Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Also, Thank you everyone for your reviews and for reading. Hope you like this because there was call for punishment, and it is coming. There will be mentioned and use of corporal punishment in this chapter, so if you don't like to hear that than do not go on. Do not pass go. You have not reached the magic gumdrop castle, you have gone down a chute to spot seven when you were on eight-seven. So thanks again and let's move along
Chapter Ten
Severus's day was as bad as it could become to begin with from the moment he heard Harry stutter in the floo. He knew his son would not make it to the correct grate, but he was almost certain he would be close. He flooed over to the correct grate and looked around for his missing son. He saw not a spot of black, silky hair with little curls from the moment he looked around.
He did not panic, of course, as he was Severus Snape and not some mother hen to scream and run around in terror.
He had prepared to be separated from his son and had given his boy the heir medallion because it connected to his Lord pocket watch. He pulled it from his pocket and flicked it open. On the face of the watch was a dial like a compass and a reading of color having green as safe and red in mortal peril. The between was yellow for fear of one's own life, and he saw that was where his son was. He cursed internally at that and set off following the compass from the floo.
He walked down Diagon Alley, looking for his son's hair or glasses or any of the signs of his little boy, but he did not see them, and soon, he was being led down Knockturn Alley in search of the boy. His earlier worry was now completely at mother hen mode, though he would never admit it nor would he ever scream and run. That would be unbecoming, but his stalking walk did quicken in pace. The boy was in the home of the Dark Arts of wizarding Britain, and Severus was going to need to find him quickly.
He luckily found the boy mostly unharmed but exceedingly frightened and slightly covered in ash. He had spelled the boy clean without him noticing and fixed the boy's glasses that he could only hope the child would not need once he was finally back to his natural form and away from the glamour. Severus could only imagine how terrible it would be to need to always fix them every time the child had an accident in quidditch..
It was after Madame Malkin's where he was made to look like a soft fool for his son that he was sure the day would turn wrong in a worse way. He was further affirmed when he saw Lucius Malfoy walking in his direction. He had wanted the meeting to be private when he explained to Lucius everything. The man was like a brother to him, and he would hate for that friendship to be all for not because of his son, but he would forfeit it gladly for the little boy who hid in his robes.
He had become irritated when he could not get the boy to come out, and he was sure he looked a fool trying to catch the wiggling child. He was slightly disappointed at his son's attitude, but he was also pleased how quickly it changed. He was proud when the boy only glared at Draco's less than proper comment, and he was even more so when his child had greeted the boy properly with only slight prompting for the boy's given name.
It had seemed things had become calm, but after a few moments, Draco had wanted to take his son away into the toy store. Severus was immediately suspicious, but after telling Harry he must give the child a chance, he could not go back on his word after Harry accepted the offer with only a look of wariness. He knew his son could handle himself and would control himself unless provoked harshly. Snape would let that slide as bullying was not something he tolerated, especially not on his son.
He watched beside Lucius as their sons entered the store with little prompting. Severus looked to see Lucius smiling over at him. Severus raised an eyebrow. "Fatherhood suits you," Lucius answered the unspoken question. "Your child also seems to be well mannered. I am sure I would not have acted so controlled were I to have been insulted.
Severus rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Please, I am sure neither of us would have, but he is a sweet child. As to fatherhood and its present look upon me, I have no inkling as to what you are speaking of, Lucius."
Lucius merely smirked. "Indeed, Severus. Well, I could have sworn I saw one Severus Snape kiss the boy's hair."
"He is my son. He has little need for me to scold him for nothing or to berate him for flaws he does not contain. I see not why I would be in my teaching persona with my own flesh and blood while we both know my true personality is not so harsh. I would say that would be entirely self-hating given the child is mine?"
Lucius chuckled at Severus and shook his head at him. "Well, Severus, I can see no fault in your logic. Nonetheless, I do see fault in never having met what should be my nephew with you being called 'Uncle Severus' by my own son."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "So, Draco's comment on my son's Gryffindor status does not perturb you in any way?"
