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Chapter 2

They reappeared outside a white marble building that reflected the light of the evening sun, causing Harry to squint as he looked up at its walls, which seemed to go on forever, as the building stretches way above street level. To Harry's surprise, he realised they were in a street, albeit a very empty, very wide street. Harry saw a name, Lexington Way, and was looking for more when he was forced to follow Snape inside.

He soon founds himself in a long corridor, having a shirt thrust at him by a annoyed looking Snape. Harry realised that he was about to do something important, and was grateful that he would not have to appear half naked, particularly with his back in the state it was.

Harry followed as Snape walked off, and was about to voice a complaint when he saw Snape walk briskly through a doorway. Not wanting to get lost, Harry followed as fast as his feet could carry him stopping only for a second to admire the ornate carving engraved on the wooden panels. And found himself standing in the middle of a room, being looked down on by a panel of very old and serious looking men.

Harry immediately felt totally intimidated, and looked around for help, forcing himself not to give in to the frantic urge to take several paces backwards. Harry saw Snape standing at the side of the room, obviously with no intention to help. So he was forced to stand there alone, silent, and with not clue as to what was going on. Finally one of them spoke.

'Yes, he will do well. He will be in your charge, Severus. Yes, that is best. Others would be too easy on him, knowing who he is.'

Harry balked slightly at these words, ready to argue despite his fear. Then the man, who Harry had worked out to be a 'Master', whatever they were, turned to Harry.

'And you, young man, will respect our wishes. You will be totally obedient. You will address your mentor as 'My Lord', 'Sir', or 'Master Shadowman', as his station decrees. You must also choose a name for yourself. In three years you will come before us once again, and you will be tested. Do you understand this?'

Harry realise that he was supposed to answer, and cleared his throat.

'Yes, sir.' He mumbled.

The old man nodded, and gestured at the door. Snape walked out, and Harry followed, frowning. He had much he wanted to ask.

An hour and no questions later, Harry was back at Hogwarts. To his disappointment, he saw no one, and was forced once again to follow Snape down to the dungeons. They went through the potions classroom Harry knew without a halt, stopping in the room beyond.

As Harry looked around, he realised with a start that these were Snape's personal chambers, where he lived. To Harry's surprise, though plain, it was fairly bright, with a large fireplace, wall hangings, and several large, comfortable chairs. Stopping only to see that he was being followed, Snape walked on, into a smaller room that was obviously his study. Hew walked round the desk, and sat down. Harry stood nervously, taking in his surroundings, unsure of what to do. After a few moments had passed, Snape looked up at him.

'Do you have any idea what today has been about?'

Harry shook his head. Snape sighed.

'The men you saw were the Board of Masters. It is they who decide who is to be apprenticed, and to who. You are not permitted to argue with them. So, you will serve me. In three years you will change immeasurably. You will defeat Voldemorrt after you have served. Until them, you do nothing except what I tell you. I will teach you mentally and physically, just as I was taught. It will not be nice, and you will hate me for most of it, as I hated my mentor. We start first thing tomorrow.'

Snape paused, giving Harry the chance to ask questions. Inside his head was racing. He had known the boy would be his charge, and had known that it gave him the chance to correct past wrongs. He would be harsh, as he had to be. His silent query was met with silence.

'Follow me.'

He led Harry into a small corridor and through the door on the right. It was a small bedroom, completed with desk, shelves, and an adjoining bathroom. Harry, who had resigned himself to going along with this 'apprentiship', was pleased to see absolutely no trace of Slytherin house colours. IN fact, the room was very comfortable considering it was in the dungeons. The walls were panelled, and the shelves filled with thick volumes, most of which didn't seem to be too educational. Harry spotted several Quidditch titles among them. The bed was in fact a very dark red, giving Harry at least some feeling of Gryffindor. At its foot was a trunk, on which were piled several stacks of clothes, all grey, with bits of silver. Snape pointed to the stack on the left.

'You wear that normally, and when you study, or leave the castle.'

He pointed tat the stack on the right.

'Those are for physical training. Take care of it all. This is all you'll wear as my apprentice, and you will dress only in my colours, grey and silver. As for shoes, use some common sense when you choose. Everything should fit. Get changed, and then come back to my study. Put what you're wearing on the fire.'

Harry nodded mutely.

'Oh, and you'll find your personal belonging are on the shelves.'

Harry nodded again as Snape left, before turning to look at the cloths, an apprehensive expression on his face. He gave a sign as he began to change, trying not to wince as pain from his forgotten wounds flared. He also gently washed all of his back that he could reach, cleaning away the paint, and allowing the cold cloth to sooth his bruises. Once he was ready, he stood before the mirror on the back of the door, curious as to what he would look like.

He almost laughed. Harry looked nothing like he normally did, even when he was in robes. On his feet was a pair of light boots, black and highly polished. On reflection, Harry thought the plain black slacks were Ok, not fine, but OK. It was the shirt. It was dark grey, with silver edging around the cuffs, which Harry immediacy rolled up, the hem, and the open v- neck. The shirt was split down the side from the waist, so it hung loosely under the black belt that was round his waist, complete with wand holster.

In Harry opinion, it made him look like some sort of medieval squire. It was only with reflection that Harry realised that was pretty much what he was. The though made him very uneasy. However he was in no position to complain. So he picked up his wand, and walked back into the living room. He cautiously knocked on the door to the study, and walked in when he heard a snapped 'Enter'.

He stood just inside the door, uncomfortable as Snape looked him up and down, brows creased in thought. Finally he nodded in satisfaction.

'Much better. Now I do not intend to tax you unduly tonight. We will have supper shortly. All you need do before tomorrow is read this. I will expect you to act upon its contents as of tomorrow. I suggest you also get some sleep, you will need it. Is that clear?'

Harry gulped. Not tax him unduly? The book was as thick as his thumb! Nevertheless, he knew there was only one option in terms of his reply.

'Yes, sir.'

'Good. Now I assume you are hungry.'

Snape stood, and walked back into the living room, and to the large table. He sat down on one side, motioning for Harry to take the opposite seat. On the same golden plates that were used in the great hall stood a steaming meal of some sort of meat goulash and rice, with icy water to wash it down with.

Harry was ravenous, and soon overcame his nerves as he ate the first filling meal for several days. He was forced to wait as Snape took his time over the meal, not wanting to ask for permission to get down. Finally both plates were clean, and Harry stood and went back to his room, leaving a huge silence behind him.

He lay face down on his bed, and opened the small book Snape had given him. It was entitled 'Etiquette and Duties of the Mastery'. He groaned silently. It was going to be a long night.

Moonlight - This is set after PoA. As for the other questions, this chapter should have answered them. I deliberately left the last chapter with some questions, and hopefully will continue to do so. Thanks for your review.

Damion Axces - Good point. I agree with you to a certain extent, but from the books I'd say that if they were angry enough the Dursleys wouldn't really be thinking at all. However, well spotted, and thanks for your review.

How as that for a second chapter? Shouldn't be too many questions after that, it was all pretty simple. As you can tell this is going to be mainly Snape and Harry for a while, though when term starts we'll get a bit more variety. Any suggestions or complaints? Again, no promises about the next chapter, thanks for any reviews - Pose