Chapter 3 – Bedtime Stories

The afternoon went by very fast in Harry's case, but seemed to be endless in Draco's case who had to write an essay for his father as punishment because of his poor treatment of Harry.

"Draco?" Lucius entered the boy's room, "Harry and Severus will be over in a bit. Do you prefer your today's spanking before they come, or do you want to wait till bedtime?"

Startled Draco looked up from his essay. His heart doubled its beat. "I'm still not finished with my work."

"That is okay, you can continue tomorrow," Lucius said with a small smile. He was glad, that his son seemed to have overcome his hatred towards Harry so fast and accepted his punishment without any complaints.

"If it is okay, I would like to have the punishment done before they come," Draco said gulping uneasily.

"Very well, then come here." Lucius sat down on the boy's bed.

Draco's body trembled already. All the more he wondered why Harry took all the blame onto himself knowing perfectly what would await him. How could Harry bear that? Without any further words said, Draco stood next to his father, lowered his trousers and pants and then placed himself over the waiting lap.

"Why are you in this position, Draco?" Lucius asked and Draco explained what he had done and what blame Harry took for his sake.

Then the spanking started and ended after countless smacks with a sobbing Draco who hung over his father's lap with a horrible smarting bottom.

"Two left." Lucius said and then pulled his son up and into a hug.

"Why didn't Harry ever say anything? How could he bear that?" Draco asked in a sniffling voice as soon as he had calmed down to do so.

"He couldn't, Draco," Lucius pointed out with a guilty-stricken face, "He just shut down. Now he is afraid of both of us."

"I'm so sorry, Dad," Draco whispered as new tears threatened to fall.

Lucius hugged Draco closer and whispered into his son's ear, "I know, my Dragon. I am sorry myself."

-oxo.

At dinnertime Harry and Severus flooed over to the Malfoys. Harry looked nervously around. He greeted Draco and Lucius with a shy smile but otherwise kept silent. His heart beat wildly in his chest and his hands were shaking, slightly.

Lucius noticed Harry's discomfort but he hid his inner hurt and made some small-talk with Severus while leading the small group to the dining table.

Even Draco realised how uncomfortable Harry must feel and cringed inwardly. Now he was nearly glad he had already received his today's spanking. It made it a bit easier to cope with all the guilt seeing Harry that withdrawn and fearful.

As they all sat down though, Draco had a hard time to stifle his gasp. He had underestimated how much it would hurt to sit when being spanked right before dinner. Harry looked at him puzzled but then his eyes widened in realisation of the source of Draco's discomfort.

"It's okay," Draco reassured him in a low voice. "I earned it."

At that Harry looked down. He was not happy that Draco now received the spankings Harry had wanted to spare the blond. It made Harry's effort null and void. Harry also knew though that there was nothing he could do about it.

-o-

"Uncle Severus, would you stay a bit before you head back?" Draco asked in a hopeful tone right after dinner.

"I could, if you wish. What do you want to do?" Severus answered.

Draco blushed suddenly but then he stood up, walked over to his godfather and whispered something into the man's ear.

"Draco, it's rude to make secrets when others are in the room," Lucius admonished his son, "Speak aloud!"

Draco looked down ashamed and mumbled nearly soundlessly, "I just asked him if he could read me a bedtime story."

Lucius frowned at his son, "Is that how I taught you to speak properly?"

Draco sighed then looked up at his father and repeated himself. This time loud and clear.

"And do you plan to include Harry in your story time?" Lucius asked.

Draco looked over at the green eyed boy. "He can, if he wants."

"He may, if he wants," Lucius corrected and Draco nearly rolled his eyes but he knew better than to show his annoyance in front of his father.

"Do you want to?" Draco asked Harry.

Harry shrugged one shoulder but then turned to Lucius and asked, "May I leave the table?"

Lucius smiled proudly, "Yes, Harry."

At that Harry stood and followed behind Draco and Severus, feeling confused. Why would Mr. Malfoy look so proud at a simple question? After this small display with Draco it was more than clear that he insists on proper manners. Shrugging to himself Harry entered Draco's room, looking around with big eyes.

It was the first time he was allowed to enter. The room was as big as Harry's room but everything was kept in Slytherin colours, while Harry's room was held in blue and green.

