I looked up at Snape fearfully. I didn't need to be bonded with him to know what he was thinking wasn't going to be very nice.
"You two, my office, now." Snape ordered.
I carefully slid past Snape and into the office, "You're not going to tell father are you?" I asked.
"Your father will hear about this. I do report everything to him, but he should be the least of your worries as of now Selena. I told you that I am going to be the one to punish you both when you choose to behave this way." Snape said. I shivered but decided that for once I wasn't going to fight against my punishment. I made my choice before this happened knowing fully well what the repercussions would be.
"Let's get this over with because I'm hungry and I am allowed to attend breakfast, Selena you first." Snape said. I nodded and made my way towards him silently.
Snape raised his eyebrow suspiciously, "What's going on, where's the whining and screaming and apologizing?"
"I'm not sorry therefore I see no point in apologizing." I answered.
"Excuse me?" He asked.
"No, I didn't mean that disrespectfully sir. It's just that I knew what I was doing, and I did exactly what I meant to do. I knew what you would do too… but I thought it was worth it." I shrugged.
"Well let me change your mind." He said pulling me swiftly over his lap. He slid my skirt up and my panties down before even starting. The first smack was harder than usual and I gasped at the force behind it. I was surprised when the following ones were just as hard if not harder.
"Maybe if you are starting to think that a spanking is worth getting into trouble then I should step it up a notch." He said.
"Ouch, no sir please stop it hurts!" I whined. My plan to stay silent and give in was not working as well as I thought and I started squirming to get away from the painful smacks.
"It's supposed to, that way when you come up with idiotic plans like these, you will remember that it is NOT worth the punishment." He explained.
"Ow okay, I'm sorry I said that! Just please stop." I tried.
"Was it worth it now?" he asked. I bit my lip stubbornly, refusing to give in.
"Alright have it your way then," He said, "Accio hairbrush." I whimpered but still refrained from giving in.
He brought the brush down hard, "Ahhh, please!"
"Answer my question Selena!" Snape snapped.
"You can't change my mind." I tried.
"Watch me." With that the smacks came quickly and painfully.
I started screaming towards Draco with my mind, 'What do I do?'
His hand flew to his forehead at the intensity behind my message, 'Why don't you just tell him what he wants to hear?'
'You mean give in?' I questioned.
'It seems to be that that's the only way to save your backside, besides no one else is here, this stays between us and you and I know the truth, who cares what Snape thinks,' He asked, 'You've impressed me. I never thought you would have gone this far, and I'm proud of you, but now is the time to give in.'
I couldn't hold back my tears any longer as the pain was becoming too severe, "It w-wasn't w-worth it."
"I'm glad you're starting to see things my way," He said adding even more force behind the smacks so that I was now yelping with each one, "Now say it like you mean it." He responded stiffly.
"Ow okay sir, I'm v-very ouch uh s-sorry b-bout what I d-did, and it w-wasn't w-worth it at all." I answered. He stopped immediately and after redressing me he pulled me up into a hug. I sobbed into his shoulder uncontrollably as he rubbed my back in soothing circular motions.
"It's alright I forgive you, thank you for apologizing, and don't let anything like this happen again or your punishment will be much more severe," He pulled my arms back to look into my eyes but I averted his, " Look at me," He said pulling my chin up, "and next time I advise that you cooperate understand?"
"Yes sir." I answered.
"Good, now why don't you go get started on those cauldrons?" He asked.
"But I don't want to do them by myself…" I started but he shook his head at me.
"That wasn't meant to be a question Selena, that was an order." He said.
I gave him my best pouty face but it didn't work, "Refusing to follow through with it will earn you more time over my lap, is that what you want?" I shook my head vigorously.
He spoke slowly and pointed at the door, "Then go do as I say right now."
"Yes sir." I grumbled, slowly shuffling off his lap and out of the room. I shut the door behind me and sighed. This really sucks. I tried to pick up a few cauldrons at once but the awkward shape prevented that, which only made me angry. Unfortunately I had no choice, well I did but my options were limited with either do it now, or get spanked again and do it after. The latter didn't seem like a very good idea as I tried to rub away the sting that lingered.
I cringed when I heard the first smacks start followed by Draco's moaning. I decided that getting busy in order to take my mind off of the situation in the other room was my best option. I huffed angrily after dropping the cauldrons again. There has to be an easier way to do this!
I shook my head feeling really stupid, duh, you're a witch! I pulled out my wand and pointed it at the first cauldron, "Wingardium Leviosa." I chanted, and with a flick of my wand the first cauldron rose into the air. I set it down inside the sink and spent the next minute or so levitating the rest of them over.
Being a witch came in handy sometimes. But at those times it normally leads me into trouble. It's just too tempting at times like these. I know that I'm supposed to wash these by hand but… Snape would never notice if I just cheated on a couple would he? Besides if he caught me I could just play dumb and pretend like I didn't know that. My mind was made up and once again there was no going back now.