Lucius rolled his eyes. "We are no longer schoolboys, Severus. You would do well to remember that when dealing with the Potter spawn as well." Severus felt himself piecing together the elder Malfoy's words and actions as he spoke. "We need to remember that the war is over and that we need to pick the side that shall win. Besides, he is your son; therefore, I will never feel hatred for him."
Severus felt he should speak to Lucius on irony once he explained who his son was. The man would surely feel hatred then, but he said he was unable. A doubtful notion of loyalty in reality. However, the man had today sold all his Dark Arts artifacts and had said he needed to join the correct side of the war for survival. It was all connecting to what Severus could only hope was Lucius switching to the Light.
"Indeed. Well, to answer the question, I have only recently learned he was my son."
"Really? Well, I expect a full explanation once we are to the Leaky Cauldron; however, for now, you can explain to me why your son is undernourished, shy to a point of concern, and what I can only take as abused by the way he carries himself."
Severus sighed. "Yes, always the one to notice those tell-tale signs, eh, Lucius?"
"I noticed them with you, did I not?"
Severus scowled but nodded his head. "You did, but I believe I was not as damaged as the boy is now. He has had a hard life. It is also something I would rather not detail here in the street. He is rather secretive about it."
Lucius nodded in understanding. "Very well, Severus. I shall bite my tongue for now. Come later though, I expect a full explanation."
"You will have your explanation, Lucius. All I ask of you, is that you treat this delicately and listen to me."
The Malfoy lord arched an imperial brow but nodded. "As you wish, Severus. I can only imagine what kind of information you need to tell if I am needed to be told to be calm."
Severus snorted in laughter. "You have no idea."
Severus saw Lucius about to speak when they heard a large blast expel. Severus did not think but react as he threw up a 'protego' spell as well as Lucius. He watched in concern as glass blasted out from Thurman Toys and felt the unmistakable feel of his son's magic. He had come to recognize it by touch from being around the boy so closely for the past week, and he had no doubt in his mind as to whose magical signature that was.
He dropped the spell as worry overtook him and looked quickly to see Lucius doing the same. He nodded to the man before sprinting for the building. He knew Lucius was right behind him, so he ignored the shocked and scared looking Draco for his blue-tinged lip son kneeling on the floor of the store. He rushed to his son, knowing immediately that the child was having an attack and needed his inhaler.
He crouched down by the boy and pulled him into his arms before leaning him against his chest. He grabbed the inhaler from his robe pocket and offered it to the child, who immediately took two puffs of the muggle medicine. He was still aware of a conversation going on between the two Malfoy's behind his back.
"What did you do, Draco?"
"Nothing." He must have received a glare because he stuttered out, "O-okay, I just told him what I thought about him."
"What did you say, Draco, that could have caused this?"
"I just told him he was a pathetic, attention-seeking brat."
"Oh, is that all," Lucius scoffed sarcastically. "What did you do to cause whatever it is happening to the boy?"
"Nothing. He just got really mad and started cursing me for what I said. Then his magic blew out the windows."
"Draco," Lucius growled.
"What? The little twit deserved it. All I said was the truth. He shouldn't have gotten so upset, the whining baby."
Severus wanted to hurt the child for what he had said and what he had unknowingly caused. In the pamphlet he had gotten on asthma, it stated high emotions could trigger an attack. Anger was definitely a high emotion. He rubbed soothing circles on his son's back as he coaxed the child to calm down with his silky voice. "You're safe now, child. I have you now. Breathe for me, Harry. There you are. Calm down now, snakelet. Daddy has you. You're safe. Breathe."
His child's breathing was calming, and the boy had relaxed against him. Severus would have been happy his son felt so safe with him if not for the reason why he needed comfort. His son looked at him with those innocent, green eyes filled with pain. Severus watched the child yawn and then nestle his face in the Severus's chest. "He was being a git, Dad. I tried to be nice. I really did. M'sorry. Don't hate me. Please."
