Title: Life as I know it

Summary: AU! Harry is not the boy everyone expected he'd be when he first entered Hogwarts. This fic is Snarry slash with Snape as Harry's Dominant

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter related. This magical world belongs to JK Rowling and various publishers. No profit is being made from this.

Warnings for the fic: BDSM, dom/sub, Bad Language, non-con, dub-con, sexual situations, master/slave, violence and more

Warning for the chapter: Use of bad language, mentions of non-con and dub-con, chan.

AN: This is a revised edition of this fic. I first wrote it in 2006 and have now decided to fix it up.

Chapter 1: A new master

The room they entered was the same as usual. Bed unmade, clothes littering the floor, wrappers of some sort or another thrown carelessly around the desk. It was always the same.

He couldn't remember the last time he had accompanied his master to a friend's house and found it in a respectable condition.

He suppressed a sigh as he realized that he would, once again, have a shit-load of work to do come morning, but for now he was otherwise 'occupied'.

He had been through this so many times that he was sure he could do everything with a blindfold on and still be able to do it as proficiently as he would were he able to see.

He had never known life as anything other than what he dealt with from day to day.

The knowledge that he didn't exactly lead an exemplary life had long since made itself known but as he hadn't known how to 'correct' that small little detail he had never seen it worth his while to focus much attention on it.

Tonight's client was Mr Floggins. A man whom had made use of his services only twice before but had always been rather gentle with him.

That was the only drawback from his little late night 'sessions'. The pain.

Some people just didn't understand that using some type of lubricant didn't exempt them from the preparation procedure. One, two fingers were the most he usually got and that, only to spread the lubricant inside to make him as slick as possible.

Mr Floggins was one of a few who took their time in preparing him and even, sometimes, concentrated on giving some pleasure at the same time as receiving it.

The night went as expected. An unfinished blow-job on the man while he prepared him; then being yanked down and entered at an excruciatingly slow pace. Why the man deemed it necessary to be careful when basically no one else did was beyond him but he would never complain about the small reprieve.

He had been doing this as an 'extra curricular' activity since before he could remember. Of course, it had not been his idea; no, it was his uncle whom had decided that he — boy, freak, lazy 'good for nothing' excuse of a human being — should earn his 'keep'.

The first time his uncle had told him to call him 'master' was the first time he had really noticed that all was not quite right in his little world.

It had been a year after he had his first 'night visit' with one of his uncle's friends. He had learned in History class some vague details of what slaves and masters were — well, not exactly History class so much as books that he 'borrowed' from the class from older years.

When his uncle had first 'requested' to be called Master, Harry had the first of quite a few 'eye openers' as he called it.

Harry loved reading. He would read any and every book he could get his hands on. That was how he knew that if someone told you to call them master, someone whom were sexually involved with you, that someone was your Dominant. He had read vague details about slaves and Masters from books but none of them really told him how he was supposed to behave.

His only Master was Vernon. Vernon whom had been his Master for 6 years now. It puzzled him that he felt 'safer', more secure with any of Vernon's friends than he did with Vernon himself.

It was no use worrying over something as trivial as that though, Vernon was his Master and he did what his Master asked of him. Everything. Always.

He had long since learned that it was easier and ultimately less painful for him to just give in and do whatever Vernon wanted from him. From giving blow jobs to receiving them — though that had only happened once and the damned man had nearly torn his flesh when he had bitten him! The man had never come back and Harry couldn't even remember his name.

What had puzzled him the most was that right after the man had bitten him he had held a hand over his mouth and promptly left the building. Harry could have sworn he'd seen loose teeth rolling around in the man's mouth but he wasn't sure.

Vernon had for the first time used a whip on him after that incident. The whip had taught him that Vernon was the Master and he the slave. His back still had scars from that day.

Harry was brought back to the present by a huge hand grabbing hold of his shoulder none too gently.

The ride back to Privet drive was tenser than usual and Harry just knew that he had unwittingly done something wrong once again and would receive his 'just punishment'.

He never knew exactly what it was that he had done wrong, Vernon never gave a reason for his punishments. Harry deserved them, which were all the motivation Vernon needed.

Harry's heart sank into his stomach as they neared the house. He could see quite a few owls flying this way and that. About ten of them were perched on Nr 4's roof.

Without even looking at his Master he knew he would be blamed for this.

Any and every weird thing that happened around the house was blamed on him and he had come to realize that strange things did happen to him. Maybe this was something to do with him as well?

Harry scrambled out the car as they came to a halt in the driveway. He hurried around the car to open the door for his Master but he refused to look the man in the eye.

"Come Freak, get in that house before the neighbours see!" His master's voice was nothing louder than a whisper but Harry heard him clearly and hastened to obey.

"Vernon! Oh, Vernon! You're back! It's terrible, absolutely terrible. They're all over the house! I can't get them out Vernon! Do something!"