"I suggest, the two of you make yourself ready for bed while I look through your books, Draco," Severus said and the blond haired boy ran towards his own bathroom.

Harry stayed behind and looked questioningly at the man. Severus studied the boy and finally said, "No matter where you are going to sleep today, you still can brush your teeth here, can't you?"

At that Harry nodded and followed Draco only to realise that he didn't have his toothbrush with him.

"Call Dobby," Draco said his mouth full of foam.

"Dobby?" Harry asked wondering but before Draco could explain, the house elf popped into the room with a new toothbrush in his small hands.

"Dobby is proud to serve Harry Potter. Dobby brought you a new toothbrush, young Master."

Harry stood there staring at the little creature. How come he hadn't seen it before? And what did it mean 'to serve Harry Potter'?

"Is something wrong with this toothbrush? Shall Dobby fetch another one? Is there a colour that young Master prefers?" Dobby asked, troubled with the lack of response.

"No. It's okay," Harry said, still confused and took the item from the house elf. With a smile and a deep bow, Dobby vanished again.

"What was that?" Harry asked.

Draco spit into the basin and then cleared his mouth with water before he explained, "That was Dobby, our house elf. He cleans the house, cooks, does the laundry and everything else to keep the house livable. Haven't you ever met him by now?"

Harry shook his head, shocked at that revelation. This house elf was doing everything Harry did at the Dursleys.

"Come on, hurry up. Severus is the best storyteller in the world," Draco said and pushed Harry towards the basin.

Harry borrowed Draco's toothpaste and got to work.

-o-

Meanwhile, Severus had chosen an adventure book about dragons, which he knew Draco liked the most. Next time, he thought to himself, he should let Harry choose, because he had no idea what Harry likes to read.

Severus sat down in the rocking chair and waited for the boys to come back. Draco was the first, clad in a fresh pair of pyjamas and plushy socks. He ran towards his godfather and climbed up the man's lap.

"And where is Harry supposed to sit?" Severus asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Oh," Draco looked disappointed, he hadn't thought about that. He was used to sitting on Severus' lap, although it was slowly getting more and more uncomfortable, as he had grown very big by now. Obviously it was time to think about an alternative. He looked around his room until his gaze fell on his cosy corner full of cuddly toys.

He jumped up again and made room for two people to sit or lie down. He also placed some pillows from his bed in the corner to make it even more comfortable.

"Do you think he will like it?"Draco asked and Severus smiled.

"It looks definitely inviting. If it wasn't for my old bones, I would join you down there."

At this Draco smiled proudly. He flopped down and hugged his green plush dragon while making himself comfortable. Finally Harry showed up. He too was clad in pyjamas and socks and looked a little lost as he scanned the room with his eyes.

"Come here, Harry. I made room for you, too," Draco shouted.

Harry got closer and carefully sat down. He couldn't help but wonder, who this boy was and what he had done to Draco. Everything felt so surreal.

"Do you also want to hug one of the plushies? You can have Mr. Paw if you want, he is very fluffy," Draco said and held up a white cat.

Harry took the cat and ran his fingers through its fur. It was indeed the most fluffy thing Harry ever felt in his life. "Thank you," he said, touched that Draco would allow him such a wonderful thing.

"Okay, boys. May I start?" Severus asked and both boys nodded eagerly.

-o-

As Severus came to an end, Harry was fast asleep. The white cat was hugged firmly against his chest. Draco was surprised. He had been so engrossed in the story he never realised the other boy was falling asleep.

Severus put the book back and came over with a small smile on his lips.

"Are you going to take him with you?" Draco asked somewhat worried. He didn't want Harry leaving again.

"I think it would be best to let him sleep. I'm not sure how much sleep he had last night, or the nights before. If it is okay with you, I would suggest to leave him where he is."

Draco nodded happily, "Of course he can sleep here."

"Well then, into bed with you," Severus said and shooed Draco away.

Draco jumped into his big, king-size, four-poster bed and looked back to the other boy. "He looks so vulnerable when asleep. He should have one of my blankets."