Severus face turned into a saddened expression before his son slipped off into the dream world. "Never in your life could I ever hate you, child," he whispered.
He perched the boy on his hip and made sure he was secure before spinning on the young blonde. He knew he looked just as menacing as usual with the scowl on his face, even if he had his child on his person. He controlled the urge to shout only for the sleeping child's sake. He knew that burst of accidental magic and the attack had to have tired him immensely. He would not wake the boy as he chipped away at the blonde prat who had dared to hurt something of his.
"Draco," he hissed. The boy flinched, but he did not look sorry at all. Severus calculated that and decided to make sure the boy was all but in tears when he apologized to his son. "Do you realise what could have just happened?"
The blonde rolled his eyes. "What, Potter, has a tantrum and the world falls apart?"
Severus growled low in his throat at the child's lack of concern. He was going to teach the brat his actions had consequences. He saw Lucius look at his son with wide eyes, but Severus would deal with that at the Leaky Cauldron. "No, not a tantrum. No, this was what muggles call an asthma attack. Do you know what that is? No? Well, let me explain. Asthma is where certain stressors such as exercise or strong feelings of anger, fear, or panic cause someone to lose the ability to breathe. You see, Harry here has asthma because he was so malnourished all his life. So you see, you causing my son to become upset caused him to have an attack. Do you know what happens when someone cannot breathe, Draco?"
Both blondes at this point had wide eyes of shock. The younger one was squirming in discomfort probably from some well-placed guilt, and the elder was glaring down at his son as he realised what had just happened. Severus was feeling well accomplished at this point, but the young wizard still needed punished and to understand he would be dead if he did not find some much needed humility. Godson or not.
"Um… well, they die."
Severus's scowl turned into a demented glare of a promise for retribution. "Indeed. So you see, Draco, your senseless, immature bullying of my son could have caused him to die, so when we get to the Leaky Cauldron, you are going to tell your father and I exactly what you said word for word."
The boy looked at him in shock. "What about him? He screamed at me too! He even cursed at me! Doesn't he get punished?"
Lucius descended on the boy with disappointment and anger in his every facial feature. Severus was surprised that even after hearing his son call Harry 'Potter' that he still seemed indignant to his son. Severus was almost willing to believe that Lucius was going to stick by him and his word to never hate his child. Draco on the other hand was still acting like his same spoiled, self-important self.
"Draco Malfoy, you will stop this right now. You have done enough for one day."
"Father, this is Potter! Potter! He deserves it! He's got everything, and now, he's convinced Uncle Severus to his side too!"
Severus watched the jealousy plain on every feature and dripping from every word of Draco's mouth. It was a reason for upset, but it was not good enough for what he had done to his son. He was a very protective man of what was his, and he would expect to see his godson punished before an apology was made. But, after that, he would gladly forgive him if he remained well-behaved toward the child in the future.
Lucius grabbed his son's ear and pulled him close. "Hush, Draco! I am finished with this display! I have told you many times that treating Potter like you have does not look becoming when he is who he is in the wizarding world! And now we see he is your Uncle's son, and what do you do? You berate him into having an episode that could have cost him his life! You continue to act like a spoiled brat even when you were demonstrated how wrong your actions were! We will be having a discussion over what you said, and once we have, we will be having one privately to discuss your punishment, is that understood?"
The young Malfoy looked completely stunned at his father's words, and Severus stood watching with glee as the boy was taken down from his pedestal. He was proud of Lucius for punishing the boy and for treating this situation so well. He would have to get an oath from him later to trust him with his son, but he suspected the man would be willing to be civil if not familiar with his boy from what he had said already.
"B-but, Father?"
"No! No, Draco! You are finished! I am very deeply disappointed in your behavior! You are lucky I do not show my displeasure to the public right this moment by punishing you! You hurt your Uncle's son! Do you not understand that? Your Uncle's, who you know is very protective of his things, son! Do you not understand how wrong you were? Harry is Severus's son, no matter who he was before or how he felt before, he loves the boy as much as he loves you. Or do you not understand that?"
