Chapter 2
The Apprentice
Lying on his bed, Severus looked out the darkened window at the growing light. It was now April, and today he turned 7 years old. In the past two years, he had grown taller and thinner. His black hair hung limp over his head, and he was quite thin and pale from being confined to his room.
Suddenly he heard the click of his bedroom door. Swinging his legs into a sitting position he faced the door waiting. A few seconds later, his mother's face appeared. Pushing the door open further, she walked into the room holding a bag.
"Good morning," she smiled as she opened his trunk.
"Hello mother." He replied quietly.
She smiled at him, but reached into the trunk and began pulling out clothes that she then placed in the bag.
"What is it?" He asked, puzzled.
Ravesa stiffened slightly, but turned to Severus with a warm smile.
"You are going to spend a little time with Zhaklina and her family."
Severus hopped off the bed. He was more than ready to escape his room.
Finally Ravesa finished her packing. Drawing the bag over her shoulder she turned to Severus.
"Lets go then."
Smiling, Severus took her hand as she lead him out of the room. However, before they had reached the back door, Valon entered the hall. Looking around, he noted his wife with a nod, but his eyes flicked past his son without a glance, as if Severus wasn't there. Exiting into another room, he shut the door behind him without a word. Severus just looked at the floor and Ravesa took a deep breath before speaking.
"Hurry," she said. "We are almost running late to meet Zhaklina."
Severus nodded without looking up at his mother as she opened the door and coaxed him outside.
Upon reaching the edge of the forest Ravesa spoke for the first time after having left the house.
"I have arranged for you to spend 2 weeks with Zhaklina's family," she revealed. Severus looked up surprised.
"2 whole weeks?"
"Yes, Ravesa replied. "I know it seems like a while, but that is the time she asked for." Pausing, she then continued. "However, I would like you to be well behaved for Zhaklina and learn all you can."
"Yes mother."
"Good boy," she smiled down at him, as they rounded a bend and saw Zhaklina leaning against a tree waiting. Ravesa hurried forward and stopped in front of her friend.
"Hello Severus," Zhaklina smiled down at him. "You have really grown recently."
"Hello," he smiled at her.
Ravesa released his hand and lifted the bag off her shoulder and handed the bag to Zhaklina, who took it from her in silence.
Turning to Severus, she knelt down in front of him. Lifting both her arms to his elbows, she looked up at his face.
"Remember what I said," she requested. "Learn all you can, make the most of this chance."
"I will," he promised.
Smiling bravely she pulled him to her in a hug, then released him, and stood up. Looking over his head, Ravesa looked at her friend.
"I will be waiting here in two weeks. But please send me word if there are any problems."
"Yes, certainly." Zhaklina replied. Turning to Severus, she continued. "Ready then?"
Severus nodded and Zhaklina took his hand.
"Bye now, see you soon." Ravesa said with a brave smile. She then watched as Zhaklina moved away with Severus.
As Ravesa stood waving, they moved down along the track. Severus kept looking behind him as his mother's figure got smaller and smaller. Finally, he lost sight of her and gave up looking back.
After a few minutes of walking in silence. Zhaklina spoke.
"Won't be long now."
"That's fine," Severus replied. "I'm just not used to walking long distances."
Zhaklina looked down at him wordlessly. She had seen that he was much taller than he had been at 5, but he was also very thin and pale. Deciding not to comment on that she changed the subject.
"Lord Voldemort arrived in our camp two weeks ago and is waiting for you to arrive as well."
Severus looked up with a smile. "Sounds fun."
"It will be mostly work," Zhaklina cautioned.
'Yes, that is fine." Severus conceded.
Zhaklina glanced ahead and spotted a man in the distance.
"Look," she said smiling. "There is the south guard ahead. We have made it." Severus looked relieved, but didn't comment further.
Passing by the guard in silence, Zhaklina nodded at him as she led Severus forward.
A few minutes later they stepped into the campsite. Zhaklina led him straight to her tent and for the next hour she showed him his bed and they unpacked his clothing. However, before they had quite finished, Kurad stuck his head into the tent.
"Voldemort is asking for him."
"Yes, I'll bring him right now." Zhaklina answered. Turning to Severus, she continued. "You must go see him now."
Ushering Severus out of the tent in front of her, Kurad led the way with Zhaklina keeping in step behind Severus. All three of them walked up to the largest tent, and at a wave from an elder, entered it together.
The man, who stood at the back of the dwelling, turned around to see them standing with Severus in front of them.