Severus took the blanket Draco held up and walked over to the sleeping boy. Carefully he wrapped the blanket around the small frame. Compared to Draco, Harry really was small. Maybe they should let a healer run a medical scan sometime soon, to see if the child need any nutritions.

"You have been brilliant today. I'm amazed how much you changed your behaviour towards Harry," Severus said and stroked through Draco's hair.

"I cannot believe I have been treating him the way I did. I hope he can forgive me someday," Draco whispered.

"He will. He forgave me, and I also treated him horribly," Severus said with a soft smile.

Draco sighed happily and then closed his eyes.

"Shall I send your Dad up to you?" Severus asked.

"No, but could you send him my good night wishes?" Draco asked with a sleepy voice.

"I will, Dragon. Sweet dreams." With these words Severus left Draco's room and joined Lucius in the living room for an evening drink.

"The boys are asleep, I assume?" Lucius asked.

"They are," Severus confirmed, "Harry fell asleep in Draco's cosy corner during the story. I suggested to let him sleep there through the night and Draco agreed. I hope it was also in your interest."

"I'm fine with it. It's nice to know the boy is home again," Lucius said, "I was worried he wouldn't want to stay."

Severus took a sip from his scotch and then admitted, "Harry wasn't sure either but it seems the choice was taken out of his hands. It may be easier for him that way. Shall I return tomorrow evening?"

"That would be appreciated. Draco and Harry both seem to like you a lot," Lucius said with a faint smile.

"And how are you?" Severus asked seeing the pain in his friend's eyes.

"I still have a hard time coming to terms with what had happened here. Every time I enter my study I see myself punishing the poor boy. I cannot understand how I could have been so blind. How I could have lost it completely with Harry. I mean, even Draco knows that under normal circumstances I would have never spanked him for just breaking house rules as I did with Harry. I was just cruel," Lucius said in a regretful voice.

"As was Draco," Severus pointed out. "I'm sure he knew perfectly well, how you punished Harry and never stepped up and admitted his involvement."

"Still, he is just a child. I'm an adult. I should have realized sooner what was going on."

"And how?" Severus wondered, "You said Harry admitted everything. How were you to know that the kid would lie to you and take the undeserved punishment freely?"

Lucius snorted, "He made me believe that he admitted his wrong doings. In retrospect, he never really admitted anything by word. He had been saying he was sorry a lot and sometimes repeated the house rule I believed he had broken, but he never said that he was sorry that he broke them in the same sentence."

"That was very Slytherin of him," Severus said impressed.

Lucius shook his head unhappily, "Yes. While he took the false punishment he was careful not to lie to my face."

For a while, silence stretched between them until Severus said, "Well, we cannot change the past. What's done is done." With these words Severus took his last sip and stood. "I wish you good night and I'll see you tomorrow. Feel free to floo call me any time if you need my help."

Lucius stood himself and accompanied his friend to the fireplace. "I will. Thank you for your help so far!"

Severus inclined his head before the green flames took him away.

-oxo-

As Draco woke up the next morning he stretched himself like a cat. Slowly the events of the previous day came back into his mind and he sat up to look at his cosy corner. Harry was still sleeping with Mr. Paw clutched in his arm. Draco smiled at that sight. Slowly he left his bed and tiptoed towards his new brother.

"Welcome home, brother," Draco whispered and then tiptoed to the bathroom.

-o-

"Good morning, Dad," Draco greeted his father.

"Good morning, my Dragon. How did you sleep?" Lucius greeted back.

"Fine. Harry is still sleeping."

"Yes, I guess we shall let him sleep. He will need it."

They both grinned at each other, happy to have Harry back.

-oxo-

At lunch Draco was a bit worried. "Harry is still sleeping. Do you think he is okay, Dad?"

Lucius looked a bit lost at his son, "I have no idea. If he doesn't wake up within the next hour I will ask Severus what he thinks we should do."

Draco nodded unhappily.

-oxo-

Slowly, Harry woke up from is dreamland. His mind was still filled with dragons and knights. The sun was very bright already. Harry turned onto his back and opened his eyes. He took in his surroundings and needed some time to remember where he was. Was he still in Draco's room? He wondered. He sat up and his gaze landed on the white plush cat Draco loaned him last night. Mr. Paw, he recalled. Hugging it one more time, he placed it down.