Harry cringed away as he heard his aunt's shrill voice. If anything could get him the punishment of a lifetime it was Petunia or Dudley being 'frightened' because of something they had no control over.

His aunt hated having no control.

Then Harry finally noticed that the owls were not just randomly flying through the house or around it anymore. They had all settled down when he walked in and Harry could now see that each and every one of them had a letter tied to a leg.

Harry's breathing sped up. He didn't know what was going on. What he did know was that if he didn't get rid of them soon he would most likely never see the light of another day.

But he didn't move. His Master was in the room and had not given him permission to move or even blink.

One of the owls apparently decided that it had had enough of humans just staring at it and flew right at Harry.

Still he stood without moving a muscle.

The owl flapped its wings frantically in order to stay in the air right in front of him.

"Well, what are you waiting for freak! Take the blasted letter from the bird so we can have some peace!"

Harry steadily reached out and gently untied the letter. As soon as it was in his hand the owl took off out a window and there was a ruckus as each and every owl took their leave.

He turned to half face his Master and held out the letter, never lifting his eyes from the floor.

The letter was practically ripped from his hand and, as he knew would happen, Vernon ripped it in half and then again.

"Get in your cupboard slave; I've no time for you now!"

"Yes sir." Harry said respectfully and he made his way over to his 'bedroom'.

His only solitude in the harsh life fate had dealt him.

A week had passed since the 'owl incident' and Harry was just starting to recover from the vicious beating he had received for being a freak of nature.

The doorbell sounded and Harry immediately straightened and stood still as a statue. Even though he was in his cupboard he had learned that no sound would be tolerated, even if it could be passed off as a mouse or cricket.

Pounding sounded from above and Harry counted down the seconds "3…2…1" before ducking as a cloud of dust fell from a beam under the stairs, right where his little bedroom was.

He could hear his Master grunting as he stepped up to the front door and had to stifle a wince as he heard the door slam with the force it was opened with.

"Yes?!" Oh, his Master was NOT in a good mood this morning.

Whoever was at the door was speaking too softly for Harry to hear him but no one could miss his Master's voice as he bellowed his answer.

"I have never heard of a boy named Harry Potter! Now freak, get off my property before I call the police!"

Harry was quite probably just as shocked as whoever this stranger at the door was.

Never had he heard his Master speak to anyone other than himself in that tone, and never, never in his life had he heard the man call someone other than him a freak.

There was a shuffling sound as if Vernon had made a hasty retreat just before Harry heard a loud thud and felt the house tremble on its hinges.

"Where is Harry Potter?"

The voice was soft but it carried with such power that Harry didn't think he would have been able to resist an answer even if his life depended on it.

Apparently his Master felt the same as he mumbled something which sounded to Harry like "Hide and go seek" and "Dudley" somewhere in-between.

Harry took his cue from his Master and peeked out from behind the door.

"What happened? Where's Dudley?" He asked with feigned concern.

"Potter!" The stranger turned to him and Harry assessed the man with one glance.

This was someone he would have to obey no matter what. While Vernon had always had a 'presence', it was more his height and bulk which frightened Harry into obeying. This stranger on the other hand was lean and tall with a pitch black cloak that hung to the floor.

The eyes were the scariest. Black as ebony and shining with a light of sheer malice.

Harry stepped out of the cupboard at once and bowed his head as he had been taught.

"Yes sir."

"Grab all your things! We're leaving. I don't have time to go traipsing after stubborn students, but as the headmaster had insisted, I didn't have any choice. You on the other hand would not be the reason I waste even more of my time!"

"What are you waiting for? Get your things!"

Harry was as confused as can be but he hurried to obey.

His cupboard was empty in a few seconds and he rushed up to the bathroom to fetch his toothbrush and hair comb — not that it had ever done him any good.

He hurried down the stairs, careful not to run. No running was allowed in the house.

When he reached the bottom he once again bowed his head respectfully and waited for his next command.

He didn't have to wait long.

"If you think that those meagre pieces of clothing and whatever rubbish else you have in that bag would be enough then you're sadly mistaken. I digress, you have had your chance and I'm not about to give you another one. Maybe next time you'll actually listen and pack everything you own!"

With that a heavy hand fell on his shoulder and started turning him towards the door.

Harry started to panic. He was leaving. Leaving his Master.

Looking up for the first time since entering the room he sought out his Master's eyes and had to bite back a gasp when he realized that his Master wanted him to leave. Wanted him to go with this stranger.

Who was this man? He suppressed any feelings of betrayal that his Master was casting him aside and followed this stranger out. Maybe it was his 'new' Master?

He didn't know but until told otherwise he would obey the man like he would his Master.

What other choice did he have?

To think that that overgrown piece of blubber that called himself a man had had the audacity to lie to him!