The blonde's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. It seemed he finally understood just what he had done and the repercussions of his actions. The child slowly began to have tears run down his cheeks, and he looked at Severus with a deep seated worry and fear. It seemed Draco now knew that Severus was entirely displeased with the him and dreaded his hatred. Severus knew he could never hate his godson, but he would definitely feel disappointment until Draco realised what he had done.
"B-but, you hated him? I know you did."
Severus sighed before looking to Lucius. "We should continue this conversation elsewhere as I know both of you need an explanation before we discuss what just occurred in better detail."
Lucius nodded his understanding before grabbing his son's arm to pull him from the store. Even with the boy feeling sorry for upsetting him, he knew the boy was not upset with hurting Harry. He would be if he had even a bit of sympathy once both blondes found out how the boy was raised, and Severus could only hope to see the child lose his spoiled indignation at understanding how wrong he was.
They walked down Diagon Alley, only receiving a few gawks from Lucius's status and Severus's position. The ones who dared look at him too long with shock were sneered at properly to divert them from staring at his slumbering son. They looked away, but they had seen he had a child on his person. He could only imagine what gossip would swoon. He ignored that as he and Lucius made their way into the Leaky Cauldron fro the back entrance.
Severus saw Tom catch sight of him before his eyes widened. Severus nodded to the man and then nudged toward the back where they would be seated. Tom nodded back to him in understanding before searching him with surprise. Severus would explain to the bartender only what he needed to and only once they were seated.
He walked past the patrons who stared, scowl firmly in place. Lucius followed him to the back, where they took the private dining room. Severus spelled a locking charm, silencing charm, and disillusionment charm on the door before going to take a seat. He sat and arranged his son carefully on his lap. The boy nestled against him and wrapped his arms around his waist before settling once more. Severus gazed down fondly at the boy only for a moment before coming back to himself.
He glared down at the blonde boy whose head was bowed. It seemed Lucius was feeling the same reaction as he glared at the child. "Explain," Severus growled.
"I just said he was a spoiled brat because he said I was spoiled. I was glaring at him because he looked like some moron looking at the toy store with his mouth open."
The pompous statement caused Severus to snarl. "He did that because he had only been in a toy store yesterday."
The young Slytherin rolled his eyes. "I bet that's what Potter did to you. He made you feel all sympathetic because his relatives don't want him around. I told him so, and he started screaming at me. He tried to make me think he had such a hard life. Please."
The cockiness went away as the boy noticed the glare he was receiving from both his father and godfather. Severus held back the satisfied smirk that came from seeing the boy shiver under his scowl. He loved his godson. He really did, but the boy's parents and most likely himself had spoiled him all his life, and he now needed to prove to himself that the child had some sort of conscience.
"I believe it is time I informed you all of how Harry and I came to find we are father and son,"
Lucius nodded him to go on while Draco faked a disinterested look. Severus took a deep breath and retold his past week with his son to both the man who was like his brother and his nephew. He spared some of the events for his son's sake, but he told them all about the Dursleys, told them all about the boy's issues, and told them all about what he had had to do to fix them. By the end of his speech, Lucius was baring his teeth in anger, and Draco was once again crying.
"So, now, I have a twelve year old son," Severus finished.
Lucius huffed. "Bloody muggles. If I had known, Severus, I swear, but the Ministry had left the boy alone. Blood, Severus, you remember is very important in the wizarding world, and cases such as these are slim in wizarding homes. We cherish our children as we have very little people in the wizarding community."
"Yes, Lucius, I am aware. I do not blame anyone but those muggles for what they did to my son. I could be angry at the dead for not speaking, angry at Albus for entrusting his safety, or even at myself for never checking on my love's son, but that would be useless to his current health. Besides, I would much rather hex them into oblivion."
"Let me know when you plan for your revenge as I am due to be blocking the detection wards for Dark magic."
Severus finished with a smirk. He turned when he heard his nephew clear his throat nervously. "So what he said?"
"All the truth, Dragon."
