September - Harry, age 6
Snape walked down the busy street holding the six year olds hand tightly. It had been weeks since Harry had come to stay with him and since he nearly lost him in Hogsmeade but he had not forgotten that feeling of fear. He made sure to keep a tight hold on him and watch him whenever he took the child anywhere.
In the man's other hand was a bag from from a small stall that had been set up across from Gringotts. The bag held two chocolate frogs for the child as well as a small set of toy knights that could be enchanted to battle by using simple commands. Snape had nearly said no to the treats but Harry had been looking at them so longingly that he couldn't bring himself to do so. He had quickly paid for them and informed the small boy that aside from ice cream, if he continued to behave, he was not getting anything else.
Snape crossed the small road heading in the direction of the Apothecary so he could purchase several ingredients he needed for his classes. He felt Harry's pace slowing down some as they passed the large store windows. "Are you getting too tired to walk? Do you need to be carried?" He looked down at the small child.
Harry looked up around them as they walked, his pace slowing greatly before he stopped. His little hand remained tight within Snape's as he looked above them. Owls! There were owls everywhere! He grinned widely as he looked through the window, pulling Snape closer as he looked at the ones on perches inside the store. "Can I look in here?" He ignored Snape's question completely. "Please? I wanna see the owls." The child peered into the store once more with a wide grin spread across his face.
Snape was silent for a moment as he considered the question before leaning over slightly putting his mouth close to Harry's ear. "We can go in and look however, we are only looking. I am not buying you anything else today. Are we clear on that?"
Harry gave a nod, grinning widely at the man as he started to lead the way into the store. He used his free hand to pull at the door, pulling at it the best he could before was able to hold it open enough.
A small smirk of amusement crossed Snape's lips as he allowed himself to be pulled into the store. He wasn't quite sure where the child's obsession with owls came from but the excitement that they caused him was amusing.
"What did you want to look at first?" Snape looked around at the books, stuffed toys, and figures of owls. "The live ones are in the back of the store."
Harry very nearly ran towards the back before he paused and looked around at the plush owls on the shelves. His eyes lit up as he still kept his hand within Snape's grasp, yet he walked slowly to look at them all.
He paused after a moment, finally pulling his hand away from Snape's grasp since the man was right next to him. He picked up a stuffed owl that was several shades of brown, looking greatly like a great horned owl. Harry held the owl to himself as he looked up at Snape with a silent, pleading look.
Snape looked down at the child, a stuffed owl in his hands and a desperately pleading look on his face. "What did I just say outside?" He asked. "That we are not buying you anything else today?"
"But Snaaape, look at it!" The child held the owl out to the man for emphasis. "Pleaaase?"
Snape raised a stern eyebrow, prepared to say no once more when he noticed a small sign stating that all the stuffed toys were on a half price sale. The man cleared his throat loudly as he leaned down to Harry's level. "If I agree to this, you are absolutely done. I do not want to hear a single request for another toy or treat. Are we clear?"
He was sure that he was spoiling the child yet he was also sure that as little as just a few weeks prior when the boy was with his relatives he never received anything at all.
Glee was clear on the child's face as he held the owl tightly to his chest, nodding eagerly as he bounced slightly on his heels.
He had fallen in loves with owls when he first heard one outside only a couple months ago. He had spotted it in a tree in his relatives yard and since then, the child had learned all he could about the animals. "Thank you, Snape!"
"You are welcome," Snape nodded as he moved towards the cashier motioning for the child to join him. "Let's pay for your owl and then we will go see the live ones." He held a hand out for Harry to hand him the small stuffed owl.
Harry followed after the man, holding his owl tightly before he held it up for the man to take with a grin. He had broken out of his shy shell more and more with Snape as the weeks went by, and really, Snape wasn't that bad!
Snape took the owl from the child and approached the counter to pay for it, pulling his wallet from his pocket as he spoke to the wizard working there. He had known the man for years yet rarely made his way into the shop to speak with him.
He glanced down twice to see Harry standing obediently next to him, pleased that their last discussion about his wandering off seemed to have made a lasting impression. It had been a few weeks since he had to do more than gently scold the boy and Snape was beginning to think that looking after a six year old was easier than he had originally thought it would be.
Harry waited patiently next to the man, not paying attention to the two adults as he continued to look around the shop from where he stood. Really, he wanted everything! There were figures that he would love to have in his room, and other toys. His eyes settled toward the back of the store before he gave a gently tug at Snape's sleeve. "Can I go look at the real ones?"
Snape looked down at the child as he tugged on his sleeve. "In just a moment," he promised before turning his attention back to the man behind the counter and their conversation.
Harry frowned at the words the man had given, once more looking around the shop. It wasn't far. Really, it wasn't. The shop wasn't even crowded. With a small huff, as the adults spoke, the child wandered off towards the back of the store.
Harry grinned as he looked at all the owls, several in their cages and hooting softly. Harry settled his eyes on a smaller barn owl who simply pulled at the child. He smiled widely as he looked down at the small animal
Several more moments passed before Snape said goodbye to the man and then turned to look down at the child once more to find the space next to him empty. His heartbeat quickened as his eyes darted around the room before he began making his way to the back of the store where the live owls were kept, certain that was where the boy had went.