He had known for years that Potter lived with his relatives. He had known for the same amount of time exactly where that residence was.

"I've never heard of a boy named Harry Potter!" What did the man think? That he was stupid?

And Potter! The way the boy wouldn't even look at him! Behold! Harry Potter, all high and mighty, hero of the wizarding world! Let's all bow down at his feet so that we could eat the grass he's walked on!

Did the boy really think he was better than everyone else? That he could not look anyone in the eye or it would lower his standards?

Oh, but the peak of the whole incident, the part that just put the cherry on top was when Potter came back after being told to pack everything.

One bag, no larger than a regular backpack and the clothes on the boy's back.

What did he think he could accomplish with those things? He wouldn't even be able to go for a whole week with those measly possessions!

A cruel, satisfied smirk crossed his face as he thought of Potter, scrambling around in his dorms for something to wear only to realize that he would have to go down to breakfast in nothing but his boxers.

That would indeed make this whole trip worth it.

Glancing behind him he was rather surprised that the boy was keeping up with him. The surprise turned to anger when he realized that still Potter wouldn't look at him.

"Keep up Potter! I don't have all day and the sooner we get to Hogwarts the sooner I'd be rid of babysitting you."

Severus almost faltered in his step when he heard the soft reply behind him.

"Yes, Master."

No, he couldn't have heard that right. Maybe the boy was playing with him. Sarcasm was not something that Severus appreciated when aimed at him. He was a master of sarcasm, no one could out pace him when it comes to that.

Snarling slightly at the thought of Potter's triumphant smirk behind his back he stopped abruptly and held out his wand high above his head.

Potter, as predicted, bumped right into him but before Severus could turn around to shout at the boy Potter had already stepped back and apologized.

Severus was tempted to give a scathing reply but was unable to as a huge triple-decker bus came into existence.

Potter's gasp was masked by the screeching of brakes but Severus heard it nonetheless.

You would think the boy had never even heard of magic!

The trip to Hogsmead was gratifyingly short and Potter kept his mouth shut the whole time. A miracle really, Severus knew how boys of Potter's age could carry on and on and on over one thing or another!

The only trouble came when they had come to a halt in Hogsmead. Severus had stood when they first entered Hogsmead and was at the door of the bus when it finally stopped. As he stepped down he realized that Potter was not with him.

Growling in frustration he clambered back on the bus and all but holed the boy out. He grabbed the back of Potter's shirt and dragged him out of the bus.

The boy didn't even wince.

"Come Potter! You will follow me and you'd better keep up!"

They walked swiftly towards the castle. Severus usually appreciated the beauty of the castle late at night with all the lights on and the moonlight reflecting off the water in the lake.

Tonight however he was just too frustrated with Potter, Albus and just the general public to appreciate the beauty.

Why did he have to be the one to go after the stubborn brat? If the brat didn't answer any letter then he didn't want to come to Hogwarts. Who were they to refute the boy's decision? Severus certainly wouldn't have minded to never lay eyes on the obnoxious brat.

His internal monologue was interrupted by spontaneous laughter. His first instinct was to turn on Potter and ask him what he could possibly find so amusing but then he realized that while he was preoccupied with his thoughts he had already crossed the hall and was ready to seat himself.

The laughter however didn't stop and it wasn't until he turned around that he realized that it wasn't Potter doing the laughing but everyone else.

There, behind him stood Potter. Head bowed — Severus was beginning to think that the boy couldn't lift his head — and just standing there with his hands resting lightly against his sides. The boy had followed him alright, right up to the head table!

Severus took a deep breath. He dearly wanted to let in to the boy but before he could begin his tirade a hand settled on his shoulder. Albus's voice sounded from behind him and he resisted the temptation to struggle out of the hold on him.

"Harry my dear boy! Welcome, welcome! I'm so glad you could make it. Now why don't you head back there to Professor McGonagall and she will place the hat on your head."

Harry started at the friendly voice speaking to him but even when that person had finished speaking he stayed where he was.

His new Master whipped around and snarled at him. Harry suppressed a wince and stopped himself just before he could take an automatic step back. He was not supposed to cringe back from his Master. Ever!

"What are you waiting for Potter? An escort to hold your hand? Get down there now!"

Harry hastened to obey.

Severus curled his lip in distaste and turned his gaze back over the hall.

He could see the worry in Albus's face from the corner of his eye and cursed the Potter boy for putting it there. Well, there was nothing for it, he was sure that that worry would only disappear once Potter was either out of school or had once again defeated the Dark Lord. Severus privately hoped for the latter to happen before the former.

The silence which had settled over the hall as Potter made his way over to Professor McGonagall was slowly interspersed with whispered conversations.

The hat had been on the boy's head for 10 minutes already! Severus couldn't remember the last time a sorting had taken this long.

He was beginning to really get irritated when the hat finally opened its brim….