If I was quiet enough he wouldn't even notice, "Scourgify." I whispered. In no time the cauldrons started scrubbing themselves clean. I smiled to myself and sat back in a chair waiting, and now all I had to do was levitate the cauldrons out of the sink and back where they belonged. However after a few minutes I started to get scared that Snape could walk in at any minute so I snuck over to the door and pressed my ear up against it.
When I heard the two of them talking I knew that they had to be almost done. I quickly took my wand out again and aimed it at the cauldrons. Unfortunately I realized something all too late that made me freeze in place. I had no clue how to make the spell stop.
I put my hands on my head, come on Selena think! I racked my brain for the answer but came up short. Frustrated I ran my hands through my hair. If I couldn't stop this magically then maybe I could stop this physically.
I ran over to the sink and snatched the scrub brush but it pulled back towards the sink forcefully. After a few moments of playing tug of war with the brush, Snape and Draco entered. I quickly held onto the brush pretending like I was the one willing it to move.
"Look at that, for once you managed to follow orders." Snape complimented. Sometimes I get the feeling that he knows exactly what I am attempting and he just plays along until it blows up in my face for pure joyful pleasure on his part. He looked around the room and I took my chance to make one last effortful struggle with the brush.
Unfortunately it won once again as I was thrown back onto the floor. I yelped and stood up quickly only to see Snape's disapproving gaze. I was once again unconsciously tying to rub the sting away but Snape intervened pulling me forward by my arm.
His strong grip forced me to look at him and I stood on the tips of my toes feeling like I was going to lose contact with the ground at any second. His glare stayed focused on me as he spoke, "What is this?"
I could tell how furious he was, and was damn well going to try my hardest not to provoke him. However I made a huge mistake by quickly resorting to my back up plan, "I um… I'm cleaning the cauldrons just as you asked."
"It's not what you're doing that irritates me; it is how you are doing it." He explained, as if I didn't already know that.
"I don't know what you mean sir. You asked me to clean them up and I am, and I'm even sort of studying as well." I whispered.
He spun me around and quickly applied five sharp smacks, "Ow! What was that for?" I yelled.
"Don't you dare speak to me with that tone of voice, and don't you dare lie to me either, explain yourself right now or you will find yourself over my lap again before you can say quidditch." He warned.
"I knew you wouldn't approve of this so I tried to stop it before you came back. But I was stupid enough to not realize until the last second that I don't know the spell to stop this spell." I blurted.
He spun me around again and I felt the familiar burning that his hard hand left behind. I started crying immediately, dreading the fact that I was about to be punished again. The smacks ceased however and I was once again face to face with my overprotective, and now furious, godfather.
"The only reason that I am not holding true to my threat is because you didn't lie to me Selena. You will wash the rest of these cauldrons by hand, and by yourself," He started but I foolishly opened my mouth to protest, "Do you want to do this after we have another little discussion about your blatant disobedience?" He asked.
"No sir, I'll do them right now." I answered sheepishly.
"That's what I thought. I want these done by the time I come back from breakfast so get to it, and just to ensure that you do not help her," Snape began.
He waved his wand and Draco flew back into a chair, "Why did you do that?" Draco asked as he tried to stand up but was unsuccessful.
"I believe I just told you both exactly why, it's just a little gluing charm to keep you from moving," Snape explained, "Completely harmless but it will serve its purpose."
"What am I supposed to do? Just sit here until you come back?" Draco whined.
"Precisely. I would prefer to use a mute charm too, but being that you can just communicate in your heads I find that to be pointless." Snape said.
Draco glared at him at first but his eyes widened and turned entirely apologetic when Snape stalked over to him. He put his hands on either armrest and looked directly into his eyes, "You listen to me now boy. I can do much worse than this, now unless you want to experience firsthand what I mean, I suggest you sit there and get your attitude in check before I return."
"Yes sir." He answered averting his eyes to the floor.
He turned back to me, "And what are you waiting for?"
"I was just," I pointed towards the sink, "I still don't know how to…"
He waved his wand and the brush and soap dropped into the sink, "Maybe next time you'll think before you cast spells you silly girl. Now give me your wand."
I swiftly handed it over into his outstretched hand, "But Sir I was using Wingardium Leviosa to move the cauldrons."
"You daft girl this is supposed to be a punishment therefore you have to move and wash the cauldrons ALL by yourself without the use of magic being involved. If it was easy then it wouldn't be considered a punishment." He explained.
"Fine whatever." I muttered turning around.
He pulled me back, "Selena you know I love you but you're really starting to deplete my supply of patience. Could you please just humor me and do what I ask?"
I looked down and felt guilty yet again, he was trying to let me off easily and all I kept doing was throwing it back in his face, "I'm sorry. I'll have it done by the time you come back. I promise."
"Thank you," and with that he turned and strode off towards the great hall. I quickly got to work scrubbing out the cauldrons. I was trying my hardest to finish before Snape got back. Draco quickly fell asleep with nothing to entertain him. I was on the last one when Snape entered, "I'm sorry I honestly tried to finish, but this is the last one."
"It's alright Sel, I know you did. Just finish up and wake your brother up." He instructed.
