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Chapter 7

Harry was already awake when Snape knocked on the door next morning, even though it was earlier than usual. Though he would normally go straight out, having spent the night tossing and turning, Harry felt in need of a shower. He rinsed off quickly, then dressed in his usual trousers, shirt and belt. He had not even bothered to ask what he should wear, knowing what the answer would be. Not that he had many of his own clothes anyway.

Going out into the main room, Harry found that the breakfast laid out was slightly better than usual. After exchanging greetings required, Harry sat down, and began to tuck in with a will. He finished fast, then had to wait impatiently as Snape finished his own meal.

Grateful that it was sunny meaning he would not need a cloak, Harry followed Snape up through the corridor and out into the grounds. This time he was prepared as Snape took his arm tight, and they were jerked off.

They appeared in Lexington Way, once more outside the tall, white marble building he remembered. Snape did not pause, but walked straight in, with Harry following. Once inside Harry was surprised to see many other men, who he assumed were more masters, several with young teenagers like himself trailing in their wakes. Harry assumed that they too were apprentices.

Snape walked over to a desk and asked a question of the man behind it, then moved off once more, finally coming to a halt outside a set of door like every other in the building. He sat down on one of the plush leather chairs next to the doors, and folded his arms. Sighing, Harry joined him.

An hour later Snape decided that there was no point in wasting the day just sitting there saying nothing, and started to question Harry on what he had learned in the past few weeks. Harry, who was going out of his mind with boredom, answered eagerly. It was several hour later when a steward finally came and told them they could go in.

Snape rose silently, and Harry followed him quickly, only a pace behind his master. As they strode through the doors, Harry wondered vaguely whether what he was about to hear was going to be worth sitting around for three hours. When they halted, the same clerk announced Snape.

'Master Shadowman, my lords.'

The room was similar to the one Harry had previously been in, with a long bench, behind which sat the Board of Masters, and the thick red carpet underfoot. As Snape stopped, he gave a quick bow, and Harry duly followed suit, his back stiff from hours sat without moving. The man sitting in the centre spoke.

'You have been called, Master Shadowman, because we have need of your expertise yet again. We need you to research and develop a potion capable of making the drinker immune from the effects of crucatius. You may draw on any of the orders funds you deem necessary. We expect a full report in one months time. You may also choose an assistant.'

Harry was shocked by Snape's answer.

'Who should I choose but my apprentice. Aeternus will be more use to me than most; he knows my habits and my methods.'

Snape did not look at Harry while he said this. The Masters peered down at Harry, who swallowed.

'Very well. Apprentice, we have more to discuss with your master. You are excused. Wait outside the doors, we will not be long.'

'Yes, my lords.'

With a sideways glance at Snape, Harry bowed, then walked out, sitting down as before in the leather armchair, praying that the masters idea of not being long was the same as a normal persons.

As it turned out, nearly an hour had passed before Harry saw his mentor again. Snape came out holding a thick document slip, looking like he was relieved to be out of the stuffy room. By this time it was almost two o'clock, and Harry stomach was growling.

Harry was pleased to see them reappear outside eth leaky cauldron a few minutes later, and followed Snape inside, thinking happily of a steak sandwich with chips. It had been weeks since he had had chips. Unfortunately for Harry, Snape chose what they ate, and Snape had obviously decided that since he was off training for a day, he didn't need a big lunch. Snape ate rapidly, while Harry began on his salad and cheese regretfully.

Despite Harry obvious impatience, Snape did not stand up until ten to three, having made Harry wait while he finished every drop of his sparkling water. When they finally left, Harry jumped up excitedly, and followed Snape out into the surprisingly empty streets.

Even though Harry spent the five minutes it took to walk to Gringotts looking anxiously for his friends, it was not until he was right outside the wizarding bank that he spotted them. Just as he was about to ignore Snape's glare and call out to them, they turned. Harry was instantly enveloped in a hug from Hermione, which he put up with, and grinned over Hermione's shoulder at Ron.

'Harry, it's so good to see you! I.'

Hermione's voice halted as she noticed Harry's companion.

'Good afternoon professor.' She spoke politely. Reluctantly, Ron followed suit.

'Afternoon, sir.'

'Good afternoon, Miss Granger, Mr Weasley.'

Harry grin faded very slightly when he heard the ice in Snape's voice. However, the next sentence was surprising.

'I am sure you company at dinner tonight would be appreciated, if you have no other plans?'

Seeing Harry pleading expression, Hermione answered before Ron had time to think of a excuse.

'Thank you sir, we'd be pleased to.'

'Very well. Aeter,'

Snape was annoyed to see that Harry did not come to attention and reply with the customary 'my lord', as he should have done, but looked resolutely at his shoes. He glared.

'I will meet you back at the leaky cauldron at seven, and not a minute later. Understood?'

Harry nodded. Snape's voice was icy, his rage barely concealed.

'It seems the presence of your friends has made you forget you manners. For that, I will se you at six, in the practice rooms you saw earlier for an hour's punishment training. Now I will ask you again, and if you don't want to leave now you had better answer me correctly. Do you understand?'

Still not looking up, Harry ground the words out.

'But what about Ron and Hermione?' Harry voice was panicked.

'They may come and watch. They might actually learn something, and it will do you good. Now, do you understand?

'Yes, my lord.' Harry voice was defeated.

Snape pursed his lips, still annoyed.

'Six then. I will see you all later.'

As Snape spun and walked off in the other direction, Ron turned to Harry, whistling under his breath.

'Wow. I can see why you said don't be late. He would have gone nuts, he's even worse than last year.'

Harry shook his head, and followed them into the bank.