Harry tried his best to squash down his nervousness. His new Master had ordered him to do this and he would be a fool to do otherwise.

He sat on the chair indicated by the woman he assumed was Professor McGonagall and tensed a bit when he felt something placed on his head.

He had to bite his lip on a cry of surprise when he heard a voice in his head.

"Ah, Mr Potter. I had been wondering why I didn't see you with the other students. Never mind, you're here now and that is all that matters. Now let's see what we have here.

Oh my, oh, oh my! Boy, do you even know where you are?"

Harry thought the answer to that was quite obvious but before he could answer out loud the voice continued.

"Yes, I guessed as much. You Mr Potter, are at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Yes, yes, wizardry. This is a magic school and you are a wizard Mr Potter.

No, no mistake, you're definitely a wizard. Quite a good one I'd say, judging by what you've done for yourself all these years.

Oh but this is not good. Not good at all. Ah, I see that you know at least that your situation isn't exactly ideal but I'm afraid you're still too complacent with the way things are at the moment.

So Professor Snape is your new Master is he? He's a good man. Complicated, stubborn and head strong but generally good. You'd do good to follow him Mr Potter but not in the way you've been taught.

And I see that you'll only obey an order from your Master. That might prove to be complicated.

You, Mr Potter are probably the most difficult child I had ever had to place. You're courageous, how could you not be with what you have had to do from day to day. You're loyal to a fault once you decide whom to trust. You're intelligent but have been misled most of your life and are suppressing that part of your brain. And last but not least you're as cunning as any Slytherin. You lack the ambition but that doesn't matter.

Slytherin you ask? Oh forgive me Mr Potter. There are 4 houses here at Hogwarts. Gryffindor is the house for the brave and strong. Unfortunately most members of that house misunderstand the concept of bravery and therefore become foolhardy.

Then there is Hufflepuff. Members of that house are usually quite intelligent but very shy and they shun the limelight. They are the most loyal of all houses and stay out of the 'political' aspects of the school.

Ravenclaws are those of exceptional intelligence. They are sometimes quite rude to their fellow students as they can't grasp the fact that not everyone can cast a spell after the first few tries. They are, on the other hand, only book smart and the concept of the 'real world' hit them hard when they leave school.

Slytherin is the last and most misunderstood house. The fact that you are cunning and/or ambitious doesn't mean that you are cruel or evil. You set high standards for yourself and your fellow housemates and strive to reach above those standards. People often make the mistake to think that because Slytherins study ALL parts of magic it makes them evil. It doesn't. It just gives them the knowledge of what is out there in the 'real world' and prepares them as best as possible for what they will have to face one day."

Harry listened with fascination to the voice in his head. He could understand where every house fell into the way of life. He also knew that each and every house was necessary for a school to function relatively normally. Hufflepuffs would keep the peace should a fight break out but they would also be fair. Ravenclaw would use their keen intelligence to decide which course of action would have the least consequences. Gryffindor would defend anyone they felt the need to and would stand up for those who couldn't. Slytherin would try to diffuse the situation before it even happened or, if too late for that, would slyly refocus everyone's attention on something else.

Of course, it would not always work out this way but at least Harry understood what every house's purpose was and how he would deal with each.

"Ah, and there's our little problem Mr Potter. I'm afraid that no 'one' house would be able to understand you or the situation you're in. You would be great for each and every house Hogwarts has but none of the houses would be good for you. They'll shun you when they realize what type of person you are. They'll belittle you for not standing up for yourself, pity you for exactly the same and curse you for what in their eyes would be an easy life and road to travel. Why? Because the Professors would protect you as well they could and other students would take offence at that.

No, Mr Potter, I'm afraid that none of these houses would be good for you at the moment.

You have your Master. Talk to him. He's a good man. Forget about your old Master. Yes, yes, forget about him. What he did to you Mr Potter is despicable. You may not know it now but you will, you will! Your new Master will help you on the way to greatness. He will help you understand your worth in the world.

I wish you good luck Mr Potter, the road ahead will be difficult but if you were to come out on top you will be one of the greatest wizards the world has ever seen.

And now, I'll place you in…

"Hogwarts Apprenticeship"

Severus was gratified beyond words to realize that his highly unusual show of surprise was covered up by the clattering of a teacup right next to him. Who would hear a small gasp when such a ruckus was made?

Hooch apologized profusely for spilling tea all over Severus but he waved it away with his one hand while the other cleaned himself up with a wave of his wand.

The silence which had settled for the few seconds after the hat's rather surprising decision was broken by loud conversations and questions.

"Silence!"

Dumbledore's voice carried over the hall without even so much as a sonorous charm.

"Mr Potter, if you could come with me. Prefects, escort the first years to their new dorms. Everyone else is free to do as they please, within reason of course, and remember that curfew is at 21:00 — nine o'clock.

