Thanks to all of you who took the time to favourite/review my story !
AN-2021-08-17: many thanks to Miette and dstone12 for reviewing this chapter and correcting my mistakes :)
On the day others took the train for Hogwarts, Severus met Lord Voldemort at the Pridelicious, a café resembling the Procope but located in Diagon alley. The Lord welcomed him in one of the small but cosy rooms of the café. They sat in front of each other, comfortable in big leather armchairs.
"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Severus. I know you've had a busy summer and that you are still looking for the best apprenticeship."
"It is my pleasure, my Lord," answered Severus. He knew the man must have prepared for their interview. Nonetheless, it awed him such a busy Lord would both take the time to meet him alone and remember details about his life.
"We have not met often, but Lord Malfoy praises you every time I talk to him. I was very interested by your progress and I really want to congratulate you for your emancipation and your NEWTs results."
"Thank you, my Lord," answered Severus.
Lord Voldemort looked so proud of Severus it hurt. His Mentor was the only adult to have ever looked at him like this.
"It was no small feat. I know it will inspire us," continued the Lord.
He paused, watching Severus intently.
"Last time we met, you were interested in our values and vision of the Wizarding World. May I ask if it is still the case?"
"Of course, my Lord. Slytherin's rules and outlook on our world may be old but they remain true to this day," he answered earnestly.
Was he finally going to be invited to officially join the group and fight for their ideal? He knew Lord Malfoy was having reservations because of some of their members, yet the mentorship as well as Lord Voldemort's program were brilliant overall.
"I want to propose to you to join our group. To join the Defenders," said Lord Voldemort, pausing to watch Severus' reaction.
He must have liked what he saw because he smiled.
"Like the other young people among us, you won't be asked to participate in our rescuing operations, unless no one else is available and the situation is critical."
Severus was disappointed. He had proven he deserved to be treated like an adult. He knew he would do better than some thanks to his knowledge of the muggle world.
"I see you are still earnest to do your share, Severus," said Lord Voldemort, looking pleased.
"However, you will begin an apprenticeship, a prestigious one if I am right about you. We cannot jeopardise your success and take the risk of you being injured or captured. This summer's events proved that despite our best planning and intentions, interventions don't always go smoothly," he said gravely.
Oh. Severus had doubted the Defenders after the two kids murder. He had been relieved to learn Lord Voldemort was the one involved instead of the Black or one of their followers, as their leader was less than convincing in the Blood magic killer role. And now... Lord Voldemort had taken great risks to protect muggleborn children, getting hurt in the process, but he was unwilling to let those he considered in his care do the same. Severus felt warm all over.
"I also know we would benefit more from you brewing and developing potions for us. While many can go save the children from their family, few can brew potions to heal them."
"I would be honoured, my Lord," answered Severus, trying not to show how touched he was by the recognition and trust in his talent.
"I am glad to count you among the Defenders, Severus. We will of course have a proper introduction to the rest of our members later," said the Lord almost gleefully. "But let me tell you about a few practicalities. You must know all the Defenders are always in contact to be able to act and react quickly to any situation. At first, we used enchanted coins. Now, because of an incident with these coins, most of us have a magical tattoo."
Lord Voldemort pushed up his sleeve to reveal a beautiful green and silver snake on his left forearm. The snake was big enough to be noticed, but not so huge it shocked the eyes. Its expression was wise but attentive. Severus could not believe one tattoo could express so many feelings. It almost looked alive.
He almost agreed to the mark, entranced as he was. But his Mentor's voice resonated in his head, the echoes of his altercation with Lucius threatening Severus of disappointing the man he respected and... loved the most.
He had planned for this eventual offer and hopefully found a way to decline the gracious offer without seeming ungrateful.
