I do not own any of this!

A/N: This chapter needs to be read slowly, in order for it to have full impact!

Chapter 18

When Harry, Ron and Hermione rushed into the Great Hall after dumping their bags in the common room of Gryffindor tower, they found most of the school already eating, oblivious to their presence. Unfortunately Snape was not. As Ron and Hermione made their way over to the Gryffindor table, Harry walked over to the steps leading up to the platform, uncomfortably aware of his master's eyes on him.

When he finally came to stand in front of Snape, the fact that his bow and greeting was ignored served only to increase Harry's anxiety. Harry was left standing at attention, alone, for about ten minutes, while Snape simply continued with his meal, ignoring his apprentice's obvious discomfort.

Finally Snape's plate was clear. When his master finally looked up, Harry felt his heart skip a beat. He had never seen Snape's face look so cold, even blank. And this fact scared him more than anger ever could. Seeing the glittering fury in Snape's eyes, Harry swallowed, still scaring straight ahead.

'You are late, apprentice, and your attire is somewhat lacking.'

Snape's voice was icy, and Harry flinched. Realising that no answer was needed, Harry remained silent. Seated at the Gryffindor table, Ron and Hermione watched with unfolding horror.

Though Harry was not aware of it, Snape's voice had caught the attention of the entire hall. That voice was feared by many a student, meaning that almost the entire school looked on with a combination of fascination and fear as Snape continued.

'That, coupled with the complaint Professor Gray received earlier of fighting in Hogsmeade, annoys me.'

Seated at his table, Draco Malfoy smirked. Potter wad finally getting what he deserved, and he himself had helped to brig it about. Did it get any better?

Do you contest these allegations? Think well before you answer, much depends on it.'

Say yes, Harry, please say yes. Hermione silently pleaded. Swallow your pride for once and just say yes!

Biting the inside of his cheek fo0r a moment, Harry gave his reply.

'No, my lord.'

Snape's eyes flashed for a moment.

'You have shamed yours name and you're master. The Order will be informed of your actions.'

Snape paused for a moment. To his left, Gray looked on, his eye's gleaming.

'You know what comes now.'

For a moment Harry was confused. Then he read the meaning from Snape's words. He bowed his head as the colour drained from his cheeks. Struggling to keep his composure, Harry answered, his voice wavering slightly.

'Yes, my lord.'

Snape gave a slight nod, and rose from his seat, advancing round the table. Silently, acceptingly, Harry sank to one knee, closing his eyes as he did so.

Seated scant metre's away, Ron's hear raced. His panicked mind meant Ron could almost smell Harry's disguised fear, and Ron silently begged Snape to stop. If what he though was happening, was, Ron didn't think he could face it. Despite Harry's assurances that Snape would do nothing to hurt him, Ron was worried. Sitting next to Ron, for the first time in her life, Hermione was wishing for her instincts to be wrong.

The Hall fell silent, its occupants staring mesmerised at the boy kneeling on the platform, and at the black garbed man standing above him. All heard that man's words.

'It should come, but it will not. That knowledge itself is enough. You will go at once and stand at the lakeshore. It is there that you will accept your punishment.'

Harry kept his eyes closed as he fought to keep his turmoil of emotions from showing on his face. Because of this, he did not see the fierce glare on Gray's face, or the worried expressions worn by the rest of the teaching staff.

'Yes, my lord.'

He rose to his feet, and moved smoothly to the door. Only Snape knew the true feelings displayed behind those words, and even he saw only the surface of their meaning.

Snape's eyes followed his apprentice out of the door. After giving he subtlest of nods to the Headmaster, he too moved towards the exit to the Entrance Hall.

After a few moments of silence, Draco, along with several others of his clique, rose, and sneering followed their housemaster out of the door, and through the Entrance Hall. A few minutes later they were hesitantly followed by others, their curiosity outweighing their fear. The crowd gathered at the foot of the steps leading down to the lake, looking down at the scene unfolding below them, none daring to go further.

They all saw what happened, though none could hear what was spoken, if anything.

While waiting for Snape, Harry had removed his shirt and bared his feet. He stood now alone, and yet beating with an inner strength that none could place. When he heard footsteps behind him, he turned, and bowed once more.

'My lord.'

Harry could not see Snape face in the darkness, but he clearly heard the next order.

'Turn around.'

Harry obeyed silently, clasping his hands behind his back out of pure habit. A whispered word and his wrist were bound, rope digging into his clammy skin. Harry struggled with the urge to move, fear racing through his heart once more.

'Kneel.'

Harry fell to his knees on the cool grass, bowing his head. After a few minutes he heard footsteps moving away from him, and soon he alone. Alone, despite the crowd gathered.

Snape made his way through the students silently, offering now explanation, just a cold look no one could interpret or understand.

Few would are to approach the kneeling boy, and those who might have done, his friends, knew better than to do so. The crowd drifted slowly away, and night came, brining with it a storm, beating against the lone, accepting figure on the grass.



Okay I really, really need some honest opinions of this chapter, and not just a good or bad, but comments, suggestions and criticism. This is an important chapter, and I spent a big chunk of time writing this during one of the last days of my holiday. I have no idea what my ability to make you feel sad, angry or sympathetic through my writing is, so good, long reviews will be much appreciated.

School is keeping me busy, and I'm not free at all this weekend, so I'm making not promises for an update, except by the end of next week at the latest. Also, I'm getting curious as to who is reading my stories, so any information about who you are such as age, where you live etc would be great.

Thanks for all reviews - Pose