Professor's Snape, McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout, if you could please accompany me and Mr Potter to my office. Thank you."

Harry didn't know what was going on but judging by the reactions of everyone else something strange had happened. When something strange happened to Harry, it was usually bad.

Glancing from under his fringe to his Master he could see that the man's expression was closed off except for the tightness in the lips.

Harry shuddered. Whenever Vernon had that same expression on his face, Harry would be severely punished.

A none-too-gentle push in his back had him moving and his Master stepped out in front of him. Harry followed.

The words that the voice had spoken in his head were repeating itself over and over in his mind. He was a wizard. He was in a magical school where children learned magic.

But magic wasn't real. His Master had told him so.

The evidence to the contrary was staring him right in the face and Harry knew that sometime, however reluctantly, he would have to admit to this new possibility and that, for once, his Master had been wrong.

Now, however wasn't the time for that.

His new Master was displeased with him and he would have to figure out how to make it up to the man.

What would the man like? A blow job, him or both? Harry knew he would give himself to the man if told to. His previous Master had wanted him to go with this man so surely he was his new Master and was to be obeyed without question? Right?

A new anticipation made itself known to Harry. How would it be to have a new Master? Would he be treated the same as with his previous Master? Would his new Master be as generous as to give him a cupboard with a mattress to live in or would he have to sleep in the bathroom on the hard floor?

The remembered times when he had been punished with that exact same method made him shiver. It had been winter time and the floor had been colder than ice.

No, he dearly hoped that he would at least have a carpet or maybe even a mattress to sleep on. Where, didn't really matter.

A scraping sound distracted him from his thoughts and he stared in fascination as two huge (if ugly) rock statues moved as if on its own accord.

A stairway came into view and the adults with him made their way up to wherever it leads.

His Master just gave him a look, and he made his own way up the stairs.

Everyone settled themselves in a chair while Harry situated himself behind his Master, standing just to the right of him but somewhat behind. Still in arms reach should his Master need to punish him for anything.

"Now Harry, could you explain to us what the hat talked about with you? It's really unusual for him to appoint an apprentice, never mind one as young as yourself!"

The old man was the one who posed the question and though Harry was a bit nervous, the tone of voice put him somewhat at ease. He didn't answer though; his Master had not yet given him permission to speak.

Said man was just turning around in his seat when Harry had been quiet for over a minute when another voice spoke up.

"If I could perhaps explain Headmaster?"

Everyone's attention shifted from Harry to the hat — whom had been the one to speak. Harry was quite relieved to have the attention shifted off of him, he hated to be under so much scrutiny.

"Of course Strawgoh, please explain; it is highly unusual for you to appoint an apprentice, especially one as young as Mr Potter."

"Thank you headmaster". The hat turned from facing the old man with a white beard whom Harry now knew was the Headmaster to face everyone else.

"Young Mr Potter here is in quite a unique situation. I'm not going to divulge anything specific Albus as that would be and invasion of Mr Potter's privacy. What I will say is that that young lad has an exceptional head on his shoulders. He would fit in to each or any house here at Hogwarts. Yes Severus, Slytherin as well. He'd be great in Slytherin! However, none of the houses, when faced alone would be good for Mr Potter. Don't ask me why, when Mr Potter is ready to tell you he will. As an apprentice Mr Potter would be considered part of each and every house."

I suggest that he be allowed to eat wherever he pleases. Be it at the student tables or up at the head table. Now, don't look at me like that. Mr Potter will be apprenticing under one of the professors and it is his right to sit next to his Master/Mistress.

"The boy isn't even here for an hour and already we're making exceptions for him!" Harry winced slightly at his Master's harsh words but it was barely perceptible.

Severus! If you knew what I know you would swallow your own tongue! You are well able to make your own decisions of course but I would advise you to give everyone, including Mr Potter a fair chance to prove themselves. I believe you would be quite surprised by what you find. The hat ended with that cryptic response and refused to answer any other questions.

"Well Harry, looks like the decision has been made for us. I don't believe that you know already which course you would like to apprentice in, correct? I'll take your silence as a no then. It would of course be best if you went to each class a few times before choosing but whenever you've made your decision just let me know and we'll make it official."

Harry was at a loss. He didn't understand half of what was going on but what he did understand, he didn't like, not. one. bit.

They were thinking of giving him yet another Master! He had a Master now! A new Master whom he hadn't even gotten to know yet. Plus, he had displeased his Master more than once since he'd been 'given' to him and had yet to be punished. No, they couldn't take him away from his Master. Not now!

I believe Mr Potter has already made his decision on who would be his Master, have you not Mr Potter?

It was once again the hat that spoke and Harry couldn't tear his fascinated gaze away from the opening where the voice emerged from.

He realized his mistake as his Master turned around and sneered at him.