"Again, I am honoured, my Lord. But I am reluctant to accept your offer because of my future apprenticeship. I do not yet know what it will be, I already applied to several and I am considering others. Professor Flitwick told me some of the tutors I applied to were strict with their apprentices and required they had no magic linked to them which could perturbe their learning of magic. Although the Defenders' mark is benign and beautiful, I think it could be a reason for rejection of my apprenticeship."
The Lord was listening to him with attention, nodding at time.
"I understand your reasoning, Severus. It is quite sound and I admit I had not thought about it. However..."
He paused, undecided. The look was alien on him. The few times Severus had seen him, Lord Voldemort was always sure of himself, full of confidence, showing and defending his path.
"Let's be honest. At first, the mark was created as an alarm system for those who intervened among Muggles so they could call for support if needed. Now we are extending it to those in need of support like you."
Lord Voldemort raised his hand with a smile to prevent Severus from speaking.
"I know you can take care of yourself, probably better than most of your peers. But your situation is precarious. You are a Half-blood whose magical parent is dead, without other magical family. Your muggle family does not care for you. Your Mentor was your representative in the Wizarding World, and Lord Malfoy did a marvellous job, but now that you are emancipated, he is not linked to you officially. It means you stand alone in our world while you can be used to harm him."
The Lord paused, letting his words sink in.
Severus was stunned. Stupid. How could he have not realised this?
"The mark would allow us to protect you. You could call for us any moment, no matter the situation, without delay. I know your relationship with Lord Malfoy is close, however, it is unwise to rely on only one person."
Severus hesitated. The offer of protection was tempting. And he knew the mark created a bond of kinship among their wearers, a feeling of belonging had said Lucius. Abraxas had asked why his son needed a tattoo as proof of a feeling. Lucius had said his father was too old to understand. His Mentor disapproved of this beautiful and enticing tattoo. Severus knew the right answer.
"I understand my Lord, and I am grateful for the attention and care you are giving me. I can only propose to take a coin for now until my apprenticeship is decided and I know if the mark will be authorised or not."
Severus held his breath, afraid to see disappointment on the Lord's face. Lord Voldemort was looking at him intently. So intently Severus almost felt an imaginary brush against his Occlumency potions fumes.
"This is an excellent idea, Severus," finally said the Lord. "Give me a few days to plan your proper introduction to our group, you will receive your coin then. I trust you will keep me apprised of your progress in finding a suitable apprenticeship for your many talents. Do not hesitate to plan a new meeting when you know more."
"Yes Sir," answered Severus, glad to have avoided any unpleasantness between them.
After a few more minutes of banalities, Severus excused himself and made his way to Gringotts.
Severus was anxious. At first, he had dismissed the Goblin apprenticeship offer as something to try after earning his mastery in at least Potion and Defence. Goblins were frightening, cunning and possessed a magic different from Wizards, although they excelled in Bond magic. Why would he go looking for troubles when he had enough on his plate?
His NEWTs studies had pushed the matter out of his mind and he had thought the matter dealt with. However, since he had received his results, the Goblins' silver band kept flashing through his mind unbidden.
None of the available wizard apprenticeships he had found thus far satisfied him completely. The thought of discovering magic kept secret from most, of learning magic books could not give him access to, made him quiver with envy.
When Severus received Lord Voldemort's invitation to come and meet him in Diagon Alley, he had decided Fate, Destiny, whatever you wanted to call it, was giving him a sign. He would go to Gringotts and ask for more details on the apprenticeship, to have no regrets.
As he stood in front of Gringotts for the second time in his life, Severus realised he was putting far more hope in the Goblin apprenticeship than he had thought. He feared they would refuse him because his NEWTs results were not high enough. He feared even more to be disappointed by the apprenticeship content.
Severus ascended the stairs at a measured pace, fighting to keep his nervousness hidden. He bowed to the two goblin guards, disappointed but unsurprised when they did not answer back. He stopped in the Hall above the busy queues to scan the written signs. After looking over the entire room two times, Severus felt dread settle at the bottom of his stomach. No sign claimed "Goblin apprenticeship" or anything close enough to it. He took out the silver band, examining it for hidden clues he had missed. The wristband surface was smooth, except for symbols looking like runes that made no sense to him.