Snape spotted the child standing in front of a large cage looking at an owl. He resisted the overwhelming urge to land a smack to his small backside and instead tapped him firmly on the shoulder. "Did we not have a very serious discussion not too long ago about you wandering away from me when we are out?"
Harry glanced up when he felt the tap on his shoulder, once more ignoring the question all together. "Look at it!" He grinned back at the small owl who ruffled its feathers at the loud child. The child leaned forward slightly once more. "I just wanted to see," he finally replied to his guardian's question. "Can I have a owl?"
Snape's brow furrowed as he hooked his hands under the boy's armpits. He turned, placing Harry up on an empty shelf and putting the child at eye level with him. "Are you even listening to me young man? You just wandered off and took it upon yourself to come back here and look at the owls. You were supposed to wait for me and you know it."
Harry rested his hands on Snape's arms as he was lifted, his eyes meeting Snape's as the man spoke. The child's shoulders slumped forward at the words, lowering his eyes down to floor. "Sorry. I wanted to see them and you wouldn't stop talking."
"That is not an excuse to wander off," Snape spoke firmly as he lifted the child once more, now holding him in his arms. "We are going to go to the Apothecary and then we are going to go home. We will come back another day to see the owls more." Snape began making his way back towards the front of the store.
"Wait. Wait! No! I want an owl!" Harry started to squirm within the man's hold, reaching a hand back behind the man to where the owls were. "NO!"
"Lower your voice," Snape hissed as he tightened his grip on the child. "You are not getting an owl, maybe one day in the future but certainly not today." The man continued towards the front of the store.
"NO!" I WANT A OWWWL!" Harry cried loudly as he shook his head, pushing his hands against Snape's chest in an attempt to get away from the man. "Let me GOOO!"
Snape stopped walking as he quickly and silently casted a silencing spell around them. "Now that is enough!" He spoke firmly as he set Harry down on the ground. He kept a firm grip on the child's hand. "You are not getting an owl today. However if this tantrum doesn't stop this instant then you absolutely will get a spanking today."
Harry tried to pull his hand out of the man's grasp as he sat down on the ground. His free arm wrapped around himself as he glared angrily up at Snape. "No! I want an owwwl!"
Snape's eyes narrowed on the child as he gave his arm a gentle tug. "Stand up at once! Do you honestly want me to carry you all the way home?"
"Nooo!" He gave a loud sob as he continued to try to pull his arm free. "STOP!" The child shouted as he kicked a heel against the ground.
Before Harry could react, Snape let go of the small hand and hooked his hands under the boy's armpits, forcing him to stand. He took a tight grip of the small arm and carefully turned him to the side before landing a sharp smack to the small rear end. "We are going home." Snape picked up the child once more, holding him firmly in his arms.
Harry pressed both hands to his face as he wailed loudly, pressing his forehead against Snape's shoulder. Soon after he used both of his hands to push against the man's chest as he continued to sob. "I want an owl!"
Snape was silent as he walked towards the front of the store, asking the man he knew if he could use his floo. The man gave a sympathetic look as he nodded towards a door. Snape moved across the room, adjusting Harry in his arms as he continued to sob. He opened the door and walked into the small room and towards the fireplace. "I hope you know that your continued poor behavior is only making things worse for you Harry."
Harry didn't respond, only sobbing loudly into Snape's shoulder. His sobs were so loud that it was clear that the child was forcing them to be so.
Snape picked up a handful of floo powder, stepping into the fireplace with the child still in his arms.
A moment later they stepped out into their own parlor. Snape walked across the room removing Harry from his arms and placing him in the corner with a firm smack to his trouser clad backside. "Don't you dare move."
The child yelped loudly as he sobbed, if possible, even louder. His hands slowly rose to his face as he rubbed at his cheeks and eyes. He stomped a foot on the ground before he sat down, glaring over to the man as his tears continued to fall.
Snape nearly insisted that the child stand but on second thought he did not mind if he sat, as long as he stayed in the corner as he had been told. He turned reaching up to the high shelf next to the mantel and placing the bags containing the treats and toys that he had bought the child up there.
"I-I just want a-an owwwwl!" Harry sobbed as he hunched his shoulder slightly. "You're bein' meaaan!" He pressed his feet against the wall.
Snape looked down at the small boy, a stern look on his face. "You were bought quite a few things today and I believe I told you that you were done shopping."
"But I want an OWL! Why can't I have an owl?!" The child's small shoulders shook as he rubbed at his eyes once more.
"I did not say that you could never have an owl. I said that you could not have one today." Snape took a deep breath willing his temper to remain in control. "You did not behave properly wandering away from me and you already received a few other things today."
Harry kicked at the wall from his spot on the ground, glaring down at the floor as he folded his arms over his stomach. He sniffed loudly as raised a hand briefly to rub at the tears that continued to fall. The child removed his arms from his stomach and ripped off his trainers throwing them against the wall, causing them to land on the floor next to him with a dull thud. A moment later Harry put the soles of his feet up against the wall and began slowly pushing himself backwards and away from the corner.
Snape leaned down next to the child, putting his face close to Harry's. "Stand up and do your time in the corner properly without whining or kicking things. Otherwise you can go upstairs and take a nap."
"You're being mean!" Harry simply folded his legs, resting forward and moving his head away from Snape. He made no movement to stand as he glared towards the wall.
Snape cleared his throat refusing to comment on the boy's words. "One..."
