A/N: I put up a bonus background chapter earlier hoping it would give some more information for some future chapters. I am planning to update chapters Thursday nights. I'm off for some work business but am finishing editing the next chapter. I have been enjoying the reviews.
Thank you wandamarie and Hime-chan Natsumi! Some guests have left some helpful feedback and there were some situations I expanded in my draft because of that. I also had a comment on punctuation, I'm not sure the issues as I use grammarly to double-check, but if there are specific problems you see feel free to let me know. As always I look forward to feedback.
Disclaimer: All characters and copyright are owned by J.K. Rowling
The next morning Severus woke up surprised at how events had turned out. When he had first felt the bond, he was dismayed at the thought of being thrown back to his inhumane existence, but instead, he had been allowed to use magic, eat, and sleep on a surface. Most Master's would have used this initial period to show dominance and would not have permitted these luxuries until it was clear who was dominant. He knew that Harry did not know common proceedings, however, there would have to be a time when Harry would have to assert his Mastery over him - if not he would once again be the possession of the Dark Lord.
With Harry healing upstairs, Snape and Hermione started the brewing process. The Dark Lord wanted a large quantity of the rejuvenation potion as Snape would be going to Hogwarts. As they brewed the potion, Severus was pleased that Hermione did not talk much. Normally she was insufferable, but he watched as she sternly concentrated on the task. He was impressed and they continued to work in blissful silence until he heard the door upstairs open. Hermione, knowing Ron could instantly tell something was wrong. He came down the stairs quietly and his face was as pale as a ghost.
Ron then whispered, "Someone's at the door."
Snape froze, there were very few people who knew where he lived and he did not know any of the local residents personally to warrant a cordial visit. Snape motioned for the two to stay down in the cellar and he swiftly went to the door. By the time Snape walked upstairs, he could hear the loud banging that would cause some alarm. The house was not that large and the walls so thin that he was surprised he didn't notice the sound. He thought that he may have been too engrossed in their work to notice the interruption upstairs.
He unlocked the door and came face-to-face with Lucius Malfoy. While he was nervous on the inside, he put on his practiced mask of calm. He did a formal bow saying "Dominus" as Lucius pushed himself into the house. "What do I owe this unexpected pleasure?" Snape said tersely trying not to grit his teeth.
Lucius looked around the small house with a look of disgust clear on his face. "I just became aware of your succession as Headmaster at Hogwarts." Lucius sneered. "Although I find that position unfitting to one such as yourself I understand the need to have one of us in power there."
Snape said, "It had been planned since the Ministry was taken."
Lucius was clearly not happy receiving this information later. "I will have Draco ensure that you are not getting too ahead of yourself. He will make checks and ensure that you know your place."
Snape tried to contain his temper. "You are no longer my Master, you gave up that right when you gave me away."
Quickly Lucious jabbed his side with a cane, forcing the slave to reel to the floor in pain. "I may not be your master, you stubborn slave, but are you so forgetful that you don't remember Villa Pietra and the trainers there? I could perhaps call on one to ensure that you have not forgotten your place."
Snape stayed on the floor and moved to his knees. "Yes Dominus I understand, please forgive me."
Malfoy then waved his hand absently, as if verbally responding to the apology would be a chore. He then said "You forget yourself slave - Don't you remember when you were completely under my control. You were eager to please then, unlike now. Severus did not move or comment back. He knew that this was a game to Lucius. He was hoping for a reaction so that he would have justification to do what he wanted to him. It had always been like that with him. He had learned not to take the bait. He never forget what Lucius had done; how he had been used and degraded. Not wanting to incur his wrath, he knelt there until his former Master lost his interest.
Lucius annoyed that Severus was not reacting said "When you set yourself up at Hogwarts, provide me the passwords to your office and chambers."
Snape was a bit annoyed at this breach in privacy but complied. He then said, "If you would excuse me, but I am finishing the rejuvenation potion."
Lucious scoffed and headed to the door, not wanting to stay in this place any longer. Once he stepped out and apparated out Snape let out his built up tension. He was also relieved that his protection spells were still intact, not letting Lucius apparate directly into the house.
As soon as the coast was clear he headed upstairs. On his way up he noticed Ron and Hermione peeking their heads out of the cellar, their wands ready. He then headed upstairs to check on his Master. He found Harry near the door, obviously trying to hear what was happening.
"Are you hurt?" Harry asked concerned.
Snape felt his side. "It was just a jab, it will probably leave a bruise, but otherwise I am unhurt."
Harry felt terrible, as he heard the loud thud from upstairs. Ron and Hermione managed to catch up.
Hermione had a worried expression, "Here, let me take a look I can heal -"
"I could heal myself" Snape snapped, gritting his teeth. Then he said a bit less defensively and looked over to Harry "- with permission, of course, Master."
Harry nodded "What was that all about. I couldn't hear much."
Ron blurted out "We could hear everything from the cellar. The basta -" Snape gave his former student a glare. While he had no love for Lucius the action came automatically from years of teaching. To Snape's pleasure, Ron instantly changed his wording. " - Lucius Malfoy came here. He wants to keep tabs on Professor, well I guess Headmaster Snape. Luckily he left right quick."
Snape had put his hand against his side and he could feel the injury starting to heal. It was such a minor injury it only took him seconds to heal it.
