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Chapter 21
A few weeks passed, and as time wore on, they slowly developed the potion until it could hold up to a few seconds of cruciatus on a rat, before its effects wore off. Now, instead of having extra lessons from Snape in the evenings, Harry and his master would spend several hours bent over steaming cauldrons, or squinting at the tiny script on old manuscripts.
Meanwhile, Harry had continued with his early morning lessons, and would often surprise his classmates to responding to the Latin comments Snape sent his way. On the rare occasion that Harry did not answer correctly, Harry had to endure harsh reprimands doled out in the presence of his classmates.
Snape, on the other hand, found the Gryffindor reactions to Harry's apprenticeship amusing. After seeing Harry's punishment of a few weeks previously, all students trod lightly around him, fearing they would get similar treatment.
Training with Fletcher continued. Harry had enjoyed watching the transformation that had occurred in all those who had chosen to stay on under Fletcher, despite the fact that he was a harsh instructor.
After the first few days there were several dropouts, mostly from the Ravenclaw side. Fletcher had expected this, and made no comment. As for the rest, he worked them tirelessly. When all other had gone to bed, anyone walking through the house common rooms would always find several bag- eyed students at work, no matter how late the hour. Harry looked forward to the time he was allowed to spend training with his friends, and even enjoyed the 'special' training Fletcher would take him through for an hour before Snape turned up at the Hall.
He was getting quite proficient at fencing, and beginning to enjoy it more. This was not to say he also liked those days where he had done something to warrant punishment. Ron and Hermione still disliked watching these episodes, though, like the rest of the class, all too often found themselves unable to look away.
If Harry hated one thing about his apprenticeship, that was it. He hated being punished in public, especially on the few occasions that Gray had any excuse to reprimand him. Harry found standing impassively by as bad as torture.
Though most of the students went home for Christmas, both Ron and Hermione chose to remain. Though they said nothing, Harry suspected this was to keep him company. However, Harry actually saw little of his friends in the week leading up to Christmas, as he was kept busy by Snape, who was certain that they were nearing a breakthrough in the development of the potion.
In fact, Ron and Hermione were the only Gryffindors who had stayed in school, and there was a total absence pf Slytherins. Because of this, the only person Harry dislike who was at Hogwarts was Gray, and Harry did his best to stay put of his way.
This worked well until Christmas Eve when Harry was on his way back from the library, his arms full of books Snape had sent him to fetch. Unfortunately, this meant his visibility was extremely poor, and consequently he didn't see Master Gray until he was quite literally on top of him.
The books went cascading to the floor, and Harry stumbled hard, knocking Gray aside, and splashing the hot drink the professor was carrying all over the man's dress robes. Realising with a sinking heart who it was, Harry came to attention swiftly. Gray was leering at him nastily.
'I apologise, Master Gray, I did not.'
'I don't want to hear your excuses, boy. Pick up those books and follow me. Now!'
Harry bowed, making no attempt to defend himself. As his heart sunk into his boots, Harry followed Gray along the corridors, to the DADA classroom. Once inside, Gray ignored Harry, taking off his dirty robes and replacing them with a fresh set. Turning back to Harry, he pursed his lips.
'Put those down on the desk.'
There was a pause as Harry obeyed. Once his hands were free, he came to attention once again. Gray was looking him up and down.
'It seems you need another reminder that clumsiness is not acceptable. Several of those books, which are now in need of repairing, are old, and very valuable. I shall just have to teach you not to drop books in the future.'
The coldness in Gray words was unnerving Harry slightly, though he refused to let this show on his face. He watched the master, as he walked over to the desk, and came back with two items. One was a heavy hardback book, which he passed to Harry. The other was the wooden pointer he was so fond of using in lessons. Harry swallowed, his throat suddenly dry.
'Hold your arms out straight. Palms down, holding he book.'
Harry did so. He started resolutely ahead as Gray moved round behind him, wishing he had more on that just the thin shirt he was wearing. Lugging heavy books from the library, Harry had worn a shirt instead of his tunic, despite the coolness of the corridors.
Added to this was the fact that his sleeves were rolled, a habit that had developed after hours spent working over hot cauldrons. Now, he was just glad he had turned down Ron and Hermione's offer of help. He would not want them to be here. His thoughts were interrupted by Gray.
'Do you understand and except the reasons for your punishment?'
'Yes, my lord.'
Harry's voice was neutral as he replied.
'Then all I will say is this, keep the book at arms length, at shoulder height. Do not drop it.'
Harry was given hardly a second to absorb these words when he heard a crack. A split second later he felt a shooting line of pain across his shoulders. He winced. Not wanting to see his tormentor, Harry closed his eyes. The next stroke was across his elbow. His arms shook, and Harry nearly lost his grip on the book. Unfortunately for him, Gary noticed this, and directed the next blow square across Harry knuckles, at the same time hissing,
'Arms straight!'
