CHAPTER TWO

Anything you recognize from Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling

Sirius and James were sitting on their beds silently. "Really messed it up this time, didn't we, mate?" Sirius murmured softly. James nodded mutely. After about five minutes, Charlus came in, looking stern.

"Sirius, come with me."

Sirius bit his bottom lip and shuffled forward. He followed Mr. Potter out the door and into his study. "Sit." Charlus pointed at a chair and pulled out his own desk chair. Sirius sat down, staring down at his knees. There was a moment of silence, then a finger was put under his chin and raised his bowed head. "What were you thinking?" Charlus said softly.

Sirius hunched over, feeling miserable and ashamed. "We weren't, sir," he said softly.

"That much is very obvious."

Sirius dropped his head again. Charlus raised it again, gazing into Sirius' gray eyes. "What are the four major rules in this household, Sirius Orion Black?" he asked, intently peering into his eyes.

"No putting your life in danger, no lying, no disobedience, and no disrespect," Sirius answered quietly.

"And what is rule about night flying?" Charlus questioned.

Sirius sighed. "No flying after seven."

"Correct." Charlus nodded. "How many rules did you break?"

Sirius swallowed hard. "Two."

"Three," Charlus corrected.

Sirius frowned, puzzled. Charlus raised an eyebrow. "I told you and James, very clearly, do not go flying after seven at night. Disobedience, Sirius, I will not condone."

Sirius looked away. "Yes, sir," he muttered. He hesitated. "Are you ... are you going to use the cane?" he whispered.

"No."

Sirius breathed in relief, but then froze when Mr. Potter said, "But I will use the paddle, and after that five strokes with the belt." Sirius sighed and Charlus' eyes softened. "Sirius, you know that this is very different from what your father did to you?" he asked softly.

Sirius nodded mutely, unconsciously rubbing an old scar along his shoulder where Orion Black had struck him once. Charlus stood up and tucked the chair in. "All right. Drop your trousers and boxers and then bend over my desk."

"Bare?" Sirius murmured.

Charlus nodded, his eyes grave. "What you did was very dangerous."

With a resigned sigh, Sirius did as he was told and bent over Charlus' desk. He heard the man murmur, "Accio Paddle." Then the hard surface of the paddle tapped his bottom, making him jump. Charlus placed a hand on Sirius' back, rubbing it gently.

"How many will I get?" Sirius asked nervously.

Charlus considered this question for a moment, then said, "Thirty." He closed his eyes and then opened them. He raised the paddle and brought it down with a huge CRACK. Sirius jumped up, gasping. "Stay in position," Charlus ordered. Sirius, looking slightly sheepish, bent over again. CRACK!

Sirius gritted his teeth and clenched the edge of the desk harder. Another smack was applied, and he bit his tongue hard.

CRACK! "Why are you getting this spanking, Sirius?" CRACK!

Sirius hissed in pain. "I put my life in danger." CRACK! "I went out flying after seven." CRACK! CRACK! Sirius cried out, then hissed, "And I disobeyed you."

"Correct." CRACK! Charlus hardened his heart against the whimpers and applied another hard smack with the paddle. "I am very disappointed in you." CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! "You knew better," Charlus continued. CRACK! CRACK! "And yet you go against the rules." CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

"I-I'm sorry!" Sirius cried out.

"I certainly hope you are." CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! "Do you know the dangers of going night flying?" CRACK! CRACK! "What if Muggles had spotted you and James?" CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! "What would have happened then?" CRACK!

"S-sorry!" Sirius sobbed. CRACK! Sirius yelped and his hands flew back. Charlus deftly caught them and pinned them against his back. Sirius' bottom was burning fiercely. Guilt by Charlus' words were overriding him.

"The next time you do something like this, I will use the cane! Do you hear me, young man?" Charlus applied the last three smacks. Sirius burst out sobbing hard.

"Y-yes, sir!" he sobbed. All he could think about was his furiously burning bottom. And five more strokes with the belt! Sirius thought miserably. He didn't know how he was going to survive this. He heard Mr. Potter pulling out his belt.

"Five strokes, Sirius. Then it's all over," Charlus said kindly.

"Yes, sir," Sirius whimpered.

Charlus raised the belt and brought it down. Sirius howled and another quick lash was applied. "I'm sorry!" Sirius sobbed. "Please, stop!" CRACK! "I'll never do it again!" CRACK! "I'm so sorrrrrryyyyyyyyyy!" Sirius howled. CRACK!

Sirius collapsed over the desk, sobbing. Charlus did up his belt and then gathered Sirius in his arms. "It's okay," he murmured. "All is forgiven." He rocked the crying boy, speaking comfortingly and rubbing his back.

When the sobs had eased, Sirius sniffled, "I'm really sorry."

"I know," Charlus said. He rubbed Sirius' back. "I forgive you."

Sirius sniffled again. "What about your broom?" he whispered.

Charlus sighed. "It's too broken to mend. I'll have to get a new one," he said softly.

"We could do chores for you. James and I could," Sirius mumbled.

Charlus raised an eyebrow. This wasn't like Sirius - willingly wanting to do chores? Sirius saw the look on his guardian's face and explained, "I feel guilty and sorry."

Charlus chuckled. "If you insist," he murmured, giving another hug.

"I'm really sorry," Sirius said again.

"I know," Charlus replied. He patted the boy's long curly hair. "How about you get some rest? I'll bring up some hot chocolate later."

Sirius nodded. Charlus stood up and helped him fix up his clothes. When Sirius winced as he pulled up his trousers, Mr. Potter flicked his wand. Sirius' trousers were transformed into more roomy and comfortable pants. "Thanks," Sirius mumbled, blushing.

END OF CHAPTER TWO

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Next chapter: It's March 27th, James' birthday! Mr and Mrs Potter allow their son to invite their friends over. What kind of chaos will erupted in the not-so-peaceful Potter Manor?