Looking around once more, Severus noticed several Goblins standing in the Hall at seemingly random places. He might have imagined it but one of them looked like he was watching him intently. Taking a deep breath, he walked to the Goblin.
"Greeting, Master of Bonds and Beyond," said Severus, bowing deferentially.
"Greeting, Learner of Bonds and Beyond," said the Goblin. "How may Hoardrock help the Learner?"
"This Learner was given a token to explore possibilities once he had passed his NEWTs," answered Severus, showing the silver wristband to Hoardrock.
The Goblin's face was impassive when he reached for it. He studied it a few seconds before giving it back to Severus.
"If the Learner will follow me."
Hoardrock turned to the wall behind him and pressed his hand on it. It opened in a doorway. Severus eagerly followed the Goblin through it, giddy with anticipation. They passed through two more hidden doorways as well as two arches. Severus felt his skin tingle when walking under them and it made him wonder about the defences in place and the tests he might have passed without knowing.
They did not meet anyone during their short walk. When Severus caught sight of the Goblin guarding the next arch, he surmised their destination was close.
The two Goblins exchanged words in their native tongue before the guard nodded and let them pass through to an empty antechamber.
"Stay here," commanded Hoardrock.
Severus obeyed, watching silently and with curiosity as his guide walked to one side of the room. The Goblin put his hand on the wall, muttering under his breath. At once, one table and two seats emerged from the ground. They were carved in stone, their lines simple but elegant and imposing.
"Sit," said his guide while doing so himself.
Severus gingerly took a seat in the chair in front of the Goblin. He schooled his face not to show how uncomfortable the seat was.
"Before we begin, please sign this contract to ensure you will not reveal the specifics of what will happen in the next three hours to someone who does not already know what trying for a Goblin apprenticeship entails. I guarantee it will not impact your health or mind."
Severus had expected this after he agreed to the apprenticeship, so he had studied the Goblin focused part of his contract book before coming. He wondered at the kind of magic the Goblins would tell him about that required to be guarded so jealously.
Quickly, he read the one sheet contract. It was as straightforward as Hoardrock's description of it. He could find no trick in it, and signed it in his most precise penmanship before returning it to the Goblin.
His guide signed the contract too, made a copy he gave to Severus then settled in his chair.
"You have been given the opportunity to take the Trial for Goblin apprenticeship," began Hoardrock, voice low but clear, eyes piercing Severus'. "It is divided into three steps."
The Goblin paused, attentively watching Severus.
Severus had not expected the need to prove himself worthy of the apprenticeship. He had thought to learn more about what it entailed and accept it or not. The need for a Trial hinted at knowledge and power he wanted to be granted access to. But he had to be careful. Goblins were Masters of Bonds and he had already signed one contract.
"The first step is the Cleansing. It gives you access to Goblin territory. Your success or failure at the next step will determine the length of your stay. You may negotiate to increase its duration," said Hoardrock with a smile showing impressive incisives for one creature smaller than Severus.
Negotiate. Right. Severus was certain he had better pass the test with flying colours if he did not want to be indebted until his death.
"The second step is the Blanking. It allows you to live and train among Goblins."
Live among Goblins? It was usual for an apprentice to live with his Master. But Hoardrock's words implied something bigger.
"The third and last step is the Naming. It defines which Goblin Art you are to learn."
Oh. He did not get to choose the subject of his apprenticeship.
As if reading his mind, Hoardrock spoke.
"Learners know not the area they are best suited for."
"May I refuse an apprenticeship if I pass the Trial?"
The Goblin smiled. Evilly. It took Severus both his self-control and Occlumency training not to flinch at the sight.
"You may. You would only displease the entire Goblin Nation. "
Severus swallowed thickly. If he passed, he would not have the choice. Why had Flitwick not warned him?