"Yes sir." I answered extremely happy to find that he wasn't angry with me. I finished up and nudged Draco awake. He jumped, "It's alright. It's just me. Wake up."
He rubbed his eyes sleepily, but didn't attempt to move from the spot until Snape spoke, "It's alright Draco I lifted the charm. Come here you two."
Draco and I walked over to his desk. Snape looked at us for a moment as if deciding on something, reached into his pocket, and pulled out something wrapped in paper towels. He opened it up and gave us each half a bagel with butter on it, "Eat those. Since you skipped dinner yesterday I don't need either of you passing out at some point during the day and going to the hospital wing when you should be in class."
"Thank you sir," we both answered gratefully.
'So do you think that's the real reason he gave us these?'
'I don't know Selly, why analyze it? I'm starving let's just eat.' Draco responded telepathically.
I smiled and happily took a bite, 'If you ask me, I think it's because Snape cares way more than we ever realized he did.'
"Would you stop smirking at me weirdly and finish your breakfast?" Snape asked.
I jumped, "How does he always know things without looking?" I whispered.
"Maybe it's part of that whole 'extra caring theory' you have." Draco retorted sarcastically. This time it was Snape who smirked, which is about as rare as being able to stroll past a Hungarian Horntail without a fight.
I caught a glance of Harry during the first class and when our eyes met he glared at me hatefully. I was taken aback and he noticed the saddened look that I gave in return. His eyes immediately cooled, as he looked at me with utter curiosity. He looked like Granger for a second there studying me. His sudden change in demeanor unnerved me.
My eyes widened and I quickly looked away returning my gaze to the desk in front of me, 'So how pissed do you think father's going to be?'
'Honestly not much. But I'm guessing he will put on a show if Snape is there, and either way lecture us about the waste of materials and how he will have to pay to get them replaced,' Draco paused, 'I think he'll secretly be extremely proud of you. He might not show it, though I'm sure he is.'
'Why?' I asked.
"Because he hates Harry and his dumb friends, maybe even more than we do sometimes,' Draco said.
'Oh yeah, right,' i paused wondering if I should continue any further but I felt like I had to understand, 'But why do we hate them?'
'He made a fool out of me in front of our whole grade at the beginning of the year! Or do you not remember that because you were too busy defending them?' Draco asked, 'I tried to be his friend Selena. I offered him friendship. If he wants to blatantly refuse then he can piss off.'
'I'm sorry,' I answered.
He took my hand under the table and rubbed it softly, 'It's alright.'
When the class was dismissed I grabbed my belongings and hurried out into the corridor, but I paused momentarily, "Are you coming?"
"Actually I have to go use the loo," I lied, "I'll catch up to you. You don't have to wait."
He nodded and smiled, "Okay, see you in class."
I smiled back, 'Okay.' He made his way to the staircase and I walked right past the girl's lavatory and down the next corridor. I didn't have to stop long before I spotted him. Harry stood there waiting in almost the exact spot he had previously.
"I didn't know if you'd come or not, but I figured I'd try," He said.
"I've gotten better at reading people since then," I answered.
"How'd you get rid of Malf… Draco?" Harry asked.
"Draco... no I can't do this. I promised him no more secrets, and no more lying. I have to go," I started, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back, "I'm only asking for a minute. I deserve that much."
I dropped my gaze to the floor, suddenly feeling guilty, "I only did Ron and Hermione."
"Which I don't understand, since Hermione has done nothing but been completely nice to you. How could you?" Harry asked.
I clenched my jaw shut, "Look if you only want to lecture me, and try to give me a guilt trip it won't work okay? I am Selena MALFOY, and I always will be."
"And what does that mean?" Harry asked.
"Why did you do it?" I counter-questioned him.
"Do what?" He asked.
"Why didn't you take his hand? Become his friend? Why did you choose to make him look like a fool instead?" I asked.
"He was asking that I give up the one friend that I already made. He was insulting Ron to his face," Harry started.
"Only after Ron laughed at his name," I defended.
"Whose side are you on?" Harry asked.
"My family's side," I answered.
"Whose side were you on then?" Harry asked knowingly.
"That's not fair," I replied.
"LIFE isn't fair," Harry argued.
"You are in no position to tell me that! You have no clue!" I yelled as I began to storm off.
But I stopped and turned at the next question he threw at me, "What is right?"
"What?" I asked.
"If you can't judge something by how fair it is, you should at least be able to judge it by what is right… so what is right?" He asked.
I turned away, "I don't know anymore." With that I left without looking back. I managed to get to class on time. I knew Draco would be curious as to why I took so long though so I already had a lie ready, 'Sorry I ran into Professor Mcgonagall and wanted to ask her about the test.'
He didn't even have time to ask me anything before the Professor walked in and he was distracted. I looked at him a few minutes after the lecture had started and he smiled at me. I smiled back and as I looked into his eyes I was very careful to think, to myself and not to him, 'That was the last lie, I promise,' and I hoped that that secret promise would actually be the truth.
