Hello there. I am back with the third chapter of Snape's Apprentice. To the following people:
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Snape's Apprentice
Chapter Three: Residence of Staff
Harry had spent every waking moment of the past three days anticipating the arrival of Professor Dumbledore. Now that he was walking at the side of his idol, through a desolate looking area, Harry couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. He didn't know where they were going. Dumbledore hadn't explained. He had just said they would be seeking the company of an old friend. It was probably someone like Nicholas Flammel or even better, Dumbledore's family. Or did he have a family? Harry made a mental note to further investigate that matter. He had once heard of some 7th years discussing a brother of Dumbledore's who lived in Hogsmeade.
They crossed the road, which had more pot holes then Harry had Galleons, and continued to walk in line with a 6 foot broken wooden fence. Over the tip of the fence, Harry could just make out the shadows of what looked to be trees. He couldn't tell if it was a forest or just a cluster of trees. Either way, a chilling rattle quivered down his spine.
The houses on both sides of the streets had boarded up windows and eviction notices taped to the front gates. The lawns had been allowed to grow a riot and underneath one of the abandoned dustbins, Harry could hear the scraping scratch of some rats.
"Professor?" Harry asked, glancing at the dilapidated playground, wondering as to when was the last time somebody had inhabited the area.
"Yes, Harry." he replied, not at all seeming phased by the sudden change of scenery. Instead, the aged wizard strode assertively through the littered estate.
Narrowly avoiding a pile of dog excrement, Harry turned left with his headmaster. "Where exactly are we going?" he asked, "I mean this neighbourhood isn't exactly familiar looking."
"To the residence of staff, Harry. The residence of staff."
Eyeing the back of Dumbledore's head, Harry couldn't help but shake the feeling that this had something to do with him. Why else would Dumbledore have taken him away so early? Never in all his years of knowing Albus Dumbledore, had Harry gotten a straight answer from the man. To the residence of staff, was where they were going. But what did that have to do with him? Sure, he knew staff members McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, Trelawny, Hagrid and many more. It didn't make any sense.
"Here we are!" Dumbledore finally cried.
Harry looked up at the house before him. It looked vaguely like the others, abandoned, old and mysterious. The night time moon cast a mid night affect upon the windows, which had equally dark curtains. A small brown gate barred the entrance and beyond that grew a garden of some sort. Wild leaves of all sizes and shapes shadowed the dying summer blooms. A stony path lead to an oddly shaped square door. Following Dumbledore through the gate, Harry tried to avoid stepping anywhere near the garden. Previous experiences in the Herbology green houses had thought him to steer clear of things that looked strange.
Dumbledore halted at the door, rapping once on the steal knocker. It was shaped as a tiny serpent, coiled around a brooch.
"Harry, I must ask you to be on your best behaviour whilst in the company of the resident," Dumbledore said quietly, "We are after all, guests!"
Harry nodded, ignoring the sparkle playing in the older man's eyes. Good old Dumbledore, the thought of anything exciting got him all worked up. Behind the door, Harry could hear footsteps drawing nearer. He glanced once more at the old house, then his eyes landed on the door. It creaked open and within the frame stood a man shadowed by darkness. The profile looked sickeningly familiar and a sudden urge to run overtook Harry. It was Snape.
Harry gasped, quickly looking up at his Headmaster. There was no way in hell they were visiting Snape. This just had to be a side by stop. They were not staying here. No. He glanced up at Snape. His towering profile took over most of the doorframe and his dark, tunnel like eyes were planted forcefully on Harry. There was an unknown emotion in those eyes. It wasn't hatred; it was more loathing then that. As if Snape wanted to get Harry alone, so he could crush him there and then. It was at that point, Harry was thankful for the company of Dumbledore. He had no doubts that Snape would try to kill him.
"Evening, Severus," greeted Dumbledore taking a step further. Harry reckoned that Dumbledore wanted to step inside the door. Harry also figured that he wanted to step outside the front gate and wait for Dumbledore on the footpath. But Harry never gets what he wants.
"Good evening, Headmaster," Snape replied, taking a step backwards into the hallway and indicating with his left hand into the darkened house.
Professor Dumbledore graciously accepted the offer and stood over the threshold. Harry however, decided to stay standing on the doorstep.
Not for all the money in Gringotts am I going in th -
"Enjoying the scenery, Potter?"
He jumped, nervously wringing his hands together. As far as he was concerned, he would have much rather watched the weeds grow then step into Snape's house. This arose another point of mystery. Why would Snape be living in a neighbourhood like this? Surely, what with his pureblood and teaching position, he could afford a much better place of comfort.
"Harry, please do not be rude," came the voice of Dumbledore, "Professor Snape has kindly welcomed us into his home, please step through."
"Sorry, sir," he muttered, aware of his now pink cheeks. Harry just knew that an evil smirk was playing on his Potion Masters lips.
Once inside the hallway, he cautiously stepped through to the sitting area. It was small and cramped with a two-seated leather couch, two single chairs and a tiny coffee table between them. What impressed Harry the most was the vast collection of leather bound books. On one wall, from ceiling to floor, shelves held these books. Each one neatly kept and not a single page could be seen poking from above the cover. A small fireplace was embedded into the wall and on top of it stood a silver clock. Other assortments were scattered across the mantle piece and what looked like a tiny red plastic toy car, was sitting next to the clock. Harry cocked an eyebrow. Toy cars?
"Sit down Potter." Snape ordered, pointing towards the couch.
"Thanks." he muttered, sitting next to Dumbledore. Not surprisingly, the couch felt solid, as if it was placed upon a tonne of bricks. He shifted, and then stopped when he felt Dumbledore's eyes rest on him.
"I assume your walk here went well," Snape said, summoning a tray of tea and seating himself into the single chair, leaning back into it.
"Spectacular! Not a bought of trouble in the air, my boy," Dumbledore beamed, pouring himself a cup of steaming tea and shoving the tray towards Harry.
Declining the offer with a shake of his head, Harry continued to examine the room he was stuck in. First things first, there seemed to be no way out except for the way in. The bookshelf took up one wall, the fire place another wall, the window a third wall and the fourth wall was blank. Harry squinted at it, looking for any small cracks that would indicate a secret passage way. None showed themselves so it was confirmed that he was stuck in the room until Dumbledore said otherwise. He shuffled his feet against the carpet which was marine blue.
What are we doing here? Surely, Dumbledore can't expect me to sit with my enemy for any longer then an hour.
"Now Harry, I have something to discuss with you tonight," Dumbledore began, placing his empty tea cup back onto the tray and adjusting himself on the seat. Harry had the inkling that he too was feeling the discomfort. Snape on the other hand looked perfectly comfortable.
"This does concern your OWL results-"
"My OWL results?" Harry interrupted, "What's wrong with them?"
"Potter!" Snape snapped, "If you keep quiet and listen you'll find out without interruptions."
Harry glared across the room at him, clenching at the smirk that had suddenly cracked across his face. That man went to every length to put him down. Even in front of the Headmaster, Snape defied his territory.
Jerk.
And that ends the third chapter. I will be back soon with the fourth. Please remember to read and review. Tell me what you think.
Like it, love it, hate it, either way your thinking of it. )
-The Apprentice-