Harry bit his lip, both from the pain, and to stop himself coming out with one of the many angry retorts on the tip of his tongue. After that, Harry refused to let the book move and inch in any direction, and after five minutes Gray was forced to accept the fact that Harry was not going to drop it. With a last viscous stroke that caused Harry to suck air in fast through his nose, and to open his eyes, Gray backed off. Still, his voice was cold.
'Punishment is done.'
Slowly, Harry lowered the book, his arms shaking with the effort required. His fact contorted slightly as he bent his elbows. Gray looked on maliciously, as Harry replaced the book on the front desk, and stood to attention once more. He bowed, his voice even.
'Thank you, my lord.'
Harry straightened up and picked up the books Snape had requested. As he was walking out of the door, he heard Gray speak, his voice sarcastic.
'Merry Christmas.'
Bastard. Harry thought. Once as safe distance from Gray classroom, Harry halted, depositing the heavy book on a handy bench. Sitting down stiffly to recover his breath, Harry tried to work out what, exactly, he was going to tell his master.
His thoughts were interrupted by Fletcher, who was walking down the corridor on the way to see the Headmaster. Upon catching sight of Harry, and the rather conspicuous red lines across his forearms, he halted, and cleared his throat noisily to get the boy's attention. Harry jumped to his feet.
'Good evening, sir.'
'Hi Harry. Mind if I join you.'
Harry shook his head. As both sat back down, Harry slightly uncomfortably neither spoke. After a few moments of tense silence. Fletcher spoke, nodding towards Harry's arms.
'How did you get those?'
'Harry shifted slightly, ducking his head.
'A punishment, or a Christmas present, depending how you look at it.'
Fletcher raised an eyebrow.
'They look recent. Don't you think it was slightly harsh of your master to punish you so. severely, just before Christmas?'
Harry shook his head, looking faintly amused.
'It doesn't matter what I think.' He paused, not sure whether or not to go on. 'And it wasn't my master.'
By now, Fletcher's eyebrow was nearing his hairline.
'If not Snape, then. Gray?'
Harry nodded, and Fletcher frowned slightly.
'And your other injuries, Gray too?'
He took Harry's lack of response as a yes. Deciding to press on, Fletcher asked another question, this time one which Harry couldn't answer with a simple yes or no.
'So, why?'
Harry sighed.
'Gray believes in that sort of punishment. I'm an apprentice. I don't have any say in the matter. And it's not so bad.'
Fletcher snorted, and put a hand on Harry shoulder, in an attempt to make Harry looked at him instead of the opposite side of the wall. He was surprised when Harry shied away from the contact.
This time Harry couldn't ignore the raised eyebrow, or the cool hand that pulled back the collar of his shirt. Deciding a corridor was not the best place to be having this conversation, Fletcher stood and went into the nearest classroom. Harry was forced to follow him.
Once the door had been shut, Fletcher pulled on his professional face, and adopted his stern voice. Having seen the results of Harry's last 'punishment' he wasn't about to let this one go untreated, despite the fact that, as of yet, he'd seen no blood, baring a bit seeping from the broken skin of Harry's knuckles.
'Shirt.'
Fletcher voice left no room for argument, and reluctantly, Harry complied. After a quick examination for blood and broken bones, Harry replaced his shirt. He rejected the offer of healing, partly because he knew Gray would simply re-apply the wounds, probably with interest, but also because, in a way, Harry believed this was part of his training. And he was not one to shy away from learning, no matter what the cost.
Fletcher had not been amused by what he had seen, though Harry's cheerfulness, coupled with the fact he had absolutely no control over the matter, convinced him to drop it. Fletcher continued on his way to his meeting with the Headmaster, and Harry made his way to the dungeons, going over what he was planning to tell Snape in his head.
Unfortunately for him, when he arrived at the dungeons, he found Ron and Hermione seated in the main room, making polite conversation with his master. As it turned out, Snape had invited them to share an evening meal with their friend. Like Fletcher, they were not impressed.
Okay, how was this. It was much longer than normal, so I don't want any complaints about the length. To be honest, this was not what I'd planned for this chapter, or any of the next few, but I just got a mental image of the Gray saying 'Merry Christmas', and it went from there. For all of you who have been egging me on for more Harry/Gray confrontations, you should have enjoyed this chapter.
You've been very lucky to get a chapter this soon. Unfortunately, I very much doubt you'll be getting another chapter in the next ten days. This is because I've got two-day squash events this weekend and next, and am missing a day of school on Monday for field weekend, and I'm going to be working hard to make up for lost time on all the coursework I've got at the moment. Sorry, but it not my fault.