"I'm not doin' nothin' wrooong," Harry whined when he heard the number. "Don't count!"
"Would you like to stand up in the corner or would you like to go up for a nap?" Snape questioned in a stern tone.
"None." Harry kept his arms folded as he glared down towards the floor.
Snape sighed at the answer before he spoke once more, "Two..."
Harry pushed himself to a standing position at the words, arms refolding over his chest as he glared down at the floor. His chin quivered as he attempted to keep his emotions at bay, but his tears won their battle and fell down his cheeks. The child's shoulders hitched slightly as he raised his left to rub at his cheeks and under his glasses.
Snape nodded as he took a step away from the child. "Refrain from kicking the wall and stand there quietly until I tell you that you can stop." He leaned down and reached a hand out gently rubbing the small back for a moment. "We will talk after that."
Harry gave a loud sniff, keeping his arms folded tightly around himself as he glared down to the floor. Despite his frustration, his shoulders started to shake steadily with soft cries. Not only was a good day ruined, and not only did he not get an owl! But now he was in trouble for it all too.
Snape stood near the child watching him closely for a moment before he was sure that Harry would obey. He moved across the parlor, sitting down in his armchair as he eyed the clock deciding that 10 minutes would not harm the child.
Snape sighed softly at the very thought of how quickly the day had turned and the very idea that he still needed to punish the child.
Harry closed his eyes as his cries came harder, raising his hands to cover his eyes. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against the wall.
Snape looked up at the clock as the five minute mark passed. He sighed softly as he heard the cries coming from the corner. Clearing his throat he instantly decided that the boy had spent more than enough time in the corner. "Okay Harry, come over here."
The child turned and went over to the man, sniffing as he rubbed under his nose with his sleeve. He stared down at Snape's knee, his lower lip pouting out.
Snape leaned forward, his knees resting on his elbows, putting his own face closer to Harry's. "I want you to tell me one thing that you did wrong." He moved his right hand, gently tapping the boy's chin.
"Left you," Harry muttered softly, looking up at Snape at the tap on his chin.
Snape nodded. "We talked about that not long ago didn't we? How it is dangerous for you to wander off?"
Harry gave a small nod before he spoke again. "But there wasn't anyone else over there! And I didn't go far."
"I had no idea where you were though. What if I had thought you left the store and ventured off to find you?" Snape tapped the small chin once more. "The rule does not change just because there was no one around or you were not going far."
Harry frowned at the words as he stared down, shrugging a shoulder just slightly. "'m sorry," he whispered.
"What did I tell you right before we went into the store?" Snape questioned as he tapped the small chin once more. "That I was not buying you anything else?"
"Yeah," Harry said softly as he gently nudged Snape's shoe idly with his foot. He looked up at the man with a frown.
"I am not cross that you asked for an owl," Snape said with a shake of his head. "However, what happened after that? What did you do?" He gave the small child an expectant look.
Harry's lower lip stuck out as he stared at the man, sniffing softly. "I was yellin," he muttered, looking back down towards the floor.
Snape reached out and tapped the small chin once more, this time a bit more firmly. "You had a tantrum, did you not?"
Harry shifted his hands so they rested behind his back, slowly nodding at the words. He shifted his head away from the tap, keeping his eyes down on Snape's knee.
Snape raised an eyebrow at the boy's refusal to look at him. "What did I say about throwing a tantrum? What happens when you throw one?"
"Nooo, Snape," Harry whined as he finally looked up at the man with a pleading expression. "I'm sorry!"
"I asked you a question," Snape said in slightly stern tone. "What happens when you have a tantrum Harry?"
"I don't wanna be punished," he whispered, rubbing at his cheeks of tears as he shook his head.
"I did not ask you whether or not you wanted to be punished. I asked you what happens when you throw a tantrum?" Snape reached out and took a gentle hold of the child pulling him a step closer to him. "Now answer my question little boy."
"Spanking," the child whispered, looking back down towards Snape's shoes as the man pulled him closer. His lip quivered as he shook his head. "I'm sorry!"
"I believe I told you when we were in the store that if you did not stop you would be spanked." Snape gently tapped the boy's chin once more. "Did you hear me say that?"
Harry shook his head just slightly. Well. He remembered the words, slightly. But he had been so upset he didn't even pay attention.
"However you obviously knew the result of a tantrum as you answered my question correctly." Snape gently took hold of the boy's hand carefully moving him to his side.
"Nooo, Snape!" Harry protested as he pulled against the man's hold. "D-ooon't!" He rose his free hand, shaking his head as he rubbed at his eyes.
Snape frowned as he looked down at the child. He would have liked to grant his wish and allow the punishment to go however, he was certain that if he wanted Harry to stop throwing tantrums then he needed to instill consequences for them as well as be consistent.
When he had Harry to his side he leaned down once more, putting his face closer to the child's. "Who makes the rules, you or I?"
As his guardian leaned down, Harry lowered his gaze towards the floor once more. "You," he whispered, resting one hand on Snape's knee as he continued to stare down. His lower lip quivered as he sniffed, not bothering to rub at the tears that fell.
"Did I make the rule that if you throw a tantrum you receive a spanking?" Snape's hands reached out carefully unfastening the button and zipper on the boy's jeans.