He quickly lowered his eyes to the ground but he could clearly hear the growl his Master made.

Oh, he was in for it now! The punishment last week from his previous Master would seem like a nice vacation compared to what he knew was to come.

"Well Mr Potter? Would you care to enlighten us to your decision or are you expecting us to beg for it? I assure you that that would not happen, ever."

Harry looked up at his Master with a confused face. He was to choose his new Master? Wasn't this man his new Master?

"You are my master." Harry said softly and once again lowered his eyes.

He did flinch when a tea cup shattered right in front of his feet and he felt rather than saw his Master towering above him.

"Me, Mr Potter? You want ME to be your Apprentice Master? Have you lost what little intelligence you had?!"

Harry stared even harder at the floor, refusing to let the burning in his eyes become anything other than what it was, burning.

"Now Severus, Mr Potter has made his decision and we will respect it. It's not every year you get an opportunity to have an apprentice study under you." The voice Harry could now recognize as the headmasters had an odd sound to it. Almost like a scolding tone, but kinder.

His Master snarled at the headmaster before turning back to look at Harry.

"Come Potter! We will discuss your schedule tomorrow morning. For now, we will go to my chambers and we will sleep."

Harry looked up in relief at his Master and just before he was pushed out of the office he scanned the rest of the room and could see and odd twinkling in the old headmaster's eyes.

This could not be happening to him. The dread which had begun to fill him as soon as the blasted hat had shouted out the word "Apprenticeship" had turned to full blown horror as he realized that the dratted boy had chosen him for a Master. HIM!

Any thought of maybe returning as a spy should the Dark Lord regain a body was crushed now.

The darkness around him became thicker and Severus forced himself to concentrate on where he was going. A quick glance behind him showed that the boy was at least keeping up.

Two more corners and they were in front of his chambers. He turned around to grab the boy's arm so he could add him to his wards when the boy took a few steps forward, as if anticipating what he wanted.

Severus frowned down at the boy but grabbed the arm and pushed the boy's hand against the plain piece of wall.

Whispering some words while waving his wand over Potter's hand, a blue light wrapped itself around the hand before sinking into the wall.

Nodding to himself he let go of Potter and whispered the password. He would tell it to the boy once inside, no use taking a chance that someone was lurking about and heard what he said.

Severus waited two seconds but as Potter didn't move to enter he growled lowly and pushed the boy in ahead of him.

Potter stumbled a bit but righted himself straight away and once again stood still as a statue with his hands by his sides.

Severus repressed a sigh and stalked by the boy.

He emerged from the kitchen a few moments later and found Potter exactly where he had left him. The boy hadn't moved a muscle.

"This, as you can clearly see, is the living room. Whenever you are in this room you will be quiet and pick up any mess you made. The door behind me is my room. You will not enter there under any circumstances. The door on your left leads to the kitchen, I'm sure you know how to help yourself there. To your right is the bathroom, as with the kitchen, I need not explain anything else. Behind you is a door, that's where you will sleep. Lights out at nine and you'd better be up by seven in the morning."

With that Severus turned around and entered his room. He just hoped that the blasted boy wouldn't get into any trouble his first night there.

Harry carefully turned around when his Master had disappeared into his room.

He guessed that it would be the same here as with his previous Master. Whenever 'at home', he would make use of any necessary facilities and if his Master left the room he would go to his own room until he was needed.

So Harry quickly went to the bathroom to relieve himself. He'd been holding in for quite a while and was relieved to be given the chance.

The bathroom was sparkling and Harry hoped dearly that his Master would tell him what he should use to clean it. Harry had never seen bathrooms as clean as these were!

Taking off his clothes and filling the bath with water, Harry panicked a bit when he realized that the water flowing from the tap was warm water. He wasn't allowed any warm water.

The memory of all the moving pictures in the castle made him realize that everything was most likely controlled by magic. The tap he had opened did not have any indication as to whether it was hot or cold water. Apparently with magic, the taps decided for itself.

His skin was red as a tomato even after just a few minutes in the water and Harry hurried to dry himself.

The water disappeared as soon as he was out of the bath and Harry was once again fascinated by the magic of the place.

He picked up the shirt he had pulled from his bag before climbing in the bath and pulled it over his head.

Picking up his bag he made his way out of the bathroom checking to see that he had not left any wet spots. Satisfied that the bathroom looked okay he headed to the door his Master had indicated was where he should sleep.

He stopped short as soon as he entered. There must have been a mistake of some kind. The room Harry had entered was a bedroom. A Bedroom!

He hurried back out of the room to make sure he'd not mistakenly entered by the wrong door but no, this was where his Master had indicated.

Entering the room once again Harry took in every detail.

The whole floor was covered with a thick rug which made Harry want to curl his toes in it. Against one wall was a standing wardrobe. Next to that was a desk with a chair. What took Harry by surprise the most was what was in the middle of the room against the other wall. A bed. One huge, magnificent bed. The blankets and sheets looked so inviting that Harry could barely keep from touching them.