After he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes Harry stood and slowly made his way to the bathroom. He couldn't remember the last time he slept that long and deep. He washed his face and then looked at his reflection. He looked a tiny bit better, more rested. He smiled a little and then wondered what to do next.

He had no idea where Draco or the others were. He also didn't know what time it was. Suddenly some clothes popped into existence on the stool next to the bathtub. Right then Harry remembered the strange little creature he met last night. What was its name? Tabby? No. Doggy? No. No. No. "Ahh... Dobby!"

With a soft pop, the house elf appeared. "Does young Master need anything from Dobby?"

"Oh... I... erm... I'm sorry, if I interrupted you. I was just remembering your name," Harry stuttered embarrassed.

"Young Master is not interrupting Dobby. Dobby is glad to see young Master is well," the elf said, excited.

Harry frowned a little, "It sounds strange when you call me Master. I don't own you."

"But you do. If you are part of the Malfoy family then you own me as well."

"Erm... well," Harry was lost at words. "Can you tell me what time it is?"

"Of course," said the elf happily, "It's one o'clock. Master Malfoy and the other young Master are having lunch now. Do you wish Dobby to add a plate for you?"

"That would be great, Dobby, thanks."

With a deep bow, the house elf disappeared. Harry decided to have a quick shower and then pulled on the clothes that were obviously left for him to wear. They were definitely not his but they fit perfectly.

-oxo-

Draco and Lucius looked up startled, as a third place setting was laid out but before any of them could wonder, a small shy voice said, "I'm sorry."

"Harry!" Draco yelled excitedly and wanted to stand up but the chair wouldn't move until it fell and Draco nearly with it.

"Draco," Lucius scolded but the blond haired boy ran over to Harry and grinned.

"But, Dad. It's Harry!" he said.

"So I see but it is still no reason to upset your lunch."

"Sorry, Dad," Draco said sheepishly but then he turned back at Harry and said, "You slept so long. I was really worried. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Thanks, Draco. I just wasn't sleeping well for a while and I guess I was catching up a bit," Harry explained still not used to Draco's different behaviour.

"Draco, would you please sit down," Lucius snapped, annoyed. "And Harry, please have a seat as well. It's good you could get some much needed sleep", he added in a much more friendly voice.

"Thank you, Sir." Harry said and then took the empty seat next to Lucius and opposite of Draco. He served himself and then started to eat, without noticing the worried look Lucius cast at him at the far too small amount of food on the boy's plate.

Lucius wondered why he didn't notice it earlier. The boy should eat at least twice as much as he had on the plate right now.

"Harry, don't you want to eat more?" Lucius asked, as it seemed that Harry didn't plan to have a second go.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy, but I had enough," Harry said politely.

"If you are sure. Draco is still working on an essay for me in the afternoon. Do you wish to read something? Or do you have some homework left?" Lucius asked.

At that Harry blushed. "I don't have any summer homework done yet."

"Well Harry. Then I suggest you start with them. There are only three weeks left until school starts again. When do you normally do your homework?" Lucius was shocked to hear that Harry hadn't done anything yet.

"At my relative's house, I couldn't do my homework because they locked all my things into a cupboard," Harry explained.

"Those Muggles. I wonder what Dumbledore was thinking to place you with them. In the library you may find books to help with your essays but please ask me first before you take them to your room."

"Okay. Thank you, Mr. Malfoy."

Lucius grimaced "Please, Harry. We are family now. You may call me Lucius until you feel comfortable to call me something else."

"Okay, Mr. M... erm... Lucius. May I leave the table?"

"Yes Harry, you may. Please seek me out before dinner to let me look through your work."

At that Harry gulped but he nodded politely, "Yes, Sir."

-oxo-

Nervously Harry stepped from one foot to the other while he waited for Mr. Malfoy to read his poor excuse of an essay on potions.

"Harry, have a seat," the man finally said and waited for Harry to do so before he continued. "I know from Severus that potions is not your favourite subject but this will not even earn you an A. Maybe you should ask Severus about what confused you. There is so much wrong in your essay I don't even know where to start."