The child didn't reply as a hard sob broke past his lips, his shoulders heaving as he rubbed at his cheeks. "'M sorry!"
"I know," Snape nodded as he reached out and gently rubbed the small back. "It is very good to be sorry for your actions but it doesn't change that the tantrum happened." He reached out and carefully removed the tiny glasses from Harry's face, placing them on the table.
"I j-just want an owl," Harry whined softly, taking just a half step back as he looked up at Snape with blurry eyes.
"I know," Snape nodded once more as he reached out and gently pulled the boy back towards him. "You cannot always have what you want though and acting like you did today will never convince me to purchase you something." Snape took hold of the child's jeans and carefully pushed them down before picking Harry up and depositing him over his lap.
Harry's hands instantly locked onto Snape's pant leg as he was placed over the man's lap. He was already crying beforehand, and now heavy sobs shook his body as he closed his eyes tightly. It had been such a nice day and it was shattered completely.
A soft sigh escaped Snape's lips as he hooked his fingers in the child's underpants bringing them down to meet his jeans. His left hand settled in the middle of Harry's back before he raised his right and brought it down firmly on the small rear end.
Harry yelped loudly as he sobbed heavily, rubbing at his face with his left hand as his right gripped at Snape. The fight he held earlier was gone completely, and he only wished for it all to end.
"This is what will happen every time that you decide to have a tantrum," Snape said firmly as he raised his hand and brought it down twice more on the boy's rear end, making sure to cover his target completely. "It would do you well to remember that."
Harry yelped loudly once more, his bottom stinging terribly as he sobbed. He eyes closed tightly as tears fell from his chin and down to the floor.
Snape raised his hand a final time, bringing it down twice more, once on each of the child's sit spots. His left hand moved, rubbing the boy's back softly. "Okay Harry, it's all over."
The child sniffed loudly as he tried to push himself up before he gave up and just sobbed over the man's lap. "I'm sorrrry!"
Snape gently pulled the boy's underpants back up before hooking his hands under Harry's armpits and lifting him. He placed him on the floor in front of him before lifting him once more to sit him on his lap. "I forgive you but I do not want to see that kind of behavior again." His hand moved to softly rub the child's back once more.
Harry wrapped his arms tightly around Snape's neck as he was placed down, his head hiding into the man's chest as his shoulder shook. His fingers gripped at the man's cloak as he curled himself against his guardian's front with a slow nod.
Snape gave a soft sigh as he wrapped his arms around the child, squeezing him tightly. "You need to remember this Harry. You clearly do not enjoy going over my knee. If you would just behave yourself it would not happen."
Sniffing, he pulled his face away slightly to rub at his cheeks and tears. "S-sorry," Harry said, his voice just above a whisper as he spared a glance up at the man.
"As I said, I forgive you. I am not cross. However, the things I bought for you today are up on that shelf over there. I want to see exceptionally good behavior before I bring those bags down." Snape loosened his grip on the child before leaning down and pulling the boy's jeans off of his legs. "We're going to get you upstairs in a moment and down for a nap."
"My owl?" Harry sniffed as he turned his head to look at the bags. His cheeks were red from his tears as he looked back at Snape with a sad expression.
"It is up there safe and sound," Snape nodded. "If you can behave until bedtime tonight you may have your owl then."
Harry looked ready to protest once more but he simply rested his head back on Snape's shoulder. His arms moved to wrap around Snape's middle as he nestled close to his guardian with a sniff.
Snape picked up the boy's jeans from there spot on the arm of his chair before he stood with Harry still in his arms. "Upstairs and in bed for a nap." He moved across the parlor as he adjusted the boy slightly. "I think you will feel much better after you get some rest."
"Will you stay?" He muttered softly as he nestled his head into Snape's front. "Please?"
"Until you fall asleep," Snape nodded as he started up the staircase. "I think that when you wake up I may have a small surprise for you."
"A surprise?" Harry doubted the man's words, especially after just moments ago. Harry lifted his head up to look at his guardian. "What?"
"We will talk about it when you wake up." Snape stepped onto the second floor and started down the hall. He paused for a moment. "Do you need the lavatory before you lie down?"
Harry almost shook his head before he paused and gave a nod, "Yeah." He shifted in Snape's hold as he was let down, stepping into the bathroom and closing the door behind himself.
"Straight to your bedroom when you are done," Snape spoke to the closed door before he moved down the hall to the child's room. He retrieved a pair of the small pajama pants from the wardrobe before sitting on Harry's bed and waiting for him.
Harry stepped into his room a few minutes later, going straight to the man and resting his forehead forward against Snape's chest. His crying made him exhausted and sleep actually sounded like a welcomed idea.
Snape's hand moved to gently rub the boy's back for a moment. "Let's get these sleep pants on you and get you settled down in bed."
Giving a slow nod, Harry stepped away. He took the sleep pants in one hand. Rubbing his eyes briefly, he slipped the pants on without a complaint although he pulled them up carefully over his bum.
Snape patted the bed as he moved over giving Harry room to climb up. "Come now, up into bed." The man pulled the blanket and sheet down.
The child crawled up onto the bed, lying on his side to face towards his guardian with a soft sniff. He raised a hand, rubbing his eyes of extra tears.
"Why still the tears?" Snape asked gently as he pulled the covers up over the boy's shoulders.
