A/N: Thank you for the likes and reviews (PiffyEQ and Tempest Novastorm). It's late Thursday for me, I should have the next chapter up around the same time next week. Almost finished all the chapters for this portion, but if there are suggestions, please let me know.

Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to J.K. Rowling.


Snape had been up since dawn. He had spent the morning in blissful silence in the cellar working on the batch of the rejuvination potion. He stirred the concoction until he noticed a subtle change of color which meant it would need to simmer for the next hour and headed upstairs to make breakfast. As he opened the cabinets he noticed that some of the food had gone missing, again. With irritation, he guessed it was the Weasley brat who he noticed constantly re-checking as if something new would pop up. Who would have thought I would have a houseful of teenagers?

The smell of fresh coffee stirred the three Gryffindors out of their sleep. As they all came down he realized this would be the first time they would all be eating together since the ritual. He silently cursed his realization and tried to slink back to the cellar. Harry noticed him then asked, "Oh are you going to grab some breakfast as well or did you eat before?".

Snape, stopped by his Master said dryly "It is not my place. I will eat after you are done if the general permission to eat is still viable".

Harry was concerned that Snape had gone to all this trouble to make breakfast, yet not join in. It reminded him of his childhood and how miserable he felt eating the scraps left by his 'family'. Even if he did not particularly like Snape he did not want him to be isolated as he had."

"It's fine, really, I want you to eat with us," Harry said hoping that would convince Snape to have some breakfast.

Snape, although wanting to refuse the offer, felt the power of the phrase I want you to eat with us. He felt his hands automatically grab a piece of toast, and while closing his eyes knelt on the floor next to Harry.

Harry backed up in his chair "T-that's not what I meant! Can't you sit on a chair?" Snape bowed his head low, "It will cause a bit of pain, but if ordered I will do so. The bond does not find it permissible for me to sit on the same level as my Master." Of course, his previous Masters had never given him sit on such an elevated surface.

"Oh." was all that Harry was able to say. He really didn't want to have Snape have to kneel beside him or be in pain. If he felt this awkward he could not imagine how the proud Potions Master would be feeling.

Snape had no appetite and so asked, "May I check on the potion Master?". He knew it would be a little bit before it needed to be stirred, but it was a good excuse to get away from this situation.

As Snape was about to descend to the cellar, Harry knew that what they discussed couldn't be avoided so he said "Sure, but just to let you know we talked last night - Hermione, Ron, and I. I did not ask for this and know that you didn't either."

'How observant' Snape sneered in his head while getting a slight tingling of pain.

"You'll have to meet with You-Know-Who soon, so seeing all the options of strengthening the bond or finding other options may be the key." Harry was nervously dancing around the subject. He then finished "Well, I want to go go to Villa Pietra." Harry clutched the dining room table, waiting to be reprimanded. Instead, he looked at a blank pale face answer "Yes, Master."

Snape did not know if he was more perplexed, anxious, or upset. However, he did not let his emotions show. He knew it was logical - it was the one place to learn more about the slavery curse. What would Potter do with the information learned there? Snape shivered.

After the initial shock of learning his Master's plan, Severus found the flaw. "What about the potion. It must be watched and brewed."

Hermione chimed in "I can do it. You know I can. I've been watching you for the past few days and understand what needs to be done." She was determined and her stern features emphasized this.

Snape was not comfortable with having such a young witch take over such a sensitive potion, but she was right. He had been her professor and knew her capabilities. Still, he was quite hesitant and knew that his Master wished to go there, so they would go.


Once Snape was informed of the plan, he quickly started writing down instructions and providing Harry with some texts that might help him.

While he had gone over the exact instructions with Hermione prior, he wrote down every minute step for the process. After the potion was successfully brewed, it took days to carefully leech some of its properties without destroying the main elements. She would be exhausted and Ron would have to make sure she was up and watch the house in case any other Death Eaters decided to check up on him. He was confident that no other would show up since the coup at the Ministry all the Death Eaters were kept busy.

He provided Harry with some books that showed examples of etiquette. There may have been books out there on how to handle slaves, but he figured those would be found in Villa Pietra. He thought, however, most of the knowledge of owning slaves was cultural and taught example. He hoped his Master wouldn't do anything too idiotic, but there was not much they could have done to prepare. As his Master looked through some literature he commented to Ron "So I just have to act like a complete arse."