Thanks for any reviews - Pose
Chapter 21
A few weeks passed, and as time wore on, they slowly developed the potion until it could hold up to a few seconds of cruciatus on a rat, before its effects wore off. Now, instead of having extra lessons from Snape in the evenings, Harry and his master would spend several hours bent over steaming cauldrons, or squinting at the tiny script on old manuscripts.
Meanwhile, Harry had continued with his early morning lessons, and would often surprise his classmates to responding to the Latin comments Snape sent his way. On the rare occasion that Harry did not answer correctly, Harry had to endure harsh reprimands doled out in the presence of his classmates.
Snape, on the other hand, found the Gryffindor reactions to Harry's apprenticeship amusing. After seeing Harry's punishment of a few weeks previously, all students trod lightly around him, fearing they would get similar treatment.
Training with Fletcher continued. Harry had enjoyed watching the transformation that had occurred in all those who had chosen to stay on under Fletcher, despite the fact that he was a harsh instructor.
After the first few days there were several dropouts, mostly from the Ravenclaw side. Fletcher had expected this, and made no comment. As for the rest, he worked them tirelessly. When all other had gone to bed, anyone walking through the house common rooms would always find several bag- eyed students at work, no matter how late the hour. Harry looked forward to the time he was allowed to spend training with his friends, and even enjoyed the 'special' training Fletcher would take him through for an hour before Snape turned up at the Hall.
He was getting quite proficient at fencing, and beginning to enjoy it more. This was not to say he also liked those days where he had done something to warrant punishment. Ron and Hermione still disliked watching these episodes, though, like the rest of the class, all too often found themselves unable to look away.
If Harry hated one thing about his apprenticeship, that was it. He hated being punished in public, especially on the few occasions that Gray had any excuse to reprimand him. Harry found standing impassively by as bad as torture.
Though most of the students went home for Christmas, both Ron and Hermione chose to remain. Though they said nothing, Harry suspected this was to keep him company. However, Harry actually saw little of his friends in the week leading up to Christmas, as he was kept busy by Snape, who was certain that they were nearing a breakthrough in the development of the potion.
In fact, Ron and Hermione were the only Gryffindors who had stayed in school, and there was a total absence pf Slytherins. Because of this, the only person Harry dislike who was at Hogwarts was Gray, and Harry did his best to stay put of his way.
This worked well until Christmas Eve when Harry was on his way back from the library, his arms full of books Snape had sent him to fetch. Unfortunately, this meant his visibility was extremely poor, and consequently he didn't see Master Gray until he was quite literally on top of him.
The books went cascading to the floor, and Harry stumbled hard, knocking Gray aside, and splashing the hot drink the professor was carrying all over the man's dress robes. Realising with a sinking heart who it was, Harry came to attention swiftly. Gray was leering at him nastily.
'I apologise, Master Gray, I did not.'
'I don't want to hear your excuses, boy. Pick up those books and follow me. Now!'
Harry bowed, making no attempt to defend himself. As his heart sunk into his boots, Harry followed Gray along the corridors, to the DADA classroom. Once inside, Gray ignored Harry, taking off his dirty robes and replacing them with a fresh set. Turning back to Harry, he pursed his lips.
'Put those down on the desk.'
There was a pause as Harry obeyed. Once his hands were free, he came to attention once again. Gray was looking him up and down.
'It seems you need another reminder that clumsiness is not acceptable. Several of those books, which are now in need of repairing, are old, and very valuable. I shall just have to teach you not to drop books in the future.'
The coldness in Gray words was unnerving Harry slightly, though he refused to let this show on his face. He watched the master, as he walked over to the desk, and came back with two items. One was a heavy hardback book, which he passed to Harry. The other was the wooden pointer he was so fond of using in lessons. Harry swallowed, his throat suddenly dry.
'Hold your arms out straight. Palms down, holding he book.'
Harry did so. He started resolutely ahead as Gray moved round behind him, wishing he had more on that just the thin shirt he was wearing. Lugging heavy books from the library, Harry had worn a shirt instead of his tunic, despite the coolness of the corridors.
Added to this was the fact that his sleeves were rolled, a habit that had developed after hours spent working over hot cauldrons. Now, he was just glad he had turned down Ron and Hermione's offer of help. He would not want them to be here. His thoughts were interrupted by Gray.
'Do you understand and except the reasons for your punishment?'
'Yes, my lord.'
Harry's voice was neutral as he replied.
'Then all I will say is this, keep the book at arms length, at shoulder height. Do not drop it.'
Harry was given hardly a second to absorb these words when he heard a crack. A split second later he felt a shooting line of pain across his shoulders. He winced. Not wanting to see his tormentor, Harry closed his eyes. The next stroke was across his elbow. His arms shook, and Harry nearly lost his grip on the book. Unfortunately for him, Gary noticed this, and directed the next blow square across Harry knuckles, at the same time hissing,
'Arms straight!'