Harry chewed on his lip looking mortified but to his embarrassment Lucius wasn't finished, "The other thing is your handwriting. Before you do any other essays you must improve your penmanship. I will teach you some exercises tomorrow after breakfast."

"Yes, Sir," Harry whispered looking at the floor.

"It's still Lucius, Harry. You don't have to 'Sir' me. And I'm not angry at you. I just want to help you, okay?"

At that Harry looked up. "I'm sorry. I will try harder."

Lucius smiled at boy, "I know, but you need to let others help you. You are not alone any more. You can ask Draco, Severus and me."

-oxo-

Harry was surprised to see Severus that soon again. He and Draco were on their way to the dining room as they met Severus coming from the library.

"Uncle Severus! Are you joining us at dinner again?" Draco asked happily.

"Indeed. How are the two of you doing?" Severus asked.

"I'm bored out of my mind but I think tomorrow I will finish my essay, Father asked me to write," Draco told his godfather.

Severus nodded and then turned towards the black-haired boy. "And you, Harry? How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," Harry said in a low voice.

"He slept an eternity," Draco interrupted.

"Well, I think that is no wonder. The last days weren't easy for him, so I'm not surprised at all."

Draco hung his head as a new wave of guilt washed over him and Harry studied his feet, because he felt embarrassed being the centre of attention. Severus sighed, it wasn't his intention to make the boys uncomfortable.

"Do the two of you want a bedtime story again?" he asked to change the subject but unknowingly made matters worse.

"I would like that more than what is already awaiting me," Draco whispered.

"I still can read to you afterwards," Severus suggested.

Draco just shrugged, not sure if he was allowed to, or if he would want to. After punishment he preferred to crawl under his blanket and forget the rest of the world.

Harry didn't catch on what Draco meant by that at first but as Lucius asked Draco after dinner to follow him, it slowly dawned on him.

"No!" he gasped horror-stricken and jumped out of this chair. He didn't want Draco still getting punished because of him. Not after what Draco already did to make up to him.

Lucius was taken aback. He hadn't thought about Harry's reaction. Now he didn't know what to do. He wasn't planning to let Draco off his punishment but he didn't want to hurt Harry either. To his surprise it was Draco who stepped up.

"Harry, don't worry. I really earned it. I do not like it one bit but I kind of need it to cope with all the guilt. You have no idea how bad I feel, knowing that I pushed you into this kind of punishment every second day since you stayed with us."

Harry had tears in his eyes. "But... but I took the blame on me, to prevent you from getting punished," he whispered.

"I know. You wanted to protect me, to show me that you can be a good brother but I utilised your protection shamelessly. I stage-managed all the incidents knowing full well that you will take the blame. My behaviour was inexcusable," Draco said placing his hands on the other boy's shoulders.

"I was intruding your family. You had every right to-"

"No, Harry," Draco interrupted. "I made you feel like you would but it's not true. I should have welcomed you, I should have listened to my father who explained to me, why you are to live with us but our stupid school rivalry made me blind to the obvious. You are the best brother someone could wish for and I feel incredibly bad for what I have done to you. Let our dad deal with my wrong doings. Okay?"

Harry was touched at Draco's words. Tears streamed down his face but he nodded and whispered a hoarsely "okay".

Draco hugged his brother. His eyes also wet with tears. "I will see you tomorrow," he whispered and then turned towards his father and followed him out of the room.

Harry looked down at his feet, feeling completely confused. Draco really wanted him as a brother, so in a strange way Harry achieved his goal, to avoid the same situation he had with Dudley. That made it all the harder to accept, that Draco now gets punished because of that. Harry feared the blond haired boy could change his mind soon and would be angry with Harry because of all the punishments he receives now.

Suddenly an arm came resting on his shoulders. Harry looked up at Severus and said, "I wish it all would be over. He had changed his behaviour already, why is he still getting punished?"

"I fear that is something you cannot change. It's between Draco and Lucius. After what happened with you, I am sure Lucius will not be unfairly harsh with Draco and you heard Draco, it helps him deal with the guilt," Severus pointed out.

Harry sighed and leant unconsciously against the other man.

"Why don't we go to your room?" Severus suggested.

At that the boy nodded and they went to Harry's room, which was next to Draco's. No sound came out of the other boy' room, very likely prevented in a magical way.