"Come here boy," he commanded. As Severus stepped forward, Voldemort lifted his gaze. "Leave us," he instructed Kurad and Zhaklina. They nodded and began to back out of the tent. "Come back in an hour," he directed that command at Zhaklina who nodded as she stepped out, the tent flap closing behind her.
In the silence that followed, Voldemort stared down at Severus, studying the boy closely. Finally he smiled coolly.
"We won't do too much now," he said. "But I have a couple of things for you." Motioning Severus over to a table he pulled two items from his cloak.
"Now, this is a wand." Voldemort picked up the long thin object and handed it to Severus. "It will enable you to create spells. You have seen your parents use them?"
"Yes-s," Severus stammered.
"Good." He then continued. "You will need a customised one bought for you before attending school, but you can use this borrowed one until then."
"Thank you." Severus replied.
"Next is this book," Voldemort continued as if Severus hadn't spoken. "You will find it very useful, and it is yours to keep."
As Severus looked at the book, he saw the title. '1000 Curses and Hexes and Their Uses''
"I brought it from the village shop that Durmstrang students buy their books. It will help you when at Hogwarts." Voldemort explained.
Severus nodded.
"Right then," Voldemort continued. "Let's see how you do with this." He captured a beetle that was climbing the tent walls. Placing it on the tabletop, he put a jar over it to hold it in place. "This is what you have to do. First, hold your wand out in front of you." He watched as Severus picked up the wand and held it extended out in front of him.
"Next you point it at the beetle and say 'Impedimenta.' The beetle then should trip and fall down."
Voldemort watched as Severus practised saying the word. Finally, he interrupted.
"Are you ready now?" Voldemort asked.
"Yes," came his reply.
"Right then, on the count of three." Voldemort lifted the jar as Severus spoke.
"Impedimenta"
The beetle staggered for a minute but stayed on its feet. Voldemort quickly replaced the jar, trapping the beetle again.
"That was a good start," he said to Severus. "Let's try it again. But speak firmly."
He moved to place one hand over the jar as he looked across at Severus.
"Go," he commanded as he lifted the jar once again.
"Impedimenta!" Severus called. The beetle tripped this time, doing a full somersault and ended up on its back, legs waving in the air. Voldemort flipped the beetle back over and the creature scurried away at last.
"That was very good for a first time." Voldemort looked happy. You may go now," he said as there as a voice came from outside the tent.
"It's Zhaklina," the woman identified herself.
"Come in," Voldemort replied.
She pushed open the tents flap and stepped inside.
"We are done for tonight," Voldemort explained. "It went very well."
"That is good." Zhaklina smiled in relief.
"You may take the boy now, but I would like to see him tomorrow and we will continue."
"Yes, I will bring him then." Zhaklina said.
"Good, see you both then. And Severus, take the book with you, but leave the wand." Voldemort gave them both a charming smile. He then turned around and disappeared to the back of the tent.
With a smile, Zhaklina took Severus' hand, and led him out.
The next two weeks continued similar to the first lesson. Severus learned several of the easier hexes and was able to do them competently by the time he had to return home. However, while he took the book with him, the wand remained behind. Voldemort didn't want his parents to know all that went on and the last morning, as Zhaklina packed up preparing to return Severus to Ravesa, Voldemort appeared at her tent.
"Goodbye Severus." He smiled before warning the boy. "Don't talk to your family about what you have learned."
"I won't." Severus promised.
With that, Zhaklina smiled at Voldemort as she shouldered the bag, and took Severus' by the hand.
After an hour of walking, they reached the place where Ravesa was expected to meet them. She wasn't there, so Zhaklina waited with Severus.
"Do you think she is ok?" He asked worried.
"I'm sure. She probably got delayed."
However, after only 5 minutes, they both saw her hurrying toward them.
"I'm sorry I was late." Ravesa puffed as she stopped in front of them. I had to run some errands that took longer than expected." Smiling she looked down at her son.
"Have a good time?" She asked warmly.
Severus nodded. "It was great."
"That's good," she smiled. "Let's go home." Turning to Zhaklina she asked.
"When do you come for him again?
"In about a month," came the reply.
With that, they bid each other goodbye and when Ravesa returned home with Severus, she took him straight to his room.
"Why must I always remain in here?" He asked.
"Because your father has commanded it," Ravesa explained uncomfortably.
"I wish he would talk to me at least sometimes."
Ravesa bit her lip and didn't reply. As she dropped the bag onto his bed, she began unpacking. Coming to the book she paused and turned around.