"He also said two strange things" Hermione joined "He mentioned Villa Pietra, that's the name Bill said before and Headmaster Snape called Lucius dominus." Snape signed, recalling the unwelcome encounter. "Villa Pietra, that is the place of my training and a major village for the slave trade. The guards he mentioned are the ones that found my mother. They take cases all around the world, and he threatened to call them here. The other word you may be unfamiliar with is 'dominus' it is a general term of respect, usually given to free people who are aware of my status."
"So, you would have to call me dominus?" Ron asked cheekily.
Trying not to look exasperated Snape said "If that is what Master sees fit" and looked down determined not to let his former students see him embarrassed.
Harry quickly interluded not wanting the situation to get out of hand "No, he can call you idiot"
Snape, his head still down suppressed a small smirk. His young Master could have degraded him, but he didn't choose to do so at this time. He was a bit surprised but knew that his new Master was completely different than his other Masters. However, he had to remind himself, not to let that lower his guards and forget his place. Harry Potter owned him and had the right to kill him at any moment. That kind of power could entice anyone, even a Gryffindor.
While Severus and Hermione had worked until the late hours, Ron had decided he was bored enough to make dinner. Whatever type of meat it was, either chicken or pork was cooked to a point of it being unrecognizable.
The three were excited as Harry was well enough to sleep in his childhood room. They had spread out the sleeping bags which were magicked and probably more comfortable than the dusty bed. While Harry was getting better it was easier to eat and get around with him on the bed which is why he stayed there for so long.
Before Severus was about to retire on the couch he looked down at his dirty hands and could smell his hair covered in the fumes from the cauldrons. Masters held the right to functions that were not compulsory - while most thought the right to food and cleanliness were a basic right to a slave they were not. Things like sleep and using the restroom were bodily functions that he could not control. His bond had let him sleep, as long as it deemed he was in an appropriate position and he could use the restroom. However, if his Master determined that he could only sleep on the floor or use the restroom outside, that would be the only place where the bond would let him do those activities. While he was unbound Severus had enjoyed the freedom of sleeping and eating where he wanted, but that was no longer the case.
He had to summon his willpower to let his feet take him up the stairs to ask Potter if he could shower. He had no idea why he was so nervous. His two previous Masters were polar opposites on that particular subject. Lucius would make sure that his skin was scrubbed raw almost every day. Even when there were bruises and welts Lucius would make him wash over and over until it met his standards. The Dark Lord was the complete opposite. He did not care how his slave looked and Severus knew better than to ask for permission. Occasionally he would receive permission to quickly wash in ice cold water. Severus guessed it was another mind game to have him feel subhuman.
He knocked at the door but realized that he had done so too quietly. He steeled himself and knocked louder. He heard his Master's voice "The door's unlocked."
Severus gingerly opened the door He then bowed "Master, can I have a private word?"
Harry looked up from his game of chess "Sure."
Ron started to complain "Hey how come -" and his arm was instantly grabbed by Hermione who dragged him downstairs.
After a few seconds of awkward silence Severus realized that his Master would not initiate conversation; then continued "Master, this slave begs your permission to bathe." He had hoped that by using more supplicatory phrasing the bond would not force him to kneel. The bond seemed to find the question sufficient, and he only felt compelled to bow his head. He stood there in silence until Harry said "You have my permission." Severus then looked at his Master who seemed to be studying him.
Severus then feeling the beginning of a reprimand from the bond thanked his Master. Ron and Hermione made their way up the stairs and Severus excused himself to take a long shower. He heard laughing coming from the room down the hall. If his Master had been talking about him there was nothing he could do. Still, he did not enjoy the thought of Harry sharing his private request.
While Harry and Snape were talking, Hermione had used magic to heat up bacon. Ron was hungry and devoured most of it. However, he had brought some up for his friend. When Harry saw Ron's gift they laughed about Ron's inedible dinner.
During the night the three were able to discuss their plans. Ever since the attack on the Burrow they had been reacting to their situation. It didn't help that Harry was out of commission for a few days. Thanks to Snape's information the Order knew a lot more about Horcruxes and they could start their search as well. Still, there was not much known about the slavery curse and how it could affect the battle with Voldemort. Snape had said that he did not know any type of way to alter or get rid of it. He did admit that as a slave, he would not have been privy to any of that type of information anyway.
Snape's condition and continued bond to Harry would help the Order spy on Voldemort. Additionally, Voldemort would continue to get the diluted rejuvenation potions. For them the worrying thing was Snape kept mentioning that even though Harry had gone through the ceremony there was a small chance that Voldemort would be able to take over. Harry still did not understand, and he wanted to know what they could do to ensure their victory. If Voldemort was able to take control of Snape, then there was no way of knowing what Voldemort could do with terrifyingly increased magic.
After their heated talks had died down, Hermione suddenly exclaimed. "Villa Pietra. Harry, you're going to have to go there."
Harry shot up, he had been previously laying down.
"Villa Pietra, why would I go there?" Harry asked.
Hermione explained "You don't know about slavery, and there are some things that may not have been told to Snape. Going there might give some more information that will help both of you." With that, Harry knew he would have to talk to Snape in the morning. He didn't look forward to that, but at least they now had a plan.