Snape wanted to stride over and tower over the boy and scare some sense into him. However, the bond would not let him do so. Instead, he mentioned "Master this will not be a silly day trip to Hogsmeade. While I do not believe the community there has specific allegiance to the Dark Lord there are many there who will sell us out in a heartbeat."

Harry gulped and then seriously said "I understand. I just want to ensure that the Dark Lord won't be able to control you or if there's a chance to even break this curse."

Severus signed, he had thought the endeavor would be fruitless, but if it was his Master's whim then he would do his best to play his part to keep them both alive. He then went upstairs to his old bedroom. He walked past the disarrayed piles of sleeping bags and pillows and went to the closet. In the corner, he picked up his old dusty collar. Dust and spiderwebs obscured the material, but with a quick wipe, he revealed the cold metal collar. As he held it, he did his best to keep his emotions from sweeping over him. He knew he was a slave, but all these years has enabled him to almost forget. As it fell off so many years ago, he could remember the feeling of ecstasy and almost freedom.

Now as he held the simple piece of metal, he could feel it almost mocking him. He did not have the strength to throw it away, afraid one day the Dark Lord or Lucious would be able to claim him once again and punish him for throwing it away. He was paralyzed with the physical realization of his curse. No matter how many years it would always catch up with him and remind him of his place. Deep in his introspection, he did not notice the door creak or his Master's presence. Then he saw his Master in the room he felt his knees give way and knelt down. "I did not notice you enter Master."

Harry was exasperated at all these needless displays. He said "That's all not necessary. Please, get up, it makes me uncomfortable."

Snape said "Master, if I may, if you do intend to go to Villa Pietra, we will have to play the part. Any abnormalities may cause suspicion."

Deep down Harry knew this. He then noticed the metal collar held tightly by Snape. "Wha- is that what I think it is?"

Severus looked to confirm and said "Yes, that is my collar. In places where slavery is common, slaves are required to wear this. It would be strange if I did not wear one. Luckily, we will not have to obtain another one."

Harry moaned "Are you serious - you'll have to wear this there?"

Snape showed no amusement and did not want to make a sarcastic remark that would give him a mild headache. Instead, he gave an affirmative nod that ended with his head bowed.

There was some tension in the room so Snape knowing Potter was unsure said "You might as well put it on now." After a slight sensation what picked up on his terseness, Snape finished "If you so wish, Master."

Harry did not wish to put on the collar but knew if they were to go to a place that condoned slavery it would be mandatory to disguise their true intent. Snape had exposed his neck. As Harry was placing it he could see the scars from where it previously was embedded close to his skin. He also saw how it did not completely cover the slave mark on the back of Snape's neck. He knew those scars had long faded, but still tried to place it as gingerly as possible.

Snape had obediently kneeled while his Master slipped the dreaded thing across his neck. He felt the cold metal press tightly against his neck and heard the familiar click. He noticed how Harry had tried to place it on with care. Did he not see the scars? Something so simple would not cause him pain.

After that detail was taken care Snape buttoned back up his shirt and they went back downstairs to finish packing. Snape did not mention the collar and hoped that Harry wouldn't as well. They placed subtle glamors, with Snape suggesting they do as minimal changes as possible. For years Snape knew the power of deception and minor changes such as a different hairstyle, a hidden scar, and most importantly attitude would change people's perception. If they changed too much their movements would be slightly awkward and arouse suspicion.

With all arrangements he could think of in place Harry grabbed onto Severus' cloak and they dissapeared from Spinner's End.


Harry opened his eyes and saw they were in the outskirts of a large ancient city. He saw a large mountain in the distance and could smell they were close to the sea. The biggest things he noticed was the change in temperature. When they left Spinners End it was a mildly cool English afternoon and now he found himself sweating from humidity underneath his wool clock.

He looked up and Snape did not seem to notice the change in temperature even though he was wearing his signature black ensemble. Snape seemed to know where to go so Harry followed him until they reached the edge of a stone wall that surrounded the ancient city. The older man then said "Master I'll have to walk behind you from here. Once we arrive it'll be best to get new clothes."

Harry nodded, relieved at the thought of being out of his heavy robes. Snape showed him the way to tap his wand against the wall and as they walked though Harry found they were in a sunny open-air market. There were various small shops, cafes, and merchants who lined the streets. It was then that Harry noticed them. Either trailing behind their owners or running errands he saw slaves wandering the streets. He could tell because they all had collars and had somber looks. Most were barefoot and wore simple tunics.