"It hurts," he muttered softly as he tucked his chin under the blanket with a soft sniff.
"It is supposed to hurt." Snape reached out brushing a tear from the boy's cheek. "By the time you wake up from your nap I'm sure that you will not feel it at all."
The child closed his eyes as Snape brushed away the tear, pressing his face into his pillow. Turning onto his stomach, Harry tucked his arms under his pillow with another sniff.
Snape's hand moved to gently rub the small back. "Take a nice nap and then come downstairs and find me so that we can discuss a few things and see about that small surprise."
A small smile tugged at his lips at the words, nestling under the covers with a sigh. "M'kay," he murmured as the child allowed sleep to pull at his mind.
Snape continued to rub the child's back for several more moments before he waved his free hand causing the room to darken. He slowly stood, tucking the covers around the boy a bit tighter before he left the room and made his way downstairs.
Harry fell into an even sleep as the hours passed, thirty minutes turned into an hour and then an hour turned to two. It wasn't until it was past two hours that the child finally stirred from his sleep.
As Harry blinked his eyes open, guilt of the afternoon rushed to his mind as he pulled the covers tighter around his shoulder. And Snape had a surprise for him? Snape had a surprise for him! The child sat up quickly at the thought, pushing the covers off himself as he stood up. Righting his shirt as he headed out the door.
Snape sat in his armchair with a book in his hands as he eyed the clock on the mantel. Harry had been asleep for just over two hours and he instantly decided that if the child didn't appear in the next twenty minutes he would go wake him.
His eyes moved back to his book once more as he heard movement above him and then the sound of small footsteps on the stairs. Snape turned a page before picking up his bookmark and placing it in the book. He closed it and set it on the table beside him as he waited for the small boy to appear.
Harry carefully went down the stairs, his hand on the railing as he appeared a moment later in the parlor. He paused, a soft, "Hi" passing his lips as he stepped further into the room.
Snape raised a hand waving the child over to him. "That was quite the nap you took. I was beginning to think that you were going to sleep until tomorrow morning."
Harry's cheeks flushed shyly as he walked over to the man, giving just a faint smile. "Sorry," he murmured softly.
"You needn't apologize for such a thing." Snape leaned forward in his chair, hooking his hands under the boy's armpits and lifting him onto his lap. "I think that you and I should have a bit of a talk."
Harry hated talks, they just made him nervous. What if Snape didn't want to care for him anymore? The thought entered the child's mind and stuck, concern sweeping over his face as he stared down to his knees. "About what?" He tested, glancing up at Snape.
"About what happened when we went out earlier." Snape's fingers gently tapped the boy's small knee. "Can you tell me one thing that you could have done differently about your behavior?"
Harry's shoulders hunched together at the words. Of course it would be about what happened. He gave a small shrug of a shoulder, watching Snape's fingers on his knee. "Not...not have a tantrum." He hated that word, really he hated admitting he had one.
"Very good," Snape nodded as his fingers continued to tap the small knee. "You see, I never made it to the Apothecary today because of your behavior. Which means I was not able to buy the ingredients that I need."
"I'm sorry," Harry sighed, resting his head on Snape's shoulder as he looked up to the man.
"I forgive you." Snape nodded as he wrapped an arm around the child. "However I still need these ingredients. I was thinking that we could go back to Diagon Alley today so that I may purchase them but in order to do that I would need you to promise me that you can behave yourself."
"Really?" Harry raised his head back up, his small grin widening at the words. "Really!" He sat up properly and leaned forward slightly. "I will be good! I promise!"
Snape nodded forcing his expression to remain neutral. "I was also thinking that if you could be very, very good perhaps after I buy my ingredients we could go back and look at the owls once more."
"Really?" Harry moved and wrapped his arms tightly around Snape's neck as he gave a happy squeal against him.
"Really." Snape wrapped his arms around the boy's small frame. "However we are not buying you an owl today. Are we clear?"
Harry gave a small nod as he leaned away slightly, his grin remaining. "Okay. But can I have one one day?"
"I will think about it," Snape replied as he tapped the small knee once more. "I believe I already bought you an owl today though it will remain in the bag on the shelf if there is anymore misbehavior, along with the other things I bought you today."
Harry looked up at the bags, his shoulders slumping just slightly. He wanted that owl, and the fact he still hadn't been able to hold it since he got him? He hated it! "I'll be good." Harry assured once more.
"I trust that you will," Snape nodded as he gave the child a tight squeeze. He loosened his grip on his before his other hand tapped Harry's knee once more. He reached over to the table picking up the child's glasses and handing them over to him. "Go put your jeans back on, then come down here and I will help you with your shoes and we will go."
Standing from Snape's lap, Harry gave a grin at the man. Suddenly his punishment was a thing of the past and the day was back to being good. He could see the owls again! Without a word, the child rushed upstairs to get dressed once more into his jeans.
Snape gave a soft chuckle as the child rushed up the stairs. He said a silent prayer that he was doing the right thing as he waited for Harry to return. He easily saw how excited the boy had been to see the owls. Despite the fact that he had been furious that the child had wandered off once again he had still felt horrible about cutting his visit short with them. He was sure if he gave Harry another chance he would behave much better.
It was several minutes later that the child returned, his smile remaining as he looked over to his guardian. "Thanks, Snape."