"Is this yours?"
"Yes," Severus said. "The man gave it to me."
"That's nice," Ravesa sounded surprised. "It's a good book."
Severus smiled. "That's what he said, too."
"Well, now," Ravesa stated. "It's bed time for you."
"Yes mother"
Smiling, she told him goodnight and left the room, sealing the door with a charm before she walked up the hall into the living room. As she walked through the hallway door, Ardiana, who was now 9 years old, greeted her mother.
"Hello mother." She spoke quietly, with a quick glance over to her father sitting across the room from them. "Severus is back?"
"Yes Ardiana, he is." Ravesa returned in the same tone.
"Could I go see him?"
"Not tonight," Ravesa replied. She then raised her voice slightly. "It is bed time for you."
"Goodnight mother," she replied back. Ardiana quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.
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The next three years dragged on, as Severus grew in height and skill from his frequent sessions in the forest with Voldemort. All too soon however, Ardiana began studying at Durmstrang. Valon was proud and wasted no time voicing his opinion. Severus withdrew further into himself and without the trips into the forest, things would have been even bleaker for him.
When Severus was 10, a letter arrived via Argon, who brought it to his home late one night, when all of the children were in bed.
"I have the reply," he wasted no time in speaking when entering the living room. "The new headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, will allow him to attend. A Letter of Acceptance with information and a list of the school supplies he will need should arrive within the next fortnight.
"That is good," growled Valon. "It has been too long in coming."
Ravesa hung her head. Time was up and she was going to lose Severus.
Argon continued. "I would like to come and talk to him tomorrow. But I have to tell you, from what I have been told, someone will have to travel with him to London to buy robes and books."
Valon looked at his wife. "You will take him."
She nodded, and left the room abruptly.
The next day, Argon returned to speak to Severus. The mediwizard took him outside behind the house, bidding Severus to sit down. He also sat down on the steps.
"You understand I have had a letter from Hogwarts?"
"Yes sir."
You are now 10, and after your 11th birthday, you will leave here and live at Hogwarts while studying."
Severus spoke then. "Yes, I know."
"I am told your mother will accompany you as far as she can go, then return here. During holidays you will be able to return here, also.
Severus didn't reply, but his face stiffened.
With that, Argon stood up. "I must be off," he said. "I've got several people to see today."
Striding off, he didn't look back as Severus watched him disappear from sight.
After a few minutes, Ravesa came around the side of the house, carrying his bag that she had already packed.
"I'm sorry," she spoke hurriedly. "I have just had word from Zhaklina. She has requested you come stay with her. This time it will be a month and the last time before you attend Hogwarts."
"Did you get my book?"
"Yes, it is packed also." Ravesa replied.
"Thanks mother."
Ravesa took his hand and led him to the meeting place. This time, however, Zhaklina wasn't alone.
"Look," Severus pointed. "There he is."
Ravesa looked at the two people waiting for them. Zhaklina looked the same, but this new man was a stranger. He was tall and thin, with black hair and cold eyes. However, he was smiling in a charming way.
'Hello," Zhaklina greeted Ravesa with a smile
"Hello, how are you?" Ravesa asked.
"This is Thomas." Zhaklina introduced. Severus lifted his head in surprise, but Zhaklina gave him a warning look and Severus lowered his head, remaining silent.
"Hello Thomas," Ravesa shook his hand. Then she lifted the bag off her back and handed it to Zhaklina. Ravesa continued.
"I'll be back in a month to pick him up." With that, she hugged Severus goodbye and turned with a wave, then walked away.
Zhaklina shouldered the bag and all three began walking back to the camp.
"Why did you tell mother your name was Thomas?" Severus asked Voldemort, puzzled. After a few seconds, Voldemort spoke.
"When you get home and go to Hogwarts, I do not want you to mention to my real name to anyone. Even your mother."
"Yes sir."
Zhaklina interrupted. "We will send you letters. Voldemort has ways that we don't."
'Thank you," Severus smiled at her. "It will be nice to hear from you."
The rest of the distance was walked in silence as Severus thought about leaving for Hogwarts.
As they reached the outskirts of the camp, Voldemort spoke
'I would like Severus to come with me for a few minutes tonight."
"That is fine," Zhaklina agreed.
As they entered the camp, Zhaklina started moving off in the other direction to her tent.
"Come for him in 30 minutes." Voldemort ordered.
Zhaklina nodded, then she walked away.
"No lessons tonight, but I want to talk to you about the coming year." He told Severus.