The boy's eyes widened. Lucius turned on his son. "You berated the boy knowing he was unwanted, Dragon. You mocked him after you were told he was your Uncle's son. You may feel wretched now, but your punishment will be coming soon."
"Father, it's not my fault! I didn't even know!"
Lucius stood and slammed his fist into the table. "No more excuses, Draco! You will accept your punishment and then apologize to Harry for your harsh words! Do I make myself clear?"
"But, but, Father, why? I'm sorry. Doesn't that count, and I don't think he's spoiled. It's not my fault baby Potter is delicate."
Lucius eyes flashed in anger before he grabbed the his son by the arm. He turned to Severus. "Excuse us, Severus. I must curve this behavior as I did not raise my son this way."
Severus nodded and watched at the man led him son from the private room for what Severus could only predict to be a firm spanking. Severus was nodding in the need for it before he turned to look down at his son. The boy looked to be in the throws of nightmares and Severus could not stop himself from whispering, "Legitimacy."
He entered his son's mind standing in the dark and watched what happened between he and Draco like on a screen. He watched his son try to control himself and the child's insults while feeling his son's impending depression. He calmed the boy's mind and comforted him, leaving his son's mind much more rested than it had been in his frantic state.
He exited his son's mind and pulled the boy close to his chest to calm his son. The boy nestled against him before squinting in his sleep. Severus could see the child was starting to wake as the boy wrestled against his sleep. He just waited, rubbing the boy's hair from his forehead as the child tried to pull his eyes open. He was greeted by sleepy, green eyes staring up at him. The boy seemed to be surprised at where he was before he looked down at his wringing hands.
Severus tilted the boy's chin where he could see the ashamed look. "What has this forlorn look on your face, Harry?"
"I'm really sorry, Dad. I know I shouldn't have gotten so angry at Draco. I know what he said wasn't true, but he just… I'm sorry."
Severus sighed and tilted the child's head up after it had fallen again. "I know you are, son, and I accept your apology for what you said, but I am not mad at you. You may have said one choice word or two I did not agree with, but nothing else is your fault. I am quite proud how hard you tried to reign in your temper."
"You are?"
"Of course. You tried to do as I said and give Draco a chance, but he did not give you one, Harry. He said hurtful things to you."
"But, Dad, I used magic."
Severus chuckled. "You are a wizard, are you not? I expect you to have bouts of accidental magic, Harry. You are a very powerful wizarding child, and all wizarding children have to learn to control their magic."
His son grinned up at him shyly. "So if I turn your hair say, Gryffindor gold and red, by accident, you won't be mad?"
Severus smirked at his son and shook his head. "If by accident and you do so, then no I shall not be angry though I do not promise not to turn yours a nice shade of Slytherin green and silver. All is fair, of course."
His son grinned up at him. "Alright, Dad, but don't start something you can't win. I am friends with the twins."
Severus had a sly smirk. "Yes, well, let us move on. How are you now?"
His son smiled. "Better, Dad. Thank you."
"For what?"
His son grinned at him knowingly. "I know you were there. In my head, I mean."
Severus smiled. "Well, I am glad you know as I do not have to explain how I know how many unsavory words came from your mouth."
His son's eyes widened before he nodded and looked down. "Sorry, Dad. I know I deserve punishment for it. I shouldn't have said those words even if he did make me angry."
"And the reason why you should not have said those things is?"
His son ducked his head. "Because those words are bad."
"They are also made for someone much more unintelligent than you, and they are also not words meant for little boy's mouths."
His son nodded his hanging low head. "Yes, sir. I understand."
Severus shook his head at how soft he was. "We can forget that for now, Harry. Today was supposed to be good for you, so we will put off any punishment to be taken tonight before bed since there may be time to salvage this day."
His son grinned at him. Severus ruffled the child's hair. "Dad, I'm hungry."
Severus chuckled. "Tom will be out here soon enough. We shall get you something then."