Coming back to his senses, Harry quickly discerned the best place for him to sleep. As the whole floor was covered with a thick carpet Harry had difficulty finding an uncomfortable place for him to rest. Everywhere was so soft!

Making the decision to sleep in the corner where least of the other things in the room were, right opposite the desk, Harry settled down with a contented sigh and was quickly asleep.

Harry awoke early the next morning. It took him a while to get his bearings but as soon as he took in the room, his memories returned. He was at a magic school. He had a new Master whom had gifted him with such a nice room and soft rug! Even though he felt some apprehension for when his new Master would demand the sexual aspects of their relationship to be fulfilled, he couldn't wait to lie in that bed.

Harry knew that they had descended quite far in the castle the previous evening and was rather startled to realize that there was a window in his room. Peeking through it, Harry was surprised to see what looked like of a vast expanse of grass and hills. He had thought they were too deep underground for a window.

The amount of light and the position of the moon made it difficult to see clearly but it gave him a rough estimate of the time and he discerned that it was somewhere between 5 and 6 in the morning.

As he had gone to sleep earlier than usual last night it didn't surprise him that he woke up equally as early.

He wondered for a moment what to do and decided that since his Master had asked him to be awake no later than 7 that the man himself would be up fairly early. Making his decision, Harry put on the best clothes he had and made his way to the kitchen.

It took some time for him to figure out the layout of the place but he was soon relatively comfortable with his knowledge of the room.

The mugs and sugar bowl wasn't hard to find, the same with some spoons. A kettle and the fridge was quite a different story.

After about the sixth 'cupboard' door he opened he finally came across one that was as cold as any normal fridge. Harry guessed that it was once again a magic trick and didn't worry too much over it.

He could still not find a kettle though. A very long cylindrical contraption caught his eye and he could see that the vertical cylinder was attached to the water pipes in the wall.

Going closer and putting a tentative hand against it he hissed in surprised when his hand burned a bit. He had found what apparently passed for a kettle or urn in the magical world.

Sighing in relief Harry quickly finished what he had started and was just exiting the kitchen with a warm mug of what he guessed was tea — it was the only thing he could find — when his Master emerged from his room.

Harry hastened over to his side and placed the mug on a coaster he found on the living room table.

He glanced up from under his fringe and could see that his Master was giving him an odd look.

He only hoped he had not done anything to offend the man.

"Just what exactly IS that Potter?" His Master asked in a cold voice.

Harry lowered his eyes to the floor and answered in a soft voice.

"I've made you some tea Master. It was the only thing I could find in the kitchen. Do you wish me to make something else?"

His Master was quiet for a long moment and Harry dreaded what would come.

"You made me tea." His Master voiced it more as a statement than a question but Harry nodded all the same.

"Why?"

Harry was confused. Why would his Master ask him why he made him the tea? It was what he was supposed to do, wasn't it?

"I wished to please you Master."

"So you thought that if you did me this one 'favor', you would get into my good graces? You're even more pathetic than I thought."

Harry had heard the same thing his whole life and it didn't make any difference to him now. He was pleased to find that despite his Master's words he still drank the tea Harry had offered.

"Well, don't just stand there Potter, sit down or go entertain yourself in your bedroom. We'll have to discuss your schedule sometime but that can wait for now."

Harry debated on what to do and in the end decided to just sit down so that he could still be there if his Master needed anything.

"The floor Potter? My furniture suddenly not good enough for you, is it?"

Harry's previous Master had once tricked him by saying something similar. He had coaxed Harry until he sat on the couch but as soon as Harry had seated himself he had been slapped across the face. He did not wish to relive the experience.

"Answer me when I speak to you boy!"

"Yes Master. I'm sorry Master."

"Sorry won't cut it Potter! If you're too high and mighty for my furniture or company then I suggest you make yourself scarce."

Harry didn't move. He had not been given a direct order and with his previous Master he had learned that nothing he did would be considered right. He just waited out his punishment.

The silence stretched between them and Harry was just beginning to relax a little when a deep sigh interrupted his musings.

"Is your bed at least made, I don't like house elves in my rooms so you'll have to get used to making your own bed and keeping your room clean."

"My bed master?"

"Yes your bed you imbecile! That big rectangular thing in the middle of your room where you sleep in at night, that bed."

Harry just kept looking at his Master in confusion. His bed? What did the man mean, his bed?

His Master swept by him in a flurry of black robes and Harry could see that he had entered Harry's room.

"Potter!"

Harry was up in an instant. His Master did not sound pleased.

"Yes Master?"

"Stop with all the master stuff Potter! You're my apprentice and while I may be your master during the apprenticeship there is no need to continue calling me so. Sir, would suffice."