Looking around Harry already felt out of place. Luckily near the entrance, he saw what looked like a clothing shop. As they were heading up to the shop, Snape picked up his pace and held the door open for his Master, keeping his head bowed low as he passed.

The shopkeeper, a woman in middle age smiled brightly at Harry. Noticing both of their pallid features and clothing she guessed they were from Britain. "Ciao, Welcome."

Harry smiled back to her. "Hello, we just got here, and we're hoping for some new clothes that are a bit more, um, weather-appropriate."

She started to head toward some racks of clothes. A bewitched measuring tape flew across Harry and she found him some suitable robes. They were similar to the ones he currently wore except the fabric was lightweight and breathable in the hot Italian late summer. He changed, but as she was ringing up when Harry mentioned "Oh he needs some clothes as well." He pointed to Severus who had been standing in the corner. He was so quiet, that Harry almost forgot he was there.

She crinkled her nose at Severus, but then went to the back and pulled out a bag of mismatched clothes. Harry was about to ask Snape to see what he thought was best, but then stopped himself. Shit this is going to be harder than I thought. He dug through the pile, finding a long black tunic and some grey pants. He paid for both the outfits as Snape packed up their former clothes in a small bag that was magicked.

Once outside Harry asked, "Where is Villa Pietra?"

Snape answered, "It is just past the village here, and up that hill, Master." He pointed eastwards and Harry could see a large complex in the hills. "It specifically does not allow slaves to transport directly there."

As they walked Harry didn't like looking at the slaves running about doing errands and the people ignoring them as if they were some stray dogs that they did not watch to touch. However, his stomach betrayed him as he smelled the food coming from the many restaurants and cafes.

"Master, shall you get a bite before we get there?" Snape did not want to linger here, but the bond made him want to placate his Master. There was no shortage of places to choose from, so Harry chose the first one he saw. A young waitress came up and asked "Would you prefer outside or inside?" She spoke English to them, so even though they had more appropriate clothes, Harry guessed they got many visitors from other parts of Europe and the world.

"Doesn't matter." Harry said, although he regretted it as she led them to an outside table. She probably thought that this was a better seat, as it was a nice sunny day and the seats had shade and a cool breeze. Harry regretted it because when he sat down, Snape immediately knelt at his feet on the old cobbled tile. I forgot about that. He really did not want to cause a scene so he sat down and looked at the menu.

No menu was given to Severus and he inwardly cursed his Master's incompetence as at least inside the floor would have been more comfortable, until he felt the sensation around his neck. The waitress came back and Harry ordered something that sounded appetizing, a breaded eggplant dish. She then asked if the slave would be eating. Harry almost sputtered, but instead replied casually, "Yes, he will." He didn't want Snape to go hungry. He thought she would ask what he would eat, but instead, she grabbed the menu and headed back to the kitchen to put int the order.

Snape thought he should be grateful, as the boy ordered him some food, but his Master probably did not know what that meant. Snape was actually hoping to eat in the privacy of a room. However, the deed was done. They awkwardly sat in silence, Harry did not want to talk to Snape for fear of saying something that would draw attention.

Luckily the food came quickly and smelled wonderful. He then looked down and saw that Snape was given a rice porridge looking dish that looked goopy and unappetizing. After the waitress left he bent down and whispered "You really don't have to eat that. We can get something else later tonight."

Snape looked at the bowl that was placed on the floor "Master, that would be rude. It would be noticeable if I didn't eat what was given to me."

Harry sighed and nodded, hoping nobody saw the interaction. He then went to eat his food. Once Snape had seen that his Master had taken a bite he started to eat from the bowl. It was plain but edible fare He had eaten much worse.

After they had eaten, Harry left a coin that would cover the costs. When there first arrived here Harry did not know what to expect. Now that Harry had first-hand experience of what to expect he was nervous as they headed to the gates of Villa Pietra.


A/N: The following chapters are inspired by such books such as Red Rising and the Gor Chronicles. It's just some of the concepts from these books, so don't worry if you dislike those series.

Fanfiction that has inspired the setting include Hogsmeade, Circa 1826 by Taran40 (be warned very adult) and Better Angels by Imk05. I thought it only proper to give credit as over the years I read stories like these and wanted to expand on some of these ideas. The next chapters are a divergence from the normal HP setting, but I do my best to tie in elements from the world and characters. Because of the setting, the following chapters will be more mature in content. If there are any opinions, please let me know and I hope that you enjoy the next chapters.