Severus heard the door to their private room open, and he turned his head from his son in his lap to the two blonde wizards at the door. The younger of the two had tears running down his read blotchy cheeks while the older glowered at his one and only son. The elder pushed Draco farther into the room toward Severus and Harry. The boy sniffled pathetically and could not meet Severus's gaze.
"Draco, I believe you have something to say to both Severus and Harry," Lucius prodded.
The boy wiped at his eyes and sniffled before nodding. "I'm sorry, Uncle Sev. I shouldn't have been so mean to your son."
Severus narrowed his eyes, but he knew the boy was sincere now and had also be punished. He was willing to accept the apology for that reason. "I forgive you, Draco, but I also believe you have something to say to Harry."
Draco nodded, and Severus positioned Harry where he could look at the boy. Draco looked up and gazed at his son with sincerity. "I'm sorry, Harry. I really am. I shouldn't have said what I did, and I'm sorry I made you mad and almost made you die."
His son nodded. "I forgive you, Draco, but if you ever do it again, I'm going to prank you into oblivion. And, I'm sorry I cursed you."
Severus felt pride again about his son's willingness to accept the boy's apology, him standing up for himself, and his own willingness to apologize. Draco stuttered and looked slightly off-set by his rivals apology, but Severus could see he appreciated it but also questioned why it happened. The boy finally nodded to Harry. "Your apology is accepted."
Severus finally smiled as everything was settled. He look to Lucius and saw that he was smiling as well at the two children. They were far from friends, but they had at least settled the dispute. Lucius guided his son into a seat across from Severus and his son while Severus moved Harry into the seat beside him. They soon got under way with their lunch.
HPSSHPSS
Harry moved around in his father's arms. He must have fallen asleep at the apothecary where his father stopped after the toy store. He'd gotten Gobstones, Exploding Snap, flying, fire-breathing dragons, fighting knights, a moving Merlin, a toy sized quidditch pitch, and his own quidditch balls, His father had insisted, and he had not mind accepting his father's show of love for him, and he had not even mind following the man on his errands afterward.
Harry shifted in the man's arms as they arrived home through the floo. The man put him on his feet, and Harry ran for the downstairs loo. He finished up and washed his hands before going to look for his father in the kitchen. The man had made them a light dinner of sandwiches and crisps already and was waiting for him with his plate of food and glass of milk at his seat.
Harry sat down, feeling nervous as he remembered that it was time for his punishment. He pushed through eating his dinner until he finally finished. He pushed his plate away from him, and his father spelled it into the sink. Harry kept his head down and his eyes on the table as he waited for the man to say something. He didn't want to be punished, but he knew he deserved it after how many curse words he'd said at or about Draco.
His father tapped the table in front of him, and Harry looked up with hooded eyes. His father's face was stern, but there was nothing cold about the gaze like when he was punished before at Hogwarts. Harry could see even now that this was still his dad even if the man was going to be punishing him. It was not going to mean the man hated him again. It was just to make him not be bad.
"I want you to go upstairs and get ready for bed before we discuss your behavior today."
Harry nodded and ran out of the kitchen. He went upstairs to his room and took a shower as quickly as possible. He got out of the shower and went back to his bedroom to find his father putting his new toys in his chest. He smiled despite what was about to happen because he still had a loving, caring father even if he was pretty stern about some things.
He got his pajamas from his drawer and pulled them on before turning back to his father. His father had taken a seat on his bed, and Harry felt his breath hitch slightly. His father crooked his finger to motion him over, and Harry took a deep breath to gather his courage. He reminded himself he deserved this before he walked over to where the man pointed right in front of him.
Harry stood there unsure of what to do until his father pulled him between his legs without letting go on the grip on his arms. Harry looked down at the man's chest rather than facing his stern gaze. He had no choice but to look when his father tilted his chin up to focus on his with his obsidian gaze. Harry looked at the man with determination even with his strong fear of what was about to happen.
"Harry, do you understand why I am about to punish you?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Please, explain to me why?"
Harry took a deep breath. "I am being punished because I cursed Malfoy and acted like a git."