Harry lowered his head as he felt his heart drop to his stomach. What had he done that his Master didn't want to be called as such anymore? Would he be sent away now?

"Potter, where exactly did you sleep last night?"

The question was so out of the blue and unrelated to any of his thoughts that it took Harry some time to process it. When he did, he was once again confused.

"Where I usually sleep Master, er sir." Harry corrected as he saw his Master give him a scathing look.

"Impertinence will get you nowhere boy! Where. Did. You. Sleep?"

Harry pointed to the corner he had made his 'home' in and said softly: "There Master"

His Master slowly made his way over to where Harry pointed and to Harry's confusion he picked up the bag with Harry's clothes and scowled as he made his way back to Harry.

"Come with me Potter!"

Harry followed his Master with dread in his heart.

He was being sent away.

It was like Master Vernon had always told him. No one else would take him. Vernon had looked after him out of the goodness of his heart. Now Harry would have no one. No Master to please. Nothing.

Harry could practically feel the eyes boring into him and he looked up to see his Master sitting on the living room couch giving Harry a very odd look.

"Sit down Potter."

Harry sat.

On the floor, right where he had been standing.

His Master stood.

Harry lowered his eyes as his Master circled around him.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Stand up boy and make me some more tea."

The relief Harry felt was almost palpable. "Yes Master." He quickly stood and hurried to the kitchen. Maybe he was not being sent away, he could always hope.

The tea was done within minutes and he set in down in front of his Master.

"Have you eaten yet Potter?"

Harry looked up at that. Eaten? He had something to eat the previous day. Was that what his Master meant?

"Answer me when I ask you a question boy! When was the last time you ate?" Well, that was easier to answer at least.

"Yesterday morning Master."

"What have I said about being called 'master'? Never mind. If what I think is going on is really going on then that is the least of our worries."

Harry wasn't sure if the man had spoken to him or more to himself.

"I'm going to ask you a few questions Potter and you'd better answer them honestly."

"Yes Master."

"Go and make yourself a sandwich Potter. Use two slices of bread, butter, ham and cheese. And you will eat it ALL or face the consequences."

Severus sighed. It would take eons to get the boy to call him something other than Master. If what he suspected was true then it might even be a lost cause. Looking up at the almost non-existent shuffling his keen hearing picked up Severus had to suppress a groan. Potter had done what he had asked but apparently the boy had searched out the least appealing of the food he could find. Using the two-day old bread which Severus had been meaning to throw to the giant squid, the cheese which had begun to harden after it was left uncovered yesterday (Potter's fault naturally, as the boy had taken up his time with being called to the headmaster's office) but at least the ham was fresh.

"Have you ever called someone other than me by the title 'Master'." He would address the boy later about his eating habits. Severus first had to find out exactly WHAT he was dealing with.

"Yes Master."

"Who?"

"My previous Master, Master."

Severus gritted his teeth in frustration. It was becoming readily apparent that he had been correct in his guess as to what was wrong with the boy.

"Did your previous Master have a name Potter? If so, what was it?" Rather ask complete and specified questions than sit there the whole day trying to drag the truth from Potter.

"Yes Master. It was Vernon Master. My uncle."

Surprise etched on his features and Severus ruthlessly squashed it down. That would actually explain a lot.

"When was the first time you had called him Master?"

Potter blinked and a thoughtful look crossed his face. "I, er, I'm not sure exactly when, it was about 6 years ago?"

Severus snarled inwardly. This was more complicated than he had at first thought it would be.

Being a submissive was one thing. Having a dominant forced on you and basically being 'beaten' into submissive behaviour was quite another thing.

Severus was certain that that is what had happened. He couldn't think that Potter would have chosen to be a submissive at that young an age!

"I'll assume, and correct me if I'm wrong Potter, that your previous Master requested you to do some, shall we say — questionable things, to and for him?"

Seeing the frown gracing Potter's forehead Severus explained in more detail.

"Did he ever ask you to do things which involved touching him, him touching you or you being touched by someone of his choosing?"

"Yes Master. My aunt touched me when she bathed me and my cousin touched me when he wanted someone to 'play' with."

"Do NOT try my patience boy! Did anyone, your Master included, ever touch you in a very private place, your groin for example?"

Potter gazed at Severus with a confused yet earnest expression.

"Yes Master. All the time."

It was said in such a calm and matter-of-fact tone that Severus actually flinched. Yes, he Flinched!

"And have you ever touched people in the same place?"

"Yes Master, but only in the front."

That was little to no consolation to Severus's peace of mind.

End chapter 1.

This fic is Complete, I am editing all the chapters to fix mistakes and will post them as I finish them.

This fic was first posted in 2006 and I have now decided to fix it up.

If you find any mistakes, please feel free to point them out and I will correct them.

English is not my first language.

Please Review!