Bound Freedom

Chapter Three: Rules

disclaimer: hmmm, no not mine yet.

I walked into the Gryffindor Common Room…it seemed strange but I had every right to be…because I had to wake…my Master, Harry Potter up from his sleep. I sighed and went up the stairs to his room. I knelt to the floor, half because of the curse and because I didn't want any of the other students to see me. I carefully shook Po- Mater awake.

"Wha...What time is it?"

He sat up and looked groggily at me…the put his glasses on.

"Six in the morning Master." It surprised me how he didn't fuss so much about getting up. If I woke up any of the Slytherns they would for sure tell their fathers and mothers complaining both about me and the early time.

"Why'd you wake me up…how you get in here anyway…uh Sir…I mean Sna- Severus."

Indeed, this was something we just had to get used to.

"The Headmaster wishes to see us." As soon as I uttered those words he got up and went to his trunk, and got a long cloak.

"Put this around you."

"Yes Master."

He tossed the cloak at me, and I caught it. It felt strange…something magical was around it.

I realixed once it was on…it was an invisibility cloak! So he really did use this thing. Now I know how he's sneaking about…but I can't punish him for it…

I followed his steps as we made way for the Headmaster's office. Finally I had to give in to my curiosity.

"Please excuse the rudeness Master but why don't you go under as well?''

"Well you're very tall and it would be well..."

Oh, he wouldn't want to be close to the 'gresasy git.'

"I think the word you are searching for is uncomfortable, I understand."

When we entered the office I quickly slid off my cloak, and Dumbledore greeted us offering some muggle candy.

"The weekend is over, school is going to start tomorrow." The headmaster had stated enthusiastically. It seemed pretty obvious…wait how could I forget. Classes were going to start tomorrow. Everyone will know me as a slave. Oh joy.

"We have our day filled up boys." Dumbledore said.

I realized what he had meant when I looked behind him…many books describing the history and laws of slavery. We spent many hours going through the books, Dumbledore and Potter on comfortable couches, me at my Master's heels. How degrading was this going to be tomorrow? I read the books apathetically, not wanting the words stated in them to be true.

Finally Dumbledore broke the silence.

"Well Harry it seems you get all of Severus' money."

"Wha?" Came my ingenious Master's reply. I think I'll be dead by the end of the week.

"Don't worry I'll get my...your money out of Gringott's and sent it to your account, if you allow me Master."

I had to do something to reply to Dumbledore…but my statement had clearly overwhelmed Potter.

"Are you feeling ill master?'' My words came out forcefully…when was the last time I had actually sounded like I cared…

Potter hid his surprise by looking in another book. "Oh I'm fine...Dumbledore anything interesting yet?"

I looked to Dumbledore…something was wrong…there was no twinkle in his eyes.

"Harry you might want to look at this." Dumbledore looked almost sick as he said this.

"What is it?'' Potter was clearly unaware of the Headmaster's change of expression. Whatever it is…it's not good…

"Well it says Owners have complete control over the slaves life and if said slave does something that displeases the Master the slave has no say over any punishment...even if it means death."

No. This can't be. I will not let him decide whether I need to be put down or not. I am not some animal. I kept my body motionless…along with my face. I could always count to hide behind my steady gaze.

"Don't worry Severus, you know I wouldn't to anything to harm you." Potter looked at me with eyes full of innocence.

That's what they always say in the beginning. 'Don't worry I won't hurt you.'

"Could you please pass me a book?'' I didn't want him to think to long on the subject…a teenager…deciding when my life ended…that was not a good thought.

Once I looked inside…I resented it…Curses…I had to alert Po- Mater of this, immediately.

"Master, please look at this."

My Master and Dumbledore looked down at me.

"It says here I cannot use magic, potions, charms, and other wizardly actions without my Master's approval."

I forgot my place, and stood up. A shock went throught my body. "M-Master may I be excused?" The sharp pain ceased as I bowed myself out of the room.

I put my head against the wall. I wouldn't let anyone see me in this weakened state…After minuites I heard someone behind me. "Severus, are you alright?" "I raised my head from the wall and bowed. "I'm sorry to be such a burden Master, but when the past comes it hits hard." I tried to put it in words that wouldn't be questioned.

"Like what things."

It was like explaining it to a child…but remembering he was still practically a child.

"Every time I had a bad memory it was when I was defenseless...when I couldn't use magic." Even if I tried to lie to him…I couldn't.

"You can have your wand, just ask if you can use it for the day and there." Potter said. I looked up. "We should go Master we still have so much to plan for tomorrow.''

Snape's new room was being filled. Although he was the head of the Slytherin House, the room was adjacent to Gryffindor tower.

I spotted Severus and quickly went to the gloomy man.

"So is everything going all right?" He quickly bowed to me, making me feel uncomfortable again. "Yes, I have a wonderful room overlooking the lake, you are too kind." He remarked sarcastically…but instantly it looked like a pain came out of him. I knew what was going to happen. I grabbed his shoulder and stopped him from bowing to me.

"Hey it's alright, it just slipped." I said to the man.

"Thank you master." He said. No, I was never going to get used to this.

He continued. "Do you wish to see my...your room?"

''Why not?" Dreadfully aware of how him not owning anything, I follwed him into the room.

He lead me inside the room. He seemed worried. "What's wrong." I said, I wanted the old Potions Master back…the one who smirked, who hated me, who always put me in my place.

Severus looked up at me. "Nothing, oh over there is a passage that goes into your room...don't worry master I would never go there without your permission." As if I cared about these formalities.

"That's not what I'm worried about. What's going to happen at school tomorrow?" I said at him angrily letting my emotions get ahead of myself.

He went to his knees again.

"I'm sorry Master…please Master. Forgive me for angering you."

I let my anger subside, and picked the man up.

"No sorry for yelling at you, it's not your fault. I'll get Voldermort if it's the last thing I do." I said assured.

He looked up at me. "Of course you will, and as for tomorrow I'm not certain what will happen but I know this spell will come up with a few surprises."