His father snorted but forced a stern look. "That was not the proper terminology, but that is more or less why. Now, on to what your punishment will be. We discussed this before that when you cursed I would wash your mouth out with soap, and even after a few warnings yesterday, you cursed Malfoy several times. Also, speaking of you ill-temper, we shall do a simple early bedtime tonight. Understood?"
Harry nodded but could not hold back his disgusted face at the mouth washing. His father chuckled. "Yes, I can understand your plight as I too have experienced this punishment from my father."
Harry's eyes widened. "Do you mean Papa?"
His dad grinned and nodded his head. "Yes, Harry. Your Papa enjoyed that punishment for me the most."
Harry chuckled at his father's grimace. "I'm sorry, Dad."
His father nodded and pushed him back as he stood. "Follow me to the loo, Harry."
Harry nodded and went with his father. His father motioned him to sit on the toilet, and Harry did so while shaking with nervousness. He knew his father wouldn't hurt him, but no one wanted their mouth washed out with soap. His father took out a new bar from under the sink and ran it under the water. His father then took a rag and soaped up the bar before walking over to Harry and looming over him.
"Now, Harry, I have calculated how many curse words you said in your argument with Malfoy and have found you said six curse words. You will keep this bar of soap in your mouth for six minutes without complaint, and then you will be allowed to rinse your mouth out three times. After that you are going straight to bed."
Harry nodded his head and felt the beginnings of tears from disappointing his father. He knew he had been wrong to say what he did and to act that way after his father had warned him, but the boy had gotten under his skin. He looked up at his father and nodded for the man to continue. His father's gaze softened, and the man held him by the back of his head in a comforting reassurance.
"Open your mouth, Harry."
Harry complied with the command immediately. His father sighed before pushing the bar of soap into his mouth. Harry was at first trying to not let his tongue touch the offensive thing, but he resigned himself to it as the soap immediately touched his tongue. He gagged, but he didn't try to spit it out of his mouth.
He felt the taste hit his taste buds, and his spit started to gather in his mouth to drown the offensive taste, but it only made it worse. He moaned and looked up at his father as his tears rolled down his cheeks. His father's stern gaze was mostly gone and replaced with a reassuring one. His father patted his shoulder and gave a thin smile. "You will be fine, Harry. You can make it, son."
Harry nodded and squeezed his eyes shut to take the brunt of this punishment. He swore to never say another curse word again anywhere near his father. If he stopped altogether, Ron would think he was a baby, but if he just stopped around his dad, he knew everything would be alright. He moaned again and bounced slightly on the toilet. His father patted him again. "You are doing very well, Harry. Just four more minutes, son."
Harry mused that this was the longest six minutes of his life. He dreaded the next four he had left, but he had to do it because he had disappointed the man. His father told him again when it was three, then two, then finally one. The last minute felt the longest until finally his father tapped his watch and motioned Harry toward the sink. Harry jumped off the toilet and ran to the sink to spit out the soap.
He spit out the bar into the sink and rushed to turn on the water. His father came over with a cup, and Harry gave the man a thankful look before taking to rinse his mouth out the three times his father had stated. He took in the three rinses and tried his darndest to make them count, but he was still stuck with the taste in his mouth.
He turned back to his dad with pleading, puppy-dog eyes. "Dad, could I maybe spit one more time?"
"No, Harry. The point of the punishment is for it to last, and I believe you will be feeling the brunt of this for the rest of the night."
Harry groaned but nodded his head. His father motioned him out of his bathroom, and Harry followed, wiping away the tears that had escaped. His father didn't seem mad anymore or even disappointed, but Harry had to be sure. The man stood by his bed and pulled the sheets up for him to enter. Harry stood by the nightstand and looked down at his figurines. "Um… are you still disappointed in me?"