"You are very welcome." He pointed across the room near the corner that the child had stood in only hours earlier. "Get you trainers on and I will help you tie them."
"I wanna try myself." Harry went over to the corner, picking up the trainers and going over to the couch. He pushed on the shoes before lifting his foot onto the couch in an attempt to tie them by himself.
"Take your time and watch what you are doing," Snape instructed. "Remember how I showed you." He leaned forward in his chair watching the child closely.
Harry gave a nod as he concentrated on what he did, pulling the laces tight as he spoke very softly to himself. He was clearly repeating the instructions to himself before he finished and pulled the tie. "I did it!" The child beamed as he looked over towards Snape.
Snape gave a small nod of approval. "Very good Harry, very good indeed! Try once more with your other shoe."
Harry's smile remained as he pulled up his other foot, though this time he struggled with making the tie tight. While he succeeded in making the bow, it certainly wasn't as tight on his foot as the right. The child pouted just slightly at how easy his foot came out of the trainer.
Snape gave a soft frown at the second attempt. "Try once more and pull it a bit tighter as you make the bow."
Harry sighed, pulling the tie free. He tightened the strings once more, pulling them tight as he started once more. It took a little longer than the first one, but the child beamed over to the man once he was able to do it once again!
"Very good!" Snape nodded with a small grin as he stood. "Are you ready to go then?"
Harry stood from the couch, giving a nod with a hum of agreement. "Please!" He moved over to the fireplace, clearly excited to get on their way.
Snape walked over to the fireplace and reached up taking a handful of floo powder before he stepped in. He waited for Harry to join him before he held out his free hand for the small child to hold.
The child took Snape's hand tightly as he stepped in next to the man's side. Harry pressed himself to Snape's side as he took a breath. Using the floo was still nerve wracking, and always made his stomach drop, yet it was always worth it.
Snape dropped the floo powder to his feet before stating their destination clearly. A moment later the pair stepped out on the other side.
Snape held the small hand firmly as he instantly started walking towards The Apothecary. "I want you to remember that when you are in the Apothecary you aren't to touch anything."
Harry kept up with the man's pace, holding Snape's hand tightly as he nodded at the words. "M'kay," he hummed as he grinned while looking at the shops they passed.
Snape watched the child out of the corner of his eye as they passed by the windows filled with owls once more. Snape found himself impressed that although the child was looking up at them longingly he didn't appear to be slowing down at all. "Watch where you are walking," Snape reminded in a gentle tone as he steered the boy around a woman with a baby pram.
Harry looked up as he was steered away, muttering a soft, "Sorry" as he leaned towards Snape side once they passed the owls.
Snape paused as they approached the door to the Apothecary, opening it widely to allow Harry to step inside first. "I just need a few ingredients. We will be quite quick in here."
Harry stepped into the shop, glancing around at all the jars and items that lined the walls and shelves. He knew he had to be careful, he didn't want to ruin the day again! So instead of walking away from the man, Harry's left hand gripped at his guardian's coat.
Snape raised an impresses eyebrow as he walked across the store plucking two different packages from a shelf. "Very good," Snape nodded before moving further down the aisle.
Harry swallowed as he tightened his hold on the man, clearly fighting the urge to go look around. No. He wanted to see the owls again! The isle was narrow, causing the child to walk behind his guardian. His grip still remained, though he shifted it just slightly to a better position.
Snape picked up a large glass jar looking at the contents of it carefully before placing it back on the shelf. He turned his head slightly to see the small child behind him. "Are you okay?"
Harry gave the smallest of nods as he pressed closer to the man. "I don't wanna break anything," he muttered softly while looking at the jars around them.
A soft hum passed Snape's lips as he reached up to the top shelf and picked up a large glass jar. "Lets go pay for these." He turned bringing the boy with him as he headed back towards the register. "I am quite impressed by your behavior right now."
Harry grinned up to the man, feeling very proud of himself! He only released Snape's cloak when they got to the counter and even then he was sure to stick to the man's side. His eyes wandered, looking at the jars behind the clerk of pickled creatures. The child made a slight face as he rested his head on Snape's arm while he looked behind them.
It wasn't a scary store like he thought it would of been the first time he came to the shop. It was actually amazing! He didn't know what almost everything was or what they did, but he knew many things were expensive.
Snape's hand moved to gently ruffle the boy's hair as he rested his head on his arm. The man paid for his purchases, requesting that they be delivered to Hogwarts for him before he turned on his heel and held his hand out for Harry to hold once more. "Are you ready to go see the owls then?" He started towards the exit.
Harry grinned widely up to Snape as he took his hand tightly within his own. "Please!" He hummed happily, this time leading Snape towards the door.
Snape nodded as he stepped out of the door behind the child and onto the busy street. "Just remember what we discussed please," his voice was gentle as he gave the small reminder.
"I remember." Harry's cheeks flushed just slightly as he slowed his pace to fall back next to Snape's side.
Snape made no mention of the blushing the boy did nor his slowing down. "I do not want to stay too long with the owls. It is nearly time for dinner." He stopped in front of the store, pulling the door open and allowing Harry to enter first.
Harry didn't seem to mind the words, letting go of Snape's hand and darting into the store with a wide smile. He stopped himself several steps into the store, looking behind him towards Snape to be sure he was following.