"Yes sir."
Voldemort smiled thinly.
As they entered the tent, he motioned to Severus to take a seat. Voldemort remained standing. "As you know, I once studied at Hogwarts." He began. "Now, when you get there, I don't want you to talk about me. It is also best if you do not show the book I gave you to anybody."
"Why?" Severus asked.
"They don't teach the Dark Arts there. But I want you prepared, not everyone will be your friend." Voldemort explained. "Also, knowledge can be powerful."
Severus nodded.
Voldemort continued. "Now, at Hogwarts there are 4 houses that the students are sorted into. I have done everything I can to ensure you will be placed in my old house, Slytherin."
"How did you do that?"
"By the way I taught you," He replied impatiently. "But, I will send you letters during the year to see how things are." He paused, looking hard at Severus. "I will send you back to Zhaklina now, but tomorrow, we will see how well you have studied the book."
"Yes sir," Severus said. "Goodnight " He stood there a minute until Voldemort waved him away, then he left the tent, and strolled over to Zhaklina's dwelling.
When he reached it, she was standing outside waiting. With a smile, she ushered him inside.
The next morning was foggy and damp. Just after dawn, Zhaklina shook Severus awake.
"Good morning," she began. "He is waiting."
Yawning, Severus sat up. Jumping out of bed, he stood looking at Zhaklina.
"Already?" he mumbled.
"Yes," she smiled. "Get dressed and meet me out front." With that she turned and disappeared.
A few minutes later, Severus pushed the tent flap open, and stepped outside. Zhaklina was waiting to one side with Voldemort, who was holding two wands.
"Let's go," he spoke to Severus. Without waiting for a reply, he began walking off and Severus had to hurry to keep up.
When they reached a small clearing beyond the camp, Voldemort turned to Severus and spoke saying,
"Today's lesson will be a little different. This month I will be teaching you more defence. This will be useful at Hogwarts." He paused for breath.
The morning was spent with duelling lessons, as Severus kept getting thrown off his feet with a variety of spells.
At last he slowly pulled himself off the ground and flicked his hair out of his eyes.
"We have a long way to go." Voldemort stated. "Those who attack you will not wait for you to be ready or learn defence."
"Yes sir," Severus mumbled.
"Let's go back to the camp. I have another book for you and for the rest of today, I would like you to read it." Leading the way, Voldemort walked back to camp. After a slight pause, Severus followed him, his clothing dirty and covered in dust.
The rest of the month was spent learning duelling and defence. Slowly Severus improved until he could deflect most of the school level spells and hexes. As he got better at it his confidence improved.
Finally, the last day dawned. Voldemort arrived at the tent early and was speaking to Zhaklina when Severus stepped outside.
"Hello Severus," Voldemort greeted. "I just came to say goodbye and I'll see you soon."
'Thank you."
Voldemort continued. "I will see you before next year, but don't tell anyone."
"I won't," Severus promised.
"Goodbye then," he replied. Voldemort then walked away and out of sight.
Turning to Zhaklina, Severus asked. "Will you visit me too?"
"I'm sorry, but I can't." she sounded sad. "But I will get messages to you and next summer you should be able to visit here."
Severus hung his head, then looked up. "Why not?"
"I cannot leave the forest." She explained. "One day you'll understand."
Severus turned away. Zhaklina continued.
"Come now, let's get you all packed." She turned her head and stepped inside the tent. After a moment, Severus followed.
Entering the tent, he saw Zhaklina shoving the last of his stuff into the bag. Looking up, she gave him a brave smile.
"Are you ready?" She asked. "We better get going. Your mother will be waiting." With that, she straightened and stepped over to Severus. Taking his hand for the last time, she led him out of the tent and through the camp, then into the forest.
Soon they both saw Ravesa in the distance. Zhaklina released his hand and watched as Severus ran up to his mother. Reaching them, Zhaklina smiled.
"Someone is pleased to see you," she addressed Ravesa.
"Yes," Ravesa smiled. "I have missed him."
Severus stood to one side listening.
"When do you leave for London?" Zhaklina asked.
"Tomorrow morning," Ravesa replied. "Argon is going with us as he knows where to go. He has been there several times now."
"That is good." Zhaklina smiled. "But I must get back to camp." With that she hugged Severus and handed the bag to Ravesa. Turning around, she began walking away. Suddenly she paused, and turned to wave. They waved back and she kept walking. She was soon out of sight.
"Come now," Ravesa directed Severus as she lead him back home.