His father's eyebrows scrunched before he shook his head. He dropped the sheets and strode over to Harry before sweeping him into the man's arms. Harry smiled and nestled into his father as he hugged the man. The man kissed his hair before walking him to his bed. The man set him on the bed but did not move to make him sleep just yet. The man sat down beside him and placed a hand on his leg. "Harry, I explained this to you once before. Once you have been punished, what happened is forgiven. I know you are a child, and children make mistakes. The point of punishment is to make you not be bad again, but that does not mean I will forever be disappointed. Quite the contrary to the fact since I am quite proud of you for all you have done and the boy that you are."
Harry grinned at the man before hugging him again. He kissed the man's cheek before pulling back and lying down on his bed. His father grinned at the man before pulling the sheets up to his chest and tucking him into his bed. Harry pulled Sev and Lily over to the head of his bed and placing them there. His father smiled at his actions before patting his leg.
"It is time for bed, child. I know it is early, but this punishment must be followed. I want to remind you though that I am quite proud of you."
Harry smiled at the man. "I know, Dad. I'm really proud you're my daddy too," Harry said with a yawn.
His father brushed his hair from his forehead and kissed his hair before standing. "That means the world to me, child. Even so, it is time you got to sleep."
Harry nodded and wrestled into his covers. He moved until he was comfortable before sighing in contentment. He heard a faint chuckle, but he was too tired to care at the moment. He saw the lights dim to his usual night light. He smiled at the man's consideration for everything before holding back the force of another yawn.
"Goodnight, snakelet. Sleep well."
Harry yawned out again, "G'night, Daddy. Sleep you too."
He heard chuckling again as he fell asleep.
HPSSHPSS
At Malfoy Manor...
Lucius looked at his son reading on the settee in the parlour and smirked to himself. The boy was trying very hard to avoid the inevitable. He had acted out in a bad way in front of a large group of people and family. Punishment would be given out to him no matter what he chose to distract with. "Draco, it is time for bed. You and I both know you are grounded for this following week."
Draco looked at his father in disbelief. "I thought you just said that to make Uncle Sev happy. Why are you doing this, Father? I thought you hated Potter. He killed the Dark Lord."
Lucius sighed and sat down in front of his son. He put a hand on the boy's knee and gazed down at him. The boy shifted uncomfortably and not just from the gaze. His other punishment had been thorough. "Yes, Draco, I can admit to having hated Harry Potter for a time for his destruction of the Dark Lord; however, after this past year of actions and the inflection of my own decisions, I have decided to switch sides. I was once a very bad man doing wrong things to people of all ages, and I may still hold the views I have always had on blood purity and the standing of pure-bloods in our society, but I want to be a father with which you can be proud of and can look up to, not the man the Dark Lord employed for duties unfitting a Lord. I was not a good man working for the Dark Lord, and after his second defeat at the hands of a child, I am truly willing to give up my claim to his darkness. Finding out Harry Potter is truly Harry Snape has only made what I have decided that much more important as I cannot plot to kill my own nephew."
"So, you want me to be nice to Potter?"
"It is Harry now, Draco. He is your uncle's son and in turn your cousin. I would like for you to be civil at the least, and maybe some day you can become friends with the boy as you had planned last year."
Draco gaped at his father's suggestion. "You want be to befriend him. He won't like that idea, Dad."
Lucius smiled at his son for faulting in his formality. His son had only begun to be so formal last year before entering school, but Lucius could stand to see more informality in his son's addressing of him. "He will be just as willing to speak to you if you are kind to him. He was trying beforehand at the nudging of his own father if you care to recall."
His son grimaced. "I'm sorry, Dad. I know I did wrong and disappointed you in front of everyone. I will not do that again. I understand now. If... Harry is willing, I guess I can try to become his friend."
Lucius smiled and embraced his son. "That is all I ask of you, Dragon." He parted from the boy and nudged him toward his room. "Now, it is time you get to bed. Your bedtime has been set earlier due to your behavior."
Draco groaned. "Can I at least have my broom back? Please, Dad?"
"No, Draco. You are on restriction indefinitely. Now, march, young man."
His son's head hung low. "Yes, sir."
The boy scampered off to do as he was told, and Lucius let out a weary sigh at the struggle it would be for he and Sev to bring their two son's together.