Snape gave a small nod of approval pleased that that child caught himself before he ran off and made the same mistake. "I am right behind you however you can slow down just a bit, the owls are not going anywhere."
"Why don't you have an owl?" Harry remained a few steps ahead of the man, glancing back every few moments to be sure he was being followed.
"I never had much of an interest in one as an adult and as a child my parents could not afford an owl. Nor would my father have allowed me to have one." Snape slowed down as the approached the dozens of owls in their cages.
"You should get one," Harry nodded as he grinned up at the animals. As it was approaching evening, several were now awake in their cages or on perches.
Snape smirked slightly at the words. "I'm sure that you would enjoy that very much however I have no plans or desire to purchase an owl."
Harry gave a small frown at the words, continuing to walk through the owls before he stopped at the one he had been interacting with earlier. "Well mine would need a friend," he pointed out as he leaned down to the owl's level.
Snape followed the child as he walked. "When I allow you to get an owl, which will be quite some time from now, you will only be getting one owl. You will have to be friend enough."
Harry smiled at the animal before he looked up at all the others. "Just one?! That's going to be so haaaard." A whining tone entered his voice as he moved over to quite a large owl.
Snape raised an eyebrow at the words. "I am sure you will manage."
"I can't wait," the child muttered softly as he rested a hand carefully on the cage of a Pygmy owl.
Snape hummed at the words. "Unfortunately for you, you will have to."
Harry sighed, frowning up to the man before he continued to look at all the owls. "Can we come back again?" He passed the window that allowed the light to come into the room. The sun was setting over the buildings, a red glow falling over the sky.
"We can stop in whenever we are in Diagon Alley as long as you are behaved." Snape nodded as he made a mental note to take the boy up to the Owlery the next time he was at Hogwarts. "However I think now we should head home for some dinner."
A soft whine escaped Harry's lips as he went back to his guardian. He gently gripped at the man's coat before moving his hand to grab his hand. "If you promise."
"You have my word. You behave yourself and we will visit often." Snape took the boy's hand in his. "And if you continue to behave I believe you have an owl waiting for you at home."
Harry grinned at the words, tightening his hold on Snape's hand with a nod. He wasn't about to be denied his new owl! He wanted it in his room as soon as possible. "I'm being good," he pointed out as he walked by Snape's side.
"You are being very good," Snape nodded as he started back towards the front of the store. "However, I believe I said that you would have to do so until bedtime in order for your owl and other new things to come down off the shelf."
Harry gave a small frown as he loosened his hold just slightly. He didn't like how Snape sounded, like he expected him to be bad. The child simply fell silent as he stared down to the ground as they walked.
Snape stepped outside with the child still holding his hand. "Let's get home and have some dinner before you take a bath. How does that sound?"
"Kay," he muttered softly as he kept in pace with his guardian. Tears burned at his eyes and he raised his free hand to rub them away, keeping his head bowed. There wasn't even a reason for him to be upset but Snape's words struck something within the child.
Snape opened the door to the building, allowing Harry to enter first before he followed. He stepped up to a fireplace, taking a handful of floo powder before stepping inside with the child.
A moment later the pair stepped out and into their parlor. "Go wash your hands for dinner please." Snape let go of the small hand as he walked across the room.
Harry folded his arms, glancing up at the man as he walked away from him. The child lowered his gaze down, disappearing down the hall and into the bathroom. He remained in the bathroom longer than expected, rubbing at his tears before he washed his hands.
While Harry was in the bathroom, Snape moved to the kitchen. He tapped the table causing their dinner to appear before casting a heating charm over it. The man sat in his chair at the table as he waited for the child to join him, wondering what could possibly be taking him so long.
It was a few minutes later that the child returned, his cheeks slightly red as he moved to his seat. Harry spared a glance up to the man, sniffing just softly.
Snape eyed the child carefully as he moved across the room, a curious look sweeping over his face. He waved a hand to the boy, motioning Harry over to him as Snape pushed his own chair away from the table and turned it slightly. "Why have you been crying?"
Harry only shrugged his shoulders as he stood back up, stepping the few feet over to the man. He raised both of his hands, rubbing at his eyes. "'m just trying to be good."
Snape raised an eyebrow as he reached out and gently pulled the child closer to him. "Being good caused you to cry?" He questioned in a confused tone.
Harry shook his head, looking down to Snape's leg as he was pulled closer. "You don't think I can be good all night," he muttered, his voice just above a whisper.
Snape strained to hear the boy, his brow furrowing as the words registered. "When did I say that?"
"When you said... said 'you know yo- you have to be go- good 'till bedtime." He sniffed, rubbing at his eyes once more. "Like you... you do- don't think I c-can."
Snape sighed softly at the explanation. "That is certainly not what I meant by those words." Snape reached out and hooked his hands under the boy's armpits, lifting him onto his lap. "I said that for two reasons. One, as a simple reminder of what you were working towards and secondly as a reminder that I did not intend to give you your things the moment we were home." His hand moved to gently rub Harry's small back. "I know that you can be good. The majority of the time you are very good however I also know that at times you forget to do so. It was only a reminder Harry."
Harry's shoulders shook slightly as his tears won their battle, sniffing loudly as he rubbed at the tears once more. He rested his cheek on Snape's shoulder, using his hand to continue rubbing at his face. "'M sorry."