"Do you have any books that I can read to you?" Severus asked as they entered Harry's room.

Once again Harry hung his head, nearly answering 'Freaks don't get bedtime stories' "No," he answered instead.

"It's okay. I brought a book with me but I'm not sure if you like it." With that Severus pulled an old and used looking book out of his robe's pocket and held it towards the boy.

Surprised Harry looked up and took the book to read the title. The Hobbit "What is it about?" Harry asked.

"About hobbits, dwarfs, elves, wizards and dragons. It's a muggle book. It is one of my most protected treasures, because it was the first present I got from your mother," Severus revealed.

"My mother?" Harry asked confused.

"Indeed," the man sighed and sat on Harry's bed, "I'm so sorry, Harry. I never looked that closely at you to realise how much you resemble her. Your mother was my first friend. We met each other even before Hogwarts."

Harry looked at the man dumbstruck. Finally he found his voice. "You... you knew my mum?"

"Yes."

"What was she like? Can you tell me about her?" Harry asked excited.

With no idea where to start Severus asked, "What do you want to know?"

Harry thought about that for a while but then he suddenly ran towards his bedside table, placed The Hobbit onto it and then pulled a photo album out of the bedside table's drawer. He sat next to Severus and then placed the album over both of their laps. On the front was a picture of him as a baby together with his mum and dad. Carefully Harry stroked a finger over his mother's face.

Severus gulped. What had he gotten himself into? Was he ready to tell the boy stories about Lily? Was he ready to face pictures full with his beloved Lily next to his most hated rivals?

"She is so beautiful!" Harry whispered in awe unaware of Severus' uncomfortable look.

"Yes she was an exceptional girl in many ways." 'She must have been, if she had put up with me as long as she did.' Severus added in his mind.

"They say I have her eyes," Harry said still staring at his family picture.

"You do," the man confirmed.

Harry sighed once more and finally opened the album full of pictures of his parents. Severus was surprised to see even pictures of him with Lily in it. There weren't many but it was more than the professor had expected.

"Is that you?" Harry asked disbelievingly as Severus pointed to one of the pictures and asked Harry if he recognised this boy. At Severus nod, Harry shook his head with a small smile on his lips. "I wouldn't have recognised you, if you hadn't it pointed out to me. I always wondered who this guy is. You look so different," Harry said, as he stared at the young version of his professor.

"I was different," Severus admitted and hoped that he wouldn't have to go into any details as to what made him change so much.

"And who are all the other guys?" Harry asked as he pointed to a picture with four boys in it.

Severus did his best to hide his hatred that he still felt towards these boys and explained, "Well. This is your dad, as you know and the others are his best friends: Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew."

"What happened to them? Are they all dead?" Harry wondered how it came, that he never had heard of them before if they had been best friends with his dad.

"No, at least not all. Sirius Black is in Azkaban, a wizard prison. I don't really know what happened to Remus Lupin, I think he went overseas after the war. Peter Pettigrew is dead."

"Why is Sirius Black in prison? What did he do?" Harry went on with his questions but Severus shook his head,

"This is not material for a bedtime story." Severus turned a page back and pointed towards one of the rare pictures of Lily and him. "If you want, I can tell you the story behind this picture," he offered.

Harry smiled and nodded. Severus repositioned himself to lean against one of the posts of Harry's four-poster bed and Harry pulled his shoes off and crawled onto his bed to sit next to his professor. He leaned his head against the man's shoulder and looked at the picture Severus was about to explain.

The man took a moment to travel back in time in his mind and then started with the story of one of his greatest adventure in Hogwarts that didn't involve any of the marauders. The moment Severus ended his story he realised that, once again, Harry had fallen asleep.

Carefully he tried to extract his body from under the boy and placed the album back into the still open drawer. Then he used his wand to change Harry's clothes into pyjamas and to levitate the boy so he could pull back the covers of Harry's bed. Gently he placed the boy down and wrapped the blanket around the sleeping form.

"Sleep well," he whispered running his fingers through the black mop of hair.

As he turned to go, his gaze fell onto the book, The Hobbit. After some considerations he decided to leave the book with Harry and strode out of the room.

