A/N: I do not own Degrassi or the song "And the Cradle Will Rock" by Van Halen. This story picks up where "Come on Feel the Noise" left off. Those of you who read my other stories already know why Johnny's dad was in jail. Those of you who didn't will have to wait until the next chapter.

Despite the fact that the title contains the word cradle, there are no babies in this story.

"Well, they say its kind of frightening how this younger generation swings." And the Cradle Will Rock, Van Halen 1983

And the Cradle Will Rock

Chapter 1

It was Saturday morning and Johnny DiMarco was sleeping in. He didn't have to show up for work at The Dot until 3PM and he wanted to make the most of the extra time he didn't get on school days. Saturday was Johnny's day.

During the week, everyone at the group home ate their meals together and they all ate the same thing. Weekends were the time when residents could bring in their own food and keep it in the kitchen as long as it was labeled accordingly.

In the freezer, there was a box of frozen blueberry waffles with his name on it. Literally.

But until 1:00, he wasn't getting out of bed for anything or anyone. Or so he thought.

"Hey Johnny," he heard KC's voice say. He threw the covers off his face and looked up at his roommate standing over him. KC was dressed in sweats and holding a basketball.

"When are you planning on getting up?" he asked.

"Later" said Johnny and he threw the covers back over his face.

"Okay, man," laughed KC. "Just make sure you're not late for work."

"I know mom," Johnny mumbled. "My alarm's set for 1 o'clock." KC laughed again and left the room.

About fifteen minutes later there was a knock on the door.

"Hey Johnny!" called a voice on the other side.

"Yeah?" he groaned. The door opened and Cory, another resident, poked his head in. He was holding a box of frozen blueberry waffles with JOHNNY written on it in black magic marker.

"Can I have some of your waffles?" Cory asked.

"You can have two," replied Johnny, holding up two fingers.

"Thanks, man," replied Cory.

"Just close the door on your way out, please," Johnny grumbled. Cory closed the door.

Within five minutes after Cory left, there was another knock at the door.

Why won't anybody let me sleep? thought Johnny.

"What!" he bellowed from under the covers. Johnny's counselor, Eddie, poked his head in.

"You have a phone call, Johnny," he said.

"Can't you take a message?" groaned Johnny. "I can call them back later."

"This one came on the phone in my office," said Eddie. "You're gonna want to take it."

Johnny threw off his covers and sat up.

Personal calls for the residents came on the pay phones in the hallway. Any call that came to the counselors' offices were from school, family, the cops or the probation officer. So this was a big deal.

Johnny was officially awake now.

Still in his boxers and wife beater, Johnny followed Eddie down the hall. A few residents stared at the two, wondering what kind of trouble Johnny was in.

Once inside Eddie's office, Johnny took a seat. Eddie took the call off hold and handed the phone to him.

"Hello," said Johnny apprehensively. His heart was beating fast.

"Hello, John," said a familiar voice Johnny hadn't heard in years. "How are you, my boy?"

"Hey, dad," said Johnny.