"There is no need to be sorry." Snape continued to rub the small back. "You simply misunderstood. However, in the future talk to me about it before you become so upset."
Leaning his head back slightly, the child gave a small nod at the words. Lowering his hands back to his lap, Harry's sniffs became much softer.
"You are very good Harry," Snape nodded. "Much better behaved than I ever imagined you would be when Albus brought you to me weeks ago."
Harry gave just the smallest of smiles at the words, looking up at Snape. "You thought I was gonna be bad? Why?"
"I did not necessarily think that you would be bad. I simply thought that a child of your age would be much more trouble than you are." Snape's hand rested on the small of Harry's back.
Harry rubbed away the last of his tears, shifting slightly as he looked back towards the table. "Just like I thought you'd be meaner." The child stated with a nod.
Snape swallowed a chuckle at the words. "You don't think I am mean enough?" He hummed softly.
Harry cast a look over to the man. "That doesn't mean to be meaner!" He stated with a slight huff.
The chuckle that Snape had swallowed only seconds earlier, escaped his lips. "Okay, go eat your dinner so we can get you in the bath."
Harry smiled brightly as Snape chuckled, standing from the man's lap and going over to his chair. It wasn't often that Snape had laughed around him the first few weeks, and Harry hoped it would happen more.
Snape looked up from his book at the child playing on the floor in the middle of the parlor. His eyes drifted to the clock on the mantel before they went back to his reading. "You have five minutes until bed Harry."
Harry looked up at the clock at the words and before a protest even formed, his eyes settled on the bags on the mantel. "Okay," he breathed, looking back down towards his toys. He was going to get his owl that night.
Snape gave an approving nod at the reply as his eyes moved to the last page of his chapter.
A moment later he shut the book and placed it on the table beside him before he stood. "I hope you know that I think that since you woke up from your nap you have been exceptionally well behaved." The man walked across the parlor, stepping around Harry and his toys. He reached up on the shelf and took down the two bags he had placed there earlier in the day before moving back to his armchair. "Perhaps you should clean up the toys that you are playing with now."
Harry watched as Snape walked around him, his face brightening as the man picked up the bags. Without a word of complaint, the child quickly stood and picked up the toys within his arms. He rushed, though carefully, up the stairs with the items.
Several minutes passed before he came back down, his smile still wide as he re-entered the parlor.
Snape waved a hand to the child calling him over to him as he opened one of the bags and took out the small set of knights.
The six year old rushed up to the man, taking the set of knights from the guardian with a wide grin. "Thanks."
Snape nodded as he set that bag to his side and picked up the other bag removing the owl from it and holding it out to the small child. "Your chocolate frogs however are going in the kitchen. It is far too late to eat them tonight."
Harry's arms latched to the owl, hugging it to his chest as he simply nodded. He wasn't even hungry. His eyes closed as he hummed against the soft feathers. "Thank you Snape!"
"You are very welcome." Snape set the empty bag with the bag containing the chocolate frogs before he stood, picking Harry up as he did. "Now I think it is time to get you up to bed."
Harry nestled his face into Snape's shoulder as he was easily picked up, eyes closing. The day had felt so long after his punishment and nap, it almost felt like two days for him!
Snape moved across the parlor and started up the staircase, adjusting the child slightly in his arms. "Tomorrow morning you are going to work on any homework you had for the weekend but I think perhaps in the afternoon we may go to Hogwarts for a bit."
"Really?" Harry lifted his head just slightly before giving up and resting it back down."Why?" Not that he was complaining, he looked forward to going to the school! But to go for fun didn't quite seem right, at least not with Snape suggesting it.
"I have some work to do in my classroom. I thought you might like to bring some toys and play there while I am getting work done." Snape stepped onto the second floor. "I also have a student that has detention with me tomorrow. He will be writing lines for me for an hour of the time."
"Ew," Harry stated, making a face at the idea of writing lines for an hour. He shifted his head down towards Snape's chest, giving a content hum. "I wanna go," he confirmed as he closed his eyes.
"I thought that you might." Snape paused outside of the lavatory door, placing the child on the ground. "Hand me your owl and your knights and go to the bathroom before you go to bed please."
Harry blinked as he was placed down, but he gave Snape the items carefully. With a nod once he was sure Snape wasn't going to drop either, he stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind him.
Snape moved down the hall to the child's bedroom. He placed the knights and the owl on top of the boy's wardrobe before pulling Harry's blankets down so that the child could easily climb into his bed.
Minutes later Harry entered the room. Having changed into his pajamas after his bath earlier, the child went over straight to his bed and crawled up. He spared a glance to the owl and smiled at Snape. "Can I have my owl too?"
Snape moved over Harry's wardrobe, plucking the owl from the top of it. "You may sleep with it but I do not want to hear you in here playing with it. Are we clear?" He moved across the room, handing the owl down to Harry.
Harry took the owl as he laid down, holding it to his chest as he gave a nod. He tucked his chin against the stuffed animal, hiding his smile.
Snape took hold of the covers, pulling them up tightly over the boy's shoulders. "Roll onto your stomach please."
The child obeyed, his owl tucked into his right arm while his left arm tucked under his pillow. "G'night," Harry murmured softly, once more pressing his face into his owl as he closed his eyes.
Snape pulled the covers up over the boy's shoulders once more before he began gently rubbing the small back. "Goodnight. Sleep well."