Merlin. He doubted he could stand up now and say he was not interested anymore. He had always known people dealing with Goblins were reckless and a tad crazy. Why had he involved himself with them?
For knowledge. Power. A chance at discovering things few Wizards knew of. He sighed. Well, he had other questions needing answers if he were to pull this apprenticeship out.
"You said the Blanking allowed one to live among Goblins. Does it mean the apprentice lives in a goblin village?"
Hoardrock's face was impassive.
"You would live in goblin territory during your whole apprenticeship."
Severus felt his head spin. Goblins took apprenticeship seriously. He was beginning to think he was involved in something much bigger than it looked. But Hoardrock did not give him the time to gather his wits.
"Are you ready to begin?"
It was not a question.
"Yes, Master of Bonds and Beyond."
The room light turned blue. Severus did not have the time to ask himself how or why, because his guide spoke immediately.
"To be allowed on goblin territory, you must first be cleansed of any previous Oaths and Contracts. No previous allegiance may keep a Learner from his Path."
That was unexpected. Most of-age Wizards were at least involved in magical contracts. To end a contract before its end was costly, and it did not even guarantee you would learn from the Goblins as it was only the first step. And Severus could only surmise the steps' difficulty would increase.
"Even Wedding Oaths must be broken, as the path of Goblin Learning can suffer no restriction. Heads of House must also give up their position and transfer the weight of their Oath to another for the time of the apprenticeship, with the risk of not being able to get it back, should the other be more suited to the House Oath."
He had not thought about those Oaths. That explained the lack of Goblins' allies even more, as he supposed Allies Oaths would be at least as restrictive as those of a Learner.
"You are only restricted by one oath. A Silencing Oath."
How did Hoardrock know this? To Severus' knowledge, it was impossible to know someone's magical links.
"Those are always difficult to break. Usually, you would have to go to the caster of the Oath so that he may cancel it."
Severus felt his stomach drop. As if Dumbledore would help him out of this Oath, especially so he could gain precious knowledge from Goblins.
"Or our specialists could work on breaking the Oath, but we do not guarantee your mind will be unscathed at the end of the procedure. Of course, you would be indebted to us. "
It could not end there. Severus knew he would not take that risk. But there had to be another way...
"However, you seem to be a rare case of one bound by a Constraining Oath."
Severus frowned. He had not read of these kinds of Oaths in his book.
"They are really rare. Constraining Oaths are taken against the subject's agreement, and without him benefiting from it. For example, imagine you caught someone doing something they are forbidden to do. If they overpower you and make you swear an Oath of silence to spare your life, it is a Constraining Oath. However, if they also give you something you want in exchange, like riches or political favour or whatever you wished for, it is a Silencing Oath."
Severus' mind was reeling. Dumbledore had not threatened his life. He had threatened to expel him, before the OWLs and to make it impossible for Severus to find another school to enrol in. Was it enough?
"I am giving you a textbook example, as some would say. The reality is often more complex."
"But the Oath worked. Mostly. I could not talk about... things."
Hoardrock nodded.
"Constraining Oaths work like a Silencing Oath should at the beginning. Some of our experts have theorised it is the magic of the unwilling Oath-swearer protecting him. With time, the Oath begins to lose its strength until it disappears. The process can take years if it is not helped along. Our experts think your Oath should be easily taken care of."
He could be freed. His mind and will would be completely his again.
"What will the Learner's decision be?"
"Make it go. Please."
"The choice has been made."
Suddenly, two other Goblins were at Severus' side. They had objects covered in their symbols – those looking like runes – with them.
"The devices will accelerate the disintegration of the Constraining Oath and help your magic eliminate its residue. The Masters of Bonds and Minds will overlook the process and intervene if needed."
Severus nodded, mouth dry. This was going to work.
The two Masters had set up the devices on the table. They took Severus' hands to position them in the devices. Then they linked the devices together.
