsed as the smoke reached every part of him. At the sight and sound I lowered my wand and looked away remorsefully, but the shrieks only ended a few moments later. She said pain but…he is in agony… and I caused it…damn. A angry tear rolled down my cheek as I swept from his room and ran to mine. Once there I fell onto the bed and curled up.

"I tried so hard…"

The morning sun shone bright upon my face, One bloody window in my whole room and it had to be facing east. As I collected my self and sat up I groaned, for two reasons. One, I was stiff as hell, and two, memories of the previous night started to trickle into my consciousness. Brilliant Severus, hurt him like hell and then instead of helping him or making sure he is all right, wallow in self-pity. A lot of good that did. I got up slowly, very slowly and hobbled over to the bathroom, a nice hot shower will sooth these old bones. As usual, I was right, and fifteen minutes later I was as good as- well not new, but better than I had been.

It was about six forty five and having finished my shower the next step was black coffee. I had my own magical coffee maker in the storage corner of my rooms because not unlike most, I found it extremely hard to deal with house elves at the best of times, and the early morning was definitely not the best of times. Striding over with renewed grace I asked the tall coffee pot for two cups, black. With a pop a steaming mug appeared on the stone counter along with enough in the pot for a refill. Feeling now even more awake after the first sip, I walked over to the sill of the one window in the main room and picked up the Daily Prophet. It had once been a crack pot tabloid, but it had had a major overhaul in management a couple years ago and was now fairly respectable, so long as you knew who's column to read. I walked to the old dinning table and unfolded it. All the blood ran from my face and the coffee mug smashed to the floor.

"No…"

A.N. Yay!!! Finally getting to the next plot! Hoorah! All right, well I just read over this chap and I must admit it's not the most exciting chapter ever, but it was necessary for plot advancement- and advance it finally did! Yay! ^^

#1. So who was that new voice in poor Sev's head? He doesn't know, you don't know and neither do I! ^^ I was just too happy last Friday afternoon – it being Friday afternoon an all – to write something somber (even my depressing music couldn't get me down!) and since I couldn't afford to waste the one time I have to write, I just stuck that little guy in there ^^ You like? You hate? You feel like Sev- Annoyed as all hell? Please tell me what you think ^^ as for who he is I was thinking maybe an older Weasley we don't know too much about like Bill or Charlie or maybe just some random student Sev had, so, who d'you reckon he is?

#2. I'm sorry, but I won't deceive you, the next chap will most likely take as long or longer then this one did, I'm really sorry, but unless you can make school go bye bye that's the way it's gonna be ^^ Sorry!

Please Review- They make me happy!