Harry bit his lip, both from the pain, and to stop himself coming out with one of the many angry retorts on the tip of his tongue. After that, Harry refused to let the book move and inch in any direction, and after five minutes Gray was forced to accept the fact that Harry was not going to drop it. With a last viscous stroke that caused Harry to suck air in fast through his nose, and to open his eyes, Gray backed off. Still, his voice was cold.
'Punishment is done.'
Slowly, Harry lowered the book, his arms shaking with the effort required. His fact contorted slightly as he bent his elbows. Gray looked on maliciously, as Harry replaced the book on the front desk, and stood to attention once more. He bowed, his voice even.
'Thank you, my lord.'
Harry straightened up and picked up the books Snape had requested. As he was walking out of the door, he heard Gray speak, his voice sarcastic.
'Merry Christmas.'
Bastard. Harry thought. Once as safe distance from Gray classroom, Harry halted, depositing the heavy book on a handy bench. Sitting down stiffly to recover his breath, Harry tried to work out what, exactly, he was going to tell his master.
His thoughts were interrupted by Fletcher, who was walking down the corridor on the way to see the Headmaster. Upon catching sight of Harry, and the rather conspicuous red lines across his forearms, he halted, and cleared his throat noisily to get the boy's attention. Harry jumped to his feet.
'Good evening, sir.'
'Hi Harry. Mind if I join you.'
Harry shook his head. As both sat back down, Harry slightly uncomfortably neither spoke. After a few moments of tense silence. Fletcher spoke, nodding towards Harry's arms.
'How did you get those?'
'Harry shifted slightly, ducking his head.
'A punishment, or a Christmas present, depending how you look at it.'
Fletcher raised an eyebrow.
'They look recent. Don't you think it was slightly harsh of your master to punish you so. severely, just before Christmas?'
Harry shook his head, looking faintly amused.
'It doesn't matter what I think.' He paused, not sure whether or not to go on. 'And it wasn't my master.'
By now, Fletcher's eyebrow was nearing his hairline.
'If not Snape, then. Gray?'
Harry nodded, and Fletcher frowned slightly.
'And your other injuries, Gray too?'
He took Harry's lack of response as a yes. Deciding to press on, Fletcher asked another question, this time one which Harry couldn't answer with a simple yes or no.
'So, why?'
Harry sighed.
'Gray believes in that sort of punishment. I'm an apprentice. I don't have any say in the matter. And it's not so bad.'
Fletcher snorted, and put a hand on Harry shoulder, in an attempt to make Harry looked at him instead of the opposite side of the wall. He was surprised when Harry shied away from the contact.
This time Harry couldn't ignore the raised eyebrow, or the cool hand that pulled back the collar of his shirt. Deciding a corridor was not the best place to be having this conversation, Fletcher stood and went into the nearest classroom. Harry was forced to follow him.
Once the door had been shut, Fletcher pulled on his professional face, and adopted his stern voice. Having seen the results of Harry's last 'punishment' he wasn't about to let this one go untreated, despite the fact that, as of yet, he'd seen no blood, baring a bit seeping from the broken skin of Harry's knuckles.
'Shirt.'
Fletcher voice left no room for argument, and reluctantly, Harry complied. After a quick examination for blood and broken bones, Harry replaced his shirt. He rejected the offer of healing, partly because he knew Gray would simply re-apply the wounds, probably with interest, but also because, in a way, Harry believed this was part of his training. And he was not one to shy away from learning, no matter what the cost.
Fletcher had not been amused by what he had seen, though Harry's cheerfulness, coupled with the fact he had absolutely no control over the matter, convinced him to drop it. Fletcher continued on his way to his meeting with the Headmaster, and Harry made his way to the dungeons, going over what he was planning to tell Snape in his head.
Unfortunately for him, when he arrived at the dungeons, he found Ron and Hermione seated in the main room, making polite conversation with his master. As it turned out, Snape had invited them to share an evening meal with their friend. Like Fletcher, they were not impressed.
Okay, how was this. It was much longer than normal, so I don't want any complaints about the length. To be honest, this was not what I'd planned for this chapter, or any of the next few, but I just got a mental image of the Gray saying 'Merry Christmas', and it went from there. For all of you who have been egging me on for more Harry/Gray confrontations, you should have enjoyed this chapter.
You've been very lucky to get a chapter this soon. Unfortunately, I very much doubt you'll be getting another chapter in the next ten days. This is because I've got two-day squash events this weekend and next, and am missing a day of school on Monday for field weekend, and I'm going to be working hard to make up for lost time on all the coursework I've got at the moment. Sorry, but it not my fault.
Thanks for any reviews - Pose