Severus had expected pain. Instead, he suddenly felt every part of his mind awaken. He became conscious of the lead shape of the Oath he had gotten used to. It was smaller and lighter than he recalled, confirming Hoardrock's explanations.
Severus experimentally pushed against the lead shape. It shook a little but did not move. Carefully, he pushed again and felt something was still tying the shape to his mind.
Sensing for the link between the Oath and his mind, he felt a small link, looking like a little rope Severus prodded it gently. Fear for his future assaulted Severus. What would he do if he was expelled, without OWLs nor recommendation? What would Mother say?
Severus frowned. He had passed his NEWTs. And Mother...
At once, the rope broke. Severus pushed the lead shape again. It moved easily. Smiling, Severus pushed again. And again. Until he was at his mind's frontier. There, he pushed the lead shape outside of his mind, where it disintegrated.
Relieved, Severus opened his eyes. He had not realised he had closed them. Was it just over?
"Well done, Learner. You have achieved the Cleansing, and thus gained access to goblin territory. You may drink before beginning the second step."
The two Masters were nowhere to be seen, but a glass filled with water was in front of Severus. He sensed the water for any hidden addition before drinking avidly.
As he put the glass down, the room light turned green.
"To be able to learn from Goblins, you must accept not to be beholden by Bonds," said Hoardrock. "We, Goblins, have a definition of Bonds which is not quite the one of Wizards. You think Bonds are links between living beings created without their intent. When you think of Bonds, you think of life debts and familiars' bonds. Our approach is different, but we also agree Bonds are links between beings. When one being interacts with another, a Bond forms. It dissolves sometime after the two beings stop interacting. If one being interacts with another regularly, a lasting Bond can form between the two. This is especially true with family."
"Are you saying Bonds are feelings?" asked Severus, perplexed.
The Goblin smiled.
"Feelings hold people as tightly as Magic. Magic is intent, and feelings give intent. The theory is more complex and subtle than this, but you could say Bonds are the magical expression of deep feelings between two beings. Therefore, Bonds can go against one's Oath and lead one to madness."
Severus was sure he did not understand the complexity of what Hoardrock was saying. Yes, intent was important with Magic, but to have feelings expressed through Magic…
"You cannot sever Bonds like you can Oath or Contract, because Bonds simply form," added the Goblin. "Blanking is accepting not to act upon the Bond. For example, if your family needs help, the Bond you share with them might want you to go and help them, but you won't be able to."
Severus frowned. Recalling what Hoardrock had said before… Did it mean Severus would be allowed no contact with Wizards?
"A goblin Learner lives like a Goblin, among Goblins. No contact with other beings is allowed, except letters, once a week only. The Learner is here to learn from Goblins the way goblin younglings do."
There it was. The price. For power and knowledge. Could he do this?
Hoardrock spoke again.
"Only two reasons may allow one Learner to leave Goblin territory and meet with other beings. The first is a birth amongst one of your Bonded, so you may initiate a Bond with the newest beings. The second one is the death of one of your Bonded, so you may end the Bond. However, it is only true for strong Bonds. The Learner must give the list of his Bonded at the beginning of his apprenticeship. It might be rejected if the list is too extensive."
That would not be a problem for him. The only ones he had were Abraxas, Lucius, Jonathan and Evan. Maybe Hagrid and Professor Flitwick too. Not Lily. To Severus' surprise, the thought hurt less than it should have.
"Does the Learner accept the Blanking?"
There was no choice really.
"I do," answered Severus.
A sheet of paper appeared in front of him. He read it quickly then looked at Hoardrock raising his eyebrow.
"Magic won't accept a Contract restraining your rights to act upon your Bonds. But it will accept a Contract allowing us to restrain you in case you were to act upon your Bonds, with the exception of the list you will add in it."
Severus nodded. It made sense. More or less. He quickly wrote his list of Bonded then signed the paper before he could think too much about what he was giving up. The room light turned white.