In the hall he met Lucius who pulled the door to his son's room carefully closed.

"Is Draco asleep?" Severus asked at the same time Lucius asked "Is Harry asleep?"

They grinned at each other. "Yes. Harry showed me his photo album with pictures of his parents and I told him a story of his mum and me," Severus said in a low voice.

At that Lucius arched an eyebrow in surprise. "You told him about you and his mother?" he asked while he led Severus towards the living room.

"It wasn't my intention. Actually I wanted to read The Hobbit to him but this book was a present from his mum and so we got sidetracked."

"What did you tell him?" Lucius wanted to know while he went towards his house bar and opened it.

"Scotch?"

"Yes please," Severus answered and sat down on the couch. "Well. Just that I knew his mother and that I liked her. I said nothing about how I lost her or anything concerning the war. That will have to wait for another time."

Lucius nodded his head. He came back and sat opposite of Severus handing him his glass of Scotch. They nodded at each other and then sipped at their drink.

After a while of silence Lucius voiced his concerns regarding Harry. "I'm worried about Harry. He doesn't eat properly and seems to be too small for his age."

"So I noticed, I think a medical examination on him would be a wise thing to do."

Lucius nodded unhappily. Then he changed the topic, "How did Harry react after I left with Draco?"

"He was confused, I guess. It's still hard for him to believe that Draco accepts him now and I believe he is afraid of losing Draco's acceptance any time. That Draco still gets punished isn't helping him but I told him, that it is out of his control. And we all heard, as Draco said, that it helps him with his guilt. Harry will need to accept it."

"You know, sometimes I wonder if the boys aren't too old for this kind of punishment. I know Draco earned every smack I delivered but I'm not as sure about this kind of punishment as I was before. I mean, what had happened with Harry was inexcusable.

"The most distressing thought is, that if it had been Draco telling me that he broke the vase as an accident I would have scolded him and then sent him to his room. Maybe I would have taken away his pudding but never ever would I have spanked him for that. Why did I do it with Harry?"

Severus shook his head. "I don't know, my friend. Probably out of the same reason why I treated him badly in classes. We didn't look close enough. We didn't look behind his mask. We assumed things that simply weren't true."

Lucius sighed. "I don't know how to cope with my guilt. Punishing Draco is not helping me in the least. How do you deal with it?"

"I try to do my best to make it up to him. There is not much else I can do."

At that Lucius sighed once more.

They sat in silence for a while before Lucius said, "I fear you need to give him remedial potions. I read through his essay of your potion summer homework and it's a catastrophe."

Severus nodded. "Yes, the boy is missing some essential basic knowledge. I ignored it till now but I will correct that."

"And I will teach him some exercises to help him with his horrid penmanship," Lucius said.

"That's a good idea but I fear Harry will get annoyed with us soon," Severus answered with a small smile.

"He will need to get used to it. As a Malfoy he is expected to out stand with his knowledge and grace. I cannot tolerate a sloppy handwriting," Lucius said determined.

"Apropos Malfoy. When do you plan to do the adoption ritual?" Severus wanted to know.

An uncertain look crossed Lucius face, "I'm not sure. I want to do it before the new term starts but I will have to talk with Harry beforehand."

Severus nodded and then frowned to himself. He looked up again and fixed his friend with a serious look. "You know the boy will ask about Narcissa sooner or later. You should prepare yourself."

Lucius turned his look to the side where an unmoving picture of his wife hung on the wall. "Yes. I'm aware but I'm not sure what to tell him. I told Draco that his mum is dead, because I don't want him to live with this uncertainty."

Severus followed his friend's gaze and asked "And Draco never asked, why the picture isn't moving?"

Lucius sighed, "He did. I explained that I stilled it with a spell, because I couldn't bear to look at her moving and talking and at the same time not being able to be near her."

Heavy silence hung between the two adults both lost in their thoughts.

"It would be easier to tell Harry the same thing, because I'm not ready to tell him or Draco the truth," Lucius finally said, "How could I? How does someone explain, that his wife went missing over nearly eleven years by now? That she is probably left in a prison only known by the Dark Lord himself. I don't even know in what condition she is in. All I know is that she isn't dead, or the picture of her would move and talk."