Severus is surprised when Scorpius Malfoy shows up on his the doorstep of the house Severus shares with his lover, Remus Lupin. Scorpius' face is tear stained. "Scorpius, what's wrong?" Severus wants the little boy to be happy, especially since Scorpius' father is Severus' godson.
"Mummy and daddy are on vacation and they took me to stay with grandpa." Scorpius tells his Uncle Severus. Scorpius is only six and Severus inwardly cringes. He knows how cruel Lucius Malfoy can be. As Severus watches the little boy tears start streaming down Scorpius' face again. Severus kneels down in front of Scorpius. "He hit me, Uncle Severus!" Scorpius says tearfully.
Severus reaches out slowly to the little boy and gently pulls him into his arms. He can see Scorpius wince as he touches the young boy. Severus holds Scorpius' hand and leads him over to a chair. Severus sits down and sits Scorpius on his knee. "What happened Scorpius?" Severus asks gently.
Remus walks into the room and sits on the arm of the chair Severus is sitting in. He can tell from the atmosphere in the room that this is a very serious conversation. He loves seeing Severus being this sweet with Scorpius.
"I always have trouble remembering which rooms grandpa doesn't want me to go into. I try and write them all down, but I missed one and I ended up in that room today. Grandpa Lucius caught me. He was really angry. He turned me over his knee and spanked me. He paddled me really hard." Scorpius turns his head into Uncle Severus' chest.
Severus hugs Scorpius tight to his chest. Severus can feel tears stinging his eyes. He just wants Scorpius to be safe. He always wondered whether Draco was as safe as he should have been when he was young. Severus wants to protect Scorpius.
Remus knows that Severus is very emotional right now. He puts his arm around Severus' shoulders and kisses the top of Severus' head. Severus looks up at Remus with tears shining in his eyes. He thought Scorpius would have a blissful, happy childhood and now that belief has been shattered.